Sep 15 Monday
Step inside the 40,000-square-foot Senior Center in Springdale, just across from the Jones Center, and experience a world of connection, creativity, and activity. From the inspiring Art Room to the friendly Card Room and flexible Breakout Room, there’s something for every interest. Stay active year-round in the Indoor Pickleball Court or keep moving with engaging Wii games and a fully equipped Exercise Room. Prefer a quieter pace? Relax in the cozy Library or enjoy the fresh air in the beautifully maintained Outdoor Space.This center is more than a building—it’s a vibrant hub for wellness, lifelong learning, and community. Whether you’re looking to explore new hobbies, meet new friends, or stay fit, the Senior Center offers something for everyone. Join us for a guided tour and see firsthand all that’s available—and enjoy a complimentary lunch afterward!
Many individuals contribute to history but never get their due. Women and other marginalized groups traditionally received less ink in history books than the “great men” of history who were mainly white males. This course looks at nine women--three each session--whose achievements are not commonly known. Among the nine women are a scientist, a winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, a pioneering pilot, a suffragist, a candidate for the U. S. presidency, an activist for women’s and African-American’s rights, a British anthropologist, and a pioneering politician from the Western U.S
In honor of Jane Austen’s 250th birthday in 2025, we will explore her life, works, and legacy from a fresh perspective. Both seasoned readers and those new to Austen will appreciate experiencing the story of her authorship through images of original documents and artifacts. Austen began writing fiction in her teenage years, warmly supported by her family, especially her clergyman father. Yet she had to wait until she was in her thirties to see her first book in print. In this course, we will discover what happened in between, as well as how a household of creative women made it possible for her to focus on her writing and achieve publication. We will consider how and why her literary reputation grew after her death, and we will take a tour of the contemporary adaptations and retellings that continue to broaden her readership.
Irish Slow Session is for those who would like to learn Irish tunes and songs. The hour before each Irish Session we’ll learn a few new tunes and tips on how to jam in the Irish Sessions.Every 2nd and 4th Monday of each month. Check the Folk School calendar for more information.
Sep 16 Tuesday
Over half a century after the Stonewall Uprising, the vibrant and complex history of LGBTQ+ life, culture, and movements in the U.S. remains a focal point of rich discussion and political relevance. In this course, we will immerse ourselves in the intricate history of LGBTQ+ Americans, examining their political organizations, cultural contributions, and the profound ways they have helped shape the nation. This course offers a comprehensive overview of key LGBTQ+ figures, events, and cultural shifts beginning in the early 20th century to the present, highlighting the emergence and evolution of LGBTQ+ identities and activism, and the challenges they have historically faced. We will uncover how a marginalized community has become a powerful force for social change, impacting every facet of American life— from grassroots politics and art to society at large. Together we will gain a deeper understanding of LGBTQ+ history and gain a renewed appreciation for the ongoing struggle towards justice, inclusion, and freedom in the US
Take a meaningful journey into the heart of your community with a guided tour of the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank and Feed Rogers, a program of the Food Bank. During the tour with Director of Programs, Sabrina Thiede, you’ll see how food is collected, sorted, and distributed to those in need across Northwest Arkansas. You’ll also visit Feed Rogers, where community members can shop for groceries in a welcoming, choice-based environment. Whether you’re curious about how local food assistance works or looking for ways to get involved, this program offers a thoughtful, informative look at hunger in our region.
Discover the wonders of our nearest neighbor in space—the Moon! Explore lunar phases, uncover how the Moon formed, and find out how it influences life on Earth. You’ll even learn how to prove the Moon is a sphere using just a small telescope—no flat Moon theories here! This engaging class blends a lecture with hands-on activities, making it fun and informative for all participants. No equipment is required, though telescope owners are welcome to bring theirs. The program is led by Dr. Daniel Barth, an experienced educator who has taught astronomy at the high school, college, and university levels, always focusing on hands-on learning. Activity material costs are included in the class fee.
The adventure begins in New York City, where the echoes of Tin Pan Alley’s Great American Songbook still resound. We witness a new generation of talented songwriters, singers, and groups, who filled the airwaves and shaped the soundtrack of our lives. This course is a journey into the melodies, stories, and vibrant personalities behind the Brill Building era of the late 1950s and 1960s. We will discuss the music of legendary songwriters such as Carole King & Gerry Goffin, Neil Sedaka & Howard Greenfield, Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil, Phil Spector, Jerry Leiber & Mike Stoller, Ellie Greenwich & Jeff Barry, Burt Bacharach & Hal David, Neil Diamond, and others. Together we will rediscover the tunes from Elvis Presley, the Coasters, Dion and the Belmonts, the Drifters, Dionne Warwick, the Ronettes, the Shirelles, the Animals, the Monkees, Manfred Mann, Andy Williams, the unforgettable Righteous Brothers, and many others.
Sep 17 Wednesday
Longevity comes down to one simple truth: our ability to weather the inevitable challenges life unexpectedly drops in our lap. Resilience is our ticket to extended healthspan. Western society is entering a phase of significant transformation that will change how we age. This course is a condensed version of Fulton’s Whealthspan Masterclass which focuses on the five foundations for extending healthspan and looks at societal changes that will impact all of us. We will distill the latest and most relevant age-related science for a general audience and explain the strategies for optimal outcomes that fit a wide range of cultures and values
Putting your garden to bed for the winter doesn’t have to be complicated! Join local Horticulturist and plant nerd, Megan Lankford of Red Fern Farm, to learn about what we can and should do in the fall to prepare for winter, as well as the year ahead. Topics covered include, but are not limited to: vegetable garden and orchard clean-up/care, soil testing, mulching types/methods, bulb planting, and overwintering native fauna.