PROGRAM SCHEDULE   

Led by a certified Essentrics instructor, this dynamic, full-body stretching and strengthening class is designed to improve joint mobility, increase flexibility, relieve pain, and boost energy and vitality. Set to music, it combines fluid movement with mindful stretching to help restore your body’s natural range of motion—please wear comfortable attire and bring a mat, towel, and stretching band.

Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo are among the most renowned modern Mexican artists. Their works explore cultural and personal identity, postcolonialism, and the struggles of the working class. Rivera began his career in Europe, influenced by avant-garde movements such as Cubism and Post-Impressionism. In the 1920s, he traveled through Italy studying Renaissance fresco painting before joining the pioneering Mexican Muralist Movement, which later inspired Depression-era murals in the United States. He received major commissions in New York, San Francisco, and Detroit.

Frida Kahlo’s work is more closely associated with Surrealism and is deeply autobiographical. Her paintings are smaller in scale and rich with personal symbolism. Viewed together, their art provides powerful insight into the complexity and richness of modern Mexico in the aftermath of the Revolution.

Each week brings a fresh topic, lively debate, and the chance to explore new perspectives together.

In 1968 after the British ended their treaty agreements on the tip of the Arabian Peninsula, sheikdoms along the Persian Gulf formed the countries of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar.  The discovery of oil in the region fueled unprecedented wealth and advanced visionary development as Bedouin villages were transformed into ultra-futuristic countries of modernity and luxury.  Since 2000, their vision for the 21st century has attracted the finest in urban designers and a who’s who of internationally known architects to create a built environment of progressive ideas and optimism.  Today the UAE and
Qatar wishes to be destination countries to bring the world together as positive symbols for a global future.  Currently both are threatened by their proximity to the war in Iran and the Strait of Hormuz.  This introductory overview does not address politics but reviews the incredible contemporary architecture in this this land between desert and the sea that has been nurtured by money, opportunity, technology, unbridled imagination, and the hope for globalization.

Join OLLI Members for a free, weekly outdoor stroll along one of Pinellas County's award-winning beaches. All levels of walkers are welcome!

Don't see the 'add to cart' button? Members must be logged into their account in order to register for these programs.

A two-part tribute celebrating Broadway’s most iconic leading ladies. Legendary performers like Ethel Merman, Mary Martin, Carol Channing, Gwen Verdon, and Pearl Bailey are showcased through archival video clips performing the signature songs written especially for them by Broadway’s greatest composers.

A two-part tribute celebrating Broadway’s most iconic leading ladies. Legendary performers like Ethel Merman, Mary Martin, Carol Channing, Gwen Verdon, and Pearl Bailey are showcased through archival video clips performing the signature songs written especially for them by Broadway’s greatest composers.

Join other OLLI members at a variety of unique North/South Pinellas County restaurants. Participants order from the menu. Each member is responsible for his/her own meal cost and tip. Group size is limited, so register early.

After 53 years, NASA returned astronauts to the Moon on the Artemis II mission in 2026. Join Historian and aerospace reporter Joey Vars give details about this exciting and record-breaking mission from launch to landing, its similarities to the Apollo program of the 1960s, and
Florida's role in space travel. You'll also learn the human element of the flight and why Artemis II is truly "for the benefit of all humanity."

After 53 years, NASA returned astronauts to the Moon on the Artemis II mission in 2026. Join Historian and aerospace reporter Joey Vars give details about this exciting and record-breaking mission from launch to landing, its similarities to the Apollo program of the 1960s, and
Florida's role in space travel. You'll also learn the human element of the flight and why Artemis II is truly "for the benefit of all humanity."

You may have your will and trusts in order—but what happens if you become incapacitated and need someone to manage your affairs? ABOLT is a practical, empowering course that helps you organize the “little things” that matter most in daily life.

Learn how to gather and manage essential health information, important documents, financial details, and personal preferences. This course provides simple, manageable steps to reduce stress, improve clarity, and ensure your wishes and information are accessible when they’re needed most.

You may have your will and trusts in order—but what happens if you become incapacitated and need someone to manage your affairs? ABOLT is a practical, empowering course that helps you organize the “little things” that matter most in daily life.

Learn how to gather and manage essential health information, important documents, financial details, and personal preferences. This course provides simple, manageable steps to reduce stress, improve clarity, and ensure your wishes and information are accessible when they’re needed most.

Each week brings a fresh topic, lively debate, and the chance to explore new perspectives together.

Identity theft is widespread and varied. While there are many ways for fraudsters to poach your identity, there are also many simple steps you can take to help keep them at bay. Join this free event to review your ID protection checklist and to learn steps you can start using today to help protect your identity

What you'll learn by exploring Florida's oldest hotels, motels and inns, with local travel writer Kristen Hare. 

