Current Class Offerings

We are presenting free fun Zoom classes for all our members!  Join your ILR members as we learn about the new and exciting world of Zoom. You'll get to see many of your ILR friends you have not seen for a quite a while, learn the basics on how to use Zoom and have fun. At a FREE class on how to attend a Zoom meeting, you will learn exactly what you need to know to be comfortable on Zoom ... [ more ]

The ILR has posted three of the recent classes offered to our members on 'How to Use Zoom' onto YouTube. They are available by clicking on one the links below. They offered as a tool to assist you in using Zoom either as a first-time user or as a refresher ... [ more ]

The Institute for Learning in Retirement (ILR) at Baldwin Wallace University has chosen Zoom Video conferencing as a safe and effective method for you to be able to attend the great classes offered by the ILR from the comfort and safety of your home ... [ more ]

Mondays, October 5 - November 9, 2020 | 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM  - Hawaii, Iceland, Mt. St. Helens, Pompeii, Himalayas, Yellowstone, San Andreas Fault, 2004 Indonesian Tsunami, 2011 Japan Earthquake - what do they have in common? Learn of the theory that revolutionized the Earth Sciences and provides an understanding for mountain building processes, earthquakes and volcanoes. Grasp how the dynamics of the Earth's outer shell cause and explain these places and events ... [ more ]

Mondays, October 5 - November 9, 2020 | 12:45 PM - 2:05 PM  - 1) Fad diet history 1800's - 2019; pros & cons of these fad diets.  2) Healthier meal planning.  3) Shopping for healthier meals including the middle aisles.  4) Ingredient statements, nutrition facts panels & portion control.  5) Coping tools- apps, journaling, support, coping skills, dining away from home.  6) Living a non-fad lifestyle - cooking procedures, mindful eating, activity, stress management ... [ more ]

Mondays, October 5 - November 9, 2020 | 12:45 PM - 2:05 PM - It's surprising how stressful retirement can be! Understanding the common stressors of retirement, the reactions of our bodies, minds and hearts and our responses to them, helps us take control. Knowledge is power! ... [ more ]

Mondays, October 5 - October 19, 2020 | 12:45 PM - 2:05 PM - Where are your old family memories? Don't lose your memories to deteriorating films, computer crashes, floods, fires, disorganization or downsizing. This class will help you with this overwhelming task. Topics covered: safe storage, scanning, cloud storage pros/cons, uploading photos, documents, video/audio recordings, metadata and creating digital scrapbooks ... [ more ]

Mondays, October 5 - November 9, 2020 | 2:40 PM - 4:00 PM - This class will guide you through how to develop a plan to create the memoir, biography or autobiography you want to write, encouraging you to delve deeply to write and preserve the stories that matter. This course will discuss researching methods and resources; writing techniques and strategies; relevant legal issues and publishing options. You will have plenty of opportunities to ask questions about challenges you face and discuss possible solutions ... [ more ]

Mondays, October 5 - November 9, 2020 | 2:40 PM - 4:00 PM - Anyone interested in improving the quality of their communication and relationships will discover a most helpful tool in the Enneagram (any-a-gram). Students will gain valuable insight into the foundations of personality and the dynamics of relationship. Even the most likeable of us has experienced the foot-in-mouth occasion and wondered, “Why do I keep doing such embarrassing things?” The Enneagram provides a unique depth of understanding into human personality and outlines successful strategies for improvement ... [ more ]

Mondays, October 5 - November 9, 2020 | 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM - The gap between the rich and poor is growing larger. Why? Lack of education! Literally 1/2 of Americans own no stock. We will show you why mutual funds can be the best way to own stocks and bonds. Risk tolerance and your time horizon determine your best investment allocation. Learn how to analyze and find the best funds for you without the biased sales pitch ... [ more ]

Tuesdays, October 6 - November 10, 2020 | 10:00 AM - 11:20 AM  - A movie icon is a person of special interest, representing something of importance within History, the film industry and Pop Culture. Part 1 of this class looked at the lives and films of six iconic movie stars after WWII. This class, Part 2, continues that theme looking at the lives and films of six more movie stars who became icons after WWII and who remain so today - most still adding to their bodies of work. Each class will focus on one of these Icons: Grace Kelly, James Stewart, Audrey Hepburn, Cary Grant, Debbie Reynolds and Rock Hudson ... [ more ]

Tuesdays, October 6 - November 10, 2020 | 10:00 AM - 11:20 AM - This offering is about the Civil War. Since there is far too much to attempt in six sessions, we are going to study the Eastern campaigns between the Army of the Potomac and Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia. We will include causes, national strategy, tactics, battles, new inventions and many colorful people. No prior knowledge of the Civil War is needed ... [ more ]

