Course Offerings

2/17/2026          10:00 am - 12:00 pm          IN PERSON ONLY
Healthy Food and Nutrition - EHOVE Student demonstrations

Beth Funk - This interactive course features student-led demonstrations from the EHOVE Career Center focused on making healthy eating practical and approachable. Participants will learn tips for nutritious food choices, healthy cooking techniques, and smart hydration through infused water recipes, with live food demonstrations and tasting stations throughout the session. The experience also includes guidance on online grocery shopping using simple, user-friendly apps to help participants plan, shop, and eat healthier with confidence.

2/20/2026          1:00 pm - 3:00 pm          IN PERSON & ONLINE
Mike's Story

Julie McCormick - From Rome to Home and Back Again.  Mike McCormick, a Sandusky, Ohio native, always knew he was adopted, but it wasn't until after his retirement that he set out on a decade-long journey to discover his roots.  With the help of his wife, Julie (Yeager), they found not only his biological parents and living relatives, but also uncovered secrets never meant to be told including the disturbing truth of how he came to be adopted and his surprising connection to the Holocaust.

2/26/2026          10:00 am - 11:30 am          IN PERSON & ONLINE
Present(ing) Artistic Experiences of Native American Art through BGSU's In the Round

Heidi Nees & Jenn Stucker - In this presentation, we will share information about BGSU's In the Round guest speaker series, which features Native American creatives. This session will also serve as an introduction to Robin Wall Kimmerer's book, Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants in preparation for Kimmerer's March 2026 speaking engagement at BGSU.

2/27/2026          10:00 am - 12:00 pm          IN PERSON & ONLINE
Life on the Wild Side:  Sticking my Neck out for 80 Years

Richard Dolbeer - Richard Dolbeer, PhD has spent a career traveling the world to resolve conflicts between wildlife and people. He will discuss his life and his recent book. He is an expert commentator in the media on the dangers of bird strikes with aircraft.  His recently published book covers childhood adventures, civil rights, evolution, marriage and family, the Cold War, the “Bye Bye Blackbird Committee,” the “Miracle on the Hudson,” and the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

3/2/2026          2:00 pm - 4:00 pm          IN PERSON & ONLINE
Working in a Mulitgenerational Workforce

Michelle Brodke - This session will explore generational differences encountered at work. Given the longer working life of older generations and the changed realities of the younger generations, expectations about work norms are also changing. We will explore the reasons and methods to manage an inter-generational workforce.

3/6/2026          1:00 pm - 3:00 pm          IN PERSON & ONLINE
New Laws and Directives affecting poor communities in the US

John M. Mora King - The last couple years have seen sweeping new laws across the US limited the rights of the poorest of Americans. States like Tennessee and California now have laws that can imprison homeless people for sleeping in public. Utah is creating a detention center for the homeless that would lock up the homeless involuntary and without due process, and be forced to work. This lecture will discuss some of these new laws, it's impact, and possible efforts to combat the erosion of rights to this marginalized group.

3/9/2026          1:00 pm - 3:00 pm          IN PERSON & ONLINE
Don't Be a Hanger Queen

Clifford Hayes - I will walk you through the life of how a PTSD Veteran was treated in the past, versus now.  The adversary of what I had been through in Vietnam and in the US after I came back.  This class will tell you about my experiences, and how I didn't give up.  Whatever life throws at you, throw it back.  Always keep yourself busy, learn, and keep yourself occupied.

3/10/2026          10:00 am - 12:00 pm          IN PERSON & ONLINE
Ohio Criminal justice System

Kevin Cashen - This course provides an in-depth overview of the three core components of the Ohio criminal justice system: law enforcement, the courts, and corrections. Participants will explore how each component functions independently and collectively to uphold public safety and justice across the state. The course is highly interactive, allowing attendees to ask questions and help shape lecture content based on their interests and real-world concerns.

3/17/2026          10:00 am - 12:00 pm          IN PERSON & ONLINE
The Origins & Impacts of the French Revoloution - Part 1 of 3

Jon Carver - The first day of this class will include discussions of the many factors that created the crisis know as the French Revolution.  It will include the origins of the revolution which broke out in 1787, including the political theorists of the Enlightenment, as well as the early stages of the Revolutionary governments in France from 1787 until the rise of Napoleon in about 1799.  This class will include discussions of the many original and famous political changes created in the new Revolutionary French governments.