What you'll learn by exploring Florida's oldest hotels, motels and inns, with local travel writer Kristen Hare. 

Join other OLLI members at a variety of unique North/South Pinellas County restaurants. Participants order from the menu. Each member is responsible for his/her own meal cost and tip. Group size is limited, so register early.

Learn practical media literacy tools to look beyond headlines, evaluate sources, and understand what truly changed in today’s news environment. Build confidence to stay informed and engaged without feeling overwhelmed or pulled into partisan noise.

 

Separate myth from reality in this deep dive into Amelia Island’s pirate past. From legends of William Kidd, Blackbeard, and Jean Laffite to the documented exploits of Louis-Michel Aury in 1817, explore fact, fiction, and revolution. Discover Fernandina Beach, the Spanish fort of San Carlos, Simón Bolívar’s influence, Gregor MacGregor’s invasion, the role of the USS John Adams, and enduring tales of lost treasure.

Join us on the fourth Sunday of the month for a fun and challenging game at the historic Hollander Hotel in downtown St. Petersburg. Hotel and street parking are available. Arrive between 5 and 5:30 p.m. for dinner or be there by 6:00 p.m. when the trivia begins.

Register in advance, as we must reserve tables. OLLI is limited to two teams of eight players. If registration is full, reply to froehlichj@eckerd.edu to add your name to waiting list. If we have enough for another team, we will try to accommodate.

Members, you must be signed into your account to make the 'add to cart' button appear. If you are unable to register, either you are not logged into your account and/or your membership expires before the program date.

As of 2026, the transition from Generative AI (which creates content) to Agentic AI (which executes tasks) represents one of the most significant shifts in medical technology. Agentic AI systems are defined by their ability to observe, reason, and act autonomously toward specific clinical or administrative goals with minimal human intervention.

What do you know about First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt?  She was so much more than a conventional First Lady.  She and Franklin entered the White House at the end of the Great Depression and remained for the majority of World War II. Eleanor was a visionary leader, social advocate for minorities and poor, and a political activist in her own right.  Join us to learn about this dynamic leader who left a lasting legacy on American and World politics.

What do you know about First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt?  She was so much more than a conventional First Lady.  She and Franklin entered the White House at the end of the Great Depression and remained for the majority of World War II. Eleanor was a visionary leader, social advocate for minorities and poor, and a political activist in her own right.  Join us to learn about this dynamic leader who left a lasting legacy on American and World politics.

Have you ever noticed how music can transform a movie scene? In this engaging lecture and interactive workshop, we’ll explore how directors use music to shape emotion, define characters, and elevate storytelling. Through film clips, we’ll see these techniques in action, then try it ourselves—working together to add music to a scene and experience how sound can completely change what we see and feel.

On the morning of May 9, 1980, disaster struck without warning. In the midst of a violent thunderstorm, a 20,000-ton freighter slammed into one of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge’s concrete supports. In seconds, more than 1,200 feet of roadway gave way, collapsing into the dark waters below and sending unsuspecting motorists to their deaths. Thirty-six lives were lost in what remains the deadliest tragedy in Tampa Bay history.

On the morning of May 9, 1980, disaster struck without warning. In the midst of a violent thunderstorm, a 20,000-ton freighter slammed into one of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge’s concrete supports. In seconds, more than 1,200 feet of roadway gave way, collapsing into the dark waters below and sending unsuspecting motorists to their deaths. Thirty-six lives were lost in what remains the deadliest tragedy in Tampa Bay history.

Join other OLLI members at a variety of unique North/South Pinellas County restaurants. Participants order from the menu. Each member is responsible for his/her own meal cost and tip. Group size is limited, so register early.

An introduction to the art of Salvador Dalí, featuring a survey of key works, including pieces from the Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg.

Each week brings a fresh topic, lively debate, and the chance to explore new perspectives together.

An introduction to the art of Salvador Dalí, featuring a survey of key works, including pieces from the Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg.

This presentation will focus on Dr. Atchisons’s co-authored book by the same title that was published by Oxford University Press. E pluribus unum was suggested for the national seal in 1776, but national oneness has been haunted by its opposite ever since. This presentation will examine how the persistence of separatist movements in American history reveals as much about the nation's politics as it does the would-be separatists. The presentation will explore how great swaths of Americans of every ideological stripe, in good times and bad, in and beyond the South, have disputed the nation's oneness and stressed its divisibility. Trumpeted in American myths, mottos, movies, and songs, separatism is omnipresent in American political culture. Separatist rhetoric has shaped Americans' experience of what it means to be an American, and we can learn much about the durable appeal and enduring fragility of the United States from those who tried to leave it. As one Vermont separatist quips, leaving is as American "as apple pie."

