In Person Workshops   

Walking to the cafeteria with colleagues in 1950, Enrico Fermi was musing on the odds of other intelligent life in the universe. Later over lunch, when the conversation had drifted to other topics, he was greeted with raucous laughter when he suddenly blurted out, "So where is everybody?!"

Indeed, with 13.8 billion years of cosmic evolution of some 2 trillion galaxies, each containing tens of billions of planetary systems, the airwaves should be thick with cosmic chatter. Yet we hear nothing. 

In this workshop, we shall search for answers. 

This workshop will provide biographical data and musical highlights via YouTube of Pop Artists of the period encompassing the 50s through the 80s. The goal of our workshop is to provide an informative, nostalgic and enjoyable musical experience.

The Great Divide, the Explanatory Gap, The Hard Problem of Consciousness. Familiar terms used to describe the “gap” between the subjective and objective world of our experience. While mid-twentieth-century split-brain research identified separate functions of both the right and the left hemispheres, little was understood of the evolutionary niche from which this brain morphology originates. In the presentation, we will explore the ways we navigate this divide and the world each hemisphere brings to our conscious experience. Much of this presentation is inspired by a study published by Dr. Iain McGilchrist, titled The Master and His Emissary.

This workshop will focus on what the Hebrew texts tell us about this magnificent yet mysterious man who died close to 3000 years ago, but is still honored and respected.

Literature written for adolescents can be an enriching experience for adults. In this session, we will be focusing on, but not be limited to, books and films with strong female protagonists. Join our informal discussion -based classes to celebrate these "mighty girls and boys."

In this workshop we will delve into the new advanced features of Photoshop such as masking and making selections. We will explore the new AI Tools for removing objects and the capabilities of Camera Raw. This will be in person and on zoom

This Fall we'll study the Election of 1960 along with the upcoming, consequential, Midterms. Each class will begin with a quiz (prizes awarded), followed by a trip back to the 1960 Election, then we'll view the status of key Midterm races across the country. We'll try to wrap up with something to smile about.

Listening and casual discussion of mainstream as well as lesser known works by various composers. Will also explore building a library of works as well as suggestions for assembling a home audio system

We will continue practicing bridge and learning new conventions, We will start with 2 over 1, and go on to other current conventions

This is the in person section of a hybrid workshop. Only request this section if you want to attend the workshop in person.

1. Become Physically and Cognitively Sharper; and
2. Attain Extraordinary Memory Retention and Flexibility like those decades younger
along with a more robust Emotional Well-being; and Disease Resilience.
Utilizing recent findings on Neurogenesis (i.e. brain’s ability to regenerate New Brain Cells and
Renew Itself) fending off cognitive decline.

• This semester, we focus mainly on how Nutrition & Diet collaborate with Memory &
  Learning to increase Neurogenesis.
• Discover Simple Activities or Factors that Increase Neurogenesis while avoiding those
  that Lower Neurogenesis leading to a Longer, Healthier, and more Enjoyable Life!
• The only prerequisite is an “open mind”, as we avoid all complexities of neurosciences.

Workshop Style: Workshop Designed to be Enjoyable and Having Fun while Learning: using simplified presentations with video clips; fun cognitive exercises and discussions.

The Casual Cards and Games workshop is open to all OLLI members, whether they have taken the workshop in the past or are new to this offering. We will continue to have an extended time workshop to allow players to gain more experience with the games. There will be a mix of games played in past workshops and one or two new games. Each session will start with an explanation of a game’s rules and strategies and then participants will play. Each game is played for one to three weeks. Come join in the fun and camaraderie.

The Psyche has a long history dating back to antiquity representing fundamental forces/concepts of human nature/mind. In this workshop we will explore some of the mysterious depths of the human mind.

Pre-requisite: A Journey into the Great Divide of Human Consciousness.

Through a blend of ballet and modern dance forms, we can improve our balance, stamina, strength, and mood. Dance is an excellent way to enhance our brain to body connection while having fun.  

• Each class will include a warmup, stretching and dance exercises, and simple choreographed dances.
• Some dance or exercise experience is helpful but not essential. Everyone is encouraged to participate at her or his level.
• Please bring a water bottle and yoga mat to class

Can you edit your iPhone photos? Do you know what the auto feature does? Can you create an album and then share it? If you can then my congratulations but this course may not be for you.

