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Ocean View Community Center: April 2, 2025 to April 30, 2025
Wednesday at 10:45 AM
Learn insider tips and tricks and how to manage and, actually, enjoy a European vacation. Course covers details of how to get there, traveling by planes, trains, automobiles and vessels. The travel options are endless from hotels and vacation rentals, group tours and freelance options and major and second-tier cities. We discuss customizable itineraries as well as when to go; what to bring; and, probably more important, what not to bring. While Europe is the focus, information is applicable to all trips.
Taught by: Steven Bunoski
Online: March 31, 2025 to April 28, 2025
Monday at 2:30 PM
The aim of this course is to create an awareness about the concepts of online civility and incivility in the age of social media. As humans, we all bond with social norms and values that strengthen our interconnectedness via all channels of communication. This, of course, includes social media. While social norms and values can bind people to people, as well as intercultural communities at large, social media promote collective good manners or “netiquette” based on the principles of online civility.
Taught by: Antoine Laguerre
Ocean View Community Center: March 31, 2025 to April 28, 2025
Monday at 9:00 AM
After America’s Civil War, Texas teemed with over 2 million long horn cattle. The ranchers could get $2 a head in Texas or $40 a head at the rail heads in Kansas. In detail, this class describes how the large cattle drives operated, including the men, cattle, horses and trails. These drives were difficult, dangerous and sometimes violent, yet amazing in accomplishment. This period represents just a few years in history, yet it portrays an iconic image of the west.
Taught by: Ray Glick
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): April 2, 2025 to April 30, 2025
Wednesday at 9:00 AM
The Coast Guard lightships were critical to ocean navigation for all ships at sea. This class covers the history and operations of that service. Lightships also served as early warning weather stations and aided in monitoring water quality. They were required to remain anchored, on their station, regardless of weather conditions, and five of them would be sunk during duty. Many period photographs are used in the class.
Taught by: Ray Glick
Dover (off site walking locations): April 2, 2025 to April 30, 2025
Wednesday at 12:30 PM
Enjoy a guided tour of Dover’s historic downtown while learning about the historic gems of Old Dover. As we visit various sites of interest each week, we discuss the significant role our capital played in the early colonial days of our nation. The first class introduces the history of Dover, our syllabus, locations, proper attire, possible carpooling, and directions for the remaining four weeks of tours. The class tours might include the Archives, the Old State House and the Green.
Taught by: Elizabeth Jelich, Rosemary Engle
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): April 3, 2025 to May 1, 2025
Thursday at 9:00 AM
Dwight Eisenhower was an international hero following World War II. When he was elected president in 1952 the United States was riding a wave of prosperity and international power. This class looks at Eisenhower’s second administration from 1956-1960 and discusses his successes and failures.
Taught by: Thomas Kelly
Ocean View Community Center: March 31, 2025 to April 28, 2025
Monday at 10:45 AM
The Reconstruction Amendments were written and passed in a specific time period, with specific intentions. In more recent times the application of these Amendments has become controversial. We look at why these Amendments were written and place them in the larger context of U.S. history since their adoption.
Taught by: Thomas Kelly
Online: March 31, 2025 to May 5, 2025
Monday at 12:45 PM
Calling adventurous poets! Stretch yourself. Work on honing your craft and help fellow classmates develop theirs. In this six-week online class we write and share two poems, one lyrical and one narrative based on Gerry LaFemina’s book, Composing Poetry: A Guide to Writing Poems and Thinking Lyrically. Sign up for either the Monday or Wednesday online session of this course. Required text: Composing Poetry: A Guide to Writing Poems and Thinking Lyrically by Gerry LaFemina; ISBN: 978-1-4652-9581-1.
