Contents Page
Campus map 23
Classes 8 – 20
Free Lectures 2 – 3
Registration Form 21 – 22
Travel 4 – 6
Lifelong Learning
office 419-824-3707
lifelong@lourdes.edu
Laura Megeath,
Coordinator
Computer Help Desk
419-824-3807
Class locations
419-885-3211
SPRING 2024
What is Lifelong Learning?
It’s fun! Educational, engaging, and social classes, trips, and lectures
organized by Lourdes University. Learning for fun, with no exams or grades!
• Free monthly lectures open to the public
• Classes on a wide range of topics with new classes every semester
• Special events on and off the Lourdes campus
• Travel – fun daytrips with all the details taken care of
Who can join?
Lifelong Learning invites all adults who find joy in learning, regardless of
age, religion, or educational background. Scholarships are available.
What are the benefits of membership?
• Join a community of friendly and inquisitive people
• Discounts on all classes, travel, and events
Membership is optional but pays for itself if you participate in a couple
events. All memberships expire on July 31, 2024 regardless of the date you
join. To be fair, the cost of membership is highest in the fall semester, lower
in the spring, and lowest in the summer semester.
Travel with Lifelong Learning
Reflections of History April 11
Sparkling glass & crystal, both old and new, plus a classic theater…
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame May 8
Road trip to a classic destination of sights and sounds.
Art and Gardens of Ann Arbor June 13
A day to indulge in food, flowers, and fun!
Solid Gold Detroit sold out
A combination of Motown music and a river cruise!
A Grape Escape Sept. 12
A wine lovers’ getaway! Visit three wineries and leave the driving to us.
Detroit’s Polish Heart sold out
Tour Hamtramck where the culture was shaped by Polish immigrants.
Auto Barons Holiday Home Tour Dec. TBA
Explore sumptuous mansions at their most festive.
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MONTHLY LECTURES
You are invited! Completely free, no reservations, and no strings attached! The Monthly Lecture Series
is an opportunity to hear outstanding speakers. Join us for refreshments at 9:15 AM followed by
presentations from exceptional speakers from 10:00 to 11:00 AM in the Franciscan Center.
Let’s Talk About the Weather: The Past,
Present, and Future of Weather Forecasting
10:00 – 11:00 AM, Friday, January 19
Weather. It’s one of the most common
topics of conversation and can change at the blink
of an eye. Humans have been trying to forecast,
and outsmart, the weather to survive and thrive on
the Earth longer than you may think. This
presentation will consider how weather forecasting
has advanced over the years and what it may look
like in the future. Lightning and tornado weather
myths will be tested…many that people still believe
today. You will also get to see and hear about
some “behind the scenes” secrets Broadcast
Meteorologists use every day to forecast and
present the weather to the public on multiple
platforms (television, social media, the internet,
radio, etc.). The talk also includes a first-hand
account, and video, of what it’s like to fly with the
United States Air Force Thunderbirds in an F-16
fighter jet!
Jay Berschback is the Chief Meteorologist
at 13abc/WTVG-TV in Toledo. He’s been with
13abc for more than 25 years and has earned his
Television Seals of Approval from The American
Meteorological Society and the National Weather
Association.
Do You Really Know Who (or What) is Behind
the Curtain?
10:00 - 11:00 AM Friday, February 16
What do you know about the candidates
and issues for which you vote? If you are like most
Americans, not much. There are many who would
like to keep it that way and will use all of the tools
at their disposal, including misinformation, to make
sure that happens.
A 2023 study from the widely respected
Pew Research Center found that 65% of those
surveyed are in favor of tech companies mod-
erating false information online and 55% think the
government should get involved. But that may be
akin to the fox guarding the henhouse. So, what
can you do to make sure you don’t fall prey to
misinformation before you cast that ballot? And
what can you do when you find that so-called fake
news? Spoiler alert: Misinformation is not just in
the political arena, it’s everywhere!
Anthony Knopps is a faculty member in
Political Management at George Washington
University and an Adjunct Professor of Political
Science at BGSU. Mr. Knopps also serves as a
consultant with the National Endowment for
Democracy. He has spoken with groups around
the world about the importance of upholding ethical
standards in the sharing of information. He earned
an M.P.S. in Political Management from George
Washington University and a B.A. from the
University of Missouri. An Emmy-award winning
storyteller, he is a published author with six titles,
including A Page In History, a look at the 2024
Presidential Race. Mr. Knopps also gave a Ted
Talk in New England just a few weeks ago.
Beyond TV Dramas: The Practicality of
Forensic Methods
10:00 - 11:00 AM Friday, March 15
Crimes are solved quickly and decisively on
television, but real life is seldom so easy. Dive into
the world of forensic science and learn how its
specialized disciplines are applied to actual cases.
The Trace unit studies footprints, but also matches
torn fabric, broken glass, and arson evidence.
Counterfeit money, as well as charred documents
and handwriting analysis, falls under the purview of
the Questioned Documents unit. Other units
specialize in DNA analysis, firearms, toxicology,
and controlled substances. Discover how science
is applied to solve crimes, evaluate civil wrongs,
and support public health.
Stephanie Grabowski has been working as
a Forensic Scientist for the Michigan State Police
(MSP) for 18 years in the Controlled Substances
Unit. For the first 15 years she was also a part of
the Crime Scene Response Team and coordinated
team responses. Stephanie is also a member of
the Clandestine Laboratory Investigating Chemists
(CLIC), the American Academy of Forensic
Sciences (AAFS), the Midwestern Association of
Forensic Scientists (MAFS), and a past instructor
of Introduction to Forensic Science at Oakland
Community College.
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A Life Full of Music
10:00 – 11:00 AM, Friday, April 19
As a professional singer, Judy Hauman
Dye has performed a classical vocal repertoire,
including opera, oratorio, Broadway, and jazz. She
has appeared at the Kennedy Center and the
National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., at
concert venues in New York City, on cruise ships,
with symphony orchestras, including the Toledo
Symphony, the Toledo Opera, and the former
Murphy's jazz club. She will share memorable
moments from her multifaceted life as a singer,
educator, mother, and wife. Drawing from her
books An Extraordinary Life and Gosh Mom, Don't
They Know You Aren't Anybody?, Judy’s stories
resonate with the joys and challenges of a life
immersed in music.
The Great Edmund Fitzgerald Mystery
10:00 – 11:00 AM, Friday, May 17
It has been nearly half a century since the
most mysterious tragedy in the history of the Great
Lakes took the lives of 29 sailors and condemned
their ship, the Edmund Fitzgerald, to the bottom of
Lake Superior in 1975. Though the Fitzgerald bore
the name of Milwaukee, Wisconsin on her stern,
Toledo could rightly claim her as our own. Thirteen
of the 29 crew members were Ohioans. Six were
from Lucas and Wood Counties and one was from
Fremont.
Twenty-nine families lost a loved one when
the Fitzgerald succumbed to a violent storm
without so much as an SOS call for help. Not many
men who once served aboard the Fitz are still
alive, and there may be only one who was both a
crew member and lost a relative in the sinking.
Thomas Walton, the retired Editor of the Toledo
Blade, served as a porter aboard the Fitzgerald in
his late teens. When the ship sank on November
10, 1975, one of the 29 men lost was his uncle.
Mr. Walton will share his recollections of
the mighty Fitz, the men who sailed on her, and the
various theories of what led to her demise after just
18 years of service on the Great Lakes.
HOT TOPICS
After the monthly lecture, join us for a buffet lunch of soup, sandwiches, and dessert followed by a
presentation and lively discussion. Fridays, 11:15 AM – 12:45 PM, also in the Franciscan Center.
Reservations are requested at least one week prior.
Universal, Simple and Affordable: Why
improved expanded Medicare for all is the
cure for our healthcare woes
11:15 – 12:45 PM, Friday, January 19
Practicing and teaching adult primary care
at St Vincent Medical Center, Dr. Johnathon Ross
has seen first-hand the importance of health
insurance as well as how complicated insurance
can be. Dr. Ross has advocated for social justice
and healthcare as a human right for over 50
years. He will talk about the problems and
solutions for this country’s health care.
Dr. Ross has served as Past President of
Physicians for a National Health Program and the
Toledo Lucas County Board of Health and is a
current board member or advisor for Physicians
for a National Health Program, Michigan for
Single Payer, the Single Payer Action Network of
Ohio, the Universal Healthcare Action Network of
Ohio, and Toledo Area Jobs with Justice, and the
Toledo Lucas County Board of Health.
Policing and the Need for Reform
11:15 – 12:45 PM, Friday, February 16
The subject of police reform is very
polarizing. One extreme insists that policing is
fine, and we actually need more police. The other
extreme argues that police consistently violate
the rights of citizens, particularly citizens of color,
and should be abolished. These disagreements
often begin with discussions of a few "bad
apples" in the ranks of some police departments
or statements that the culture of policing and the
institutional racism that is embedded in our
system is too much to overcome. With the 10-
year anniversary of the start of Black Lives Matter
and the deaths of black citizens that was the
impetus for the formation of the group, it is fitting
to look at policing, the interactions of the system
and the black community, and changes that could
improve the way that we are kept safe. Join us for
a discussion to examine some reforms needed to
guarantee that police are held accountable to all
American citizens.
