FILL Courses & Study Groups
FILL Study Groups offer small, discussion-based learning experiences led by knowledgeable facilitators and fellow members. Each group explores a shared topic, ranging from literature, history, and current events to art, science, and culture, in a relaxed, engaging setting. No grades, no tests - just lively conversation and the joy of learning together.
2026-2027 COURSE SCHEDULE
Pickleball
Stay active and social while learning one of the most popular low-impact sports in the country. This pickleball class focuses on technique, game rules, safety, and enjoyment of play. No prior experience required.
Date: Monday
Times: 9:00 am - 10:15am
Instructor: Maggie Mangan
Come Together: A Beatles Appreciation Group(Part II)
Enjoy the music and legacy of The Beatles in this engaging course. We’ll take a look at their rise from Liverpool to global fame, their groundbreaking albums, and the songs that changed popular music forever. The course also examines their cultural impact, creative evolution, and lasting influence on music and society.
Date: Tuesday
Times: 12:05 pm - 1:30pm
Instructor: Dr. Dylan Gafarian
Watercolor
Watercolor Painting workshop designed for artists of intermediate level and above. This is an open space for artists to paint freely without the structure of a guided class. Connect with fellow members, share techniques, and collaborate in a relaxed environment. Participants are encouraged to bring their own supplies for this session. Each week as a group you will decide on a topic are create your own watercolor art!
Date: Wednesday
Times: 9:00 am - 12:00pm
Instructor: Shirley Ruby & Sheila Rubin Newfeld
Spanish & Cultures
¡Hola Estudiantes! This Spanish Culture and Conversation course is perfect for beginners who want to review Spanish or prepare for travel. Students will build vocabulary, learn common expressions, and practice basic verb tenses while exploring music, art, and Spanish-speaking cultures. Through simple dialogue and fun activities, we’ll improve communication skills in a relaxed and enjoyable environment. ¡Vámonos!
Date: Wednesday
Times: 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
Instructor: Shari O'Flanigan
Contemporary Literature
Join our monthly group to explore engaging books together. Discover diverse genres, share insights, and enjoy lively discussions in a welcoming space- perfect for book lovers seeking connection and thoughtful conversation! The books are: The Frozen River (3/3), Tell the Wolves I’m Home (3/24), Culpability (4/14), The Correspondent (5/5), Theo of Golden (5/26).
Date: Wednesday
Times: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Instructor: Susan Blaeser
Chair Aerobics for Seniors
Enjoy a fun, low-impact workout designed to improve strength, flexibility, balance, and cardiovascular health—all from the comfort and safety of a chair! This class features gentle movements, upbeat music, and easy-to-follow exercises suitable for all fitness levels. Stay active, boost your energy, and improve your overall well-being in a friendly and welcoming environment.
Date: Thursday
Times: 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Instructor: Amy Copt
Journaling Society
Explore the benefits of journaling in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Each class will feature different journaling prompts designed to encourage reflection, creativity and self-expression. Participants will have time to write independently and may share and discuss their thoughts with a partner or the group.
Date: Thursday
Times: 1:40 pm - 2:55 pm
Instructor: Daniela Figueroa
Current Issues
Each week for the first hour of the class we will set an agenda and exchange ideas concerning local, national, and global issues. During the second hour the focus is on one or more larger national issues; in an effort to identify problems, generate solutions, and hopefully, clarify your position.
Date: Friday
Times: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Instructor: Chet Gerstenbluth
Movie Review
This Spring we will be presenting 8 films and following each with a lively discussion. The movies are from a variety of genres. The semester’s list of movies is: Ace in the Hole (3/5), Spotlight (3/12), Bull Durham (3/19), I am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang (4/2), Cool Hand Luke (4/9), The Big Lebowski (4/30), Mystic River (5/7), Notorious (5/14).
Date: Friday
Times: 12:45 pm - 3:45 pm
Instructor: Larry Blaeser
Craft Home Beer Essentials
Discover what goes into brewing great beer! This six-week, hands-on course introduces participants to the science, process, and creativity of home brewing. Explore beer styles, ingredients, brewing techniques, fermentation, carbonation, and more, with a hands-on brewing session and sensory evaluation of the finished batch.
Date: Saturday
Times: 9:30 am - 10:45 am
Instructor: Dr. Jack Thomas
U.S. Presidents (Part II)
This course covers the years 1909 through 2009 that include the 27th through 43rd U.S. Presidents:
William Howard Taft, Thomas Woodrow Wilson, Warren G. Harding, Calvin Coolidge, Herbert Hoover, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman, Dwight David Eisenhower, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard M. Nixon, Gerald R. Ford, James Earl “Jimmy” Carter, Ronald Reagan, George Herbert Walker Bush, William Jefferson Clinton, and George Walker Bush.
