Baby Boomers are coming of age — old age. Now in their early sixties or pushing the big six-o, they seem to have more leisure time for intellectual exercise, a supposition recognized and implemented by the Jewish Community Center with its new program called Learning Connections.

According to Linda Liberman, the J’s Adult Programs Coordinator, “This program is in response to requests from our task force and focus groups to reach an expanded audience which targets Baby Boomers…Everything points to our providing connections — to learning, to creative thinking people, to collaborating venues. Learning Connections gives participants opportunities to connect with the arts, politics, science, business and Jewish perspectives.”

Although the intention is to appeal to Baby Boomers, Learning Connections programs are appropriate for all age groups.

In collaboration with the Pulitzer Foundation of Art, the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum at Washington University, Laumeier Sculpture Park, and the Missouri Historical Society, for example, there will be four programs on Experiencing Contemporary Arts a la St. Louis. This is not, I repeat not, the museum visit you experienced with your second grade class. The class in “Pairing Wines and Chocolate: Beyond Cocoa and Grapes” at Provisions Market will sample an assortment of red and white Israeli wines as well as an array of chocolates from Bissinger’s Chocolatier. There’s a wellness series, classes on “Archeological Findings and Historic Perspectives of the Middle East,” lectures on upcoming productions at the New Jewish Theatre and courses on “Computers and the Internet.”

Among the J’s partners are STAGES and OASIS, offering Learning Connections participants a great array of theater and arts and humanities classes. You can Sing and Study Contemporary Broadway at Stages Academy. Three shows that offer a perspective on the current trends in the musical theatre will be discussed: The Drowsy Chaperone, Wicked and Company. Then there is a two-session sing-along of works by George and Ira Gershwin, an acting class, a seven-week ballroom dance class and a Taste of Tap where you may bring your tap shoes for a fun workout. Instructors for these courses will be Stages professionals.

Six great-sounding courses will be offered by Learning Connection’s partner, OASIS. “Jewish American Women Writers,” “First Run Film Discussion,” “There’s More to Opera Than…” (a backstage look at opera), “Masterpieces of Western Art,” “Ways With Watercolor” and “Puccini” taught by John Lesser who is our city’s most learned opera maven. With the help of various musicians John will explore such Puccini works as La Boheme, Tosca and Madama Butterfly. Classes begin Sept. 24.

For a brochure with all the details of the courses, times, dates and fees call 314-442-3150 or contact Linda Liberman on line at [email protected].

Irene Fox, who is on the Broadway Nites Committee at the city’s Foundry Art Center in St. Charles asked me to tell you about a performance on Saturday night, Oct. 20. St. Louisan Kevin Spirtas, star of stage, screen and TV will perform his one-man show Night and Days at this interesting venue, a former foundry on historic Main Street. Kevin, the son of Sandy and Arnold Spirtas, has appeared on Broadway in Meet Me in St. Louis and The Boy From Oz and toured with A Chorus Line. For more information on how to obtain tickets I suggest you call Irene at 636-391-9595.