Join Dr. Susan Robinson for a discussion of an opera. What is the story? Who was the composer? Who were the collaborators and what was their musical and dramatic approach to the source material? Find out this and more in a 90-minute discussion that prepares us for an upcoming Metropolitan Opera: Live in HD presentation at Eckerd College.

Each week brings a fresh topic, lively debate, and the chance to explore new perspectives together.

If you enjoy nature walks and connecting with fellow OLLI members, join us as we explore the beautiful parks in Pinellas County. Schedules of parks will be sent out monthly. All levels of walkers are welcome. Please contact facilitator, Kathleen Passafiume at katbelinni@bellsouth.net for questions and updates.

C'mon kids! The surf's up and it's time to have video fun with our pals Frankie & Annette, the Beach Boys, Gidget and more where the Boys are. Enjoy the surfside music and laughter of these carefree kids of the 50's, 60's and more! Don't be the "little old lady from Pasadena"... be our honorary Surfer Girl instead. 

C'mon kids! The surf's up and it's time to have video fun with our pals Frankie & Annette, the Beach Boys, Gidget and more where the Boys are. Enjoy the surfside music and laughter of these carefree kids of the 50's, 60's and more! Don't be the "little old lady from Pasadena"... be our honorary Surfer Girl instead. 

Like many leading artists of his time, Marc Chagall came to New York City in exile during World War II. This move allowed him not only to continue working and exhibiting, but also to create major public works, including monumental paintings for the Metropolitan Opera and glass windows commissioned by the United Nations and the Rockefeller family. He was also invited to collaborate on significant theater productions.

Although New York City is not prominently featured in his paintings, the experience of war and persecution, the loss of his wife Bella, and the discovery of new love are deeply woven into the fabric of his established poetic language—elements that continue to resonate profoundly in our time.

Like many leading artists of his time, Marc Chagall came to New York City in exile during World War II. This move allowed him not only to continue working and exhibiting, but also to create major public works, including monumental paintings for the Metropolitan Opera and glass windows commissioned by the United Nations and the Rockefeller family. He was also invited to collaborate on significant theater productions.

Although New York City is not prominently featured in his paintings, the experience of war and persecution, the loss of his wife Bella, and the discovery of new love are deeply woven into the fabric of his established poetic language—elements that continue to resonate profoundly in our time.

An exploration of innovation, precision, and the future of human-robot partnership in clinical settings. 

Join OLLI Members for a free, weekly outdoor stroll along one of Pinellas County's award-winning beaches. All levels of walkers are welcome!

Don't see the 'add to cart' button? Members must be logged into their account in order to register for these programs.

Pinellas County is known for hosting spring training for Major League Baseball teams, as well as the Tampa Bay Rays. Yet there is another side to the county’s amazing baseball history - its local people and teams.  Author Dan Hirshberg brings the heroes of Pinellas County baseball to the forefront.

In this class, we will journey from Galen to William Harvey, tracing the discovery of blood circulation and the evolution of cardiovascular science.

We’ll explore how basic science, war, human curiosity, and perseverance drove major advances in cardiology. Along the way, we’ll examine the shifting landscape of dietary guidelines over the past seventy-five years, shaped in no small measure by the contributions of physicists, biochemists, and engineers.

Seventy years ago in 1958, the iconic Peter Gunn Theme brought the talents of Henry Mancini to the attention of the America. Nominated for his first Emmy and two Grammys, the series was among the most memorable of the 1958-59 season. It was just the beginning of a mind-boggling career. An unprecedented 72 Grammy and 18 Oscar nominations attest to the timelessness of Henry Mancini's music. Whether writing, arranging, conducting, or concertizing jazz-infused themes like "Mr. Lucky" and "The Pink Panther" to lush symphonic masterpieces like "Love Story," "Charade," and "Days of Wine and Roses," Mancini's themes can only be described as unforgettable. His scores transformed television and film, providing a third-dimensional life to the events, characters, and emotions of motion pictures that live on and on.

As the oldest tourist attraction in Florida, Silver Springs is one of the state’s defining experiences. Millions of people from all over the world have taken the famous glass bottom boat tours. But why is Silver Springs so famous? Why has Silver Springs survived when so many other old Florida attractions have not? This lecture will explore the park’s natural and cultural history, including serving as backdrop for numerous films, and the often-overlooked segregated section known as Paradise Park. 

As the oldest tourist attraction in Florida, Silver Springs is one of the state’s defining experiences. Millions of people from all over the world have taken the famous glass bottom boat tours. But why is Silver Springs so famous? Why has Silver Springs survived when so many other old Florida attractions have not? This lecture will explore the park’s natural and cultural history, including serving as backdrop for numerous films, and the often-overlooked segregated section known as Paradise Park. 

