Fall Classes

Mon 9:30-11:30   Nancy Dowling 
Birds Are Amazing:  Learn about bird behavior and physiology through video clips and photos.  How did birds evolve from dinosaurs? How do birds navigate? How do they learn to sing?  No textbook, just bring your curiosity.
Class offered: In Person

Mon 9:30-11:30   Felicia Martin
Understanding Grief and Loss:  In this course we will review what is considered to be “normal" grief as well as the various forms of grief and loss. We will identify tools to help process grief, traumatic loss and setting healthy boundaries. Specific issues around natural disasters, gun violence and loss on the world stage will be discussed. Non-death loss and disenfranchised/ambiguous grief will also be explored.
Class offered: Zoom

Mon 12:00-2:00   Phil Kibort
US Presidential History:  Part one will have three new talks on a) Key advisors of the Presidents b) US Presidents and the Jews, c) Founding Fathers as well as updated talks on d) The Great Wives, e) Mothers and Fathers of Presidents and f) Rankings.
Class offered: Zoom

Mon 2:30-4:30   Leonard Goldstein
The Stock Market, the Economy & Current Events around the World:  This course will explain changes in the stock market and the economy. The Current Events will be International as what happens outside the USA is just as important as what happens inside the USA!
Class offered: Zoom

Mon 2:30-4:30   Shirley Lipner
Dream Interpretation:  Explore the subconscious realm in this dream interpretation class. We will take a deep dive into the fascinating world of dreams, uncovering their hidden meanings and symbolic significance. We will decode symbols, themes and recurring patterns, gaining insight into our deepest desires and fears. Discover the transformative power of understanding and interpreting your dreams in this insightful and enlightening journey. You will need to keep a dream journal for the duration of this course!
Class offered: Zoom

Tue 9:30-11:30   Mark Podrazik
Health Insurance Programs in the US:  This class will review the patchwork that is the health care system in the US. Why are there so many programs? Who is eligible for each program? How do benefits differ, even across states? Areas of focus will include how health care is financed, administered, delivered and paid for, particularly in government-funded programs such as Medicare, Medicaid and the Dept of Defense. Class participants can suggest additional topics to cover in the last class.
Class offered: Zoom

Tue 9:30-11:30   Donald Kagan
Economics in the News:  We will discuss current economic topics in the news so as to understand the truth behind the rhetoric. Please bring in topics that you would like to discuss so we can make it an interactive class.
Class offered: Zoom

Tue 12:00-2:00   Jerry Blatt
Evidence vs. Emotion:  This dynamic class challenges the way we shape our positions on current political, social and economic issues. We examine the objective EVIDENCE from reliable sources and observe the effect of EMOTION in reaching decisions. It's Fact vs Fiction, Head vs Heart, Data vs Opinion, Evidence vs Emotion.
Class offered: Zoom

Tue 12:00-2:00   Larry Hurwitz
Defining Events of WWII:  WW2 has had a major impact on our lives, especially those born during or shortly after the war (aka "baby boomers").  Our course will address the numerous factors which both caused the war, how it was fought and complex aftermath after peace was accomplished.   Discussions will focus on how the shape of our world has been vastly influenced by these events.
Class offered: Zoom

Tue 2:30-4:30   Harold Jacobs
Great Literature:  We will discuss short fiction in The World’s Greatest Short Stories edited by James Daley. The text can be purchased from Amazon (ISBN: 978-0-486-44716-2). This collection features renowned nineteenth-and twentieth-century writers from the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Western Europe, Latin America, Japan, and Russia.  The stories were selected based on the quality of prose, integrity of structure and plot, depth of character, thematic resonance, and profundity. For the first class, participants should be prepared to discuss Guy de Maupassant’s “The Necklace” pp. 31-37.
Class offered: Zoom

Wed 9:30-11:30   Harry Nugent-Patten
Music, Noise, or a Little of Both:  This music appreciation class will be a solution for welcoming non-music majors to the art of listening to great classical music. We’ll place a focus on learning the elements of music, fostering a unique path to listening and understanding. You will achieve this through a step-by-step guidance while learning the elements of music, as well as listening to a number of selections for a better understanding of the musical experience. I will equip you with the language, tools and listening skills required to sustain an enthusiasm for music.
Class offered: In Person

Wed 9:30-11:30   Terry Boyle
Discovering the Literature of Ireland:  Since the latter part of the 19th Century Ireland's literary arts captured the world’s attention.  With the advent of the Gaelic Revival, Ireland established itself as a force within the world of literature.  Since 1923, Ireland has proven its literary prowess with 4 Nobel Prize winners (G.B. Shaw, W.B. Yeats, Samuel Beckett and Seamus Heaney).   In this course, we will trace the development of W. B. Yeats' Literary Society, the formation of the Abbey Theatre, and the influence of modernism on Irish writing.  We will study the works of W.B. Yeats, John Millington Synge, and James Joyce among others.
Class offered: Zoom

Wed 12:00-2:00   Jerry Blatt
Israel’s Turbulent Story-2024:  This year marks Israel’s 76th anniversary - a time when the internal political and legal struggles of this true democracy are becoming more challenging than the never-ending threats from its adversaries. We will cover the war with Hamas, the power struggle with the Supreme Court, the spike in antisemitism, and Israel’s relationship with the US including projects in technology, medicine, climate, weapons systems, and politics.
Class offered: Zoom