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Kristin Blochowski JD, MEd is Assistant
Professor of Criminal & Social Justice at Lourdes
University, a lawyer and former police officer and
FBI Agent.
Tales of a Zoo and Wildlife Veterinarian
11:15 – 12:45 PM, Friday, March 15
From amphibians to zebras, Dr. Tim
Reichard, MS, DVM has provided veterinary care
to animals, both in zoos and free ranging wildlife,
for over 40 years. During that time, he served as
veterinarian at our Toledo Zoo. Dr. Reichard will
share his animal stories that include capture and
immobilization techniques, diagnostic tools,
treatments and surgeries, breeding and
reproduction, nutrition, animal behavior,
environmental enrichment, animal training, and
animal escapes and antics. Dr. Reichard has
been recognized for his expertise in preventative
medicine programs in a variety of zoo species,
and he has also been involved in conservation
projects with native snake and amphibian species
in Ohio and ground iguana and snake species in
Puerto Rico.
Effects of the Pandemic on Immigrant and
Refugee Children
11:15 – 12:45 PM, Friday, April 19
The Covid-19 pandemic had worldwide
effects that are felt profoundly in our schools.
Immigrant and refugee children were especially
affected as they were still learning English and, in
many cases, their parents were learning English
too. Khaldoon Samkari is the English Language
and Student Liaison for Sylvania Schools and has
worked with students primarily from Syria, Iraq,
Sudan, and Palestine. Learn how schools tried to
help these vulnerable children.
TRAVEL
Please Note: If you have special dietary considerations (e.g. vegetarian), you must notify Lifelong
Learning at the time of registration. For more information about our trips visit www.Lourdes.edu/Travel
Reflections of History
Both delicate and strong, the importance
of glass has been brilliantly reflected in the history
of Tiffin, Ohio. Hawkes Crystal was founded in
1890 by an Irish glassworker after he won the
grand prize at the Universal Exposition in Paris.
The Hawkes trademark is now being stamped on
crystal pieces inspired by the original patterns
and shapes. Watch a live glass cutting
demonstration with a master cutter and designer
as he produces hand cut crystal, renowned for its
elegance and beauty.
Another factory in Tiffin produced
glassware from 1889 to 1980 under a series of
different names, including the United States
Glass Company and Tiffin Glass. It managed to
stay open during the Great Depression and
weather both a tornado and fire. An expert will
guide us through the Tiffin Glass Museum with
over 1,000 examples of popular lines, stemware,
lamps, optics, and colored glass.
A hot buffet lunch will be served in one of
Tiffin’s oldest buildings, the Pioneer Mill. Built in
1822, it functioned as a mill until 1950. The mill
was converted into a restaurant in 1974 and is
now on the National Register of Historical Places.
We will also visit the American Civil War
Museum of Ohio. Exhibits demonstrate how three
emerging technologies –the rifle musket, railroad,
and the telegraph– influenced how war was
fought. Roam through the displays and artifacts,
which range from objects hand carved by POWs
to a Lincoln mourning ribbon.
Our behind-the-scenes tour of Tiffin’s Ritz
Theater will make you nostalgic for a bygone era.
As motion pictures grew from a novelty to an
industry, increasingly grand movie palaces were
designed for a competitive edge. 1,500 people
packed the Ritz when it opened in 1928.
Renovated in 1998 to its almost original condition,
the Ritz Theatre allows us to look back to a time
when the theaters themselves often stole the
show.
Ralph’s Joy of Living is a store that
describes itself as “oddly delightful.” Browse a
selection of gourmet coffee, wine, and other
edibles plus appliances, bedding, and quirky
gadgets.
Thursday, April 11. Bus departs from
Lourdes University parking lot M at 8:00 AM and
returns at 6:00 PM. $155 for members, $167 for
nonmembers.
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Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Born from the collision of rhythm and
blues, country, and gospel, rock & roll is a spirit
that is inclusive and ever-changing. The Rock &
Roll Hall of Fame celebrates the sounds and
honors the artists whose music connects us all.
This museum explores the sonic history and
many evolutions of the music that changed the
world starting with the Roots of Rock, through the
Legends of Rock, to today’s artists in Right Here,
Right Now. Typical artifacts include instruments
used by famous musicians, stage clothing and
props, drafts of song lyrics, correspondence,
original album art, handbills, posters, and
photographs. Many of the exhibits are highly
interactive, and the sound of music is
omnipresent.
Spend the morning exploring this museum of
icons at your own pace, then enjoy a hearty
German-themed lunch at the Hofbrauhaus
Restaurant. Choose one of these three savory
entrees to indulge in:
1) Grilled chicken breast in creamy
mushroom gravy served with spaetzle
2) Sausage plate: one frankfurter and one
chicken sausage served over mashed
potatoes and sauerkraut, with a side of
German mustard
3) Pierogies: sauteed cheddar and potato
pierogies served with caramelized onions,
topped with sour cream and scallions
Each meal includes an appetizer of a German
pretzel with bier cheese, nonalcoholic beverages,
and apple strudel for dessert.
After lunch, enjoy a bus tour of Cleveland
including downtown, Progressive Field, Quicken
Loans Arena, Public Square, Playhouse Square
Theater District, Millionaire’s Row and University
Circle. We will drive by the Cleveland Art
Museum, Botanical Gardens, Western Reserve
Historical Society and Cultural Gardens.
The last stop will be the West Side
Market, Cleveland’s oldest publicly owned
market. The market house and 137-foot clock
tower have stood as Cleveland landmarks for
over a century. Today the market is home to over
100 vendors of great ethnic diversity. Find fine
meats and fresh vegetables, fresh seafood,
baked goods, dairy and cheese products, and
even fresh flowers. There are also booths that
sell ready-to-eat foods, herbs, candy, and nuts.
Bring your cooler!
Wednesday, May 8. Bus departs from
Lourdes University parking lot M at 7:30 AM and
returns 6:30 – 7:00 PM. $169 for members, $181
for nonmembers.
Art and Gardens of Ann Arbor
The peonies should be in full bloom in the
Nichols Arboretum’s peony garden. For more
than a century, peonies have been cultivated in
this garden for their fragrance and delicate,
papery petals in a range of colors. The garden’s
nearly 800 plants produce up to 10,000 flowers at
peak bloom. This is believed to be the largest
collection of heirloom herbaceous peonies in
North America.
Before and after the guided tour of the
Nichols Arboretum, our guide will highlight the
history and landmarks of Ann Arbor. This driving
tour will explore the city along with the University
of Michigan’s north side, central, and medical
campuses.
A city icon, Metzger’s German Restaurant
has served more than seven million people in its
95 years of business. The Metzger family is
known for rich, tasty, and traditional German food
which we will enjoy for our lunch.
Afterwards, browse the renown
Zingerman’s Deli with its exceptional array of
cheeses, unique olive oils, vinegars, smoked fish,
and specialty coffees and teas. Also at this stop is
Kerrytown Market & Shops featuring a wide
selection of specialty markets and unique shops.
The University of Michigan Museum of Art
(UMMA) was founded in 1946 with a strong
commitment to contemporary art as well as
displaying and interpreting art from the world’s
many cultures. From antiquities to modern
pieces, the UMMA’s collection now totals more
than 21,000 objects. Our guided tour will
showcase the highlights, but there will also be
time to explore the exhibits and gift shop on your
own.
Thursday, June 13. Bus departs from
Lourdes University parking lot M at 8:00 AM and
returns at 6:30 PM. $165 for members, $177 for
nonmembers.
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Solid Gold Detroit
Motown started as a record label but
became much more, a distinctive sound with
simple structures but sophisticated melodies and
tremendous pop appeal. Take this toe-tapping
tour that will leave you dancing in the streets as
we travel through the Motor City, home of the
Motown sound, and illuminate local legends who
made it big in the music business.
Only a few Detroit venues still have
performances of live Motown music, one being
the Detroit Princess. Enjoy an amazing Motown
Revue performed by The Prolifics. This classic
show will have everyone humming, tapping, or
dancing along!
Cruise in luxurious style down the Detroit
River on the Detroit Princess. This magnificent
boat sports an extravagant buffet to match with
three hot entrees, hot side dishes, salad, and
dessert. Coffee and tea are included, and a full
bar will be available for those wanting to
purchase cocktails.
Thursday, July 18. Bus departs from
Lourdes University parking lot M at 8:30 AM and
returns at 6:00 PM. Sold out.
A Grape Escape
A getaway for wine lovers: visit three
wineries in one day! The first stop is at the
Winerie, a family-owned business and destination
vineyard. Owning more than 100 acres of land
across Erie and Lorain counties, The Winerie’s
leadership team grows its own grapes and
produces its own wines locally. Enjoy a tasting
tray of four wines and sweet treats.
Next, we will visit Chateau Winery &
Vineyard for a wine tasting tray with five different
wines as well as a hot lunch. Owners Bill and
Michele Hollister were gracious hosts last year.
Tour the production room and indulge in the
gorgeous outdoor area which includes a koi pond.
Rocky Point Winery is housed in the
historic 100 year old Marblehead Schoolhouse.
Established in 2014, Rocky Point Winery is
owned by the Redfern family and offers over a
dozen varieties of wine, craft beers, and many
unique distilled spirits. Sample a wine flight with
six wines accompanied by descriptions from a
staff member.
