The Learning Institute of New England College (LINEC) has announced its fall courses. Registration is open through Sept. 21 for courses that run from Oct. 3 to Nov. 11. Among this fall’s topics are a look at modern African-American poetry led by retired NEC Senior Professor of Humanities Don Melander; guidance in looking at and understanding contemporary and modern art with Gail Smuda; travelogues with Eric Simon, and The American Novel Reading Group, an ongoing monthly discussion led by John McCausland. LINEC is fortunate to have newly retired NEC Professor of Theatre Glenn Stuart as instructor of “The Stage Shapes the Play and the Play Shapes the Stage,” an in-depth look at how Shakespeare’s King Lear has been produced and performed over the years, with examples from movies. Dick Hesse and Mary Lee Sargent will lead discussion of the often unrecognized challenges our country’s founders faced once a new government was established in “America’s Founding Fathers,” a Great Courses presentation. And Mary Lee Sargent, a film buff as well as a historian, joins Don Melander to lead the ongoing movie series “The Films of Alfred Hitchcock.” New members are welcome to join any or all of these classes. All classes are on Zoom except the American Novel Book Discussion and The Stage Shapes the Play, which are in-person. For details or to register, see www. linec.org, or for a print catalog email linecregister@gmail.com.
The Contoocook American Legion is accepting donations of yard sale items from Sept. 7 to 9, 3 to 6 p.m. Acceptable donations include: housewares, home decor, holiday decor, small appliances, camping equipment, books (limit of 10), clothing (limit of 10), toys, small furniture items, tools, storage items, lighting, and more. All items must be in useable and working condition. The sale will be on Sept. 10 from 1 to 4 p.m.
“Coming to America: Two Perspectives on Asylum,” on Sept. 9 at 5 p.m. (virtual), with BehishtaSadaat, Clement Kigugu and Dr. Melinda Negrόn-Gonzales. Conflict often forces people to make the difficult decision to leave their homes and move to an unknown place. New Hampshire, like many places in the United States, is home to refugees and asylum seekers who leave their countries of origin to seek safety and a better life. Though often in the news, their plights can feel distant and abstract. What are the stories of their journeys, and how can we learn from and support our new neighbors? This interview-style presentation will feature two people who came to New Hampshire seeking asylum from conflict abroad. BehishtaSadaat, originally from Afghanistan, is now a graduate student at Dartmouth College, and Clement Kigugu, originally from Rwanda, is now executive director of Overcomers Refugee Services. Along with Dr. Melinda Negrόn-Gonzales of UNH Manchester, Behishta and Clement will talk about the similarities of their journeys as well as the many differences in their experiences. The Zoom link is https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_J07ppsaFSKaFc5RTJHGtpw.
Franklin Opera House proudly presents “Last of the Duke Street Kings” a Bruce Springsteen tribute band on Sept. 24 at 7:30 p.m. The Last of the Duke Street Kings is one of the premier Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band tributes in North America. This is no simple cover band! They stage authentic reproductions of live concert performances and studio releases by the original group. And they are not limited to only the classic hits. From the first album to the latest projects, The Last of the Duke Street Kings offers a unique selection of Boss songs unreleased except in anthology and left off the set lists of other Springsteen tributes. An eight-piece group with occasional extras, every E Street member is represented in the Dukes, including varied instruments like violin and other instrumentation when needed. Tickets on sale at FranklinOperaHouse.org, adults $25; students and seniors are $22.
One approach to managing our inner polarizer is to affiliate with organizations such as Braver Angels (braverangels.org), a nonprofit created to cool the temperature in our political discourse. Braver Angels has received national recognition for its efforts to bring together people from different sides of the political spectrum who seek to understand the other side’s point of view, to support principles that unite rather than divide, and to look for common ground and ways to work together. New Hampshire has its own Braver Angels Alliance, a group of Granite Staters which shines a light on issues relevant to NH, and provides a forum for conversations around those issues. On Sept. 20 at 7 p.m., the topic is “Roe v Wade Overturned: NH Speaks.” All points of view are welcome, and events reflect Braver Angels core values: respect, humility, honesty, and responsible citizenship. The event is an opportunity for you to voice your thoughts or come to listen. To register for this free event go to braverangels.org. Email mkruse@braverangels.org for more information.