Spring 2026 - updated full catalog

SPRING 1 CLASSES January 12 - February 23, 2026 (No Classes on Monday, January 19th in Observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day)

Mondays: Classes begin on January 12, 2026 NEW Democracies: Why They Succeed & Fail Around the World Dr. Andy Gomez Mondays, 10-11:45 a.m. | $80 Course Description: In this course, we will review and discuss why different styles of democracies succeed or fail.

Weeks Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5

Topics Introduction: Review of the 1st democracy in the world.

Different styles of democracies.

Different styles of Totalitarian states.

Authoritarian control vs Democratic control.

Pre-conditions for the emergence of a civil society that supports democracies.

Week 6 Why do democracies fail?

Apple Care – Answers to Questions Regarding Apple Devices Ms. Joan Nurse Mondays, 10-11:45 a.m. | $90 Course Description: In this course, you will learn how some of your apple devices work: iPhone, iPad, MacBook or Pro, and iMac.

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Weeks Topics Week 1 Getting started with your device: iPhone, iPad, MacBook or Pro, iMac. Week 2 Understanding the security features provided by Apple and ensuring your devices have the essential software.

Week 3 Learning the different software that allows one to complete tasks.

Week 4 Leaning how Apple devices improve performance in everyday life.

Week 5 Answers to common questions regarding Apple devices.

Week 6 More answers to common questions regarding Apple devices.

NEW Allies, Aliens, and Alternatives: Colonial and US Earliest International Relations Dr. Rebecca Staton-Reinstein Mondays, 10-11:45 a.m. | $80 Course Description: From the earliest days of colonization of the “New World,” in what is now the US, our relationships with Spain, England, France, Portugal, and Russia have been complicated, moving back and forth from enemies to friends as borders, alliances, and economics dominated the political scene. Join us as we explore our multidimensional origins.

Weeks Topics Week 1 Our Spanish Origins, Opposition, and Opportunities in Colonial Days and Emerging Republic.

Week 2 “Immigrant” Founding Fathers: Meet founders born outside the colonies and how they created and shaped the new republic.

Week 3 France: Frequent Foe, Friend, and Financier.

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Week 4 The Louisiana Purchase: Secret Agendas, Politics, and Legal Questions.

Week 5 The Marquis de Lafayette: Washington’s Favorite Son Saved the Republic and the Republic Saved Him. Week 6 How did our early leaders juggle the complicated, confusing, and contradictory relationship with other nations?

Investments Dr. Ed Harper and Mr. Haim Karp Mondays, 10-11:45 a.m. | $80 Course Description: This is your chance to discuss investment topics with fellow OLLI members who have some experience and knowledge in this area. Each week’s discussion revolves around a topic related to investments. Invited guest speakers will address the class during the six weeks.

NEW The Super Agers - Lifestyle, Mindset, and Daily Habits – Session I Dr. Amanda Solari Mondays, 10-11:45 a.m. | $80 Course Description: This course investigates the phenomenon of Super Aging, a term used to describe individuals who maintain exceptional physical, cognitive, and emotional health well into later life. Drawing from current research in neuroscience, psychology, nutrition, and gerontology, the program emphasizes evidence-based practices that promote resilience, vitality, and longevity. The first session introduces core foundations of the Super Ager lifestyle.

Weeks Topics Week 1 The Science of Super Aging - Examination of current research on longevity and resilience; understanding the role of genetics versus lifestyle.

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Week 2 Mindset and Resilience - The psychology of optimism, growth mindset, and purpose as protective factors in aging.

Week 3 Movement for Longevity - Evidence-based approaches to physical activity that enhance mobility, strength, and brain health.

Week 4 Nutrition and Cognitive Health - Dietary patterns and nutrients associated with vitality, clarity, and disease prevention.

Week 5 The Social Brain - The role of relationships, belonging, and emotional intimacy in promoting well-being and reducing cognitive decline.

Week 6 Blueprint for Super Aging - Development of a personalized action plan integrating lifestyle, mindset, and habit formation.

Italian Intermediate, Level 3 Dr. Lorella Di Gregorio Mondays, 10-11:45 a.m. | $80 Course Description: This course is designed for students who are already proficient in Basic / Intermediate Italian grammar, want to improve their language abilities and are able to use present and past tenses of regular and most common irregular verbs. The pace of the class will be determined by the students’ abilities to retain the language and their drive to reach a new level.

Required Text: Sentieri, 1st Edition, by Julia Cozzarelli, Cost: $40-45.

ISBN 978-60576-119-0.

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SIG: OLLI Book Club Ms. Susan King Mondays, 12-12:50 p.m. | Free for OLLI members Course Description: OLLI Book Club is a member-driven discussion group. It is a committed group of members whose sole purpose is to have a lively and engaging discussion about the novel(s) chosen to read.

Book Selection: The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny by Kiran Desai.

What is Artificial Intelligence?

Ms. Joan Nurse Mondays, 1-2:45 p.m. | $90 Course Description: Learn what Artificial Intelligence is and how it’s transforming our lives. We will examine the latest advances in the quest to build machines that can reason, learn, and act intelligently.

Weeks Topics Week 1 Learn the Basics of Artificial Intelligence, including a brief history and benefits.

Week 2 Examine the three stages of AI and its maturity and rapid technological advancements.

Week 3 Examine the purpose of AI and its capabilities helping us make advanced decisions with far reaching consequences.

Week 4 Examine the pros and cons of AI and the science of machines making our everyday decisions.

Week 5 How is AI being used today? Virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa.

Week 6 Is AI helping or hurting society?

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Cosmic Roots – The Birth of Judaism & The Path to Christianity Mr. Mark Egdall Mondays, 1-2:45 p.m. | $80 Course Description: Explore the rise of ethical monotheism from a historical and archeological perspective. Trace the fifteen-century journey of ancient Hebrews to one God. Learn how secular scholars view the historical Jesus. See how Christianity came to conquer the Roman Empire. This provocative course is based on the instructor’s awardwinning new book, Cosmic Roots.

Weeks Topics Week 1 Gods and the One God: Israel vs Judah, the “YHWH Alone” movement, Babylonian Exile, and the Second Exodus.

Week 2 YHWH versus Zeus: Alexander the Great, the Hellenization of Biblical Judea, and Judas Maccabee.

Week 3 The Apocalypse: The Book of Daniel, John the Baptist, and the Historical Jesus.

Week 4 The Thirteenth Apostle: Paul, his Conversion, and the Opening of Monotheism to Gentiles.

Week 5 The Age of Martyrs: The Remarkable Spread of Christianity throughout the Roman world and beyond.

Week 6 By This Conquer: Constantine the Great and the Militarization of Christianity. Black Holes, The Big Bang and the Future of the Universe.

Legends of the Silver Screen Mr. Brian Murphy Mondays, 1-2:45 p.m. | $80 Course Description: The course features a series of six lectures with accompanying videos of historical significance, paying homage to the great trailblazers of the early days of American Cinema, along with their contributions to the history of film and background information on their lives and their careers.

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Weeks Topics Week 1 Charlie Chaplin: (The Little Tramp and Creative Genius).

Week 2 Great Directors: (Erich Von Stroiheim, Charles Chaplin, Billy Wilder, Orson Welles, Stanley Kubrick, Blake Edwards, Steven Spielberg, and Martin Scorcese).

Week 3 Wonderful Ladies of Cinema: (Mae West, Lucille Ball, Katherine Hepburn, Bette Davis, Joan Crawford, Ingrid Bergman, and Greta Garbo).

Week 4 Dramatic Actors: (Cary Grant, James Stewart, Henry Fonda, Gary Cooper, Gregory Peck, Kirk Douglas, Marlon Brando, Sidney Poitier).

Week 5 Couples: (Spencer Tracy & Katherine Hepburn, Bogey and Bacall, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball).

Week 6 Song and Dance: (Astaire and Rogers, Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor, The Nicholas Brothers, Rita Hayworth, Ann Miller, and Judy Garland).

Italian Basic, Level 3 Dr. Lorella DiGregorio Mondays, 1-2:45 p.m. | $80 Course Description: This course is designed for students who already have some basic knowledge of the language (at least genders, articles, numbers, present tense of essere and avere). During the class, you will learn more vocabulary, phrases and grammar structure.

Required Text: Sentieri, 1st Edition by Julia Cozzaelli. ISBN 978-60576119-0.

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NEW Friedrich Nietzsche: The Mature Works Dr. Cynthia Halpern Mondays, 1-2:45 p.m. | $80 Course Description: In this course, we will continue with our study of the works of Friedrich Nietzsche. We will study Beyond Good and Evil, his most difficult and complicated work.

Weeks Topics Week 1 The interconnections between Nietzsche's early works and his mature and most philosophically rewarding works.

Connections with The Genealogy of Morals and Zarathustra.

Week 2 On aphorisms as a philosophical form. On the Prejudices of philosophers.

Week 3 The unconscious foundations of philosophy. Language, concepts, and antitheses. Living philosophy.

Week 4 On free spirits. Higher and lower forms of spiritual power.

Will to Power.

Week 5 History of religious cruelty: sacrifice of loved ones, sacrifice of one own's instincts, sacrifice of God himself for the worship of nothingness.

Week 6 Multiple moralities, herd moralities, the creators of new moralities. The revaluation of all values.

Tai Chi/Qigong Ms. Grisell Gonzalez Mondays, 12:30-1:30 p.m. | $80 Course description: Tai Chi is a gentle and graceful movement class based on concepts originating in ancient China and is one of the most effective exercises for the health of the mind and body. The ultimate purpose of Tai Chi is to cultivate the Qi or life energy within us to flow smoothly and powerfully throughout the body. Tai Chi improves balance and prevents falls.

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Qigong came before Tai Chi and is a practice of cultivating vital life-force through various techniques, including breathing techniques, posture, and fluid movements.

Note: The instructor spends approximately 30 minutes of the class practicing Qigong and approximately 30 minutes practicing Tai Chi. Studies show that these practices aid with stress reduction, chronic pain, arthritis, diabetes, osteoporosis, and more. Students are encouraged to wear loose comfortable clothing.

Learning to Play & Love Canasta Ms. Judy Schwartz Mondays, 1-2:45 p.m. | $80 Course Description: Students will learn to play Canasta in accordance with the rules and standards of the Canasta League of America. Instruction includes introduction of the materials (required and optional) used for play; developing a familiarity with the nuances of the playing cards used for Canasta; learning the sequence of play/strategies/scoring and repetitive play practice. The class is limited to 12 participants. All levels of players are welcome!

Weeks Topics Week 1 Presentation of playing cards used for American Canasta, tray, racks and scoring materials. Students will "play" an open-hand to become familiar with the procedures and requirements of this game. Hand-outs will be distributed.

Week 2 Review of Week 1 lesson. Students will again play an openhanded game with the instructor coaching the mechanics.

Week 3 "How to Win": strategies such as partner "signaling" and timing of melds; "picking the pack" and evaluating opponents' play strategies will be introduced and practiced.

Depending on the players’ readiness, a game with "closed" hands will be played.

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Week 4 REVIEW! REVIEW!! REVIEW!! Introduction to scoring procedures when game ends. Play will be geared to developing confidence and maintaining the pace of the game.

Week 5 REVIEW! REVIEW! PRACTICE!! PRACTICE!! Players will play closed hands and practice scoring.

Week 6 Players will play at least 3 complete hands and tabulate the scores.

Tuesdays: Classes begin on January 13, 2026 Western Art, Masters, and Masterpieces Mr. Armando Droulers Tuesdays, 10-11:45 a.m. | $80 Course Description: In this course, we will trace the evolution of the fine arts in Western culture by discovering the relationship between stylistic developments. We will concentrate on various artistic periods, covering not only the art but the artists, their influences, and their social, political, and economic backgrounds. With many artists today consistently infusing art historical references into contemporary works, understanding the significance of each period provides a means by which we can understand our present and the broader historical and intellectual context in which the visual arts emerged.

Note: The instructor changes the material each session.

Violinist-Composers: NEW Exploring Music from the Player’s Pen Ms. Ilana Zaks Tuesdays, 10-11:45 a.m. | $80 Course Description: In this course, we will celebrate violinists who didn’t just perform music - they composed it. These creators tailored their music to match their expressive and technical strengths. From Baroque masters like Corelli and Tartini to modern innovators like Jessie Montgomery and 31

Daniel Bernard Roumain, we’ll explore how these figures shaped music history by merging performance with composition. We will blend historical context, multimedia examples, and rich listening selections to deepen appreciation for these artist-composers.

Ideal for music lovers, curious listeners, and performers alike. In this course you are invited to hear violin music from the inside out.

Weeks Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6

Topics Origins of the Violinist-Composer.

The Architect: J.S. Bach and His Influence.

Romantic Fire and Virtuosity.

Expression and Identity in the 20th Century.

Crossroads: Folk, Jazz, and Genre Blending.

Present and Future: Ilana Zaks’ Sound Worlds.

The Philosophy of Nature NEW Dr. Daniel Vitaglione Tuesdays, 10-11:45 a.m. | $80 Course Description: Should we rethink nature? In light of recent research on nature (animals and plants) there is ample evidence that Nature is more complex and evolved than what was once thought. Not only animals but also plants seem to communicate to be social and creative.

Weeks Topics Week 1 Democritus, Montaigne, Descartes, and Voltaire on animals.

Week 2 The views of Jean-Baptiste Lamarck and Darwin in the 19th century on the intelligence and moral behavior of animals.

Week 3 More discoveries about animals with Konrad Lorenz, Jane Goodall, Nikolaas Tinbergen and Robert Hinde.

Week 4 The soul of plants according to the ancient Greeks and Hindus.

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Week 5 The recent discoveries on plant communication systems, their ability to invent new defense mechanisms and their tendency to socialize. Works of Stefano Mancuso, Matthew Hall, Monica Galiano, etc.

Week 6 Conclusion: the precursors of ecology and the defense of Nature such as Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862) and Jean Giono (1895-1970).

International Action Mr. Alan Dietz Tuesdays, 10-11:45 a.m. | $80 Course Description: International Action is a discussion group dealing with explaining up-to-the minute international affairs, politics, and intrigue in the major action centers of the world, with emphasis on Europe, China, India, Russia, Japan, Latin America, and, of course, the smoldering Middle East. Class participation is encouraged.

From the Ground-Up: Painting Still Life in Watercolor Mr. Carlos Gallostra Tuesdays, 10-11:45 a.m. | $125 Course Description: Dust off your palette, squeeze out some pigments, pick up your brushes and come join our group! This course is designed for beginners and seasoned artists alike. Together, we will develop a sustained still life painting in watercolor from the ground up. Working observantly, you will capture a reproduction of light and form as well as gain a greater comprehension of color theory, composition, and other concepts in art through representational painting.

Note: The materials list will be forwarded upon registration.

Weeks Topics Week 1 Develop the contour drawing using a scaffold envelope and guiding lines.

Week 2 Finalization of drawing and masking.

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Week 3 Color Theory Basics, palette set up and working wet into wet washes for the “dead color” under-painting.

Week 4 Enriching the background and corralling the light through wet on dry layering.

Week 5 Continued maturation of layers - Working wet on dry, glazing and dry brush.

Week 6 Bring effort to desired finish.

SIG: In the News Mr. Leslie Gross and Ms. Janet Krutchik Tuesdays, 12-12:50 p.m. | Free for OLLI members Course description: Discussion group focused on what’s - “in the news” - each week. Bring your open-mindedness and civil discourse to this OLLI member Shared Interest Group.

NEW Post Impressionism: From Cezanne to Matisse Dr. Batia Cohen Tuesdays, 1-2:45 p.m. | $80 Course Description: After the Impressionists became famous, a new generation of artists emerged, trying to come up with something new.

Although they were never a formal group, they have been associated through their innovations and style.

Weeks Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6

Topics What is Post Impressionism: the work of Cezanne.

Divisionism aka Pointillism: Georges Seurat's Invention.

Van Gogh: and Introduction to Expressionism.