Enjoy a shopping stop at Cheese Haven,
a unique shopping location located in Port
Clinton. This is a place that every cheese lover
dreams about. A perfect place to find cheeses
and foods to pair with wines, as well as many
varieties of candy. Bring your cooler on the bus!
Thursday, September 12. Bus departs
from Lourdes University parking lot M at 9:00 AM
and returns at 6:00 PM. $164 for members, $176
for nonmembers.
Detroit's Polish Heart
Polish immigrants arrived in Detroit as
early as the 1850s, but the community lacked a
center until the founding of St. Albertus Roman
Catholic Church. Our tour of St. Albertus will
highlight the brick detailing and octagonal tower
on the exterior and the ornate interior
In opulence and scale, you will see that
St. Florian Church recalls the great cathedrals of
Europe. Rising eight stories above ground, the
front of the church features a broad Gothic arch
flanked by twin spires. There are striking stained-
glass windows, including a huge rose window in
the rear of the church, and altar windows
depicting five famous Polish saints.
Nestled in the heart of Hamtramck is the
Polish Village Cafe. Our Polish plate lunch will
include dill pickle soup, homemade bread and
butter, stuffed cabbage, sauerkraut, mashed
potatoes and gravy, pierogi, and a pazcek for
dessert.
We will then drive past the Hamtramck
Disneyland. The whimsical kinetic art structures
fills the air with light and music. The 1,945 sq. ft
installation is considered one of the top art
destinations in Michigan.
Visit three sites at our final stop. Housed
in what was the first department store in the city,
the Hamtramck Historical Museum celebrates the
rich history and culture of the city. The Polish Art
Center is a treasure trove of Polish home goods,
clothing, and novelty items. Srodek’s Campau
Quality Sausage Co. sells kielbasa, sauerkraut,
pierogi, stuffed cabbage (golabki), and more!
Everyone is invited to bring a cooler on this trip!
Thursday, October 10. Bus departs from
Lourdes University parking lot M at 8:45 AM and
returns at 6:30 PM. Sold out.
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Auto Barons Holiday Home Tour
The early auto industry gave substantial
fortunes to John F. Dodge, co-founder of Dodge
Brothers Motor Car Company and Edsel Ford,
founder of the Ford Motor Company. Their wealth
was used in part to construct two of America's
finest residences and country estates: Meadow
Brook Hall and the Ford House. Tour these two
grand homes in their holiday splendor!
As details become available, they will be
posted at www.Lourdes.edu/Travel
SPECIAL EVENTS
Along the Way: The Camino de Santiago, from
the Pyrenees to the Atlantic Ocean
2:00 – 3:30 PM, Tuesday, February 20
Franciscan Center; Free and open to members of
Lifelong Learning & UTRA.
The Camino de Santiago, or the Way of
St. James, is a network of pilgrim’s trails leading
to the revered shrine of the apostle James in the
Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia,
northwestern Spain. According to tradition, the
remains of Saint James are buried here. This
path, traversed by pilgrims since the Middle Ages,
traces its main route along an ancient Roman
trade path. Spanning several routes across
Spain, France, and Portugal, the Camino draws
over 200,000 pilgrims each year. Vince Walsh will
share the highlights of his 41-day hike on the
Camino with the history, symbolism, and scenery
found along the way.
Vince Walsh is a graduate of the
University of Toledo with a bachelor’s degree in
both chemistry and geology as well as a master’s
degree in geology. Now retired, Vince worked
most of his adult life as an analytical chemist. He
also volunteered with the Peace Corps in
Malaysia from 1977 to 1981. An avid hiker, Vince
is a member of the Maumee Valley Adventurers.
This presentation is cohosted by the
University of Toledo Retirees Association (UTRA)
and Lifelong Learning.
Passover Seder for the Interfaith Community
4:00 – 6:00 PM, Sunday, April 7
Franciscan Center
Free event, open to all – registration required
The Jewish Federation of Greater
Toledo’s Jewish Community Relations Council, in
partnership with Lifelong Learning, is hosting a
model Passover seder specifically geared
towards our non-Jewish neighbors and open to
all. This event, which will take place two weeks
before the start of Passover, is meant to show
how a seder is traditionally held, debunking myths
and stereotypes while helping to teach others
about the important Jewish holiday that serves to
remember the Israelites’ exodus from slavery in
Egypt. Participants will each have their own seder
plate with ritual items, and the event will include
light bites.
Please RSVP by Friday, March 29 to
Sherry Majewski at sherry@jewishtoledo.org or
419-724-0351.
Alternatively, you may register online at
https://form.jotform.com/jewishtoledo/lourdes-
passover-seder
Fr. Bacik Lectures
5:30 PM, Thursday, April 18
5:30 PM, Thursday, May 23
Fr. Jim Bacik will continue his lecture
series with titles to be announced later.
Presentations will be in the Franciscan Center
theater. No reservations are necessary. General
admission is $10 (cash or check only) payable at
the door.
Arboretum Tour: Evergreens
9:30 – 11:00 AM, Friday, April 26
Rain date: Friday, May 3
The Lourdes University campus has a
wide range of tree species, enough to qualify as
an arboretum. Professional arborist Scott Kirby
will lead a tour through a grove where 40 different
species of fir trees grow. Learn more about the
variety of evergreens, common problems, how to
care for them, and how to select the right one to
add the perfect texture to your landscape. Scott
became a certified arborist in 1992 and enjoys
sharing his knowledge and love of trees.
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180
th
Fighter Wing Base Tour
10:30 – 1:45 PM, Thursday, May 2
Have you heard fighter jets overhead?
Most likely they are from the 180
th
Fighter Wing
(180FW) of the Ohio National Guard. This is your
opportunity to see the base from the inside, view
an F-16 jet up close and learn about the flight
equipment needed to fly one.
Situated on 135 acres at the Toledo
Express Airport, the 180FW base and
infrastructure have been designed and
constructed to support the current and future
fighter aircraft needed for America’s security and
defense. The 180FW is made up of more than
1,200 combat-ready Airmen who flew more than
2,600 sorties, including nearly 950 combat flying
hours, in 2021. Learn about the wing and its
mission, as well as facts about the Ohio Air
National Guard and how they serve the
community.
After learning about a variety of flight
equipment, there will be a tour of a hangar and
the 9/11 memorial. We will then enjoy a catered
lunch and finish with the dramatic take off, or
landing, of a F-16 jet. Please note there will be a
lot of standing. Transportation to the base is not
provided; please arrange your own transportation.
U.S. Citizens will be required to provide a driver's
license or state ID. Foreign nationals are required
to bring a passport or visa number.
A catered seated lunch is included.
In compliance with government
regulations and as a commitment to fostering
community engagement, we have adjusted the
tour cost to exclusively cover the expenses of the
catered lunch, ensuring an affordable and
accessible opportunity for all participants.
Eclectic Bellydancing Extravaganza
11:15 – 12:45 PM, Friday, May 17
Join Lifelong Learning friends for an exotic
semester finale! Indulge in a sumptuous lunch
buffet followed by performances by dancers from
the House of Mesmeric. Discover the rich history
of this dance form as well as different styles,
including tribal fusion, traditional, and cabaret.
The House of Mesmeric celebrates inclusivity,
ensuring that every belly is welcome!
CLASSES
History of Food in the World
Tom Sorosiak
10:00 – 11:00 AM, Mondays
February 12 – March 4 (4 weeks)
This inquiry into the history of food will
begin in the time of ‘hunters and gathers’ and will
follow the change in eating habits from the
Paleolithic era, through the domestication of
plants and animals, to the modern
commercialization of food production which feeds
people worldwide. The main dietary categories
will be food, beverages, nutritional needs, and the
correlation between food-related policies and
health longevity with people today. Special
consideration will be given to the daily eating
habits of people in the United States.
Tom Sorosiak retired from teaching in the
History Department at BGSU and has previously
taught history classes for Lifelong Learning. His
doctoral research is included in the two volumes
of The Cambridge World History of Food.
Great Decisions – 2024
Hugh Grefe
1:30 – 3:00 PM, Tuesdays
February 13 – March 12, April 9 – 23 (8 weeks;
no classes 3/19-4/2)
Prepare to discuss the biggest topics in
international news! Explore eight topics ranging
from economic warfare to science across borders
to NATO’s future.
Discussions are based on materials from
the Foreign Policy Association which selects eight
critical issues each year. Read a chapter in the
briefing book at home, then watch a televised
briefing at the start of class before diving into a
spirited and structured discussion of the most
critical global issues facing America today. The
textbook required for this class, Great Decisions,
is available for purchase online. The book is also
available at the Lourdes Welcome Center for $35
(payable by cash or check only).
Facilitator and previous participant Hugh
Grefe earned a Master of Arts in History at the
University of Toledo and has served in a variety
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of senior staff and board roles in the greater
Toledo community. In 2002 he was awarded a
Fannie Mae Foundation Fellowship to participate
in the Program for Senior Executives in State and
Local Government at the John F. Kennedy
School of Government, Harvard University.
