Elder Week
ElderWeek 2023 - May 16, 17 & 18, 2023
We will be delighted to have you join us for the 37th Annual ElderWeek AGAIN on our Marple Campus for three days of special mini-classes. Covid set us back a couple years, but we are back, and taking precautions to keep everyone safe.
For just $130 for all three days, or $115 for two days, this includes workshops, continental breakfast and tempting lunches at the “ElderWeek Café.” Most classes and activities will take place in the STEM Center, which is conveniently located next to the parking lots and is easily accessible for all of our students.
Advance registration is required and limited. Workshops are filled on a first-come, first-registered system. The preferred form of registration and payment is by phone with a credit card at 610-359-5025.
Daily Schedule
Tuesday through Thursday
| 8-8:30 a.m. | Continental Breakfast, STEM Center |
| 8:45-10:15 a.m. | Workshop I |
| 10:30 a.m.-noon | Workshop II |
| Noon-12:30 p.m. | Lunch |
| 12:40-1:20 p.m. | Entertainment |
| 1:30-3 p.m. | Workshop III |
It's Party Time! Thursday
Noon-1 p.m.
During lunch we will have some surprises and door prizes
Tuesday Class Schedule | Wednesday Class Schedule | Thursday Class Schedule
Tuesday, May 17
Workshop I
8:45-10:15 a.m.
Memory and Preservation (1623)
Gloria Hoffner
The latest research-based information will be shared on what is being done to diagnose dementia. This course will include what steps everyone can take to help prevent cognitive decline, and once diagnosed with dementia how to ease symptoms.
Tips for Caregiving (2732)
Kristin Kingery, BSW, MSW, LSW
Tips for caring for our loved ones presented by Surrey Services for Seniors.
Harriet Tubman (2731)
Dr. Daisy Century
The Harriet Tubman performance takes the audience on a journey through the life of this most revered Conductor of the Underground Railroad, from her childhood to the time she became a spy, scout and nurse for the Union Army. History will come alive and unfold right in front of your eyes!
Paint Your Mug (2729)
Amy McCann
Have fun as you paint your own mug! Finished products will be delivered to the College by 1 p.m. on Thursday, March 12.
Delco Sports Legends (2730)
Bob McLaughlin
Delaware County has had an above-average number of its residents become sports legends in America. This session will highlight those men and women. The first half will focus on Bob’s dual-bio of Danny Murtaugh and Mickey Vernon who led the Pirates to the 1960 World Series. Then meet the many Delco Olympians, professional athletes, and community champions from every corner of Delaware County..
Classic Short Stories Session I (1385)
John Dalton
Class discussion will be facilitated using the process of Shared Inquiry common to Great Books. We will explore: Cynthia Ozick, The Shawl; Gabriel Garcia Marquez, The Handsomest Drowned Man in the World; Anton Chekhov, The Lady with the Dog; D.H. Lawrence, The Rocking-Horse Winner; Katherine Anne Porter, The Jilting of Granny Weatherall; and Tillie Olsen, I Stand Here Ironing. This multi-session workshop requires registration on each of the THREE days.
Four Pillars of the New Retirement (2728)
Brendan Murphy
This presentation explores how retirement is changing and the four pillars that can impact your quality of life during retirement. Explore each of these pillars, why they matter and ways you can tend to each of them.
Workshop II
10:30 a.m.-Noon
Landscape Design (2824)
Bob Seeley
Participants will learn how to measure an area, the design process, plant selection, installation.
Stretch & Strengthen (1374)
Amanda Brizzolara
Benefits include improved flexibility, muscle strength, increasing bone density through resistance exercises, and stress and tension management.
Paint Your Own Garden Stakes (1917)
Amy McCann
We’ll paint a set of three ceramic garden stakes…. perfect to mark your garden, decorate a potted plant or jazz up your cheese tray! Finished products will be delivered to the College by 1 p.m., Thursday, March 12.