Taught by: Betsey Cullen
Online: April 2, 2025 to May 7, 2025
Wednesday at 12:45 PM
Calling adventurous poets! Stretch yourself. Work on honing your craft and help fellow classmates develop theirs. In this six-week online class we write and share two poems one lyrical and one narrative based on Gerry LaFemina’s book, Composing Poetry: A Guide to Writing Poems and Thinking Lyrically. Sign up for either the Monday or Wednesday online session of this course. Required text: Composing Poetry: A Guide to Writing Poems and Thinking Lyrically by Gerry LaFemina; ISBN: 978-1-4652-9581-1.
Taught by: Betsey Cullen
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): April 2, 2025 to April 30, 2025
Wednesday at 1:00 PM
A hands-on class for experienced weavers to work independently creating baskets of their choosing while learning new techniques and chatting with other weavers. The instructors are available to help with the weaving process and questions. Students may bring their own basket and supplies to class, or the instructors can guide the students in selecting and purchasing basket kits and/or supplies to be made in class. Weavers pay for ordered supplies at cost. There is a materials fee for this course.
Taught by: Karen Schaub, Harriett Smith, Maurice McGrath
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): April 3, 2025 to May 1, 2025
Thursday at 1:00 PM
This course proposal outlines a comprehensive beginner’s landscape acrylic painting class, designed for students to build on the fundamental skills learned in the Beginner’s Acrylic painting class and the techniques necessary for creating expressive landscape artwork. The class provides a supportive and inspiring environment for students to explore their creativity and continue to develop their painting skills. Prerequisite: Beginner’s Acrylic.
Taught by: Joseph Vescio, Barry Moshinski
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): April 1, 2025 to April 29, 2025
Tuesday at 9:00 AM
If you have made greeting cards before and want to take it to the next level, this class is for you. Let’s take the basic skills from Card Making for Beginners and bump it up a little. Learn some new techniques while having fun. There is a small weekly fee to cover these card-making supplies, payable to instructor.
Taught by: Karen Schaub
Wilmington (off site, 310 Kiamenski Road): April 3, 2025 to May 1, 2025
Thursday at 12:30 PM
Have fun with bookmaking in this five-part series. First, explore Japanese stab binding with a 4-hole sewn binding, then building on what we learn, advance on to one to three traditional and much more intricate binding styles. Class then makes an accordion and star book. These are great for your own journaling or fantastic as gifts. Class is offered in partnership with The Art Studio, the arts education center of New Castle Countys Department of Community Services, located at 310 Kiamenski Road, Wilmington, DE 19804. Additional fee: Please note that this course requires an additional fee of $95. Participants receive a payment link from OLLI prior to the first class. There is also an additional $25 material fee due to the instructor at the first class.
Taught by: Katherine Lecocq, Nicole Sexton
Ocean View Community Center: April 2, 2025 to April 30, 2025
Wednesday at 10:45 AM
This course teaches techniques to produce lovely cards to lift spirits and celebrate all occasions. Most tools and supplies are provided. Additional fee: Materials fee of $15, payable to instructor.
Taught by: Charlene Jehle
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): March 31, 2025 to April 28, 2025
Monday at 10:45 AM
In this course we learn about the initial steps to smocking, including preparing the fabric to pleat either by hand or through a pleater. Course also covers pleating and smocking a sampler with basic stitches.
Taught by: Amparo Sanchez-Sarmiento
Online: April 2, 2025 to April 30, 2025
Wednesday at 10:45 AM
This class is for students who have experience in watercolor or have taken the Beginner and Beyond Beginner Watercolor classes. We take the study of value in composition further, learn basic drawing methods and focus on painting simple still lifes from life. Supply list is provided for students to purchase before class starts. Offered in partnership with The Art Studio, the arts education center of New Castle County’s Department of Community Services. Additional fee: $45 fee, payable to instructor.
