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Senior Learners, Inc. |
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| Click on the course title to register for the course. *"Both" courses are simultaneously online and in Room 107 of Building 20, when more than 5 students register in each. |
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Health and Better Living | ||||||
| Title | Instructor | First | Weeks | Starts | Ends | Fee |
| Introduction to Cognitive Science 1 - Online | Putzeys | Tue, 9/10/24 | 4 | 10:30 AM | 12:00 PM | $15.00 |
| This course is the first in a series of 3 courses. It takes you on a deep dive into the fascinating field of cognitive science, which has begun to shed light on the powerful and mysterious cognitive processes that humans use every day. Topics include language, memory, decision‐making, emotion, consciousness, and many other amazing cognitive processes. It is based in part on lectures by Professor Thad Polk from his course Introduction to Cognitive Science. | Oshkosh Airshow - Just Plane Fun and Educational - *Both | Howard | Fri, 10/4/24 | 2 | 10:30 AM | 12:00 PM | $7.50 |
| Any pilot or aviation enthusiast will know the following equation: OSH = AirVenture = EAA. We will explain: 1) why the World's Biggest Aviation Event is located at Oshkosh, WI, which is otherwise known for blue jeans and fire trucks, and 2) why its 7-day run is needed to truly experience it. AirVenture is an adventure in itself, meeting people, daily & 2 night airshows, learning aviation history and its role in winning wars and technology advancements (NASA, anyone?), extraordinary stories of heroes, building, restoration, recruitment, and so much more. EAA stands for Experimental Aircraft Association and we will explain why it is called Experimental -- we get asked that a lot. Join Donna Robinson and me for pictures, videos and conversations with celebrities and everyday folks who just enjoy airplanes. | Introduction to Cognitive Science 2 - Online | Putzeys | Tue, 10/8/24 | 4 | 10:30 AM | 12:00 PM | $15.00 |
| This course is the second course in a series of 3 courses takes you on a deep dive into the fascinating field of cognitive science, which has begun to shed light on the powerful and mysterious cognitive processes that humans use every day. Topics include language, memory, decision‐making, emotion, consciousness, and many other amazing cognitive processes. It is based in part on lectures by Professor Thad Polk from his course Introduction to Cognitive Science. | Introduction to Genealogy - *Both | Reilly | Thu, 10/17/24 | 5 | 10:30 AM | 12:00 PM | $18.75 |
| Few experiences in life are as enriching and rewarding as researching family history. To trace your ancestral roots is to take part in an exciting detective story; one that asks you to rebuild the past from oral tradition, written records, and artifacts, such as family photographs. Genealogy is a journey of self‐discovery that can teach you as much about yourself as about those who came before you. It is a way for you to uncover and write one of the most important stories you could ever tell—one that is unique to your individual life; one that no one else can tell; and one that you can pass down to future generations. This course was previewed during the Summer 2024 term, and the class recommended enthusiastically that the full course be offered to Senior Leaners. The course utilizes the Great Courses: Discovering Your Roots by Prof. John Philip Colletta, augmented by information about DNA tests, online genealogy search sites, free webinars, and the recently released 1950 Census. | Human Brain Adaptation and Potential - Online | Stephens | Fri, 11/1/24 | 3 | 10:00 AM | 12:00 PM | $15.00 |
| The human brain is remarkable in its ability to extract information from the environment and its adaptability when stressed or damaged. This adaptability characteristic is known as neuroplasticity. As we grow older it is less effective but can be maintained with brain stimulation, exercise, diet and social contact. In this course we will present the results of new research and developments which allow us to understand the structure, functions and evolution of the brain at the micro level. We will examine how memory and problem solving take place for younger, older, autistic people and geniuses. We will also evaluate what happens when the brain is damaged or subjected to dementia and methods for maintaining or restoring brain function. | Introduction to Cognitive Science 3 - Online | Putzeys | Tue, 11/5/24 | 5 | 10:30 AM | 12:00 PM | $18.75 |