Outsmart the Scammers (2734)
Brendan Murphy
Incidents of fraud are on the rise, and scammers' tactics are becoming more complex. Learn how to spot the red flags that may indicate a fraudulent encounter and some resources you can use.
Spring in the Delaware Valley (1005)
Tom Reeves
Join the class in the exploration of birds, flowers, and butterflies, which make their homes right here in the Delaware Valley.
Acrylic Painting (2733)
Eric Ayers
Learn the basics of acrylics, including care and use of materials, underpainting, light and shadow, color mixing and paint application. This multi-session workshop requires registration in session III at 1:30 p.m.
Don't Leave a Mess for Your Heirs (2766)
Marc Jaffe
Proper planning for disability or death is important for you and for your family. This session will attempt to provide an overview of estate and disability planning and will include some practical suggestions on how to avoid leaving a mess for your heirs.
Workshop III
1:30-3 p.m.
Making a Move? Real Estate Options (1626)
Tim Scepansky
Check out your next phase in life! Learn about resources and housing options to consider, and help put true priorities in order.
Fabric Wreath (2759)
Judy McCleary and others: Bethel Township Preservation Society
Learn how to make a wreath using fabric, styrofoam, sequin, pins and ribbon.
Fun With Flowers (1394)
Leona Swiacki
Wondering what to do with the flowers you buy? Learn how to choose, prepare and care for flowers. Be creative! Design your own arrangement to take home or give as a gift. This workshop will run again on Thursday, please only register for one session.
Five Money Questions for Women (2737)
Brendan Murphy
Women face unique financial circumstances. A strong financial strategy is vital. Ensure that your financial strategy fits your lifestyle and needs. During this presentation, we explore five critical money questions for women.
Meditation (2768)
Francesco Bellini
Meditation helps us deal with stress and anxiety while learning coping skills to cultivate patience to feel more at peace in body, mind, and spirit. Everyone is welcome.
Educational Trivia (2760)
Dr. Daisy Century
Always wanted to be a Jeopardy contestant? Well, here is your chance. A fun way to buzz in when you know or don't know the correct answer. Questions from all facets of life. Team building, friendship building, a learning experience and big laughs. Finger on the buzzer—The first question is...
Acrylic Painting (989)
Eric Ayers
Learn the basics of acrylics, including care and use of materials, underpainting, light and shadow, color mixing and paint application. Continuation of Session I This multi-session workshop requires registration during the 10:30 a.m. session, as well.
Lost and Found: Finding a Joyful Life After Loss (2798)
Ellen Monsees
Learn about myths and realities of grief, and gain insights and tips for creating a new life that is joyful, centered, and fulfilling.
Tuesday Class Schedule | Wednesday Class Schedule | Thursday Class Schedule
Wednesday, May 18
Workshop I
8:45-10:15 a.m.
Mary Todd Lincoln-Kentucky Belle & First Lady of the Union (2738)
Pat Jordan
Come hear about the extraordinary life of Mary Todd Lincoln. Mary’s story is one of a fascinating, complex woman caught up in a difficult time and place in our nation’s history.
Classic Short Stories (2739)
John Dalton
Continuation of Session I–Tuesday. This multi-session workshop requires registration on each of the THREE days.
Delco Sports Legends (2741)
Bob McLaughlin
Repeat of Workshop I–Tuesday. please only register for one.
Creating and Following a Budget (2742)
Jacky Kennedy Sisson, MBA
Staying on track with your budget to stretch your dollar, presented to you by Surrey Services for Seniors. AHA Family & Friends CPR Course (1905) Delaware County Community College Faculty Interested in learning how to save a life? Perform CPR and AED on an adult or child, perform CPR on an infant, and even learn a skill that will help you clear a mild or severe airway blockage of an adult, child, and infant. This workshop will run again on Thursday, please only register for one session.
Memory and Preservation (2786)
Gloria Hoffner
The latest research-based information will be shared on what is being done to diagnose dementia. This course will include what steps everyone can take to help prevent cognitive decline and once diagnosed with dementia, how to ease symptoms.
