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Spring 2023 Session - Tuesday Classes

Time: 9:15 - 10:30 AM |  Day & Dates: Tuesdays, April 4, 11, 18 & 25 and May 2, 9, 16 & 23

Presenter: Michelle Keeley, CLS Member

Description: The early twentieth century brought new advances in entertainment. Movies provided ground-breaking technology that allowed the public to see performances at many local venues at once. This course examines the lives and work of some of the actors, both dramatic and comedic, who pioneered the motion picture industry.

Time: 9:15 - 10:30 AM |  Day & Dates: Tuesdays, April 4, 11, 18 & 25 and May 2, 9, 16 & 23

Presenter: Chuck Mishaan

Description: The Roaring 20s ended with the Black Friday crash. The 1930s began with the Great Depression, the rise of Authoritarianism and other threats to the fragile New World Order that had grown out of the ashes of World War I. How did the literary and visual arts reflect and react to the turmoil and challenge of the catastrophe of this Brave New World? What defined the culture of this decade? This course will take a closer look at the Arts and Culture of the 1930s.

Time: 9:15 - 10:30 AM |  Day & Dates: Tuesdays, April 4, 11, 18 & 25 and May 2, 9, 16 & 23

Description: Do you enjoy traveling? If so, please join us as some CLS members discuss their trips, both locally and around the world. Emphasis will be on various types of travel experiences, including individual and group trips and tours. Please note, the weekly presentation order is subject to change, and this is a travel course of first- hand experiences, not an in-depth look at a given county or region.

Topics & Presenters:

Ireland – Ann & Leathem Mehaffey

Sicily – Gilbert (Gil) Seligman

Hungary – Esther Odescalchi

Antarctica – Les Muldorf

National Park Trips – William (Bill) Walsh

Cross-Country Bicycle Trip – Mike Matts, Global Foundries (retired)

Mississippi River Paddle Boat Cruise – John Wargo

Russia – John Wargo and Esther Odescalchi

Time: 9:15 - 10:30 AM |  Day & Dates: Tuesdays, April 4, 11, 18 & 25 and May 2, 9, 16 & 2

Presenter: Robert (Bob) Ulrich, CLS Member

Description: The Revolutionary War lasted eight years from Concord to the signing of the Treaty of Paris. Time has never permitted getting into some of the more interesting, but often untaught, details that will help us better understand the sacrifices made to achieve independence. This is Part I of a 2-semester course covering every major battle and skirmish of the Revolutionary War, painting a more complete picture of the fight for independence as it unfolded. Note: Part II of this course will be offered in the fall 2023 semester.

Handouts:

The Revolutionary War - Introduction & Class Overview

Time: 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM |  Day & Dates: Tuesdays, April 4, 11, 18 & 25 and May 2, 9, 16 & 2

Presenters:

Martin Charwat, CLS Member

Karen Robblee, CLS Member

David McNary, Hyde Park Zoning Board of Appeals

Description: This class will review and discuss topics such as energy geopolitics, China's foreign policy, Iran and the Gulf States, and climate migration, among others, in a broad framework of how these topics impact American foreign policy. Students are strongly encouraged to purchase the Great Decisions 2023 booklet by contacting the Foreign Policy Association at, (800) 477-5836 or www.fpa.org/great_decisions.

Time: 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM |  Day & Dates: Tuesdays, April 4, 11, 18 & 25 and May 2 & 23

                                                                             (no class on May 9 and 16)

Presenter: Esther Kando Odescalchi, CLS Member

Description: Our world is full of wonders, natural and human built. Amazing creations of man and nature. This course is the continuation of the fall 2022 lectures on the same topic. More wonders of the World includes wonders of the Middle Ages; of Nature; of the Underwater World; of the Industrial World; of the Modern World; of technology; of the solar system and more.

