Spring Semester
BEGINNING GENEALOGY- COURSE OVERVIEW
Jon Smith
Beginning Genealogy provides a structured, practical course designed for new genealogy students or those who previously explored family history but lack confidence in their research process. Rather than focusing on building large online trees quickly, this course emphasizes developing good habits, organization, and sound methodology from the start.
Students learn how genealogists actually work-starting with themselves, documenting families accurately, and tracking research so work is not lost or repeated. Students learn what to record, why negative searches matter, and how a research log guides future work. The course covers both paper-based and electronic methods, including pedigree charts, family group sheets, and an overview of online family trees. Students are Introduced to essential genealogy tools and websites such as Ancestry, FamilySearch, Find-a-Grave, the FamilySearch Research Wiki, Cyndi’s List, and The Family History Guide so they understand where to look before they start searching.
Throughout the six weeks, students explore a wide range of core genealogical record types, including census, vital, church, probate, land, military, burial, and substitute records. Instruction focuses on what each record can and cannot tell you, how to recognize reliability issues, and how records work together. The final session introduces DNA testing for genealogy at a beginner level, explaining what DNA can help with, what it cannot answer, and how DNA complements documentary research. By the end of the course, students leave with a documented family tree, a functioning research log, a clear understanding of major record types, and the confidence to continue researching independently or advance to Intermediate Genealogy.
INTERMEDIATE GENEALOGY – COURSE OVERVIEW
Jon Smith
Intermediate Genealogy provides instruction for students possessing experience finding genealogical records but struggle with organization, analysis, and problem-solving. This course focuses on rebuilding weak foundations while teaching how to use advanced records and analytical tools effectively. Students learn the importance of locality research, how court systems create records, and how land, probate, immigration, military, and newspaper records work together. The course emphasizes understanding why records exist, the record’s location, and how jurisdiction affects availability.
A major component of the course includes evidence evaluation and research logging. Students learn how to track research problems, avoid duplicate work, and recognize conflicts in evidence. The class includes a session on DNA tests for genealogy and the differences between the types of tests and the various service providers, with a focus on what to expect and how to use the results. By the end of the course, students can solve complex genealogical problems with structure and confidence and prepare themselves for in-depth research of their own family tree.
CARDIO DRUMMING
Lyndsie Smyser
Drums Alive Cardio Drumming is a fun, high energy exercise class that involves drumming on a stability ball to upbeat music. The class is suitable for all abilities and can be performed either seated or standing. Modifications are also provided. The goal of the class is to move our bodies and have fun! Absolutely no drumming or musical experience is required. Workout that combines rhythmic movements with drumming, offering numerous physical and cognitive benefits for seniors.
CHAIR YOGA
Barbara Popiel
Chair yoga is a gentle practice in which postures are performed while seated and/or with the aid of a chair. Chair yoga classes typically target those who find a typical yoga session too challenging. It is also a great form of yoga for beginners or anyone who wants to focus on gentle practice.
Aspects of Chair yoga may even be incorporated into a regular Hatha yoga class, particularly to assist those with balance issues or anyone who has trouble getting down to and up off the floor.
CHESS LESSONS FOR ALL
Lester James
Learn or re-visit the game of chess. If you are a newbie, come learn the fundamentals to play the game. If you are seasoned, come play against new opponents. Sharpen your mind through strategic thinking!!!
CREATIVE ARTS & CRAFTS
Heather Capezio
The 10-week workshop will include textured art with acrylic and mixed media; watercolor resist pieces and nature art collage.
EAT SMART, MOVE MORE and AROUND THE TABLE
University of Delaware Co-Op Extension
The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) provides hands-on nutrition education through a series of lessons. Each group usually meets once a week for six to ten weeks. Best of all it is FREE to those who are eligible!
EFNEP participants learn about eating healthy and being active. Each session lasts 60 to 120 minutes depending on participants’ needs. Lessons are taught in groups
INTRO TO AI
Bob Burakiewicz
Artificial Intelligence isn’t just for techies – it’s for everyone! This easy going 12-week class helps older adults discover how to use AI safely and confidently in daily life. You’ll learn how to write friendly messages, plan trips, summarize articles, organize photos, and spot scams – all in plain English with lots of practice and laughter along the way. Empower yourself with knowledge for tomorrow’s world!!
GLIMPSES OF GOD’s CHARACTER
Joe Florio
GOD’s names and titles are windows into his character. Using an easy-to-follow study guide, we will explore the key “names of GOD” revealed in the Bible. It’s not merely an academic study centered on ancient words and obscure events. Rather, each study is designed to give you a clearer understanding of who God is by gaining insights to names used to describe GOD. A deeper knowing of who GOD is helps us grow closer to HIM.
LINE DANCING
Kelly Valeski
New to line dancing or ready to build on the basics? This beginner-friendly class is the perfect place to start! We’ll dance to today’s hottest hits mixed with a few timeless favorites while learning simple, easy-to-follow steps that build confidence week by week. No experience needed -just bring your smile and get ready to have fun on the dance floor!
Please wear comfortable clothing and appropriate dance footwear. Recommended shoes include dance sneakers, smooth-sole athletic shoes, suede-bottom dance boots, or your favorite sneakers with dance shoe covers (available on Amazon). Please no traditional wooden-sole boots.
SPANISH CULTURE AND LANGUAGE CLASS
Abigil McCallister-Guerrero
“¡A Tu Salud! Spanish for Mind & Soul”
This is not your typical academic course. We bypass the “whirlpool of Spanish textbooks” to focus on what truly matters: connection and cognitive health.