Meet the Press at Eckerd College. Ever wondered how stories make it into print – or why some don’t? Here’s your chance to ask. Meet the team behind The Gabber Newspaper, get the inside scoop on how decisions are made. Speak your mind at this open, monthly forum for curious readers and community voices alike.

A look at the lives, loves, triumphs, and struggles of two icons of American entertainment: Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli. Explore their histories, romances, and unforgettable performances in this engaging class.

A look at the lives, loves, triumphs, and struggles of two icons of American entertainment: Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli. Explore their histories, romances, and unforgettable performances in this engaging class.

This jump-start course will teach you what to look for in a glass of wine, how to describe it and have along the way! Are you a learner who is just getting started in the study of wine? Great! A professional will help you take the first steps toward understanding the process of wine tasting and allow you to begin to build a sensory vocabulary. You will taste multiple wines and apply the sensory techniques you have developed to assess each.

The Surrealist artist Salvador Dalí made his first trip to the United States in 1934, sparking an immediate and intense relationship with the country. He quickly achieved success through exhibitions at Julien Levy Gallery and the Museum of Modern Art, while expanding his practice into fashion, jewelry, and set design. Dalí created a pavilion for the 1939 World’s Fair, collaborated with the Metropolitan Opera, and worked with figures such as Alfred Hitchcock, Walt Disney, and the Marx Brothers. He attracted wealthy patrons, later connected with Andy Warhol, and in many ways anticipated the rise of Pop Art. Like many European artists, Dalí and Gala spent the war years in exile in the United States, and even afterward, he continued to return to the New World in pursuit of new creative ventures.

The Surrealist artist Salvador Dalí made his first trip to the United States in 1934, sparking an immediate and intense relationship with the country. He quickly achieved success through exhibitions at Julien Levy Gallery and the Museum of Modern Art, while expanding his practice into fashion, jewelry, and set design. Dalí created a pavilion for the 1939 World’s Fair, collaborated with the Metropolitan Opera, and worked with figures such as Alfred Hitchcock, Walt Disney, and the Marx Brothers. He attracted wealthy patrons, later connected with Andy Warhol, and in many ways anticipated the rise of Pop Art. Like many European artists, Dalí and Gala spent the war years in exile in the United States, and even afterward, he continued to return to the New World in pursuit of new creative ventures.

Come learn how to prepare for and respond to a hurricane in your area. Drawing on her experience as a former Coordinator for the Pinellas County Citizens Information Center—activated during many hurricanes—Lori Collins shares a practical, common-sense approach to staying or evacuating.

Explore options for riding out a storm locally, planning resources for staying or leaving, ways to protect your home, and simple, low-cost items that can make a big difference in comfort and safety.

This lively, interactive program encourages questions and shared ideas to help you feel prepared for the upcoming hurricane season.

Come learn how to prepare for and respond to a hurricane in your area. Drawing on her experience as a former Coordinator for the Pinellas County Citizens Information Center—activated during many hurricanes—Lori Collins shares a practical, common-sense approach to staying or evacuating.

Explore options for riding out a storm locally, planning resources for staying or leaving, ways to protect your home, and simple, low-cost items that can make a big difference in comfort and safety.

This lively, interactive program encourages questions and shared ideas to help you feel prepared for the upcoming hurricane season.

Florida played a vital role during the golden age of piracy and lots of treasure made its way to the Florida coast. This is a retrospective look at the pirate operations in Florida from 1565 to the early 19th century.

 

Recognized as one of Hollywood’s most successful directors, Steven Spielberg has captivated audiences worldwide with an extraordinary filmography. Born in Cincinnati, a chance Boy Scout assignment set him on the path to filmmaking.

He rose to prominence with Jaws and followed with blockbuster hits such as E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and Jurassic Park, many of which became the highest-grossing films of their time.

As his career evolved, he explored powerful historical narratives, including The Color Purple, Amistad, Lincoln, and his acclaimed masterpiece, Schindler's List.

Often compared to Jules Verne, Spielberg has been named among the most influential figures of his time. A master storyteller, he continues to shape the art of filmmaking with stories that resonate across generations.

Recognized as one of Hollywood’s most successful directors, Steven Spielberg has captivated audiences worldwide with an extraordinary filmography. Born in Cincinnati, a chance Boy Scout assignment set him on the path to filmmaking.

He rose to prominence with Jaws and followed with blockbuster hits such as E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and Jurassic Park, many of which became the highest-grossing films of their time.

As his career evolved, he explored powerful historical narratives, including The Color Purple, Amistad, Lincoln, and his acclaimed masterpiece, Schindler's List.

Often compared to Jules Verne, Spielberg has been named among the most influential figures of his time. A master storyteller, he continues to shape the art of filmmaking with stories that resonate across generations.

