Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI)

Membership has its privileges! Learn more about the free OLLI member courses and activities planned for Fall 2025. When registering for OLLI, you’ll be able to RSVP to the members-only courses and events that you are interested in attending. 

What the President Can and Can't Do Under the US Constitution
Instructor: Dr. Ilise Feitshans
Friday | Sept 19, 26, Oct 3, 10, 17
10am | Zoom |Session A
$0
This course provides a brief overview of the US Constitution, with particular emphasis upon the power of the President of the United States. The system of checks and balances that the President, the Judiciary and the Congress may use to leverage law as an instrument of social change will also be discussed. While it is true that "no one is above the law" the reality that the President of the United States is the only person governed by a vast reservoir of special law in the US Constitution, outlining Executive powers, is equally true. Consequently, many people are often surprised by Executive orders or traditions using dormant powers that the President does possess; or they wish the President would act in areas where the US Constitution does not grant the President much power. For example, the US President has sole power to deal with international affairs, except that a declaration of War must be ratified by the Congress. The President can create, staff and dismantle Executive agencies, but not the administrative agencies created by the US Congress. This course will explain the strengths and limits of federal Executive Power to provide a roadmap for understanding when the President acts appropriately under law.

The Barrymore's: American Theatrical Dynasty
Instructor: John Wickman
Friday | September 19, 26, Oct 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, Nov 7, 14, 21
1pm | Zoom
$0
We will review the careers of Ethel, Lionel and John Barrymore the "Royal Family of the American Stage" in the theater and on the screen.

AI For Lifelong Learners: A Smarter Way to Explore, Grow, and Create
Instructor: Liliana E. Ward, Richard Estevez
Friday | Oct 24, 31, Nov 7, 14, 21
10am | Zoom | Session B
$0
In this five-session course, we’ll explore the many ways artificial intelligence (AI) is making life easier, more creative, and more connected—no tech background needed. With real-world demonstrations and friendly explanations, you’ll learn how today’s AI tools can help you think, write, organize, and discover like never before.
Each session highlights a different way AI can support Lifelong Learning:

Meet Your New Assistant
A clear, approachable overview of how AI works and what today’s top tools can actually do. We’ll show live demonstrations to help you understand their strengths—and their limits.

Smarter Every Day
Learn how AI can support daily learning and personal tasks, like summarizing articles, generating personalized recipes, or helping you follow a new health routine.

Write This Down
Explore how AI can help with memoir writing, storytelling, drafting letters, or even tackling a legal question. We’ll also touch on who “owns” AI-generated content.

Picture This
See AI's creative side: from animating old photos to altering styles or combining images, we’ll explore tools that turn your pictures into artful, personalized creations.

Stay Sharp
Understand the risks and limitations of AI, including when it sounds confident but gets things wrong, or when it mimics real people. You’ll leave with practical tips for using these tools wisely and securely.

Whether you’re excited to explore or simply curious about what AI is all about, this course offers a guided, inspiring, and practical look at the digital tools shaping the future of learning and communication.
 

Poetry and Your Creative Spirit
Instructor: Nancy L. Rosenberger
Monday | September 15, 22, 29, Oct 6, 13
10am -11am |Scouts | Exton | Session A
$40
Accompanied by published poets, encouraged by classmates, and supported by instructor, you will nurture your creative self as you explore, dare, and write your own poems. Emily Dickinson challenges us to dwell in Possibilities. Come accept her challenge to grow.

American Songbook Masters: The Great Pop Albums Sung by the Great Ladies
Instructor: Bill Palmerio
Monday | September 15, 22, 29, Oct 6, 13
11:30am -12:30pm |Scouts | Exton | Session A
$40
In this modern age of digital media, the golden era of vinyl long playing records is a cherished memory for many fans of the Great American Songbook standards. We will revisit the exquisite joys of the long-playing concept album, reveling in historic performances by select female vocalists from the golden age of long-playing vinyl. Each week we will focus on the recorded musical legacy of one individual performer. For this semester our roster of great ladies will include Jo Stafford, Rosemary Clooney, Eydie Gorme, Dinah Washington and Judy Garland. But do not fret if your favorite female singers are not included among those selected for this initial offering. The course will be repeated in future OLLI class offerings, each time featuring a different group of selected performers.

