Enrichment Classes Come to Bethesda in May

Make friends with the neighbors while learning how to grow a garden in a pot, create a slideshow or analyze handwriting at Live and Learn Bethesda, a community enrichment program coming to the in May.

Residents can meet the instructors and sign up for classes at the grand opening on Saturday.

"This gives the various neighbors and families a place to make connections and share interests and enrich themselves in a wide variety of classes and lectures," said Beverly Press Amsterdam, founder and executive director of Live and Learn Bethesda.

The program’s spring and summer catalog lists more than 70 evening, weekend and daytime classes, ranging from one-session art talks to nine-session Zumba workouts. The courses begin in May and cost from $5 to $112. Some classes, like laughter exercises and behind-the-scenes recycling, are free.

The instructors are local doctors, lecturers and certified fitness coaches—experts excited to teach the community new skills, Amsterdam said. They include Beverley East, a master graphologist who analyzes handwriting for legal cases. East will teach her students how to reveal a person’s mental processes through their signature in a $10 Wednesday night class.

"We have so many talented, wonderful people around here and I just can’t wait to introduce everybody," Amsterdam said. "I can’t wait to take these classes too."

Amsterdam worked 40 years building health programs in hospitals and is especially excited about the wellness classes. A podiatrist will teach an $8 course called "The Agony of DeFeet," on how to diagnose and treat common foot problems. There is a class on sleeping for success, one on healthy eating and a two-session course that delves into diabetes management.

"We will have history, healthy living, self improvement, music, art, literature, computers, science, fun things, lots of laughs," Amsterdam said. "I want to enrich the community."

The grand opening Saturday runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the and includes free entertainment and refreshments. Download the class schedule at www.liveandlearnbethesda.org.