Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

OLLI expanding to Bridgeville

Heritage Shores, Bridgeville, Del.

The University of Delaware’s popular educational program for individuals aged 50+ will expand to Bridgeville, Del., for the upcoming fall semester.

For the first time, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) classes will be offered at the Heritage Shores Clubhouse, 1 Heritage Circle, Bridgeville, beginning September 4.

With a record offering of over 170 classes planned for Bridgeville, Lewes, Ocean View and Dover this fall, the OLLI courses at Heritage Shores will add to the educational opportunities for residents in western Sussex County and nearby Maryland.

A total of seven classes will be offered at Heritage Shores, with topics like building your own website, all about Google, drawing, flying drones, essential oils and Alexander Hamilton – the man and the musical.

A special Delaware history and culture class will feature weekly guest experts speaking on Delaware’s historical markers, the Delaware poultry industry, Delaware’s prehistoric people, the Amish in Delaware, and Delaware River history.

OLLI is a membership-based cooperative organization where adults 50 and over can enjoy classes, teach, exchange ideas, and travel together. Instructors teach subjects they love to students who are there for the love of learning. The University of Delaware offers OLLI programs in Wilmington, Dover, Lewes and Ocean View. 

Classes at Heritage Shores will meet on Wednesdays this fall in the Heritage Shores Clubhouse:

  • Everything Google: An Introduction
    Sept. 4–Oct. 2 (Wednesdays, 9-10:30 a.m.)
    Participants will gain a basic understanding for using Google’s online tools including Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides and Forms through a hands-on teaching approach. They will use their own laptops to create work that addresses their personal or professional needs and interests. Students must provide their own internet-capable laptop.
              Taught by Ed Cofino, a longtime teacher, K-12 instructional coordinator and college adjunct instructor with extensive experience providing instruction on all aspects of technology to students, teachers, administrators and parents. 
  • Create Your Own Website With Google 
    Oct. 9–Nov. 6 (Wednesdays, 9-10:30 a.m.)
    Participants will learn how to create and maintain their own website, which addresses their personal or professional needs and interests, using Google Sites through a hands-on teaching approach. Students must provide their own internet-capable laptop.
              Also taught by Ed Cofino.  
  • Hamilton: The Man and the Musical 
    Sept. 4–Nov. 6 (Wednesdays, 10:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m.)
    This class examines the remarkable life and public career of Alexander Hamilton, until recent years the most forgotten of our “founding fathers.” His story is brought to life and enriched by enjoying the words and music of the current Broadway sensation and discussing how it both illuminates and distorts history.
              Taught by Dan Pritchett, a longtime teacher in Delaware’s Capital School District, where he taught American history for 34 years. He received a B.S. in social studies education from Concord College and an M.A. in American history from the University of Delaware. 
  • Drawing Realistically 
    Sept. 4–Oct. 2 (Wednesdays, 1:30-3 p.m.)
    This course explores basic drawing techniques to use line, shading and depth to create realistic images. We use regular pencils but also receive instructions and demonstrations on color pencil blending. Students will draw from both a still life setup as well as their own photographs. A supply list will be provided.
              Taught by Peter Paul Lividini, a certified art teacher and art therapist/art psychotherapist. He taught studio art in Harrison, New York, and art education at Mercy College, New York. He has been drawing and painting professionally for many years as well as doing commissioned portraits and gallery work. His art is concentrated in photorealistic drawings and paintings. His work is in private collections in the U.S., Europe and Japan and exhibited in several museums. 
  • Delawhere?
    Oct. 9–Nov. 6 (Wednesdays, 1:30-3 p.m.)
    Each week a speaker will present an aspect of Delaware’s culture, history, environment and government:

    • October 9 – Lana McAra, Delaware Amish
    • October 16 – Katie Hall, Historical Markers in Delaware
    • October 23 – Georgie Cartanza, Poultry Industry
    • October 30 – John McCarthy, Prehistoric People of Delaware
    • November 6 – Gary Letcher, A Historic Cruise Down the Delaware River
  • Drones—Know Before You Fly! 
    Sept. 4–Oct. 2 (Wednesdays, 3:15-4:45 p.m.)
    This course is designed for recreational drone users and provides them with the information and guidance needed to fly safely and responsibly. It’s a preview to the next generation of aeronautics, which is a critical, fast-growing part of American aviation, increasing efficiency, productivity and jobs.
              Taught by E.W. Faircloth, an FAA certified remote pilot and retired photojournalist, incorporates his photographic expertise into various forms of drone imagery, including real estate documentation and design. Sharing his knowledge and skills, acquired and transitioned over 40 years, has been one of his passions. 
  • Essential Oil Use
    Oct. 9-30 (Wednesdays, 3:15-4:45 p.m.)
    We will learn all about using essential oils for your health and wellness. Discover how to incorporate them into your daily routine and create a healthy home. Course also covers the chemistry of oils and how to become a DIY master at making your own essential oil products.
              Instructor Nina Backes has been using and teaching safe essential oil use for over three years, having attended multiple training sessions for various ways to use essential oils and why and how they work for all body systems to promote health and wellness.

The $175 membership fee for the fall semester includes unlimited registration in all Kent and Sussex County OLLI courses offered this fall, with partial scholarships available. Registration for fall courses will be available in early July.

For more details, you are invited to join the mailing list and request a catalog, or contact the OLLI program at olli-kent-sussex@udel .edu or 302-645-4111.