Focus will be placed on the war-years presidents: Wilson (WWI), FDR and Truman (WWII), Truman and Eisenhower (Korean War), Johnson and Nixon (Vietnam War), and G. W. Bush (War on Terror).
Date: Monday
Times: 9:25 am - 11:25 am
Instructor: Dr. Dan Marrone
More Than Mickey: The Story of Disney
Join us for a six-week journey through the fascinating world of Disney. From its humble beginnings to its lasting impact on entertainment, culture, and storytelling, we'll explore the people, innovations, memorable moments, and enduring magic that have made Disney a beloved part of generations of lives. Whether you're a lifelong fan or simply curious about the Disney phenomenon, this class will offer engaging discussion and plenty of opportunities to share memories along the way.
Date: Monday
Times: 9:30 am - 10:30 am
Instructor: Hannah Ibrahim & Lauren Beers
Sports Championships, Comebacks and other Notable Events
Explore the greatest moments in sports history, including championship victories, unforgettable comebacks, and other remarkable events. This course will cover a wide range of sports, including baseball, football, basketball, hockey, soccer, golf, and Olympic events such as wrestling, long jump, long-distance running, and figure skating. Discover the athletes, teams, and extraordinary performances that have made sports history memorable
Date: Monday
Times: 11:30 am - 1:30 pm
Instructor: Dr. Ira Stolzenburg
Yoga
Stretch, strengthen, and relax with a gentle yoga class designed for all experience levels. Improve flexibility, balance, and mobility while enjoying a relaxing and welcoming environment. Bring your own mat and wear comfortable clothing.
Date: Tuesday
Times: 9:00 am - 10:15 am
Instructor: Andrea Floresta
From Hicksville to the Garden: Celebrating Billy Joel
Explore the life, music, and legacy of Long Island’s legendary singer-songwriter Billy Joel, from his Hicksville roots to his iconic performances at Madison Square Garden.
Date: Tuesday
Times: 12:05 pm - 1:30 pm
Instructor: Dr. Dylan Gafarian
Evolution of Our Theory of Free Speech from Colonial Times Through the Present
"Congress shall make no law abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press.”
Fourteen words - and five centuries of struggle behind them. This six-session series traces the history of free expression in the English-speaking world from Henry VIII’s first licensing proclamation in 1538 through the Supreme Court’s most recent rulings on social media and AI-generated content. It examines landmark cases, great dissents, wartime crackdowns, and the philosophical tensions that have shaped one of America’s most contested constitutional values. No legal background is required.
Date: Tuesday
Times: 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Instructor: Jack Fierman
Pickleball
Stay active and social while learning one of the most popular low-impact sports in the country. This Pickleball class focuses on technique, game rules, safety, and enjoyment of play. No prior experience required.
Date: Wednesday
Times: 9:00 am - 10:15am
Instructor: Maggie Mangan
Watercolor
Watercolor Painting workshop designed for artists of intermediate level and above. This is an open space for artists to paint freely without the structure of a guided class. Connect with fellow members, share techniques, and collaborate in a relaxed environment. Participants are encouraged to bring their own supplies for this session. Each week as a group you will decide on a topic are create your own watercolor art!
Date: Wednesday
Times: 9:25 am - 12:25 pm
Instructor: Shirley Ruby & Sheila Rubin Newfeld
Yarn Arts
Yarn Arts is a hands-on, creativity-driven class where participants learn and practice the fiber craft of their choice, including knitting, crochet, needlepoint, embroidery, bargello, punch needle, latch hook, and more. Whether you are a beginner or building on existing skills, the class offers a welcoming environment to explore creativity, develop techniques, and enjoy the many benefits of making by hand. Participants will leave with handmade projects, lasting yarncraft skills, and a deeper appreciation for the joy of creating something unique.
Date: Thursday
Times: 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Instructor: Lucy Menzer & Irene Artcas
Walk 'N Talk
Join our Walking Club for relaxed, social walks at different local locations. These easy-paced outings are a great way to stay active, enjoy fresh air, and meet new people in a friendly group setting. All fitness levels are welcome—just bring comfortable shoes and come walk with us!
Date: Thursday
Times: 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Instructor: Tori Tangredi
Current Issues
Each week for the first hour of the class we will set an agenda and exchange ideas concerning local, national, and global issues. During the second hour the focus is on one or more larger national issues; in an effort to identify problems, generate solutions, and hopefully, clarify your position.
Date: Friday
Times: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Instructor: Chet Gerstenbluth
farmingdale's institute for LIFELONG learning
Greenley Hall, RAM Office
934-420-2160
FILL@farmingdale.edu