PEAKS Classes at University of North Georgia

PEAKS Class Schedule

This is a University-Community Collaboration. Life Stories & Topics of Interest for Adults 55+

Every Thursday

Classes are Free

Casual Event


Thursday, February 22nd - 2:30

Mindfulness & History of Self

One's historical self is the accumulation of everything that has happened to you since you came into existence until this very moment. Basically, it is who you are at this moment. In practicing mindful living in everyday life, one's historical self- influences the practice. This presentation discusses these influences by looking at the nature of the relationship between mindfulness and the historical self. A brief summary of the two previous mindfulness presentations will be included to tie it all together.

Presented by: John Charping

Thursday, February 29th - 2:30

Hiking & Backpacking in North Georgia & Beyond

There are wonderful hiking trails in the North Georgia Mountains and beyond! If you've ever wanted to learn about hiking and backpacking, this class is for you. Participants will learn about safe trails for hiking in Georgia. Sharon Brewer will discuss how to be prepared for a longer hike as she shares her hiking and backpacking experiences. Adventure and enjoying the outdoors are things you can do at any age!

Presented by: Sharon Brewer

Thursday, March 7th - 2:30 pm

Learning to Thrive in Retirement

In this session, we will welcome Fritz Gilbert to help participants learn how to achieve a great retirement. Fritz has an award-winning blog and has written a book titled “Keys to a Successful Retirement: Staying Happy, Active, & Productive in Your Retirement Years” that focuses on the transition to retirement. For his presentation Fritz will be using the Lewis & Clark expedition as a metaphor, this presentation examines the steps Lewis & Clark took to successfully reach the Pacific Ocean and compares them to the steps you should consider in your own discovery of retirement. Join us for this session to discover a different way to learn how to thrive in retirement!

Presented by: Fritz Gilbert

Thursday, March 14th - 2:30 pm

The Appalachia Georgia Friends of the Bears

The Appalachia Georgia Friends of the Bears' mission is to reduce Human-Bear Conflict through proactive educational outreach programs, increase public awareness about coexisting with Black Bears, the use of humane bear deterrents, and advocacy. Join us for this informational session about Black Bears!

Presented by: Gerald Hodge

Thursday, March 21st - 2:30 pm

The History of the Copper Company

The Tennessee Copper Company, owned the majority of the mining operations in the Copper Basin, built a smelter at Copperhill and started developing the Burra Burra Mine in Ducktown. Over time, this mine would surpass all others in the area in terms of productivity. Come to this session to learn from Richard Jabaley, a local for 87 years in Copperhill, as he shares about the history of the Copper Company. He will share about everything that the Copper Company did in the community. Join us for this informational session!

Presented by: Richard Jabaley

Thursday, March 28th - 2:30 pm

Northwest Georgia Area Agency on Aging

Designated by the Georgia Department of Human Resources, the Area Agency on Aging coordinates programs and services designed to assist older Georgians in their desire to live in the community instead of a long-term facility. At your Area Agency on Aging, our number one concern is the health and well-being of seniors and elderly citizens of Georgia. In this session, participants will learn about the Area Agency on Aging.

Presented by: Lynne Reeves & Lindsay Wilson

Thursday, April 4th - 2:30 pm

The Legacy of Mercier Orchards

Mercier Orchards was founded in 1943 by Bill and Adele Mercier. It continues to be a family and veteran-owned apple orchard, now in the 3rd generation of the Mercier Family. Participants will meet and learn about Mercier Orchards from Tim Mercier in this session. The history of the orchard will be shared, what is harvested, the activities held there, the bakery & market, and their farm winery. Participants may leave this session wanting to take a trip to Mercier Orchards! You do not want to miss this opportunity!

Presented by: Tim Mercier

Thursday, April 11th - 2:30 pm

All About Birds

The Blue Ridge Bird Seed Company has served the community's bird enthusiasts for 18 years. Owner of Blue Ridge Bird Seed Company Jaime Davis will instruct attendees about birds in this session and how to feed them properly. The discussion will cover a wide range of bird-related themes, such as using appropriate bird feeders and bird feeding methods, bird identification, and how to avoid bears. Bring your curiosity and questions to this session!

Presented by: Jaime Davis

Thursday, April 18th - 2:30 pm

What Every Doctor Has in Their Medicine Cabinet

Have you ever wondered what essential items a doctor has in their cabinet? Join us for this session to find out! Dave Rearick will share with participants specific medicines that everyone should consider keeping in their medicine cabinet. It is best always to be prepared for headaches, colds, allergies, rashes, or injuries. Bring a notebook and some questions to this session!

Presented by: Dave Rearick

Thursday, April 25th - 2:30 pm

The Challenge of Understanding Artificial Intelligence & the Human Brain

This presentation and discussion will explain the nature of Artificial Intelligence on the internet, in businesses, in perceptions (such as seeing, hearing, and touching), and at work in the world around us. We will explore the kinds of “generative AI” available and their potential usefulness. Some important cautionary notes about using AI-generated services and products we may encounter will be identified. We will also describe our exclusive human brain functions that demonstrate thelimitations of existing and near-future AI creations. Our exclusive brains’ chatterboxes, how they work, and occasional shadow behaviors will be reviewed along with tune-up suggestions. Participants will be expected to ask questions, provide points of view, and share in the conversations about Artificial Intelligence and our brains.

Presented by: Bill Furtwengler