Wed 12:00-2:00   George Haas
Conjuring 101 - Magic:  Discover the secrets of magic, from basic card shuffles to mesmerizing tricks. Learn fundamental sleights, misdirection techniques, and build a repertoire of enchanting illusions. Whether you're a novice or a casual enthusiast, this class will empower you to dazzle friends and family with your newfound wizardry. Get ready to shuffle and amaze!
Class offered: In Person

Wed 2:30-4:30   Steve Garfein
Artificial Intelligence:  This future-focused class explores the opportunities and threats of Artificial Intelligence and its ability to learn without human intervention, specifically “Generative Artificial Intelligence”. Topics include the future of electric vehicles, space travel, military systems, workforce implications, education, news and entertainment, chips and data centers, the power grid, and advancements in nuclear power.
Class offered: Zoom

Wed 2:30-4:30   Julie Timmer
How to Write a Novel:  The aim of this course is to provide attendees with the tools and resources to plan and write a novel. Specific topics include: brainstorming story ideas; creating compelling characters with believable arcs; plotting vs “pantsing”; point of view; voice; structure; tension; stakes; making time to write; creating a writing routine; overcoming resistance, self-doubt, and procrastination; research; writers’ conferences; writing blogs, and; writing coaches. Depending on time and class interest, time may also be spent discussing “traditional” publishing vs self-publishing; the role of literary agents; how to research and “query” literary agents, and; self-promotion for traditional or self-published authors.
Class offered: In Person

Thu 9:30-11:30   Adair Fell
Short Story Discussion Group:  This participant-focused class explores new worlds, reflects on familiar ones, and seeks insights from award-winning authors.   In a spirit of inquiry and discovery, we discuss one or two thought-provoking contemporary short stories each week. The class members lead most discussions, and the facilitator provides direction, tools, and support. Story selection will be announced before the term begins.
Class offered: Zoom

Thu 8:45-11:00   Marc Rosen
Be a Better Photographer:  Open to all levels of photographers. Each week, participants will have an opportunity to take and submit photos by email that encourage experimentation with composition, lighting, perspective, etc. Participants can use phones or cameras to take photos. Observers who do not wish to submit photos are also welcome to attend and learn from others.
Class offered: Zoom

Thu 12:00-2:00   Jim Wobig
Drones 101:  Learn about drone use here and worldwide, its history, and what it takes to get better photos or make good money as a commercial drone pilot.
Class offered: Zoom

Thu 12:00-2:00   David George
Reviving America: What Would Our Founders Think of Us Now?:  In 2026, America will be celebrating its 250th birthday. It should be a time for celebration, but it should also be a time for objective reflection. This is a discussion-based course, which will consider to what extent America has [or has not] strayed from the vision of our Founders.  The discussion framework will evolve around a preliminary list of eight [8] core institutions of today's America. Where gaps are identified, ideas will be discussed regrading how to narrow those gaps.
Class offered: In Person

Thu 1:30-4:30   John Curran
Dark Alleys and Dangerous Blondes:  Film Noir is a style of American crime films that evolved over the 1930’s & 40’s into movies that were far more interesting and adult than the gangster stories made in Hollywood in the 30’s.. After WWII, film makers in other countries began to make their own versions of crime stories in this style. Dark Alleys will feature American and foreign noir films during the 2024-2025 LIR class sessions.  As Eddie Muller said, “Film noir knows no boundaries.”
Class offered: Zoom

Thu 2:30-4:30   Marc Rosen
Controversial Issues:  We will discuss and debate contemporary issues that are both controversial and familiar. Brief presentations by the facilitator and class discussion will stimulate fact-based, informative exchanges. The facilitator will ensure that all sides and viewpoints are heard and considered.
Class offered: Zoom

Thu 2:30-4:30   Steve Bluestein
Comedy: Stand-Up & Writing:  Steve Bluestein was on the ground floor of the comedy boom of the 1970’s. In his class COMEDY: STAND-UP & WRITING he will share his experience in that world, starting with the history of comedy in the 70’s; the techniques of stand-up comedy; how to write and edit a joke. This will be Comedy 101 with all aspects of the craft of comedy writing and stand-up to be covered.
Class offered: In Person

Fri 9:30-11:30   Barbara Mudge
Social Media Landscape:  Our next journey through the Social Media Landscape will expand into the history of the internet itself, how networking started, and how social media expanded since then, including during the most recent US elections. The classes will feature a refreshed look at international and Canadian regulations plus an expanded list of films and documentary films to enhance the trip! Join us in learning the basics of how to use social media while we look at both established and emerging applications. The discussion format of our sessions will expand your understanding of our virtual world, offer options for privacy protections, and share useful apps to enhance our lives.
Class offered: Zoom

Fri 9:30-11:30   Larry DeBuhr
Biology of Plants:  Have you ever wondered how plants reproduce, grow, and develop? Plants are producers, they feed the rest of the living world, they are able to convert water and carbon dioxide into living organic material. How can they do that? Learn about the amazing array of adaptations and types of diversity that have fascinated humans throughout our history.
Class offered: Zoom

Fri 12:00-2:00   Harold Ivan Smith
Harry Truman: A Man of our Times:  David McCullough, Truman’s major biographer, contended, “I don’t think we’ll ever know enough about him.” How can an “accidental” president, who left office in 1953 with dismal polls, be now considered one of America’s greatest presidents. What does the Man from Missouri have to say to today’s geopolitical realities? Do we need another Harry Truman?
Class offered: Zoom