Exploring Watercolor Based Mixed Media
Instructor: Neil R. Dreibelbis
Monday | September 15, 22, 29, Oct 6, 13
1:30pm – 3:30pm | Scouts | Exton | Session A
$40
Watercolor/Mixed Media. Participants will be introduced to watercolor techniques and explore incorporating diverse materials to create a unique work of art. The objective of this
course is to empower participants to create expressive watercolor based mixed media
artwork and to learn to think creatively how to combine various media into a single artwork.
(Class Space is Limited) Please Note: An additional professional fee of $45 is paid onsite to the instructor the first day of class. Supplies are purchased independently and are not provided by the instructor. Once registered you will receive a supply list for class.

What Is (and Isn't) Astrology All About?
Instructor: Paul Kelley
Tuesday | September 16, 23, 30, Oct 7, 14
10am | Roosevelt Community Center | Media | Session A
$40
Come with your questions about astrology and a willingness to consider new ideas and novel ways of looking at the world. This course will aim to clearly address common questions such as, is astrology science (short answer - no, it’s a symbolic way of thinking, but feel free to test your theories scientifically, if you want to). It will aim to include as broad an overview as possible, given our limited time, of the history, philosophy, and methods of western zodiacal astrology, the kind most practiced in this part of the world. It is geared toward all levels from astrology fans to curious and skeptical beginners to anyone who already knows how to read charts.

World Famous Symphony Orchestras
Instructor: Barbara Bassoline
Tuesday | September 16, 23, 30, Oct 7, 14
1pm | Roosevelt Community Center | Media | Session A
$40
Enjoy 90 minutes of great symphony orchestras in beautiful concert halls. Classical music appreciation is enriching for everyone regardless of musical knowledge.
Five sessions of HD videos will present the works of classical composers’ great compositions by world famous orchestras. A selection of varied forms – symphony, concertos with various soloists, symphonic poems, and choral will be enjoyed weekly. Great and lesser -known composers will be presented.
For each session, program notes will be provided.

Dazzling Women Who Shaped the Film Industry!
Instructor: Loretta Wehbe
Wednesday | September 17, 24, Oct 1, 8, 15
1pm | Widener University | Chester | Session A
$40
We will view and discuss the following films: All About Eve (Betty Davis}, Meet Me In Saint Louis (Judy Garland), Cat On A Hot Tin Roof (Elizabeth Taylor), The Philadelphia Story (Kathern Hepburn) and The Swan (Grace Kelly). Class will be 2 and a half hours long.

FEAR NO ART: Georgia O'Keefe
Instructor: Deb Hodies
Thursday | September 18, 25, Oct 2, 9, 16
10am | Scouts | Exton | Session A
$40
FEAR NO ART: Georgia O'Keeffe is an introductory class offering.
Have you ever looked at a piece of art and thought, I wish I could do that?
FEAR NO ART is an adult class designed to offer the hidden joys of: encouraging your inner child, loosening creative blocks, enjoying the experience of developing new skills and playing with new ideas and materials.
It isn’t necessary to be an artist to enjoy creative expression. The only real thing you need is a willingness to experiment and to let go of preconceived notions of what you can and cannot do-- let the magic unfold!
Come join us as we experience an introduction to the ART of Georgia O'Keeffe. Participants will experiment with clay, oil pastels, watercolors, cut paper and glue to create works of art in the style of this famous artist.
Please Note: An additional material fee of $10.00 is paid onsite to the instructor the first day of class.

Stephen Schwartz - Broadway and Film Composer/ Lyricist
Instructor: Patricia Garver
Thursday | September 18, 25, Oct 2, 9, 16
1pm | Scouts | Exton | Session A
$40
In this class, you will learn about the American composer and lyricist, Stephen Schwartz. His career has spanned five decades; he has written both words and music for the very "Popular" Broadway musicals Wicked, Godspell and Pippin, as well as writing lyrics for many successful films. Has won multiple awards, including 3 Grammys, 3 Oscars, and has been nominated for 6 Tony’s. Most recently, he has contributed to the two-part film adaptation of Wicked. So, come enjoy the works of Stephen Schwartz - "Day by Day", we have "Magic To Do".