| This course is the third course in a series of 3 courses takes you on a deep dive into the fascinating field of cognitive science, which has begun to shed light on the powerful and mysterious cognitive processes that humans use every day. Topics include language, memory, decision‐making, emotion, consciousness, and many other amazing cognitive processes. It is based in part on lectures by Professor Thad Polk from his course Introduction to Cognitive Science. | Preparing to: Age in Place or Transition to Assisted Living - *Both | Team | Thu, 11/7/24 | 3 | 1:30 PM | 3:30 PM | $15.00 |
| Most people want to continue to live in their current residences, even if their health deteriorates. But to do so requires careful preparations to accommodate and pay for aging in place, including transportation if you are no longer able to drive. Alternatively, the decision of when, where and how to pay for assisted living also requires preparations. In this course each of us will have an opportunity to share worries and personal experience with either aging in place or, as applicable, with assisted living facilities. We will stimulate the discussions with online print and video resources regarding best practices for preparing for eventual reduced physical and/or cognitive capabilities. | Planning for the Golden Years - *Both | Mortellaro | Fri, 11/8/24 | 1 | 2:00 PM | 4:00 PM | $5.00 |
| We will start with a video of a presentation Elder Law and; Estate Planning Attorney Michelangelo Mortellaro did for Senior learners in May 2022. In it he discusses the importance of proper estate planning to give you and your loved ones the peace of mind you deserve. Being prepared for the possibility that you may end up needing more medical care than you expected can ease some of the worry that hangs over us as we get older. Knowing that you have your proverbial ducks in a row with proper estate planning will give you the chance to relax and enjoy your golden years. After the video, hopefully, Mr. Mortellaro will be able to join us online to answer questions. | NEW DATES: Let's Talk About Eating for Health 1 - *Both | Howard | Fri, 11/15/24 | 2 | 1:30 PM | 3:00 PM | $7.50 |
| This course is a continuation of Let's Talk About Food. Each week we will view a lecture by Julia Nordgren, MD from her course, Eat for Your Health: Simple Science and Fantastic Flavor. She is a clinical instructor of Pediatrics at Stanford Medicine and a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America. Her lectures explain the truth about how nutrients work in the human body, and teach the basic cooking skills that will allow you to create healthy and delicious meals in your kitchen at home. During each week we will talk about our experience with the types of ingredients and meals Dr. Nordgren demonstrates. Of course there will be opportunities to share recipes and tastings. | Quantum Casino: An Old Card Game in New Garb - In Room 107 | Reid | Wed, 12/4/24 | 2 | 10:30 AM | 12:00 PM | $7.50 |
| Casino is a simple card game for 2–4 players. Whether or not you have played the childrens game Casino, you may be interested in learning a challenging version we are calling Quantum Casino (Quantum because some cards change numerical value depending on their location). This is Casino on steroids. Join us for fun and fellowship. | Final Wishes For a Sustainable Future - *Both | Grove | Wed, 12/4/24 | 1 | 1:30 PM | 3:00 PM | $0.00 |
| Serving fourteen years as the first certified conservation cemetery in Florida, This informative presentation byPrairie Creek Conservation Cemetery will explore how natural burial can be a healing choice for the land and loved ones. Come learn how this conservation cemetery has worked to restore the native landscape and reunite people with the Earth, and has cultivated a death positive community passionate about reducing our environmental impact and fulfilling the final wishes of our loved ones in a natural way. | Changing Relationships & Living Arrangements in Retirement - *Both | Team | Thu, 12/5/24 | 1 | 1:30 PM | 3:30 PM | $5.00 |
| Retirement changes relationships among spouses, family members, long-term friends, neighbors and colleagues. Also, death of a spouse often occurs during retirement. So forging new, healthy relationships in retirement is an important factor in maintaining emotional and physical health. In this course each of us will have an opportunity to share worries and personal experience on their relationships. We will stimulate the discussions with online print and video resources, including some that explore how non-traditional shared living arrangements in retirement are reducing expenses and providing ongoing support for some seniors. | ||||||