Time: 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM |  Day & Dates: Tuesdays, April 4, 11, 18 & 25 and May 2, 9, 16 & 2

Presenter: David Roberts, Adjunct Instructor - Marist College Fashion Program

Description: Topics to be discussed: American Style - Federal Era through Mid-20th Century, Domestic Architecture, Interiors, Furnishings, Fashion, Federal Era, Neo-Classicism, Greek Revival, Early Victorian Era, Gothic Revival, Mid-Victorian – Rococo and Renaissance Revivals, Crinoline fashion, Queen Anne and Eastlake Architecture, Bustle fashion, The Gilded Age – Beaux-Arts architecture, Romanesque, American Craftsman – Stickley, Frank Lloyd Wright, Shaker and Mission styles, Revival Styles of the ‘20s and ‘30s - the Depression, WWII, Mid-Century Modern - Post-War 1950s and ‘60s

Time: 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM |  Day & Dates: Tuesdays, April 4, 11, 18 & 25 and May 2, 9, 16 & 23

Presenter: Leathem Mehaffey, CLS Member

Description: All living multicellular animals, including humans, must deal with exchanging respiratory gasses (oxygen and carbon dioxide) with their environment as well as transporting oxygen to and carbon dioxide from their cells and tissues. They must also maintain the proper concentration of water in their cells while eliminating soluble waste. In this course we will look at the strategies a variety of animals do so in order to gain insight.

Handouts:

Animal Physiology - Respiration II - Gas Transport

Animal Physiology - Water Balance and Osmoregulation

Time: 1:15 - 2:30 PM |  Day & Dates: Tuesdays, April 4, 11, 18 & 25 and May 2, 9, 16 & 23

Presenter: Barbara Mindel, CLS Member

Description: Memories are treasures. Many are keen, others await being prodded to the surface. That is what this class is about: short writing experiences to prod recollections, then share, exchange coincidences of experiences, and the best -- recapturing of the richness of our decades. Do join us “to leave your prints in the sand.”

Time: 11:15 - 2:30 PM |  Day & Dates: Tuesdays, April 4, 11, 18 & 25 and May 2, 9, 16 & 23

Presenter: Miriam Rubin, CLS Membe

Description: This is Part 2 of the course offered in fall 2022 which was designed for people who once learned (but forgot) or never learned to read Hebrew. If you did not take Part 1 of the course, but have equivalent fluency, feel free to register. Required text: Aleph Isn't Enough by Linda Motzkin. Book is available at amazon.com and behrmanhouse.com.

Time: 1:15 - 2:30 PM |  Day & Dates: Tuesdays, April 4, 11, 18 & 25 and May 2, 9, 16 & 2

Presenter: John Fontana, The Fontana Group, LLC

Description: This class will be a continuation of the class held in fall 2022. Eight more subjects will be discussed. The speaker will also keep the class updated on the James Webb Space Telescope.

Time: 1:15 - 2:30 PM |  Day & Dates: Tuesdays, April 4, 11, 18 & 25 and May 2, 9, 16 & 2

Presenter: Lydia Bauman, CLS Member

Description: Counterparts presents pairs of contrasting texts that interact with one another in differing and surprising ways. There may be opposing views on issues or disagreements with other scholars. Topics this semester include Science, War, and Literature. Join our lively discussions. Order your book online at greatbooks.org or by phone at 1-800-222-5870, ext.3.

Time: 2:45 - 4:00 PM |  Day & Dates: Tuesdays, April 4, 11, 18 & 25

Presenter: Arnold (Arnie) Serotsky, Vassar LLI

Description: While we believe every season is wine season, certain wines pair better with specific seasons. In this class we will learn about and taste locally available wines that are especially enjoyable in the warm sunny days of spring and summer. Each class participant will taste 4 wines in each class with a food accompaniment (wine glasses will be provided). Arnie Serotsky is a recognized wine connoisseur who has lectured on wines and guided tastings for many years. Course Fee: $20 per member

Time: 2:45 - 4:00 PM |  Day & Dates: Tuesdays, May 2, 9, 16 & 23

Presenter: Dot Chenevert, CLS Member

Description: This series of 4 classes will cover the basic instruction for floral design. The subjects covered will be care and handling of flowers, identification of floral terms and products, 4 Designs (1 each week) and a demonstration with step-by-step instructions of each design: 1. a centerpiece in a bowl using wire; 2. a Western lined arrangement; 3. a vase arrangement; 4. a hand–tied bouquet, called a presentation bouquet or wedding bouquet.

