2025 FALL CATALOG
The Calendar and Mail-In Registration Page are available online as separate files for easy printing.
Summer Greetings Lifelong Learners,
I sincerely hope you are enjoying a great summer with family and friends at home or wherever you’ve traveled.
I personally love this time of year as Lifelong Learning of Hilton Head Island is about to begin its 21st year of offering exceptional programs and classes for you and others in our island community.
Classes will begin on Sunday afternoon, October 5 with a special kick-off event at The Jazz Corner: A salute to the remarkable Louis Armstrong’s life and music.
This semester includes several presentations and teachers you have requested. Wherever your interests, art, history, science, the performing arts, or government we always try to meet your needs.
As you peruse this fall term catalog, I am sure you will find a number of classes that fit your interests and time.
If you wish to attend a limited enrollment class, please sign up early as they tend to fill up quickly.
I look forward to seeing you in class and wish you a continued safe and enjoyable summer and fall.
As always,
Kristen Sakati, President Lifelong Learning of Hilton Head Island
Mondays
Special Event at the Jazz Corner
The Jazz Corner Legacy Project Proudly Presents:
WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD:
The Music of Louis Armstrong featuring Michael Cruse
Join us for an illuminating afternoon honoring the life and enduring legacy of Louis Armstrong, one of the most influential figures in the history of American music. This special program invites audiences to discover Armstrong’s remarkable story and enjoy his most beloved songs brought vividly to life by Michael Cruse distinguished trumpeter and vocalist from the Louis Armstrong House and Lincoln Center. We welcome you to experience this inspiring tribute to a true jazz icon.
The show at the Jazz Corner in the Village at Wexford begins at 1:30 PM, Sunday, October 5. Doors open at 1PM.
The 90-minute show costs $40 per person. Members may bring non-member guests at a cost of $40 each.
Light fare will be provided. Beverages during the performance are available for an extra charge.
Audience Limit: 60
T Meet More Members of the HHI Hall of Fame
Join Dave Lauderdale to learn things you may not have known about those who have been inducted into the Hilton Head Island Hall of Fame. You'll see examples of the ethics and values behind founders of our community and some personal features of Hall of Famers who were not covered in our session last winter.
David Lauderdale has been a journalist in this community for more than 40 years as an editor and columnist at The Island Packet newspaper.
One Session: 1:30 to 3:30 PM, Monday, October 6
TidePointe (Second right off Point Comfort Road.)
Mondays
T Lantern Making Workshop
Light up the night sky with your artwork! During this two-hour workshop you will have an opportunity to create a one-of-a- kind paper lantern that celebrates life on Hilton Head Island. From pirates and mermaids to crabs and critters of the Lowcountry participants will get creative as they craft their very own illuminated lantern sculpture to participate in the Hilton Head Island Lantern Parade on November 22, 2025. All materials needed are included.
Alana Adams received her BFA in Art Education at Georgia State University where her intensive studies were in ceramics and sculpture. She has gone on to teach art to children and adults for over 25 years. Ms. Adams joined the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina staff in September 2006 where she serves as Sr. Director of Education.
One Session: 10 AM to 12 Noon, Monday, October 6
The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina (14 Shelter Cove Lane.)
Class Fee: $55 • Class Limit: 15
T Cherokees in 18th Century South Carolina
Exploring Cherokee culture prior to European settlement is crucial to comprehending their values, gender roles, internal and external relationships, diplomacy, and conflict during this pivotal era in Cherokee history. The audience will learn how Cherokees dealt with European colonization, their relationships with South Carolinians and the British, and how they responded to the American Revolution and the new United States.
Alice Taylor-Colbert taught American History at the university level for 35 years. She was a member of Editorial Board of the Journal of Cherokee Studies from 1988-2020 and Project Director and Cherokee Scholar for the traveling exhibit "Resilience and Revolution: Native Peoples in 18th Century South Carolina."
One Session: 1:30 to 3:30 PM, Monday, October 13
TidePointe (Second right off Point Comfort Road.)
