Greater Birmingham Fall 2025 Multi-Speaker Courses Addendum

Sept 8, 15, 22, 29

1-2:30 p.m.

Riverchase United Methodist Church

• Sept. 8 ­­­— How Can I Keep From Singing?

Loretta Cobb, MA, retired English Professor, University of Montevallo

Join Ms. Cobb as she leads us through the process of choosing a point of view in telling a personal story. Choosing a POV is one of the most crucial decisions in storytelling because it shapes how readers experience the narrative. The POV determines whose perspective the story is told from and influences everything from tone to intimacy with characters. As an example, the Chris Tomlin song “How Can I Keep from Singing?” begins with this verse:  

There is an endless song, echoes in my soul

I hear the music ring

And though the storms may come

I am holding on

To the rock I cling

• Sept. 15 — Old Enough:  Southern Women Artists and Writers on Creativity and Aging

Wendy Reid and Katie Jackson

Creative collaborators Wendy Reid and Katie Lamar Jackson share insights from their work on Old Enough: Southern Women Artists and Writers on Creativity and Aging. This inspiring collection celebrates aging and artistic practice, highlighting the enduring drive to create, connect, and find meaning through creativity at every stage of life.

• Sept. 22 — Exploring Past-Life Regression

Dr. Ann Clark, PhD RN

In this course, we’ll explore the fascinating world of past-life regression. This therapeutic technique taps into the subconscious mind to uncover memories from previous lifetimes. You’ll learn about the theory behind PLR, how it works, and why so many people are drawn to the idea of exploring their soul's journey beyond this lifetime. We’ll delve into intriguing evidence and cases pointing to the possibility of past lives. Beyond its theoretical and scientific aspects, you’ll discover the transformative benefits of PLR, including how exploring past lives can provide healing, uncover hidden talents, address unexplained fears and foster a deeper understanding of your life's purpose.

• Sept. 29 — Life Between Lives

Dr. Ann Clark, PhD RN

Imagine reconnecting with your soul home —the realm where your spirit resides between earthly lives. Through the profound experience of life between lives, you can enter a superconscious state to explore your soul's journey, gain clarity on your purpose and uncover the lessons you are here to learn. This inspiring session will guide you toward a deeper understanding of your immortal existence and empower you to make the most of your time on Earth.

Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27

1-2:30 p.m.

Riverchase United Methodist Church

• Oct. 20 — AI and Education: Opportunity or Dire Threat?  

George Evans 

Since its release in 2022, ChatGPT has shaken the world of education. People like Bill Gates and Sal Khan seem to think that AI is the future of the classroom. But The Atlantic, as well as many other print publications, are skeptical; after all, students frequently use ChatGPT to cheat on assignments, phone in essays and generally shirk the difficult work of learning.

Is ChatGPT the next "bicycle for your brain" or is it a fat bag of sand? At his talk, Evans will discuss the opportunities and threats that AI poses to students, teachers, and parents alike. 

Evans is a writer, poet and teacher whose work has been published in Seaside Gothic, 50-Word Stories, The Quarter(ly) and many other magazines of microscopic reach and massive consequence. (… and no, this description wasn't written by ChatGPT. It was written by an English teacher during his lunch break. 😉)

• Oct. 27 — Fact or Fiction: Distinguishing News from Misinformation

Olivia McMurrey, BS Journalism, MA English

Do you know how to identify standards-based journalism as well as misinformation? This lecture will be an interactive experience that will include real-world examples, as the instructor guides participants in verifying the accuracy of content and spotting misinformation. While misinformation has always existed, its power has grown exponentially in recent years. Artificial intelligence (including video, photo and audio generators) now allows those who want to deceive to do that with false content that is high-quality as well as quick and easy to produce by anyone, not just those with technical skills. Through social media, misinformation spreads rapidly, reaching more people than factual news, according to research published in the journal Science.