The War of the Worlds: H.G. Wells and Orson Welles
Instructor: John Wickman
Thursday | September 18, 25, Oct 2, 9, 16
1pm | Scouts | Exton | Session A
$40
Step into the world of early science fiction with H.G. Wells’ groundbreaking 1898 novel The War of the Worlds, a chilling tale of Martian invasion that has captivated readers for over a century. This course explores the novel’s themes, historical context, and its enduring influence on science fiction. We’ll also examine the legendary 1938 radio adaptation by Orson Welles, which famously caused widespread panic due to its realistic broadcast style. Through discussion, multimedia, and analysis, students will gain insight into how a single story evolved into a cultural phenomenon.

Modern Poets and Discussion of Their Poetry
Instructor: Bill DeVry
Monday | Oct 20, 27, Nov 3, 10, 17
11:30am | Scouts | Exton | Session B
$40
We will discuss one poet and several of their poems each week. Poems will be read before class and during class, followed by discussion of intent, imagery and style of poet and reader's reaction. Poets under consideration are Robert Frost, James Wright, Maya Angelou, Allan Ginsburg, Dylan Thomas, Wallace Stevens, Lucille Clifton and E.E. Cummings.

Exploring Watercolor Based Mixed Media
Instructor: Neil R. Dreibelbis
Monday | Oct 20, 27, Nov 3, 10, 17
1:30pm – 3:30pm | Scouts | Exton | Session B
$40
Watercolor/Mixed Media. Participants will be introduced to watercolor techniques and explore incorporating diverse materials to create a unique work of art. The objective of this
course is to empower participants to create expressive watercolor based mixed media
artwork and to learn to think creatively how to combine various media into a single artwork.
(Class Space is Limited) Please Note: An additional professional fee of $45 is paid onsite to the instructor the first day of class. Supplies are purchased independently and are not provided by the instructor. Once registered you will receive a supply list for class.

Ann, Anne and Elizabeth
Instructor: Kathryn Hildebrand
Thursday | Oct 23, 30, Nov 6, 13, 20
1pm – 2pm | Scouts | Exton | Session B
$40
A discussion of the domestic fiction of Ann Patchett, Anne Tyler and Elizabeth Stout 

It's Oscar Season
Instructor: George Falk
Thursday | Oct 23, 30, Nov 6, 13, 20
1pm – 3pm | Scouts | Exton | Session B
$40

For almost one hundred years, Hollywood has entertained us with the annual Oscar season. From the initial nominations to the festivities of the Academy Awards presentations, we have followed those events with the hope and expectation that our favorite movie would win the ultimate grand prize.

Five of those Oscar-winning movies will be shown in their entirety in this course, along with a short introduction.

Please note: Due to the length of the movies, the class time will be 1-3pm.

Art in Search of Beauty
Instructor: Joe Romano
Monday | Oct 20, 27, Nov 3, 10, 17
10am |Scouts | Exton | Session B
$40
It is said that art engenders human experiences of "Beauty." What precisely is the nature of that response-experience we call "beautiful?" Can beauty be determined by any objective standard? Are aesthetic experiences intuitive feelings that can only be felt but not defined - or is there a cognitive basis for beautiful experiences?  We will examine original philosophical views of art and beauty and witness examples of artistic performances that may be called "classical works of art." 

Presidential Families
Instructor: David Hudiak
Monday | September 15, 22, 29, Oct 6, 13
10am | Scouts | Exton | Session A
$40
The character of our Presidents has often been shaped by their relationships with their parents and siblings. This course will explore the many ways in which our Chief Executives were molded by their family members, some for better and some for worse.

The Joys of Deltiology!
Instructor: William Schultz
Monday | September 15, 22, 29, Oct 6, 13
11:30am | Scouts | Exton | Session A
$40
Thorough Review of how to properly acquire and collect postcards for fun and profit.

Presidential Families
Instructor: David Hudiak
Wednesday | September 17, 24, Oct 1, 8
10am -11:15am | Widener University | Chester | Session A
$40
The character of our Presidents has often been shaped by their relationships with their parents and siblings. This course will explore the many ways in which our Chief Executives were molded by their family members, some for better and some for worse.