Temperance & the Making of America
Sarah Franzen
9:00 – 10:00 AM, Thursdays
February 15 – March 7 (4 weeks)
Often, when we talk about the American
Temperance movement, our minds jump straight
to the 1920s: speakeasies, Al Capone, and the
failure of national prohibition. In fact, the story is
much older (and much more complicated) than
that. This class will explore the American
temperance movement from the early 1830s to
the mid-1850s. We will discuss how the twentieth-
century crusade against liquor had its beginnings
in the nineteenth century abolition and women’s
rights movement. We will also learn how it
shaped and was in turn shaped by national
rhetoric about race, empire, and gender. Plus, the
instructor is an English professor so there will be
lots of examples from popular fiction and poetry
of the time. Poe, anyone?
Sarah Franzen was an English professor
at Trine University in Angola, Indiana for fourteen
years before coming to Lourdes to serve as the
Assessment Specialist. She holds a Ph.D. in
Literature and Criticism from Indiana University of
Pennsylvania and her dissertation, Alcoholic
Republic/Temperate Empire, addresses all of the
things that will be covered in this class, just in a
more detailed and, quite frankly, more boring
manner.
Paper and Pencil Drawing: Student’s Choice
Patrick H. Dubreuil
10:00 – noon, Tuesdays
February 13 – March 19 (6 weeks)
Everyone needs help to reach their full
potential and become the artist they want to be.
Bring your drawing questions and unfinished
projects so our experienced instructor can help
you to improve your technique. Lessons and
exercises will be based upon requests from the
students. If you are baffled by blending or finding
textures tricky, join us for answers in a
comfortable and supporting studio!
A Toledo native, Patrick Dubreuil has
taught in the Lourdes Art Department for 13 years
since getting his M.F.A. from BGSU.
Understanding Perspective
Patrick H. Dubreuil
1:00 – 3:00 pm, Tuesdays
February 13 – March 19 (6 weeks)
This class will cover the basics of one and
two point perspective drawing. This course is
designed for beginners and those who want to
better understand perspective. Apply basic
techniques to create interior and exterior spaces
on paper, such as room interiors and cityscapes.
Learn to accurately depict depth and dimension in
your artwork.
History of Christianity – From 200 to 700 A.D.
Paul Mueller
1:30 – 3:30 PM, Thursdays
February 15 – March 21 (6 weeks)
This course delves into the early
development of Christian doctrine and how it
affected history and how history affected
Christianity. This was a foundational period in the
formation of Christianity in which key concepts
were scrutinized and clarified.
Paul Mueller is an adjunct instructor of
theology at Lourdes University. He received his
Master of Arts degree in theology at Lourdes in
2011, and his doctorate in theology at Duquesne
University in Pittsburgh in 2021. He is an active
member of St. Joseph Parish in Sylvania.
Pioneers of Reform
Tom Roka
2:30 – 4:30 PM, Thursday
February 15 – 29 (3 weeks)
Henry Bergh, Mother Jones, and Nellie
Bly were very different people who shared a
passion to correct social injustices.
Born into a wealthy family, Henry Bergh
(1813-1888) followed his calling to end animal
cruelty and founded The America Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty Against Animals, or
ASPCA, in 1864.
Mary Harris (1837-1930), aka Mother
Jones, was an Irish born immigrant. Trained to be
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a teacher, Harris gave up that career after her
family died due to impoverished conditions. She
then began a quest to unify miners and child
laborers, waging war on companies and
managing over 1000 strike locations. By the
1890s Mary Harris was widely known as Mother
Jones and continued to call for working class
revolution until her death in 1930.
At the age of 20, Nellie Bly (1864-1922)
convinced the New York Herald to hire her as a
journalist. Her initial articles dealt with the "girl
puzzle," her idea that women will reject societal
expectations and embrace individuality. She
proved this by being the first woman to circle the
world in 72 days. More importantly, her exposé
"10 Days in the Mad-House" shed light on the
appalling treatment of patients, shocking the
nation.
These three remarkable people are
important for challenging the social problems
created by the Industrial Revolution and Gilded
Age. Jones and Bly, in particular, defied
contemporary assumptions about women’s roles.
Their diverse backgrounds emphasize the power
of individual action as a catalyst for reform.
Tom Roka is an adjunct instructor for
several institutions, including Lourdes University.
A college educator for nearly 30 years, Tom
earned an MA from the University of Toledo.
The Spectrum of Jazz
Fritz Byers
9:30 – 11:30 AM, Tuesdays
February 20 – March 26 (6 weeks)
This class will survey the history of jazz,
with particular focuses on distinct eras, great
innovations in instrumentation, composition and
improvisation, and singular figures of enduring
influence. Each class will involve a brief
discussion of relevant social and musical history,
extensive listening to recordings, open-ended
time for shared reactions, and a brief conclusion
that will sum up the day’s listening and point
toward the next session. No homework will be
required, but there will be plenty of suggestions,
including a comprehensive list of recommended
recordings and texts. No musical knowledge is
necessary.
Fritz Byers has been a devoted jazz fan
since his high school days in the early 1970s. He
has hosted Jazz Spectrum (and now hosts the
companion show, Jazz Spectrum Overnight) on
WGTE-FM 91, on its sister stations, and now
online, continuously since he created the show in
April 1989. He has written extensively about the
music and currently writes and edits a blog on the
Jazz Spectrum homepage, www.wgte.org/jazz.
He has no formal musical training and is certainly
not a musicologist. His love for and knowledge of
jazz is formed entirely by his years of listening as
an interested layperson.
Learnin’ ‘Rithmetic, and History
Dr. George Shirk
10:00 – 11:30 AM, Wednesday
February 21 – 28 (2 weeks)
Beginning with the settling of the
Northwest Territory, the 19
th
century was a time
of significant changes in America. Those changes
can be seen in public school mathematics
(arithmetic) texts of the time. “At 5 cents a gill,
how much will 8 pints of rum cost?” This example
not only reflects the units of measure, but also the
importance of rum! This class will focus on
original grade school arithmetic texts from the
1800s and the history they represent.
Dr. George Shirk earned his Ph.D. in
Mathematics Education from the University of
Illinois and his MAT from the University of the
South. He is a Professor Emeritus from the
University of Toledo.
The Origin Story of Mennonite Christians
Joel Shenk
2:00 - 4:00 PM, Wednesday, February 21
Explore the origins and rich history of the
Mennonites, a branch of Christianity, that involves
tales of adventure, unwavering conviction,
martyrdom, scandal, and profound faithfulness.
Despite being smaller in numbers and often
overlooked in history, this tradition boasts a
remarkable heritage that perseveres to inspire
people even today. Regardless of your faith
background or familiarity with Mennonites, come
to learn and gain a deeper understanding of this
part of the Christian church.
This presentation will be led by Joel
Shenk who has been serving as pastor at Toledo
Mennonite Church since 2010. He lives with his
wife and two daughters in Toledo. You will often
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find them as regulars at the Toledo Farmer’s
Market, Ottawa Park, SIP Coffee, and any
number of our wonderful local library branches.
Pastor Joel graduated from Fuller Theological
Seminary. He is an avid fly fisher, a hobby rod-
builder, and aspiring gardener.
An Overview of Islam
Jomana Al-Hinti
10:00 – noon, Friday, February 23
Islam is the second largest faith
worldwide, so join us to learn about the origins of
Islam, pillars of the faith and the different acts of
worship performed by Muslims. Ramadan and
fasting will be discussed in detail. We will also
discuss the relationship of Islam to other
religions.
Jomana Al-Hinti is a Neurologist in town
who is also a proud mother of six kids. She is a
community organizer, leader of multiple youth
groups over that last several years and an Islamic
studies teacher for youth and adults at different
Masajid, institutes and online.
Fluid Expressions: Mastering Watercolor
Techniques
Mary Jane Erard
1:00 – 3:00 PM, Fridays
February 23 – March 22 (5 weeks)
Dive into the world of watercolor painting
in this class designed for both beginners and
enthusiasts. From mastering basic brush strokes
to blending colors, this class offers step-by-step
guidance to develop your skills in a supportive
environment where experimentation is
encouraged. All supplies will be provided.
Mary Jane Erard is an experienced art
teacher and previously taught a Lifelong Learning
class in plein air painting.
National Issues Forums
A New Land: What Kind of Government
Shall We Have?
A House Divided
Lifelong Learning is offering two forums
that can be taken as separate classes, but we
encourage you to take both. Both forums address
questions critical to our country today.
These discussion classes use materials
prepared by the National Issues Forums Institute
(NIFI). NIFI is a nonprofit, nonpartisan
organization that serves to promote public
deliberation about difficult public issues.
Participants in each class will receive a
publication from NIFI to read prior to class. Class
meetings will be spent in structured discussions
and group deliberation.
A New Land: What Kind of Government
Shall We Have?
Hugh Grefe
1:00 - 2:30 PM, Mondays
February. 26 – March 11 (3 weeks)
Imagine yourself in the spring of 1787, just
four years after the Revolutionary War’s end. The
new Republic is unstable and its liberty
threatened. The Articles of Confederation are
insufficient to meet the challenges of the
developing country. All the problems ultimately
lead to one question: what kind of government
should we have? Join the discussion to figure out
a workable balance between a strong central
government and states’ rights with respect for
local autonomy. Revisit a historical debate with a
modern perspective.
A House Divided: How Do We Get the
Political System We Want?
