Course Offerings

9/16/2026           1:00 pm       FIELD TRIP/SELF DRIVE
Address:  Mulberry Creek, 3312 Bogart Rd., Huron, OH 44839
Mulberry Creek – A Wine Tasting Field Trip

Dick Ries - Back by popular demand—a wine tasting field trip! This time, discover our area's newest winery, Mulberry Creek. Explore the history of Ohio wines, learn the language of wine, uncover surprising wine facts, and savor Mulberry Creek's wines through a guided five-step tasting experience. Reserve your spot today!   *Class limit is 20

 *$10 WINE TASTING FEE PAYABLE AT THE DOOR ON THE DAY OF THE CLASS

9/18/2026         10:00 am - 12:00 pm                IN PERSON ONLY & ONLINE
America 250 – Legacy, Mythology, History

William J. Muthig - This presentation will explore how America 250 is what we celebrate but there are many other significant milestones that contribute to our nation's development. From the efforts of the Continental Congress leading up to the modern era, what has it meant to be the "United States of America." 

The theme of this presentation is to examine the development of the United States as a nation.

9/23/2026         10:00 am - 12:00 pm                IN PERSON ONLY
The Early Relationship of the Crown and the Colonies: Establishment and Neglect (1607-1750) - 3 Part Series

Teresa Marano - This course will examine the establishment of English colonies along the Atlantic seaboard.  The monarchy (from James I to George II, including the British Protectorate) encouraged individuals, groups, or corporations to colonize the New World on its behalf and, in turn, those colonies governed themselves with little interference from England. This distance fostered a one-sided, neglectful connection.  Please see 9/30 for the 2^nd course in this series.

9/30/2026         10:00 am - 12:00 pm                IN PERSON ONLY
The Turning Point in the Relationship of the Crown and the Colonies: Taxation and Regulation (1760s) - 3 Part Series

Teresa Marano - This course will examine the changing relationship between the American colonies and the British Crown. For much of the 17th and early 18th centuries, England colonized America to expand its economic wealth and military power and the American colonists developed an idealized devotion to the British monarchy. The expensive French and Indian War (1753-1763) changed that relationship when King George III and Parliament imposed strict trade controls and direct taxes on the American colonies.  Please see 10/7 for the 3^rd course in this series.

10/5/2026         1:00 pm - 3:00 pm                    IN PERSON & ONLINE
The War-Winning History of the Plum Brook Ordnance Works

John Blakeman - From 1941 through 1945 the War Department's Plum Brook Ordnance Works, on over 10,000 acres in Erie County, for the War Effort, created over a billion pounds of TNT and other explosives; used in American ordinance (bombs, artillery shells, etc.). Over 3,000 citizens worked at the site during the war. I tell dozens of stories related to the site; how it was acquired by the federal government, how it was operated, and how it was a major factor in Allied Victories in WWII.

10/7/2026         10:00 am - 12:00 pm                IN PERSON ONLY
The Deterioration of Relationship between the Crown and the Colonies: From Petition to Rebellion (1770s) - 3 Part Series

Teresa Marano - This course will discuss the deteriorating relationship between Great Britain and its  American colonies over competing views of taxation, sovereignty, and representation.  King George III and Parliament sought to reassert absolute and unlimited power. As the decade of the 1770s progressed resentment increased toward Great Britain and its control. Over time, the colonists’ rebellion turned to revolution and ended with their relationship fully rupturing into declaring independence of the colonies and the founding of a new nation.

10/7/2026         1:00 pm - 3:00 pm                    FIELD TRIP/SELF DRIVE
Address:  Allen Memorial Art Museum, Oberlin College, 87 N. Main St., Oberlin, OH 44074            Discover the Stories Behind the Art: A Field Trip to the Allen Memorial Art Museum

Richard Ries - Experience one of the nation's finest college art museums through the eyes of an expert guide who helps reveal the stories, history, symbolism, and artistic techniques behind selected works of art. You'll gain a deeper understanding of the art, what makes it significant,  and notice details that many overlook resulting in a richer, more engaging museum experience that enhances appreciation for both the artwork, history, and the artists. *Class limit is 20

10/14/2026        10:00 am - 12:00 pm                IN PERSON & ONLINE 
Geopolitics and Geography

Judith Horchler - The lecture is based on Tim Marshall’s book Prisoners of Geography: Ten Maps That Explain Everything. Using the physical landscape of the world we will discuss how these features shaped the past and impact the future.