Time Matters: A Women's Outlook on Retirement (2789)
Brendan Murphy
Share perspectives on financial concerns facing women who are getting ready for or have recently transitioned to retirement. Discuss: retirement income strategies, including perspectives around Social Security, withdrawal and reliance rates. It also addresses how to prepare for the unexpected, including market and inflation risks, and the rising cost of health care and long term care.
Anxiety vs. Depression vs. Dementia (2790)
Krishna Evans, MSW
We all know someone who might have one or perhaps all three of the above-named diagnosis. This presentation is designed to help caregivers, family members and friends be better prepared to help someone who may be experiencing some of these symptoms.
Workshop II
10:30 a.m.-Noon
Anna Morris Holstein (2761)
Pat Jordan
Montgomery County has just installed a Pennsylvania & Historical Museum Commission blue road marker outside the King of Prussia home of Anna Morris Holstein, an amazing woman whose life is a real inspiration to modern audiences. Among other achievements, Holstein was the matron-nurse of the Letterman Hospital in Gettysburg, caring for nearly 3,000 wounded soldiers, and then was regent of the effort to make Valley Forge.
How to Create a Butterfly and Hummingbird Garden (2791)
Bob Seeley
This class will address what plants and locations are best.
Watercolor–Session I (2769)
Eric Ayers
You can do it! This workshop, designed for beginners, will cover brush handling, color mixing, and composition, with step-by-step demonstration. This multi-session workshop requires registration during the 1:30 p.m. session, as well.
Retirement: Making Your Money Last (2772)
Brendan Murphy
Have you retired recently? Are you planning to retire soon? This presentation discusses ideas to help build a reasonable and sustainable strategy for managing income and expenses during retirement. We'll explore how to address key concerns such as inflation, health care expenses and market volatility as well as ways to prepare for things that may not go as expected.
Memory Keeping and Memory Sharing: Leaving a Legacy (2773)
Beth McCarrick and others, Bethel Township Preservation Society
What do you want to leave behind? Learn how to document your treasures and see examples of what others have done.
Gentle Stretch & Strengthen (2774)
Amanda Brizzolara
Spend 90 minutes going through gentle key movements that will help improve flexibility, mobility, balance, and strength. Each person will use a chair as their main source of exercise equipment along with their own body weight and resistance.
Verdi's Otello–Session I (2775)
Barbara Crea Shannon
Verdi's Otello is an operatic presentation of the Shakespeare play. You will watch the movie directed by Franco Zeffirelli and share discussion. It features Placido Domingo as Otello and Katia Ricciarelli as Desdemona. Requires registration in each of the two sessions.
Intro to Tai Chi and Qigong (2776)
Andy Buechner
Learn how to use the slow, soft, flowing movements of Qigong and Taiji to open the joints, strengthen the muscles, and reduce tension. These energy arts focus on balance, structure, breathing, and release of tension to promote energy flow throughout the body.
AHA Family & Friends CPR Course (1906)
Delaware County Community College Faculty
Repeat of early session, please only register for one.
Workshop III
1:30-3 p.m.
Verdi's Otello–Session II (2777)
Barb Crea Shannon
Continuation of Session I. This workshop requires registration in each of the two sessions.
Understanding Social Media (2779)
What is social media? Join this conversation and learn what social media is, why it's here to stay, and how you can get going!
Meditation (2780)
Francesco Bellini
Meditation helps us deal with stress and anxiety while learning coping skills to cultivate patience to feel more at peace in body, mind, and spirit. Everyone is welcome.
Medicare 101 (2826)
Donald Soslow
This workshop explains the basics of Medicare A, B, C, and D. It explains Medicare Terminology such as Copays, Coinsurance, Deductibles, Enrollment Periods, Penalties, Medigap, and Supplemental Plans.
Fun With Flowers (998)
Leona Swiacki
Repeat of Tuesday’s workshop, please only register for one.
Clothing in the Late 1600s (2783)
Judy McCleary and others: Bethel Township Preservation Society
In the late 1600s, Southeastern Pennsylvania was populated by Quakers. See what a Quaker farmer and his wife would have worn for everyday clothing. Receive patterns to make 16 inch dolls and their clothing from that same time period.