Taught by: Karen Berstler, Nicole Sexton
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): April 2, 2025 to April 30, 2025
Wednesday at 12:45 PM
The origin or meaning of mandala in Sanskrit is “circle,” and by extension, sphere, community and world. Traditionally a mandala is a geometric design or pattern focused on radial symmetry, like a bicycle wheel or pizza! Mandalas are drawn from the center out and surrounded by beautiful patterns and decorations. A mandala can symbolize everything in life that is interconnected. Additional fee: $20, payable to instructor.
Taught by: Gabrielle Bradley
Dover (Wyoming Church): April 3, 2025 to May 1, 2025
Thursday at 9:00 AM
This historical novel focuses of the life of Frances Perkins, the first woman to serve as a presidential cabinet secretary. It also delves into the complex relationship between Ms. Perkins and Franklin Delano Roosevelt. It also allows us to discuss the history the labor movement, the Social Security Act and labor safety regulations in the first half of the 20th century. Required text: Becoming Madame Secretary, Stephanie Dray, ISBN 9780593437056.
Taught by: Bobbi Neaton
Online: April 2, 2025 to April 30, 2025
Wednesday at 12:45 PM
This historical novel focuses of the life of Frances Perkins, the first woman to serve as a presidential cabinet secretary. It also delves into the complex relationship between Ms. Perkins and Franklin Delano Roosevelt. It also allows us to discuss the history the labor movement, the Social Security Act and labor safety regulations in the first half of the 20th century. Required text: Becoming Madame Secretary, Stephanie Dray, ISBN 9780593437056.
Taught by: Bobbi Neaton
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): March 31, 2025 to April 28, 2025
Monday at 10:45 AM
The biological processes that determine how our bodies age has become a major area of research. We review the current science, as summarized in Dr. Michael Greger’s recent book, How Not To Age, and ideas that we can use to slow the processes of aging and remain healthier for longer.
Taught by: Reid Kellogg, Linda Kellogg
Ocean View Community Center: March 31, 2025 to April 28, 2025
Monday at 2:30 PM
An island tour! Discover why Hawaii, the most isolated archipelago in the world, is so unique from an evolutionary point of view with its many endemic plant and animal species. We discuss how the arrival of people, from the first Polynesians to the many cultures that followed, altered the islands forever, for better or worse. Our pictorial exploration takes us from the top of the mountains to under the water and from the crater of an active volcano to some incredibly inviting beaches.
Taught by: Jack Bartley
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): April 3, 2025 to May 1, 2025
Thursday at 9:00 AM
Knowledgeable guest speakers present lectures on timely and interesting topics across a broad spectrum followed by a lively discussion.
Taught by: Laura McGrew, Carol Disabatino
Online: April 4, 2025 to May 2, 2025
Friday at 9:00 AM
This course provides tactical tools and techniques to broaden participants’ knowledge of the philanthropic sector, and to encourage their exploration of the role of philanthropy (time, talent and/or treasure) in their lives. We explore the role of philanthropy in the U.S. nonprofit sector, intentional philanthropy (what inspires you to give), selecting charitable causes and organizations to support, due-diligence tips, your legacy and an overview of common charitable tools.
Taught by: Beth Harper Briglia
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): April 1, 2025 to April 29, 2025
Tuesday at 9:30 AM
The intermediate class builds off the skills learned in the beginner bridge class. Students learn three conventions: Jacoby transfer and Stayman for no-trump bids along with “weak twos.” We also cover scorekeeping for party bridge (contract bridge) to include under tricks, over tricks and vulnerable. If time allows, we cover “double” as a bid strategy. Prerequisite: Beginner bridge class or basic bridge knowledge.
Taught by: Catherine Kennedy
Ocean View Community Center: April 2, 2025 to April 30, 2025
Wednesday at 1:00 PM
National Mah Jongg League hands and rules. Improve your game with 300 point pie support, strategies and solutions offered during play. Designed for players who already know, or once knew, the basics of the game. Prerequisite: Knowledge of basic Mah Jongg play.