Hugh Grefe
1:00 - 2:30 PM, Mondays
April 15 – 29 (3 weeks)
Every American is affected by the
divisions and outrage that prevent us from
making progress on urgent problems. Should we
require more accurate, respectful discussion in
the media and online, or would that stifle free
speech? Should we reform politics and
government to encourage compromise, or will
that mean giving up on the changes we really
need and want? Should we crack down on money
in politics, or will people just find new ways to
evade the rules? Join the conversation about
getting the political system we want in order to
revive our ability to work together on the country’s
most urgent problems.
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Ukrainian Easter Eggs
Sr. Mary Peter Kaminski & Stas’ Krukowski
1:30 – 3:30 PM, Wednesdays
February 28 – March 27 (5 weeks)
Ukrainian Easter Eggs, also known as
pysanky, are a beautiful tradition of folk art that
dates back centuries. The word pysanky is taken
from the Ukrainian word “to write,” which gives a
hint into how it's done. Creating these precious
eggs takes focus and attention to detail, but the
results are stunning. Come create your own
Easter egg! All supplies are included in the
registration fee, and the kistka kit will be yours to
take home.
Stas’ Krukowski is the Franciscan
Connections Liaison for the All Good Things Art
and Gift Shop and Rosary Care Center. He has
worked with the Sisters since November of 2021.
He is from the Toledo area and has been creating
and selling art since his early childhood taking
lessons on Saturday mornings at the Toledo
Museum of Art. Stas’ finds inspiration in the
beauty of the natural world and enjoys sharing his
artistic interpretation through a variety of
mediums like painting, sculpture, photography,
and poetry.
Sr. Mary Peter Kaminski has been
creating pysanky for many years and enjoys
sharing the symbolism of this centuries old
technique. Before retirement she worked as a
medical technologist for 38 years.
Shostakovich and Us
Dr. Christopher Williams
3:30 – 5:00 PM, Mondays
March 4 – 18 (3 weeks); Exclusively online
In the nearly fifty years since his death,
the music of Russian composer Dmitri
Shostakovich (1906-1975) has come to occupy a
central place in our classical concert repertory
that rivals the likes of Beethoven, Brahms, and
Mahler. This was in some respects improbable:
an impudent modernist, known for his ambivalent,
violent, and brooding moods, the leading
composer of the Soviet Union, a man whose
ideological commitments were at best elusive.
Yet his music has only gained in popularity in the
United States and the rest of the world, with
complete recorded cycles of his 15 symphonies
now a common goal for conductors and
orchestras. His 15 string quartets occupy an
equally venerated place in the world of chamber
music.
This class will discuss Shostakovich’s
career and achievements in film music, opera,
and other genres, with each class framed by
select symphonies and string quartets. The
power, the drama, the passion, the humor, the
pageantry of this unique and influential voice will
be laid bare and discussed.
Dr. Christopher Williams holds a Ph.D. in
Music History and Literature from the University
of California at Berkeley, and has taught at UT,
BGSU, the Universität Salzburg, and in the joint
program of the Cleveland Institute of Music and
Case Western Reserve University.
The History of Israel & Palestine
Mary Robinson, Ph.D.
1:00 - 2:00 PM, Wednesday
February 28
The conflict between the Israel and
Palestine reflects a long-standing struggle in the
region encompassing the land between the
Jordan River to the east and the Mediterranean
Sea to the west. That conflict has deep historical
roots, shaped by statehood claims from the
Israelis and the Palestinians that have been
influenced by various international agendas and
activities. This class will review the history of this
conflict from the late 19
th
century to the present.
Dr. Mary Robinson is Associate Professor
of History at Lourdes University.
The Baby Boomiest Decade: A Cultural and
Historical Kaleidoscope of the Fifties
Shari O’Brien, Ph.D., J.D.
1:00 – 3:45 PM, with a generous break.
Tuesdays, March 5 – April 2 (5 weeks)
Think of the 1950s and a kaleidoscope of
stirring images come to mind. In many respects, it
is recalled as a sturdy bridge between the De-
pression and the war years of the 1930s and
1940s and the turbulent protest years of the
1960s and 1970s. It was, however, a complex
decade of striking contrasts: placid, white bread,
cookie-cutter suburbs on the one hand, but ugly
racial tensions on the other; relative global
stability after two cataclysmic world wars, but a
Cold War that included fallout shelters and
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McCarthyism; a time of conformity to rigid social
norms, yet one of simmering teen rebellion. We
will view pieces of the kaleidoscope in the areas
of political leadership; social justice and criminal
law; science and medicine; business and
industry; literature; the media; and entertainment
and leisure. Characters we’ll encounter who
loomed large include Eisenhower and Krushchev;
the Rosenbergs, Rosa Parks and J. Edgar
Hoover; Oppenheimer, Jonas Salk and Dr.Spock;
Ray Kroc and Juli Lynne Charlot; Arthur Miller
and JD Salinger; Walter Cronkite and Walter
Winchell ; Lucy, Jackie Gleason, Walt Disney,
James Dean, Marilyn Monroe and Elvis; and
Mickey Mantle and Joe Di Maggio. … These and
others will make the fifties boom for us!
Dr. Shari O’Brien has doctorates in
English and law; she worked in United States
District Court. Publishing five law review articles
as well as hundreds of essays and poems in
national journals, she taught writing and poetry
for twenty-seven years at UT and practiced law
for 36 years.
Wines of Argentina
Nicholas Kubiak
6:30 – 8:30 PM, Wednesday, March 6
There are seven wine regions in Argentina
with more than 100 official appellations. Argentina
is the fifth largest wine producing country in the
world and renowned for its Malbec and Torrontés
wines. Come with us to the foothills of the Andes
as we explore this great wine region and taste six
unique wines. Please feel free to bring food for
pairing.
Nicholas Kubiak is a Certified Specialist of
Wine and Spirits and a veteran of our local wine
industry.
The Great Lakes Today
Marya Czech
10:30 – noon, Wednesdays
March 6 – April 10 (6 weeks)
The Great Lakes provide us with
magnificent beauty, each lake with its own distinct
character. However, the lakes are facing threats
from human encroachment and climate change.
Each lecture will explore highlights of the lakes as
well as current research on pollutants, invasive
species, and the impact of recreational and
economic uses. We will also discuss the new set
of threats represented by increasing
temperatures and changes in precipitation
patterns.
Instructor Marya Czech is a retired
professor from the Lourdes University Biology
Department and currently works as a regional
environmentalist.
Israel, the Old-New Land
Daniel Pearlman & Tim Hagen
Class 1: 1:00–2:30 PM OR Class 2: 3:00–4:30 PM
Friday, March 8
Israel is a country of many contradictions.
It is a land thousands of years old but a country
75 years young. It mixes ancient cities with ever-
growing skyscrapers. Tourists and tattooed
hipsters bump shoulders with devout adherents of
the three major monotheistic religions as well as
those of other faiths and none. It is a land of
conflict and a land of peace; the sea and the
desert; flat coastal plains and steep mountain
tops; sun and snow. For countless people and for
thousands of years, it is the center of the
universe. Join local expert Daniel Pearlman on an
educational tour of Israel through photos, videos,
and stories of the land, the people, the history,
and more. Then, you will have a chance to visit
Israel through the use of Virtual Reality (VR)
glasses, giving you a realistic 3D touring
experience.
Since there are a limited number of VR
glasses, the same class will be given twice, once
at 1 PM and again at 3 PM.
Daniel Pearlman is the Vice President of
Community and Government Relations at the
Jewish Federation of Greater Toledo. He
previously lived in Israel and earned his Master’s
degree from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Tim Hagen is the Project Manager and
Technology Coordinator at the Jewish Federation
of Greater Toledo, where he oversees a virtual
reality program for seniors.
Introduction to Chess
Jeremy Conn
3:00 – 5:00 PM, Thursdays
March 7 - 21, April 4 – 18 (6 weeks; no class
on March 28)
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Learn the rules of chess as well as the
history and culture of this classic game. If you
thought chess may be too difficult to learn, or
never really understood it, this course is definitely
for you. You will successfully learn how to play
chess confidently and with a head start toward
playing like an expert! This class will also cover
the history of the development of chess, chess
notation, how chess is organized as a sport, how
computers are made to play chess, the many
ways to enjoy chess, and more!
We will learn chess step by step, piece by
piece. Beginning on day one, we will play partial
chess, adding pieces until we are playing full
games. This easy going and fun class is aimed at
beginners, but at every step there will be material
relevant to all levels. Registration includes a
standard plastic tournament set, board, and
carrying bag that will be yours to keep.
Jeremy Conn is a strong amateur chess
player and aspiring master, the president of the
Knights of Toledo Chess Club (currently hosted
online by Chess.com), and an experienced chess
coach for beginning and intermediate players.
Jeremy loves to share his knowledge of and
profound love for the game.
It’s in the Cards
Sheila Otto
9:30 – 11:30 AM, Mondays
March 11 – 25 (3 weeks)
Are you inspired by beautiful quotes and
art? Many people keep motivational signs in
sight, but have you ever created your own? This
class will be an exploration of words, images, and
stories as a form of self-exploration, a way to
bring forth elements and words that matter the
most in your life. Together we will combine
wisdom stories, collage, scissors, and
imagination in cards that illustrate wisdom, values
or humor that inspire us.
