Harshbarger is highlight of Lifetime Learning Week 7, discussing ‘Democracy in America Under the Stress of Recent Challenges’

The seventh week of the 2021 Winter/Spring Session of Lifetime Learning at Snow Library includes the following new and ongoing courses.

On Tuesday, March 16 from 10:30 a.m. to noon, former Massachusetts Attorney General Scott Harshbarger presents "A Performance Review: Democracy in America Under the Stress of Recent Challenges." In this one-class course, Scott discusses the institutions, norms and values of democracy and the rule of law as they responded to the challenges of 2020 - the pandemic, the election and the Trump presidency.

Also on Tuesday, from 1:30 to 3 p.m., Richard Finnegan wraps up "Where Did Baby Boomers’ Dreams Go?," his four-part course exploring what happened to the optimism that today’s baby boomers held in the 1960s. And from 5 to 6:30 p.m., Steve and Jeff Bornemeier present the first class in their four-part series titled "Novels and Ideas: Parables." The first novel discussed is the "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison, published in 1952.

On Wednesday, March 17 from 1:30 to 4 p.m., Leigh and David Fisher continue their course "Reel Time: Great Movies from Great Directors." This week’s movie is Billy Wilder’s thriller "Double Indemnity," starring Barbara Stanwyck and Fred MacMurray. This course will not be recorded.

On Friday, March 19, from 10:30 a.m. to noon, Peter Zimmerman, faculty at Harvard’s Kennedy School, present a one-class course titled "What Were They Thinking? The New (Old) Science of Decisions." Peter will lead a guided tour across the landscape of decisions, drawing insights from science, history and our own experience.

And on Friday afternoon, from 1:30 to 3 p.m., ordained Buddhist meditation leader James Kershner concludes his three-class course on "Meditation in Stressful Times," demonstrating and teaching the ancient practice of mindfulness meditation.

Unless otherwise indicated, most classes are recorded and can be viewed at your convenience.

All course information, registration and brochures are available online at friendsofsnowlibrary.org. Brochures and registration forms are also available at Snow Library. Register online, at the library (drop your registration in the drop box) or by mail. Please register at least 48 hours prior to any class. There is a suggested donation of $10 per course.