Time: 2:45 - 4:00 PM |  Day & Dates: Tuesdays, April 4, 11, 18 & 25

Presenter: Les Muldorf, CLS Member

Description: This course will go in-depth on the use of Photoshop elements. Basic computer skills are necessary. Each participant will need their own fully-charged computer, mouse, and some photos that you want to work on.

Time: 2:45 - 4:00 PM |  Day & Dates: Tuesdays, May 2, 9, 16 & 23

Presenter: Linda Lebensold, CLS Member

Description: This course is intended to delineate and analyze the activities of the Congressional January 6 Committee, including the scope of its work, an analysis of its final report and a discussion of its recommendations for Congressional actions.

Time: 2:45 - 4:00 PM |  Day & Dates: Tuesdays, April 4, 11, 18 & 25 and May 2 & 9

Presenter: Lydia Bauman, CLS Member

Description: Let’s talk food! CLS members will offer sessions about the food of their own backgrounds and heritage, and many of the cultures here in the US. They’ll talk about how we live with these foods today, including healthy living habits, holiday celebrations, and family traditions. They may explore some of the other aspects of the culture itself.

Topics & Presenters:

Middle Eastern Foods from My Grandmother – Robert (Bob) Nasser

Chinese Cooking 101 - Advantage of Stir-Frying – Norma Chang

Polish & Irish Cuisine: Family Favorites & Modern Trends – Pat Luczai

Buen Provecho! Puerto Rican & Cuban Family Favorites – Jackie Vierno

The Pennsylvania Dutch: History, Culture, Language, and Food – Kay Saderholm

What Makes Jewish Foods “Jewish" and Why Are They So Good – Blanche Bergman

Handouts:

Our Food Heritage and How We Live It Today - Pennsylvania Dutch Recipes (Kay Saderholm)

Our Food Heritage and How We Live It Today - Pennsylvania Dutch Recipes #2 (Kay Saderholm)

Our Food Heritage and How We Live It Today - Polish & Irish Recipes (Pat Luczai)

Our Food Heritage and How We Live It Today - Jackie Vierno's Puerto Rican & Cuban Family Recipe Guide

Our Food Heritage and How We Live It Today - My Grandmother's Recipes (Bob Nasser)

Spring 2023 Session - Wednesday Classes

Time: 9:15 - 10:30 AM          Day & Dates: Wednesday, April 5, 12, 19 & 26 and May 3, 10, 17 & 24

Presenter: Dewey Lee, CLS Member

Description: Do you find it difficult to relate to certain people: relatives, neighbors, friends? Maybe it’s because of these fractured political times or long-nursed conflicts. This course may help us in our relationships. We’ll look at our values and emotions in order to harness them to build stronger relationships. This will be a highly interactive course. 

Time: 9:15 - 10:30 AM          Day & Dates: Wednesday, April 5, 12, 19 & 26 and May 3, 10, 17 & 24

Presenter: Fred Wolinsky, CLS Member

Description: This course will present the history and culture of puppetry throughout the ages and around the world, the different styles of puppetry, the uses of puppets in film, television, and theater, as well as some behind the scenes insights. Highlighting the presentation will be pictures and videos, including a selection from the presenter’s own professional puppetry background, and even some live demonstrations. 

Time: 9:15 - 10:30 AM          Day & Dates: Wednesday, April 5, 12, 19 & 26 and May 3, 10, 17 & 24

Presenter: Linda Rappaport, CLS Member

Description: If you are like me, then you have promised yourself many times that you would write stories about your life to give to your family for posterity. That time is now! Each session, we will gather as a group and focus on a different element of craft, such as strong leads, sensory description, voice, point of view, etc. We will have a short practice period, after which we will share with the group and give each other feedback. This will be followed by a sustained period for developing our stories, after which we will come together to share our narratives with our fellow writers. 