Modern Warfare is being redefined because of drones. Drones or unmanned piloted vehicles and autonomous drones are reshaping the battlefields over Ukraine as they have reshaped the battlefields over other countries. Drones have been around for over one hundred years, but their usage and their capabilities have expanded thanks to new computer technologies, new ways of communication and the development of weapon systems that can be deployed on Drones. This course will deal with the history of the Drone and potential future usages of drones in both the civilian market and on the modern battlefield.

Modern Warfare is being redefined because of drones. Drones or unmanned piloted vehicles and autonomous drones are reshaping the battlefields over Ukraine as they have reshaped the battlefields over other countries. Drones have been around for over one hundred years, but their usage and their capabilities have expanded thanks to new computer technologies, new ways of communication and the development of weapon systems that can be deployed on Drones. This course will deal with the history of the Drone and potential future usages of drones in both the civilian market and on the modern battlefield.

Join OLLI Members for a free, weekly outdoor stroll along one of Pinellas County's award-winning beaches. All levels of walkers are welcome!

Don't see the 'add to cart' button? Members must be logged into their account in order to register for these programs.

If you enjoy nature walks and connecting with fellow OLLI members, join us as we explore the beautiful parks in Pinellas County. Schedules of parks will be sent out monthly. All levels of walkers are welcome. Please contact facilitator, Kathleen Passafiume at katbelinni@bellsouth.net for questions and updates.

What makes an Oriental rug so captivating—its elegant design, intricate patterns, or the mystery of its origins? In this richly illustrated course, we will discover the stories woven into these remarkable textiles. We will travel through the history and artistry of rug and carpet weaving, a tradition rooted in Asia and North Africa, with examples dating back to the 4th century BCE. Using stunning visuals and expert insights, we will explore major carpet-making cultures and regions including Anatolia, Iran, Transcaucasia, North Africa, and Central Asia. We will learn to recognize defining features of Oriental rugs: weaving traditions (nomadic and settled), key historical periods (from the Early Modern era through the nineteenthcentury), purposes (from prayer to decoration), and production contexts (from royal courts to bustling markets). We will also be introduced to basic methods for identifying weave structures and deepen our appreciation of these remarkable works of art.

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YOUR INSTRUCTOR: Sumru Krody

Sumru Belger Krody is Chief Curator and Avenir Foundation Curator of The Textile Museum Collection at The George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum. A specialist in late antique and Islamic textiles, she leads the museum’s curatorial department and serves as Editor-in-Chief of The Textile Museum Journal. Krody guest lectures at George Washington University and has curated numerous exhibitions, including Enduring Traditions and the upcoming Adorning the Horse. She has written widely and coauthored nine publications, including Textile Treasures (2025).

In this course, we will trace the evolution of literature specifically written for children - from its earliest forms to the modern era. We will begin with the oral traditions that underpin all storytelling, then follow the shift toward published works created specifically with young readers in mind. We will survey key moments and turning points that shaped the growth of children’s literature as a distinct field. We will conclude by analyzing how a well-known children’s literature has evolved over time.

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YOUR INSTRUCTOR: Blake Regnier

Blake Regnier is a former middle school reading interventionist and current English instructor for Worthington Learning Center. Regnier is also an adjunct instructor of English for Minnesota West Community and Technical College. With a diverse background in literary traditions spanning classical works through the modern era, his primary research interest has been in Victorian era monsters and other assorted "things that go bump in the night."

The music we stream, the photos we swipe through, the real time news we consume, the books we read or listen to – all have been radically reshaped by digital technology. This course will explore how media is created, stored, and experienced in a digitized world. We will unpack fundamentals like text files, encoding and decoding, pixels, and algorithms in clear, easy-tounderstand ways – no prior computer knowledge needed. Each session will focus on a different medium, comparing its analog origins with its contemporary digital version. We will also consider the impact of Generative AI and speculate on future trends. Topics will include text (books, e-books, news portals), images (photography and movies), music, video games, social media, and media ownership (physical media, streaming, and copyrights).

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YOUR INSTRUCTOR: Rafael Davis Portela

Rafael Davis Portela is a PhD candidate in Latin American History at the Graduate Center, CUNY. His research examines the history of computing and technology, especially how they shaped and were shaped by economy. His dissertation traces Microsoft’s expansion in Brazil, the rise of the Brazilian computing industry, and resulting tensions between the US and Brazilian governments. Beyond history, Portela is passionate about programming and digital tools and has taught university researchers how to use computing in their own work.