The Colors of Gauguin.

Toulouse Lautrec and The introduction of Advertising.

Matisse and Fauvism.

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Personal Finance for Everyone NEW Ms. Linda Krouner Tuesdays, 1-2:45 p.m. | $80 Course Description: This course is designed for individuals managing their own money in retirement. Participants will explore the unique financial challenges that arise with age while gaining practical knowledge to make informed decisions with greater confidence. When appropriate, guest speakers will share expert insights on specialized topics.

Weeks Topics Week 1 A questionnaire will be handed out at the beginning of the class to see what participants know and what issues most concern them.

Week 2 Basic concepts of financial literacy.

Week 3 Sources and uses of income - including a review of Social Security.

Week 4 ABC's of investing. Questions to ask a financial advisor.

Week 5 Family and money.

Week 6 Yearly Financial check-up.

NEW An Introduction to the Humanities, Pt. 2 - The Medieval Era & the Renaissance Dr. Eugene Greco Tuesdays, 1-2:45 p.m. | $80 Course Description: This is a survey course that highlights the major accomplishments of humankind in the areas of art, architecture, music, dance, drama and literature. You will gain an understanding of some of the major philosophical themes and issues that tie these areas together within a historical, chronological framework to encourage aesthetic and intellectual appreciation.

Note: If you didn’t take Pt 1, you can still sign up for Part 2.

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Weeks Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4

Topics Early Christianity: Signs, Symbols, Artifacts, and Music.

The Medieval Context: Philosophy and Architecture.

Medieval Art, Manuscripts, Music, Theatre and Dance.

Renaissance Context: Philosophy, Literature, Theatre, and Science.

Week 5 Renaissance Sculpture, Architecture, and Manuscripts.

Week 6 Renaissance Painting, Music, and Dance.

NEW Orchestras & Their Conductors, Pt. 2 Dr. Manuel Prestamo Tuesdays, 1-2:45 p.m. | $80 Course Description: Explore the magical kingdom of the symphony orchestra world and the conductors that made them famous. Learn all about the conductors who led some of the world’s finest orchestras and get to know some of their unique traits and quirks.

Note: This is a two-part course. However, each course is completely independent. So, if you didn’t take Pt 1 you can still sign up for Part 2.

We will explore the following: National Symphony Orchestra: Mstislav Rostropovich; San Francisco Symphony: Pierre Monteux, Seiji Ozawa, and Michael Tilson Thomas; St. Louis Symphony: Leonard Slatkin and Eleazar de Carvalho; Israel Philharmonic: Zubin Mehta; Viena Philharmonic and Berlin Symphony: Herbert von Karajan; and London Symphony: Andre Previn.

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Introduction to Pencil Drawing and Sketching Ms. Anita Klimek Tuesdays, 1-2:45 p.m. | $125 Course Description: The objective of this class is to teach you how to draw! You will start with a simple drawing and move onto more difficult subjects, such as bottles, bowls, animals, and people. You will learn how to use shadows and highlights. Should you desire to continue to the next class, we will work in different mediums: charcoal, colored pencils, pastels, ink, wash, etc. You don't need to be Rembrandt or Picasso to create your masterpiece! The materials list will be forwarded upon registration.

Weeks Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6

Topics Learn to draw and sketch fruit.

Learn to draw and sketch bottles, vases, bowls etc.

Learn to draw different types of birds.

Learn to draw different animal species.

Learn to draw the human body.

Learn to draw features, eyes, ears, noses, faces, etc.

Did That Really Happen? Memoir & Life Stories Ms. Jeannie DeQuine Tuesdays, 1-2:45 p.m.| $80 Course Description: This class begins the journey of memoir. It is for: Those recalling life stories to share with grandchildren and others; Those who want to write a personal memoir around a certain period or topic in their lives; and, Those who enjoy reading snippets of popular memoirs as inspiration and want to learn a few literary tools (writing about your home, characters in your family and elsewhere) along the way. Literary discussion from the text will take up a small part of the class.

Recommended Text: The Art of Memoir by Mary Karr (available on Amazon and through Books & Books).

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Weeks Topics Week 1 Who cares about my life? Ideas on getting started and breaking through fear or writer’s block.

Week 2 Our five senses can transport us to ancient memories from a rarely recalled past. Perhaps you have memories of the smell of chicken soup, the touch of silk, the calls to pray in neighborhoods from your childhood. Explore how events are connected to your senses.

Week 3 Where did kids go to meet romantically when you were growing up? Did others organize “meet up” events? Write about one meeting with a prospective or real date.

Week 4 Write a scene in which you have a run-in or full-blown argument with someone in your family or a friend. What caused it? What was the fall-out? Do you feel differently about it now?

Week 5 Write, if you dare, about a family secret. It is OK if you do not know if it is true. (You can keep whatever you write private. You do not have to share with the family.) How did you learn about it? Who, if anyone, did you discuss it with?

Did it impact anyone (regardless of whether it was true or not)?

Week 6 Was there some point in your childhood or later when everything seemed to change for you? (Death of a family member, divorce, rejection in school or romance, war, a spiritual experience, college, birth of a child, a certain job.) It does not have to be dramatic - simply just a point where you began thinking differently about your life.

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RHYTHM International Fitness Ms. Paulette Dozier Tuesdays, 3-4 p.m. | $80 Course Description: RHYTHM International Fitness is structured to nourish your Body, Mind, and Spirit as you dance your way into a healthier lifestyle.

BODY: You will shake things up with confidence by dancing to some of your favorite tunes (current and nostalgic) that will help reconnect you to the vivacious you.

MIND: With techniques used by dancers and actors to learn choreography and scripts, RHYTHM uses them to strengthen your memory recall.

SPIRIT: It’s always a comfort to workout in an environment amongst friends (and soon-to-be friends) where you’re FREE TO TALK about whatever’s on your mind.

Weeks Topics Week 1 YOUR DAILY ACTIVITIES transformed into a Rhythm workout. Say whaaaaaat? Warm up, Dance, Cool down.

Week 2 YOUR FAVORITE DANCE MOVES as a Rhythm workout.

Shake that booty! | Warm up, Dance, Cool down Week 3 CHOREOGRAPHY to strengthen your memory recall.

Yeeeeah riiiight, I’m not a dancer! | Warm up, Dance, Cool down.

Week 4 Take on A POSITIVE OUTLOOK to reach your fitness goals. But I hate exercising. | Warm up, Dance, Cool down.

Week 5 The how to of AN ONLINE RHYTHM WORKOUT. What the what? Technology? How, why, nooooo? | Warm up, Dance, Cool down.

Week 6 IT’S A WRAP! Let’s work it! | Warm-up, Dance, Cool down.

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Chair Yoga Ms. Grisell Gonzalez Tuesdays, 3-4 p.m.| $50 Course Description: Also known as seated yoga, Chair Yoga is ideal for the desk-bound, travelers, golfers, and those who are in rehabilitation or physically challenged. Chair Yoga will introduce you to a series of the most effective yoga stretches, all done from the comfort of your chair.

You do not need to stand up to reap the benefits of yoga. This unique program is offered in one-hour segments of seated stretching and deep breathing to help maintain or build strength and flexibility while relieving the stress and tension associated with sitting for too long.

The First Detective: Edgar Allan Poe and the Dupin Mysteries Ms. Chanel Williams Tuesdays, 3-4:45 p.m. | $80 Course Description: Before there was ever a Miss Marple, a Hercule Poirot, or a Sherlock Holmes, there was Edgar Allan Poe’s Monsieur C. Auguste Dupin! If you love detective fiction, you will love this literary community. Readers will gain a new perspective as we explore all of the layers of mystery, suspense, and the evolution of the popular genre with the three mystery stories: The Murders in the Rue Morgue', 'The Mystery of Marie Roget,' and 'The Purloined Letter."

Weeks Topics Week 1 Edgar Allan Poe: The man, the legend, the mystery. We will begin with a conversation about the influence, life of Edgar Allan Poe, and our connection to his literary works.

Week 2 The Murders in the Rue Morgue: Considered the first American murder mystery of all time. Chevalier Auguste Dupin, Poe's fictional detective love of sleuthing, leads him to a case that both the newspapers and the police themselves 40

Week 3

Week 4

Week 5 Week 6

have declared unsolvable, the murder of Madame L'Espanaye and her daughter. We will engage in a spirited discussion as we analyze the plot, character, themes, historical context, and literary devices.

The Mystery of Marie Roget: This is the first murder mystery based on the details of a real crime. We continue on Dupin's journey as the body of Rogêt, a perfume shop employee, is found in the Seine, and the press takes a keen interest in the mystery. We will engage in a spirited discussion as we analyze the plot, character, themes, historical context, and literary devices.

The Purloined Letter: We conclude Dupin's journey as he solves the mystery of a stolen royal letter whose possession grants its bearer great powers, and whose rightful owner is unable to publicly seek redress. We will engage in a spirited discussion as we analyze the plot, character, themes, historical context, and literary devices.

Deep Dive Pt.1: Let's discuss Edgar Allan Poe's modern influence on the dearly loved genre, impact on the theory and practice of criminology, and writing style.

Deep Dive Pt. 2: Often not explored, but quite remarkable, we will discuss Poe's political stances and his psychology.

Medicare, 101 Ms. Kathleen Sarmiento Tuesdays, 3-4:45 p.m. | $80 Course Description: Offered by the Alliance for Aging’s Florida SHINE program, this course is an overview of the A, B Cs of Medicare. Who is eligible, enrollment periods, Medigap Supplement insurance options, Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Part D prescription drug plans.

Financial Assistance programs to pay for Medicare and Medicare fraud detection, prevention and reporting. You will learn to use the Medicare.gov website to find insurance plans. This is an unbiased 41

presentation. We do not sell insurance. Insurance salespeople are not welcome to attend. (No soliciting allowed).

Weeks Topics Week 1 Medicare: what is it? History of Medicare. Who can enroll.

Enrollment periods. How to enroll.

Week 2 Medicare Part A, B, C, D. Definitions and cost. The two paths of Medicare. Who Pays First?

Week 3 Financial Assistance Programs to help with Medicare costs.

Programs that help with the cost of long-term care. How to apply.

Week 4 Medicare fraud: What is it? Current fraud schemes. How do I prevent it? How do I detect it? How do I report it?

Week 5 Navigating the www.medicare.gov website to find the right insurance for you.

Week 6 Further discussion about any of the aforementioned topics.

Spanish Advanced Conversation on Current Topics in Spanish Culture Dr. Luis Carlos Fallon Tuesdays, 3-4:45 p.m. | $80 Course Description: This conversational course is designed for those students who wish to test the knowledge acquired in previous courses.

Learning a new language also involves learning the culture of the people who speak the language. This class will utilize exercises that allow you to practice oral, writing, and listening skills. The course’s emphasis will be on oral communication and vocabulary building using readings related to Hispanic Culture. This class requires active participation.

Required Texts: “Intermediate Spanish”- Literatura y Arte, 7th Edition,

by John G. Copeland, Ralph Kite, Lynn A. Sandstedt, Harcourt College Publishers, ISBN: 0-03-029431-2 (Thriftbooks). We will continue to refer to Basic Spanish, by Ana Jarvis, Raquel Lebredo & Francisco Mena - as a guide. Both texts can be purchased online through Amazon.

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Wednesdays: Classes begin on January 14, 2026 Current World Events Dr. Mitra Raheb Wednesdays, 10-11:45 a.m. | $80 Course Description: This course will examine events that impact the international community - Asia, EU, and the MENA region.

Note: Events will be addressed from a non-traditional Western perspective.

Apple Watch Ms. Joan Nurse Wednesdays, 10-11:45 a.m. | $90 Course Description: Learn to use your Apple Watch (all series ... 4, 5, 6, SE and 7). The watch incorporates fitness tracking, health-oriented capabilities, and wireless telecommunication. It integrates with iOS and other Apple products and services. Join us as we explore all the new features and controls intended to make your life easier and, in many cases, safer.

Weeks Topics Week 1 Learn to use the Digital Crown, side button and gestures efficiently.

Week 2 Learn how the Apple Watch operating system relates to your other Apple devices ... how to sync them together.

Week 3 Ten tips for getting the most out of your Apple Watch.

Week 4 Learn the hidden features the Apple Watch offers the user.

Week 5 Manage your digital life and stay connected to apps, social media and more with the latest wearables from Apple.

Week 6 Review all materials. Answer questions and provide demonstrations.

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NEW The Influence of Cuban Music in the World Mr. Eloy Cepero Wednesday, 10-11:45 a.m. | $80 Course Description: In this course, we will examine the development of Cuban Music throughout the World.

Weeks Topics Week 1 The student will learn to recognize the 33 genres at the creation of the new nation.

Week 2 The export of Cuban music to the USA, Latin American and European countries.

Week 3 The impact of the “Son” and boleros genres, not only in Cuba but in its neighbors, the USA and the CARIBBEAN countries.

Week 4 The impact of el "Son" and the "Bolero" in the creation of the Big Band in Cuba and its acceptance by the Big Bands in the United States and Latin America.

Week 5 The Cuban exile musicians and their impact on the music in Miami, New York, Los Angeles and other cities.

Week 6 The creation of the Salsa Movement in the USA, the Miami sound and the exiled and Nueva Trova. Videos and music will be presented in specific classes.

Intermediate French Ms. Alicia Menendez-King Wednesdays, 10-11:45 a.m. | $80 Course Description: This course is taught in French and further explores Francophone language and culture. Emphasis is placed in vocabulary, everyday expressions, and necessary grammar to read and speak French.

Learning materials include readings, videos and music.

This course is for students who have completed Beginner's French, Parts 1-6 and who demonstrate French proficiency at the Intermediate level.

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Required Texts: Schaum's French Grammar (7th edition/2018) by Mary Crocker (Amazon or Barnes & Noble). The remaining texts will be announced BEFORE the first class.

Drawing with The Masters Mr. Armando Droulers Wednesdays, 10-11:45 a.m. | $125 Course Description: Drawing is one of the oldest forms of visual art with a diverse history. Considered the foundation of all art, it is the first art form all students should master. This drawing course will review the different techniques of master artists such as subject matter, line and tonal values, composition, light, textures, perspective, movement, mood etc., By exploring different artists, mediums, and techniques of different periods of art history, the students will increase both their technical and creative skills. The course is designed for all levels of expertise, from beginners to seasoned draftsmen.

Caliart Art Supplies, Drawing Supplies, 176 PCS Art Set Sketching Kit with 100 Sheets 3-Color Sketch Book, Graphite Colored Charcoal Watercolor & Metallic Pencils Approximate cost on Amazon $22.

Amazon Basics Watercolor Pad, 9"x12", 140 lb / 300 gsm, 30 Sheets, White. Approximate cost on Amazon $12.

Weeks Topics Week 1 Proportions, measuring space, positive and negative space, composition, and cropping.

Week 2 Shading, light and dark, chiaroscuro, tonal values.

Week 3 Line drawing and the sketch.

Week 4 Drawing the Portrait.

Week 5 Drawing the Still Life.

Week 6 Drawing the Landscape.

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U.S.- Iran Relations: From Friendship & Strategic Partnership to Conflict NEW Dr. Moe Bidgoli Wednesdays, 10-11:45 a.m. | $80 Course Description: The United States and Iran, once allies, have experienced growing tensions over time. This course aims to explain the evolution of their relationship from 1833 to the present through lectures.

It begins with the influence of early American missionaries and Iran’s political and cultural landscape during the Qajar dynasty. The course also covers U.S.-Iran relations under the Pahlavi dynasty, including key events like the 1953 coup and the Cold War. Students will explore the 1979 Iranian Revolution, the Islamic Republic, the nuclear deal, and presentday geopolitical concerns.

Weeks Topics Week 1 Iran’s historical significance-Iran Renaissance era- American people-to-people relationships with Iranians. How the U.S. and Iran established formal diplomatic relations - U.S.-Iran relations during World War I. Week 2 Reza Shah and his efforts to modernize Iran- U.S.-Iran relations during World War II – Mohammad Reza Shah, FDR, and Truman era. Eisenhower and Iran’s oil nationalization movement- Cold War and Iran-1953 MI6 and CIA-backed coup in Iran and U.S. Point Four Program in Iran.