Boost Your Brain: Learning a second language acts as a powerful “mental workout,” strengthening neuroplasticity, improving memory, and even delaying the onset of cognitive decline by up to 4-5 years.
Important points: You will learn to introduce yourself, greet others, and express your feelings, needs, and emotions in a supportive environment.
Cultural Immersion: Discover the soul of Latin America and Spain through their art, the romantic tradition of the serenata, and the playful art of the piropo.
Social Etiquette: Master the nuances of Spanish Social Etiquette, from the double-cheek kiss to the polite use of “Don” and “Doña” to show respect.
Unique Learning Style: I believe that fun is the best fuel for the brain. Every session is built around:
Games & Music: We will use rhythmic resources and hits like Mayonesa and Bésame Mucho to anchor new words in your long-term memory.
Mnemonics: You’ll use creative “memory hooks” like the DOCTOR & PLACE acronyms to make grammar effortless.
Cognates & Questions: We focus on “shortcuts”—words that are similar in English and Spanish—so you can start speaking from day one.
Invest in your health and your social life this semester. Whether you’re planning a trip abroad or just want to keep your mind sharp, this workshop provides the tools to live life to the fullest.
Additional explanation: The name of the workshop “¡A Tu Salud! Spanish for Mind & Soul” has:
• Triple meaning: It covers the “Cheers” of a social toast, the “Health” of neuroplasticity, and the “Bless you” of polite social etiquette. It says immediately that this is a wellness-focused class.
• Emotional Connection: Seniors value vitality. Using a title that translates to “To Your Health” feels like an invitation to self-care rather than a dry academic chore.
SQUARE DANCE FOR ALL
Dennis O’Neal
New to line dancing or ready to build on the basics? This beginner-friendly class is the perfect place to start! We’ll dance to today’s hottest hits mixed with a few timeless favorites while learning simple, easy-to-follow steps that build confidence week by week. No experience needed – just bring your smile and get ready to have fun on the dance floor!
Please wear comfortable clothing and appropriate dance footwear. Recommended shoes include dance sneakers, smooth-sole athletic shoes,
suede-bottom dance boots, or your favorite sneakers with dance shoe covers (available on Amazon).
Please no traditional wooden-sole boots.
TAI CHI
Gary Tompkins – Greenwood
Laurie DeLaski and Gretchen Wolfe – Harbour Lights
TAI-CHI is a safe, low-impact exercise ideal for all ages. The practice uses slow, fluid movements that both relaxes and strengthens the body. Learning Tai-Chi can help you improve your balance, strength and health. You will explore and learn various forms and movements in the Tai-Chi practices. This hour-long class will start with a gentle warm up followed by QioGong exercise then instruction on the selected Tai-Chi form. There will also be information on the basics and principles of Tai-Chi and QiGong
Best for beginners and intermediate levels, although all are welcome.
Please wear loose, comfortable clothing. Comfortable shoes with flat soles are preferred.
TEXERCISE
Donna Reynolds
Are you looking to change your exercise routine or just want to move more, stretch and have fun with music? Join us in Texercise.
Texercise is an exercise program developed by the State of Texas Health and Human Services Dept.
The program includes:
• Stretching for flexibility
• Cardio routine for endurance
• 1-2 lb hand weight program for strength
• Balance and Functional Fitness
What you will need:
•Appropriate Footwear
• Comfortable exercise clothes
• Bottle of water
• 1-2 lb weights if you have them. Or we can provide it.
Only 21 slots are available.
WATERCOLOR BASICS
Suzanne M. Jackson (Suzy)
Watercolor Basics will present students of all experience levels with basic watercolor terminology, techniques, and practical learning opportunities. No prior drawing of painting experience is required. The only requirements are a willingness to try, to learn, and to have fun. All materials will be provided courtesy of CHEER Academy.
Curriculum
The following terminology and techniques will be included in the Watercolor Basics curriculum. Students will apply these techniques to actual watercolor paintings.
Flat Wash: A flat wash is a foundational watercolor technique used to create a smooth, consistent area of color without streaks, typically for backgrounds or skies
Wet on Wet: The wet-on-wet watercolor technique involves applying wet paint onto already wet paper or a damp, previously applied layer of paint. It creates soft, diffused edges, blending, and spontaneous, dreamy effects, often used for skies, water, and atmospheric backgrounds. It is a foundational, yet challenging, technique that encourages letting go of control.
Wet on Dry: The wet-on-dry watercolor technique involves applying wet paint onto a completely dry surface, either raw paper or a previously dried layer, allowing for high control, sharp, crisp edges, and intense, detailed, saturated colors. It is the primary method for adding fine details, final touches, and, when used for layering (glazing), building depth and darker values.
Paint Activation: Activating watercolor paint involves introducing water to dried pans or concentrated pigments to release binder and pigment for use, ensuring rich, vibrant color.
WITS WORKOUT
University of Delaware Co-Op Extension
Wits Workout is a peer-reviewed, pilot-tested brain health resource tool developed to assist leaders who provide programs for older adults in community settings.
Research shows that intellectual challenge and social connections are factors that contribute to brain health throughout life. Wits Workout provides purposeful opportunities for older adults to engage intellectually and increase their socialization through ongoing group participation.
This is a fun-filled and challenging 1-hour program for 6-weeks. Run as a competition with intellectual challenges; participants can expect to compete in groups, partners, and as individuals. This program is excellent for seniors ages 60+