PEAKS Classes at University of North Georgia

PEAKS Class Schedule

This is a University-Community Collaboration. Life Stories & Topics of Interest for Adults 55+

Every Thursday at 2:30

Classes are free

Casual Event

February 23rd at 2:30

Budgeting 101

Presented by: Nancy Adams
Join us in welcoming back Nancy Adams! This session will provide information that sets a groundwork of getting to know how your money will work with budgeting. This will include tips and tricks that can be used for making small steps to learn how to manage a budgeting relationship when it comes to finances such as learning how to use coupons at the grocery store and learning about community resources, etc. As there is a transition that happens from working in a career and moving towards retirement, there might be room for adjustments to be made regarding finances. No matter what the situation, we are all experiencing the effects of inflation currently, and this session will provide tips on how to help navigate that as well. This session may also include an interactive activity that forces you to make quick decisions when there are sudden changes regarding income or budget.

March 2 at 2:30
Yoga for Every “Body

Presented By: Betty Larsen
For this session participants will be led in chair yoga exercises. It is very important to keep our bodies moving and stretched as it can have benefits of relieving stress, reduce pain, and connects us with our body. Chair yoga is a practice that includes physical exercise, breathing techniques, and meditation. Join us to learn these techniques that can be used in your everyday life.

March 9 at 2:30
The Plight of the Eastern Hemlock

Presented by: Holly Cochran
Save Georgia’s Hemlocks is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to preserve and restore North Georgia's hemlock trees through education and charitable service. Services are provided to private landowners through the Hemlock Help Program. SGH also partners with USFS and GA DNR to save hemlock trees on public land as they are a keystone species essential to wildlife, water/air quality, local economy, and basic quality of life. In this session Holly Cochran will discuss Georgia's hemlocks, why they are in danger, efforts currently being made by the organization, and how YOU can help save Georgia's hemlocks. Join us for this educational and potential volunteer opportunity!

March 16 at 2:30
Everyday Mindfulness

Presented by: John Charping
It is easy to get caught up in the stress of the world, however, it is important to have mindfulness in your life. Mindfulness is something that you can practice every day. This can involve being aware of your five senses, observing your thoughts, focusing on breathing, paying attention to your surroundings, etc. Come to this session to learn techniques on how to practice mindfulness in your life. Bring your questions and curiosity!

March 23 at 2:30
Mastering the Art of Continuous Renewal

Presented By: Bruce Miller
According to the laws of physics, everything in the universe breaks down: Democracies die, gardens revert to weeds, and stars run out of fuel. Humans are the exception: We can heal from a disease, mend relationships, and enjoy second acts – but it’s not automatic. Meryl Streep may be timeless, but the pressures of life beat down us mortals. Author and consciousness explorer Bruce Miller will reveal the hidden forces that govern the art of continuous renewal – akin to the musical octave – and how to surmount waves of adversity and renew our capacity for living.

March 30 at 2:30
Georgia Advance Directive for Health Care & Georgia Statutory Power of Attorney

Presented by: Angela Stewart DeLorme
In this session Angela will speak about Georgia advance directive for health care and statutory power of attorney. She will explain what both mean and provide detailed steps on what is needed to create this written document. This will include what information is needed, the advantages and disadvantages of directives, the limitations, a step by step guide of how to create a directive, and where you can go to complete this document if you choose. Angela currently works at Angela Stewart Delorme, P.C. A law firm that specializes in areas of real estate law, small business law, wills, probate law, divorces, adoptions, and other family law matters. Bring any questions you might have!

April 6 at 2:30
The Exploration of Maya Archaeology

Presented By: Joe Ballay
Digging in the dirt to find the remains of ancient structures, artifacts, and burials is what archaeologists do to study ancient cultures. This session, presented by Joe Ballay will discuss Mayan archaeology. This will include topics such as what has been discovered, the culture of the Maya, and the work that has been done to uncover the temples, plazas, and other stone structures that have been found. In addition, Joe will share about his experience and involvement in some of his digs. Join us for this historical journey!

April 13 at 2:30
Spring Time in Your Yard

Presented By: Kathleen Holt
Winter is coming to an end and now it is time for spring preparations and planting! This session Kathleen Holt will be discussing about flowers, shrubs, trees, and native plants. In addition, tips will be shared on landscaping regarding pruning and making shrubs and trees ready for spring. Finally, talking about when and how to plant, spacing and care for plantings for spring, and why natives are good you and the environment.

April 20 at 2:30
Learn to Fly Fish

Presented By: Carl Riggs
This session will be a fun and interactive way to introduce yourself to fly fishing. The topics for the session will include learning about rods and reels, equipment needed, setup, and simple fly fishing techniques. Carl Riggs will walk participants through fly fishing basics and essentials along with sharing some fun stories and provide some information on where to fly fish locally. Come join us for this fun and informative session!

April 27 at 2:30
The Science of Thinking

Presented By: Bill Furtwengler
In this interactive presentation, Bill will describe in simple language the functional elements of the brain, how they work together, and how we can fine tune our thinking to improve the gains and advantages we experience as we age. Bill will describe how we use and can improve our five memory systems, how our thoughts can create chemical cocktails that provide good feelings and how, using our age gains, we can better control our brain’s health and our longevity. This presentation may include an active participant simulation.