Week 3 JFK and Shah, Nixon and how Iran became a key strategic partner and ally of the U.S, oil prices and U.S. arms sales to Iran. Carter, Shah, and 1979 Iranian Revolution- U.S.-Iran relations after the revolution and hostage crisis.

Week 4 Iran-Iraq War- Reagan and the Iran-Contra affair. G.H.W. Bush, Clinton, G.W. Bush policy toward Iran- Iran’s nuclear program from the Shah’s era to the present- G.W.Bush eraObama agreements on nuclear issues.

Week 5 Trump’s withdrawal from “nuclear deal”-Sanctions against Iran. Biden policy toward Iran, status of the Iranian people, 46

Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI), and Middle East events.

Trump’s 2nd term: negotiation or war.

Week 6 Current affairs of U.S. and Iran relations and discussion about future concerns.

Personal Essay: Writing to a Prompt and Unleashing Your Genius Ms. Alison Langer & Ms. Andrea Askowitz Wednesdays, 10-11:45 a.m. | $80 Course Description: This is a class for anyone looking to get vulnerable and find community. In the process, students will become better writers and storytellers. Over the six weeks, students will learn and practice twelve (or more) tips for writing a personal essay. Participants will write to a prompt and share what they wrote then instructors and classmates will provide gentle feedback to encourage the writer. Prompt-writing is meant to unearth what’s lingering below and needs to come out. This class is for beginners and seasoned writers. Bring your genius. Bring your heart.

Weeks Topics Week 1 How to start your story. Learn simple writing tips to ground the reader and begin your essay.

Week 2 Write like you speak while omitting needless words (Hone your style with "voice" and precision.)

Week 3 The importance of details and scenes. (Draw the reader in with a vivid picture both through words and images.)

Week 4 What are the stakes? Can you be more Vulnerable? (Practice writing the thing you don't want to write about.)

Week 5 Situation v Story. (Learn how to explore what you've learned as a narrator. Share how you've changed from the situation.)

Week 6 How to end your essay. (What is the story about? What can the reader learn from your story?)

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SIG: Monday Morning Quarterback (Sports) Mr. Arthur Young Wednesdays, 11:30-12:45 p.m. | Free for OLLI Members Course Description: Discuss current events in the world of sports. The discussion will be class-driven depending on participants’ interests and the news. Particular focus will be on the local teams.

NEW Life & Times in America Dr. Michael Scheibach Wednesdays, 1-2:45 p.m. | $80 Course Description: This course examines World War I and World War II and the impact of these wars on American society. It also looks at the "interwar years" from 1920 and 1940 and how this period resulted in the rise of the dictators--Hitler, Mussolini, and Hirohito--who would lead the world into a global conflict.

Weeks Topics Week 1 The beginning of modern America in the early 20th century and the impact of World War I on society.

Week 2 The nation’s involvement before and during the war, with an in-depth discussion of the war fought in the trenches of Europe.

Week 3 The "interwar years" from 1920 to 1940, from boom times in the 1920s to the Great Depression in the 1930s.

Week 4 How Adolph Hitler, Benito Mussolini, and Hirohito rose to power during the interwar years and eventually drove the world into a global conflict.

Week 5 The origins of World War II and the timeline leading to final victory.

Week 6 Life on the home front during World War II and the years immediately following the war.

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Mastering Google: Tools, Tips & Techniques Ms. Joan Nurse Wednesdays, 1-2:45 p.m. | $90 Course Description: Learn to use search operators to refine your text results and find specific information… using Google.

Weeks Topics Week 1 Overview of Google tools: google drive, google docs and google sheets.

Week 2 Setting up your google account. Navigating google drive: my drive and “share with me” features.

Week 3 Google Docs: creating and formatting documents, collaboration features and advanced features.

Week 4 Google sheets: creating and navigating sheets, and basic functions and formulas.

Week 5 Google slides: creating presentations, design and formatting.

Week 6 Google calendar, Google Keep: tips and techniques.

NEW World Archaeology and Science in the Arab-Islamic World Dr. Daniel Rivera Wednesdays, 1-2:45 p.m. | $80 Course Description: In this course, we will explore the material, artistic, and intellectual legacy of Arab-Islamic civilization from its origins in the 7th century to its enduring global impact. Divided into two parts, we will examine how archaeology uncovers the cities, monuments, and material culture of the Islamic world; how art and architecture expressed faith, power, and creativity; and how science and innovation shaped knowledge across the medieval world and beyond. Participants will study iconic sites such as Damascus, Córdoba, and Baghdad; analyze masterpieces of Islamic art and calligraphy; and trace scientific breakthroughs in mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and engineering. Together, these

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dimensions reveal the Arab-Islamic world as a cradle of cultural and scientific achievements that continue to shape the modern world.

Weeks Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5

Topics What is Islamic archaeology?

The Early Caliphates: Cities, Culture, and Science.

Umayyad Palaces and Scientific Curiosity.

The Abbasid World: Baghdad, Samarra, and Innovation.

North Africa and al-Andalus: Crossroads of Culture and Science, Week 6 Archaeology, Heritage, and the Global Legacy of Science NEW Exploring the US National Parks (NPs) Ms. Anush Dawidjan Wednesdays, 1-2:45 p.m. | $80 Course Description: In this class, we will focus on the 63 US National Parks administered by the US National Park Foundation (NPF). We will also look at approximately 20 other entities such as monuments, historical sites, preserves, etc. which are also run by the NPF. Weeks Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6

Topics Learning about the mission of the National Park Foundation.

National Parks of Alaska.

National Parks of California.

The Newest National Parks (NPs).

Other Very Interesting NPs. NPs located outside of the continental United States.

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Russia: Then and Now NEW Dr. Marsha Cohen Wednesdays, 1-2:45 p.m. | $80 Course Description: In this course, we will explore the historical and cultural background from which Russian politics, religion, and identity emerged. From the Viking settlement of Kyiv Rus more than a millennium ago to the nightly news about the latest developments in Ukraine and Russia's relations with the U.S. and China, we'll learn why Winston Churchill described Russia as "a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma."

Weeks Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6

Topics From the Vikings to the Tsars.

Expanding Empire.

The Russian Revolution.

The Soviet Union and Cold War. The Fall of the "Iron Curtain": Causes and Effects.

Russia Today.

Writer’s Workshop Ms. Jeannie DeQuine Wednesdays, 1-2:45 p.m. | $80 Course Description: This informal workshop helps you create and share first-person, non-fiction, or fictional pieces. You will learn writing tips and read your work aloud in a supportive communal setting. We offer ideas on how to improve each piece in a supportive, constructive, safe environment. It has been shown that many writers learn more from workshop discussion of each other’s pieces than in a formal creative writing class setting. Each week, two students submit a piece to class members for discussion and questions. Additionally, the instructor edits each piece and covers common topics such as confronting writer’s block; bringing characters to life; developing a plot, creating a family memoir and editing one’s own work.

Text: The Lie that Tells a Truth by John Dufresne.

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RIF: Strength & Flexibility Ms. Paulette Dozier Wednesdays, 3-4 p.m. | $80 Course Description: The RIF Strength & Flexibility exercise program focuses on building muscle strength and improving flexibility with the use of body weight exercises and stretching. The exercises are performed in standing and or seated positions. Exercises that require sitting may be performed either in a chair or on the floor, depending on the person's abilities. Throughout the session, to create a motivating atmosphere, easylistening music is played while working out. Arrive ON TIM, preferably a few minutes before class starts and bring your positive attitude.

Comfortable WORKOUT ATTIRE: • Sneakers/Athletic shoes (required) • Tights/leggings or gym pants • Sports bra and/or T-shirt • A bottle of WATER (24 oz min preferred) • Large TOWEL • Small CLOTH (to dry your face during class) • Arrive ON TIME, preferably a few minutes before class starts.

• Always come with an Open Mind and Positive Attitude.

Postural Stability, Balance & Mobility Ms. Grisell Gonzalez Wednesdays, 3-4 p.m. | $80 Course Description: Sitting and standing with proper alignment improves blood flow, helps keep the nerves and blood vessels healthy, and supports the muscles, ligaments, and tendons. According to physical therapists, structural balance is by far the most important thing needed for injuryprevention. Mobility training can improve the range of motion in joints/muscles and assist in improving posture. In this class, we will work on strengthening the postural muscles, mobilizing the joints, and 52

improving balance. Each week, you will receive a protocol and a homework assignment to help you improve posture and balance.

Note: You will need a long Thera-Band resistance band loop.

Weeks Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6

Topics Postural Stability.

Strengthening Postural Muscles.

Joint Mobility.

Balance and Coordination.

Balance and Coordination.

Strength, Mobility, and Balance.

Italian Advanced, Level 3 Dr. Magda Novelli Pearson Wednesdays, 3-4:45 p.m. | $80 Course Description: This course is designed for students that have already attended Italian Basic and Intermediate or for those who have some knowledge of Italian and are able to use the present, future, imperative and past tenses of regular and most common irregular verbs. In this class, you will expand your vocabulary and continue to work on grammar. You will feel supported step by step in learning this harmonious language.

Required Text: Sentieri, 1st Edition by Julia M. Cozzarelli, Cost: $40-45.

ISBN 978-1-60576-119-0.

Constitutional Law Harvey Sepler, JD, Ph. D Wednesdays, 3-4:30 p.m. | $80 Course Description: We all live in a confusing time. Often, it is hard to distinguish between politics and the legal system. But there is a difference. The goal of this class is to explore in a productive way how and why courts reach some of their more controversial decisions. The focus is not on whether we agree with those decisions but to understand them and how they affect the preservation of constitutional rights.

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Thursdays: Classes begin on January 15, 2026 NEW Art & Music, a Shared History of Development Ms. Peggy Falagan & Dr. Alan Mason Thursdays, 10-11:45 a.m. | $80 Course Description: In this class, collaboratively taught by Dr. Alan Mason, Professor of Music History, and Peggy Flanagan, Professor of Art History, we will explore a historic Era, revealing styles and methods of creating art and composing music that emerged at similar times, and in similar styles, designs, and aesthetics. Great works of art and great masterpieces of music will be examined, with attention to content, form, structure, expression, and impact on society.

Weeks Topics Week 1 Medieval and Renaissance, 400 to 1600 AD: The darkness and mysteriousness of the Medieval Era showed itself in similar ways in the paintings and musical works of the period. The clarity and intellectual aspect of the Renaissance also revealed itself in the new, smooth, orderly design of art and music.

Week 2 Baroque, 1600-1750: religiosity, drama, unbalance, and complexity are revealed in contrapuntal music and ornate, audacious art that spills off of the canvas.

Week 3 Classicism, 1750-1820: Orderliness, restraint, balance, sensibility, and clean lines are revealed in simple harmonies and melodies, and artwork based on formal design, and accessibility to a new middle-class audience.

Week 4 Romanticism, 1825-1890: emergence of the individual artist as creative hero, the individual against the world, the individual shown in their full self-expression, in a world not ready for them. The rules are bent, design is freer, and each composer and painter shares their individual expressive voice.

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Week 5 Late Romanticism, Early 20th Century, 1890-1930: The "isms:" post-romanticism, exoticism, nationalism, Neoclassicism, Impressionism, and primitivism, as shown in the creation of constantly changing new styles, with little attention to the past.

Week 6 The Modern Era: Music and art of the 20th century: atonality, chromaticism, the breaking down of formal structures, the creation of new methodologies, revealed in great masterpieces of symphonic music, and great modern masterpieces of visual art.

The Art of Digital Photography Mr. Karl Koslowski Thursdays, 10 a.m. - 1p.m. | $90 Course Description: Learn how to catch and record close-ups of animals, plants and architecture. This 6-week course combines 3 classroom instructions/reviews with 3 outdoor photo safaris, followed by thoughtful critiques along with Adobe PSE enhancement demos in the OLLI computer room. Field trips include the UM Campus, South Beach, and Pinecrest Gardens.

PowerPoint and digital image presentations will serve as demos. Topics include aperture, shutter speed, and ISO settings, exposure, resolution, supplemented in the classroom sessions with Adobe PSE photographic enhancement demos.

A digital camera with a zoom lens is recommended, and/or smart phone.

Weeks Topics Week 1 OLLI@UM Computer Room - Course Introductions, with emphasis on Dynamic Compositions and Best Technical Camera Settings. Power Point presentations and Logistics.

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Week 2 Photo shoot: UM Campus- Meet in front of Lowe Art Museum.1301 Sanford Drive, Coral Gables, FL -Pavia Garage, suggested parking.

Week 3 OLLI@UM Computer Room - Review, analysis and critique.

Adobe Photoshop Enhancement demonstrations. Students, please bring your best shots on a USB thumb drive.

Week 4 Photo shoot: The Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Ave., Coral Gables, FL- Meet in the main Hotel lobby, - where the bird cages are located. Free parking, facing the Hotel is to the right.

Week 5 OLLI@UM Computer Room - Review, analysis and critique.

Adobe Photoshop Enhancement demonstrations. Students, please bring your best shots on a USB thumb drive.

Week 6 Photo shoot: Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, 3251 South Miami Ave., Miami, FL 33129 - Meet at the Front Entrance gate. Free parking.

Great Decisions Robert Maland, Esq. Thursdays, 10-11:45 a.m. | $80 Course Description: A highly informative discussion group/class focused on current U.S. foreign policy related topics.

Note: A Great Decisions 2026 Briefing Book will need to be purchased from the Foreign Policy Association. The approximate cost for an eBook is $25 and $35 for a paper-bound version.

Weeks Topics Week 1 Tariffs, the Future of the World Economy & U.S. China Relations: U.S. aggressive trade and tariff policies have shaken global economic norms. What’s the rationale behind this radical shift in economic policy, and what are the implications for multilateral trade and geopolitics? How are U.S. -China relations impacted by our current trade policies?

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Week 2 Ruptured Alliances and the Risk of Nuclear Proliferation: U.S. alliance skepticism may drive countries like Japan and South Korea to reconsider nuclear options. What are the implications of the current administration’s rethinking of the U.S. alliance system for regional and global security? Will this new uncertainty alter the way allies and rivals in various regions make decisions about security and nuclear weapons?

Week 3 Ukraine and the Future of European Security: With reduced U.S. support for NATO and Ukraine, Europe faces strategic uncertainty. The current administration has signaled an intention to reduce its security role in Europe. What are America’s stakes in NATO and Europe’s strategic dilemmas, and how might Europe respond?

Week 4 Multilateral Institutions in a Changing World Order: Can multilateralism survive amid shifting global power and rising nationalism? We examine the future of global cooperation across trade, health, and finance.

Week 5 U.S. Engagement of Africa: Africa’s geopolitical role is growing. What lessons can the U.S. learn from China’s presence there, and how might it strengthen ties, especially with leading nations like Nigeria? What tools of statecraft might the U.S. bring to its engagement with Africa?

Week 6 The Future of Human Rights and International Law: As democracy and human rights retreat globally—and the U.S. pulls back—how can civil society and legal norms remain effective in a divided world? What is the role and force of international law in this era of impunity?

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NEW Who Do You Trust? A Dive Into Research and How to Vet It. Mr. Sid Kaskey Thursdays, 10-11:45 a.m. | $80 Course Description: In this course, we will discuss ways of finding not only information but information that is trustworthy. When the class is over, the participants will have a better handle on their personal research efforts.

Weeks Topics Week 1 Course description/expectation. What is your primary sources for information? Facebook-search engines; YoutubeWikipedia-Reddite-x [known as twitter]; Instagram-LinkedIn; Tik-Tok: Research gate-google [google scholar]-Public library databases-newspaper/broadcasting stations websites.

AI tools.

Week 2 Primary and secondary information. Primary sources may depend upon statistics. Methods to check the validity of the statistics will be discussed. We will also review techniques used for checking the validity of information.