Mondays
T A History of American Musical Theater
This course will trace the evolution and development of American Musical Theater from the minstrel shows and operettas of the late 19th century up to contemporary groundbreaking shows like Hamilton and Six, the musical retelling of the story of the six wives of Henry VIII.
Along the way we will visit the works of greats like Jerome Kern, George and Ira Gershwin, Rogers and Hart, Rogers and Hammerstein, Frank Loesser, Stephen Sondheim, and Andrew Lloyd Weber among others.
This presentation has been updated and supplemented from the series presented last fall and technical difficulties have been addressed.
Jan McKelvey has studied musical theater for over sixty years. She has a BA degree with honors from the Smith College Department of Theater and Speech. Most recently she was a docent at the Library of Congress giving music and performing arts tours.
Four Sessions: 1:30 to 3:30 PM, Monday, October 20 and 27 and November 3 and 10
TidePointe (Second right off Point Comfort Road.)
Mondays
T Harriet Tubman | From the Railroad to a Spy
Join award-winning filmmaker, Luana Graves Sellars for a screening and discussion of her documentary, Harriet Tubman / From the Railroad to a Spy.
2022 marked the 200th anniversary of Harriet Tubman’s birth, as well as the memory of one of America’s most profound figures. Tubman was one of the nation’s leading activists who assumed many roles, including that of an underground railroad conductor, army scout, nurse, and women’s rights champion.
During the Civil War, she was in Beaufort County, South Carolina assisting in Union Army operations. Among Tubman’s most notable wartime feats was that of June 2, 1863, where she led Union troops from the 2nd South Carolina Infantry on a raid along the Combahee River. The operation freed more than 750 enslaved people, making it the largest emancipation event of the Civil War. Colonel James Montgomery, commander of the regiment, later noted Tubman as “a most remarkable woman, and invaluable scout.”
One Session: 1:30 to 3:30 PM, Monday, November 17 TidePointe (Second right off Point Comfort Road.)
Luana Graves Sellars is an award-winning documentary filmmaker and cultural preservationist.
Tuesdays
T The War of 1812—How the New Nation Came Close to Falling Apart
If you think the dissention between the political parties is bad now learn about the conflicts involving the Federalist and Republican parties during The War of 1812. Imagine now if a state refused to send soldiers to a nationally declared war and then did everything possible to impede its prosecution.
Thomas Jefferson’s Republican Party and Alexander Hamilton’s Federalist Party defined and jeopardized political life in the young United States. The Federalists, although greatly outnumbered managed to subvert the policies of James Madison, the fourth President of the United States. At every turn we seemed to be fighting against ourselves.
The War of 1812 (1812 to 1814) was a local war between Canada (which was under British authority) and the U.S., as well as Great Britain and Indian tribes under Tecumseh attempting to establish an independent nation in the Northwest (Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio).
The war involved a naval blockade of U.S. merchant ships, our unsuccessful invasion of Canada, and the burning of Washington D.C. Had Britain not been heavily involved in European Napoleonic Wars, we might not have been victorious.
In 2011 Dan Regenold founded EmpowerUAmerica.org, a free university offered in the Greater Cincinnati area with the goal of empowering citizens. Dan has recently concentrated his efforts on improving our Public Education system.
One Session: 1:30 to 3:30 PM, Tuesday, October 14
TidePointe (Second right off Point Comfort Road.)
Tuesdays
T The Battle of Port Royal Sound
The historic naval battle in Port Royal Sound took place November 7, 1861. A combined force of navy army and marines shelled Fort Walker on Hilton Head Island into submission. There they established a vital base which supported the Union blockade throughout the war.
The Union forces occupying Fort Walker quickly freed the local slaves. This was the first time in the War Between the States slaves were emancipated. They went on to build Mitchelville, the first Freedman’s Village.
Chris Clayton is Historian for the Sons of Confederate Veterans and a docent for Honey Horn Museum.
One Session: 1:30 to 3:30 PM, Tuesday, October 21
TidePointe (Second right off Point Comfort Road.)
T Anticipating America’s Semiquincentennial
On July 4, 2026, the country will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the proclaiming of our independence from Great Britain. Join Lee Wilwerding as he retells the story of the years of leading up to our founding:
November 4: 1770-1774 Events in New England leading up to the Revolution including the Stamp Act, the Boston Tea Party, and the Boston massacre.
