An ENCORE discussion group will meet Monday mornings January 4th through February 22nd from 9:45 to 11:45 a.m. You may log in after 9:30.
If you wish to engage in serious discussions please contact Tod Lundy todlundy@gmail.com to register. You need register only once. Tod will email a Zoom invitation the day before each class.

There is no set list of discussion topics. We stay flexible and choose topics which are relevant at the time. Our focus in the past has been philosophical, behavioral, and political, but there are no limitations to what we may discuss.

Each topic will be introduced with a brief explanation followed by TED talks on the topic. Discussion usually is laced into these presentations and continues after the TED talks.

Tod (503-442-2446)

ENCORE Winter 2021’s Writing Exchange Online Course will begin Tuesday, January 5 (and run 8 weeks till Tuesday, February 23) from 9:45 to 11:45 A.M.

Is a story or poem inside of you trying to get out? Our friendly group, beginners and experienced, focuses on encouraging writers via constructive feedback. Take part in our enthusiasm for writing. Come listen or share!

Q: I’m a beginning and/or shy writer. More than ever, I want to write a fictionalized account of my life, but am somewhat wary. I also enjoy writing poems and short stories, too. What do you recommend? (signed) Juliet C from Vernonia

A: Good question, Juliet! Our writing group’s key function is to provide you with constructive, honest feedback to help you improve. As a writer, you need at least three things on a regular basis: encouragement, constructive feedback, and a series of self-imposed deadlines. On Tuesday mornings at 9:45, we aim to deliver on those three items. See you then!

For more information about the Writing Exchange  online class and how to access it, please email the instructor, Eric Anderson, at EricCAnder@aol.com or call (503) 325-3131.

In a class on recent history, Erhard Gross will offer: “Life in Communist East Germany.” The class will meet virtually from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 on Thursday, January 7, 14, 21 and 28. It will explore the political and personal development from the time of the Soviet occupation zone to the repressive system that was based on propaganda, citizen surveillance and a catalog of restrictions that outsiders would have found unbelievable. Erhard lived under the system from age 10 through 17, and traveled behind the Iron Curtain on eight different occasions between 1956 to 1988.

Email Erhard at uniqhorn@charter.net or phone him at (503)468-0752 if you are interested in taking this class and he will send you the Zoom access information a couple of days before class begins.

Seth Tichenor will conduct a survey of classical Indian philosophy: logic, language, and spiritual liberation from 10 a.m to 12 on Fridays, January 8 through February 26. Call Sue Zerangue (503)338-0313 if you are interested in taking this class and give her your email address and she will send you the Zoom link a couple of days before class begins.

Topics listed by week

1. Philosophical Concepts, Cultural Background, and Spiritual Priorities in Classical Indian Thought
2. The Vedas, The Astika (Orthodox Schools of Hindu Thought) and Pramana (Methods of Knowing)
3. Astika Pairing 1: The Vedanta and Mimamsa schools – Reflecting on the Wisdom of the Vedas
4. Astika Pairing 2: The Samkhya and Yoga schools – Purifying Matter and Spirit as a Means of Liberation
5. Astika Pairing 3: Nyaya and Vaisheshika – The study of logic and particulars as a Means of Liberation
6. Bhartrihari and the Cosmic Significance of Language in Classical Indian Thought
7. The Bhagavad Gita, Syncretism, and Theism in Classical Indian Thought
8. The Nastika (Heterodox Schools) – Buddhism, Jainism, Carvaka and The Alternate Paths to Liberation in classical Indian Thought

Seniors might also be interested in auditing (no tests, no papers to write) Seth Tichenor’s class through CCC on World Religions Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. Mondays & Wednesdays 12:30 - 1:45 Remote. For more information go to the CCC website. .

Scroll down ▼ Other listings can be found here and here.