History and Geography | ||||||
| Title | Instructor | First | Weeks | Starts | Ends | Fee |
| Great 20th Century Presidents - *Both | Reilly | Thu, 8/29/24 | 5 | 10:30 AM | 12:00 PM | $18.75 |
| America has been blessed with some great presidents. If you could choose just five of the Presidents who served during the 20th Century, who would you choose? This course will discuss five great 20th Century Presidents. Each week, we will examine the life and achievements of a different president. Enroll in this course, learn more about each, applaud if you agree, or debate why your choice is better. At the end of the course, the class will cast its vote for the greatest 20th Century president. This course utilizes the Great Courses: Great Presidents, featuring Prof. Allan Lichtman, augmented by clips from YouTube videos. | Scotland and Ireland: Cinderella Countries from Overshadowed to Celebrated - *Both | Coffey | Thu, 9/19/24 | 6 | 1:30 PM | 3:00 PM | $22.50 |
| Despite centuries of struggles, strife, and subjugation by Britain, Scotland and Ireland in have blossomed into advanced small countries (each size of Indiana) whose ideas, culture and diasporas have spread around the world - the sun never sets on a Scot or Irish. Scotland rose from Europe’s poorest and backward nation to become the driving wheel of modern progress. Ireland, after centuries British colonization, potato famines, & partition, has become a Celtic Tiger – hi-tech country #2 world in per capita GDP and economic freedom. | Great 20th Century Presidents - Makeup - *Both | Reilly | Thu, 10/3/24 | 1 | 10:30 AM | 12:00 PM | $0.00 |
| Makeup date for Campus closure during Hurricane Helene. | Scotland and Ireland: Cinderella Countries from Overshadowed to Celebrated Helene Makeup - In Room 107 | Coffey | Fri, 10/25/24 | 1 | 10:30 AM | 12:00 PM | $0.00 |
| This class is a makeup for those students who were not able to attend the 9/26/24 class because the CF Campus was closed during Hurricane Helene. During this class the video recording of the 9/26/24 presentation will be screened. | ||||||
Literature and Language | ||||||
| Title | Instructor | First | Weeks | Starts | Ends | Fee |
| What You Never Knew About Our Language 1 - *Both | Howard | Mon, 9/30/24 | 4 | 10:30 AM | 12:00 PM | $15.00 |
| This course is the first in a series of 3 courses. It includes lectures by Professors John McWhorter (Myths, Lies, and Half-Truths of Language Usage) and Natalie Schilling (English in America). You will learn, for example, why are there traces of Scots-Irish in American English? Or, what are the roots of African American English, and how different is it from other varieties of American English? In this course we will examine English from a little bit of a distance, so we can better understand how strange, illogical, whimsical, and beautiful it really is. | Let's Talk About Books - In Room 107 | Berra | Fri, 10/18/24 | 1 | 10:30 AM | 12:00 PM | $3.75 |
| Avid readers enjoy a casual, friendly meeting with like-minded members to talk about the books they have been reading, how they liked them (or not!) and why. As we share our recent reading experiences, we also get to hear about books recommended by fellow book-lovers. If you are an enthusiastic reader, come join us. | Local Authors: Exploring Their Writing & Their Journey - Lucy Tobias - Online | Pealer | Wed, 10/23/24 | 1 | 10:30 AM | 12:00 PM | $3.75 |
| The first hour will consist of an in-depth interview with author Lucy Tobias, conducted by Cash Pealer. The author will also share a short reading of her work, followed by student comments and questions. Lucy Beebe Tobias is an independent journalist, an award-winning author, blogger, and photographer creating lively and engaging books on the environment, exploration and ecology. She formerly worked as a writer for the Ocala Star Banner, and now she lives in Sarasota. | What You Never Knew About Our Language 2 - *Both | Howard | Mon, 11/4/24 | 4 | 10:30 AM | 12:30 PM | $15.00 |