November 11: 1775 Paul Revere's ride and the battle of Lexington and Concord; “the shot heard around the world.”
November 18: 1775-76 Bunker Hill and the siege of Boston. The Continental Army’s first success, forcing the British to retreat from the city.
Lee Wilwerding is a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel and the out-going President of the HHI World Affairs Council.
Three Sessions: 1:30 to 3:30 PM, Tuesdays
TidePointe (Second right off Point Comfort Road.)
Tuesdays
T Spontaneous and Simplified Watercolor Methods
Develop or perfect a style that maximizes watercolor spontaneity and expressive freedom using color, shapes, and values. Brush techniques and surface methods for watercolor provide the vehicle for expression as we paint from life or from your reference photos. Each class starts with an instructor demonstration appropriate for the day's learning.
Here's what you will need for this class:
Watercolor paints in at least the following colors:
Cadmium Red (or other primary red)
Ultramarine or Cobalt Blue (or other primary blue)
Cadmium or Lemon Yellow (or other primary yellow)
Sap Green (or green of your choice)
Burnt Sienna
If you already have paints, bring what you have. If buying paints for the first time, there are some good artist sets that include these colors.
Watercolor palette: or large white plate for mixing. A folding travel palette is a good option. An inexpensive plastic folding palette is available for $5-$6 on most supply websites such as dickblick.com, Michaels, Hobby Lobby or CheapJoes.com. Just type the words "folding watercolor palette" in the search bar on the website.
Watercolor paper: size of your choice. (10" x 14" or smaller is good.) Staples has watercolor pads at a reasonable price.
Two good quality watercolor brushes: a size #8 or larger round brush and a 1/2- inch or 3/4-inch flat brush is all that you need. (Bring what you have, and we will go from there.)
Pencil, ink pen (ball point or fine Sharpie) and soft eraser
Wide mouth container for water: An empty cottage cheese, yogurt, or other container is perfect.
Alexandra Sharma is a Master of Fine Arts and has taught art at the university level. She is a member of the Hilton Head Art League, The Apple Pie Painters, and Delta Phi Delta, the national art honorary. She is represented locally by the Charles Street Gallery in Beaufort, SC.
Four Sessions: 1:15 to 3:15 PM, Tuesday, October 28, November 4, 11, and 18
The 28th, 4th and 18th will be at PSD #1, Community Room, Oak Park Drive, (Off Mathews Drive). The third class, the 11th, will be held en plein air at Jarvis Park. Class Limit: 20
Wednesdays
T Understanding Your Dog
This course will explore the nature of the bond between humans and their dogs. It will help you understand your dog’s body language during play and social interactions. We think you will be amazed at how canine behavioral signals differ from those of humans. The goal is to help you maximize your dog’s potential.
Ashley Douglas is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer.
One Session: 1:30 to 3:30 PM, Wednesday, October 8
The Cypress, Hilton Head Plantation, 20 Lady Slipper Lane, (Use the back gate.)
T Bar Basics: From Spirits to Shakers
Elevate your hosting game with this comprehensive guide to creating the perfect home bar. In this interactive class, you'll learn how to stock essential spirits, mixers, and garnishes to suit every palate. Discover the must-have bar utensils, from shakers to strainers, and gain tips on using them like a pro. Whether you're a novice or aspiring mixologist, you'll leave with the knowledge and confidence to craft crowdpleasing cocktails and keep your bar ready for any occasion.
Christian Varela has over 20 years in the hospitality industry. He has helped open multiple catering companies and created manager training programs. He is currently Lead Mixologist and Operations Manager with Toast & Host beverage catering.
One Session: 1:30 to 3:30 PM, Wednesday October, 15
The Cypress, Hilton Head Plantation, 20 Lady Slipper Lane, (Use the back gate.)
T Meet Martina: The Rescued Dog that Gives Back
Meet Marti, a Hilton Head Island therapy dog, and well-known visitor to Cypress, Seabrook, and TidePointe. She is a huge, beautiful white Great Pyrenees, a breed known for their gentle disposition. Marti never fails to delight those who meet her. Dogs like these are amazing animals bringing humans tremendous benefits, both mental and physical when properly trained. Learn all about Marti’s journey and how she and her owner/trainer, Jennifer Rulli, bring joy to so many.