Taught by: Carol West
Online: March 31, 2025 to April 28, 2025
Monday at 9:00 AM
As spring arrives, let’s get some inspiration for our gardens from wonderful examples from around the globe! We study historical, mythical, exotic, modern and, perhaps, even cutting-edge gardens. What were the inspirations, intentions, even obsessions of the designers, and what were the special features that they incorporated? This class is a visual feast for the eye and a temptation for the garden budget. Each week focuses on a different region and historical period. Lectures are presented in PowerPoint, and discussion is encouraged.
Taught by: Melanie Moser
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): April 2, 2025 to April 30, 2025
Wednesday at 9:00 AM
Join our class for a discussion of at least eight TED Talks (some previously shown, some brand new), along with some challenging and some easy trivia questions each week, for prizes! Your participation is necessary to make this class interesting and fun!
Taught by: Carolyn Stankiewicz
Online: March 26, 2025 to April 30, 2025
Wednesday at 2:30 PM
Are you feeling challenged with friends and family members on difficult topics and looking for effective ways to communicate with those you care about? This course introduces participants to strategies and techniques used in difficult conversations and situations. The course format is non-lecture, employing experiential exercises from the Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) and Nonviolent Communications. The two instructors are highly experienced facilitators in the field.
Taught by: Rick Grier-Reynolds, Joseph Anastasio
Dover (Wyoming Church): April 3, 2025 to May 1, 2025
Thursday at 2:30 PM
There are 16 basic personality types. Getting to know these personality types helps us know and understand the people we live, play and work with. This understanding can help us build our and others’ self-esteem by not tearing down ourselves or others. Understanding personality types helps us appreciate the gifts we and others bring to relationships.
Taught by: Rita Myers
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): March 31, 2025 to April 28, 2025
Monday at 10:45 AM
Join us to play Canasta! We use the rules for Modern American Canasta. No instruction is given on how to play the game. (Please see Canasta for Beginners, offered during the first five-week session.) Beginners who learned the game during that class are encouraged to join us! Join us and see why interest in this game continues to grow each year!
Taught by: Gerri Sanchez, Karen Jester, Al Sanchez
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): April 4, 2025 to May 2, 2025
Friday at 12:45 PM
A writing group focused on compiling family histories in narrative form. Participants share works in progress and exchange ideas. Short, optional, writing assignments offer fresh opportunities to explore and research our families. Open to all, especially beginners.
Taught by: Diane Senerth, Susan Kirk Ryan
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): March 31, 2025 to April 28, 2025
Monday at 2:30 PM
The campus trees have been measured and identified. We continue to learn about the Wilmington campus, its trees, and arboreal practices. We have both indoor and outdoor activities to continue our tree stewardship. In addition to enjoying our trees, we enjoy spending time with others who enjoy trees.
Taught by: Jim Hainer, Hanna Zyruk, Ann Hapka
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): April 1, 2025 to April 29, 2025
Tuesday at 2:30 PM
Through in-depth discussion, learn and share ideas about the ways in which you can promote sustainability and build a better environment and community for both yourself and your Sussex County neighbors. Topics include tackling food waste, composting, clean energy options and mitigating pollution.
Taught by: Teresa Ripley
Rehoboth Beach Public Library: April 1, 2025 to April 29, 2025
Tuesday at 10:45 AM
This class is designed for those interested in learning the basic steps and movements of this elegant, historic form of dancing. Students receive a list of the dances we perform,along with the steps and video links. Please bring a water bottle and wear flat shoes.
Taught by: Paul Smith
Dover (Wyoming Church): April 3, 2025 to May 1, 2025
Thursday at 9:00 AM
This course examines films with a moral to the story, such as Mr. Holland’s Opus and To Kill a Mockingbird.
