Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI)

Membership has its privileges! Learn more about the free OLLI member courses and activities planned for Fall 2024. When registering for OLLI, you’ll be able to RSVP to the members-only courses and events that you are interested in attending. 

Current Events
Instructor: Tony Meluskey
Thursday | Sept 12, 19, 26, Oct 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, Nov 7, 14
3pm | Zoom
$0
This course will provide a moderator-led open forum to discuss current topics of interest to the class. The moderator will propose topics, and the class will suggest topics. The topics are typically in the areas of national politics, international events, and diplomacy. The discussions are always lively and informative.

Our Mutual Friend: Charles Dickens's Last Completed Novel
Instructor: John Wickman
Friday | September 13, 20, 27, Oct 4, 11, 18, 25, Nov 1, 8, 15
1pm | Zoom
$0
We will read and discuss Our Mutual Friend: Charles Dickens's last completed novel, which combines the darker vision and biting social criticism of his later works with Dickensian humor and some of his most memorable characters. Coming after Great Expectations and before The Mystery of Edwin Drood, many say it is their favorite Dickens novel.

A Taste of Widener
Instructor: Varies Weekly
Friday | September 13, 20, 27, Oct 4, 11, 18, 25, Nov 1, 8, 15
12pm | Zoom
$0
Widener University proudly offers a dynamic lecture series featuring esteemed professors and dedicated staff from diverse disciplines. Each week, a new expert takes the stage, bringing fresh perspectives and cutting-edge insights to a wide array of topics. From the sciences to the humanities, business to engineering, these lectures provide a rich tapestry of knowledge and an to engage with innovative research and ideas. Attendees can look forward to a stimulating educational experience that fosters intellectual growth and inspires lifelong learning.

Can Music Make a City?
Instructor: Lee Bettenhausen
Tuesday | Oct 15, 22, 29, Nov 5, 12
10am | Media
$40
Can music make a city? Louisville was successful in doing so. The course will show you how this was done.

World Religions in Our Backyard
Instructor: Linda Zappacosta
Tuesday | Oct 15, 22, 29, Nov 5, 12
11am | Media
$40
You are warmly welcome to attend "World Religions in Our Backyard", by meeting at and visiting places of worship for the "Big Five" world religions of Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, and Hinduism located in Chester and Delaware Counties. Learn the tenets of each faith and tour their worship space. Hope you can join us and expand your horizons!

Hauntings In Delaware County & Other Pennsylvania Locations
Instructor: Loretta Wehbe
Tuesday | Oct 15, 22, 29, Nov 5, 12
1pm – 2pm | Media
$40
We will explore the following Haunted locations: The Witch of Ridley Creek, The Weeping Mother of Laurel Hills, Newlin Mills Park, Byberry Mansion, Fort Mifflin, The Haunted Male Fraternity Houses of Widener University and many more. Join me for a fascinating trip into The Supernatural!!!

The Great American Songbook: A Special Interest Buffet
Instructor: Bill Palmerio
Thursday | Oct 17, 24, 31, Nov 7, 14
11:30am -12:30pm | Exton
$40
What does the intrepid instructor do with an array of American Songbook topics at hand that may not justify the multi week class treatment, but could be fascinating for an appreciative audience none the less? Answer: Select five of those topics and call the class “A Special Interest Buffet”!
Our weekly Songbook topic menu for this class will include:
“The Highbrow Sinatra”
“The Great Crooners (not named Sinatra)”
“Eva Cassidy: Tragic Songbird”
“The Great Lyricists: An Introduction”
“The Great American Songbook Celebrates the Holidays”

 The Golden Age of Islam
Instructor: Jeff Heim
Thursday | Oct 17, 24, 31, Nov 7, 14
1pm – 2pm | Exton
$40
This class enjoys the opportunity to examine the Muslim period of intellectual greatness between the 9th and 13th centuries. Based in Baghdad: Math, science, medicine, design art. Architecture, textile arts [rugs], poetry, short stories, philosophy and historical analysis are the foci. The class ends with both an appreciation of the era’s accomplishments while understanding why this period ended, encapsulating the Muslim Middle East in a past time.