| This course includes more lectures by Professors John McWhorter (Myths, Lies, and Half-Truths of Language Usage) and Natalie Schilling (English in America). One of the many be topics we wil explore is the difference between English in the mouth and English on the page, plus its latest manifestations in the digital world in between. In a similar vein, we will explore what is the role of American English versus British English as the language increasingly spreads across the globe, and as it reaches into cyberspace? | Local Authors: Exploring Their Writing & Their Journey. Charles Alexander - Online | Pealer | Wed, 11/20/24 | 1 | 10:30 AM | 12:00 PM | $3.75 |
| The first hour will consist of an in-depth interview with author Charlie Alexander, conducted by Cash Pealer. The author will also share a short reading of his work, followed by student comments and questions. Charlie was born in Providence, R.I. He graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a Music Degree and moved to Ocala in 2005. He has had his own music school and works as a jazz pianist throughout central Florida. He has been writing and illustrating children’s books since 2016, and he has blended his children’s books with his music background | Let's Talk About Books - In Room 107 | Berra | Wed, 11/20/24 | 1 | 1:30 PM | 3:00 PM | $3.75 |
| Avid readers enjoy a casual, friendly meeting with like-minded members to talk about the books they have been reading, how they liked them (or not!) and why. As we share our recent reading experiences, we also get to hear about books recommended by fellow book-lovers. If you are an enthusiastic reader, come join us. | ||||||
Philosophies and History of Religions | ||||||
| Title | Instructor | First | Weeks | Starts | Ends | Fee |
| New Testament 2 - *Both | Team | Tue, 9/24/24 | 4 | 1:30 PM | 3:00 PM | $15.00 |
| This course is based on one of The Great Courses: New Testament. The lectures are by Professor Bart Ehrman, Department of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. This second course in a series of 2, considers, from an historian/s perspective, the Book of Acts (the earliest surviving history of the early Christian movement) and then the 21 epistles of the New Testament, including the 13 epistles that claim to be written by the apostle Paul. | How Jesus Became God 1 - Online | Team | Tue, 10/22/24 | 4 | 1:30 PM | 3:00 PM | $15.00 |
| This series of 2 courses is based on lectures by Professor Bart Ehrman, Department of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Professor Ehrman will lead us through the historical transition from: 1) Jesus dying as a powerless and forsaken Jewish preacher of an apocalypse that never came. to 2) four centuries later Jesus being exalted to not be a failed Jewish prophet, but to be a divine being. Later, Jesus became none other than the God who created the universe, equal in power and stature with God the Father Almighty. This first course summarizes the life and teachings of Jesus and the earliest Christology of the New Testament. (Christology is the study of Jesus Christ, His person, works, and relation to the Trinity and mankind.) | How Jesus Became God 2 - Online | Team | Tue, 11/19/24 | 3 | 1:30 PM | 3:30 PM | $15.00 |
| Course Description: This series of 2 courses is based on lectures by Professor Bart Ehrman, Department of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Professor Ehrman will lead us through the historical transition from: 1) Jesus dying as a powerless and forsaken Jewish preacher of an apocalypse that never came. to 2) four centuries later Jesus being exalted to not be a failed Jewish prophet, but to be a divine being. Then Jesus was then none other than the God who created the universe, equal in power and stature with God the Father Almighty. This second course covers the transition from the Christology of the New Testament to the Christology adopted by the Nicene Creed. | ||||||
Science and Technology | ||||||
| Title | Instructor | First | Weeks | Starts | Ends | Fee |
| Survival in Space I - Online | Bunker | Wed, 10/2/24 | 3 | 10:30 AM | 12:00 PM | $11.25 |
| This course is the first of two. Space is out to kill you. The vacuum of space is the least of your worries, though, since just getting there requires surviving explosions powerful enough to escape Earth’s gravity—the rocket launch. Once you arrive, you will be weightless, which has its own array of health risks. Space is also saturated with radiation, including high-energy cosmic rays that can penetrate the hull of any spacecraft. Returning to Earth is not just a launch in reverse. This time, you must survive reentry temperatures hot enough to melt steel. | Science Surprises Fall II - *Both | Pealer | Wed, 10/23/24 | 1 | 1:30 PM | 3:00 PM | $3.75 |