Time: 9:15 - 10:30 AM          Day & Dates: Wednesday, April 5, 12, 19 & 26 and May 3 & 10

Description: From the origins and meaning of English language sayings, to mainframes and the moon. From the science of music to some topics on climate change, this course is a mixture of very interesting topics.

Topics & Presenters:

Mainframes and the Moon: The Role Played by IBM Mainframes in the Greatest Technical Achievement in the History of Mankind – Mark Nelson, IBM
Energy Storage for Renewables Transition – Christopher (Chris) Parks, CLS Member 
The Science of Music – Tahirih Motazedian, Asst. Professor of Music Theory, Vassar College 
Metals Requirement for Renewables Transition – Christopher (Chris) Parks, CLS Member 
The Origin and Meaning of English Language Sayings – Frank Dispensa, CLS Member 
"Longtermism" How do we most benefit humanity’s very long-term prospects? – Christopher (Chris) Parks

Handouts:

Potpourri - Mainframes and the Moon (Mark Nelson)

Time: 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM   Day & Dates: Wednesday, April 5, 12, 19 & 26 and May 3, 10, 17 & 24

Presenters: Judith Saunders, Professor of English, Marist College

Description: The class will read poems by three major poets of the American Modernist movement: William Carlos Williams (1883-1963), Robert Frost (1874-1963), and Wallace Stevens (1879-1955). We'll explore thematic concerns and formal choices, considering the balance each achieved between innovation and tradition. 

Time: 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM                  Day & Dates: Wednesday, April 5, 12, 19 & 26 and May 3, 10, 17 & 24

Presenters: Marilyn Price

Description: Class members will employ colored pastels in some exercises, colored paper in others and combinations of both. Students will experiment with color and find their own color aesthetic while working in new ways with color. Some experiments will be based on Joseph Albers’ book, “The Interaction of Color”. Other approaches will be from my own background. Previous experience working with color is not necessary. This course is intended as a learning experience for each of us. 

Time: 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM                  Day & Dates: Wednesday, April 5, 12, 19 & 26 and May 3, 10, 17 & 24

Presenters: Marilyn Price

Description: This course will emphasize the science that could lead to a unifying model of the universe. We will look at the structure of atoms and their constituents, quantum ideas, nuclear physics as well as particle accelerators and detectors. Featured will be the "Higgs" particle that gives mass to other fundamental particles, allowing for life to exist. Video professors from the "Great Courses" Company will be included. 

Time: 1:15 - 2:30 PM                         Day & Dates: Wednesday, April 5, 12, 19 & 26

Presenters: Candace (Candy) Pisterzi, CLS Member

Description: Crochet is a wonderful textile craft. One can crochet anywhere at any time and have a beautiful textile piece. This course will include the four basic stitches of crochet. It is amazing what one can do with a hook and some yarn. Bring along some G, H, or I hooks and a skein of light-colored acrylic yarn. If you think best, bring a small battery-powered light. We will make swatches that you can sew together for an afghan if you wish. 

Handouts:

23S Beginning Crochet & Advanced Crochet - Supply List

23S Beginning Crochet & Advanced Crochet - The Granny Square

23S Beginning Crochet & Advanced Crochet - Crochet Scarf

23S Beginning Crochet & Advanced Crochet - Single Crochet Swatch

23S Beginning Crochet & Advanced Crochet - Sabrina's Purse

Beginning Crochet & Advanced Crochet - Half-Double Crochet Stitch

Beginning Crochet & Advanced Crochet - Triple Crochet Stitch Swatch

Beginning Crochet & Advanced Crochet - Double Crochet Drawstring Bag

Time: 1:15 - 2:30 PM                         Day & Dates: Wednesday, May 3, 10, 17 & 24

Presenters: Candace (Candy) Pisterzi, CLS Member

Description: The textiles made with a hook and yarn are limitless. This class will be limited to texture stitches, Tunisian, cables, and free form. Participants must know how to execute chain, single crochet and double crochet stitches. Students should bring light-colored, smooth, worsted weight acrylic yarn (for the swatches) and G, H, and I hooks. A battery-operated light may be an option if one needs additional lighting. Ideas and directions for projects will be included. 