Jennifer Rulli has been training therapy dogs for over five years.
One Session: 10 AM to 12 Noon, Wednesday, October 15
PSD #1, Community Room, Oak Park Drive, (Off Mathews Drive)
Wednesdays
T Current Events
For over a decade Hilton Head lifelong learners have come together to discuss the issues of the day—locally, nationally, and around the world. We seldom solve anything, but the conversation is always spirited and informative.
This fall we will be nearly a year into the second Trump administration. This should give us a chance to access his progress (or lack of it) on key issues like immigration, the economy, taxes, the debt, and the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine.
As always, your moderators will select the topics for the first session. Thereafter, participants will help decide what we will discuss. Remember, all points of view are welcome and all will be respected.
Your moderators: Bruce Lerner, a liberal and Jim Van Cleave, a conservative.
Three Sessions: 1:15 to 3:15 PM, Wednesday, October 29, November 5 & 12 PSD #1, Community Room, Oak Park Drive, (Off Mathews Drive)
T Mastering Medicare
Get an update on recent and pending changes to the Medicare Program. Students will also dive into the details of Medicare Supplement Insurance and Medicare Advantage plans. The course will give you the information needed to help you understand and choose between these two options.
Joseph Arroyo is an independent, licensed health insurance agent with many clients throughout the region. He is the author of Mastering Medicare: Enroll with Confidence.
One Session: 1:30 to 3:30 PM, Wednesday, November 19
The Cypress, Hilton Head Plantation, 20 Lady Slipper Lane, (Use the back gate at the end of Squire Pope Road.)
Thursdays
T The First Amendment — Is It Still Ours?
The first amendment to our Constitution contains just forty-five words which guarantee us freedom of Religion, Speech, Press, Assembly, and Petition. These basic rights which we take for granted are under assault today. This class will explore what the Founders meant by these, how they have evolved, and the threats they face today.
October 9: Freedom of Speech—What is free speech? Are there limitations to free speech? Does the government have the right to interfere with the most basic component of freedom of expression? What does "clear and present danger" mean?
October 16: Freedom of the Press—Is Freedom of the Press the same as Freedom of Speech, in that it allows people to express themselves through publication. Is there a reporter's privilege? Are there limits on media, school newspapers, fighting words, national security, political advertisements, demonstration signs, and social media? In today's world of unregulated social media do the legal concepts of libel, defamation, commercial speech, and obscenity still apply?
October 23: Freedom of Religion—How have the courts interpreted the First Amendment to prohibit the government from favoring one religion over another? Are states entangling themselves in religious doctrine and practice thus violating the First Amendment as to tax exemptions, school vouchers, and tax support for religious schools?
October 30: The Right of Assembly and the Right to Petition the Government— Is there a vital relationship between freedom to associate and privacy in one's association? How does one "breach the peace"? Is the right to protest the government absolute? What does the right to peacefully assemble mean? Does it include the right to gather with others for social, economic, political, or religious purposes?
Throughout these classes, your presenter will discuss James Madison's critical role in drafting of the Bill of Rights and the Federalist Papers' discussions regarding federal vs. state supremacy.
Eliott Good has 45 years of experience as a securities trial lawyer representing the industry's largest financial services companies and regulatory compliance agencies. He currently serves as a federal securities arbitration judge.
Four Sessions: 1:30 to 3:30 PM, Thursdays TidePointe (Second right off Point Comfort Road.)
Thursdays
T A Panoramic View of Play Production:
The Roommate at Lean Ensemble
Go behind the scenes with the creative team of The Roommate, a darkly comedic, characterdriven exploration of reinvention and unlikely connection. This dynamic, interactive class will provide Lifelong Learners the opportunity to discover how a team of artists brings a script to life—collaborating across disciplines to unify their visions into one compelling theatrical experience. Learn about the nuances of directing, design, dramaturgy, and performance, and gain insight into the creative choices that shape a play.
