Through readings and discussion, the course will explore selected poetry by W. H. Auden, from his early years in England to his emigration to the United States in 1939, where he later became a U.S. citizen. Participants will examine how Auden’s work responds to the political, social, and personal forces of his time. Reflecting on Auden's legacy, including his receipt of the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1948 for The Age of Anxiety, readers will gain a deeper appreciation of this influential twentieth‑century poet.

Presenter: Jerry Burnsteel (BA, English, Penn State; MA & PhD, Bowling Green State University) is a former assistant professor of English who taught composition and honors courses. He has taught at community colleges and undergraduate institutions in Michigan and Pennsylvania (including Penn State Abington) and served as a Lecturer in Management Communication at Harvard Business School.

This class will now meet from 10:00–11:15 AM (originally scheduled for 9:45 AM).

Discover the enduring melodies that are integral to the jazz songbook. This immersive learning experience blends historical context and musical concepts with live saxophone performances, bringing classic jazz tunes to life. Participants will explore the stories behind the songs, the composers who shaped the genre, and the musical ideas that make these works enduring favorites, all while experiencing the music as it was meant to be heard—performed live.

Presenter: Walt Beier is a professional musician and a Pitt Music School graduate. Walt studied with renowned saxophonist Nathan Davis and performed with Sonny Rollins, Clark Terry, and at the Montreux Jazz Festival.

Imagine sports talk radio, live in Spring House! Our interactive sessions will discuss hot sports topics, including the Eagles and the NFL off-season, how the Phillies and MLB are shaping up for 2026 (and beyond), the NHL and NBA playoffs, and other relevant, current sports matters. Please join us for some very lively sports discussions. 

Presenter: Jeff Thomas has played, watched, read about, lectured on and loved sports for almost 70 years. As an almost 50-year Temple U. and Phillies season ticket holder, Jeff very well understands the frustrations of Philly sports fans.

Johann Sebastian Bach’s Goldberg Variations is one of the most significant works written for keyboard. Bach expert Thierry van Bastelaer will explore the piece’s remarkable structure and musical ideas using examples, video, and group discussion. Participants will gain a deeper appreciation for this extraordinary composition.

Presenter: Thierry van Bastelaer is the founder and curator of an online group dedicated to the study of Johann Sebastian Bach's sacred music. A singer specializing in Baroque music, Thierry has taught courses of Bach’s religious music since 2021, including for Smithsonian Associates, and is currently working on a multimedia guide to Bach’s sacred cantatas.

This course will highlight the reason why Americans love to cruise the highways, celebrating classic cars and the music that filled them. We will review some of the finest autos to ever grace the road, and the audio systems and the music that made them so special. Drive along with Glenn Miller, Elvis, The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Boston and Kansas, and so many more! Let's go!

Presenter: Jeff Thomas has been a car and music enthusiast for more than 60 years. In this presentation, he shares highlights from a century of classic automobiles, the sound systems that brought music to the road, and the songs that became part of the driving experience.

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, enhance personal relationships and learn to have fun again!

Every home holds a lifetime of belongings. This practical workshop helps seniors and their adult children declutter and organize while decisions can still be made together. Learn compassionate communication strategies, how to decide what to keep or pass on, and simple steps to create a manageable plan, and turn a daunting task into meaningful collaboration.

Presenter: Farnaz Dar, M.Ed.. is the Founder and CEO of The Clutter Free Family, a professional organizing company. She developed the Clutter-Free Family Method and focuses on the connection between home organization and mental well-being, offering practical strategies for families at every stage of life.