This course is for iPhone (iPad is ok sorry no Android) users who spend a lot of time yelling at it. We will cover all the icons for taking pictures, editing pictures and finding them. For the daring I’ll show you how to down load free versions of Adobe Lightroom and Express so you can play with the big kids. Wondering if you really are too advanced or not advanced enough? Then email me mborenimages@gmail.com to discuss if this is for you. Make sure you put Course Questions to separate you from the tons of spam we all receive.

Workshop Format: A mix of leader presentation and participant discussion

We will continue to enhance our bridge skills in a duplicate environment. Participants should have knowledge of conventions and techniques from previous semesters. Contact either workshop leader if you are unsure whether this workshop is appropriate for you.

The workshop will be a review of important historical events as interpreted through the speeches given by America’s founding fathers, presidents, civil rights icons and women’s rights champions.The historical backgrounds will be discussed. This will be accomplished through video presentations, lecture and people in member discussion.

Through hands-on in-person workshop sessions we will look at an array of Google Apps for their usefulness in our lives. We will also see how to make them work for us. The people who come will choose which Google Apps to learn and practice. Since this workshop is hands-on, you will need to bring your Laptop Computer OR a Tablet. A phone is just too small a screen to be able to read the text on a phone. Also you will need to know how to join the Wolfienet-secure WiFi on your device. You can come to a Tech Help Session prior to the start of the Workshops on September 8th.

Each week we will discuss 1 -2 of his stories in depth, using the structured discussion method. Participation in previous Great Short Story workshops in not required since each year we focus on a different writer.

This lively acoustic guitar workshop is all about making music together.  We'll mix in just enough guitar instruction to keep you growing, then jump right into playing, singing and learning songs as a group.
I’ll bring new songs and charts — and you too will be invited to bring your own favorite songs to share and play along with the group.   A relaxed, supportive space is encouraged to stretch your skills, grow your confidence, and make music together...each at your own pace.

If you are brand new — or already have a guitar and know a few chords — you’ll fit right in. We’ll start with the basics: how to choose a good acoustic beginner guitar and where to find one at a reasonable price. By the second week, you’ll be tuning up and learning to strum. Our goal…to play and sing together.

We’ll work on singalong favorites like Take Me Home Country Roads, Blowin’ in the Wind, This Land Is Your Land, Big Yellow Taxi, Sweet Caroline, Piano Man, Don’t Stop Believin’ and more.

Whether you’re at a campfire, a barbecue, or in your living room, this workshop will get you playing guitar and singing along with friends and family. No experience needed—just bring your enthusiasm and get ready to jam!

Join in stimulating discussions about works of historical literature. This is a collaborative workshop in which members are expected to participate in and lead discussions.The co-leaders will assist as needed in leading workshop sessions. Our discussions include but are not limited to the author, historical period, character and plot development.

The purpose of this course is to teach the fundamentals of the Macintosh computer. The course will include a discussion of the current Operating System (OS) and some of the older versions of MacOS. The course will start with setting up your computer and go on to discuss system functions, the Mac hardware (e.g., mouse, ports, hard drive, etc.), included software (e.g. Pages, Numbers, Photo, etc.), networking, communications (e.g. email, messaging, etc.), printing, and other computer uses. At the end of the course, the student should be familiar with how to setup and use the computer so as to be able to go on and learn the more advanced features and software of the Mac. Bringing a laptop to class might be useful, but it is not required.

The GREAT AMERICAN SONGBOOK are the wonderful  songs of Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Harry Warren, and others that  were composed all through the years. Jazz singers gave us versions of these tunes that were enjoyed by millions. In our class we will listen and again enjoy the lyrics and melodies as sung by great singers.        
 

Want to continue your Granny Squares from this summer, or learn some new crochet technique -- perhaps even make a Crocheted Critter? Come to this workshop! We'll start by focusing on basic stitches, then move into the art of amigurumi, the art of making small creatures with yarn. There is a modest fee for the Amigurimi kits (~$30) and basic supplies and equipment, all of which you will be notified of before the workshop begins. 

If you learned the fundamentals of Bridge, and don't want to engage in a Duplicate Bridge experience, come and play a friendly, no-score keeping, no-partner rotation game of Bridge.

This is the in person section of a hybrid workshop. Only request this section if you want to attend the workshop in person.

Learn how to make better choices when at the grocery store, in the kitchen, and when dining at restaurants. We will explore different types of sugar, fats, and other ingredients, including those found on prepared food in the store. In addition, we'll discuss the hype about organic foods, and the difference between processed and ultra-processed foods.