Participants will receive a discount code to attend a performance later in the month and are encouraged to join a post-show Talk Back on Friday or Sunday to continue the conversation with the artists.
This is an invitation to witness the process, ask questions, and see how theatre is truly made.
Whitaker Gannon is Director of The Roommate and Director of Community & Arts Engagement at Lean Ensemble Theater.
Blake White is Founding Executive and Artistic Director of The Lean Ensemble Theater.
One Session: 10 AM to 12 Noon, Thursday, October 16
Hilton Head Library, Large conference room in the rear (Beach City Road)
Class Limit: 35
Thursdays
T Rivers to Reeds to Reefs
Cathy Sakas shares her world of water by taking you along on a journey down a southeastern watershed. This incredible adventure begins with the fast-moving, crystal-clear streams of the Appalachian Mountains and flows into the red clay rich Piedmont. As the elevation levels out, the streams slow, picking up sediments, nutrients, and pollutants. After tumbling over the fall line, the water spreads out onto the vast vibrant coastal plains, eventually spilling into the mighty Atlantic. Every step of the journey is filled with the drama of life. Pull up your waders, don a hat, and let's go!
Cathy Sakas holds a BS in Biology and an MEd in Science. She is an aquanaut, submersible pilot, NOAA scientific diver, sailor, author, and documentarian.
One Session: 1:30 to 3:30 PM, Thursday, November 6
TidePointe (Second right off Point Comfort Road.)
T The Roaring Twenties-The Beginning of Modern America
In this class we will roar through the twenties and decide whether they were the ''return to normalcy” promised by President Harding or anything but normal. It was the decade of the Scopes monkey trial, prohibition, immigration restriction, isolationism, the Red Scare, the trial of Sacco and Vanzetti, and peak membership in the Ku Klux Klan. It was also the decade of Babe Ruth, Charles Lindbergh, the Model T, radio and movie stars, The Great Gadsby, Al Capone, and Republican promises of “a chicken in every pot, a car in every garage.''
We will examine the factors that ended this vaunted prosperity and plunged the United States into the Great Depression paving the way for FDR's landslide victory in the 1932 presidential election which changed everything.
Joe Melita taught high school history for thirty-four years. This included numerous Advanced Placement courses in American and European history. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Queens College in New York City.
One Session: 1:30 to 3:30 PM, Thursday, November 20
The Cypress, Hilton Head Plantation, 20 Lady Slipper Lane, (Use the back gate at the end of Squire Pope Road.)
Fridays
T Finding the News Through the Noise
There are more news sources today than ever before: the legacy media (ABC, CBS, NBC, and PBS), cable news (CNN, MSNBC, FOX), newspapers, magazines, and a dazzling array of bloggers! All have an editorial bias to one degree or another. How can you sort the facts from the opinions?
This class will attempt to answer that question, enabling you cut through the noise and sort out real information from what strikes you as “that can’t be true.”
On the other hand, you may wish to have your dearly held opinions reinforced daily. That works too.
Either way, we will have some fun examining how we choose our information sources and process what we “learn.”
Paul Weismantel has forty years of experience working with high tech hardware and software for governments and businesses in North America, Europe, and Asia.
One Session: 1:15 to 3:15 PM, Friday, October 10
The Cypress, Hilton Head Plantation, 20 Lady Slipper Lane, (Use the back gate at the end of Squire Pope Road.)
Shrimp Boat Excursion
Join us aboard the Tammy Jane for a twohour shrimping experience. Learn about the salt marshes and get introduced to fascinating sea creatures as the crew lowers and retrieves the nets. Guests will divide the catch!
The excursion leaves at 9:00 AM, Friday, October 17. Arrive at least a half hour early to allow for parking and boarding. The Tammy Jane leaves from the Harbour Town Dock near the lighthouse at the end of Lighthouse Road in Sea Pines. The cost for this adventure is $50 per person.
Excursion Limit: 26
Fridays
T The Nutcracker
The Nutcracker…it’s more than just a ballet. It’s a theatrical tradition that celebrates the stories of family gatherings, holiday parties, and the sweet, magical dreams of children. First choreographed in Russia to Tschaikovsky’s music, The Nutcracker emigrated to America to become a multi-faceted reflection of the ways we see ourselves. The story comes to life in graceful dance, memorable characters, and beautiful music rekindling our early memories of this timeless ballet.