In this course, we will explore how a tiny nation – Portugal – played an outsized role in world history. We will examine Portugal’s fifteenth and sixteenth century maritime expansion (once called the “Discoveries”), as well as its central role in the transatlantic trade in enslaved people. We will trace how Portugal, once a fringe region of the Roman Empire, emerged as the only independent kingdom on the Iberian Peninsula as Castile grew into Spain. We will follow Portugal’s rise as a global power, with outposts stretching from Brazil to Japan, and then its decline as rival empires overtook it – culminating in twentieth century poverty under Europe’s longest dictatorship. Finally, we will consider how this past continues to shape Portuguese identity and culture in the decades since a revolution ushered in democracy. As we survey Portugal’s landscapes, art and architecture, and food, we will see why

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YOUR INSTRUCTOR: Alison Roberts

Alison Roberts is a journalist with nearly four decades of experience, reporting in her native UK and later internationally for Englishlanguage outlets including the BBC, NPR, and Bloomberg News. Her work has covered politics, finance, sports, and the arts. She has edited or contributed to a dozen guidebooks and provided online updates for Fodor’s, Time Out, and other publishers. Now based in Portugal, she is writing a history of the country and has explored it extensively from north to south.

 

 

In this course, we will explore a wide range of horticultural practices with something to offer no matter our experience level or where we live. We will cover container gardening, aquatic gardens, ornamental and fruiting plants, bonsai, landscape design, and pest management. Each week, we will focus on a theme and examine design ideas, plant choices, and long-term care practices for success. Whether we garden on 10 acres or in an apartment, we will find plenty to learn and enjoy in horticulture.

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YOUR INSTRUCTOR: Chris Baker

Chris Baker has worked in horticulture for 15 years, including as a horticulturist at the National Aquarium in Baltimore and as Curator of Bonsai at the Chicago Botanic Garden. He focuses on the use and benefits of native plant species and sound, eco-friendly horticultural practices. Baker studied with bonsai master Torho Suzuki at the Daiju-en Nursery in Japan. He is President of the North American Bonsai Federation and a board member of the World Bonsai Friendship Federation

When the Erie Canal opened in 1825, it revolutionized American travel and transportation, but its inspiration came from Europe’s earlier canal networks. In this course, we will trace the development of French, British, and Irish canals in the 17th and 18th centuries. We will follow the story into the 19th century as we turn to American canals, especially in New York and Pennsylvania. Along the way, we will explore how canals reflect the politics and aspirations of different nations and why they still matter for global shipping today. Whether we are drawn to engineering marvels, the people who built them, or the pleasure of drifting along a canal or hiking a towpath, we will deepen our appreciation of canals’ importance and beauty.

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YOUR INSTRUCTOR: Bernie Carlson

Bernard (Bernie) Carlson is Vaughan Professor Emeritus of Humanities at the University of Virginia and an expert on invention, entrepreneurship, and technology’s role in society. He received the Sally Hacker Prize from the Society for the History of Technology and the William Middleton Prize from the IEEE, and filmed Understanding the Inventions that Changed the World. Now based in Ireland, he directs the MS program in AgInnovation at the University of Galway, where he trains adult learners in product development, startups, and sustainable farming.

Coffee will provide a lively lens on major past and present issues, including climate change, social life, health, global North–South differences, social and economic justice, tourism, and slavery. We will begin “from the ground up,” tracing coffee from planting and processing through shipping and, ultimately, the beverage in our cups - part of nearly two billion cups consumed daily worldwide. We will explore coffee’s global history and its shift from an elite drink to an everyday staple. Drawing on current research, we will examine coffee and health, as well as practical questions such as how more income might reach farmers and how coffee production might adapt to a changing climate. The instructor will share firsthand experiences from coffee farms around the world, discuss a range of brewing methods, and demonstrate how coffee is brewed. Sessions will be interactive, with time for questions throughout.

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YOUR INSTRUCTOR: Robert Thurston, PhD

Robert Thurston, PhD, is Emeritus Professor of History at Miami University (Oxford, Ohio). He earned a BA in History from Northwestern University and a PhD in modern Russian history from the University of Michigan. His writing spans twentieth-century Russian/Soviet history, witch hunts (Europe and Salem), the body in the Anglosphere (1880–1920), and coffee as an economic and social force. A devoted coffee educator, he has opened a roastery and coffee shop and has visited coffee farms from Asia to South America.

The Declaration of Independence is a pivotal American document, not just for eighteenth-century revolutionaries, but for people throughout US history. This course will explore how individuals in Washington, D.C. used the Declaration and its ideas after independence was won. From the capital city’s planners to Union soldiers who defended Washington amid civil war, many evoked the Declaration to support their causes and shape a capital city. Spotlighting museum artifacts from the Albert H. Small Washingtoniana Collection, this course will cover D.C.’s early history through 1876, the nation’s first centennial celebration.

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YOUR INSTRUCTOR: Kasey Sease, PhD

Kasey Sease, PhD, is Curator of the Albert H. Small Washingtoniana Collection at The George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum in Washington, D.C. Beyond developing exhibitions and activating the collection, she programs the Albert H. Small Center for National Capital Area Studies. A former Managing Editor of Washington History, Kasey holds degrees from the College of William and Mary (PhD, MA, history) and the University of Virginia (BA, history and government).