1863—The Turning Point of the Civil War
Instructor: David Hudiak
Monday | Sept 16, 23, 30, Oct 7
10am – 11:15am | Exton
$40
This course will cover in chronological order the major events of 1863, when the war began to turn in favor of the North and against the South, and the slow but inexorable march toward Union victory began. Major personalities of this period of the war will be studied as well. The course is one of a series of courses covering the causes of the Civil War, each year of the war, and Reconstruction. It is not necessary to have taken the courses on the causes of the war and the earlier war years in order to benefit from this course.
**Please note this will be a four-week course**

Managing Your Finances in Uncertain Times
Instructor: Andrew Aramany
Monday | Sept 9, 16, 23, 30, Oct 7
1pm – 2pm | Exton
$40
In an era marked by economic fluctuations, changing interest rates, geopolitical tensions, and rapid technological advancements, navigating the financial markets can be challenging. This class will provide you with the knowledge and tools to invest wisely amidst uncertainty. We will cover key topics such as risk management and diversification. By the end of the class you will learn optimal ways to balance your portfolio, gain income, and how to organize and simplify your finances. 

The History of Early Chinese Civilization: from c. 2070 B.C. / B.C.E. to 1279 A.D. / C.E.
Instructor: Paul Walsh
Tuesday | Sept 10, 17, 24, Oct 1, 8
11:30am – 12:30pm | Media
$40
Among the world's earliest, Chinese civilization gave birth to a uniquely rich, sophisticated, and enduring culture. This course will follow the rise and fall of the great dynasties, examine their achievements, particularly with regard to philosophy and religion, and consider China's relations with her neighbors, notably the nomadic 'Horse People' of the Eurasian Steppes to the north.

The United States Civil War (1861-63), Part 1: A Study of Military Strategy
Instructor: Paul Walsh
Thursday | Sept 12, 19, 26, Oct 3, 10
10am – 11am | Exton
$40
The United States' Civil War was, by far, the bloodiest conflict this country has every fought. This course will examine the first two years of the Civil War. It will consider how, despite repeated setbacks on the battlefield in the most closely observed theater of war, the Federal Government laid the groundwork for ultimate victory, while the Confederacy failed to translate success in battle into the achievement of independence.

The Ever-Changing World of Sports
Instructor: Bill Werndl
Thursday | Sept 12, 19, 26, Oct 3, 10
11:30am – 12:30pm | 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.

Historical Marker
Instructor: Michael Rodriguez
Thursday | Sept 12, 19, 26, Oct 3, 10
1pm – 2pm | Exton
$40
Like monuments, historical markers are a way for societies to memorialize people, places, and events in their histories. We’ll take an armchair tour through Chester County history as told through its historical markers. (Did you know that Abraham Lincoln’s first biographer lived in West Chester?) We will also tackle some big questions: What do these markers tell us? What do they leave out? Who decides, and why? We’ll draw on historical markers—in Pennsylvania and beyond—to tell stories, explore controversies, and examine the choices we make as we commemorate our nation’s history. We’ll also touch on museums, other cultural heritage institutions, and other ways in which societies engage in memory making.

The United States Civil War (1861-63), Part 2: A Study of Military Strategy
Instructor: Paul Walsh
Monday | Oct 14, 21, 28, Nov 4, 11
1 pm - 2pm | Exton
$40
In the second part of this course, we seek to find the answers to why, despite its growing strength, the military and naval forces of the United States took so long to defeat the Confederacy, and why that defeat came about.

Three Pillars of American Democracy—Paine, Jefferson, Franklin
Instructor: Joseph Romano
Thursday | Sept 12, 19, 26, Oct 3, 10
10 am - 11 am | Exton
$40
Thomas Paine, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin, have distinct and unique personalities. All three share a common justification for establishing a new and independent nation -- basic human rights. How does this notion differ from other systems of government? What are these rights that are so-basic they are "set-evident?" Do these three thinkers’ approach human rights in different ways? Can the changes in social needs over time add to or subtract from "basic needs?"

American Immigrants
Instructor: Robert Collins
Monday | Sept 9, 16, 23, 30, Oct 7
11:30am – 12:30pm | Exton | Session A
$40
Unless you are related to an American Indian, you are a descendant of an immigrant who came to this country from somewhere else. This course will examine ten different groups of immigrants in order to determine who they were, where they came from, how they got here, where they settled, and what they did once they arrived. We will also examine obstacles they had to overcome in order to assimilate as Americans. We will also identify some outstanding individuals from each immigrant group.  This course is intended to be non-political and not to involve any discussion regarding the current status of immigration policy in the United States.

American Immigrants
Instructor: Robert Collins
Monday | Oct 14, 21, 28, Nov 4, 11
11:30am – 12:30pm | Exton | Session B
$40
Unless you are related to an American Indian, you are a descendant of an immigrant who came to this country from somewhere else. This course will examine ten different groups of immigrants in order to determine who they were, where they came from, how they got here, where they settled, and what they did once they arrived. We will also examine obstacles they had to overcome in order to assimilate as Americans. We will also identify some outstanding individuals from each immigrant group.  This course is intended to be non-political and not to involve any discussion regarding the current status of immigration policy in the United States.