Anatomy of a Bible
Instructor: Gerry Mello
Thursday | Sept 18, 25, Oct 2, 9, 16
10am |Scouts | Exton | Session A
$40
The Bible is the most popular and yet least understood book in the world. For many people, it is hopelessly intimidating, overwhelming and mystifying.

In this class we will attempt to demystify it by providing a dissection and examination of this literary masterpiece in order to gain a fundamental understanding of its origins, literary value and how it was developed in its final form.

A basic understanding of the Bible can serve as a launching pad to knowledge, wisdom and adventure, revealing why this book is the richest collection of human case histories and observations on life that was ever bound between two covers and the most widely read book of all time.

In this class, we will delve into topics such as:

· What is the bible?

· Overview of the OT (Jewish Bible) and the NT (Christian Bible)

· Who wrote it?

· How were the books chosen?

· When was it written?

· What are the main themes?

· Who are the main characters?

Please join us as we look back in time at the most fascinating book of all time.

The Ever-Changing World of Sports
Instructor: Bill Werndl
Thursday | Sept 18, 25, Oct 2, 9, 16
11:30am – 12:30pm | Scouts | Exton | Session A
$40
This course will examine some of the hot button issues in sports. It will take a look at how the sports landscape has changed through the years and its impact on fans. Famous local sports personalities will be special guests during the course. Previous guests include Pete Rose, Vince Papale, Merrill Reese, Dick Vermeil, and others.

Making Sense of the Moment
Instructor: Walter Pflaumer
Thursday | Sept 18, 25, Oct 2, 9, 16
2:15pm |Scouts | Exton-Zoom | Session B
$40
A weekly review of current events developments; we plan to circulate one or two articles to spark discussion. (Hybrid Class)

Dwight and Mamie Eisenhower
Instructor: Gerald McNeff
Monday | Oct 20, 27, Nov 3, 10, 17
10am |Scouts | Exton |Session B
$40
Dwight and Mamie Eisenhower helped to shape many of the significant issues of the twentieth century. From leading the Allies to victory in World War II to becoming President in 1952. They dealt with diverse issues including civil rights, atomic weapons, communism, and a new global role. Join us as we discuss this remarkable couple.

Federal Taxes
Instructor: Nick DiMarino
Monday | Oct 20, 27, Nov 3, 10, 17
1pm | Scouts | Exton |Session B
$40
Introduction to all the USA Federal Taxes and who pays them

Topics and Themes of the First World War
Instructor: Jeffrey LaMonica
Tuesday | Oct 21, 28, Nov 4, 11, 18
1pm | Roosevelt Community Center | Media |Session B
$40
This course will cover select topics and themes of the Great War (1914-18) with a focus on the concepts of Modern War, Total War, and Global War and how the conflict still resonates today.

AMERICA AT 250: The US Supreme Court New Cases Applying Old Principles
Instructor: Dr Ilise Feitshans
Wednesday | Oct 22, 29, Nov 5, 12, 19
10am |Widener University | Chester |Session B
$40
In 1775, Patrick Henry’s fiery declaration — “Give me liberty, or give me death!” — helped spark a revolution and shape American ideals of governance. 250 years later, the nation finds itself at a pivotal moment as the U.S. Supreme Court confronts cases that will define the future of American democracy. This course examines recent U.S. Supreme court case law about key issues of separation of powers within the context of prior case law.

PLEASE NOTE: The instructor is a Member of the Bar of the U.S. Supreme Court and has participated on brief in winning cases there.

Anatomy of a Bible
Instructor: Gerry Mello
Thursday | Oct 23, 30, Nov 6, 13, 20
10am | Scouts | Exton | Session B
$40

The Bible is the most popular and yet least understood book in the world. For many people, it is hopelessly intimidating, overwhelming and mystifying.

In this class we will attempt to demystify it by providing a dissection and examination of this literary masterpiece in order to gain a fundamental understanding of its origins, literary value and how it was developed in its final form.

A basic understanding of the Bible can serve as a launching pad to knowledge, wisdom and adventure, revealing why this book is the richest collection of human case histories and observations on life that was ever bound between two covers and the most widely read book of all time.