Week 3 Fake news: This “accusation” has been around since the founding of our country - the history will be discussed. Is the source “unbiased” or is there reason to be skeptical? The use of LinkedIn, associations and other such sources to check the credentials of the people and publications producing the information.

Week 4 What is the invisible college? How to use the technique effectively [using tools such as Amazon, LinkedIn, general google searches for resumes. and course instructors - special librarians---finding the “experts.”

Week 5 Government Information: A not-so-deep dive into legal information: statutes, case law, and regulatory law. We will discuss how to check if a person/company you are dealing with has been sued and for/about what. Finding company 58

information on the state databases and how to use it to vet who you are dealing with.

Week 6 Recap and Q&A.

Spanish Basic, Pt. C Ms. Susan Dow Thursdays, 10-11:45 a.m. | $80 Course Description: In this course, you will continue to learn the essentials to be able to speak Spanish. The focus will continue to be on grammar, increasing vocabulary, and speaking.

Note: This class is taught in both English and Spanish.

Text: Text: Basic Spanish For Getting Along, 2nd edition, by Ana C. Jarvis, and Raquel Lebredo. It can be purchased online through Amazon.

Prices vary so you should shop around or buy a used 1st edition.

Let’s Put on a Play Ms. Randy Letzler Thursdays, 10-11:45 a.m. | $80 Course Description: 12-week course ending in a Performance for OLLI members, friends and family. The course is divided into two 6-week courses, one during Spring 1 and one during Spring 2. Participants must sign up for both sessions to take this class. Students will learn all skills necessary to "Put on a Play" (acting, stage movement, voice, blocking, etc.) Students must have already completed Improvisation 101 to join this class. Class size is limited! Production TBD. Weeks Topics Week 1 Auditions.

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Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6

Read Through.

Character Analysis.

Blocking & Direction.

Blocking & Direction.

Blocking & Direction. Continued into Spring 2.

Postural Stability, Balance & Mobility Ms. Grisell Gonzalez Thursdays, 10-11a.m. | $80 Course Description: Sitting and standing with proper alignment improves blood flow, helps keep the nerves and blood vessels healthy, and supports the muscles, ligaments, and tendons. According to physical therapists, structural balance is by far the most important thing needed for injuryprevention. Mobility training can improve the range of motion in joints/muscles and assist in improving posture. In this class, we will work on strengthening the postural muscles, mobilizing the joints, and improving balance. Each week, you will receive a protocol and a homework assignment to help you improve posture and balance.

Note: You will need a long Thera-Band resistance band loop.

Weeks Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6

Topics Postural Stability.

Strengthening Postural Muscles.

Joint Mobility.

Balance and Coordination.

Balance and Coordination.

Strength, Mobility, and Balance.

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Intermediate & Advanced French Conversation Dr. Daniel Vitaglione Thursdays, 10-11:45 a.m. | $80 Course Description: This course is for students studying French who need to practice conversation. The teacher will present a theme each week with suggested vocabulary, review some grammar and organize small groups of two or three students who will practice speaking while having the option of asking the teacher about vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation.

Weeks Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6

Topics Home and city vocabulary and practice.

Specific activities and interests from movies to sports and shopping...

Traveling: organized groups, cruises, hotels, reservations etc…

Favorite pass times from movies to writing, games etc…

Nature, parks, mountains, beaches…

Readings, news, newspapers, novels...

SIG: The Spanish Conversation Café NEW Ms. Anne Bacall and Ms. Karen Spigler Thursdays, 12-12:50 p.m. | Free for OLLI members Note: Class Meets on 1/15/26;1/29/26 and 2/12/26.

Course Description: Do you speak Spanish and want to practice conversing with native or fluent Spanish speakers? Or are you a native or fluent Spanish speaker who wants to help a fellow OLLI member practice his or her Spanish and get more proficient? If so, this SIG is for you! Join us twice a month as we get together para “Hablar Español!”

Note: This is NOT a Spanish class. There is no instructor. Spanish speaking OLLI members will be facilitating this SIG. No teaching experience or advanced preparation is required.

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Triumph & Tragedy: The Lives of Great Men Mr. Robert Dawson Thursdays, 1-2:45 p.m. | $80 Course Description: See history come to life with Robert Dawson. In this historical recreation, you will see, hear, and learn about the lives of famous (and infamous) men. Part History Channel, part theater, it is an enjoyable and engaging way to learn history.

Weeks Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6

Characters: Bernal Diaz del Castello/Conquest of New Spain William Dampier/Pirate/Hydrographer Lucius Marilus Valerians/Varus’s Lost Legions Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca/Incredible Journey Capt. Sofring Hansson/Vasa: Loss & Recovery Jonathan Wild/Thief-Taker General

Note: Occasionally, unexpected circumstances may arise that require a character listing to be changed.

Spanish Intermediate, Pt. C Ms. Susan Dow Thursdays, 1-2:45 p.m. | $80 Course Description: In this course, you will continue to learn the essentials to be able to speak Spanish. The focus will continue to be on grammar, increasing vocabulary, and speaking.

Text: Basic Spanish For Getting Along, 2nd edition, by Ana C. Jarvis, and Raquel Lebredo. It can be purchased online through Amazon. Prices vary so you should shop around or buy a used 1st edition.

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Beginning French, Pt. 3 Ms. Blanca Silva Thursdays, 1-2:45 p.m. | $80 Course Description: In this course, you will continue to learn practical French for everyday situations like ordering at a café, making reservations, getting through the airport, etc. Essential grammar is also covered. We will continue to discuss French culture.

Texts: Learn French the Fast and Fun Way, by Elisabeth Bouquin Leete and Theodore Kendris, Ph.D. and French Grammar for Beginners, by Frederic Bibard. Both books are available on Amazon at about $20 each.

Acrylic Painting, Beginning - Advanced Ms. Anita Klimek Thursdays, 1-2:45 p.m. | $125 Course Description: Painting with acrylics can be great fun. Acrylics allow the artist to jump in and push the medium to its limits. Come and experience the fun, ease and lack of boundaries this medium and class have to offer. There will be time in class to work on your projects, while you receive instruction in perspective, composition, lead-ins and critiques in each class. You will be painting in the first class.

Note: This class is geared for all levels of painters. The material list will be provided upon registration. Please bring supplies to all classes.

NEW Lessons from The Great Depression & Lessons from the Vietnam War Mr. Ed Linz Thursdays, 1-2:45 p.m. | $60 4-week class Course Description: In the first two weeks, we will cover events in the 1920's leading to the start of The Great Depression, including ominous parallels between the 1920's and the 2020's. We will discuss political and 63

economic conditions during the 1930's and the early years of WW II with detailed examination of the lives of a diverse group of Americans who provided first-hand accounts of their lives during this tumultuous period of American life. There will be a discussion of lessons learned with questions and comments solicited.

In the final two weeks, we will focus on events leading to U.S. involvement in Vietnam culminating in an avoidable war with casualties over two million, including 58,000 Americans.

Weeks Week 1 Week 2 Week 3

Week 4

Topics Events leading up to the Great Depression.

The 1930's, including FDR programs, and the lives of Americans during The Great Depression.

This session provides a history of Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh and the numerous opportunities to avoid this war, the colonial period under France, involvement in WW II, the French-Indochina War, South Vietnamese politics, and the beginning of U.S. involvement.

We will conclude with an extensive discussion of the Vietnam War, including strategy by U.S., South Vietnamese, Viet Cong, and North Vietnamese forces leading to the eventual collapse of South Vietnam in 1975.

We will also discuss the protest movement in the U.S. and POWs. This will be an interactive session soliciting questions and comments.

Bridge Class for Level Beginner B NEW Ms. Nancy Glosser Thursdays, 1-2:45 p.m. | $80 Course Description: This Bridge class is for Individuals with some knowledge and skill playing bridge. Please bring a notepad and pen/pencil to take notes.

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Note: You should be familiar with the following concepts in the Bridge context before you sign up for this course: Trick, Following Suit, Void, Singelton, Doubleton, Board, Contract, Bidding, Book, Auction, Bidding Scale, Declarer, Trump (noun), Trump (verb), Dummy, Defense and Sequence.

Weeks Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6

Topics Learning how to evaluate your hand.

Learning how to bid your hand.

Learning how to respond to your partner's bid.

Practicing playing the game.

Begin to learn some bridge conventions.

Supervised play, question and answer time.

Chair Yoga Ms. Grisell Gonzalez Thursdays, 3-4 p.m. | $50 Course Description: Also known as seated yoga, Chair Yoga is ideal for the desk-bound, travelers, golfers, and those who are in rehabilitation or physically challenged. Chair Yoga will introduce you to a series of the most effective yoga stretches, all done from the comfort of your chair.

Note: You do not need to stand up to reap the benefits of yoga. This unique program is offered in one-hour segments of seated stretching and deep breathing to help maintain or build strength and flexibility while relieving the stress and tension associated with sitting for too long.

Italian Advanced Conversation Ms. Simona Bai Thursdays, 3-4:45 p.m. | $80 Course Description: This course is designed for students who have already attended all levels of Italian grammar or for those who are able to use all tenses properly and feel fluent in the language talking about 65

different topics. The course is taught entirely in Italian and is structured in different sections: speaking, writing and improving your vocabulary.

Required texts: "Read & Think Italian" - The editors of Think Italian Magazine ISBN: 978-0-07-176365-3 and "GrammaticAvanzata" Donatella Troncarelli/Matteo la Grassa - Edilingua. ISBN: 978-88-9843388-9.

SIG: As the “Book” Pages Turn Ms. Susan Rosenthal Thursdays, 3:45-4:45 p.m. | Free for OLLI Members Course Description: This is a SIG/club where OLLI members choose a book to read and engage in a lively discussion. Whenever possible, the author will be invited to join the group to discuss his/her book.

Book Selection: The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny by Kiran Desai (645 pages).

Fridays: Classes begin on January 16, 2026 NEW Your Body IQ - Your Key to Feeling Good Ms. Walli Chevitz Fridays, 10-11:45 a.m. | $80 Course Description: Move better- Age Better, Move more - Age Less and Move easier. In this class, we will build on safe, small movements to increase ease and confidence in sitting and walking. The work is based on Ruthy Alon's Movement Intelligence, who studied with Moshe Feldenkrais whose theories of learning gave us more options on how to be more human. Ruthy gave us a body map to use for everyday activities.

Parts of the body will become conscious agents that will undo the fear of falling, improve posture and greater self-confidence. We will gain 66

strategies of fall prevention and emerge with more optimism in living. If you are unable to do any of the movements, we will find ways to work around them and use the imagination to improve.

Weeks Topics Week 1 Your Foot: The sole, the toes, the middle, and the heel are all at your service.

Week 2 Your Spine: the natural curves and the glory of the Back from sit bones to head.

Week 3 Gravity: how to use it to our advantage.

Week 4 Fall Prevention: How to strengthen legs and use what we learned from the foot, and finding equilibrium with the use of the upper body.

Week 5 Agents: How novel parts of the self can assist the whole.

Week 6 Getting to the Floor and Up in the safest way (being able to get to the floor and up is needed). Discussion and Questions: What is 'Biological Optimism' and have we gotten more of it? Can we be 'Kind to Ourselves' and stay 'Curious.'

Beethoven I: The Stylistic Evolution of Beethoven (1792-1898) Dr. Judith Etzion Fridays, 10-11:45 a.m. | $80 Course Description: In this class, we will explore the stylistic evolution of Beethoven from his arrival in Vienna in 1792 (age 22) until his historic concert on 22 December,1808. Beethoven’s musical characteristics (both traditional and innovative) will be demonstrated in videos of select compositions for piano, violin, chamber & early orchestral works.

Weeks Topics Week 1 Beethoven’s formative years in Bonn; his rising reputation as piano virtuoso in Vienna. Early well-known piano works (e.g., “Pathétique” and “Moonlight” sonatas).

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Week 2 Excerpts from Beethoven’s early symphonies, string quartets, and Piano Concerto no. 3.

Week 3 The Heiligenstadt Testament (1802): From suicidal crisis to the ground-breaking Eroica Symphony (1803).

Week 4 Beethoven and the violin: the “Kreutzer” Sonata, Rasumovsky String Quartets, and the Violin Concerto.

Week 5 Beethoven’s historic Vienna Christmas concert (22.12.1808).

The Pastoral Symphony. Introduction to the Fifth Symphony.

Week 6 Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony (cont.): its structural milestone and turning point in Western music aesthetics.

The Classics Reading Group Mr. Ron Kohn & Ms. Elizabeth Chifari Fridays, 10-11:45 a.m. | $80 Course Description: Some great works of literature are best read aloud in a group setting. The Classics Reading Group has tackled Shakespeare's plays, The Odyssey, The Iliad, The Aeneid, The Canterbury Tales, and much more. This session we will read The Decameron by Giovanni Boccaccio, published in Italian in 1620. This masterpiece of literature is structured as a frame story containing 100 tales told by a group of 10 people sheltering in a villa outside Florence during the Black Death. The tales all deal with love and range from the humorous to the erotic to the tragic. We will be reading the tales out loud in a modern English translation. Time will be set aside to discuss the significance of the stories and the work as a whole on world literature. And certainly, we'll be drawing parallels to our own recent Covid lockdown!

Note: The class is limited to 12 students, so that everyone gets ample opportunity to read.

The class will be reading The Decameron by Giovanni Boccaccio both sessions of the Spring term.

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Painting with Soft Patels NEW Mr. Dan Bondroff Fridays, 10-11:45 a.m. | $125 Course Description: Students will learn how to create artwork in soft pastel from concept to completion. Classes will include a complete demonstration, and students will receive one on one instruction creating their own paintings.

Weeks Week 1 Week 2 Week 3

Topics Demonstration of pastel painting process.

Recap of week 1 demo. Students start their projects.

Short demonstration of painting details. Students continue projects.

Week 4 Short demonstration of painting details. Students continue projects.

Week 5 New Demonstration if needed. Students continue projects.

Students who finish early start new projects.

Week 6 Recap. Everyone finishes projects.

Learning to Play & Love NMJL Mah Jongg Ms. Judith Schwartz Fridays, 10-11:45 a.m. | $80 Course Description: Using the rules of the National Mah Jongg League participants will learn to understand the NMJL card, the tiles and strategies for playing this ancient Chinese game that has been embraced

by American culture. Students will be able to identify the tiles, understand the hand options and successfully collect the necessary tiles to declare “Mah Jongg”! All levels of players are welcome!

Weeks Topics Week 1 Learning tiles, suits and special vocabulary needed to play the game.

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Week 2 The Charleston - not the dance, but rather the sequence of selecting, keeping and passing tiles to create a hand!

Week 3 Let’s start playing! You’ve selected a target hand to play but now you need to pick the right tiles, trying to avoid giving opponents the tiles they need!

Week 4 Picking your target category or hand. So many choices but you’ll need a strategy for making the best choice!

Week 5 Becoming familiar with those pesky rules that make the game challenging are a key skill students will practice.

Week 6 Pick-up the pace by practice, practice, practice!!

SIG: Current Events Mr. Haim Karp Fridays, 12-12:50 p.m. | Free for OLLI members Course Description: Would you like to discuss current events within a smaller group? Do you share the same passions as other OLLI members on certain national or global topics? Participants should prepare for meetings by brushing up on current topics in the news frequently, bringing not only opinions to the table, but verified facts as well.

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SPRING 2 CLASSES March 9, 2026 – April 17, 2026 Mondays: Classes begin on March 9, 2026 NEW Side-Splitting: The Evolution of the Film Comedy Ms. Tina Pacheco Mondays, 10-11:45 a.m. | $80 Course Description: From the earliest days of theater, there have been comedic scenarios presented to the public. When cinema arrived, it presented the freedom to easily move between time and space. The ability to add score to comedy moments, to have fast-paced edited sequences, to make sets and places more realistic. This provided a larger framework to present side-splitting scenes that make us spill out of our seats. Take a walk through the evolution of comedy in the cinematic universe.

