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The course number of this class has been corrected since catalog publication.
Wilmington (off site, 310 Kiamensi Road): March 31, 2026 to April 28, 2026
Tuesday at 10:30 AM
Explore the use of light, shadow and color to create forms using watercolors. Previous experience required. Supply list is provided for students to purchase before class starts. Offered in partnership with The Art Studio, the arts education center of New Castle County’s Department of Community Services. The class may run 1.5 hours each week if the student’s schedule allows. Prerequisite: Beginner’s watercolor class or other watercolor experience. Additional fee: Requires a fee of $45 payable to the Art Studio. A payment link is sent to class members prior to the first class.
Sign up for the Tuesday section held off-site at The Art Studio, located at 310 Kiamensi Road, Wilmington, DE 19804, or the online section held on Wednesdays.
Please note additional fee mentioned above.
Taught by: Karen Berstler, Nicole Sexton
This course has been rescheduled to Tuesdays since catalog publication.
Lewes (off site, Cinema Art Theater): February 3, 2026 to April 14, 2026
Tuesday at 2:00 PM
In this weekly Tuesday series, guest hosts will introduce a movie of their choosing, show the movie on the big screen at the Cinema Art Theater in Lewes, and lead a post-movie discussion. Movie themes: to be determined.
Taught by: Martin Rosensweig
This course has been added since catalog publication.
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): February 5, 2026 to May 7, 2026
Thursday at 12:45 PM
This 13-week acting course introduces students to the core principles of theatrical performance, emphasizing The Actor’s Process: the series of repeatable, actionable steps actors use to prepare for and embody a role. Through physical and vocal training, script analysis, imaginative exploration, and partnered scene work, students develop essential skills in physicality, vocal production, emotional truth, text interpretation and character development. The course combines practical exercises, reflective discussion, and performance opportunities to help actors build confidence, clarity, and presence on stage.
Taught by: Arlene Bowman
The meeting time of this class has been changed to 10:45 a.m. since catalog publication.
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): February 2, 2026 to May 4, 2026
Monday at 10:45 AM
How does one teach about the Holocaust? One must begin with questions. Between 1941 and 1945, the German state led by Adolf Hitler murdered 6 million Jews and countless others. This course considers many questions in order to gain insight into how this monstrous occurrence happened.
Taught by: Iris Vinokur
This class has been canceled since catalog publication.
On-Demand (online viewing is on your own schedule)
This course covers France’s contributions to science during the revolutionary era. Topics include: Antoine Lavoisier, founder of modern chemistry and acquaintance of the DuPonts; Antoine-Augustin Parmentier, potato advocate; blight and food preservation; and the science of gunpowder and nitroglycerin. Course also covers: weather patterns, atmospheric layers, evolutionary theory, acquired characteristics and the metric system. This is a recorded “on-demand” version of a class originally taught in a previous semester. View this class on your own schedule. Viewing link is emailed to participants prior to the semester start.
Taught by: John Bullock
The online section of this class has been added since catalog publication.
Online: April 2, 2026 to April 30, 2026
Wednesday at 12:45 PM
Required Text: My Dear Hamilton, by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie, ISBN 978-0-06-246616-7. This historical novel explores the hard fought war of American independence and even harder struggle to establish a working government for the new nation as envisioned by Alexander Hamilton, seen through the eyes of Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton, his wife, widow and warrior. A widow for almost 50 years, Elizabeth became a person of prominence in her own right. Join us to learn how and why she did.
There are two sections of this book club. One meets online, Wednesdays at 12:45 p.m., and the other meets Thursdays, in Dover at 9 a.m.
Taught by: Bobbi Neaton
This course has been added since catalog publication.
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): February 4, 2026 to May 6, 2026
Wednesday at 9:00 AM
This Wisdom Circle is designed as a continuation for participants who completed the Fall 2025 Harvesting the Gifts of Age course. Building on that foundation, the circle will offer space for deeper reflection, shared inquiry, and continued integration of conscious eldering practices. Together, participants will explore emerging themes related to conscious eldering, meaning, and purpose; revisit and reflect on intentions set during the course; and engage in a guided book study.
The group will meet on the first Wednesday of each month, beginning February 4 and concluding May 6, 2026.
PREREQUISITE: The only prerequisite is having completed the Fall 2025 Harvesting the Gifts of Age course.
Taught by: Georgianne Sheehy, Stephen Sheehy
The meeting time of this class has been changed to 10:45 a.m. since catalog publication.