In this class, we will delve into topics such as:

· What is the bible?

· Overview of the OT (Jewish Bible) and the NT (Christian Bible)

· Who wrote it?

· How were the books chosen?

· When was it written?

· What are the main themes?

· Who are the main characters?

Please join us as we look back in time at the most fascinating book of all time!

The Ever-Changing World of Sports
Instructor: Bill Werndl
Thursday | Oct 23, 30, Nov 6, 13, 20
11:30am – 12:30pm | Scouts | Exton | Session B
$40
This course will examine some of the hot button issues in sports. It will take a look at how the sports landscape has changed through the years and its impact on fans. Famous local sports personalities will be special guests during the course. Previous guests include Pete Rose, Vince Papale, Merrill Reese, Dick Vermeil, and others.

The Modern Middle East
Instructor: Jeff Heim
Thursday | Oct 23, 30, Nov 6, 13, 20
1pm | Scouts | Exton | Session B
$40
The goal is to understand how the modern Middle East political map evolved. The Ottoman, Mameluke, Wahhabi, Zionist and colonial power stories are identified. The result is the emergence of a very muddled area in which there are few identifying markers for solidarity or unity.

Making Sense of the Moment
Instructor: Walter Pflaumer
Thursday | Oct 23, 30, Nov 6, 13, 20
2:15pm | Scouts | Exton-Zoom | Session B
$40
A weekly review of current events developments; we plan to circulate one or two articles to spark discussion. (Hybrid Class)

Knowing Its Place: 
The Supreme Court, America’s Political Culture and the Law
Instructor: Richard T. Menn
Monday | Oct 20, 27, Nov 3, 10, 17
10am |Scouts | Exton | Session B
$40
Throughout our country’s history, the Supreme Court has played a unique, essential, and often controversial role as both “the least dangerous branch” of government and "the most extraordinarily powerful court of law the world has ever known." We will spend our time together taking a close look at the Supreme Court’s special place in American political and legal culture, in the hope of gaining a deeper understanding of why there will always be friction in its relationships with Congress and the Executive Branch, how it exercises its authority over the entire federal court system, under what conditions it decides to review the findings of lower federal and state courts in protecting our rights as citizens, and what the nine justices’ written opinions, concurrences and dissents in significant Supreme Court cases of the recent past can tell us about their judicial philosophies—including whether and to what extent they take into account the possible real-world consequences of their decisions.

Mindfulness-Based Habits: A Guide for Joyful Living
Instructor: Laurie S Robinson, NBC-HWC
Tuesday | Sept 23, 30, Oct 7, 14
11:30am | Roosevelt Community Center | Media| Session A
$40
This course is based on the work of Jon Kabat Zinn, PhD (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction/MBSR), Judson Brewer , M.D, (Brown University, The Hunger Habit, The Craving Mind) and B.J. Fogg, PhD (Stanford University School of Medicine, Tiny Habits), and others. Drawing on the ability to connect with our inner experience with mindfulness techniques, we will explore our habitual nature. Dr. Brewer's work looks at B.F. Skinner's model of operant conditioning, as well as classical conditioning to help us explore how we can use our knowledge of reward-based learning to let go of unwanted habits. Dr. Fogg's work is in behavior design, and shows us wonderful ways in which we may take very small, "tiny" steps which help us move the needle enough to create new "habits". Dr. Brewer also shows us that short moments, many times a day of mindful pausing/checking in with our internal experience is rewarding. Life is full of uncertainty, and we will learn that our minds do not like uncertainty. Together we will begin to explore how our minds work, and the possibility of creating sustainable new habits, and experiencing more moments of joy in our lives.

