The Garlands of Barrington Offers Adult Learning Programs

Adult learners age 55 and older are invited to explore a wide variety of educational and thought-provoking topics at upcoming programs being offered at The Garlands of Barrington, 1000 Garlands Lane, Barrington, off of Northwest Highway by the Barrington-Area Library. The program descriptions, dates, times and fees are listed below. To register for any of the following classes, please call Amy at The Garlands at (847)-304-1996.

Showboat

Date and Time:  Friday, March 15, 1 to 2:30 PM in the Burnham Room, Fee: $10 per person

Unanimously acclaimed the first great American musical, this 1927 show was so far ahead of its time that there would be no comparable achievement for nearly two decades. Charles Troy from the Harper College Lifelong Learning Institute will discuss how composer Jerome Kern and librettist Oscar Hammerstein II adapted Edna Ferber's sprawling contemporary novel into a masterpiece that has spawned numerous film versions, revivals, and recordings, all of which have contributed to its legendary status.

The American Road to Victory Film Discussion: "The Americans on Hell's Highway"

Date and Time: Sunday, March 17, 1 to 3:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center, Fee: free

Operation Market Garden is one of the most controversial and misunderstood campaigns of World War II.  Although U.S. troops met all their objectives, the campaign was a failure.  Afterward, a film discussion will be held with local veterans participating. The event is co-sponsored by the Barrington Area Library and the Barrington Area Council on Aging.

We Will Survive

Date and Time:  Wednesday, March 20, 1 to 2:30 p.m. in the Burnham Room, Fee: $10 per person

How do women survive the dilemmas that life throws at them? In this uplifting Book Review, “We Will Survive,” Jenny Riddle, book dramatist and singer, gives you the coping mechanisms of three very different women. As Emily Post, Jenny will set you straight on which fork to use first at a formal dinner, but you will be surprised at some of Emily’s advice in Laura Claridge’s biography, “Emily Post:  Mistress of American Manners.” In the second short review, you’ll meet Alexandra Penney whose book, “The Bag Lady Papers,” shows what one person suffered in the Madoff rip-off scandal. Finally, Jenny will put a smile on your face as she dramatizes Christie Mellor’s book, “You Look Fine, Really.” This program is sponsored by the Harper College Lifelong Learning Institute.

Rene Magritte:  Artist, Surrealist, Enchanter

Dates and Time:  Friday, April 5, 10 a.m. to Noon in the Burnham Room, Fee: $10 per person

You will view and discuss the powerful, eye-catching images of artist Rene Magritte. Although Magritte may not be a household name, Clare Cross from the Harper College Lifelong Learning Institute will share Rene’s precisely realistic and magical works that are enormously appealing and instantly recognizable. His deadpan and witty outrageousness has had an astonishing influence on contemporary commercial art. You will recognize his trains chugging from fireplaces, rocks floating in air and men in bowler hats “raining down” upon the sidewalk.

The American Road to Victory Film Discussion: "The Americans in The Bulge"

Date and Time: Sunday, April 14, 1 to 3:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Centre Fee: free

Against great odds, American soldiers played a vital role in defeating the German war machine as it made one final, desperate gamble to throw the Allied offensive into strategic disarray. Afterward a film discussion will be held with input from local veterans. The event is co-sponsored by the Barrington Area Library and the Barrington Council on Active Aging.