Storyteller/story listener Sheila Otto will
share some favorite short wisdom parables, offer
some starter guidelines, and then encourage
participants to look within themselves to find their
stories using a playful approach of cutting and
pasting words and magazine pictures to identify
parts of their personal stories creating their own
wisdom cards. You will go home with new ways
of seeing and sharing yourself!
The Vietnam War
Dr. Dwayne Beggs
1:30 - 2:30 PM, Wednesdays
March 13 - April 17 (6 weeks)
We will study early Vietnamese history
and the oppression experienced by the
Vietnamese people, the events leading up to
American involvement in Vietnam, the continued
escalation of U.S. military involvement in Vietnam
and the eventual withdrawal of U.S. forces. A
particular focus will be given to the military and
diplomatic aspects of U.S. involvement in
Vietnam as well as the impact of the war on the
American home front.
Two books are recommended but not
required. Vietnam and the United States: Origins
and Legacy of War and Vietnam: Explaining
America's Lost War also by Gary R. Hess.
Dr. Dwayne Beggs has taught many
popular classes on many military conflicts for
Lifelong Learning. Dr. Beggs earned a M.A. and a
Ph.D. in U.S. Diplomatic History from BGSU. He
also holds an M. Div. and served as a Youth
Pastor / Associate Pastor for 22 years.
The Final Verdict: a Discussion of the Death
Penalty
Joseph Moran
10:00 – 11:30 AM Thursdays
March 14–21 (2 weeks)
Few issues evoke stronger feelings than
the death penalty. Many see it as both deserved
and a deterrent while others view it as ineffective
and a barbaric remnant of the past. The course
will cover justifications for and against the penalty
and the position of the three Abrahamic religions.
It will also address execution methods, landmark
court decisions, public opinion, the potential for
mistakes, its national and international use, death
row, and the likely future of capital punishment.
Joseph Moran has an M.A. in Criminology
from BGSU and taught at Lourdes University for
20 years, primarily Criminology and Penology.
Joe retired from the Toledo Municipal Court
Probation Department where he was a supervisor
and briefly served as chief probation officer. In
retirement, Joe has worked as a chemical
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dependency counselor at the Lucas County
Correctional Center (jail) and serves as treasurer
of the non-profit Toledoans for Prison Awareness.
Heroes from Northern Ohio
Jerry Wesolwoski
1:00 – 2:00 PM, Monday, March 18
Join us for stories of men from Ohio who
distinguished themselves in service to our
country, including recipients of the Medal of
Honor, the United States’ highest military
decoration for acts of valor in combat. Learn
about soldiers like those involved in the daring
Great Locomotive Chase of 1862 who penetrated
nearly 200 miles into enemy territory to capture a
railroad train and attempted to destroy tracks vital
to the Confederates. Explore the story of Leonard
Thom, from Sandusky, who served as the
Executive Officer aboard the boat that launched
the legend of JFK, and many more.
Jerry Wesolwoski served a year in
Vietnam providing security for the Air Force. The
effects of his exposure to Agent Orange still affect
him today.
Exploring Eclipses
Laura Megeath
10:30-11:30 AM, Friday, April 5
A beautiful and rare event is coming: a
total solar eclipse on April 8. Come explore the
Sun and Moon and learn about different types of
eclipses. Discover what makes these events so
extraordinary. Inside the Appold Planetarium, we
will even watch the eclipse from the surface of the
Moon!
Laura Megeath is the Coordinator of both
Lifelong Learning and the Appold Planetarium.
Journalism as Witness: Freedom, un-freedom
and the human person in the writing of
George Orwell and Hannah Arendt
Dr. Keith Burris
3:00 – 5:00 PM, Wednesdays
March 27–May 1 (6 weeks)
We will read Orwell’s Homage to
Catalonia and The Portable Hannah Arendt
closely. The first two weeks will be devoted to the
Orwell book, which is often called the greatest
war correspondence book ever written. But it is
also a book about fascism and freedom. We will
spend three weeks on the Arendt book, looking at
excerpts from Eichmann in Jerusalem, The
Origins of Totalitarianism, and The Human
Condition. In the sixth week we will sum up and
synthesize. The course will be mostly discussion
style with short mini-lectures mixed in.
Registration includes a copy both books.
Keith C. Burris, Ph.D. wrote for the Toledo Blade
from 1986 to 1988 and again from 2013 to 2022.
His most recent position was Editorial Director
and Vice President of Block Newspapers. In
addition to writing for several other newspapers,
Keith has also taught at Washington & Jefferson
College, the University of Hartford, Trinity
College, and West Virginial University.
Glass City Architecture: A Mood Ring of Our
Past
Tedd Long
10:30 – 11:30 AM, Tuesday, April 2
A lot of a city's past can be revealed by its
architecture. Join us for an exploration of the
changing mood of the Glass City through an
interactive timeline highlighting downtown
Toledo's architecture. Often, architects project not
only their own personal styles but also the city's
mood when they design a building.
Tedd Long is an author, photographer,
lecturer, and curator of
www.holytoledohistory.com.
These Are a Few of My Favorite… Places!
Ted J. Ligibel
2:00 – 4:00 PM, Thursday, April 4
Preservation of historic sites has been
Ted Ligibel’s life work for 50 years. Explore
places past and present and hear their stories—
some lamentable and others marked with
success. We will visit Fallen Timbers and River
Raisin Battlefields, Wildwood Metropark, Fountain
Point (that contains the second longest porch in
Michigan), the majestic Wright-Harvey mansion,
the eleventh-hour rescue of the Gardner Building,
the heart-stopping save of the Valentine Building,
the Vistula and Lakeside Historic Districts, and
historic districts around Northwest Ohio and
Southeast Michigan. Discover lesser-known
works of some of the region’s most famous
architects, like E.O. Fallis, D. W. Gibbs, David L.
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Stine, Norval B. Bacon, the Wachter’s and the
Huber’s, and George S. Mills. In addition, meet
some of the people that influenced Ted in his
early years of historic preservation.
Ted J. Ligibel, Ph.D., has 50 years of
experience in historic preservation, having been
involved in dozens of efforts to save historic
places in Ohio and Michigan. He has worked at
several of the region's major institutions and has
directed the nation's largest graduate program in
Historic Preservation at Eastern Michigan
University, retiring from there in 2019. His writings
on local history, historic preservation, and historic
architecture include his most recent work,
Toledo’s Oldest Cheese Store: A. Rensch &
Company, 1882-2016.
Long May She Reign: British Queens and the
Evolution of the British Government
David Enstone
9:30 – 11:00 AM, Thursdays
April 4–18 (3 weeks)
Britain’s three longest serving female
Monarchs were Queen Elizabeth 1 (1558-1603),
Queen Victoria (1819-1901), and Queen
Elizabeth 2 (1952 – 2022). Against the
background of the life and times of these three
Queens, we will discuss the history and evolution
of the British Monarchic system which came
about in the 10
th
Century. Until 1707 the
Monarchy ruled Britain and then the first
Parliament of the Kingdom of Great Britain was
established, after the merger of the Kingdom of
England and the Kingdom of Scotland. We will
then review the evolution of the British
Parliamentary system and the transition of power
that took place over the next 300 years.
Raised in the United Kingdom, David
Enstone has previously taught Lifelong Learning
classes on the UK, art & music, and New Mexico.
It’s Great, But is it Art? Part 2
Sharon Havelak
10:00 -11:30 AM, Tuesday, April 9
The Armory Show of 1913, with over 1300
works by 300 artists, shocked the US art world
and changed the direction of American art. After
World War II, the US would become the center for
art, with the even more abstract styles of Action
Painting, Pop Art, Op Art and Color Field
Painting. We will look at the why, how and who of
these styles and why they are considered
hallmarks of their eras, with a focus on the most
influential of the early 20
th
century artists, Pablo
Picasso. You may never like these styles – but
you will understand why they are considered
important. Attendance at the previous class in the
fall is not required.
Sister Sharon Havelak, OSF, is an artist
and adjunct instructor at Lourdes University. She
previously managed All Good Things, a gift shop
and gallery that offers items made by the Sisters
of St Francis, but now gives more of her time to
her art.
Paint like an Impressionist
Beth McArthur
1:00 – 3:00 PM, Friday, April 12
If you ever wanted to know more about
the Impressionists or just dabble in painting like
one, this class is for you! We will be briefly
discussing the origins of the Impressionist
movement and some of the artists bringing this
new style of painting to light – no pun intended!
You will be capturing the essence of the
Impressionism style on a canvas frame with
creative applications of paint. There is no wrong
or right way to create art, so no artistic skills are
needed. You will be impressed by what you
create to take home. If this sounds intriguing,
then sign up quickly as the moment is as fleeting
as an Impressionist trying to paint on a cloudy
day!
Beth McArthur earned her degree in Art
Education and had the privilege of teaching for
many years. Some of her happiest times in
teaching came during her time at Sylvania
Franciscan Academy under the care of the
Sisters of Saint Francis. Beth has come full circle,
as she has since retired from teaching but now
enjoys her role as Store Director at All Good
Things on the Lourdes University campus.
