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NEWS
Register for courses starting in October
SPECIAL EVENTS
LUNCH@LLAIC continues on Tuesdays
Purpose at the Calderwood, Sunday, October 11
LLAIC Loves Art: Wednesday, October 14
AFFINITY GROUPS
French Conversation Group, Monday, September 28
Spanish Conversation Group (La Tertulia), Monday, October 5
LLAIC Lit-Lovers, Friday, October 9
Current Events, Friday, October 16
Movie Mavens, October 16
To join LLAIC: click here
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Schedule-at-a-Glance
It is not too late to register for courses that start in October!
Our course schedule and full course descriptions are available on our website. Each course is listed by day, by period, and by course leader. If you click on the course name, you will get a full description, including the dates, times, location (Zoom or in person), amount of preparation, etc. If you click on the course leader’s name, you will find their bio. Click here for the class dates, and click here for the Schedule-at-a-Glance. Click here to go directly to the course registration page. Click here for a short guide to help you with registering.
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ZOOM HELP NEEDED
We’re looking for friendly volunteers to help with the technical presentation of our online Zoom classes. No experience is necessary — we will provide training and support!
You just need to be somewhat comfortable using a computer and willing to lend a helping hand. Your assistance will help our classes run smoothly and save the cost of hiring another tech assistant.
If interested, contact Bill Miniscalco
w.miniscalco@gmail.com
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SPECIAL EVENTS
Free to LLAIC Members
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LUNCH@LLAIC CONTINUES
TUESDAYS AT TEMPLE SHALOM
175 TEMPLE STREET, WEST NEWTON
LUNCH STARTS AT 1, PROGRAM AT 1:30
Join us at Temple Shalom on all your Tuesday afternoons from September 15 through the end of the semester for lunch and a delightful program! Drop in before class, after class, or just for the program. Bring your own lunch (we provide designer water and hot beverages) or email Jennifer Young if you want to order pizza ($3 for one slice or $5 for two).
LUNCH@LLAIC is open to guests and no RSVP is necessary, so bring a friend! The next programs are as follows:
9/29 Rhoda Greenspan -Artificial Intelligence in Medicine:
Transformative Innovation or Ethical Quagmire?
What will the effects of AI be on modern medicine and how does AI compare with physicians’ diagnoses and prescribed treatments? Can AI really eliminate emergency room wait times and create new drugs? And, most importantly, what unforeseen dangers does AI pose to unsuspecting patients? This video presentation examines the history of AI, its current uses in both clinical care and biomedical research, and the technologies that may “come down the pike.”
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10/6 Jim Mniece -The Scientific Genius (and Rivalry) of Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla
Did you know that Edison and Tesla (Edison's one-time employee) were arch enemies with competing visions for how to empower America electrically? Their hostility played out in the infamous War of the Currents, which culminated in the electrocution of Topsy the circus elephant in 1903, orchestrated by Edison, but intentionally using Tesla's controversial AC current. In this video presentation, you will learn how radio, television, robots, electric cars, self-driving cars, solar heating, the internet, and the cellphone were on the mind of one or the other of these geniuses, and you will discover which had the more accurate and enduring vision for the world.
Future programs:
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10/13 Mary Mansfield – The Creativity and Joy of Jacob Collier, musician
- 10/27 Matthew Bitner – How We Developed a Method for Saving Lives
- 11/10 Joanne Fisher – Ancient Egypt, Drama, Spectacle, and Remarkable Characters
- 11/17 Alex Conn and Leo Laverdure – Introduction to Chatbots and AI: Part 2
- 12/1 Don Bermont – Trivial Pursuit Game
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THEATER LOVERS
PURPOSE AT THE CALDERWOOD
SUNDAY OCTOBER 11 at 2:00 PM
Wait List Only
Winner of the 2025 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Play and a smash hit on Broadway, Purpose is the explosive and wildly entertaining new play from Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, diving headlong into the life of a prominent and influential political dynasty.
Encircled by civil rights leaders, pastors, and congressmen for decades, the Jasper family is a foundational pillar of Black American society. That is, until their youngest son returns home with an unexpected dinner guest, and their carefully curated existence begins to fracture. Don’t miss this searing and hilarious exploration of faith, class, ambition, and heritage — what The Washington Post called “a feast of jaw-dropping tea and riveting food for thought.
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FLYING MASTERPIECES
The Art of the Postage Stamp
Please join LLAIC Loves Art
and the Phoenix Art Museum
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14 AT 1:30 pm
Few works of art enjoy as vast an audience as the art of American postage stamps. From the earliest engraved stamps to contemporary commemorative stamps, we will explore the art and artists that bring art to the masses, including over 20 artists seen at Phoenix Art Museum. Enjoy an additional special focus on holiday stamps.
Our docent today is Lisa White. Lisa was a High School English and Social Studies teacher for 35 years. She joined the Phoenix Art Docent Program in 2010, serving as president from 2021- 2022.
Click here before noon on Tuesday, October 13, to request a Zoom invitation. You'll receive it that day.
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SPANISH CONVERSATION GROUP
(LA TERTULIA)
MONDAY, OCTOBER 5 @ 1:00 PM
Our format consists of reading and discussing articles from various Spanish language media sources of general high interest. There is no homework although everyone is invited to submit articles they might find for our agendas.
The hosts for the group are Miriam Grodberg and Larry Krakauer. Contact Miriam to request an invitation or with any
questions.
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LLAIC LIT-LOVERS
FRIDAY, October 9, 2026 @10:30 AM
Theo of Golden by Allen Levi
Discussion to be led by Pat Cole
This novel tells of an elderly man named Theo who moves to a small town called Golden. The story explores themes of kindness, connection, and the transformative power of generosity within a community.
November 13: Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister
Led by Sandy Grasfield
December 11: The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
Led by Herb Chasan
Click here for link. Request before noon on Wednesday, October 7 and you will receive the next day.
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CURRENT EVENTS
Friday, October 16 @ 10:00 AM
Led by Janet Holmes-Porter
This week, there was so much news. What is happening with the war in Iran? Will the Strait of Hormuz be opened anytime soon? If not, where will oil prices go? What's happening in Gaza?
Newcomers are always welcome to this erudite and forceful group. Click here before noon on Thursday, October 15, to request a Zoom invitation. You'll receive it that day.
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MOVIE MAVENS
IN BRUGES
FRIDAY, October 16 @ 2:00-3:00
In Bruges is a dark comedy written and directed by Martin McDonagh. It stars Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson as two hitmen awaiting their next mission in Belgium. While this is a hired-gun movie, prepare for suspense and hilarity in dark places. You won't know what will happen, and you won't be able to wait to find out!
In Bruges has received positive reviews for its unique blend of dark comedy, quirky dialogue, and drama, showcasing strong performances by Farrell and Gleeson and a clever screenplay. Critics highlight the engaging dialogue and the chemistry between the lead actors.
Garnering acclaim from critics, Martin McDonagh was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and received a BAFTA award for his writing. Colin Farrell won a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Comedy or Musical. Brendan Gleeson also delivered a standout performance as the "straight man."
In Bruges is available to stream on Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Click here by noon on Thursday, October 15, for your Zoom invitation, which will be sent that day.
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Learn more about LLAIC at www.llaic.org
Call us: (508) 453-1205
Write us: info@llaic.org
Editor: Phyllis Cohen
Production Manager: Alex Conn
Contributing Editor: Shelly Levine
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