Note: Students will be required to watch a film each week on their own.

The instructor will provide the link for each film.

Weeks Topics Week 1 Physical comedy: Chaplin to Jaques Tati- Topics will include how vaudeville influenced the first comedies (Charlie Chaplin scenes) & how silent comedic films didn't end with talkies (Jacques Tati scenes).

Week 2 Screwball Comedies: Quick dialogue and sexual tension. The medium of film creates a chance to quickly change locations to present a fast-paced zany escapades, with partnership at its center.

Week 3 The Satire: This class will focus on influential satirical films, scenes from Airplane! and Best in Show will be presented and discussed.

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Week 4 The Fish out of water: Showing two completely different worlds is easy to do in the medium of film, We will explore this topic showing scenes from the films; Some like it hot and Private Benjamin.

Week 5 The Romantic Comedy: from When Harry Met Sally to Moonstruck to Bridesmaids, the structure of building a cinematic love story will be told.

Week 6 Laughs from around the Globe: Kamikaze Girls, Hot Fuzz.

The universal language of comedy will be explored with scenes from several foreign film comedies.

Apple Care - Answers to Questions Regarding Apple Devices Ms. Joan Nurse Mondays, 10-11:45 a.m. | $90 Course Description: In this course, you will learn how some of your apple devices work: iPhone, iPad, MacBook or Pro, and iMac. Weeks Topics Week 1 Getting started with your device: iPhone, iPad, MacBook or Pro, iMac. Week 2 Understanding the security features provided by Apple and ensuring your devices have the essential software.

Week 3 Learning the different software that allows one to complete tasks.

Week 4 Leaning how Apple devices improve performance in everyday life.

Week 5 Answers to common questions regarding Apple devices.

Week 6 More answers to common questions regarding Apple devices.

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NEW Unexpected History: What the Founders Failed to Predict Dr. Rebecca Staton-Reinstein Mondays, 10-11:45 a.m. | $80 Course Description: If the US Founders had been interviewed on TV about their predictions as they took up their leadership positions, they would have failed to foresee some major occurrences. They understood human nature and behavior through experience and observation. They were not naïve. However, they did walk into challenges of their own making, which exposed their human fallibility.

Weeks Topics Week 1 The War of 1812: How we almost lost the republic before it began.

Week 2 Benedict Arnold: Why did this Revolutionary hero turn traitor?

Week 3 The Founders’ Faith: The Challenges Of and To Belief and Their Lasting Consequences.

Week 4 Revolutionary Diversity: How did the Founders deal with the issues of ethnicity, race, class, inclusion/exclusion, equity, and equality?

Week 5 Money, Money, Money: Founders Fortunes, Failures, and Fates.

Week 6 Marbury vs Madison: The decision that upset some founders’ beliefs about the role, restrictions, and relevance of the judiciary.

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Investments Dr. Ed Harper and Mr. Haim Karp Mondays, 10-11:45 a.m. | $80 Course Description: This is your chance to discuss investment topics with fellow OLLI members who have some experience and knowledge in this area. Each week’s discussion revolves around a topic related to investments. Invited guest speakers will address the class during the six weeks.

NEW The Super Agers – Lifestyle, Mindset, and Daily Habits - Session II Ms. Amanda Solari Mondays, 10-11:45 a.m. | $80 Course Description: This course examines the emerging field of Super Aging, exploring how certain individuals maintain exceptional cognitive, physical, and emotional capacities well into advanced age. This second session extends these principles into advanced applications, including cognitive training, emotional regulation, community engagement, and the development of a personalized Super Ager lifestyle plan.

Weeks Topics Week 1 Cognitive Training and Brain Plasticity - Strategies for building cognitive reserve through memory practices, problem-solving, and creativity.

Week 2 Stress, Emotion, and Neurobiology - Mechanisms of stress on aging and evidence-based interventions for emotional regulation.

Week 3 Sleep and Recovery Science - Understanding circadian rhythms, restorative sleep, and the role of rest in neuroprotection.

Week 4 Curiosity, Play, and Lifelong Learning - Exploration of novel skills, hobbies, and intellectual engagement as tools for sustained vitality.

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Week 5 Community, Purpose, and Legacy - The significance of contribution, mentoring, and meaningful social roles in successful aging.

Week 6 Capstone: Designing the Super Ager Lifestyle Map Integration of course content into a long-term, individualized framework for well-being.

Italian Intermediate, Level 4 Dr. Lorella Di Gregorio Mondays, 10-11:45 a.m. | $80 Course Description: This course is designed for students who are already proficient in Basic Italian grammar, can use the present tense of regular and most common irregular verbs and want to improve their language abilities. The pace of the class will be determined by the students’ abilities to retain the language and their drive to reach a new level.

Required Text: Sentieri, 1st Edition, by Julia Cozzarelli, Cost: $40-45.

SIG: OLLI Book Club Ms. Susan King Mondays, 12-12:50 p.m. | Free for OLLI members Course Description: OLLI Book Club is a member-driven discussion group. It is a committed group of members whose sole purpose is to have a lively and engaging discussion about the novel(s) chosen to read.

Book Selections: The Missing Pages by Alyson Richman and The Doorman by Chris Payone.

Artificial Intelligence, Pt. 2 - Advanced Concepts & Applications Ms. Joan Nurse Mondays, 1-2:45 p.m. | $80 Course Description: In this class, you will continue to learn how Artificial Intelligence has shaped the world. We will examine the ethical challenges 75

and potential biases in AI. You'll gain a deeper understanding of how AI is incorporated into our everyday lives.

Weeks Topics Week 1 Recap and Bridge parts 1 & 2 ... Definition and Core ideas ...

We'll build on the foundation and go deeper into applications, ethical considerations, emerging technologies and practical hands-on experiences.

Week 2 Machine learning in-depth: Supervised vs Unsupervised reinforcement learning, Real-world examples: Predictive text, and fraud detection, recommended systems, and tools and demos.

Week 3 Neural Networks and deep learning: Anatomy of a neural network, Convolutional Neural Networks ... hands on.

Week 4 Natural Language Processing (NLP): how machines understand human language, live demo or use tools: ChatGpt, Google Gemini and Claude AI. Week 5 Computer Vision: What is computer vision and how is it used to identify images and video replicating human sight and cognitive abilities?

Week 6 AI in Daily life and industry: health card, finance and education case studies.

Einstein Discovered: Light, E=mc2, and Spacetime Mr. Mark Egdall Mondays, 1-2:45 p.m. | $80 Course Description: Learn how a former high school dropout revolutionized our understanding of space and time. From E=mc2 to everyday time travel, this course takes us on a mindboggling journey through the depths of Einstein’s universe. Note: This is a beginner’s course. No prior physics background needed.

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Weeks Topics Week 1 From Unknown to Revolutionary: We discuss Einstein’s rebellious youth, his attitude problems at school, and his inability to get a professorship. Learn about the great conflict between Newton’s laws and Maxwell’s breakthrough on electricity magnetism and light.

Week 2 The Two Postulates of Special Relativity: Einstein’s radical new theory was based on two simple principles on light and motion. Learn what Galileo’s dictum “all speeds are relative” means. Einstein imagined himself sitting on a light beam (at age 16!), which led to the discovery of the absolute nature of the speed of light.

Week 3 The True Nature of Time: Does time shrink with motion?

We discuss the famous “light clock” thought experiment and how it leads to the notion that we are all time travelers!

Week 4 Simultaneity and Length Contraction: Learn why two events that happen at the same time for you may not happen at the same time for me. Is the shrinking of space real or an illusion? Find out how to fit a 20-foot pole into a 10-foot barn.

Week 5 The World’s Most Famous Equation: See how mass, momentum, and energy are affected by motion. Learn the true meaning of E=mc2. What happens when matter and anti-matter collide? Find out how the Sun manages to radiate light for billions of years.

Week 6 The Space time Continuum: We discuss the concept of space-time, the four-dimensional “fabric of the universe.”

Learn how the math teacher who called Einstein a lazy dog discovered the space time interval -the universal ruler for all events in the cosmos.

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Remarkable Women in Music Mr. Brian Murphy Mondays, 1-2:45 p.m. | $80 Course Description: In this course, we will trace the evolution of women in music as composers, arrangers and performers.

Weeks Topics Week 1 An Overview/Pop Music (Carole King, Laura Nyro, Joni Mitchell, Tori Amos, Whitney Houston, Stevie Nicks, Carly Simon and others).

Week 2 Popular Music/Blues (Ma Rainey, Bessie Smith, Ethel Waters, Alberta Hunter and others.)

Week 3 Jazz (Mary Lou Williams, Dorothy Donegan, Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, Lena Horne, Shirley Horn and others).

Week 4 Composers: Maria Szymanowska (1789-1831), Clara Schumann (1819-96), Ethel Smyth (1858-1944), Ruth Crawford Seeger (1901-53), and Nadia Boulanger, Week 5 World Music (Yma Sumac, Cesaria Evora, Miriam Makeba, Elis Regina, Flora Purim and Celia Cruz and others).

Week 6 Breakout Modern Singers (Alicia Keys, Amy Winehouse, Adele and others).

Italian Basic, Level 4 Dr. Lorella Di Gregorio Mondays, 1-2:45 p.m.

Course Description: This course is designed for students who already have some basic knowledge of the language (at least genders, articles, numbers, present tense of essere and avere). During the class you will learn more vocabulary, phrases and grammar structure.

Required Text: Sentieri, 1st Edition by Julia Cozzarelli, Cost: $40-45.

ISBN 978-1-60576-119-0.

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NEW Friedrich Nietzsche: The Greatest Works Dr. Cynthia Halpern Mondays, 1-2:45 p.m. | $80 Course Description: In this course, we will continue our study of the philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche, culminating in his greatest work, Thus Spoke Zarathustra.

Weeks Topics Week 1 The development of Nietzsche's works, the changes in his philosophy and the changes in the way he thought about and lived philosophy. Comparison of his works.

Week 2 Thus Spoke Zarathustra, rhetorical, excessive, symbolic, metaphorical, the culmination of an intellectual and spiritual crisis. His life crisis.

Week 3 God is dead, we have killed him, but his shadow will remain on the walls of the cave for a thousand years. There are no underlying or overarching ordering principles in the universe.

Week 4 The eternal recurrence of the same. Amor Fati. The coming of the new men.

Week 5 Of the three Metamorphoses. The preachers of death. Of the New Idol. Of the Thousand and one goals. Of the Bestowing Virtue. The Night Song. Self-Overcoming, The Wanderer.

Week 6 Of Redemption. Of the Vision and the Riddle. Of the Spirit of Gravity. Of Old and New Law-Tables. Of the Higher Man. Classical Literature Ms. Ronnie Londner Mondays, 1-2:45 p.m. | $80 Course Description: In this course, we will delve into six authors. We will read one of the author’s shorter works (under 250 pages) and discuss the longer books. Biographical information on each writer will be presented, 79

as well as the context of the writer's time and place. The goal of the course is to come away with a greater appreciation and enjoyment of these marvelous writers. A lively discussion and exchange of views is part of the fun.

Weeks Topics Week 1 Benjamin Franklin 1706 - 1790 Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin (150 pages).

Week 2 Nikolai Gogol 1809 - 1852 Three Short Stories: The Overcoat, The Diary of a Madman and The Nose (100 pages).

Week 3 Nathaniel Hawthorne 1804 -1864 The Scarlet Letter (225 pages).

Week 4 Henry James (1843-1916) Daisy Miller (100 pages).

Week 5 Yasunari Kawabata (1899–1972) Thousand Cranes (210 pages).

Week 6 Joshua Ferris (1974 - ) Then We Came to the End (220 pages).

Tai Chi/Qigong Ms. Grisell Gonzalez Mondays, 12:30-1:30 p.m. | $80 Course description: Tai Chi is a gentle and graceful movement class based on concepts originating in ancient China and is one of the most effective exercises for the health of the mind and body. The ultimate purpose of Tai Chi is to cultivate the Qi or life energy within us to flow smoothly and powerfully throughout the body. Tai Chi improves balance and prevents falls.

Qigong came before Tai Chi and is a practice of cultivating vital life-force through various techniques, including breathing techniques, posture, and fluid movements.

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Note: The instructor spends approximately 30 minutes of the class practicing Qigong and approximately 30 minutes practicing Tai Chi. Studies show that these practices aid with stress reduction, chronic pain, arthritis, diabetes, osteoporosis, and more. Students are encouraged to wear loose comfortable clothing.

Canasta Group Play No Instructor Mondays, 1-2:45 p.m. | $50 Course Description: Members getting together to play Canasta and to practice and perfect their ability to play the game.

Note: You must already know the fundamentals of the game.

Tuesdays: Classes begin on March 10, 2026 Western Art, Masters, and Masterpieces New Content Mr. Armando Droulers Tuesdays, [5-weeks] 10a.m.-12:00 p.m. | $80 Course Description: In this course, we will trace the evolution of the fine arts in Western culture by discovering the relationship between stylistic developments. We will concentrate on various artistic periods, covering not only the art but the artists, their influence, and their social, political, and economic backgrounds. With many artists today consistently infusing art historical references into contemporary works, understanding the significance of each period provides a means by which we can understand our present and the broader historical and intellectual context in which the visual arts emerged.

Note: The instructor changes the material covered each session.

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Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778): Philosopher, dreamer or plagiarist?

NEW Dr. Daniel Vitaglione Tuesdays, 10-11:45 a.m. | $80 Course Description: This course will focus on a paradox. Generally considered a major 18th-century thinker, pro-equality and freedom, Rousseau, a self-taught music teacher, borrowed most of his philosophical ideas from his contemporaries such as Voltaire, Montesquieu and Diderot.

As early as 1766, Joseph Cajot accused Rousseau of plagiarism. We will follow the foundation and development of his ideas and examine the verity of the accusations against him.

Weeks Topics Week 1 Rousseau's difficult childhood in Calvinist Geneva.

Week 2 His move to the Duchy of Savoy, his affair with Madame de Warens and his conversion to Catholicism. His travels to Paris and his meeting with the intelligentsia, Diderot etc…

Week 3 Rousseau's philosophy of Nature and his concept of religion.

Week 4 Rousseau's ethics and his idea of education.

Week 5 Rousseau and the Social Contract.

Week 6 Rousseau's legacy and fortune in Western thought.

International Action Mr. Alan Dietz Tuesdays, 10-11:45 a.m. | $80 Course Description: International Action is a discussion group dealing with explaining up-to-the minute international affairs, politics, and intrigue in the major action centers of the world, with emphasis on Europe, China, India, Russia, Japan, Latin America, and, of course, the smoldering Middle East. Class participation is encouraged.

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Portraiture in Drawing Mr. Carlos Gallostra Tuesdays, 10-11:45 a.m. | $80 Course Description: Explore portraiture through the art of drawing in graphite or charcoal and chalk on paper. Through this informative workshop, you will use portraiture to gain a greater comprehension of composition, form, tonal light and shadow as well as aim to visually express a convincing representation of a figure that is meaningful to you.

The workshop introduces the student to a step-by-step process that facilitates capturing the portrait from the initial contour to the fully rendered form. Topics discussed will range from ideas on observation, measurement, and value as well as techniques taught to finalize the turn of form and finish.

Weeks Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6

Topics Develop the envelope and scaffold for the contour drawing.

Continue to mature and refine the contour drawing.

Develop the tonal flat forms of light and shadow.

Advance the passage towards a turn of form.

Continue to mature and refine the turn of form.

Take the effort towards completion.

Note: The materials list will be forwarded upon registration.

SIG: In the News Mr. Leslie Gross and Ms. Janet Krutchik Tuesdays, 12-1:30 p.m. | Free for OLLI members Course description: Discussion group focused on what’s - “in the news” - each week. Bring your open-mindedness and civil discourse to this OLLI member Shared Interest Group.