From the River to the Glass: Rhône’s Wine
Tapestry
Nicholas Kubiak
6:30 – 8:30 PM, Wednesday, April 10
The Rhône is a major river in France and
Switzerland, rising in the Alps and flowing west
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and south through Lake Geneva and
southeastern France before discharging into the
Mediterranean Sea. As one of the major
highways for the Greeks and Romans, this trade
route has been cultivating wine since 600 BC! It’s
been a home to Popes and Royalty alike. Join us
as we delve into the wines and history of the
Rhône with six fantastic wines. You are invited to
bring food for pairing.
Adventure on the Rhine River
Dr. Andy Jorgensen
9:00 – 11:00 AM, Tuesday, April 16
We will take a pictorial tour along the
Rhine River from Basel, Switzerland to
Amsterdam, exploring several cities along the
way with their historic buildings and vineyards.
We begin in Basel visiting a quaint
pharmaceutical museum which includes a replica
of an alchemist’s laboratory. The city boasts
many other important venues, such the 17
th
century Kunstmuseum, which is the first publicly
available museum for art in the world. Another
stop is Strasbourg with its timber-framed homes
and businesses, including Reisling wineries. The
nationality of this town depended upon which
country won the last war, Germany or France, so
it is quite multicultural. A long stretch of the river
includes dozens of castles, some decaying and
others thriving. A high point will be a visit to the
striking Gothic cathedral in Cologne. Touring this
area would not be complete without peeking into
a working Dutch windmill. These massive
structures pump water to prevent flooding in
much of the country.
Dr. Andy Jorgensen is Professor Emeritus
at the University of Toledo. He has spent
considerable time living and studying in Europe
over the past several decades.
Visions of Native Landscapes
Barbara Mauter
10:00 - 11:30 AM, Friday, April 12
Many Native American writers can paint
and create landscapes with just their words. A
selection of Native poetry and writing inspired by
these landscapes and environments will be
shared. The goal is to be immersed, galvanized,
and transported by their words to experience
North American landscapes in a new way.
Barbara Mauter is an adjunct instructor
with over 20 years' experience teaching college.
She has taught and presented various workshops
for UT, BGSU, Monroe County Community
College, and Lifelong Learning at Lourdes
University. She is known for her critical thinking
class activities. Barbara’s interests center around
how our minds work, reading, thinking, and
Native American culture and history.
Water, Water (isn’t) Everywhere: But Is It Safe
to Drink?
Dr. Joseph Cotruvo PhD, BCES
Tom Henry, guest speaker
10:30 – 12:30 PM, Mondays
April 15 – May 20 (6 weeks)
Water is necessary for all life and is also
essential for economic progress. Demand for
water continues to increase, especially as the
world population has passed 8 billion, but the
total world supply has been constant for millions
of years. This class will describe issues providing
safe water throughout the world, including
Toledo.
• Regulation of water quality, including federal,
state, and local responsibilities
• Connections between water quality and public
health
• Comparisons between public drinking water,
bottled water, and home treated water
• Causes of worldwide water shortages
• Approaches to produce more drinkable water.
We will review several publicized drinking
water issues including Flint and lead (what really
happened), Chrome VI (Erin Brockovich story),
Perfluorochemicals (PFAS), Toledo's algal bloom
and algal toxins event, water chlorination, and
waterborne disease including water related
Legionellosis.
Dr. Joseph Cotruvo is a Toledo native with
a BS in Chemistry from UT and a Ph.D. in
Physical Organic Chemistry from OSU. He spent
25 years at USEPA in Washington principally as
first Director of EPA's Drinking Water Standards
Division, and as Director of EPA's Risk
Assessment Division in the Toxic Substances
program. Since his retirement from the EPA, Joe
works as an international consultant on water,
environmental and public health and is a member
of the World Health Organization's Drinking Water
Attend online
or on campus!
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Guidelines Committee. He is also an Adjunct
Research Professor in the UT Department of
Chemistry and Biochemistry. Dr. Cotruvo will be
joining us via Zoom.
Guest speaker Tom Henry has focused on
Great Lakes environmental-energy issues for
most of his 28 years at The (Toledo) Blade.
The Wit, Grit & Wisdom of Winston Churchill
L. Paul Hood, Jr.
10:00 – 11:30 AM, Wednesday
April 17 – 24 (2 weeks)
Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965) was
one of the most noteworthy political leaders of the
20
th
century. Churchill was a British statesman,
orator, and author who twice served as British
Prime Minister. A very complex man of mixed
British and American heritage, he served five
different constituencies, both as a Tory and as a
Liberal as a Member of the British Parliament and
in several Cabinet positions. A prolific and glib
writer, quote meister and raconteur, this course
will examine selected Churchill quotes and
literary works, and, by so doing, try to put
Churchill’s 90-year life into perspective.
A native of Louisiana and a passionate
history buff, Paul Hood obtained his under-
graduate and law degrees from Louisiana State
University and an LL.M. in taxation from
Georgetown University Law Center before settling
down to practice tax and estate planning law in
the New Orleans area. Paul has taught at the
University of New Orleans, Northeastern
University, University of Toledo, and Ohio
Northern University.
Pioneering Women in Photography
Kristin Baldeschwiler
3:00–5:00 PM, Thurs., April 18 – May 9 (4 weeks)
This class will introduce you to four
trailblazing women in photography: Julia Margaret
Cameron, Gertrude Käsebier, Dorothea Lange,
and Margaret Bourke-White. Each class will
present one photographer’s biography and body
of work, as well as compare their work to that of
their contemporaries. Though these women had
different backgrounds, equipment, and subjects,
as well as different receptions to their work, each
was a pioneer in her own way.
Instructor Kristin Baldeschwiler received
her BA in Art History from Lourdes University,
works at St. Vincent Medical Center, and is the
artist/owner of Baldeschwiler Art & Design, LLC.
God and the History of Religion – Part 1
John Krochmalny
10:00 – noon, Mondays
April 22 – 29 (2 weeks)
Throughout recorded human history, there
appears to have been a relationship existing
between God (the Supreme Being), His creation,
and mankind. This continues to today with over 6
billion people believing in the existence of a
Supreme Being but perhaps differing on cultural
interpretations. Various human cultures recorded
these stories/myths and made them integral to
their societal existence. In God and the History of
Religion - Part 1, we will look at the
anthropological progression involving the
concepts of God and mankind’s understanding
from the first member of the human race, Lucy
(approximately 300,000 BCE) to Abraham
(approximately 2300 BCE).
John Krochmalny has considerable
higher-education teaching experience as an
instructional designer and technical trainer.
The Story You Need to Tell
Beth E. Heinzeroth White
10:00 – noon, Tuesday, April 30
You have a unique life story. You have
experienced joy, confusion, anger, sorrow, and
the satisfaction of hard-won life lessons. Your
valuable insights can teach, inspire, and
strengthen your relationships. This class is
designed to help you appreciate your story's
power through storytelling tips, dispelling myths
that might be holding you back, and various
methods you can use to explain how life has
made you smarter. Explore how to craft your
personal experiences into a compelling story. No
writing or performing experience is needed. The
goal is for you to understand that your story is
significant and that you have what it takes to tell
it. It’s time to begin writing!
Beth E. Heinzeroth White is a former
pediatric clinical nurse specialist and author of
award-winning nonfiction and fiction books about
nursing. She recognizes the energy of the words
19
“tell me a story” and thoroughly enjoys sharing it
with others.
Each participant will receive a
complimentary copy of “Ruminations” based on
Kit Wilson, RN, the main character in Beth’s
fiction series.
Beginner Birding
Elizabeth Anderson
9:00 – 10:30 AM, Fridays
May 3 – 10 (2 weeks)
Learn the basics of bird identification in
this introductory course! You'll learn to look for
size, shape, sound, markings, and more to
identify common Ohio birds. A second session
will put your newfound knowledge to use as we
venture to Secor Metropark to practice birding in
the field. This course includes a copy of the book
AMNH Pocket Field Guide to Birds of North
America (Eastern Region) for each student to
keep.
Elizabeth Anderson received an English degree
from Lourdes University and now works as an
administrative assistant and author. Her debut
novel, The Remarkable Retirement of Edna
Fisher, released in 2023 from Midnight Meadow
Publishing. Her next novel, The Keeper of Lonely
Spirits, is pending from Mira Books, with an
expected release date of 2025. Elizabeth started
birding 13 years ago and looks forward to sharing
one of her favorite pastimes with Lifelong
Learners.
The Journey of the Universe: Cosmological
Gifts for the Great Turning
Rosine Sobczak, OSF
10:00 – noon, Mondays
May 6 – 13 (2 weeks)
These turbulent times have led some
people to a cosmological approach to explore
life’s deeper meaning. Thomas Berry, Passionist
priest and cultural historian, and Brian Swimme,
mathematician and cosmologist, have presented
us with such an approach. Learn about these
men and the cosmic story they are telling us.
Participants will explore this Story in word,
discussion, and action. Cosmological gifts are
presented to stimulate a deeper sense of who we
are and the part we play in this evolving story.
Registration includes a copy of the book
The Universe is a Green Dragon by Brian
Swimme.
Sister Rosine Sobczak, OSF is an
Associate Biology Professor Emerita, who has
linked biology and spirituality to a great degree in
her own life for the past 30 years and presented
insights to others who were eager to listen and
grow in their own spirituality.
