The Association of Lifelong Learners will host a variety of online programs this week.

These programs are open to the public. Just send an email to ALL@Alpenacc.edu to receive connection information. Programs are conducted using the Zoom application.

Today at 2 p.m. — “Line Dancing”

Debbie Kerr has been teaching line dancing classes for six years — four years for the ALL group. With the current stay-at-home orders, she has switched to teaching virtual classes. If you have been dancing for years or would like to give line dancing a try, this is the class for you. Wear some comfortable shoes and have a water bottle nearby and tune in for this class. This will be a weekly program until we can meet in-person.

Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. — “Book Lover’s Gathering”

As summer approaches, we continue our quarterly program discussing a favorite book just read or remembered from the past. Everyone is welcome to our informal discussion. A list is kept and given to each participant. Consider joining us. “Fill your house with stacks of BOOKS in all the crannies and all the nooks.” — Dr. Suess

Carey Rapin will be moderating the discussion. Carey enjoys meeting new participants and seeing our regulars again.

Wednesday at 11 a.m. — “Besser Senior Living Community”

Come take a virtual tour of the area’s newest senior living community facility. Andrew Karsten, the executive assistant, and Angie Reed, the activities director, will be talking about resident life at Besser Senior Living, speaking about dining, the engaging activities and care services offered during this complete tour of the new facility.

Thursday at 11 a.m. — ” All About Values”

American social psychologist Jonathan Haidt reports on the most common answer liberals give on why some folks are conservatives: “Because they are stupid!” For a better answer he goes deeper into the values animating the two camps. Liberals place priority on safety and fairness. Conservatives attach more weight to loyalty, authority, and purity. Moreover, he follows philosopher David Hume in arguing that emotions, not reason, account for our attachment to values we hold dear. Haidt concludes with analysis on why conservatives win so many elections and how liberals might compete better.

Olin Joynton taught philosophy at community colleges in Texas and Wyoming before coming to Michigan as president of Alpena Community College in 2004. He retired in 2015 and moved to Scottsville, Michigan, to teach a leadership class at West Shore Community College. He and his wife moved to Mount Pleasant in 2019.

Friday at 11 a.m. — “The Long-Lost Photos of I. H. Cady and The Land of Enchantment”

Two great presentations in one program:

Ron Cady will present historic Alpena railroad photos that his grandfather took about 80 years ago. Cady is a photographer and railroad enthusiast with an interest in area history.

John Ryan is presenting a video on the Amtrak route in New Mexico, featuring the unique signal system and scenery of the area. Ryan is a photographer and railroad enthusiast.