| The instructor shares interesting science things that she finds on the Internet, or in books or magazines that people send her. You never know what you will learn!! | Survival in Space II - Online | Bunker | Wed, 10/30/24 | 3 | 10:30 AM | 12:00 PM | $11.25 |
| This course is the second of two. Space is out to kill you. The vacuum of space is the least of your worries, though, since just getting there requires surviving explosions powerful enough to escape Earth’s gravity—the rocket launch. Once you arrive, you will be weightless, which has its own array of health risks. Space is also saturated with radiation, including high-energy cosmic rays that can penetrate the hull of any spacecraft. Returning to Earth is not just a launch in reverse. This time, you must survive reentry temperatures hot enough to melt steel. | Everyday Engineering Marvels - *Both | Reilly | Thu, 11/21/24 | 3 | 10:30 AM | 12:00 PM | $11.25 |
| We seldom think about the engineering marvels that bless our daily lives. The purpose of this course is to explore the everyday technologies that we could not live without. This Term we begin by examining the typical American single-family residence. We will consider its structure, foundation, building envelope, site, plumbing, electrical system, heating and cooling system, water, and wastewater systems. How do these systems work so well together? Depending on the interests of Senior Learners, courses in later terms may explore energy and/or transportation marvels. This course utilizes the Great Courses: Everyday Engineering with Professor Stephen Ressler. | Science Surprises Fall III - *Both | Pealer | Wed, 12/11/24 | 1 | 1:30 PM | 3:00 PM | $3.75 |
| The instructor shares interesting science things that she finds on the Internet, or in books or magazines that people send her. You never know what you will learn!! | ||||||
Special Event | ||||||
| Title | Instructor | First | Weeks | Starts | Ends | Fee |
| SLI Board Meeting - Online | Howard | Fri, 9/27/24 | 1 | 10:00 AM | 12:00 PM | $0.00 |
| Later | Celebration of Fall Term Birthdays - *Both | Pealer | Mon, 10/28/24 | 1 | 10:30 AM | 12:00 PM | $3.75 |
| Senior Learners love parties. So, why not celebrate the Senior Learners birthdays that occur during each Term? This party will be for the those Senior Learners who have birthdays during Fall Term. Everyone is invited to join in the fun and goodies. No one who has chosen to stop celebrating their birthday will be embarrassed. If this party is a hit, we will schedule one for those with birthdays during Spring and Summer Terms. | SLI Halloween Party - *Both | Kelly | Thu, 10/31/24 | 1 | 1:30 PM | 3:00 PM | $3.75 |
| This party won’t be too scary but still lots of fun- with lots of Halloween tricks and treats. | Sli Board Meeting - Online | Howard | Fri, 11/22/24 | 1 | 10:00 AM | 12:00 PM | $0.00 |
| Later | Thanksgiving Dinner - Off Site | Kelly | Thu, 11/28/24 | 1 | 1:00 PM | 4:00 PM | $0.00 |
| Senior Learners Thanksgiving dinner at the home of Evelyn Kelly. Hosted by Evelyn and Pat Nevard. Feel free to bring some food or drink (no alcohol) if you like but it is NOT required. DO bring yourselves and join the fun as we share our various Thanksgiving stories, Senior Learners stories, and whatever other stories come to mind. Directions will be emailed to all registrants when we near the day. | SLI Holiday Party - *Both | Kelly | Fri, 12/13/24 | 1 | 1:30 PM | 3:00 PM | $3.75 |
| Holidays with Senior Learners are always lots of fun. This year we will feature Holidays Around the World. Don’t miss this good time. | ||||||
the Arts | ||||||
| Title | Instructor | First | Weeks | Starts | Ends | Fee |
| For Love of Film: Director Showcase - In Room 107 | Smith | Mon, 8/26/24 | 5 | 1:00 PM | 4:00 PM | $25.00 |
| Directors: Sometimes we know them for their acting and sometimes we associate them with a specific genre. Join us in viewing and discussing five directors of films that might surprise you. Penny Marshall directs Big starring Tom Hanks; Robert Redford directs Quiz Show starring Ralph Fiennes and John Turturro; the creative genius of Robert Zemeckis is seen in Who Framed Roger Rabbit; Tom Hanks is directed by Steven Spielberg in The Terminal; and Martin Scorsese directs Hugo, an homage to the early film makers. Popcorn will be available to enhance the viewing experience. | Water Color in Nature - *Both | Craggs | Wed, 9/11/24 | 6 | 1:30 PM | 3:30 PM | $30.00 |