RSVP Volunteer Opportunities–Join the Kindness Movement! (2784)
Kathy Stocker
RSVP empowers volunteers to improve the education and wellness of vulnerable populations in our local communities. Learn about RSVP’s programs and the wide range of volunteer opportunities available.
Thomas Garrett and the Underground Railroad (2785)
Bob Seeley
Thomas Garrett was born in Upper Darby, Pa. From his home and business in Wilmington, Garrett helped over 2,700 freedom seekers in their self-liberating journeys, collaborating with such other celebrated figures as Harriet Tubman, and William Still.
Watercolor–Session II (2782)
Eric Ayers
Continuation of Session I. This multi-session workshop requires registration during the 10:30 a.m. session, as well.
Tuesday Class Schedule | Wednesday Class Schedule | Thursday Class Schedule
Thursday, May 19
Workshop I
8:45-10:15 a.m.
Introduction to Aging Services (2792)
Annie McAlpin
COSA presents the wide range of services available to you and how to access benefits and entitlements. Learn to locate resources through the Internet, health fairs, senior expos and senior centers, and discuss new initiatives for the aging population.
Classic Short Stories (2847)
John Dalton
Continuation of Session I–Tuesday. This multi-session workshop requires registration on each of the THREE days.
Collage Picture Frame (2793)
Amy McCann
Get ready to cut, clip and glue! We’ll create a unique one of a kind collage frame to hold a 4 x 6 picture! Just bring your creativity!
Fun With Flowers (2781)
Leona Swiacki
Repeat workshop, please only register for one.
Estate Planning–Who Needs It? (2952)
Learn about the proper way to plan your estate so that your loved ones will receive their inheritance according to your wishes.
Finding Engagement and Purpose in Retirement (2770)
Jill Whitcomb, Surrey President and CEO
This should be a special time in your life, let's figure out how you can get engaged.
Writing Your Book (2762)
Bob McLaughlin, Author
The local author and creative writing instructor will share his journey of publishing his fiction and non-fiction books. His primary focus is to offer you useful tips to begin and publish your book, and everything in between.
Making a Move? Real Estate Options (2763)
Tim Scepansky
Check out your next phase in life! Learn about resources and housing options to consider, and help put true priorities in order.
Workshop II
10:30 a.m.-Noon
Your House Has a History (2778)
Judy McCleary and others, Bethel Township Preservation Society
Have you ever wondered who lived in your old house prior to you? If you live in a new house, have you wondered if your property was part of a larger estate or farm? Now is your chance to find out! Review maps of Pennsylvania that go back to the Penn land grant. Find out when your township/ borough was established.
Choice by Choice: Living Life with Intention and Joy (2745)
Ellen Monsees
You make choices every moment that determine who you are and who you become. The PPF Method® of decision making will help create your most centered and fulfilling life.
Intro to Tai Chi and Qigong (2794)
Andy Buechner
Repeat of Workshop II–Wednesday. please only register for one. Space is limited to 12.
Glass Candleholders (2795)
Amy McCann
Let’s get creative! We’ll use enamel paint to create unique glass candleholders—stripes, polka dots, flowers, holiday theme or even paint a monogram to make your own custom glass votive candleholder.
Facebook (2746)
Don't worry, we are going to help you get it right with Facebook! You want to be able to view and share without taking a picture of your foot. We can help you.
Gentle Stretch & Strengthen (2771)
Amanda Brizzolara
Spend 90 minutes going through gentle key movements that will help improve flexibility, mobility, balance, and strength. Each person will use a chair as their main source of exercise equipment along with their own body weight and resistance.
Protect Yourself in Act Two–Your Second Career (2764)
Marc Jaffe
Are you considering starting your own business or becoming a consultant after early retirement? This session will help you answer questions about (I) preventing claims against your business, (II) whether to incorporate, (III) protecting your assets and (IV) transferring the business to your children with minimal taxes.