Come to a lecture-demonstration at the Hilton Head Dance Theatre studio to learn the ballet’s history and interpretations and meet the artists who make it possible: choreographer, teachers, and dancers. Watch a rehearsal. Then attend a performance of The Nutcracker.
Michelle Audet was the Founding Director of the NYC Ballet Education Dept.
Choreographer John Carlyle is the Artistic Director of Hilton Head Dance School and Theatre with Co-Founder Karena Brock-Carlyle.
Katie Girardi is an American Ballet Theater (ABT) Certified Teacher and Ballet Mistress.
Jamal Edwards is a dancer, choreographer and a Certified ABT National Training Curriculum Teacher
One Session: 1:30 to 3:30 PM, Friday, October 24
Hilton Head Dance Theater, 24 Palmetto Business Park Road (Off Target Road)
Fridays
T Movies About Deceiving Others
The three movies presented this semester deal with various kinds of deception. Two of the movies are from the United States, and one is from France. They represent a variety of genres: comedy, crime, drama, and forgery. Together they prove there is no limit to the human capacity for deception!
November 7: The Sting, United States (1973) 129 minutes (comedy, crime drama)—Two grifters team up to pull off the ultimate con on a homicidal mob boss. Starring Paul Newman, Robert Redford, and Robert Shaw.
November 14: The Dinner Game (Le Dîner de Cons), France (1998) 80 minutes (comedy)—A group of friends have a weekly ‘fools’ dinner where each bring a fool to the party. Pierre finds a champion fool for the next get together. Starring Francis Huster, Thierry Lhermitte, and Jacques Villeret.
November 21: Catch Me If You Can, United States (2002) 141 minutes (crime drama)—An FBI agent becomes obsessed with tracking down a skilled forger who has passed as a doctor, lawyer, and pilot. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hanks, and Christopher Walken.
Roz and Steve Shaw have been teaching film courses for the OLLI-RU program at Rutgers University since 2003. This is their third film series for LLHHI.
Three Sessions: 1:30 to 4:00 PM, Fridays
The Cypress, Hilton Head Plantation, 20 Lady Slipper Lane, (Use the back gate at the end of Squire Pope Road.)
The opinions expressed by our instructors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Lifelong Learning of Hilton Head Island organization. We encourage the free expression of all ideas and the right of our members and guests to respectfully challenge them.
LLHHI COURSES
COURSES ~ NOVEMBER 2025
Membership for LLHHI
To register by mail, check the courses you wish to attend from the list on this page and mail it to LLHHI, P.O. Box 3074, Hilton Head Island SC 29928 by September 29, 2025.
Enclose a check for $60 to cover class fees. That allows you to take as many courses as you wish. Or simply register online at www.LifelongLearningHHI.org
Check below if any of your information is new!
Name:
Address:
Phone # (s):
Email:
Be sure to include your check to Lifelong Learning of Hilton Head Island for $60.
If you wish to attend the Jazz Corner Event add $40 for yourself and $40 for each guest.
The lantern-making class requires $55 for supplies. The shrimp boat excursion is an additional $50.
Total $____________
Check here if you would like to be a class assistant in a class you are taking. This involves simple administrative tasks such as greeting students and supervising sign-in.
We need audio/visual assistants. Training will be provided. All class fees will be waived for trained volunteers. Are you interested? YES
2025 Fall Courses:
Sunday, October 5
Jazz Corner Event
Mondays
Lantern Workshop
HHI Hall of Fame
Cherokees in S.C.
Musical Theater
Harriet Tubman
Tuesdays
War of 1812
Battle of Port Royal
Watercolors
250th Anniversary
Wednesdays
Dogs
Therapy Dog
Bar Basics
Current Events
Medicare
Thursdays
Bill of Rights
Play Production
Rivers to Reefs
Roaring Twenties
Fridays
Finding the News
Shrimp Boat Excursion
The Nutcracker Films