Handouts:

23S Beginning Crochet & Advanced Crochet - Supply List

23S Advanced Crochet -Heart Washcloth

 

 

Time: 1:15 - 2:30 PM             Day & Dates: Wednesday, April 5, 12, 19 & 26 and May 3 & 10

Presenters: Leslie Gerber, Parnassus Records

Description: The great musicologist Thurston Dart said that a Baroque performer who played repeats exactly as written "would be thought a very dull dog." The art of embellishing Baroque repeats is an essential practice. Neglected for many years, it is now coming back. We will hear music of Bach, Handel, and others "done right." We'll learn to hear how this practice contributes to our appreciation of the music. We'll also hear great music played beautifully. 

Time: 1:15 - 2:30 PM             Day & Dates: Wednesday, April 5, 12, 19 & 26 and May 3, 10, 17 & 24

Presenters: Jim Bennett, Artist and Author 

Description: Beautiful Calligraphy is Beautiful Art. Join artist and author Jim Bennett as he explains and demonstrates how Copper Plate Calligraphy is made and used as an art form. Optional hands-on exercises will be offered for those who want to learn this particular style. 

Handouts:

Beautiful Calligraphy-Beautiful Art Lesson 1

Beautiful Calligraphy-Beautiful Art - Lesson 2 Copper Plate Calligraphy

Beautiful Calligraphy-Beautiful Art - Copperplate

Beautiful Calligraphy-Beautiful Art - Calligraphy Class Work & Notes

Time: 2:45 - 4:00 PM             Day & Dates: Wednesday, May 3, 10, 17 & 24 

Presenters: Sandra Opdycke, Author and Historian 

Description: There is no greater defeat in American Political Life than to lose a presidential election. This course will explore the lives of four men who had that experience: William Jennings Bryant, Al Smith, Thomas Dewey and Barry Goldwater. Nearly forgotten today, these men were once major figures, with thousands of committed followers. How did they rise so high? Why did they lose? And, what happened to them afterwards? 

Time: 2:45 - 4:00 PM             Day & Dates: Wednesday, April 5, 12, 19 & 26

Presenters: Robyn Rosen, Professor of History, Marist College 

Description: This course will place the current controversy over abortion rights and access in the context of American women's 100-year struggle to control their fertility, their bodies and their sexuality. Attention will be paid to the changing strategies employed by activists, the contributions of women of color to the movement, and the political and cultural obstacles faced over the decades. 

Time: 2:45 - 4:00 PM             Day & Dates: Wednesday, April 5, 12, 19 & 26 and May 3, 10, 17 & 24 

Presenters: Christine Crawfis, County Players  

Description: The presence of the audience sets live theatre apart from all other forms of dramatic entertainment. We will explore how audiences are created, the differences among audiences and the chemistry and electricity that occurs between them, the performers and creative team members. Class members will be encouraged to participate in this small class discussion. 

Time: 2:45 - 4:00 PM             Day & Dates: Wednesday, April 5, 12, 19 & 26 and May 3 & 10

Presenters: John Gavin, CLS Member 

Description: In 731 AD, a monk named Bede wrote "The Ecclesiastical History of the English People". Ecclesiastical for Bede meant Roman Catholic and English meant Anglo Saxon. Most of what is known about Anglo Saxon England before 731 AD comes from Bede. We will discuss political history, geography, religious struggles, church councils and major heresies. We will also discuss post-Bede Anglo Saxon history from 731 to 1066 AD.

Time: 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM                                                Day & Dates: Thursday, April 6, 13, 20 & 27

Presenters: Jack Fein, CLS Member

Description: The Medicis played a pivotal role in the history of the Italian Renaissance. From humble beginnings they acquired a leadership role in the commercial, political, religious and cultural life of Tuscany. The course will be presented by Zoom and will describe their colorful rise and their turbulent fall. 

Time: 1:30—2:45 PM                                                            Day & Dates: Thursday, April 6, 13, 20 & 27

Presenters: Leonard Turkenkopf, CLS Member

Description: We will examine the causes of inflation, including the current situation, and what can be done to reduce inflation. Will the actions cause a recession and if so, how deep will it be?