Community Ed offers talks on world issues

New fall series brings cultural arts programs and tragedy lectures.

By: Casha Caponegro
   This fall’s session of the Cranbury Community Education program will engage and enlighten all who attend with new cultural art programs and four "World Dialogue" lectures dealing with our nation’s recent terrorist crisis.
   Anyone interested in being a part of these sessions should register by Friday, Oct. 12.
   Creating this fall’s series the day after the terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington, D.C., co-directors of the Community Education program, Sue Leson and Marty Haden, decided to include a program for community members to voice their opinions on the recent tragedy.
   "Participating in a live educational event is an important opportunity for people to have their questions answered," said Ms. Leson. "Dialogue is critical at a time like this."
   The "World Dialogue" section of the program is comprised of four round-table discussions, each moderated by an leading expert in the field of its subject.
   "These topics are so relevant that the moderators are not asking for a fee," said Ms. Leson.
   The subjects of these discussions are: "What Is Islam?" with founding member of the Islamic Society of Central N.J. Abdel Riad Rehim on Oct. 28, "Peace Action and Patriotism" with Executive Director of the Peace Action Coalition the Rev. Robert Moore on Nov. 4, "Fighting Terrorism: Root Causes and Cures" with Professor Frederick Barton of Princeton University on Nov. 14 and "The Rise of Fundamentalism" with Dr. Charles Ryerson of the Princeton Theological Seminary on Nov. 18.
   "These sessions will educate us by taking a more international view of the situation," said Ms. Leson. "It will give us an opportunity as a community to hear each other’s voices, giving a greater understanding amongst ourselves about who we are and what our position as a country is in the world."
   These discussions are free to anyone wishing to attend. Although prior registration for these sessions is not required, the organizers would like to know how many people will attend so they may be able to make the necessary preparations.
   In addition, the Community Education program will also offer cultural arts courses including: Essential Indian Cuisine; Studio Painting; Sew Like a Professional; Tai Chi: The Moving Meditation; Weight Loss: Facts and Fallacies; and Reflexology.
   Many courses have more than one session. A fee is required for each of these programs, ranging from $10 to $75.
   Anyone interested in attending the Community Education programs can register by calling (609) 395-1700, ext. 409.
   Registration can be done in person at the Cranbury Public Library on Oct. 11 from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. The deadline for mailed applications is Oct. 12.
   Brochures, which were mailed to all Cranbury residences, are available at the library, Town Hall or Cranbury School.