Course Schedules

All programs will be available via Zoom. For classes listed as hybrid, the presenter will be in person in room 106 University Suites (map of University Suites) (pdf) and the class will also be on Zoom. For classes labeled Zoom only, the presenter will also be remote. Please check your email for the weekly LIRA announcements for any changes or additions.

Presenters and coordinators with an * denote a LIRA member.

LIRA 2024 Summer Intersession Course Descriptions

Wednesday

Mozart - His Life and Music
Wednesdays, June 5 and June 12, 10 a.m. – noon (hybrid)

In two sessions, we will complete the presentation of Robert Greenberg's lectures on Mozart's life. His courses on classical music for the Teaching Company are always informative, filled with enthusiasm, and frequently irreverent. This Mozart biography is no exception, and these final four talks are sprinkled with examples of his mature music.

You don’t need to have heard lectures 1-4. Just know that Mozart was an amazing child prodigy at performing and composing, and that he was toured all over Europe by his ambitious father. The story resumes in 1779, when he was 23 years old. In his final lecture, Prof. Greenberg goes into the theories about Mozart's tragic death at 35, at the peak of his creative power. We won't add much to Greenberg's lectures, but there will be a little time for discussion, and some extra musical examples, perhaps.

Facilitator: Peter Clark*/Coordinator: Bev Rudeen*

Andres Institute of Art
Wednesday, June 19, 10 a.m. – noon
Trip: Brookline, N.H.

The Andres Institute of Art was founded in 1998 by Paul Andres and John Weidman. It hosted the first International Annual Bridges and Connections Sculpture Symposium in 1999. The 140 acres has 12 miles of trails, with 100 sculptures by artists from 50 countries on permanent display along the trails. The art and trails are open and available to the public every day, for free. A former ski resort, the Andres Institute is a bit steep; be prepared.

Coordinator: Lisa Hertel*

Yoga
Wednesday, June 26, 10 a.m. – noon
At UMass Lowell (UML) Campus Rec. Center, 322 Aiken St.

Presenter: Diana Dellogono

Join the Campus Recreation Staff for a tour of the facility (LIRA members can obtain a Campus Recreation Center Membership) and a short exercise class designed to help improve balance, muscle strength and endurance. The exercises performed are designed so that you can complete them on your own at home. You will have to sign a waiver upon entry.

Coordinator: Jim Rutter*

Mogan Cultural Center
Wednesday, July 10, 10 a.m. – noon
Tour (local - Lowell)

We will be visiting the Mogan Cultural Center on 40 French Street Lowell to see the “One City, Many Cultures” exhibit along with the other exhibits at the center. The visit is free, but parking will be at 350 Dutton Street in the Hamilton Parking garage. Please meet at 10:00 a.m. at the National Park Visitor Center where we can have our parking ticket validated and then we will proceed to the Mogan Cultural Center. The walk is about 10 to 15 minutes. We will meet a docent there to tell us about the exhibit. You may find closer paid parking on the street or in a closer garage.

Coordinator: Beverly Rudeen*

Eustis Estates

This field trip has been cancelled.

Friday, July 19, 10 a.m. - noon
Trip: Milton, MA

Coordinator: Suzanne Gamache*

Fisher Cats Baseball
Wednesday, July 24, 2024, 12:05 p.m. (note non-standard time)
Northeast Delta Dental Stadium, Manchester, N.H.

Come see the New Hampshire Double A Fisher Cats take on the Reading Fighting Phils in an afternoon game at Delta Dental Stadium in Manchester, N.H.. This is a great opportunity to discuss and learn about baseball strategy, statistics and maybe even see something you’ve never seen before in a baseball game.

We have 15 tickets at $20 each. Contact Peter Sebelius at 978-758-5680 or sebes3@yahoo.com to reserve your seat. Make checks payable to LIRA, Inc and mail to Peter at 20 Draycoach Dr., Chelmsford, MA, 01824-1024.

Coordinator: Peter Sebelius*

LIRA Lowell Area Dining Trail Part 2
Wednesday, July 31, 3 p.m.
Panela Restaurant, 525 Market Street, Lowell

Brought to you by LIRA’s own Diversity Team, experience the second stop of the LIRA Dining Trail’s exciting food cultures of the Lowell area. Panela Restaurant, a cherished family-owned restaurant inspired by the rich tapestry of Colombian gastronomy, pays homage to “panela,” the raw sugar cane that inspires the heart of Colombian cuisine. Chef Viviana masterfully transforms panela into the main ingredient, infusing each dish and drinks with a touch of Colombian heritage. Join Chef Viviana on a journey of flavors that celebrate Colombian tradition and creativity.

• Late lunch / early dinner meal of your choice.
• Anticipated Cost ($25.00) per person, payable at the restaurant
• Signup at the LIRA annual meeting, first come basis; attendance limited to 15 people.
• Parking: Street Level
• The menu is nearly 90% gluten-free, each dish prepared with love and freshness daily.

Coordinator: Kathy Cryan-Hicks*