CLR brings members of the retired and semi-retired community opportunities for personal growth through learning. For more than 30 years, CLR has provided a diverse selection of peer-led classes each semester for its 400-plus members each term.
10/21-12/6
100 (A-B) OCEANOGRAPHY-MEET PLANET EARTH
FALL 1+2 ONLINE COURSE- 90 MINS (9:25AM-10:40AM)
The ocean is constantly moving. And changing. The oceans of the world are a continuum and in effect there is only one ocean with a constant movement of shared water (and whatever is in it). A single huge circulation. The so-called conveyor belt. This conveyor belt circulation will take us on a journey where we will explore how the sea is shaped, and is shaped by, biology, geology, chemistry, weather and astronomy! You will come to know the earth in a whole new way as we examine an environment that is largely alien and yet nearby. I think you will be in for some surprises! This is the water planet. Join in and travel the conveyor belt around the planet. Topics: formation of water types, waves, where the ocean came from, thermohaline circulation, geostrophic circulation, tides, major marine environments.
Instructor: John Deitz
101 (A-B) BEGINNERS’ GUIDE TO E-BIKES
FALL 1+2 ONLINE SEMINAR-90MINS (9:25AM-10:40AM)
If you’re considering buying an e-bike, or already own one, this seminar is for you. You’ll come away from this seminar with a much better understanding of the choices available to new owners, the underlying technology, and maintenance best practices. This seminar will be held twice during the Fall semester, each seminar is 90 minutes in duration, and will allow plenty of time for Q&A. Seminar dates: 9/23 and 10/21
Instructor: Glen Maxson
102 (A+B) THE U.S. CONSTITUTION: FROM ITS ORIGINS TO PRESENT DAY
FALL 1+2 ONLINE COURSE-90MINS (9:25AM-10:40AM)
Why did we create the U.S. Constitution? Where did the Founders get their ideas? Our 12-week course will attempt to answer these and many other questions. The course is intended to be very interactive, with lots of participation and civil discussion and disagreement. ** Participation in Fall 1 is not required for this course**
Instructor: Russ Bellavance
200 (AB) THE GREAT ENGLISH
FALL1+2 ONLINE COURSE – 90MINS (10:40AM-12:05PM)
The English Gardens are marvelous, and most are part of an estate with a marvelous residence. We will visit the following gardens: Stourhead, Blenheim, Sissinghurst, Fountains/Studley, Lost Heligan, Highgrove, Exbury, Bodnant, Waddesdon, Hidcote, Chilworth, Kew, and Arundel. We will learn about master gardener Lancelot “Capability” Brown, and twelve garden styles. **Continuation of previous offering, participation not required**
Instructor: Charlie Kleeman
10/21-12/6
TUESDAYS (CONTINUED)
FALL 2 ONLINE SEMINAR- 90 MINS (10:40AM-12:05PM)
Pennsylvania has long had a lot of small villages in rural locations. Many have been centered around mining, lumbering, or farming. As the economy changed, many the people found it necessary to abandon their town and move somewhere else. Many of those towns found a second life. But a lot of them remain abandoned. We’ll look at several towns that once were thriving, but that now sit abandoned either alone or as part of a larger landscape of wilderness. This online seminar will meet on October 29.
Instructor: Michael Martorelli
FALL 2 ON CAMPUS SEMINAR- 50 MINS (10:40AM-12:05PM)
Robert has had the good fortune to travel internationally for over 40 years. Having visited 12 European countries including all the travel favorite places like Rome, Paris, London, Venice, Amsterdam, Munich and many smaller and less known but no less wonderful destinations. I would love to share my experiences in planning and coordinating these trips independent of travel agencies or tour groups so that where you go, how long you stay and what you plan to do fits your individual tastes and preferences. There are many resources available which enable you to do this very successfully and have wonderful travel experiences he is happy to share.
Instructor: Robert Burian
FALL 2 ON CAMPUS SEMINAR-90 MIN (10:40AM-12:05PM)
Remember Bertie the Bunyip, Sally Starr, Gene London and American Bandstand? This seminar presents a heartfelt tribute to Philadelphia’s glorious television history, from Philco’s early TV experiments through the Golden Age of the 1950’s. A presentation of memorabilia from “baby boomer-prime time” will delight attendees by conjuring up amazing memories. This seminar will meet on Tuesday, October 22.