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East Meets West Dr. Batia Cohen Tuesdays, 1-2:45 p.m. | $80 Course Description: In the mid-19th century, Europe began trading with Asia. Imported goods began to arrive at major cities, and artists were interested in applying the Far East concepts of Art. As the communications progressed, several Asian artists were also influenced by Western Art. In the 20th century, Japanese American artists like Isamu Noguchi blended both notions and a new era of art began. The interaction between cultures has always enriched our understanding of each other, and art has been a vehicle to do so.

Weeks Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6

Topics First Interactions between East and West.

La Belle Epoque and the Far East.

The Wave of Hokusai, Van Gogh and others.

Isamu Noguchi: A Japanese American struggle.

Yayoi Kusama: More than dots.

Ai Wei Wei: The New Era of Art.

An Introduction to the Humanities, Pt. 3 - The Baroque and Classical Periods Dr. Eugene Greco Tuesdays, 1-2:45 p.m. | $80 Course Description: In this course, we will examine the major accomplishments of humankind in the areas of art, architecture, music, dance, drama and literature. You will gain an understanding of some of the major philosophical themes and issues that tie these areas together within a historical, and chronological framework to encourage aesthetic and intellectual appreciation.

Note: Attendance in Parts 1 and 2 is not required to take Part 3.

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Weeks Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4

Topics Context: Baroque Philosophy, and Baroque Art. Baroque Art and Architecture, and Baroque Music.

Baroque Music, Theatre and Dance.

Context: The Classical Period, Philosophy, Literature, and Science.

Week 5 Classical Sculpture, Architecture, and Music.

Week 6 Classical Music, Theater, and Dance.

Introduction to Pencil Drawing and Sketching Ms. Anita Klimek Tuesdays, 1-2:45 p.m. | $125 Course Description: This course builds upon the drawing skills learned in the previous session. You will work in different mediums: charcoal, colored pencils, pastels, ink, wash, etc. and continue to hone your drawing skills. The materials list will be forwarded upon registration.

Did That Really Happen? Memoir & Life Stories (Continue the Journey) Ms. Jeannie DeQuine Tuesdays, 1-2:45 p.m. | $80 Course Description: In this class, the student will be guided through writing snippets, essays, or chapters of their lives for themselves and others to enjoy. It continues the journey of memoir. It is not necessary to have taken the first part of this class. It is for: Those recalling life stories to share with grandchildren and others; Those who want to write a personal memoir around a certain period or topic in their lives, and Those who enjoy reading snippets of popular memoirs as inspiration and want to learn a few literary tools (writing about your home, characters in your

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family and elsewhere) along the way. Literary discussion from the text will take up a small part of the class.

Weeks Topics Week 1 How to write about places you have lived. Describing scenes from your past and present. Developing a voice and a style.

Week 2 Writing about living people. How to be fair (or not!). How to bring vivid “characters and loved ones to light. What is our responsibility to those we love? Factual vs. emotional truth.

Week 3 How to handle time in memoir. What part of your life should you write about? All of it? Part of it? What tense to tell your story in. How to choose a detail. Why internal struggles can be just as compelling as “rock-em-sockem” stories.

Week 4 How to tell the story. Organizing our ideas into a cohesive piece(s).

Week 5 Why other’s memoirs amuse us and techniques we can use to do the same.

Week 6 Summarizing your journey.

RHYTHM International Fitness Ms. Paulette Dozier Tuesdays, 3-4 p.m.| $80 Course Description: RHYTHM International Fitness is structured to nourish your Body, Mind, and Spirit as you dance your way into a healthier lifestyle.

BODY: You will shake things up with confidence by dancing to some of your favorite tunes (current and nostalgic) that will help reconnect you to the vivacious you.

MIND: With techniques used by dancers and actors to learn choreography and scripts, RHYTHM uses them to strengthen your memory recall.

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SPIRIT: It’s always a comfort to workout in an environment amongst friends (and soon-to-be friends) where you’re FREE TO TALK about whatever’s on your mind.

Weeks Topics Week 1 YOUR DAILY ACTIVITIES transformed into a Rhythm workout. Say whaaaaaat? Warm up, Dance, Cool down.

Week 2 YOUR FAVORITE DANCE MOVES as a Rhythm workout.

Shake that booty! | Warm up, Dance, Cool down Week 3 CHOREOGRAPHY to strengthen your memory recall.

Yeeeeah riiiight, I’m not a dancer! | Warm up, Dance, Cool down.

Week 4 Take on A POSITIVE OUTLOOK to reach your fitness goals. But I hate exercising. | Warm up, Dance, Cool down.

Week 5 The how to of AN ONLINE RHYTHM WORKOUT. What the what? Technology? How, why, nooooo? | Warm up, Dance, Cool down.

Week 6 IT’S A WRAP! Let’s work it! | Warm-up, Dance, Cool down.

Chair Yoga Ms. Nina Ramos Tuesdays, 3-4 p.m. | $50 Course Description: Also known as seated yoga, Chair Yoga is ideal for the desk-bound, travelers, golfers, and those in rehabilitation or who are physically challenged. Chair Yoga will introduce you to a series of the most effective yoga stretches, all done from the comfort of your chair.

You do not need to stand up to reap the benefits of yoga. This unique program is offered in one-hour segments of seated stretching and deep breathing to help maintain or build strength and flexibility while relieving the stress and tension associated with sitting for too long.

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Spanish Advanced Conversation on Current Topics in Spanish Culture Dr. Luis Carlos Fallon Tuesdays, 3-4:45 p.m. | $80 Course Description: This conversational course is designed for those students who wish to test the knowledge acquired in previous courses.

Learning a new language also involves learning the culture of the people who speak the language. This class will utilize exercises that allow you to practice oral, writing, and listening skills. The course’s emphasis will be on oral communication and vocabulary building using readings related to Hispanic Culture. This class requires active participation.

Required Texts: “Intermediate Spanish”- Literatura y Arte, 7th Edition,

by John G. Copeland, Ralph Kite, Lynn A. Sandstedt, Harcourt College Publishers, ISBN: 0-03-029431-2 (Thriftbooks). We will continue to refer to Basic Spanish, by Ana Jarvis, Raquel Lebredo & Francisco Mena - as a guide. Both texts can be purchased

Wednesdays: Classes begin on March 11, 2026 Current World Events Dr. Mitra Raheb Wednesdays, 10-11:45 a.m. | $80 Course Description: This course will examine events that impact the international community - Asia, EU, and the MENA region.

Note: Events will be addressed from a non-traditional Western perspective.

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Apple Watch Ms. Joan Nurse Wednesdays, 10-11:45 a.m. | $90 Course Description: Learn to use your Apple Watch (all series … 4, 5, 6, SE and 7). The watch incorporates fitness tracking, health-oriented capabilities, and wireless telecommunication. It integrates with iOS and other Apple products and services. Join us as we explore all the new features and controls intended to make your life easier and, in many cases, safer.

Weeks Topics Week 1 Learn to use the digital crown, side button and gestures efficiently.

Week 2 Learn how the Apple watch operating system relates to your other Apple devices and how to sync them together.

Week 3 Ten tips for getting the most out of your Apple watch.

Week 4 Learn the hidden features the Apple watch offers the user.

Week 5 Manage your digital life and stay connected to apps, social media and more with the latest wearables from Apple.

Week 6 Review all materials. Answer questions and provide demonstrations.

Intermediate French Ms. Alicia Menendez-King Wednesdays, 10-11:45 a.m. | $80 Course Description: This course is taught in French and further explores Francophone language and culture. Emphasis is placed in vocabulary, everyday expressions, and necessary grammar to read and speak French.

Learning materials include readings, videos and music.

This course is for students who have completed Beginner's French, Parts 1-6 and who demonstrate French proficiency at the Intermediate level.

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Required Texts: Schaum's French Grammar (7th edition/2018) by Mary Crocker (Amazon or Barnes & Noble). The remaining texts will be announced BEFORE the first class.

NEW Personal Essay: Structuring Your Genius into a Final Draft Ms. Andrea Askowitz & Allison Langer Wednesdays, 10-11:45 a.m. | $80 Course Description: Each week, three to four students will bring in a full draft using drafts started in Writing to a Prompt and Unleashing Your Genius and tips learned throughout that course. Students will receive edits from instructors as well as each other, which is the best way to hone writing skills. This class will end in a live performance.

Ideal prerequisite: Having taken the Personal Essay: Writing to a Prompt and Unleashing Your Genius class.

Weeks Topics Week 1 Three to four students will bring in a full draft and receive edits from instructors and each other.

Week 2 Three to four students will bring in a full draft and receive edits from instructors and each other.

Week 3 Three to four students will bring in a full draft and receive edits from instructors and each other.

Week 4 Three to four students will bring in a full draft and receive edits from instructors and each other.

Week 5 All students who opt into the show will workshop their final drafts for final edits. This class will serve as a dress rehearsal.

Week 6 Students will put up a live show highlighting a true, personal story developed in class.

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Drawing with the Masters Mr. Armando Droulers Wednesdays, [5 weeks], 10a.m.-12 p.m. | $125 Course Description: Drawing is one of the oldest forms of visual art with a diverse history. Considered the foundation of all art, it is the first art form all students should master. This drawing course will review the different techniques of master artists such as subject matter, line and tonal values, composition, light, textures, perspective, movement, mood etc., By exploring different artists, mediums, and techniques of different periods of art history, the students will increase both their technical and creative skills. The course is designed for all levels of expertise, from beginners to seasoned draftsmen.

Caliart Art Supplies, Drawing Supplies, 176 PCS Art Set Sketching Kit with 100 Sheets 3-Color Sketch Book, Graphite Colored Charcoal Watercolor and Metallic Pencils Approximate cost on Amazon $22.

Amazon Basics Watercolor Pad, 9"x12", 140 lb / 300 gsm, 30 Sheets, White. Approximate cost on Amazon $12.

Weeks Topics Week 1 Proportions, measuring space, positive and negative space, composition, and cropping.

Week 2 Shading, light and dark, chiaroscuro, tonal values.

Week 3 Line drawing and the sketch.

Week 4 Drawing the Portrait.

Week 5 Drawing the Still Life.

Week 6 Drawing the Landscape.

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SIG: Monday Morning Quarterback (Sports) Mr. Arthur Young Wednesdays, 11:30-12:45 p.m. | Free for OLLI Members Course Description: Discuss current events in the world of sports. The discussion will be class-driven depending on participants’ interests and the news. Emphasis will be on local teams.

NEW The Sixties: America’s Most Turbulent Decade Dr. Michael Scheibach Wednesdays, 1-2:45 p.m. | $80 Course Description: In this course, we will examine arguably one of the most turbulent decades in American history. From assassinations to civil rights, from the Cold War to the Vietnam War, the 1960s witnessed a wide range of significant events that had an impact on American society and left a legacy still felt today.

Weeks Topics Week 1 We will look at America’s youth that came of age in the 1960s and encountered major political and social issues that shaped their live Week 2 We will examine the policies and actions of President John Kennedy and President Lyndon Johnson during the escalation of the Cold War. Week 3 During the 1960s, the nation dealt with civil rights protests, race riots, and assassinations of Black leaders. We will discuss the nation's confrontation with race relations.

Week 4 We will look at the history of the Vietnam War and its impact on society and American youth, both those who supported the war and those who opposed it.

Week 5 We will discuss the impact of social and cultural changes taking place in the 1960s, including gender roles, social mores, lifestyles, the media, and music.

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Week 6 We will discuss how today's view of government, family, gender roles, and social attitudes all can be traced to the 1960s.

Introduction to Windows 11 Ms. Joan Nurse Wednesdays, 1-2:45 p.m. | $90 Course Description: In this course, all levels of Windows 11 learners are welcome. You will be guided on getting started with navigating the desktop, managing files, and using essential applications.

Week 1 Overview of Windows: Navigating the desktop and using the touchscreen ... Basic gestures.

Week 2 Basic Operations: Opening and closing Apps, Managing Windows, and File Explorer.

Week 3 Internet and Email: Using a Web Browser, Setting up Email, and safety Tips.

Week 4 Personalization and Accessibility: Customizing Settings, and Accessibility Options.

Week 5 Security and Maintenance: Windows Security - Basics and Restore.

Week 6 Practical Session and Q&A. Art and Architecture of the Arab-Islamic World Dr. Daniel Rivera Wednesdays, 1-2:45 p.m. | $80 Course Description: In this course, we will continue to explore the material, artistic, and intellectual legacy of Arab-Islamic civilization from its origins in the 7th century to its enduring global impact.

Week 1 Principles of Islamic Art and Aesthetics.

Week 2 Sacred Architecture: Mosques and Madrasas.

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Week 3 Palatial Architecture and Urban Design.

Week 4 Arts of the Book: Calligraphy, Manuscripts, and Illumination.

Week 5 Decorative Arts: Ceramics, Metalwork, and Textiles.

Week 6 The Global Legacy of Arab-Islamic Civilization.

Writer’s Workshop Ms. Jeannie DeQuine Wednesdays, 1-2:45 p.m. | $80 Course Description: This informal workshop helps you create and share first-person, non-fiction, or fictional pieces. You will learn writing tips and read your work aloud in a supportive communal setting. We offer ideas on how to improve each piece in a supportive, constructive, safe environment. It has been shown that many writers learn more from workshop discussion of each other’s pieces than in a formal creative writing class setting. Each week, two students submit a piece to class members for discussion and questions. Additionally, the instructor edits each piece and covers common topics such as confronting writer’s block; bringing characters to life; developing a plot, creating a family memoir and editing one’s own work.

Text: The Lie that Tells a Truth by John Dufresne.

Mah Jongg Group Play No Instructor Wednesdays, 1-2:45 p.m. | $50 Course Description: Members getting together to play Mah Jongg and to practice and perfect their ability to play the game.

Note: You must already know the fundamentals of the game.

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RIF: Strength & Flexibility Ms. Paulette Dozier Wednesdays, 3-4 p.m. | $80 Course Description: The RIF Strength & Flexibility exercise program focuses on building muscle strength and improving flexibility with the use of body weight exercises and stretching. The exercises are performed in standing and or seated positions. Exercises that require sitting may be performed either in a chair or on the floor, depending on the person's abilities. Throughout the session, to create a motivating atmosphere, easylistening music is played while working out. Arrive ON TIME, preferably a few minutes before class starts and bring your positive attitude.

Comfortable WORKOUT ATTIRE: • Sneakers/Athletic shoes (required) • Tights/leggings or gym pants • Sports bra and or T-shirt • A bottle of WATER (24 oz min preferred) • Large TOWEL • Small CLOTH (to dry your face during class) • Arrive ON TIME, preferably a few minutes before class starts.

• Always come with an Open Mind and Positive Attitude.

Postural Stability, Balance & Mobility Ms. Grisell Gonzalez Wednesdays, 3-4 p.m. | $80 Course Description: Sitting and standing with proper alignment improves blood flow, helps keep the nerves and blood vessels healthy, and supports the muscles, ligaments, and tendons. According to physical therapists, structural balance is by far the most important thing needed for injuryprevention. Mobility training can improve the range of motion in joints/muscles and assist in improving posture. In this class, we will work on strengthening the postural muscles, mobilizing the joints, and 95

improving balance. Each week, you will receive a protocol and a homework assignment to help you improve posture and balance.

Note: You will need a long Thera-Band resistance band loop.

Weeks Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6

Topics Postural Stability.

Strengthening Postural Muscles.

Joint Mobility.

Balance and Coordination.

Balance and Coordination.

Strength, Mobility, and Balance.

Italian Advanced, Level 4 Dr. Magda Novelli Pearson Wednesdays, 3-4:45 p.m. | $80 Course Description: This course is designed for students who have already attended Basic and Intermediate or for those how have some knowledge of Italian and are able to use the present, future, imperative and past tenses of regular and most common irregular verbs. In this class you will continue to expand your vocabulary and work on basic grammar.

Required Text: Sentieri, 1st Edition by Julia M. Cozzarelli, Cost: $40-45.

ISBN 978-1-60576-119-0.