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): February 5, 2026 to May 7, 2026
Thursday at 10:45 AM
Prerequisite: Three semesters of OLLI Spanish or equivalent. Required text: The Complete Ultimate Spanish, Ronni L. Gordon, et. al., 978-1-264-25910-6. This interactive intermediate Spanish course combines lively speaking activities, practical grammar exercises and the joy of singing Spanish songs. Students will strengthen fluency, expand vocabulary and gain confidence in speaking Spanish in a relaxed and fun learning environment.
Taught by: Jeanne Hanson
This class description has added textbook information since catalog publication.
Online: February 3, 2026 to April 21, 2026
Tuesday at 12:45 PM
This is a course for people who have not studied Italian before, and where participants develop comfort in speaking, listening and reading basic Italian. Whatever class members’ interest in Italian — travel, music, literature, the joy of leaning a beautiful language — this course strives to respond to that interest. Songs and arias, short poems, prose passages, brief reports and video/audio excerpts are used to illustrate and practice many of the concepts and skills covered.
Required text: Italian Made Simple, Cristina Mazzoni, ISBN 978-0767915397 (paperback) or 978-0307434326 (Kindle edition).
Taught by: Winifred Hayek
This course has been added since catalog publication.
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): February 4, 2026 to March 4, 2026
Wednesday at 12:45 PM
This course will analyze how hazards and disasters such as hurricanes, floods, tsunamis, earthquakes, and tornadoes affect our world. It will discuss environmental sociology, disaster science, and emergency management to understand the issues society faces as disasters continue to impact us all. These include disaster vulnerability, pets and companion animals, gendered aspects of disasters, recovery, resilience, the experience of renters and people living in mobile or manufactured homes. Case studies will include the Haitian earthquake and Hurricane Katrina, as well as repeat storms in North Carolina and Texas to encourage class discussion and participation.
Taught by: Sydney Dyck
This course has been added since catalog publication.
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): April 2, 2026 to April 30, 2026
at 10:45 AM
This course introduces learners to the unique and emerging field of space medicine that studies how human physiology and psychology adapt to space and how risks associated with spaceflight are addressed. It’s an interdisciplinary course integrating biology, medicine, engineering, physics and chemistry, but requires no prior knowledge. Class members will learn about the environmental factors that make spaceflight challenging, such as how different body systems respond to microgravity. For example, musculoskeletal and cardiovascular changes in space will be compared to accelerated aging on Earth. Members will learn how health is maintained in space with examples and case studies from current practices aboard the International Space Station. The final lecture session will focus on the future of human spaceflight plans, including the NASA Artemis program missions.
Taught by: Ayham Ghith
This course has been added since catalog publication.
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): February 3, 2026 to May 5, 2026
Tuesday at 9:00 AM
Join us to practice what you’ve learned in the OLLI tai chi chih course. All movements are performed in a standing position, or if needed, in a sitting position. Please wear comfortable clothing.
Taught by: Steve Long
The schedule of this class has been updated since catalog publication.
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): February 4, 2026 to March 4, 2026
Wednesday at 10:45 AM
This class includes easy flow with gentle stretching and meditation. This course introduces beginner poses and breath work.
Prerequisite: Ability to get up and down from the floor.
Please bring your own yoga mat, small towel and blanket.
Taught by: Lesley Hellstern
This course has been added since catalog publication.
Ocean View Community Center: February 2, 2026 to March 2, 2026
Monday at 9:00 AM
This class covers how to quiet the mind and reset through breathwork and meditation. Participants learn about the neurobiology of our brain and the impact on our emotions. We will learn breathing techniques to help quiet the mind and allow the body to enter a state of rest and digest. We will also learn and practice meditation/mindfulness techniques. These techniques can be used on a daily basis to help calm our body and reduce anxiety and nervousness.
Taught by: Cathy Jacobsen
This course has been added since catalog publication.
Ocean View Community Center: April 1, 2026 to April 29, 2026
Wednesday at 9:00 AM
Class participants learn about the ancient Chinese practice of qigong and how to incorporate this into their daily lives. Qigong is a gentle practice that connects the body and breath with intentional movements that target specific body parts. This practice can be done standing or sitting. No equipment is needed. Participants are encouraged to listen to their own body and not push themselves beyond what they feel they can do.
Taught by: Cathy Jacobsen
This course has been added since catalog publication.
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): April 2, 2026 to April 30, 2026
Thursday at 9:00 AM
This course will introduce key concepts in chemistry using cooking as an interactive teaching method. Each class will revolve around a specific topic in chemistry, using cooking as a real-world example. These topics include: water, salts, acids and bases, and the Maillard Reaction (non-enzymatic browning). By the end of the course, student members will take home useful recipes based on the ingredients discussed in each topic and information about chemistry that grandparents could share with their grandchildren while teaching them to cook. No prerequisites are required.
Taught by: Tristan Mabee
This course has been added since catalog publication.
