Study Groups

Class Offerings for Spring 2024

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Daily Meditations: Wisdom in Stillness 

A Morning Journey to Gratitude & Clarity

Join us Monday - Friday from 8:45 to 9:15 AM as we embark on a journey towards greater well-being. 

Benefits for Retirees: 

• Mental Clarity: sharpens focus and cognitive function.
• Stress Reduction: promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety.
• Emotional Wellness: fosters emotional resilience.
• Physical Health: improved sleep, lower blood pressure, and enhanced immune function.

The meditations will stream daily on our ILR YouTube page. 

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Introduction to Spanish

Learning Spanish through many creative ways, lessons are created by our world-traveled retired Spanish educator.  Students will reference to "QUE TAL" scholastic magazine which offers an engaging blend of cultural insights and practical language skills. Participants will grasp grammar, vocabulary, and gain a deep appreciation for the Spanish culture. 

Leader: Profesora Shari O'Flanagan
2024 Sessions Fees: $50 for 8 weeks      
Location: Lupton Hall T101 
Time: Wednesdays 12:00 AM - 1:30 PM 

Sessions/Dates:

Winter 2024 -- 8 weeks, 1/24, 1/31, 2/7, 2/14, 2/21, 2/28, 3/6, 3/13 

Click Here to Register for Winter 2024 Spanish 

Spring 2024 -- 8 weeks, 4/3, 4/17, 4/24, 5/1, 5/15, 5/22, 5/29 & 6/12 

Click Here to Register for Spring 2024 Spanish 

Please note that this course serves as foundational introduction to Spanish and is welcoming to participants who have never spoke Spanish before. 

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Current Issues Forum

Each week for the first hour 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. 

Leader: Chet Gerstenbluth
2024 Sessions Fees: $25 for 4 weeks $50 for 8 weeks
Location: Gleeson 131
Time: Fridays 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM 

Sessions/Dates:

Winter 2024 -- 4 weeks, 1/26, 2/2, 2/9, 2/16

Click Here to Register For Winter 2024 Current Issues Forum

Spring 2024 -- 8 weeks, 2/23, 3/22, 3/29, 4/5, 4/12, 4/19, 4/26, 5/3

Click Here to Register for Spring 2024 Current Issues Forum

Summer 2024 -- 8 weeks, 5/10, 5/17, 5/24, 5/31, 6/7, 6/14, 6/21, 6/28 

Click Here to Register for Summer 2024 Current Issues Forum

Discussion and participation are strictly voluntary. Members are encouraged to bring in most current news articles and current events are generally provided by Chet our Study Group Leader. 

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The Culinary Blueprint

Ideal for culinary enthusiasts, the study group will offer a blend of creativity and practical knowledge. Embark on this flavorful journey with us.  This series will emphasize: 

• Cooking Techniques: learn essential skills from light knife work to flavor pairings. 
• Presentation: elevate dishes with a lesson on plating. 
• Quick Nutritious Recipes: delicious and time efficient. 

Leaders: Jennifer Singh with guidance from Executive Chef Gregory J. Dalton
2024 Sessions Fees: $25 for 4 weeks or $50 for 8 weeks.      
Location: Gleeson 129
Time: Fridays 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Sessions/Dates:

Winter 2024 -- 4 weeks, 2/2, 2/9, 2/16, 2/23 

Click Here to Register For Winter 2024 Culinary Blueprint

Spring 2024 -- 4 weeks, 6/7, 6/14, 6/21, 6/28 

Click Here to Register For Spring 2024 Culinary Blueprint

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Contemporary Literature

Contemporary literature group will be discussing a variety of books suggested by both our membership leaders and our very enthusiastic group participants. 

Leaders: Susan Blaeser
2024 Sessions Fees: $25 for 5 weeks.      
Location: Lupton Hall T101
Time: Wednesdays 12:15 PM - 2:30 PM

Sessions/Dates:

Spring 2024 -- 5 weeks, 3/27, 4/10, 5/8, 6/5 & 7/10

March 27 - The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien

April 10 - Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson 

May 8 - Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy 

June 5 - Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng 

July 10 - Horse by Geraldine Brooks 

Click Here to Register For Spring 2024 Contemporary Literature 

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Who Am I Today?

Women are from Venus, men are from Mars! Join a discussion group/expression of feelings from a female point of view. Each Session will be based on a single topic, focused on how one feels about circumstances facing our lives today. We hope to enlighten ourselves and each other through our sharing. 

Leaders: Brenda Yudin & Rene Nisenbaum 
2024 Sessions Fees: $50 for 8 weeks      
Location: Campus Center Meeting Room B
Time: Mondays 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Sessions/Dates --

Spring 2024 -- 8 weeks, 04/1, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29, 5/6, 5/13, & 5/20 

Click Here to Register For Spring 2024 Who I am Today

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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 and were released between 1944 to 2018. 

Leader: Larry Blaeser
2024 Sessions Fees: $50 for 8 weeks      
Location: Gleeson Hall 129
Time: Fridays 12:45 PM - 3:15 PM

Sessions/Dates:

Spring 2024 -- 8 weeks, 03/1, 3/8, 3/22, 4/5, 4/12, 4/26, 5/3, & 5/10

Click Here to Register For Spring 2024 Movie Review

3/1 -- Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri 2017 R 1h 55m Drama, Crime, Comedy 

A mother personally challenges the local authorities to solve her daughter's murder when they fail to catch the culprit.

3/8 -- The Birdcage - 1996 R 1h 57m Comedy

A gay cabaret owner and his drag queen companion agree to put up a false straight front so that their son can introduce them to his fiancée's right-wing moralistic parents.

3/22 -- Cabaret - 1972 PG 2h 4m Drama Musical

A female girlie club entertainer in Weimar Republic era Berlin romances two men while the Nazi Party rises to power around them.

