ENDS MON 4/13

American democracy is threatened by technocracy and oligarchy. Who are the American oligarchs and how much power do they have? How do billionaire business and technology leaders influence government policies? Get insight into how the richest individuals and industries have been able to control governments through campaign contributions, lobbying, and corrupt self-dealing. We'll also explore how tech and media oligarchs wield unprecedented powers through AI, data surveillance, and social media in the "information age."

Presenter: Sanford Catz is a retired aerospace engineering manager from Lockheed Martin and an experienced lifelong learning instructor. He is an organizer and discussion group leader with the Greater Philadelphia Thinking Society and teaches multidisciplinary courses in science and the humanities through OLLI. He holds a Master of Engineering in Engineering Sciences from Pennsylvania State University and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Carnegie Mellon University.

NO CLASS THU 4/2

This course explores the history of jazz, tracing the chronological development of major jazz styles from its early beginnings to the present. In addition to musical evolution, the course examines the cultural, technological, and social influences that shaped jazz over time. Special attention is given to the impact of popular music, particularly the Great American Songbook of the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s. No prior knowledge of jazz is required.

Presenter: John has taught jazz classes in the Delaware Valley area for 10 years, teaching classes on “Jazz Vocalists”, “Masters of Jazz”, “Understanding and Listening to Jazz”, “Jazz and The Great American Songbook”, “From Bessie to Bebop, Brazil and Beyond - a History of Jazz", and “Jazz Around the World”.

NO CLASS THU 4/2

Discover and learn about recent critical technology developments in Biotechnology, Microbiology, Genetics, AI, medical advances, climate change and energy. 

Presenter: James Mattison has a B.A. and M.A. in biology, has worked in research field for 15 years and technical sales for 18, and taught adult ed courses at DelVal''s CLR program. He has conducted research in immunology, hepatitis, HIV, at Wistar Institute and Ortho diagnostics.

MONDAY SESSIONS END MONDAY 4/13

THURSDAY SESSIONS: NO CLASS THURS 4/2, ENDS THURS 4/16

Learn, discuss, and ask questions about the history and structure of the U.S. Constitution, the Constitutional Convention, and common arguments, misconceptions, and key details related to specific Articles and Amendments. By the end of the course, participants will be able to apply their knowledge of the Constitution to current events.

Presenter: Jules Mermelstein is a retired UDT Commissioner, criminal defense attorney, teacher of history, gov't and constitutional law, and ACLU volunteer attorney. He currently serves on the Pennsylvania Bar Association's Law Related Education Committee and the Montgomery Bar Association's Government Relations Committee. He loves class discussions and any questions you have.

NO CLASS THU 4/2, ENDS THU 4/9

Improvisation is more than just games—it’s a fun way to boost creativity, adaptability, and connection. Through engaging games, you'll sharpen your thinking, enhance collaboration, and rediscover the joy of play in everyday life.

Presenter: Jess Carpenter is passionate about improv, which he explored for fun and comedy. He created the award-winning “Comedian Deconstruction” format. As an instructor, he fosters a fun safe environment. Jess helps people embrace unpredictability, better communication, enhances personal relationships and learn to have fun again!

NO CLASS THU 4/2

Examine the evolution and history of some of the most famous Broadway music, composers, orchestrators and instrumentalists. From lighthearted operettas to vaudeville to the Golden Age, though Rock, Pop and beyond, Broadway has provided some of the most iconic music that we continue to enjoy. Don't fiddle on your roof, head to Oklahoma or worry about your hair, just join the chorus line directly to this music-filled course.

Presenter: Jeff Thomas has been a music lover for nearly seven decades. He played trombone well enough to have a career in accounting. He continues to study and enjoy many genres of music, including jazz, classical, rock, pop and show tunes. Jeff enjoys sharing his love of music with his students, and he looks forward to seeing many familiar faces in this course.

NO CLASS THU 4/2

Examine the movement of people and goods around the Commonwealth from colonial times to today. We'll cover the progressive use of Indian trails, wider but unimproved roads, rivers and canals, trains of all kinds, and limited access highways.

Presenter: Michael Martorelli is a researcher, writer and speaker focused on many aspects of American History. He has written articles and book reviews for Financial History magazine and essays for several websites. He has given presentations at Del Val's CLR and several local libraries. He earned an MA in History from American Military University.

NO CLASSES THU 3/12 & 4/2

Follow the plant body’s roadmap as we highlight each major plant part, how it works, the beautiful and odd, the common and the unusual from roots to stems, leaves, flowers, fruit and seeds. Our class will share some interesting samples and demonstrations/hands on activities.

Presenter: Lisa Blum has over 35 years of experience teaching horticulture at both Saul High School of Agricultural Sciences and still teaches at Temple University. She assists with programming at the Ambler Arboretum and is part of the PA Horticultural Society Tree Tenders educational team to train community groups in the care of city and suburban trees. Rutgers University, M.S. in Plant Pathology; Duke University, B.S. in Botany