This workshop will be a chance for people to have the opportunity to play the game. Based on beginner to accomplished levels, participants will be paired off for a game or two. Beginners will have an opportunity to learn basic concepts and opening moves. The workshop will open with a short (5 minutes) of interesting facts/history of the game. Enjoying the game will be our primary goal.

 Skills and Supplies: Chess boards and pieces need to be purchased. If twenty-two workshop participants sign up, we would need 11 boards.
 Workshop Style: Mostly learning and playing the game.

 

Come and play Mah Jongg if you have already learned how to play the game. All skill levels are welcome. Participants can be new players or more experienced. Strategies will be shared and assistance will be provided.  Reminder: this is not a workshop for people who have never played and would like to learn. 
Materials needed:  Bring "2026 National Mah Jongg League card."

This is the in person section of a hybrid workshop. Only request this section if you want to attend the workshop in person.

I will discuss the basics and latest findings of climate science, the history and future predictions of the earth’s climate, and, from the perspective of a physicist, describe possible ways to reduce the emissions of CO2 gas and therefore limit future temperature increases.

This course traces Martin Scorsese’s career from his first great breakthrough through a remarkable period of creativity and reinvention. We will discuss these films:
Mean Streets (1973)
Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore (1974)
Taxi Driver (1976)
New York, New York (1977)
Raging Bull (1980)
The King of Comedy (1982)
After Hours (1985)
The Color of Money (1986)
The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)
Goodfellas (1990)

Members will view these films at home and we will discuss them in class. 

This course will explain the aging process and what happens to us as we age. We will delve into some of the science behind aging. We will answer the questions of why our appearance changes and what happens to us physically as we age. We will also cover why we age from an evolutionary perspective. In addition, we will go over what we can do to slow down the aging process. The course will consist of a mix of lecture, video, and class discussion.

This is the in person section of a hybrid workshop. Only request this section if you want to attend the workshop in person.

This workshop is an anthropological look at a few select aspects of human nature. We are reminded that nature, through evolution, is more of a tinkerer than a master designer. Discussions will focus on both our physical an cognitive design imperfections. Topics will include human cooperation, aggression, and group dynamics.

 

Join a lively discussion of recent articles from the New York Times Science section. Each week participants select the articles of greatest interest, and workshop leaders present summaries. Added background and explanations of the underlying science are included. Volunteers are welcome to help lead the discussions. Articles from other sources may also be included. So come join the group and add your knowledge or learn something new.

Op-Ed provides the opportunity to join in discussions of the political, social and economic issues currently affecting our lives. Each week three different volunteers present newspaper, internet or magazine opinion articles, that can be read aloud in five minutes or less and make for lively discussions by members with differing points of view. While every volunteer has the opportunity to comment first or last on their own article, they may want to sit and listen as everyone gets a chance, face-to-face, to voice his or her opinion on the subject.

 

In each session of this workshop, we will watch an episode of “Star Trek: The Original Series” which first aired in the late sixties and starred William Shatner. We will then go beyond the adventure of exploring strange new worlds with James T. Kirk and his diverse crew, and discuss the episode’s use of metaphors, portrayal of mankind and its future, philosophy, ethical questions raised, production notes, and more. We’ll take a trip back to the sixties and talk about how the era influenced the show and how it, in turn, affected its viewers.

Explore the various programs that will teach how to turn that dreary sky into one that is bright blue. Want a picture of your grandkids on the mood? I can show you how. 

• You don’t need to own the software or even have an iPhone.

A workshop for the discussion of poetry presented by volunteer members in order to discover together the pleasure and beauty of poems and get to know the poets who created them in an environment conducive to understanding what makes a poem a poem.

Let’s go back to the 60s and early 70s and revisit years of tumultuous political and social climate, which inspired some iconic songwriters to compose legendary songs of protest and hope. Listening to these songs will most certainly lead to some healthy discussion of the news and concerns from way back!

Over the course of the workshop, we will read Ragtime by E.L. Doctorow and explore various themes, events, arts, and notable historical figures of the American Progressive Era (1902-1912).

Films with legal, political, or constitutional issues will be viewed and discussed in this popular and recurring workshop. Movies presented in past semesters ran the gamut from serious (12 ANGRY MEN) to humorous (MY COUSIN VINNY) and covered many areas of law and civil rights. The interactive workshop covers the movies’ “backstories”, making, and a study of what is “real” or “reel”. Not only do participants enjoy good flicks, but they also learn about the law.

Science fiction fans, as well as people curious about this genre will enjoy this workshop.

