Hopkins Community Education

This introductory course to American Mah Jongg will teach you everything we’ve learned to love about the wonderful world of “MAHJ” - the snacks, the chat, and, of course the game! In this four-part series you will learn the basics, be able to ask questions, and get plenty of practice. Soon you will master this exciting and challenging game of skill, strategy and luck. Mah Jongg is an excellent way to bond with family and friends, create community, and keep you quick on your toes! No equipment needed, just come pull up a chair and join us!

Whether you need to make a dull work presentation more lively, mix laughter with learning in the classroom, or ultimately want to write for print/production or perform your own stand up routine, this fast-paced session will show you how to apply humor to all aspects of your life. You will learn the anatomy a joke, how to use your powers of observation to sharpen your wit, write different types of jokes, and use humor to entertain and influence people. Informative handouts for future use are included in class fee. The instructor LeeAnne Krusemark is a former stand-up comedian at places like The Laugh Factory in Hollywood, current author and editor, and a nationwide Professor of Publishing at higher learning institutions, including Harvard Adult Education. The webinar login information will be emailed the day before class.

Romance is the #1 selling fiction genre. Whether you're a new or experienced writer, this comprehensive session will help you sharpen your skills with practical step-by-step advice. You will discover the different romance sub-genres and understand the proven romance formula. You will also learn to create a unique setting, introduce your protagonist (lead character), percolate friction, and write relatable dialogue as well as intimate scenes. Publishing options will also be discussed. Informative handouts for future use are included in class fee. The instructor LeeAnne Krusemark is a former journalist, current author and editor, and a nationwide Professor of Publishing at higher learning institutions, including Harvard Adult Education. The webinar login information will be emailed the day before class.

You don’t need to be famous to have a legacy to leave behind. Create an inspirational autobiography for family, friends, and others. Learn how to recall vivid memories, analyze events and people that shaped who you are, and bring your story to life. Your handout, included in the class fee, will have an outline to help you organize and write your memoir step-by-step. Printing/publishing options will also discussed. The instructor LeeAnne Krusemark is a former journalist, current author and editor, and a nationwide Professor of Publishing at higher learning institutions, including Harvard Adult Education. The webinar login information will be emailed the day before class.

How about a fun night of Mah Jongg?! We are gathering players for an easy “meet up” of casual Mahj play with the option of getting a some additional coaching from instructor, Abbe Blacker, who will be on hand to make strategic, winning suggestions to you during the games. Mah Jongg is an excellent way to bond with family and friends, create community and keep you quick on your toes! Please join us! *Note: Participants should have at least a basic understanding of the mechanics of the game. Although there will be an instructor on hand to help provide players with assistance as needed, this is not a beginner’s class.

*NEW* Write Your First Novel (in 90 Days!) This intensive course provides a schedule of crafting a novel from start to finish, which you can finish in as little as 90 days! This class will also help you stay motivated throughout the journey. You will learn how to: select your novel genre and develop a compelling premise create multidimensional characters and immersive settings craft a detailed plot outline manage your time to keep your writing flow consistent combat common roadblocks including writer’s block master the art of self-editing: refining your plot, and fixing pacing, dialogue, and characterization problems.

Become a mystery writer for fun or profit! You will discover the different sub-genres and three-act story structure of mystery writing and create an intriguing cast of characters. Learn how to research and pick your setting, make sure your opening grabs readers’ attention, use “red herrings” to misdirect your readers and create suspense until you’re ready for the final reveal. Publishing options will also be discussed. Informative handouts for future use are included in class fee. The instructor LeeAnne Krusemark is a former journalist, current author and editor, and a nationwide Professor of Publishing at higher learning institutions, including Harvard Adult Education. The webinar login information will be emailed the day before class.