Fall Commonwealth Society classes offer diverse experiences

A tour of Mount Vernon on the bicentennial of the death of President George Washington, the century-old legends of Ireland and a cutting-edge performance by the Dance Theatre of Harlem are among special events offered this fall by The Commonwealth Society, Virginia Commonwealth University’s lifelong learning institute. These special trips complement two series of five-week classes for adults of all ages.

Among the fall classes are "Central America with a Focus on Costa Rica" and the two-part "Spanish Language and Culture." Those courses will prepare members for participation in the Commonwealth Society’s spring study tour of Costa Rica, scheduled for March 2-11. The tour will focus on the country’s unique natural wonders.

Among the special programs this fall:

• An Oct. 4 day trip will explore Mount Vernon – Washington’s other "White House" – on the bicentennial of his death. The day will begin with a house tour, followed by an interpretation of First Lady Martha Washington. The group then will travel to Alexandria’s Torpedo Factory Art Center, home to 84 individual studios, eight group studios and six galleries.

• Commonwealth Society members can sign up for a Nov. 4 matinee performance by the National Folk Theatre of Ireland. These entertainers are known worldwide for their adaptations of century-old Irish legends, complete with music, dancing and storytelling. The performance will be held at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C.

• A Dec. 15 program at Washington’s Kennedy Center will feature the Dance Theatre of Harlem. Founder Arthur Mitchell was honored by the center in 1993 for breaking boundaries of classical dance. He applies Russian techniques and African and African-American themes to create dances that offer a contemporary American flavor.

Those special events augment several first-time classes planned for the fall. "Silk Painting," "Reflections of the 20th Century" and "Unforgettable: A Fresh Approach to the Big Bands" are among new courses to be offered with previous classes. Returning favorites include computer and Internet classes.

The Commonwealth Society allows adults to pursue areas of interest with university-level courses but without the stress of a traditional college course: no tests, research papers or exams are required. The courses, taught by a combination of VCU faculty and community experts, are held in a variety of locations both on and off campus. The program is supported by the Division of University Outreach.

Two sessions, providing some two dozen course selections, will be offered. The first runs from Sept. 14-Oct. 15, and the second Oct. 18-Nov. 19. Membership in the society is $25, and courses are $25 per class. Membership benefits include special lectures, brown-bag lunch seminars and other social events. Additional fees are required for trips. Registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis.

For more information or to become a Commonwealth Society member, call the VCU Division of University Outreach at (804) 828-1831.