Over the course of the semester workshop participants will “explore” a science fiction theme. “Aliens” is the theme for fall 2026. We will read selected short stories, one novel, and view topical movies and/or television episodes. Selections will range from classics to more recent offerings.

Small and large group discussions of the works will occur focusing on plot, theme, characters, science (real or imagined), our opinions of the work, and whether there is a message for people beyond simple entertainment.

The novel for this workshop semester will be Alien Clay by Adrian Tchaikovsky. It will be discussed early in the semester so workshop participants may want to borrow or purchase the book before the workshop begins to have time to read this book. Information on the short stories to be read and discussed will be sent to workshop participants in August.

""The universe is a pretty big place. If it's just us, seems like an awful waste of space"". Carl Sagan

Participants will use their creativity to complete various crafts for the fall and winter seasons. We are going to do a little bit of everything including paper crafts, painting and decoupage. Fun and accessible crafts for all skill levels. There is a $25 material fee for this class.

With an emphasis on performance, we will explore some theater games (new), present monologues and dialogues and, for those who are so inclined, a one-act play (new), directed by the workshop leader. We use the observation method, i.e., we watch our classmates perform and then we discuss the strengths and possible improvements as we learn how to improve our own performances in a fun, supportive atmosphere. Memorization, while encouraged, is not mandatory.

This workshop will go through the steps of planning and knitting a cuff down pair of socks starting with a gauge swatch. We will discuss sock construction and use basic math to create a personalized pattern to fit your feet and your knitting style. Together we will create socks that rock!

Prerequisite: For Intermediate Knitters and Beyond only! Must be able to cast on, knit, purl, increase, decrease, knit in the round and work with small size needles. This is NOT a Magic Loop Technique class. Workshop leaders use Double Pointed Needles. Appropriate yarn and needle selections will be discussed during the first session. Participants should not purchase supplies prior to the class

This workshop is recommended for those who already have experience with the basic skills of cutting, grinding and soldering. It is a cooperative learning environment where members help one another to improve their techniques, sharing ideas, and suggestions.

 

This workshop takes places on both Tuesdays and Thursdays. Attendance is expected both days.

Discover Tai Chi, an evidence-based program that builds strength, balance, and confidence through gentle, guided movement.

REQUIRED: Must be able to commit to at least 12 sessions, ensuring consistent practice and optimal benefits from this progressive, skill-building series.

An analysis of the original US Constitution and Bill of Rights and subsequent amendments. In addition, how these have been interpreted by Courts.

Using videos, we will explore a number of places that human beings have declared sacred. They feel compelled to connect with these places by creating a place space that connects them with something beyond their own world. Among these places are Hagia Sophia, Stonehenge, Varanasi, St. Peter’s Basilica and The Temple Mount.

Our goal will be to learn and perform standards and pop music in a fun setting. Prior choral singing is a plus. Must be able to match a note and hold a part as we will be singing in harmony.

We present two episodes per week as well as present information about the life of Rod Serling. Each episode is discussed with a focus on how the work of Mr. Serling is as relevant today as it was when the program was produced.

The workshop will cover areas of physics spanning classical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, general relativity, and quantum mechanics. Physics is based on math, you will see some, we will explain the physics, you will not need to understand the math, as we will try to relay the basic ideas and concepts. Videos will be selected in applicable cases to tie the material to topics of contemporary interest. We believe everyone will find it all interesting.

This workshop will offer a clear, accessible introduction to two of today's most important topics: Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security.  It will provide practical guidance for staying safe online and using technology more effectively in daily life.  No prior technical knowledge required---just a willingness to participate and contribute.

     This workshop is aimed at providing students with the fundamentals of painting in watercolor. We will explore the color wheel and how colors interact, the tools of the craft, the use of different materials in a painting, and how to go about creating one's own "masterpiece."

      There will be demos and the use of YouTube. Students will be required to bring their own supplies (paint, paper, brushes, palette, container for water, pencil, eraser, and paper towels or a rag) and will be encouraged to work independently. A complete list of supplies will be given at registration. Guidance and instruction will be provided as needed.

In this workshop, we will explore more advanced techniques/concepts in watercolor painting. We will create watercolor paintings and constructively critique each other’s work. Participants should be experienced in the creation of watercolor paintings, along with basic drawing skills. We will reference the work of established artists to inform our work. Our goal is to grow together as watercolor artists.

 

Join us in exploring how women through the decades - both on and off the TV screen - have influenced the social climate

We will discuss the personalities and events that were involved in the War.