| We will continue our focus on Botanicals. This class will work on simple still life arrangements with emphasis on color, texture and design. We will learn to use creative watercolor techniques to make finished still life paintings. These paintings would make excellent gifts. | From Aulos to Oboe, Rebec to Violin: A Brief History of the Musical Instruments - *Both | Satterfield | Fri, 10/4/24 | 4 | 1:30 PM | 3:30 PM | $20.00 |
| Students will learn about the history of the musical instruments, from classical antiquity to the modern period. Students will have a chance to listen to historical predecessors of string, woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments that form the core of today’s orchestras and bands. The course will include a lecture component, presented by Dr. Sarah Satterfield, as well as an abundance of music listening. | For Love of Film: Barbra Streisand. - In Room 107 | Smith | Mon, 10/7/24 | 5 | 1:00 PM | 4:00 PM | $25.00 |
| Barbra Streisand is a multitalented singer, actor, director and producer. Join us in viewing and discussing films that showcase her varied talents including The Mirror Has Two Faces with Jeff Bridges and Lauren Bacall, On a Clear Day You Can See Forever featuring Yves Montand, The Way We Were featuring Robert Redford, Yentl featuring Amy Irving and Mandy Patinkin and ending with The Prince of Tides featuring Nick Nolte based on the book by Pat Conroy. Popcorn will be available to enhance the viewing experience. | Holiday Greeting Cards - *Both | Craggs | Wed, 10/30/24 | 3 | 1:30 PM | 3:30 PM | $15.00 |
| Learn to create your very own hand painted watercolor Holiday Greeting cards. You will have several designs to choose from. Each card will be unique when completed . Your finished card will be formatted to size so that they can be reproduced on your own home computer printer. | For Love of Film: Family Ties - In Room 107 | Smith | Mon, 11/18/24 | 3 | 1:00 PM | 4:00 PM | $15.00 |
| The end of year holidays are a good time for movies about family. Join us in viewing and discussing Baby Boom starring Diane Keaton; The Lion King (animated) featuring the voices of Matthew Broderick, James Earl Jones and Jeremy Irons; and Father of the Bride featuring Diane Keaton and Steve Martin. Popcorn will be available to enhance the viewing experience. | ||||||
Topical Issues | ||||||
| Title | Instructor | First | Weeks | Starts | Ends | Fee |
| Should We Amend Florida's Constitution? - *Both | Johnson | Wed, 9/25/24 | 1 | 10:30 AM | 12:00 PM | $3.75 |
| Six amendments to Florida's constitution are on the November 5 ballot. The issues include limits on government interference with abortion, allowing adult personal use of Marijuana, making school board races partisan, making annual adjustments to some homestead exemptions, and eliminating public funding for campaigns. The amendments all have an impact on Florida and on you directly. Hear the arguments both for and against each of the proposals. Then make up your mind and VOTE. | Protecting the Integrity of Voting in Marion County - *Both | Wilcox | Thu, 10/10/24 | 1 | 10:00 AM | 11:30 AM | $0.00 |
| Marion County Supervisor of Elections, Wesley Wilcox, CERA will discuss how Florida Elections are run and why voters can cast their ballot with confidence knowing their vote is secure and accurate. Participants will be prepared for the upcoming elections and have the opportunity to ask any election-related questions. | The Struggle to Keep America White - *Both | Coyne | Fri, 12/6/24 | 1 | 1:30 PM | 3:00 PM | $3.75 |
| Since the Charlottesville's "Unite the Right" rally (8/11/17), white nationalism and white supremacy have become more contentious presently. The thread of keeping America white begins in colonial America and has been consistently woven throughout American history. This presentation is an historical overview from the past to the present. | ||||||
*Senior Learners, Inc., sponsors events offered by non-profit organizations, such as the CF Foundation and its Appleton Museum, which the Board considers will be of interest to our students.
| info@seniorlearners.org (352) 239-8780 |
Senior Learners, Inc. 3001 S.W. College Road PMB No. 210 OCALA FL 34474-4415 |
IMPORTANT Please do not contact CF personnel about any Senior Learners, Inc. courses. Senior Learners, Inc. is independent of CF. We have the use of a classroom and support the CF Foundation with donations. If you have any questions about our courses or operations, please contact us: info@SeniorLearners.org, (352) 239–8780.
Printed 10/3/24.