Art in Three Dimensions: The Ancient Voice of Clay Ms. Deborah Vidaver-Cohen Wednesdays, 3-4:45 p.m. | $125 Course Description: This course provides students with a hands-on journey through Ancient Ceramic Time, exploring a variety of clayforming techniques from the earliest days of Ceramic Art and Pottery.

Each project introduces students to a different skill and each represents a different part of the world. Using prehistoric tools, methods and materials, 96

students may choose to replicate the ancient pieces shown in class or may apply class techniques to their own personal clay creations. Weekly topic schedule may be adjusted to accommodate student interests.

Weeks Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6

Topics Meeting your materials and learning to “see” with your hands - Beginning a wall sculpture.

Translating inspirations and integrating mixed media Refining wall sculpture.

Enhancing surface with color, collage and metallic finishes - Completing wall sculpture.

Capturing human and animal form - Beginning a figurative sculpture.

Understanding representational detail - Refining figurative sculpture.

Enhancing surface with color, collage and metallic finishes - Completing figurative sculpture.

Constitutional Law Harvey Sepler, JD, Ph. D Wednesdays, 3-4:30 p.m. | $80 Course Description: We all live in a confusing time. Often, it is hard to distinguish between politics and the legal system. But there is a difference. The goal of this class is to explore in a productive way how and why courts reach some of their more controversial decisions. The focus is not on whether we agree with those decisions but to understand them and how they affect the preservation of constitutional rights.

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Thursdays: Classes begin on March 12, 2026 Law & Order: Special Speaker Series New Content Dr. Ed Harper & Richard Hauser, Esq. Thursdays, 10 -11:30 a.m. | $80 Course Description: Back by popular demand, the Law & Order Speaker Series features subject matter experts addressing important and topical criminal justice issues. Learn about high profile Miami criminal cases, new research findings on “root causes” of crime and rehabilitation, criminal defense and the 6th Amendment, prosecutorial discretion and abuse, and executive clemency. We will be privileged to learn from the experts – former federal prosecutor and legal analyst, investigative reporters, legal author and scholar, federal public defender, prominent criminal defense lawyer, and State officials.

Adobe Photoshop Elements (PSE 15-2026) Mr. Karl Koslowski Thursdays, 10a.m.-1p.m. | $90 Course Description: Learn how to frame, add text, sign, copyright, create panos, multiple image compositions, sharpening, noise removal, luminescence & chroma saturation adjustments, gradients, selection & transfer techniques. This course is taught in the OLLI@UM computer room on PCs. Each student will be given 50 of my South Florida single and composite images, for practice in class and at home.

Please bring a 16GB USB thumb drive to the first class, to transfer practice images and folders, - for practice in class and at home.

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Music History New Content Dr. Alan Mason Thursdays, 10-11:45 a.m. | $80 Course Description: Each week of Music History will introduce you to a classical composer, genre, or style, beginning with a brief overview of the composers' lives and musical styles, followed by guided listening of great masterworks from the classical music repertory. We will view great concert videos and listen to some of the finest recordings of the world's most beloved classical music.

Spanish Basic, Pt. D Ms. Susan Dow Thursdays, 10-11:45 a.m. | $80 Course Description: In this course, you will continue to learn the essentials to be able to speak Spanish. The focus will continue to be on grammar, increasing vocabulary, and speaking.

Note: This class is taught in both English and Spanish.

Text: Text: Basic Spanish For Getting, 2nd edition, by Ana Jarvis and Raquel Lebredo. It can be purchased online through Amazon. Prices vary so you should shop around or buy a used 1st edition.

Let’s Put on a Play Ms. Randy Letzler Thursdays, 10-11:45 a.m. | $80 Course Description: This is the second part of a 12-week course ending in a Performance for OLLI members, friends and family. The course is divided into two 6-week courses, one during Spring 1 and one during Spring 2. Participants must sign up for both sessions to take this class.

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Students will learn all skills necessary to "Put on a Play" (acting, stage movement, voice, blocking, etc.) Students must have already completed Improvisation 101 to join this class. Class size is limited! Production TBD. Weeks Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6

Topics Blocking & Direction.

Blocking & Direction.

Blocking & Direction.

Blocking & Direction.

Blocking & Direction.

Performances.

Postural Stability, Balance & Mobility Ms. Grisell Gonzalez Thursdays, 10-11a.m. | $80 Course Description: Sitting and standing with proper alignment improves blood flow, helps keep the nerves and blood vessels healthy, and supports the muscles, ligaments, and tendons. According to physical therapists, structural balance is by far the most important thing needed for injuryprevention. Mobility training can improve the range of motion in joints/muscles and assist in improving posture. In this class, we will work on strengthening the postural muscles, mobilizing the joints, and improving balance. Each week, you will receive a protocol and a homework assignment to help you improve posture and balance.

Note: You will need a long Thera-Band resistance band loop.

Weeks Week 1 Week 2 Week 3

Topics Postural Stability.

Strengthening Postural Muscles.

Joint Mobility.

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Week 4 Week 5 Week 6

Balance and Coordination.

Balance and Coordination.

Strength, Mobility, and Balance.

Intermediate & Advanced French Conversation Dr. Daniel Vitaglione Thursdays, 10-11:45 a.m. | $80 Course Description: This course is for students who are studying French and need to practice their conversation. The teacher will present a theme each week with suggested vocabulary, review some grammar and organize small groups of two or three students who will practice speaking while having the option of asking the teacher about vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation.

Weeks Topics Week 1 Home and city vocabulary and practice.

Week 2 Specific activities and interests from movies to sports to shopping...

Week 3 Traveling: organized groups, cruises, hotels, reservations etc…

Week 4 Favorite pass times from movies to writing, games etc…

Week 5 Nature, parks, mountains, beaches…

Week 6 Readings, news, newspapers, novels...

SIG: The Spanish Conversation Café Ms. Anne Bacall and Ms. Karen Spigler Thursdays, 12-12:50 p.m. | Free for OLLI members Note: Class meets on:3/12/26, 3/26/26 and 4/9/26.

Course Description: Do you speak Spanish and want to practice conversing with native or fluent Spanish speakers? Or are you a native or fluent Spanish speaker who wants to help a fellow OLLI member practice 101

his or her Spanish and get more proficient? If so, this SIG is for you! Join us twice a month as we get together para “Hablar Español!”

Note: This is NOT a Spanish class. There is no instructor. Spanish speaking OLLI members will be facilitating this SIG. No teaching experience or advanced preparation is required.

Triumph & Tragedy: The Lives of Great Men Mr. Robert Dawson Thursdays, 1-2:45 p.m. | $80 Course Description: See history come to life with Robert Dawson. In this historical recreation, you will see, hear, and learn about the lives of famous (and infamous) men. Part History Channel, part theater, it is an enjoyable and engaging way to learn history.

Weeks Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6

Characters: Thomas Paine/The Revolutionary Spark Buffalo Bill Cody/Visions of the Old West Mark Twain/On American Politics Ulysses S. Grant/In War & Peace Lt. John Rouse Merriott Chart/Rorke’s Drift Capt. Edward J. Smith/Titanic’s Fateful Voyage

Note: Occasionally, unexpected circumstances may arise that require a character listing to be changed.

Spanish Intermediate, Pt. D Ms. Susan Dow Thursdays, 1-2:45 p.m. | $80 Course Description: This course is for everyone who has taken Spanish Intermediate, Pt. C and who have completed all levels of Spanish Basic.

Continue to learn to use the present, present progressive and imperfect 102

tenses of regular and irregular verbs. All lessons include extensive oral practice in real-life situations.

Required Text: Basic Spanish For Getting Along, 2nd edition, by Ana Jarvis and Raquel Lebredo. It can be purchased online through Amazon.

Prices vary so you should shop around or buy a used 1st edition.

Beginning French, Pt. 4 Ms. Blanca Silva Thursdays, 1-2:45 p.m. | $80 Course Description: This course is a continuation of Beginning French, Pt. 3 with emphasis on oral communication centered on everyday situations. Topics covered include introductions, directions, hotel stays, airport situations, shopping, and restaurant interactions. Basic grammar and pronunciation will be covered. This course is for beginners who want to continue learning or refreshing their French.

Required textbook: Learn French the Fast and Fun Way (Barron’s).

Cost: Approximately $20.

Acrylic Painting, Beginning - Advanced Ms. Anita Klimek Thursdays, 1-2:45 p.m. | $125 Course Description: Painting with acrylics can be great fun. Acrylics allow the artist to jump in and push the medium to its limits. Come and experience the fun, ease, and lack of boundaries this medium and class have to offer. There will be time in class to work on your projects, while you receive instruction in perspective, composition, lead-ins, and critiques. You will be painting in the first class.

Note: This class is geared for all levels of painters. The material list will be provided upon registration. Please bring supplies to all classes.

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Introduction to Watercolor NEW Ms. Mary McHenry Thursdays, 1-2:45 p.m. | $125 Course Description: This beginner’s watercolor course introduces students to the fundamentals of painting with watercolors in a relaxed, encouraging environment. Participants will explore brush techniques, color mixing, layering, and how to control water flow to create different effects. Through step-by-step projects, students will build confidence while experimenting with landscapes, florals, and abstract designs—no prior experience required.

Weeks Topics Week 1 Getting Started with Watercolor – Discover the essential tools and learn simple washes that unlock watercolor’s unique charm.

Week 2 Exploring Color – Dive into color theory through mixing, blending, and layering colors.

Week 3 Painting Flowers – Capture the delicate shapes and colors of blooms while practicing layering and brush control.

Week 4 Pen and Wash Techniques – A combined study of ink drawing and watercolor application to develop precision, contrast, and expressive line work.

Week 5 Landscapes in Watercolor – Learn to paint skies, trees, and water while exploring perspective and composition.

Week 6 Your First Masterpiece – Apply everything you’ve learned to create a painting of your own choice, with guidance and encouragement along the way.

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The Science of Healthy Aging NEW Dr. Laura Redwine, Dr. Robert Schwartz & Dr. Teresa Glynn Thursdays, 3-4:45 p.m. | $80 Course Description: In this class, you will get information on healthy aging from a scientific perspective and invite attendees to interact in dynamic discussions, setting goals to enhance their health and wellbeing.

Weeks Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6

Topics Introduction, digestion and nutrition.

Inflammaging and Longevity.

Stress, Energy Production, and Vitality.

Hormones as We Age. Toxins and Detoxification.

Movement: Importance of Musculoskeletal Health.

Chair Yoga Ms. Nina Ramos Thursdays, 3-4 p.m. | $50 Course Description: Also known as seated yoga, Chair Yoga is ideal for the desk-bound, travelers, golfers, and those in rehabilitation or who are physically challenged. Chair Yoga will introduce you to a series of the most effective yoga stretches, all done from the comfort of your chair.

You do not need to stand up to reap the benefits of yoga. This unique program is offered in one-hour segments of seated stretching and deep breathing to help maintain or build strength and flexibility while relieving the stress and tension associated with sitting for too long.

Italian Advanced Conversation Ms. Simona Bai Thursdays, 3-4:45 p.m. | $80 Course Description: This course is designed for students who have already attended all levels of Italian grammar or for those who are able to 105

use all tenses properly and feel fluent in the language talking about different topics. The course is taught entirely in Italian and is structured in different sections: speaking, writing and improving your vocabulary.

Required texts: "Read & Think Italian" - The editors of Think Italian Magazine ISBN: 978-0-07-176365-3 and "GrammaticAvanzata" Donatella Troncarelli/Matteo la Grassa - Edilingua. ISBN: 978-88-9843388-9.

SIG: As the “Book” Pages Turn Ms. Susan Rosenthal Thursdays, 3:45-4:45 p.m. | Free for OLLI Members Course Description: This is a SIG/club where OLLI members choose a book to read and engage in a lively discussion. Whenever possible, the author will be invited to join the group to discuss his/her book.

Book Selections: Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall (320 pages) and The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau by Kristin Harmel (334 pages).

Fridays: Classes begin on March 13, 20265 The Classics Reading Group Mr. Ron Kohn & Ms. Elizabeth Chifari Fridays, 10-11:45 a.m. | $80 Course Description: Some great works of literature are best read aloud in a group setting. The Classics Reading Group has tackled Shakespeare's plays, The Odyssey, The Iliad, The Aeneid, The Canterbury Tales, and much more. This session we will read The Decameron by Giovanni Boccaccio, published in Italian in 1620. This masterpiece of literature is structured as a frame story containing 100 tales told by a group of 10 people sheltering in a villa outside Florence during the Black Death. The tales all deal with and range from the humorous to the erotic to the tragic.

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We will be reading the tales out loud in a modern English translation.

Time will be set aside to discuss the significance of the stories and the work as a whole on world literature. And certainly, we'll be drawing parallels to our own recent covid lockdown!

Note: The class is limited to 12 students, so that everyone gets ample opportunity to read.

The class will be reading The Decameron by Giovanni Boccaccio both sessions of the Spring term.

Introduction to Photo Encaustics Ms. Andrea Clement Fridays, 10-11:45 a.m. | $125 Course Description: Encaustics is a mixed media art technique practiced

by Greek artists as far back as the 5th century B.C. It involves using a heated beeswax medium which is applied to a surface. Then other materials such as paint, ground pigments and oil pastels are incorporated upon and within the wax. In each class, students build up their own encaustic painting as they learn and work with a different technique. We will also incorporate collage and a personal photograph within the painting.

Note: No painting experience is needed to learn and enjoy encaustics.

Students will have completed 1 photo encaustic artwork at the end of the course. The materials list will be forwarded upon registration. Returning beginning Photo Encaustic artists are welcome.

Weeks Topics Week 1 Lecture and Power Point presentation on the history, materials and techniques of encaustics.

Week 2 Demo and getting started: We will begin to build the base layer of our encaustic painting with mark making writing, collage, stencils and encaustic gesso. Discussion regarding the 107

Week 3 Week 4 Week 5

Week 6

best types of photographs to incorporate into the encaustic piece.

Demo and studio time: Laying down the initial smooth wax layers, fusing of the layers, application of encaustic paint, it's opacity and creating translucency.

Demo and studio time: Embedding the photo into the encaustic piece. Students will work with their own photos.

Demo and studio time: Mark making upon the wax. We will work with colored pencils, oil pastels, pan pastels and oil paint. Students will learn to create marks by incising into the wax.

Demo and studio time: Finishing off the piece by adding texture and cleaning up the edges. Discussion regarding buffing and care of the encaustic piece.

Beethoven II: The Stylistic Evolution of Beethoven (1808-1827) Dr. Judith Etzion Fridays, 10-11:45 a.m. | $80 Course Description: Beethoven’s creative years from 1808 until his death in 1827. His astounding stylistic resourcefulness and compositional ingenuity under extreme personal duress.

Weeks Topics Week 1 Reviewing Beethoven’s historic concert of 1808. Piano Concerto no. 4. Excerpts from piano & chamber works.

Week 2 Beethoven’s peak of fame around the Congress of Vienna (1814). Select “heroic” works.

Week 3 Beethoven’s Fourth & Seventh Symphonies; excerpts.

Week 4 Beethoven’s troubled relationships with relatives, friends, women, and patrons. Excerpts from later piano sonatas and chamber works.

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Week 5 Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony (1824) - structure, style, and reception history.

Week 6 Beethoven’s final compositional phase. His enduring historical legacy.

SIG: Current Events Mr. Haim Karp Fridays, 12-12:50 p.m. | Free for OLLI members Course Description: Would you like to discuss current events within a smaller group? Do you share the same passions as other OLLI members on certain national or global topics? Participants should prepare for meetings by brushing up on current topics in the news frequently, bringing not only opinions to the table, but verified facts as well.

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Meet Your Instructors Ms. Andrea Askowitz is the Executive Producer and Host of the podcast, Writing Class Radio. She is a writer who likes to tell stories out loud. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, Salon, Slate, Huffington Post, and Glamour, to name a few.

Ms. Anne Bacall is a CPA, retired after a long career in tax and finance, and relaunched in diverse fields of interest such as the Spanish language. Anne is originally from France.