This course introduces key aspects of Deaf Culture in the United States and the factors that define the Deaf community as a cultural minority. We will focus on awareness, cultural diversity, and the preservation of language. This course addresses the cultural identity, group norms, rules of social interaction, values, and traditions held by deaf members. Together we will explore the impact of modern technology, emerging issues, trends, and advocacy with the Deaf community. We will also address topics related to communication, terminology, educational alternatives, state and federal legislation, and community resources.

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YOUR INSTRUCTOR: Matthew Cooper

Matthew Cooper is an Assistant Professor of American Sign Language at the University of Tulsa and adjunct faculty at Tulsa Community College. Born to two Deaf parents, Cooper grew up a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults) in a family who were leaders and active participants in the Deaf community. In 2025, Cooper was a TEDx Editor’s Pick for his TEDx Talk titled Between Two Worlds: A CODA’s Perspective. He is currently writing a book about the modern CODA experience.

As America celebrates 250 years of independence, this course will examine the indispensable founder, George Washington. We will explore Washington's life and political leadership as well as his work as a farmer, entrepreneur, and architect. We will also review the groundbreaking work of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association (MVLA) which has owned and managed George Washington's Mount Vernon since 1858. In that year, an intrepid group of women (who had no right to vote or own property) came together to save George Washington's home, after both the Federal Government and Commonwealth of Virginia had refused to help. MVLA formation marked the birth of the historic preservation movement.

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YOUR INSTRUCTOR: Dede Petri

Anne “Dede” Neal Petri was elected the 24th Regent of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association (MVLA) in 2024. The MVLA, founded in 1858, is responsible for the management and preservation of George Washington's Mount Vernon. The MVLA mission is to educate the world about the leadership and character of George Washington in order to inspire future generations. Petri received her undergraduate degree in American history and literature from Harvard College and her law degree from Harvard Law School.

Often overlooked in traditional design and architecture courses, twentieth century women designers profoundly shaped the way we perceive, experience, and enjoy our built environments, interiors, and decorative objects. In this course, we will explore the work and influence of such designers and architects as Elsie de Wolfe, Eileen Gray, Lilly Reich, Charlotte Perriand, Dorothy Draper, Ray Eames, Zaha Hadid, and others. Their lives and the beauty of their enduring designs are documented within the context of the social and political issues they faced, as they left their unmistakable imprints upon twentieth century design.

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YOUR INSTRUCTOR: Eleanor Schrader

Eleanor Schrader is an award-winning educator, lecturer, and author. She lectures and leads tours worldwide on art and architectural history. She was named a distinguished instructor at UCLA Extension, where she teaches history of architecture, interior design, furniture, and decorative arts. She completed graduate work in fine and decorative arts at Sotheby’s Institute in London and New York. She served as a design review commissioner for the City of Beverly Hills and serves on the John Lautner Foundation board of directors.

 

In this course, we will gain a comprehensive introduction to Hindu traditions, emphasizing the importance of ritual, knowledge, and devotion across Hindu traditions from classical to contemporary times. We will introduce Hinduism’s South Asian roots, that can be traced to the Vedic tradition, which provides key conceptual and religious foundations. We will consider early and classical expressions of Hindu thought and religious life through the complex term dharma. Major Hindu deities are then introduced alongside associated narratives, practices, and iconography. We will examine the six major schools of Hindu philosophy using both secondary and primary sources. We will then consideration bhakti (devotion) that has characterized diverse Hindu traditions across centuries. Finally, we will consider sacred space and places including temples and tīrthas, as well as the interrelationship of the concept of divine presence and pilgramage practices the relate to these holy sites.

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YOUR INSTRUCTOR: Eileen Goddard

Eileen Goddard is a Religious Studies PhD candidate at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Goddard lectures on Indian and Asian religious traditions at both UCSB and the University of Houston. Her research centers on the interrelationship of soteriology and embodiment in the sixteenth-century Gauḍ īya Vaiṣṇ ava Kṛṣṇ a tradition. She is a comparative scholar whose research also includes the Pātañjala Yoga, Advaita Vedānta, Śrīvaiṣṇ ava, and Pāñcarātra traditions, analyzing how emotion, desire, meditation, and ritual variously contribute towards ultimate realization of self and/or divine Other.

Join other OLLI members at a variety of unique North/South Pinellas County restaurants. Participants order from the menu. Each member is responsible for his/her own meal cost and tip. Group size is limited, so register early.