3/18/2026          1:00 pm - 3:00 pm          IN PERSON & ONLINE
Cryptocurrency: Is Bitcoin a Good Investment?

Cindy Miglietti - Cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual currency, which allows for secure, peer-to-peer transactions. Unlike traditional currencies, it runs on a decentralized network using blockchain technology. There are millions of cryptocurrencies in 2025, with some estimates reaching over 37 million unique tokens created. Bitcoin tends to be incredibly volatile compared to other investment options, experiencing significant run-ups in value, followed by quick decreases in value.

3/19/2026          10:00 am - 12:00 pm            IN PERSON & ONLINE
The Origins and Impacts of the French Revolution  - Part 2 of 3

Jon Carver - The second day of this class will include all the Phases of the French Revolution including the different forms of government that were invented and tried from 1787 until 1814.  This class will discuss the many important changes brought about during this period as well as the many political trends and ideas that were exported beyond the French border to the rest of Europe and to the entire world.  The themes discussed in this class will be continued on day three.

3/20/2026          10:00 am - 12:00 pm          IN PERSON & ONLINE 
The Origins and Impacts of the French Revolution - Part 3 of 3

Jon Carver - This concluding day of class will continue to discuss the exported ideas that the French spread through Europe and the world.  Special emphasis will be upon the many impacts and important changes and problems involving the United States from this era.  The impacts upon the United States will include the impacts of the Napoleonic Wars and also political and social impacts upon the American governmental, economic and social systems found in the United States.

3/21/2026          1:00 pm - 3:00 pm          
FIELD TRIP:  Meet at Firelands Winery 917 Bardshar Rd. Sandusky, Ohio 44870
Exploring Ohio North Coast Wines: A Guided Tasting Journey

Richard Ries - Experience Ohio wines through the lens of history, place, and discovery at Firelands Winery, the oldest continually operating winery in the state. You’ll learn about regional heritage and taste estate wines using a proprietary five-step tasting platform that helps you understand why you enjoy certain wines. You’ll also receive a wine glossary, learn the anatomy of wine glasses, enjoy cheese and cracker pairings, and tour the winery’s historic building and production facilities. This experience invites conversation, challenges assumptions about Ohio wines, and opens the door to a new area of interest—rooted in learning, community, and discovery. *Please note an additional course fee of $15 will apply, payable day of class at Firelands Winery for tasting and cheeseboard.

3/24/2026          1:00 pm - 3:00 pm          IN PERSON ONLY
The Golden Age of Musical Theatre

Mary Dobrea-Grindahl - This course will explore the iconic songs, stories, and unparalleled creativity that characterized the Golden Age of Music Theatre.  From Rogers and Hammerstein to Lerner and Lowe, Bernstein and Sondheim, this era was essential to popular culture as the world emerged from World War II.  We will listen and discuss themes and styles, and learn why this genre became - and still is - so popular on stage.

3/26/2026          6:00 pm - 8:00 pm          IN PERSON & ONLINE
Words on Wellness: Natural Nutrition Education and Practical Application for Health and Healing

Caren Allen - Learn about what we need to live (water, protein, fats, minerals, carbohydrates, and vitamins), why we need these nutrients, and the best dietary sources for them.

Learn how to digest those nutrients - how digestion is supposed to work, and simple solutions for correcting common problems like indigestion, bloating, and constipation.  Sugar Solutions - learn about how blood sugar balancing works and what specifically to do to reverse high blood sugar.  Learn how to eat to reduce and eliminate blood sugar spikes, which are the cause of a MULTITUDE of problems in the body.

3/27/2026          10:00 am - 12:00 pm          IN PERSON & ONLINE
The Meaning of Horses in the Lives of Horsewomen 50 and Older

Laura Sanchez - I conducted interviews with over 40 horsewomen aged 50 and older who range in age from 50 to 87 about the meaning of horses in their lives. Women who participate in equestrian sports at older ages find deep meaning from their experiences. They discuss how they experience their humanness in relation to a horse and how horses help nurture joy, connection, and pride.

4/2/2026          1:00 pm - 3:00 pm          IN PERSON & ONLINE
Shape Your Outcomes: Turing Life's Events into Opportunities 

Jeremy Bradstreet - Every day brings events we cannot control, but how we respond determines what happens next. Based on Jeremy Bradstreet’s book Shape Your Outcomes, this course introduces the E+R=O framework—Event + Response = Outcome—as a practical guide for living with intention and resilience. Participants will learn how to turn challenges into opportunities and shape more positive outcomes in daily life.