10/15/2026        10:00 am - 12:00 pm                FIELD TRIP/SELF DRIVE
Address:  Humanetics, 900 Denton Dr., Huron, OH 44839
Humanetics - Crash Test Dummy Design & Production

Mark Brown - Listen to a presentation on what we do and how our products and technology are woven into the larger picture of vehicle safety and testing.  Take a facility tour, showing the different production departments and the assembly and testing we do for certification.  *Class limit is 20

10/20/2026        10:00 am - 12:00 pm                IN PERSON & ONLINE
10 Significant issues that America faces today - 3 Part Series

Jon Carver - The first day of this class will define the 10 most significant current problems that the United States is suffering from and will also explore the potential origins these 10 significant issues that America faces today.

10/22/2026        10:00 am - 12:00 pm                IN PERSON & ONLINE|
10 Significant issues that America faces today - 3 Part Series

Jon Carver - The second day of this class will begin by explaining the Deming Circle process for defining and providing solutions for problems.  In addition to discussion of Deming Circle concepts and techniques we will also explore the historical origins of America’s greatest current problems and discuss how America’s historical context created the significant problems and also how historical context will influence how those problems might be solved.  We will explore also how the historical trends may prevent those problems from being solved.

10/23/2026        10:00 am - 12:00 pm                IN PERSON & ONLINE|
10 Significant issues that America faces today - 3 Part Series

Jon Carver - Day three of this class will discuss potential solutions for some of these significant problems and also how the Deming Circle techniques can help solve multiple problems with only one or two countermeasures.  We will have lots of question/answer time on the third day in order to discuss potential problems or solutions.

10/26/2026         10:00 am - 12:00 pm               IN PERSON & ONLINE(Instructor is Online)
107 Days at Sea: The Journey That Changed Everything

Jill Chalsty - At 63, Jill Chalsty boarded a ship alone, grieving her husband’s death and battling cancer. What began as a voyage around the world became far more than a trip. In this lecture, Jill shares the story behind her memoir Packets of Hope, inviting participants to travel alongside her through the ports she visited, the people she met, and the reflections that transformed personal adversity into strength and global impact. Jill demonstrates how one person’s courage can create ripples that span continents. Participants are encouraged to read her memoir, available free at www.packetsofhope.com, before the presentation.

11/4/2026           1:00 pm - 3:00 pm                   IN PERSON ONLY
Beyond the Golden Age of Music Theatre

Mary Dobera-Grindahl - When did the Golden Age of Music Theatre end, and what came next? Who came to prominence after Rogers and Hammerstein? How did our drastically changing society influence music theatre? This presentation will answer those questions while exploring the enticing world of post-Golden Age, concept, and rock musicals, while examining how they paved the way for the mega-musical.

11/5/2026          1:00 pm - 3:00 pm                IN PERSON & ONLINE
Feeding the Fight

Molly Sampson - What did Americans eat during World War II, and how did feeding millions of service members become one of the largest logistical challenges of the war? Through the story of the Women's Army Corps Bakers & Cooks, this 90-minute presentation explores wartime rationing, military nutrition, Army food preparation, and the similarities and differences between civilian kitchens and Army mess halls. Guests will have the opportunity to sample recreated World War II-era recipes and take-home authentic period recipe cards, offering a hands-on taste of history.

11/6/2026         10:00 am - 12:00 pm              IN PERSON & ONLINE
Navigating Retirement: Key Financial Choices for a Secure Future

Andrew Brewer - Explore practical strategies to make confident financial decisions during retirement and pre-retirement years. Topics include Social Security optimization, sustainable withdrawal strategies, managing healthcare and long-term care costs, tax-efficient investing, protecting assets, and building a legacy. Presented by an experienced independent financial planner, this class offers clear, unbiased insights to help you enjoy financial confidence—no prior knowledge required.

11/9/2026          10:00 am - 12:00 pm             IN PERSON & ONLINE
Changing Landscape of Romance Novels

Kristen Rudisill - Romance novels, still the most popular genre of fiction, have shifted from big publishers with strict formulas to including self-publishing and digital. We've watched as the number of sub-genres and tropes have increased along with trigger warnings, tagging, and the inclusion of global romance. Romance reading communities have become increasingly popular online and the former gatekeeping of the Romance Writers of America organization has waned in influence.

11/13/2026         2:00 pm - 4:00 pm                IN PERSON ONLY
The Human and Social Side of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Julie Hamann/Lisa Fisher - Explore how AI influences human behavior, relationships, communication, creativity, decision-making, ethics, privacy, and equity. Through real-world examples, discussions, and case studies, learners will develop a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges AI presents for individuals, organizations, and society.

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