Ocean View Community Center: March 30, 2026 to April 27, 2026
Monday at 1:45 PM
Foundations of Investing is an educational program for people who are either new to investing or need a refresher. Participants will learn the importance of developing a strategy, the impact of asset allocation, and the influence of inflation on your long-term goals. We cover the basic features of bonds, stocks and mutual funds, and the importance of asset allocation.
Taught by: Lance Rogers
This course has been added since catalog publication.
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): February 23, 2026 to February 23, 2026
Monday at 10:00 AM
This presentation will discuss proper planting, pruning and cultural practices and answer questions like: Is spring a good time to prune my trees and shrubs and how much can I prune? Is spring a good time to fertilize my shrubs and trees? What does “feed the soil and not the trees and shrubs” mean? Is spring really the best time to plant or transplant trees and shrubs?
Taught by: John Ockasi
This course has been added since catalog publication.
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): March 20, 2026 to March 20, 2026
Friday at 10:00 AM
Are your photos scattered across old albums, boxes, phones, computers and everywhere in between? Do you feel overwhelmed or even guilty when you think about organizing them? You are not alone, and there is a way to turn that chaos into calm. Join Joy Russo and Nancy Martin, photo coaches, memory-keepers, and FOREVER® Ambassadors, for a friendly, practical 90-minute class that will show you how to finally take control of your photo collection.
Taught by: Joy Russo, Nancy Martin
This course has been added since catalog publication.
Lewes (Moorings at Lewes): February 18, 2026 to February 18, 2026
Wednesday at 3:00 PM
This class covers how wine is made, how to identify what you like and don’t like, and most importantly, how to find wine bargains and not overpay for wines that are just blah. After the opening illustrated lecture, we proceed through several pairings of different wines so that you can see, smell and taste the differences and, importantly, determine whether you like some more than others. Different people will like different wines, there is no wrong answer – what you like is what you like. The goal is to help you identify what you like, and perhaps why, so that you can optimize choosing a wine on a menu or buying a bottle.
Each participant will be asked to bring three wine glasses. Stemmed wine glasses work best. The glasses need to be the same so that you can identify differences due to the wine versus differences influenced by the glasses.
In addition to the wine, water and bread-as-palate-cleanser will be supplied.
There is a materials fee of $25, payable to the instructor on the …Full Description
Taught by: Larry Meinert
This course has been added since catalog publication.
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): February 19, 2026 to February 19, 2026
Thursday at 12:30 PM
The Silk Road conjures up images of camel caravans, exotic spices, Marco Polo and mystical cities such as Bishkek, Khiva and Samarkand. But these places are real and for the adventurous, can be visited. I was there last year and again, last month. During this hour presentation I will share with you, stories of what I saw, accompanied by amazing photos. Be forewarned, this hour together may make you want to dust off your passport and catch the next plane (and train and camel…).
Taught by: Larry Meinert
This course has been added since catalog publication.
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): February 20, 2026 to February 20, 2026
Friday at 10:00 AM
We’re going off the beaten track in Namibia! After attending a scientific meeting in Namibia’s capital city of Windhoek, the instructor embarked on a 3,000-kilometer, 12-day adventure in Namibia in a rented four-wheel-drive pickup, on mostly unpaved roads. The reward was the opportunity to climb the world’s biggest sand dunes and experience an amazing array of wildlife including elephants, giraffes, lions, springboks, water buffalo and zebras. Namibia is an amazing place that you should see before you die. This one-hour class may be the next best thing.
Taught by: Larry Meinert
This course has been added since catalog publication.
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): March 3, 2026 to March 3, 2026
Tuesday at 12:30 PM
Join us for an engaging conversation about what it means to age in place right here in coastal Sussex County. This session explores local resources, services and community connections that support independence, safety and quality of life for older adults. Learn how neighbors helping neighbors can make it easier to remain in your home and community as you age.
Taught by: Anna Moshier
This course has been added since catalog publication.
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): February 4, 2026 to March 4, 2026
Wednesday at 12:45 PM
Beginners will learn to create, and intermediate crocheters can enjoy creating, a granny square blanket. Basic stitches will be taught, and a variety of squares will be demonstrated (with patterns provided). This is a workshop format class with “homework” between sessions. At the end of the five weeks, you will have acquired new skills (or polished old ones) while enjoying the camaraderie of working alongside fellow crafters … and with a granny square blanket to show for your good work.
Taught by: Loren Hubbell, Norine Bilharz
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the University of Delaware
OLLI is an academic cooperative for adults 50 and over to enjoy classes, teach, exchange ideas and socialize together, with no exams or educational requirements for participation. OLLI welcomes you.
Kent/Sussex | Wilmington