Chinese, Costa Rica, and Cooking: The Adult School Catalog Arrives

When Joan Lee, trustee of the South Orange – Maplewood Adult School, addressed the Board of Trustees, most of her listeners seemed familiar with the organization. No wonder: the Adult School's printed catalog reaches 40,000 homes in South Orange, Maplewood and surrounding communities.

The catalog will be in the mailbox in mid-August, but Lee gave a preview of fall's coming attractions. She also mentioned that eager learners can register now online for the coming season. Registration is open, and a number of courses offer "Early Bird" discounts.

Many classes begin the last week of September or first week of October. Registration for English as a Second Language and GED classes is Tues., Sept. 14.

Lee noted that the Adult School will welcome special guest lecturer Leonard Lopate, NPR radio host, on Nov. 15.

The Eva Samo Lecture Series is named for Eva Samo, whom Lee described as "the heart and soul of the Adult School." This year's topic, "Extremism and Democracies," runs on Mon. evenings at CHS beginning Oct. 18.

College for a Day, which offers challenging coursework without stress and tests, is Nov. 20.

New classes include a behind-the-scenes look at the symphony. Students will sit on stage as members of the South Orange Symphony rehearse. Students will then meet with Conductor and Music Director Robert Helmacy to discuss the finer points of music theory. Trips planned will take locals to Iceland and Costa Rica.

Also new this fall, noted Lee, the Adult School offers Jazz Appreciation: Gerry Mulligan, Sculpture, Toy Making, Making Music on the Computer, Home Renovations, Juggling, and Chinese. "We're also offering a variety of business classes with Essex County College, including grant writing, non-profit business law, and entrepreneurship," she noted.

"The Adult School, which has been offering classes since 1933," said Lee, "truly has something for everyone."