Instructor: Rick Spector
(A+B)
FALL 1+2 ONLINE COURSE-60 MINS (10:40AM-11:40AM)
This one-hour long class is designed for the beginner/intermediate student who has studied Spanish in the past and would like to practice what they know & build on it. We will expand our vocabulary & practice our verbs in the present, past & future tenses. There will be a variety of activities such as listening to Spanish songs, looking at websites in Spanish, learning fun facts, and chatting about our daily lives in Spanish all in a relaxing, non-judgmental and enjoyable atmosphere **Continuation of previous offering, participation not required**
Instructor: Shair O’ Flanagan
1942-1945
FALL 1+2 ONLINE COURSE- 90MINS (12:15PM-1:05PM)
The years of World War II presented challenges for the American film industry. This course will explore great movies of the War years 1942-1945 using film clips and discussions. Some of the films explored will include Yankee Doodle Dandy, This Is the Army, Holiday Inn, Mrs. Miniver, The Pride of the Yankees, Arsenic and Old Lace, Meet Me in St. Louis, Lifeboat. **Continuation of previous offering, participation not required**
Instructor: Lois Sliverman
10/21-12/6
TUESDAYS (CONTINUED)
206 (A) FASHION ICONS OF THE 20TH CENTURY
FALL 1 ON CAMPUS SERIES- 75 MINS (1:40PM-2:30PM)
Lights, camera, fashion! In this course, we will delve into the men and women who had influenced and created fashion, from the 1920’s to the present, with special emphasis given to the women who had defined style and defied convention. Beginning with the high priestess of fashion, Coco Chanel, whose “little black dress” became a fashion staple thru Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Jackie Kennedy, Katherine Hepburn, and Madonna, we will learn what made them so unique. Male trendsetters including Cary Grant, Marlon Brando, James Dean, and George Clooney will also be explored. These trendsetters whose own personal spin on basic wardrobe pieces in a man’s closet put some of them on the “best-dressed” list for many years. Also included in this class is an exercise on how to clean out your own closet and make the most of your own clothes plus how to build a timeless wardrobe with the foundation of five easy pieces.
Instructor: Georgia Donovan
FALL 2 ONLINE COURSE- 50 MIN (12:15PM-1:15PM)
There are free versions of Microsoft Word for all to use, many of which include advanced features. All include some version of the Word toolbars and knowledge of one makes it easy to under most others. Microsoft established the toolbar long ago, and understanding its use and capabilities makes your tasks easier and more efficient. We’ll address the major elements of the main task bar and discuss applications.
Instructor: Larry Lefkowitz
208 (A+B) AMERICAN REVOLUTION - PART 3
FALL 1+2 ONLINE COURSE- 90 MINS (12:15PM-1:05PM)
The American revolution sees the now trained army and an alliance with France who provide naval support in a series of campaigns/battles achieving final victory and independence. **Continuation of previous offering, participation not required**
Instructor: Jim Brown
WEDNESDAYS
300 (A+B) JANE AUSTEN’S NORTHANGER
FALL 1+2 ONLINE COURSE- 90 MINS (10:40AM-12:05PM)
Jane Austen’s comedic novels are often mistaken for stories about romance alone. Learn about her life, times, and genius by a close reading of Northanger Abbey, a parody of the Gothic novel. Was Austen a social critic, a feminist, a satirist? Discover her use of inside family jokes, 18th century humor—often missed by 21st century readers, and a much richer variety of topics and viewpoints than a mere love story can convey. **Continuation of previous offering, participation not required**
Instructor: Elizabeth Steele
10/21-12/6
WEDNESDAYS (CONTINUED)
301 (B) THE GREATEST MILITARY DECEPTIONS OF ALL TIME: IS IT ALL FAIR IN LOVE AND WAR? FALL 1 ONLINE SERIES- 50 MINS (12:15PM-1:05PM)
The Seminar will have two Zoom sessions, the first covering wartime deceptions where the US was not the beneficiary, the second session will cover wartime deceptions where the US was the beneficiary. We will look at how deception helped General Washington defeat the Hessians in the Christmas Day Battle of Trenton, how deception played a role in Custer’s Last Stand at Little Big Horn, and many other events. Does our opinion change if we relate more to the deceiver or the deceived? Part 1 will be offered on 9/18 and Part 2 will be offered on 9/25
Instructor: Arnold Feineman
302 (B) HOW WE GOT TO THE MOON AND THE BUCKS COUNTY CONNECTION
FALL 1+2 ON CAMPUS SEMINAR-50 MINS (1:40PM-2:30PM)
The History of the Naval Air Development Center, Johnsville (Warminster) and as discussion of the technology used to get to the Moon.