This course will arm us with the knowledge we need to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe when engaging with the healthcare system. Health care today is more complex, technical, and volatile than ever. Medical harm (unintentional but often preventable) injures and kills hundreds of thousands of patients each year. In this course, we will learn how to prevent the most common types of medical harm including medication errors, patient care accidents, procedural and surgical complications, infections, and diagnostic mistakes. Patient safety experts and advocates will provide us with practical tips and insights to navigate the healthcare system confidently and safely. Through presentations, videos, and group discussions, we will come to understand the common sources of error and discover tactics, resources, and cautions to help protect ourselves and our loved ones.

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YOUR INSTRUCTOR: Singh Hardeep, MD

Hardeep Singh, MD, is a Professor of Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston and a leader in quality and safety research focused on reducing diagnostic errors, improving health information technology, and transforming health care systems. His work has informed major patientsafety initiatives and policy reports from organizations including the National Academy of Medicine, CDC, OECD, and WHO. He has received prestigious awards for his pioneering work, including the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers and John M. Eisenberg Patient Safety and Quality Award for Individual Lifetime Achievement.

Musicals have been a major part of American theater, from the Tin Pan Alley-driven comedies of the early twentieth century to the integrated musicals that flourished in the heyday years of midcentury America. In this course, we will explore book musicals, concept musicals, and the arrival of European mega-productions late in the century. We will profile some of the theater world's leading composers, lyricists, writers, choreographers, directors, and performers. With the help of audiovisuals, we will study many of the most unforgettable shows including Oklahoma!, My Fair Lady, Show Boat, Guys and Dolls, Hair, Cabaret, Rent, Wicked, Hamilton, and more.

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YOUR INSTRUCTOR: Emanuel Abramovits

Emanuel Abramovits is a mechanical engineer and has been a concert promoter for over two decades. He is involved in events by international artists like Itzhak Perlman, Gustavo Dudamel, Sarah Brightman, Roger Hodgson, ASIA, Journey, and Kenny G. Abramovits has designed and staged original orchestral events, including an Event of the Year winner and several world premieres. He served as the cultural director at Union Israelita De Caracas, releasing books and organizing film cycles, concerts, and art exhibits.

Explore 100 years of American history through objects often taken for granted in everyday life: signs. Led by the American Sign Museum (ASM) staff, this course introduces the Museum’s origins and features a conversation with ASM’s founder about why signs matter. We will examine how signs have evolved due to trends in commerce and technology. We will also explore case studies of three major food companies who used signage to shape their brands. In the final session, we will take a virtual visit to ASM’s neon shop to see how a neon sign is made.

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YOUR INSTRUCTOR: Erin Holland

The American Sign Museum (Cincinnati, Ohio) covers more than 100 years of American sign history and displays more than 800 signs and artifacts, making it the most comprehensive museum of its kind. With a mission to educate the community about the history of the sign industry and its significant contribution to commerce and the American landscape, the Museum is organized to preserve, archive and display a historical collection of signs in their many types and forms

Join us on the fourth Sunday of the month for a fun and challenging game at the historic Hollander Hotel in downtown St. Petersburg. Hotel and street parking are available. Arrive between 5 and 5:30 p.m. for dinner or be there by 6:00 p.m. when the trivia begins.

Register in advance, as we must reserve tables. OLLI is limited to two teams of eight players. If registration is full, reply to froehlichj@eckerd.edu to add your name to waiting list. If we have enough for another team, we will try to accommodate.

Members, you must be signed into your account to make the 'add to cart' button appear. If you are unable to register, either you are not logged into your account and/or your membership expires before the program date.

If you enjoy nature walks and connecting with fellow OLLI members, join us as we explore the beautiful parks in Pinellas County. Schedules of parks will be sent out monthly. All levels of walkers are welcome. Please contact facilitator, Kathleen Passafiume at katbelinni@bellsouth.net for questions and updates.

Join OLLI Members for a free, weekly outdoor stroll along one of Pinellas County's award-winning beaches. All levels of walkers are welcome!

Don't see the 'add to cart' button? Members must be logged into their account in order to register for these programs.

Join us on the fourth Sunday of the month for a fun and challenging game at the historic Hollander Hotel in downtown St. Petersburg. Hotel and street parking are available. Arrive between 5 and 5:30 p.m. for dinner or be there by 6:00 p.m. when the trivia begins.

Register in advance, as we must reserve tables. OLLI is limited to two teams of eight players. If registration is full, reply to froehlichj@eckerd.edu to add your name to waiting list. If we have enough for another team, we will try to accommodate.

Members, you must be signed into your account to make the 'add to cart' button appear. If you are unable to register, either you are not logged into your account and/or your membership expires before the program date.

If you enjoy nature walks and connecting with fellow OLLI members, join us as we explore the beautiful parks in Pinellas County. Schedules of parks will be sent out monthly. All levels of walkers are welcome. Please contact facilitator, Kathleen Passafiume at katbelinni@bellsouth.net for questions and updates.