Ms. Simona Bai was born and raised in Italy and obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Education from the University of Bologna in Italy. Simona relocated to the US in 2015 and has, for several years, been teaching Italian classes at OLLI at UM. Dr. Moe Bidgoli earned degrees from the University of Tehran and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He was a profesor of Computer Science and Informations systems for 35 years before becoming a Professor Emeritus in June of 2018. Since then he has taught at numerous OLLIs throughout the country.

Mr. Daniel Bondroff has a BSc in Art, with a concentration in Visual Communication from Townson University in Maryland and studied traditional methods of charcoal, oil painting and soft pastels at Schuler School of Art in Baltimore, Maryland. Since 2003, he has been a Professional Artist and from 2012 to the present has been an art instructor at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden.

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Meet Your Instructors

Mr. Eloy Cepero was the musicologist for the Institute of Cuban and Cuban American studies at the University of Miami. He is the 2nd largest collector of Cuban Music in the USA. He has 18 years of experience in interviewing renowned musicians in radio and Television. He produced the Documentary "EL Sonido de Miami" which was one of the winners of the 2025 Miami Film Festival.

Ms. Walli Chevitz has a BA in English from Tulane University and an MA in Occupational Therapy from New York University.

She has worked as an Occupational Therapist and Feldenkrais practitioner since 1977.

Ms. Liz Chifari has a BA in English from the University of Rochester, an M.L.S. from Emory University, and a J.D. from the University of Miami. She spent her career working in publishing and then as the library manager at the law firm of Holland & Knight. She is now happily retired and is active in local literary and theater circles.

Ms. Andrea Clement has a BA in Art History from American University of Paris, France and an Associate of Science Degree in Professional Photography from Southeastern Center for Photographic Studies from Daytona Beach State College.

She has been a workshop instructor at Fairchild Tropical Gardens since 2017.

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Meet Your Instructors

Dr. Batia Cohen has a Doctorate in Mesoamerican Studies from the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México and a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design from the Universidad Metropolitana in Mexico City.

Dr. Marsha B. Cohen is a lecturer, educator, independent scholar, news analyst, and writer in Miami, FL. She earned her PhD in International Relations at Florida International University.

Ms. Anush Dawidjan has a BS from Westfield State University and completed her graduate studies in Criminal Justice at Sam Houston State University. She retired from the US Government after a successful 35 year career.

Mr. Robert Dawson is a BFA graduate of the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. Mr. Dawson creates and performs historic characters in the "Triumph and Tragedy" series.

Ms. Jeanne DeQuine is an experienced journalist for Time, Newsweek and People magazines. She has graduate degrees from Columbia Graduate School of Journalism and Florida International University.

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Meet Your Instructors Mr. Alan Dietz is an active OLLI member who graduated with a BA and MA in history from the University of Miami, where he taught American and World history as a graduate teaching assistant.

Dr. Lorella Di Gregorio has a Master of Arts in Art History from the University of Bolgna - Bolgna, Italy (2010), a Master of Arts in Spanish from Texas State University (2014) and a Doctorate in Literary, Cultural & Linguistic Studies from the University of Miami (2020). She is presently a full-time lecturer at the University of Miami.

Ms. Susan Dow has taught adults for over 20 years. She is a retired director of adult education at Miami-Dade College and was an adjunct lecturer at UM in Spanish and English as a second language.

Ms. Paulette Dozier has a BA in English from Florida International University and a Master of Science from Nova SouthEastern University. She has a certification as a Group Fitness Instructor from the Athletics and Fitness Association of America and National Academy of Sport's Medicine.

Mr. Armando Droulers is an artist, art historian and educator.

He studied at Bard College, Academia de Arte Federico Brandt in Caracas, in New World School of the Arts and at the University of Florida.

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Meet Your Instructors

Mr. Mark Egdall is the award winning author of the popular science book Einstein Relatively Simple: Our Universe Revealed in Everyday Language. A retired aerospace program manager, he has been teaching at other South Florida lifelong learning programs since 2006 and at OLLI @UM since 2010.

Dr. Judith Etzion received her doctoral degree in musicology from Columbia University, and has enjoyed a distinguished career as a scholar, performer, and university professor in the US, Israel, and Spain.

Ms. Peggy Falagan, has a Bachelor of Arts in Art Education -K12. She is a retired Advanced placement art history educator and tutor. Ms. Falagan is an artist, art history lyceum instructor and volunteer with awards and acknowledgements.

Dr. Luis Carlos Fallon has a Doctorate of Law, Political and Social Sciences from the Universidad Nacional, Bogota, Colombia. Dr. Fallon has published five books and has taught Spanish language and literature for over 40 years.

Mr. Carlos Gallostra has a Master in Fine Arts in Studio Painting from the PRATT institute of Fine Art & Design and is an Adjunct Professor at Fairchild Tropical Garden (2017Present) and at the University of Miami (2019-Present) in Instruction in Visual Arts Program Studio Practice.

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Meet Your Instructors

Ms. Nancy Glosser has been playing Bridge for 35 years. She is currently teaching at The Palace in Kendall and has been teaching bridge for 10 years. She currently has 3330 Masterpoints and a bridge rank of Gold Life Master.

Dr. Andres (Andy) Gomez has a Master's degree in Education and a Doctorate of Education in Administration, Planning and Social policy from Harvard University. He is considered one of the leading scholars on Cuba. Andy worked in higher education for 35 years and was the cofounder of the Institute for Cuban and Cuban American studies at UM and served as the senior fellow at the Institute.

Ms. Grisell Gonzalez studied under Tai Chi Master, Tony Garcia, and Certified Tai Chi for Health by Dr. Paul Lam - The Yang 24, Sun Tai Chi for Arthritis I/II, Sun/Chen Tai Chi for Energy and Qi.

Dr. Eugene Greco graduated cum laude from Union College as a Humanities major, concentrating in music and art history. He holds an MME degree in Choral Music Education from Ithaca College and a second masters from State University of NY at Albany in Educational Administration.

Additionally, Dr. Greco holds a PhD in Musicology from UM.

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Meet Your Instructors Mr. Leslie Gross graduated from Harvard College and Harvard Law School. He taught Social Institutions at Miami Dade College while working at Greenberg Traurig.

Dr. Cynthia Halpern, has a PhD from Princeton University.

She taught Ethics and Public Policy for over 30 years at Princeton University and Swarthmore College. She is an associate professor emeritus at Swarthmore College and a published author of Political Theory.

Ed Harper, PhD, is an active OLLI member who earned a BA with honors from Principia College in Government and Foreign Affairs and a PhD from the University of Virginia.

For several years, together with Richard Hauser, Esq., he has co-taught a series at OLLI at UM called “Law and Order."

Richard Hauser Esq. has a BS in Economics from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania and a law degree from the University of Miami, School of Law. For several years, together with Dr. Ed Harper, he has co-taught a series at OLLI at UM called “Law and Order: A Distinguished Speakers Series.”

Mr. Sid Kaskey has a Masters in Library Science from FSU and a Masters in Adult Education from FIU. He has worked for several major national law firms and worked as a Reference Librarian at the University of Miami Law School.

He has taught numerous classes on research techniques.

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Meet Your Instructors Mr. Haim Karp has been an OLLI member since retiring from a Financial Services company. He co-teaches the Investments class and facilitates the Current Events Special Interest Group.

Ms. Susan King is an OLLI member who enjoys leading and facilitating the OLLI Book Club. Susan is a graduate of the University of Miami, and specialized in Education.

Ms. Anita L. Klimek is an illustrator, graphic artist, freelance artist, layout artist, art director and art teacher. She has been teaching Pencil Drawing & Sketching & Acrylic Painting, Beginners/Advanced at OLLI at UM for over 5 years.

Mr. Ronald Kohn graduated from University of Wisconsin with a double major in History and English. He worked as a real estate investor and developer. He has been reading Shakespeare for the last 7 years.

Mr. Karl Koslowski received his degree in Industrial Design from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. Mr. Koslowski has been teaching various courses in the Art of Digital Photography and Adobe post processing enhancement at OLLI at UM, Miami-Dade Community College and FIU.

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Meet Your Instructors Ms. Linda Krouner has a BA from New York University, a Master of Arts from Cornell University and an MBA in Finance from Columbia University. She was managing director of Fiduciary Trust in New York , NY for 23 years.

Ms. Janet Krutchik is an active OLLI member who enjoys leading the “In the News” Special Interest Group. She is a retired educator with experience in teaching film.

Ms. Allison Langer has an MBA from UM. and together with Andrea Askowitz, is co-producer of the memoir writing class and storytelling podcast, Writing Class Radio since October 2015.

Ms. Randy Letzler is a professional actress, dancer, choreographer and director. She is a member of Actor's Equity and when she was not performing she taught improvisation, musical theatre and acting to students ranging in age from six to adult. She has directed and choreographed shows for numerous universities and off-Broadway.

Mr. Ed Linz is a graduate of the Naval Academy. He holds advanced degrees from Oxford University and George Mason University. He is the author of seven books, including works on the Great Depression and the Vietnam War. He has given lectures to several OLLI groups at various universities.

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Meet Your Instructors

Ms. Ronnie Londner has a BA in Political Science from Long Island University, and a MEd in Community Psychology from the University of Miami.

Robert (Bob) Maland, Esq. is a Miami native and a graduate of Gables High and the University of Florida Colleges of Journalism and Law. Following his Clerkship with a U.S. District Court Judge in Miami, Bob practiced as a civil trial lawyer in Miami for 45 years and was lead trial counsel in numerous civil jury and non-jury trials.

Dr. Alan Mason received a Bachelor of Music and a Master's of Music degree in Piano Performance from the Manhattan School of Music and a Doctorate in Musical Arts degree in Vocal Accompanying from the University of Miami. Alan completed his post-doctoral coursework in vocal and operatic accompanying at Northwestern University.

Ms. Mary McHenry has a degree in Education and Art History from Skidmore College. She has been teaching watercolor at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens since 2022. Ms. McHenry also conducts specialized workshops and live demonstrations for the Miami Watercolor Society.

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Meet Your Instructors Ms. Alicia Menendez-King, is a UM graduate with a double major in French and English. She received an MA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in French. Ms. Menendez-King studied in France and lived in Bordeaux.

Mr. Brian Murphy is a pianist, composer, clinician, instructor and arranger who has recorded and performed extensively in the U.S., Canada, and around the world. He has guided Honors Jazz Ensembles in the development of their music related skills.

Dr. Magda Novelli-Pearson received her Doctorate of Modern Languages from Middlebury College in Vermont and is presently an Italian instructor at FIU. Magda has been the Educational Director for the Organizzazione Per La Diffusione Della Lingua Italiana since 2013.

Ms. Joan Nurse is a Corporate Trainer. She trained in various computer systems at AT&T and FedEx, domestically and internationally. In addition, she has extensive experience in Microsoft and Macintosh.

Ms. Tina Pacheco has a BFA in Film from NYU and has been working in feature film editing for over 25 years. She is currently the organizer for the Video Consortium: a nonprofit that supports independent documentary filmmakers.

This past Summer she taught at Chen Medical Center.

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Meet Your Instructors Dr. Manuel Prestamo earned his PhD and MA from New York University in higher education and arts administration. Dr. Prestamo is an internationally recognized symphony orchestra conductor and has extensive experience in all areas of music. He is presently an adjunct faculty at FIU.

Dr. Mitra Raheb has a PhD from the University of Miami in Islam and extensive experience in academia, and a Master's degree in Soviet Union and Middle Eastern Studies. She is an accomplished consultant and educator, known for her expertise in negotiation, diplomacy, global strategy, and community outreach.

Ms. Nina Ramos graduated with a B.A. in humanities and art from the Escuela de Artes Visuales Cristobal Rojas, in Venezuela. She is a life coach, medical assistant, and licensed massage therapist.

Dr. Laura Redwine has a PhD in Behavioral Health Psychology and is the Research Director for the Osher Center for Integrative Health.

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Meet Your Instructors Dr. Daniel Rivera is an accomplished multilingual professor and translator of Arabic/English/Spanish, and has 13 years of academic teaching experience. He is an expert on international relations and Middle Eastern history and politics. He is a political analyst for America TeVe (Ch 41) and Radio Miami. He is an adjunct lecturer at UM. He holds a PhD in Arabic and Islamic Studies and a M.A. in International Relations and Diplomacy.

Ms. Susan Rosenthal is a retired M-DCPS teacher. Susan has a Master’s in Reading and is also certified by the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals as an activity consultant.

Ms. Kathleen Sarmiento has a BS in Business from Miami University and a Master of Business Administrations from Nova Southeastern University. She has been Program Director of the Alliance for Aging, Inc. since 2004 and has taught over 300 courses on Medicare and counceled thousands of individuals to understand their Medicare benefits.

Dr. Michael Scheibach has a PhD in American studies and is the author of four books on the Atomic Age. He has 20 years of experience as an adjunct professor of American history and has been teaching history courses at OLLI at UM for many years

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Meet Your Instructors Ms. Judith Schwartz is a retired Clinical Social Worker. She is now a "by the book" Canasta instructor who teaches in accordance with NMJL and CLA standards. She has taught Canasta with as many as 125 students. She firmly believes that sharing the skill - and fun - of these games has been a productive way to spend her retirement years.

Harvey J. Sepler, JD, PhD received his JD from the University of Miami and is a seasoned appellate attorney having personally litigated over 1,400 civil and criminal appeals spanning a 32-year career. He is a Fellow in the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers.

Ms. Blanca Silva has a Master’s in Modern Languages and a BA in French and Spanish Literature. She taught French at Miami Coral Park High School for 17 years.

Ms. Amanda Solari has a Bachelor's in Education from Dr. Mariano Ethegaray Institute in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Her professional background is in hospitality and tourism. For the past 5 years, Ms. Solari has focused on researching aging, resilience and the social determinants of well-being, with particular attention to the "super-agers" phenomenon.

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Meet Your Instructors Ms.Karen Spigler is a retired administrator from Miami -Dade County Pubic Schools. Her career focused on providing teacher training and literacy instruction for all students. In retirement, she volunteers in various educational projects centered on language learning.

Rebecca Staton-Reinstein, PhD, has a Doctorate in organizational development from Union Institute & University, a Masters in Biochemical Genetics from Indiana University Bloomington, and a Bachelor in Biology from William & Mary.

She is currently the President of Advantage Leadership, and has taught at the OLLIs at FIU and NSU.

Dr. Deborah Vidaver-Cohen received a B.A. in Studio Art and Art History from Brown University, an M.F.A. in Sculpture from the University of California and a Ph.D in Arts and Sciences from Columbia University. She has worked in a wide variety of media ranging from reprentational works in clay and bronze to large scale wall sculptures and multi-media architectual installations.

Dr. Daniel Vitaglione has a BA and master’s degrees in English and psychology from the University of Aix-Marseille and a Master’s degree in Comparative Philosophy from the University of Hawaii. He has a PhD in English and Comparative Literature from St. Andrews in the UK. He is the author of several books.

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Meet Your Instructors Ms. Chanel Williams has a Master of Arts in Public Administration from Florida International University and a Specialist Degree in Special Education from the University of Florida. She has been an ESE Facilitator for the Broward County Public Schools since 2008.

Mr. Arthur Young has coached and refereed youth sports and officiated high school and small college football for 43 years. He was a member of the Miami Dolphins, University of Miami and Orange Bowl games’ chain crew.

Ms. Ilana Zaks is a graduate of the New England Conservatory and the Yale School of Music, with a minor in business. She is a 4th generation violinist, educator and mulltidisciplinary artist. Her principal intructors include Donald Weilerstein and Itzhak Perlman.

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Register Online at miami.edu/olli

For more information:

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute 1550 Brescia Avenue Lau Founders Hall Coral Gables, FL 33146 305-284-OLLI osher@miami.edu

A special thanks to the OLLI Art class members whose fine works of art were chosen to be displayed in this Catalog.

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