Laurel Lake goes back to school with classes on American politics,
art and architecture, music masterworks and more

Keys to a Sharp Mind is an educational pilot project funded by the Reinberger Foundation, studying the benefits of cognitive fitness training in older adults through the use of intellectually, socially stimulating programs.

The following courses have been announced, with more to be added in the coming weeks:

AMERICAN POLITICS: "Parties, Platforms, Propaganda and Polls: A Political Primer for the 2008 Presidential Race"
Six week series starts September 18 at 4:30 PM
Do watershed elections of the past offer insights for this year’s contest? How accurate are polls? What are the most important issues of the campaign? How critical is the vice presidential running mate? Will Ohio, Florida and Pennsylvania once again be the keys to victory? What are each candidate’s strengths and weaknesses? Finally, who’s gonna win? These and other questions will be addressed in an invigorating 6-week series on American politics with popular lecturer Jerry Graham.

ART HISTORY: "Clyde Singer’s America"
September 12 at 4:30 PM
Since his death in 1998, Ohio artist Clyde Singer has gained renown as the last great master of the American Scene tradition. A dual exhibition of his work is currently on view at The Canton Museum of Art and The Butler Institute of American Art in Youngstown. Instructor: Manuel J. Albacete, Executive Director of the Canton Museum of Art.

MUSIC MASTERWORKS: "Madame Butterfly: The Origins of Puccini’s Masterpiece"
September 26 at 4:30 PM
Fact or fiction? Delve into the obscure historical background of Puccini's opera, with an overview of great scenes on DVD. Instructor: Manuel J. Albacete, Executive Director of the Canton Museum of Art.

MUSIC MASTERWORKS: "Tchaikovsky’s Farewell to Life: The Pathetique Symphonie"
October 9 at 4:30 PM
The Russian Master's last symphony (No. 6) embraces the full emotional spectrum from darkest gloom to euphoria. What was he trying to tell us in his final work? Why did he call it "Pathetique"? An analysis of the symphony with DVD selections. Instructor: Manuel J. Albacete, Executive Director of the Canton Museum of Art.

ART & ARCHITECTURE: "The Parthenon: A Journey through History"
November 13 at 4:30 PM
The Parthenon is universally recognized as one of the great masterpieces of classical architecture, yet few know its long and tragic story. With stunning images, learn about its building, its conversion to a church and then a mosque, the explosion which largely destroyed it, the removal to England of the famous "Elgin Marbles" (and the current controversy to have them returned to Greece), and the present state of the temple's restoration. Instructor: Manuel J. Albacete, Executive Director of the Canton Museum of Art.

MUSIC MASTERWORKS: "A Classical Christmas"
December 19 at 4:30 PM
Welcome the holidays with two traditional masterpieces of Classical music. Humperdink's delightful opera, Hansel and Gretel, has thrilled children (and adults) for over a century; hear and see some of the best moments on DVD. Then wander into the fantasy land of snow-covered Russia for some of the most beautiful ballet music ever written. Instructor: Manuel J. Albacete, Executive Director of the Canton Museum of Art.

Laurel Lake Retirement Community is the smart choice for discerning adults who wish to continue leading active lives filled with a variety of interests, including volunteering, work, travel, fitness, cultural and lifelong learning pursuits. To learn more about this not-for-profit continuing care retirement community offering multiple home styles within a scenic 150-acre campus in Hudson, call 1-866-650-2100 or visit www.laurellake.org.