"911" Never Forget
Instructor: Gerry Mello & Jerry McNeff
Thursday | Oct 17, 24, 31, Nov 7, 14
10am – 11am | Exton
$40
The physical and symbolic void left by the destruction of the Twin Towers is especially etched in the minds and hearts of those who remember that fateful day, when for the first time in the history of the USA, our homeland was brutally attacked by the radical Islamic terrorist organization, al-Qaeda. In the aftermath of the tragic events on NY City's Twin Towers, the Pentagon and Shanksville, PA, which led to over 3,000 casualties, our country has changed in many ways. Please join us as we recall this calamitous event, explore its origin, and the many ways it has served as a turning point in our nation's history.

The Ever-Changing World of Sports
Instructor: Bill Werndl
Thursday | Oct 17, 24, 31, Nov 7, 14
11:30am – 12:30pm | 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.

Women in STEM
Instructor: Roberta Matz & Roberta McManus
Monday | Oct 14, 21, 28, Nov 4, 11
10 am - 11 am | Exton
$40
Sadly, our elementary and high school educations didn’t teach us about many women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). It’s time to correct those gaps and enjoy the lives of some fabulous women involved in STEM since revolutionary times. Join us to admire their determination to succeed, to learn about their ingenuity and passions, and to marvel at how their work is making a difference in our lives today.

Silver Age Yoga
Instructor: Roberta Matz
Thursday | Oct 17, 24, 31, Nov 7, 14
10am – 11am | Exton
$40
Yoga is a healthy discipline perfect for improving flexibility, balance and posture. This class will use seated chair and chair supported postures to improve your mental and physical well-being.  Men and women can benefit from improving their mind-body connection through this exercise form

Tea or Tisane - What’s in Your Cup?
Instructor: Karen Donnelly
Tuesday | Sept 10, 17, 24, Oct 1
10am – 11:15am | Media
$40
Did you know that all tea (white, green, yellow, oolong, black, and pu’erh) comes from one plant? And that herbal teas (also known as botanicals & tisane) are different? Learn about the history of tea, production styles, where tea is grown, and how to add the goodness of tea to your life.
**Please note this will be a four-week course**

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
Instructor: Laurie S Robinson, NBC-HWC
Monday | Sept 9, 16, 23, 30, Oct 7
10am – 11am | Exton | Session A
$40
From Brown University: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an effective, scientifically researched method for reducing physical and psychological suffering while building resilience, balance and peace of mind. Learning to practice mindfulness provides a way of relating directly with whatever is happening in your life, a way of taking charge of your life, of consciously and systematically noticing and responding to your own stress and pain, and to the challenges and demands of living. This starts with cultivating present-moment attention in an open, nonjudgmental way. MBSR is a nonsectarian, scientifically researched approach that is in harmony with any faith-based tradition. 

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
Instructor: Laurie S Robinson, NBC-HWC
Monday | Oct 14, 21, 28, Nov 4, 11
10am – 11am | Exton | Session B
$40
From Brown University: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an effective, scientifically researched method for reducing physical and psychological suffering while building resilience, balance and peace of mind. Learning to practice mindfulness provides a way of relating directly with whatever is happening in your life, a way of taking charge of your life, of consciously and systematically noticing and responding to your own stress and pain, and to the challenges and demands of living. This starts with cultivating present-moment attention in an open, nonjudgmental way. MBSR is a nonsectarian, scientifically researched approach that is in harmony with any faith-based tradition.

The Earth, Up Close and Personal
Instructor: Craig Lewis
Monday | Sept 9, 16, 23, 30, Oct 7
11:30am – 12:30pm | Exton | Session A
$40
Presenting the latest info on the Earth: earthquakes, volcanoes, oceanography, the atmosphere, glaciers, caverns, coal, oil, diamonds and much more. All with beautiful pictures, some stunning and wonderful videos with entertaining explanations. All with the boring bits omitted, but firmly science based. No prior knowledge is presumed. 

The Earth, Up Close and Personal
Instructor: Craig Lewis
Monday | Oct 14, 21, 28, Nov 4, 11
11:30am – 12:30pm | Exton | Session B
$40
Presenting the latest info on the Earth: earthquakes, volcanoes, oceanography, the atmosphere, glaciers, caverns, coal, oil, diamonds and much more. All with beautiful pictures, some stunning and wonderful videos with entertaining explanations. All with the boring bits omitted, but firmly science based. No prior knowledge is presumed.