Tuesdays, October 6 - October 27, 2020 | 10:00 AM - 11:20 AM - Some of the best known teachings of the New Testament are Jesus' parables. Jesus was a skilled storyteller and caring teacher who used images from everyday life to stir up interest in his message about the Kingdom of God. But, life in first-century Galilee and the rest of Israel was very different from our world today. This is often missed by many traditional interpretations of Jesus' stories. What makes the parables difficult and mysterious is that they ask us to look into the deeper and hidden values of our own lives to question our assumptions, curb our biases and read Jesus' words "afresh" ... [ more ]

Tuesdays, October 6 - November 10, 2020 | 10:00 AM - 11:20 AM - From the 19th century to the present, industrialists have been called both "Captains of Industry" and "Robber Barons." Were Vanderbilt, Gould, Morgan, Ford and others good for the country or a scourge on ordinary folks and consumers? What about 21st Century industrialists like Bill Gates, Warren Buffett and Donald Trump? This course will examine the historic role power, monopoly and antitrust efforts have played in the U.S. economy ... [ more ]

Tuesdays, October 6 - November 10, 2020 | 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM - This class will provide/continue the instruction in intermediate paper crafting leading to the construction of greeting cards. In each class, designs are presented with the making of (2) cards per design. Twenty-two (22) cards will be made from (11) different card designs. The styles/designs are as follows: Negative Space, Simple Pop-Up, W-fold, Window/Peek-a-Boo Card, Triangle Fold, and Waterfall Card. In this total of cards made, students will make a variety of All-Purpose and Holiday cards which will include Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. The instructor will provide all materials except adhesives ... [ more ]

Tuesdays, October 6 - November 10, 2020 | 12:45 PM - 2:05 PM - Ancient Egypt captures our imaginations as few other things can, not only because of its monuments but because of what we know about its people. The Ancient Egyptians were men and women like us, with the same types of hopes, dreams, joys and sorrows. This course will explore the beginning of Egyptian civilization: why the pyramids were built, religious beliefs, art, daily life and political development ... [ more ]

Tuesdays, October 6 - November 10, 2020 | 12:45 PM - 2:05 PM - Look around you... their ghosts and offspring are there. Discover their loves and lives and judge for yourself the impact of their actions on us. Napoleon Bonaparte was a voracious lover and fierce military leader. Yet, his superstition and love for women, particularly Josephine, was part of his downfall. For 15 years, his brother lived in the USA and "spawned" while his cousin, Napoleon III supported the Impressionist artists, made Paris into the "City of Light" and unknowingly impacted cities such as Cleveland, Columbus, Chicago, Washington D.C. and others ... [ more ]

Tuesdays, October 6 - November 10, 2020 | 12:45 PM - 2:05 PM - Big Pharma is an expert at promoting fear of disease just so they can sell us hope. In this class we look behind the scenes to discover the disturbing truth about Big Pharma. We'll examine conflicts of interest, deceptive ghostwritten articles in prestigious medical journals, "me too" drugs and fear-based media ads. Drugs in search of an illness, drug promotion meetings disguised as education programs, minimizing reports of side effects and disposal of negative studies. We'll also examine how too many drugs, body scans and over-diagnoses can cause more harm than good ... [ more ]

Tuesdays, October 6 - November 10, 2020 | 2:40 PM - 4:00 PM - As our Golden Years get more "Golden" we often have issues with relating to our neuromuscular and mental systems. These issues fall into several categories, such as: Falls and our Feet; Vertigo, Dizziness and Imbalance; Posture, Pain and more; Core, Deep Breathing and SO MUCH more; Parkinson's Disease; and Memory improvement and Dysphagia. This class will provide explanations of these conditions and discussion regarding coping with them when they occur ... [ more ]

Tuesdays, October 6 - November 10, 2020 | 6:30 PM - 7:50 PM - What can history tell us about this intriguing figure? Was she Jesus' wife or a reformed prostitute? Did she supply the financial backing to Jesus' ministry? Perhaps, Jesus' first choice to lead the movement after the crucifixion? A historical look at events depicted in texts not included in the Bible. Writings will be examined for wider perspective on history and their theological implications ... [ more ]

Wednesdays, October 7 - November 11, 2020 | 10:00 AM - 11:20 AM - Created by the US Constitution in 1791, these three articles establish the three branches of our government with individual powers; produce a system of checks and balances, such that no branch has more power than the other; and working together, take thirteen independent colonies and mold them into the United States of America. We will read the words of the US Constitution as a class, understand the role of each branch separately and then reconnect them to form our system of government ... [ more ]

Wednesdays, October 7 - November 11, 2020 | 12:45 PM - 2:05 PM - "Why do humans commit evil? Are we victims of darkness or willing perpetrators? Is the devil real or rationalization?" Evil in humans starts with a lie. Something we tell to others, or to ourselves. These lies lead people to attack others rather than face their own failures. Explore the psychology of individual and group evil, the spiritual implications and some unconventional solutions ... [ more ]

