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
U.S Presidential History (Part 1)
This course covers the personalities, politics, and policies of U.S. Presidents from 1789 through 1909. During this 120-year period, the Commander-in-Chief was George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson, Martin Van Buren, William Henry Harrison, John Tyler, James K. Polk, Zachary Taylor, Millard Fillmore, Franklin Pierce, James Buchanan, Abraham Lincoln, Andrew Johnson, Ulysses S. Grant, Rutherford B. Hayes, James A. Garfield, Chester A. Arthur, Grover Cleveland, Benjamin Harrison, Grover Cleveland, William McKinley, and Theodore Roosevelt.
Date: Monday
Times: 9:25 am - 11:25am
Instructor: Dr. Daniel Marrone
GOATS (Greatest Of All Time in Sports)
Explore the legends of sports in this engaging course, GOATS (Greatest of All Time in Sports). We’ll highlight the most exceptional athletes in baseball, football, basketball, soccer, and the Olympics, along with the iconic stadiums, arenas, and playing fields where they made history. The series concludes with a fun look at some of the greatest sports movies of all time.
Date: Monday
Times: 11:30 am - 1:30pm
Instructor: Dr. Ira Stolzenberg
Come Together: A Beatles Appreciation Group
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 - 1:40pm
Instructor: Dr. Dylan Gafarian
History of the Banjo
This course is designed for non-music majors and general humanities students. No prior musical training or music reading ability is required. The course examines broader themes of cultural exchange, race, migration, popular entertainment, technology, and identity. Emphasis is placed on listening, historical context, and storytelling rather than technical performance skills.
Date: Tuesday
Times: 5:00 pm - 7:15pm
Instructor: Bob Barta
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
Introduction to Spanish
¡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: 12:15 pm - 1:45 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 Museum of Failures by Thrifty Umirigar (9/16), The Stationery Shop by Marjon Kamali (10/7), Ava's Man by Rick Bragg (10/28), Snow in August by Pete Hamill (11/18), Finding Dorothy by Elizabeth Letts (12/16).
Date: Wednesday
Times: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Instructor: Susan Blaeser
Introduction to Texas Hold’em
Learn the fundamentals of Texas Hold’em Poker in this structured 6-session beginner course focused on strategy, logic, and decision-making. Students will explore probability, risk assessment, reading situations, and sound judgment under uncertainty, similar in approach to games like chess or bridge. All instruction and practice are conducted in a classroom setting using chips only, with no real-money gambling involved.
Date: Thursday
Times: 12:15 PM -1:45 pm
Instructor: Michael Parisi
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
Movie Review
This Fall we will be presenting 8 films and following each with a lively discussion. The movies are from a variety of genres. The semesters list of movies: 9/25 Something’s Gotta Give (2003), 10/2 The Woman in the Window (1944), 10/9 The Big Heat (1953), 10/16 The Sapphires (2012), 10/23 Dog Day Afternoon (1975), 10/30 The Innocents (1961), 11/6 One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975), 11/13 Moonlight (2016).
Date: Friday
Times: 12:45 pm - 3:45 pm
Instructor: Larry Blaeser
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 - 10:15 am
Instructor: Maggie Fleming
Social Media ( FILL of the Future)
Learn how to use social media in a fun and easy-to-understand way in this beginner-friendly session focused on platforms like Tok-tok. Designed especially for older adults, this class breaks down how TikTok works, how to watch and create short videos, and how to stay safe online. Participants will also explore creative ideas for making lighthearted, entertaining videos while connecting with trends and family in a new way.
Date: Tuesday
Times: 9:50 am - 11:15 am
Instructor: Allie McGlone
Music and Me
Share your love of music in this relaxed and engaging discussion course. “Music and Me” invites participants to talk about their favorite songs, artists, and genres, and reflect on how music has shaped their memories, emotions, and life experiences. Each session offers a friendly, social setting where members can listen, share, and connect through the music that matters most to them.
Date: Tuesday
Times: 12:05 pm - 1:40 pm
Instructor: Dr Dylan Gafarian
Lunch and Learn
Join us for a relaxed “Lunch and Learn” gathering where participants bring their own lunch and enjoy a friendly, informal setting. Each session gives members the opportunity to share stories about their previous careers, life experiences, and interests while getting to know others in the group. It’s a great way to connect, learn from one another, and build community over lunch.
Date: Tuesday
Times: 12:00 pm - 1:15 pm
Instructor: Tori Tangredi
Myth of the Separation of Church and State
The program is designed to examine, from a historical perspective, the evolution of Americans’ understanding of and attitudes toward the doctrine of the “separation of church and state,” from colonial times to the present. The program will highlight how individuals such as Roger Williams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison, as well as the courts, legislatures, and religious institutions, have helped shape our attitudes toward the role of religion in a secular society. The objective of our discussions is not to determine the “rightness” or “wrongheadedness” of any particular point of view, but rather to understand the foundations and reasoning behind each position.
Date: Tuesday
Times: 1:40 pm - 3:00 pm
Instructor: Jack Fierman
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
Ballroom Dancing
Ballroom and Latin Dance class for the beginner dancer. An introduction to the dances you always wanted to learn.....Waltz, Tango, Salsa, Swing! You will learn the basics patterns, turns, leading and following and how to look comfortable on the dance floor. Just think, the next time you hear music, you could be DANCING!
Date: Wednesday
Times: 9:15 am - 10:15am
Instructor: John Mazzei
Mixed Media
Mixed Media Explorations invites students to combine acrylic painting, collage, drawing, and gelli printing to create unique, layered works of art. Through hands-on experimentation with color, texture, pattern, and composition, participants will discover a variety of mixed media techniques and creative processes. Suitable for all skill levels, this class encourages artistic exploration, personal expression, and the joy of creative discovery.
Date:Thursday
Times: 9:25 am - 10:45 am
Instructor: Janet Medler
Introduction to Italian
This course introduces students to the Italian language, culture, and music. Students will learn basic vocabulary, simple phrases, greetings, and everyday expressions, along with basic grammar and pronunciation. The class also explores Italian songs and music, helping students experience the language through listening, singing, and cultural context.
Date: Thursday
Times: 3:05 pm - 4:20 pm
Instructor: Agostina Alfonso
Yarn Arts
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: Thursday
Times: 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Instructor: Lucy Menzer & Irene Artcas
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