Taught by: Patrick Weaver
Online: April 4, 2025 to May 2, 2025
Friday at 2:30 PM
A hands-on workshop where we put into practice what we’ve learned in part one (CP236) of this course, working together to get instruments connected and online, with the ultimate goal of playing together and with others online. To fully participate, students need an audio interface, computer and microphone (covered in part one). Observers also welcome. We play on three different platforms and learn about and participate in the online music community. There’s also the possibility to optionally (no pressure) perform live on YouTube if we have enough musicians and can agree on a piece.
Taught by: Ellen Sherin, Paul Sherin
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): April 2, 2025 to April 30, 2025
Wednesday at 2:30 PM
Learn basics of magic with cards, money, mentalism and more. Students receive written instructions for each routine and have a chance to perform. Required materials: New deck of cards.
Taught by: Mitchell Kaplan
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): April 4, 2025 to May 2, 2025
Friday at 10:45 AM
Explore and experience the music written for the trumpet by listening to recordings, performing music and enjoying guest artists present a master class/recital.
Taught by: Jeff Phillips, Jerry Goldman
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): April 1, 2025 to April 29, 2025
Tuesday at 10:45 AM
Every American has a constitutionally protected right to lobby, which nevertheless can be a divisive topic among those in favor and those opposed. This class is a first step in understanding your right to petition the government for redress of grievances. We focus on lobbying that happens from the ground up i.e., grassroots, reviewing examples to see what worked and what didnt, and ask you to deliver a grassroots message to decision-makers affecting your community. This course is intended to inform and educate attendees about the process of grassroots lobbying using a neutral approach. Our materials and discussions neither support nor disparage any specific views or individuals.
Taught by: Barry Levy
Online: April 2, 2025 to April 30, 2025
Thursday at 2:30 PM
How do you make retirement as amazing as you want it to be? This course guides you through a simple, systematic process of thinking strategically about who you are, and how you spend both your time and money.
Taught by: Leonard Hayduchok
The number of sessions and end date of this class have changed since catalog production.
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): April 3, 2025 to May 8, 2025
Thursday at 12:30 PM
It’s showtime! Using video and audio clips, this class examines the works of legendary Broadway composer/lyricists Stephen Sondheim and Jerry Herman, the award-winning composer and lyricist team of John Kander and Fred Ebb and two versatile composers, Cy Coleman and Jule Styne, who worked in various styles with a variety of lyricists over their long careers.
Taught by: Thomas Powderly
The number of sessions and dates of this class have changed since catalog production.
Online: April 4, 2025 to May 2, 2025
Friday at 12:45 PM
This course covers finding written and audio music online and using music notation software to edit music, practice and read music directly (no more paper!). Students also learn how to manage and share a music library. Software includes forScore and MuseScore; websites include Google Drive, Dropbox, Microsoft OneDrive, MakeMusic Cloud (aka SmartMusic) and YouTube. We also discuss playing live music online with others.
Taught by: Ellen Sherin
This class has been canceled for the semester.
Ocean View Community Center: April 2, 2025 to April 30, 2025
Wednesday at 12:45 PM
If you fear talking in front of an audience, a small group or even one-on-one during a stressful conversation, take this class to prepare yourself! Feeling overwhelmed as you face the prospect of giving a short speech for a special occasion, a wedding toast, baptism, or special party? Do you need a speech for a tribute or eulogy for a loved one? How can you be ready to get up in front of people to give an impromptu talk? This class can help prepare you to talk under stressful situations.
Taught by: Cezarina Cornejo Alzona
This class has been canceled for the spring semester.
Online: April 1, 2025 to April 29, 2025
Tuesday at 12:45 PM
Mac OS 15 Sequoia was released in late 2024 with many improvements as well as intriguing new features. Sequoia also introduces Apple Intelligence, Apple’s own special implementation of Generative AI (artificial intelligence). This five-week lecture-based online course provides an overview consisting mostly of live and video demonstrations. While basic familiarity with the operation of a Mac is required, having Sequoia installed on your Mac is not required. Only Mac OS 15 is covered.
Taught by: Sandro Cuccia
The start and end time of this class has changed since catalog production.