Wednesdays, October 7 - November 11, 2020 | 12:45 PM - 2:05 PM - This course covers the history of our Presidential Elections since 1960. Part One of this class presentation in the Fall of 2020 will discuss the history of the presidential elections from 1960 thru 1988 (Part Two will be given another session). We will discuss the background and political issues leading up to each election; a biography of each of the candidates, and the Democratic and Republican party nomination process as to the primaries, conventions, etc. We will then then talk about the general campaign, the debates and the results of each of the elections. In addition, we will present "interesting facts and trivia" from these elections and about the candidates ... [ more ]

Wednesdays, October 7 - November 11, 2020 | 6:45 PM - 8:05 PM - Northeast Ohio's rich television history is examined in a series of highly visual lectures with discussions of the Greater Cleveland area's TV pioneers and rarely seen historical footage. The course looks at the first steps taken by groundbreaking journalists and entertainers that set standards for TV stations nationwide ... [ more ]

Thursdays, October 8 - November 12, 2020 | 10:00 AM - 11:20 AM  - Tai Chi and Qigong are ancient Chinese exercises using the Mind, the breath and gentle movements to create a meditation in motion which enhances overall physical health. These practices have been scientifically proven to improve cardiovascular fitness, lower blood pressure, relieve osteoarthritis, increase energy, aid in managing stress and enhance one's overall sense of well-being. In this class you will learn the Beijing 24 Tai Chi form and several Qigong forms ... [ more ]

Thursdays, October 8 - October 22, 2020 | 10:00 AM - 11:20 AM - Bette Lou Higgins from Eden Valley Enterprises returns with her Americana stories. Topics include the Great Depression, the American Spirit and a dedication to the 75th anniversary of WWII. Depending upon class “gutsy” level, an audience-participation program may be included ... [ more ]

Thursdays, October 8 - November 12, 2020 | 10:00 AM - 11:20 AM  - This class provides an overview of the Great War beginning with the Sarajevo Crisis and the escalation of the crisis into a conflict that involved most of Europe. Why did an assassination thrust Europe into this unimaginable "Hell on Earth?" We will review the war plans of France and Germany and the impact of 20th century technology on the war's progression. What was America's position when the war began, and why did it change? Finally, the Treaty of Versailles, showing how the world was remade and changed forever. The level of violence and massive slaughter of millions shocked the world ... [ more ]

Thursdays, October 8 - November 12, 2020 | 12:00 PM - 1:20 PM - This class builds upon forms learned in Tai Chi and Qigong 1 ... [ more ]

Thursdays, October 8 - November 12, 2020 | 12:45 PM - 2:05 PM - If you are interested in learning how our country was shaped by our First Ladies, this is the course for you. Little known facts, fashions, Christmas in the White House, the role of the First Lady, tragedies and legacies--it's all here. We'll discover how the First Ladies were influential even before TV and social media. Rumors and tales--but no fake news! ... [ more ]

Thursdays, October 8 - November 12, 2020 | 2:40 PM - 4:00 PM - We will examine the history of the television game show genre including the early days of radio game shows. We will cover Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, Concentration, Password, Match Game, Beat the Clock and much more. We will have the opportunity to play simulated versions of some of these games for those students who want to be "contestants." I also plan to include a guest speaker(s) who has appeared on a TV game show to share his/her experiences. Prizes and a few surprises! ... [ more ]

Thursdays, October 8 - November 12, 2020 | 2:40 PM - 4:00 PM - John F. Kennedy's brief presidency represented a time of abiding hope and inspiration, despite the Cold War and its looming specter of a thermonuclear exchange. The words, actions and executive style of JFK provide a window into why he continues to be regarded as one of the most admired presidents of the modern era. Through a presentation of speeches, press conferences, public and family films, this course will focus on the humor and intellect of the 35th president. Placed in historical context, it will illustrate why JFK and his presidency came to hold such an exalted position throughout the world ... [ more ]

Thursdays, October 8 - November 12, 2020 | 2:40 PM - 4:00 PM - This book was posthumously published by Samuel Clemens' estate and was promptly labeled as blasphemous. Inspired by the opening chapter of the book of Job, Clemens turns all of his wit, wisdom and wry humor to the nature of good and evil. ... [ more ]

Thursdays, October 22 - November 5, 2020 | 6:30 PM - 9:10 PM - Hitchcock opens the 1960s with Psycho, starring Janet Leigh and Anthony Perkins. The Bates Motel: 12 rooms, 12 vacancies... and 12 showers! For week two, the master darkens the sky with The Birds, starring Tippi Hedren and Rod Taylor. Not since the Ancient Mariner's albatross have our feathered friends seemed so ominous. The series concludes with Marnie, about a charming embezzler (Tippi Hedren) who finally gets caught by her boss (Sean Connery), a man who also loves her. Each film will be introduced with an original video, followed by audience reaction and discussion ... [ more ]