Instructor: Michael Maguire
303 (A+B) CLR BOOK CLUB
2ND WED. OF THE MONTH ONLINE- 90MINS (3:05PM-4:20PM)
Using suggestions and voting by members, we will read four books each semester. Our discussions, via Zoom, are on the second Wednesday of each month during the semester and generally last a bit over an hour. Come join us even if you have not finished the book. The first meeting of the CLR Book Club will be on 9/11. **Continuation of previous offering, participation not required**
Instructor: A. Lee Miller
304(A+B) SOCRATES CAFÉ
3RD WED, OF THE MONTH ON CAMPUS (3:05PM-4:20PM)
Socrates Café is a discussion group which offers members the opportunity to exchange views on social, philosophical, political, and popular issues, based on their own backgrounds and experiences. For example, in the past we’ve discussed such topics as the consequences of inequality, the importance of friendship, the meaning of family. We encourage a diversity of opinions to share knowledge and stimulate personal discovery – and just to enjoy some lively conversation! Socrates Café will meet on the following dates: 9/18, 10/16, 11/20 [Note: This class will meet in person three times throughout the term on the third Wednesday of each month of the Fall term, not in consecutive weeks.] **Continuation of previous offering, participation not required**
Instructors: Betsy Bishop & Tom Lashnits
10/21-12/6
WEDNESDAYS (CONTINUED)
305 (A+B) CONVERSATIONS ON CINEMA
FALL 1+2 ONLINE COURSE-75 MINS (3:05PM-4:20PM)
The course will focus largely on discussing recent films in the “Art House Cinema” genre and the type of independent U.S. and foreign films which are shown at the County Theater (Doylestown, PA). Prior to each class, members will have watched the designated film using one of the many online streaming services. (Usual movie charge applies, depending on the online service used to stream a particular film.) The facilitator will open the discussion with some background information on the director, the actors, and the script, The Outlaws, and Disney and Warner Brothers Cartoons. Some of the stars will include James Cagney, Humphrey Bogart, John Wayne, Judy Garland, and Cary Grant. BYOP—Bring Your Own Popcorn! along with some relevant behind-the-scenes information on the making of the film, then the floor will be open for discussion by class members. Conversations on Cinema will meet on the following dates: 9/4, 10/2, 11/6 and 12/4. (Note: This 75-minute class will meet via Zoom on the first Wednesday of each month of the term, not in consecutive weeks. Members will be notified at least one week in advance of the designated film.) **Continuation of previous offering, participation not required**
Instructor: Bill Lieser
FALL 1 ONLINE COURSE- 90 MINS (3:05PM-4:20PM)
Italy is, according to Wine Folly, “...a legendary wine producing country..., growing on more than 1.7 million acres, producing a staggering amount of diverse wine styles. Italy is known for Chianti, Prosecco, Valpolicella and more.” We will discuss and taste wines from all the major regions. I will make specific recommendations of Italian wines available from FWGS. We will also explore food pairings. As we have done in previous sessions, there will be a (voluntary) field trip to my favorite wine merchant, and we will have a tasting there. **DelVal is not responsible in the participation of any off-campus field trips. **
Instructor: Richard Parente
FALL 1 ONLINE COURSE-90 MINS (3:05PM-4:20PM)
Explore the pivotal moments in financial history through the lens of stock market crashes. This course examines major market upheavals, including the 1929 Great Depression, 1987 Black Monday, and the 2008 Financial Crisis. By analyzing the causes, impacts, and responses to these crises, students will gain insights into the economic and psychological factors driving market instability and learn how past events shape current financial systems and regulations.
Instructor: Greg Kuhn
2 10/21-12/6
THURSDAYS
400 (B) DISCUSSIONS FOR CURIOUS MINDS
FALL 2 ONLINE COURSE- 90 MINS (10:40AM-12:05PM)
The Curious Minds Society is more than just a class - it is a community of learners who are passionate about exploring the world. Join us and discover a world of interesting and thought-provoking topics including scientific advancements, technological innovations, biological breakthroughs, as well as domestic and global issues. The class incorporates engaging presentation media such as TED Talks, Podcasts, and YouTube videos, that inform and inspire critical thinking. Regardless of your interests, you will discover something appealing in this class. Take this opportunity to join us and expand your horizons! **Continuation of previous offering, participation not required**
Instructor: Gene Sosnowski
FALL 1+2 ON CAMPUS SEMINAR- 90 MINS (12:15PM-1:05PM)
This course will introduce participants to the life and work of Pearl S. Buck, Pulitzer and Nobel Prize winning author and humanitarian. Miss Buck was known for the over 100 books she wrote but also for her humanitarian and advocacy work for children with special needs, women, civil rights and her work on behalf of any group that faced discrimination. This seminar will be offered on 9/19 and again on 10/24 **Continuation of previous offering, participation not required**
Instructor: Nancy McElwee
FALL 1+2 ONLINE SEMINAR- 90 MIN (1:40PM-2:30PM)
During this seminar, we will explore and sing examples from over the one-hundred-year evolution of The American Songbook, including from Musical Theatre, Jazz Standards, and other popular songs. PDFs of lyrics will be provided in advance. [Note: No past music/singing experience is necessary.] Different songs will be performed in Fall I and Fall II. This seminar will meet online on September 26 during Fall 1 and November 7 during Fall 2. **Continuation of previous offering, participation not required**
Instructor: Don Tenenblatt
500 (B)
FALL 2 ON CAMPUS COURSE-SIX 2-HOUR SESSIONS (9:25AM-11:25AM)-
The Beatles’ music is fun and light-hearted, it is serious and cynical, it is frightening and dark; it embraces many preceding genres of music and spins them afresh. Most know the Beatles’ hits, but few know the fascinating story that framed their music. Together, we’ll listen to their songs, watch video clips and hear many interviews tracing their early days in Liverpool, to Beatlemania, to the studio years, and finally to their break-up. Along the way, we’ll analyze many of their songs from albums such as Rubber Soul, Revolver, Sgt. Pepper, the White Album and Abbey Road. “The deeper you go, the higher you fly!”
Instructor: Scott Mc Laren