4/3/2026          1:00 pm - 3:00 pm          IN PERSON & ONLINE
As the World Turns: The History & Evolution of Soap Operas

Charles A. Coletta - Soap Operas are serialized dramatic programs that are characterized by a permanent cast of actors, continuing storylines, an emphasis on dialogue instead of action, a slow pace, and a consistently sentimental or melodramatic treatment. These programs began in the early 1930s with 15-minute daytime radio episodes that were often sponsored by manufacturers of soap and detergents. This presentation will explore the origins of the soap opera genre, some of the key moments in daytime drama, and how the format has evolved in a changing media landscape.

4/8/2026          10:00 am - 12:00 pm         IN PERSON ONLY
Edward, Price of Wales, and Wallis Simpson: Their Early Years - Part 1 of 3

Teresa Marano - As the first son of King George V of Great Britain, Edward, Prince of Wales, was destined to be king and was preparing for that role as king. This course will examine how Edward gained popularity among British public and press using his charisma and charm but his personal life caused concern for his father and the government. Edward disregarded political and religious conventions once he met Baltimore born Wallis Simpson.

4/15/2026          10:00 am - 12:00 pm          IN PERSON ONLY
Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson:  Abdication and Governorship of the Bahamas – Part 2 of 3

Teresa Marano - The year of the three kings, 1936, brought international attention to Great Britain with the death of its king, the abdication of the heir, and the ascension of the “spare.” This course will examine those years between the abdication of Edward VIII and the end of World War II including the Windsors ill-advised tour of Nazi Germany, their “rule" in the Bahamas during WWII, and the extent of their traitorous behavior before and during WWII.

4/22/2026          10:00 am - 12:00 pm          IN PERSON ONLY
Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson:  Life in Exile in France – Part 3 of 3

Teresa Marano - Upon their return from the Bahamas, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor thought they would return to Great Britain. This course will examine those exile years following World War II when the Duke and Duchess of Windsor were shunned in Britain, took up residence in France, and enjoyed being part of international social circles. The bitterness and resentment between the Windsors and the royal family continued until their deaths.

4/30/2026          10:00 am - 12:00 pm          IN PERSON & ONLINE
Real Estate Basics for Seniors: Planning for the Future

Lisa Yako - Are you thinking about downsizing in the near future but don't know where to start or are you considering moving into a senior community? Do you have an overabundance of stuff and don't know what to do with it? Questions about how to age in place, downsize, or sell outright will be answered!

5/6/2026          1:00 pm - 3:00 pm          IN PERSON ONLY
The History and Features of the McBride Arboretum at BGSU Firelands

John Blakeman - On the west portion of the Firelands College campus is the James H. McBride Arboretum, 42 acres of beautiful trees, plants, prairies, forests, and walking trails. John Blakeman, who helped form the arboretum, will detail the interesting history of this site, which before the arboretum was created was, essentially, just a large cornfield.  Today, the McBride Arboretum, owned by BGSU, is maintained by Erie MetroParks. The beautiful site is open to both college students and the general public.  This ElderCollege event will start with a slide show presentation in the North Building that tells the history and illustrates the many natural features of the site. Then, the class will walk out and through the Arboretum and hike along the walking lane, to visit and learn about the area’s many natural habitats and plantings. Visitors will be encouraged to take photos.*Rain Date:  May 7, 2026 1:00 pm

5/8/2026          10:00 am - 12:00 pm          IN PERSON ONLY
Your Greatest Threat to Your Health is YOU!

Sue Daugherty - A panel discussion with the following panelists:  Sue Daugherty, Director, Serving Our Seniors; Tina Sluga, Health Care Advocate Trainer, Serving Our Seniors; an Exercise Physiologist; a Psychologist from BGSU.

ElderCollege Class Modes

IN PERSON & ONLINE - Two simultaneous sections available. One face to face and one via zoom.
IN PERSON  - Face to face section.
ONLINE - Class meets online via Zoom.
FIELD TRIP  - Class will be held at a designated location.

Please Note: IN PERSON ONLY SECTIONS - WILL NOT BE RECORDED