Mindfulness-Based Habits: A Guide for Joyful Living
Instructor: Laurie S Robinson, NBC-HWC
Tuesday | Oct 21, 28, Nov 4, 11, 18
11:30am | Roosevelt Community Center | Media | Session B
$40
This course is based on the work of Jon Kabat Zinn, PhD (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction/MBSR), Judson Brewer , M.D, (Brown University, The Hunger Habit, The Craving Mind) and B.J. Fogg, PhD (Stanford University School of Medicine, Tiny Habits), and others. Drawing on the ability to connect with our inner experience with mindfulness techniques, we will explore our habitual nature. Dr. Brewer's work looks at B.F. Skinner's model of operant conditioning, as well as classical conditioning to help us explore how we can use our knowledge of rewar

Fogg's work is in behavior design, and shows us wonderful ways in which we may take very small, "tiny" steps which help us move the needle enough to create new "habits". Dr. Brewer also shows us that short moments, many times a day of mindful pausing/checking in with our internal experience is rewarding. Life is full of uncertainty, and we will learn that our minds do not like uncertainty. Together we will begin to explore how our minds work, and the possibility of creating sustainable new habits, and experiencing more moments of joy in our lives

All noontime lectures are free and held at Immaculata University.

Where have all our values gone?
Instructor: Joe Romano
Wednesday | September 17

Childhood Memories of a Troubled Time
Instructor: George Falk
Wednesday | September 24

The Simple Care of a Hopeful Heart
Instructor: Dr. Robert J. Wicks
Wednesday | October 1

America at 250: A History of Women's Rights in the United States 1776 to Present
Instructor: Dr. Ilise Feitshans
Wednesday | October 8

Medicare Update - Fine Tune Your Medicare
Instructor: Sarah Milam or Maureen Morgan
Wednesday | October 15

Things That Aren't There Anymore
Instructor: Robert Collins
Wednesday | October 22

Financial Senior Fraud Presentation
Instructor: FBI Philadelphia Field Office – Christi and Sara
Wednesday | October 29

Program Notes with Music Director of the Immaculata Symphony
Instructor: Dr. Joseph Gehring
Wednesday | November 5

The Education of Our Presidents
Instructor: David Hudiak
Wednesday | November 12

American Songbook Masters: Jewish Songwriters and the Holiday Songbook
Instructor: Bill Palmerio
Wednesday | November 19

The Overlooked Aspects of Retirement: It's Not Just About Saving
Instructor: John Strohman
Monday | September 15, 22, 29, Oct 6, 13
1pm | Scouts | Exton | Session A
$40
You’ve spent years saving and investing, but as retirement approaches, several questions remain:

• Have I done enough?

• What Have I Missed?

• Am I prepared for what’s ahead?

But here’s a question that most people don’t consider: Is there a better way to use what I’ve built?

This workshop is designed for individuals five to ten years away from retirement who want to make smart, informed decisions about their future – and may not realize the options that are available to them. We’ll cover aspects of retirement planning that often go unnoticed. Participants will walk away with actionable strategies and greater clarity.

Digital literacy, or starting safe online
Instructor: Carolyn K
Monday | September 15, 22, 29, Oct 6, 13
10am | Scouts | Exton | Session A
$40
Using your phone, PC, Mac... safely

Introduction to Jungian and Archetypal Psychology
Instructor: Jeffrey Lauterbach JD PhD
Monday | Oct 20, 27, Nov 3, 10, 17
1pm | Scouts | Exton |Session B
$40
Carl Jung (1875 - 1961) was a pioneer in psychology. Five sessions to introduce Jungian thought: the model of consciousness/unconsciousness; complexes; archetypes; the process of individuation; archetypal psychology and polytheism.

The Benefits of Prayer
Instructor: Janet Coston
Monday | Oct 21, 28, Nov 4, 11, 18
10am | Roosevelt Community Center | Media | Session B
$40
This course explores the many dimensions of prayer and practice as it relates to what you believe. Prayer can be a catalyst to increase your faith, offer peace and joy in the midst of problems or struggles we may face. "The Benefits of Prayer" is based on biblical principles of the Christian faith but open to all regardless of religion.

For the Love of Animals
Instructor: Patricia Garver
Thursday | Oct 23, 30, Nov 6, 13, 20
1pm | Scouts | Exton| Session B
$40
If you love animals and/or want to learn more about them, both domestic and wild, then this is the class for you. Through lecture, videos, music, movie and documentary clips, we will explore the inner lives of animals, the joy, companionship and healing they bring into our lives, with suggestions on how to deal with the loss of our beloved animal companions. As is usual in all my classes, we will end with joy and music. Just imagine - "if we could talk to the animals...and they could talk to us, what a neat achievement it would be".