2021 ONLINE Classes
Fun and Learning for Every Age
Classes are free but registration is required.
Click any “Register Free for All Classes” button on our website to register for Weston U classes. “Register for Free” buttons above each class description provide a direct link to sign up for that class.
All classes are online via Zoom and about an hour or so (depending on how much fun we are having!).
If you need help please contact us at westonpopupuniversity@gmail.com.
Travel Tips
THURSDAY, MARCH 4th 5:00 PM
We all miss traveling, but we all know we will get back to it someday. This course is designed to help you plan safely for that “someday”. We have compiled a number of tips for making travel more affordable and less stressful. We will cover domestic and international travel, planning it yourself or booking it through a travel agent, various smartphone travel apps, some discounts, and how to plan doing what you enjoy. We’ll even cover a more local form of travel which doesn’t require you to quarantine.
Travel Tips handout 
No Class Limit
Ludlow residents Penny Trick and Pat Moore have been avid travelers the past two decades. Penny is a retired Legal Services Attorney and Pat owned a small e-commerce company. Their travels have taken them to Australia/New Zealand, Canada, Southern Africa, Dubai, Hawaii, many trips to Europe, several river and ocean cruises, as well as drive trips throughout the United States. Their Youtube Channel “Pat and Penny’s Travel Channel” features more than 100 videos and has a thousand subscribers.
Pangolins & Extinction
TUESDAY, MARCH 9th 5:00 PM
What is a Pangolin and will they survive the Earth’s sixth mass extinction? Life on Earth is in the middle of the sixth mass extinction event in its history, largely induced by human activity. A potential casualty is the pangolin or scaly anteater, the most heavily trafficked animal on Earth today, with its scales thought to have healing powers in traditional African and Asian medicines. Pangolins have also been implicated as a possible source of COVID-19. Learn about the amazing biology and evolutionary history of these endangered mammals.
No Class Limit
Poetry Appreciation
THURSDAY, MARCH 11 5:00 PM
You say you don’t even LIKE poetry, much less appreciate it? Well, yes, poetry can be mystifying and therefore unlikeable to many readers, but former English teacher Linda Saarnijoki will offer some insight about how everyone can unlock pleasure and meaning from even the most supposedly “difficult” poetry. This will not be a course in deep literary criticism, but instead a chance to learn a little about a poet’s methods and how those might enhance our appreciation and understanding. Participants are also encouraged to bring a poem they enjoy to offer for discussion.
Limit 15 people
Investing in Young Businesses
MONDAY, MARCH 22 5:00 PM
Has a family member or friend asked you to invest in their business? It might be the next Amazon or Tesla, or it could be a write-off – Learn how to spot the signs and become a smart investor, or how to say “No thank you”.
No Limit
Financing Businesses-Clapp-Weston U 3-22-21
Andy Clapp is a Weston resident and has managed 3 Boston-based venture capital funds that invested in 50+ young companies in high tech, E-commerce, & manufacturing, 3 of which were Vermont-based.
Dance - Learn How to Tap
SATURDAY, MARCH 20 4:30 PM
Get a taste of what it is really like to be a dancer in a Broadway Musical! Broadway veteran Susan Haefner will teach dance warm-ups and a few popular musical theater movement styles. Absolutely no experience required. Just bring a sense of fun and a water bottle. Please wear comfortable clothing and sneakers to move in. You can also be a passive participant if preferred, and simply observe and listen to some great music. All ages welcome.
No Class Limit
Susan Haefner is an actor, director and teacher who has performed in over 25 shows at Weston Playhouse. Susan is a Broadway veteran (State Fair, 42nd Street, and Thoroughly Modern Millie), and her national tour credits include Damn Yankees w/ Jerry Lewis and Billy Elliot. Susan is also a director/choreographer, teaching artist, private voice and drama coach, and owner of Little Yellow House Studio. www.littleyellowhousestudio.com
Wine Tasting
TUESDAY, MARCH 23 5:30 PM
Abby Lechthaler, Weston resident and local restaurateur with her husband Rogen at the Downtown Grocery in Ludlow, will introduce us to different wines, discussing their origins! Participants can purchase the wines themselves to taste along with Abby, or can simply listen to her commentary. Upon registering, participants will receive the names of the wines she’ll discuss and suggestions of local wine shops at which to purchase them. Adults over 21 only.
Limit 15 households
Abby Lechthaler and her husband Rogen are chef/owners of The Downtown Grocery in Ludlow and formerly of Mama’s Handmade Italian and the West Town Eatery at the Weston Playhouse. Abby has curated wine at The Downtown Grocery for ten years, focusing on small producers, unusual grapes & unique regions & varietals.
Cooking Risotto
THURSDAY, March 25 5:00 PM
Judy Nocerino will prepare a risotto. She will explain that it is a dish most associated with the Veneto region of Italy.
The Veneto not only produces the rice associated with the recipe but many fine wines as well.
No Class Limit
As a person who has always enjoyed cooking and baking, various clinics and classes have taken Judy to Paris, Provence, Viet Nam and even Norwich, Vermont. Over the years, Judy’s career as an Italian wine importer, and family ties have taken her to Italy too many times..if that is even possible
iPhone Basics
SUNDAY, March 28 4:00 PM
Learn a few iPhone basics—based on student request, we’ll cover a few tasks from the list below or specific requests.
Limit 5 people
Leadership
MONDAY, March 29 5:00 PM
David Fubini, whose latest book is Hidden Truths: What Leaders Need to Hear but Are Rarely Told, will talk about understanding how to lead and manage with the aim of increasing personal and organizational effectiveness. This class will be open to all.
No Class Limit
David Fubini is a Senior Lecturer at Harvard Business School in the Organizational Behavior Unit. He was previously a Senior Director at McKinsey. He lives in the Boston area and has had a house in Weston for many years.