Newark (501 S. College Ave.): March 31, 2025 to May 5, 2025
Monday at 10:45 AM
This course is for users of Mac computers. The lectures provide an overview of the many facets of Photos, including what Photos is, how to get images into Photos, how to organize images, how to improve those images, as well as show the various ways to share those images with others by preparing slideshows and books. The course includes demonstrations that illustrate the topics covered. Prerequisite: Familiarity with Mac computers.
Taught by: Gerald Hapka
This class is canceled for the semester.
Dover (off site Camden/Wyoming area): April 3, 2025 to May 1, 2025
Thursday at 12:45 PM
Enjoy learning about plants on easy, fun walks that we take in the Dover/Camden Wyoming area. We discuss the names and intriguing features of the trees, shrubs and wildflowers we encounter. These walks are in mostly different areas from previous semesters. The first class meets at Wyoming Church. (Please dress to walk outside and around the church.) Students are advised where to meet for the other four classes.
Taught by: Susan Yost
This class has been added since catalog production.
Wilmington: March 31, 2025 to April 28, 2025
Monday at 2:30 PM
This class explores how allergies, asthma and skin conditions affect the body and helps students identify triggers, manage symptoms and handle emergency situations, such as anaphylaxis. The class reveals tools that can enhance quality of life and help patients effectively communicate with healthcare providers, while providing an engaging and supportive learning environment.
Taught by: Robert Perin
Online: April 3, 2025 to May 1, 2025
Thursday at 9:00 AM
Estate planning organizes your affairs to accomplish long range goals for yourself and your family. We explore the three stages of estate planning, clarify the role of a power of attorney, unravel the probate process and explain the use of trusts to avoid probate. This class also covers personal property memorandums, jointly owned assets and appropriate beneficiary designations as well as the ethics surrounding asset protection planning.
Taught by: Michele Procino-Wells
The course number of this class has changed since catalog production.
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): April 2, 2025 to April 30, 2025
Wednesday at 12:45 PM
Great investors rely on their interpretations of recent and distant history to shape their decisions. Of course they care about the present and the future, but they often extrapolate from the past. We examine the historical insights of three legends: George Soros, Robert Shiller, and Ray Dalio.
Taught by: Robert Hampel
This class has been added since catalog production.
Online: April 2, 2025 to April 30, 2025
Wednesday at 6:30 PM
This course on investing basics is for everyone, from those starting their careers to those nearing retirement or retired. We review the basics of how wealth is built and discuss investing using various asset classes and vehicles such as stocks, funds (both ETFs and mutual funds) and bonds. We also discuss the importance of an investment plan to achieve goals, and how various asset classes may be appropriate based on your plan horizon and goals. Charts are posted on a class website and students will have access to charts for the duration of the 5-week course. Each class includes a lecture by the instructor and time for questions and discussion.
Taught by: Rajeev Vaidya
Ocean View Community Center: March 31, 2025 to April 28, 2025
Monday at 12:45 PM
Our world continues to evolve; your financial plan and investments should as well. A financial plan should be a living/breathing document, updated regularly for taxes, inflation and more.The markets are bigger than ever, with more choices. Does buy and hold still work? What about AI and bitcoin are they good options for a retiree? Who’s more impactful, the Fed or Treasury? This class is for all interested in the markets and investment planning, but we discuss advanced concepts as well.
Taught by: Michael Loftus
This class has been added since catalog production.
Wilmington: April 4, 2025 to May 2, 2025
Friday at 12:45 PM
Become a storyteller and performer as you learn how to create A STAGED SLICE OF LIFE THROUGH SLAM POETRY.
Taught by: Arlene Bowman
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the University of Delaware
OLLI is an academic cooperative for adults 50 and over to enjoy classes, teach, exchange ideas and socialize together, with no exams or educational requirements for participation. OLLI welcomes you.
Kent/Sussex | Wilmington