The Big Change: Musical Theater in the 1970s
and 1980s
Dr. Christopher Williams
3:30 – 5:00 PM, Mondays
May 6 – 20 (3 weeks); Exclusively online
The decade of the 1970s and 1980s saw
one of the most dramatic fragmentations of
musical style and concept in the history of
musical theater. A waning of interest in the epic
book musicals that capped the 1960s was met by
the emergence of concept shows, pop and rock
styles, revivals, pastiches, and throwbacks, most
of which channeled nostalgia and market-tested
formula drawn from the early decades of the
genre. Critics often lamented a failure of
imagination and an unwillingness of producers to
take risks, but these changes paved the way for
the trends of the next three decades.
This class focuses on the high points and
one-hit wonders of this period, combined with the
continuing success of established talents like
Stephen Sondheim (Sweeney Todd, Merrily We
Roll Along, Sunday in the Park with George, Into
the Woods), the flourishing career of British
import Andrew Lloyd Webber (Evita, Cats,
Phantom of the Opera), and French newcomer
Claude-Michel Schőnberg (Les Misérables, Miss
Saigon), as well as isolated hits like the Pulitzer
Prize-winning A Chorus Line, Jerry Herman’s Le
Cage aux Folles, Charles Strouse’s Annie,
Kander and Ebb’s Chicago, and the Fats Waller
review Ain’t Misbehavin.’
Future of Ukraine
Jarosław Szczepański
10:00 – 11:00 AM, Tuesday May 7
Attend online or on campus!
As the situation on between Russia and
Ukraine remains tense, experts worldwide are
engaged in debates regarding the future of
20
Ukraine. While the years ahead are marked by
uncertainty, several potential scenarios are under
consideration. The Ukrainian Institute for the
Future has contributed to this discourse by
presenting key points for discussion regarding
post-war Ukraine, drawing on the latest findings
from political, social, and strategic research.
This class aims to offer an in-depth
examination of the internal perspective on
Ukraine, juxtaposing it with the broader
perception of the country within the eastern flank
of NATO. The discussion will consider various
facets, including politics, economy, demography,
and security.
Jarosław Szczepański trained as a
political scientist and lawyer and currently works
as an assistant professor from the University of
Warsaw in Poland. He was a 2021 Fulbright
Fellow at OSU. He recently conducted research
at Victoria University of Wellington.
The Land of the Rising Sun: 12,000 Years of
Japanese Art History
Chris Rilling
1:00 – 3:00 PM, Wednesday, May 8
Japanese art can be traced back millennia
and can take many different forms, from delicate
pottery and wonderful woodblock prints to
intricate ink drawings and exquisite origami. With
so many centuries of creativity to unpack, we will
focus on Japan’s most important artistic periods
and identify its most significant artists.
Chris Rilling is both an educator and
artist. After receiving a master’s in art education
from the University of Toledo, Chris taught art
and art history at Owens Community College and
Northview High School.
Wine and War
Nicholas Kubiak
6:30 – 8:30 PM, Wednesday, May 8
This class will focus on the effects that
World War II had on the wine industry. Encounter
family vineyards that persisted in dismal
conditions to maintain their livelihoods and their
identities. The war forced businesses to adapt
and so tastes were changed. We will taste six
historically significant wines and learn their
stories. Everyone is welcome to bring food for
pairing.
The Complexity of Lawmaking
Linda Furney
1:00 – 3:00 PM, Thursdays, May 9 – 23 (3 weeks)
Government classes traditionally teach
the basic process of how a bill becomes a law.
This class will focus on the obstacles that prevent
bills from becoming laws. Expect deep dives into
topics like lobbying, term limits, gerrymandering,
and the pivotal role of constituent engagement.
Get ready for an engaging, interactive class and
come armed with your questions!
Linda Furney served 21 years as an
elected official. She was elected to the Toledo
School Board, Toledo City Council, and the Ohio
Senate. As a teacher, she taught English at
Whitmer High School and the American School in
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil as well as home economics
at Springfield High School.
Ultimate United States Trivia Challenge
Jan Whitaker
10:00 – 11:30 AM, Tuesday, May 14
Calling all Jeopardy fans! Test your
knowledge of the United States in this fun and
interactive quiz about famous places, geography,
and historical facts. There will be a prize for the
person with the most correct answers!
An inveterate traveler, willing to go
anywhere anytime, Jan Whitaker is an Ohio
native with a lifelong interest in the history of our
area. Previously Jan spoke about the 1,200-mile
Buckeye Trail and shared personal stories of her
hike, as well as regional National Park Sites she
has visited.
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SPRING 2024 REGISTRATION FORM
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Please mail registration forms to:
Lifelong Learning
Lourdes University
6832 Convent Blvd.
Sylvania OH 43560
Payment by mail is strongly encouraged.
For more information please call
419 - 824 - 3707 or send an email to
lifelong@lourdes.edu
In person / on campus: Registration forms and payment may be made in person at the Finance Office
in Saint Clare Hall 145. The Finance Office is open 8:00 – 4:30 and may be reached at 419-824-3724.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Thanks to a generous donor, Lifelong Learning can provide financial assistance to those who would
otherwise be unable to participate. For more information, please contact Laura Megeath at (419) 824-
3707 for additional information. All requests are confidential.
REFUND POLICY
Lifelong Learning will refund money for classes, trips, and events only under two circumstances:
1) If Lifelong Learning cancels an event or changes the dates / times of an event after a person has
paid.
2) A person becomes so severely ill that hospitalization is required. If you are unable to attend
something for which you have paid, you are welcome to sell your spot to another person. You must
then notify Lifelong Learning with the name of the individual who will be attending.
22
SPRING 2024 REGISTRATION FORM
Membership All memberships expire July 31,2024
New Member $30 per person
Continuing Member (paid during fall semester)
Lourdes Society & Alumni – free
Lourdes Parent $15 per person
Monthly Lectures No registration needed!
• A Life Full of Music Free
• Beyond TV Dramas Free
• Do You Really Know… Free
• Great Edmund Fitzgerald Mystery Free
• Let’s Talk About the Weather Free
Hot Topics Member / Nonmember prices listed
Effects of the Pandemic $12 / $24
Policing and the Need for Reform $12 / $24
Tales of a Zoo & Wildlife Veterinarian $12/$24
Universal, Simple and Affordable $12 / $24
Travel Member / Nonmember prices listed
A Grape Escape $164 / $176
Art and Gardens of Ann Arbor $165 / $177
Auto Barons Holiday Home Tour price
available at www. Lourdes.edu/Travel
Detroit's Polish Heart sold out
Reflections of History $155 / $167
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame price available
at www. Lourdes.edu/Travel
Solid Gold Detroit sold out
Special Events: Member / Nonmember prices
180th Fighter Wing Base Tour sold out
Along the Way Free
Arboretum Tour: Evergreens $21 / $33
Eclectic Bellydancing Extravaganza $22 / $34
Classes: Member / Nonmember prices listed
Adventure on the Rhine River $23 / $35
Baby Boomiest Decade $76 / $88
Beginner Birding $37 / $49
Big Change: Musical Theater $32 / $44
Complexity of Lawmaking $43 / $55
Exploring Eclipses $16 / $28
Final Verdict $26 / $38
Fluid Expressions: Watercolors $67 / $79
From the River to the Glass sold out
Future of Ukraine $16 / $28
Glass City Architecture $16 / $28
God and the History of Religion $30/ $42
Great Decisions – 2024 $85 / $97
Great Lakes Today $58 / $70
Heroes from Northern Ohio $16 / $28
History of Christianity $76 / $88
History of Food in the World $30/ $42
History of Israel & Palestine $16 / $28
House Divided: Political System $33 / $45
Introduction to Chess $86 / $98
Israel, the Old-New Land $16 / $28
Class 1: 1:00 – 2:30 PM OR
Class 2: 3:00 – 4:30 PM
It’s Great, But is it Art? $21 / $33
It’s in the Cards $43 / $55
Journalism as Witness $86 / $98
Journey of the Universe $31 / $43
Land of the Rising Sun $23 / $35
Learnin’ ‘Rithmetic, and History $26 / $38
Long May She Reign $33 / $45
New Land: Government $33 / $45
Origin Story of Mennonites $23 / $35
Overview of Islam $23 / $35
Paint like an Impressionist $27 / $39
Paper and Pencil Drawing $76 / $88
Pioneering Women in Photography $51 / $63
Pioneers of Reform $43 / $55
Shostakovich and Us $32 / $44
Spectrum of Jazz $76 / $88
Story You Need to Tell $23 / $35
Temperance & Making of America $30/ $42
These Are a Few of My Favorites! $23 / $35
Ukrainian Easter Eggs $86 / $98
Ultimate US Trivia Challenge $21 / $33
Understanding Perspective $76 / $88
Vietnam War $30 / $42
Visions of Native Landscapes $21 / $33
Water, Water (isn’t) Everywhere $76 / $88
Wine and War sold out
Wines of Argentina sold out
Wit, Grit & Wisdom of Churchill $26 / $38
Total Amount: $_____________
23
24
SPRING 2024
419-824-3707
lifelong@lourdes.edu
www.Lourdes.edu/LifeLong
Lourdes University
6832 Convent Blvd.
Sylvania OH 43560