4/5 -- Witness for the Prosecution 1957 Approved 1h 56m Crime, Drama, Mystery

A veteran British barrister must defend his client in a murder trial that has surprise after surprise.

4/12 -- North by Northwest 1959 Approved 2h 16m Action, Adventure, Mystery

A New York City advertising executive goes on the run after being mistaken for a government agent by a group of foreign spies and falls for a woman whose loyalties he begins to doubt.

4/26 -- BlacKkKlansman 2018 R 2h 15m Biography, Comedy, Crime

Ron Stallworth, an African American police officer from Colorado Springs, Colorado, successfully infiltrates the local Ku Klux Klan branch aided by a Jewish surrogate who eventually becomes its leader. Based on actual events.

5/3 -- Dial M for Murder 1954 PG 1h 45m Crime, Thriller

A former tennis star arranges the murder of his adulterous wife.

5/10 -- Sunset Blvd. 1950 Passed 1h 50m Drama, Film-Noir

A screenwriter develops a dangerous relationship with a faded film star determined to make a triumphant return.

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History - Brave Americans in War, 1775-1945

These five, 2-hour sessions cover the book, “Theodore Roosevelt/Spring Rice in WWI, Joshua Barney, Dolley Madison, Elizabeth Monroe, & USN "Airdales" that was published by Halo International in 2016. (All book royalties have been and will be donated to the American Red Cross.)

Along with the individuals listed in the title, the book has four additional brief essays on: Hugh Mercer, Martha Washington, Anthony Wayne, and Oliver Otis Howard-"The Christian General." is a collection of nine biographical essays describing the lives and accomplishments of those "who have made America a better nation." Along with the individuals listed in the title, the book has four additional brief essays on: Hugh Mercer, Martha Washington, Anthony Wayne, and Oliver Otis Howard-"The Christian General." 

Leader: Dr. Daniel Marrone
2024 Sessions Fees: $35 for 5 weeks Including the paperback version of the book

Location: Lupton T101
Time: Mondays 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM 

Sessions/Dates:

Spring 2024 -- 5 weeks, 4/1, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22 & 4/29

Click Here to Register for Spring 2024 History

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Writing Your Way to Positivity

This is a targeted workshop designed to boost psychological and physical well-being through guided writing exercises. Based on research, weekly in-person sessions over a 6-8 weeks are recommended for optimal results, limited to 10 participants. Customized writing prompts will be provided to resonate with the unique dynamic of the group. Our group leader has many years of teaching and counseling experience, he will guide participants in navigating their personal narratives. As a presenter, our leader Hinch will provide work has been described as inspiring, powerful and impacting. Join us to discover the transformative powers of writing. 

Leader: Dave Hinchliffe 
2024 Sessions Fees: $50 for 8 weeks.      
Location: Lupton Hall T101
Time: Wednesdays 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Sessions/Dates:

Spring 2024 -- 8 weeks, 4/3, 4/10, 4/17, 4/24, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15 & 5/22

Click Here to Register for Spring 2024 Writing Your Way to Positivity

 

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Watercolor

Explore the medium of watercolor painting. Enjoy awakening your hidden talents, and creativity as a beginning artist; or join others who wish to refine their skills and self-expression in a friendly and noncompetitive atmosphere. Last semester Diana led a watercolor workshop series, and the artwork produced by participants was truly outstanding. We received positive feedback, highlighting it as a "highly rewarding" experience. 

Leader: Diana Hodes
2024 Sessions Fees: $25 for 4 weeks.      
Location: Lupton Hall T101 
Time: Wednesdays 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Sessions/Dates:

Spring 2024 -- 4 weeks, 4/24, 5/1, 5/8 & 5/15 

Click Here to Register for Spring 2024 Watercolor

Materials – Watercolor Class with Diana Hodes

 

Paints

• Watercolor paint set at Michaels approx. 10-12 tubes of assorted colors
• 1 extra tube of white.

Brushes

• Numbers 2,4,10 (round) = get good quality, bristles fall off the cheap ones. (Michaels) 
• 1 pkg of kids brushes ($1.00 store)

Paper 

• 1 watercolor pad 9x12 or 11x15 140lb cold press (OR) 12x16 block cut in 4 pieces.
• 1 small postcard size pad for watercolor ($1.00 store) used to test stroke or colors.
• 1 foam board (black 20x30) or card board – to use to work on over desk. 

Extras

• Roll of paper towels
• Scotch blue multi-surface painters' tape- 1” size
• Ruler
• 2 plastic containers for dirty and clean water
• Plastic palette ($1.00 store) or “tear off palette”
• Art eraser (squeezable)
• Scissor
• Art making fluid (Michaels) 2.5 oz
• Tooth brush
• Razor
• (2) ITB pencils
• Assorted texture sponges, mini foam painting brushes
• Plastic gloves ($1.00 store)
• 1 picture frame ($1.00 store (OR) Good Will Store) to fit your size paper
• 1 piece of glass (to be discussed in class) ($1.00 store) 

Please note that the supply list is not included in the sign-up fee.  

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Volunteer Opportunities - Join Our Team!

ILR thrives on the enthusiasm and commitment of our members, and we are actively seeking volunteers to contribute their time and expertise to our vibrant community. If you have a passion for a particular subject and would like to lead a study group or contribute in any other capacity, we warmly encourage you to step forward and be part of our dedicated team.

 
Help Us Grow and Build Our Program

We are committed to enhancing the ILR experience and creating an inclusive, dynamic learning environment for all. As we embark on this journey together, your ideas, suggestions, and feedback are invaluable in shaping our program and ensuring its success. We welcome your input on new course ideas, potential guest speakers, and any other initiatives that could enrich the ILR community.