Sept. 30; Oct. 7, 14

10:30 a.m. – Noon

North Shelby Library

• Sept. 30 — Habitat 101

Michelle Reynolds 

Reynolds, a writer, artist, naturalist and native plant enthusiast, is on a mission to teach people how to put nature back into the urban landscape. She leads native plant garden projects, habitat restoration efforts, and field trips for local and regional organizations. Through her writing, art and programs, she brings public awareness and the importance of creating wildlife habitat, helping them connect to larger ecological issues. 

• Oct. 7 — Natural Farming Practices

Bronson Lubresky, ISA Certified Arborist, Korean NATURAL Farming instructor/PureKNF 

A horticulturist and lifelong nature enthusiast, Lubresky was raised in the Oak Mountain area near Birmingham. His curiosity for the natural world began in childhood, exploring creeks and rocks in the woods, and led him to earn a degree in horticulture from Auburn University. After college, he gained hands-on experience in organic farming and livestock care while living and working on farms in Maui. Today, he lives with his wife on a small farm in Leeds, Alabama, raising chickens and growing vegetables, herbs and fruit trees.

• Oct. 14 — Water Smart Gardening

Laura Bell Cooley, BA University of Virginia, MS Cornell University 

Cooley is a project manager, planner, facilitator and community builder. She provides leadership to initiatives that involve multiple agencies in environmental planning, decision-making, and restoration. She helps facilitate educational training opportunities, often for sectors working in green stormwater infrastructure and watershed planning. Cooley also develops communication strategies to engage the diverse audience that works with the AU Water Resources Center.

Oct. 21 and 28

10:30 a.m. – Noon

North Shelby Library

• Oct. 21 — Understanding Home & Auto Insurance: A Guide for Seniors

Jennifer Caton

Gain a clear understanding of your auto and home insurance policies in this informative course designed for seniors. Learn key terms, how coverage works, how to read a policy and how to handle claims. Empower yourself to make smarter, more confident insurance decisions with real-world examples and expert guidance.

• Oct. 28 — Behind the Scenes in a Medical Office 

Bill Cockrell

Cockrell will share his wisdom from 50 years in the health care industry, mainly for the Baptist Health Centers, as administrator of Cardiovascular Associates, and as an independent consultant in the field. Currently, he is a co-founder and partner in Medical Billing and Consulting Services, LLC, which has been recognized by UAB as a three-time award recipient as a Top 25 Excellence in Business organization. His presentation will go behind the scenes of medical practices from a non-clinical standpoint. Topics to be covered include what services a physician’s office might offer, how fees are established and maintained, and what’s behind all that paperwork a patient fills out.

Oct. 15 and 22

10:30 a.m. – Noon

Vestavia Hills Civic Center

• Oct. 15 — Exercise and Brain Aging: Exploring the Neuroscience of Physical Activity

Dr. Keith M. McGregor, PhD, Associate Professor and Director of Research, Department of Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, UAB

How does physical activity support brain health as we age? In this session, we will explore the emerging neuroscience behind exercise and its effects on cognition, motor control and neuroplasticity. Drawing on recent research in aging, stroke rehabilitation and brain stimulation, our discussion will explore how balance training, aerobic activity, and strength training impact brain structure and function, particularly through changes in neurochemical balance. We will also present practical strategies to support cognitive vitality through movement at any age.

• Oct. 22 — Sound 360

Dr. Lindsey Smith, PhD and Marcus Dunning, LMNT

In this first-of-its-kind offering in Birmingham, we’re elevating the Science of Sound experience through a dynamic collaboration with Marcus Dunning, founder and owner of A Connected Touch Massage in Chelsea, AL, and UAB-trained neuroscientist Dr. Lindsey Smith. Dunning brings years of expertise as a sound healing facilitator, meditation artist and massage therapist, while Dr. Smith brings her expertise in synaptic plasticity, brain rewiring and sound healing facilitation. In this unique class, Dr. Smith will give a brief introduction to the science of sound and its powerful effects on the brain, followed by a 45-minute fully immersive 360 sound bath experience, where both facilitators weave sound collaboratively for an even deeper sound bath meditation experience.  Participants can enjoy the sound bath either sitting or lying comfortably on a yoga mat, if they prefer.