Return to Learn Week (formerly Elder Week)

ElderWeek header image

In the Tradition of Elder Week

Return to Learn - 55 and Over
May 13, 14, & 15, 2025

Registration will open in March, 2025

Co-sponsored by the County Office of Services for the Aging and Delaware County Community College.

We will be delighted to have you join us for the 39th year of celebrating our 55 and older community members for three days of workshops, fun, food, and fellowship! We heard what you have all been asking for and we decided to rename our beloved Elder Week to Return to Learn Week - 55 and older.

For just $130 for all three days, or $115 for two days, students will receive eight 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. If you choose to mail your registration, be sure that it is postmarked by Friday, May 9, 2025. Be assured that, although we cannot make guarantees, we will certainly do our best to enroll you in the workshops that you most desire.

Come enjoy your choice of the many workshops being offered, plus breakfast, lunch and entertainment. We cannot wait to see you. Bring your friends and meet new friends!

Sample schedule and workshops listed below

2024 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-1:20 p.m.	Lunch / Entertainment
1:30-3 p.m.	Workshop III

Tuesday Class Schedule | Wednesday Class Schedule | Thursday Class Schedule

Tuesday, May 14

WORKSHOP I
8:45-10:15 a.m.

WORKSHOP II
10:30 a.m.-noon

WORKSHOP III
1:30-3 p.m.

Christmas Decorations of the 1800's (2459)
Beth McCarrick and Judy McCleary: Bethel Township Preservation Society
Create your own Christmas decoration with folded cloth; students will need to bring a round picture 2" across to be part of the ornament.

Rosie The Riveter (2462)
Pat Jordan, Heritage Theatre Guild
Who is Rosie the Riveter? The fact is, she’s the mystery girl who represents every woman who served on the home front in World War II. Join us for this performance.

Paint Your Mug (2488): The Mudroom, Ardmore
Learn new ceramic painting techniques using transfer paper! This technique will help you draw a specific image on your mug. Images provided or bring your own! If you bring your own image, please make sure it is no bigger than 4” x 6" in size.

Fire Safety/Extinguisher Training (2460): DCCC Emergency Services Faculty
Topics covered will include evacuation, extinguisher selection and use, and basic fire prevention information for the home. Hands-on extinguisher use is part of this course.

Contemporary Short Stories 2024: Session I (998); John Dalton
Class discussion will be facilitated using the process of Shared Inquiry common to Great Books. We will explore three contemporary short stories: A Southern Landscape by Elizabeth Spencer; Ghost Birds by Karen Russell: and Clever Girl by Tessa Hadley.

This multi-session workshop requires registration on each of the THREE days. The stories will be emailed beforehand.

Time Matters (2463): Brendan Murphy, DCCC Adjunct Instructor
The presentation shares retirement income strategies, including perspectives on Social Security and 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.

Spring Bud Vases (999)
Leona Swiacki
Wondering how to work with fresh flowers from your garden or the supermarket? Come and learn how to care for the flowers and how to arrange them to show off their beauty and make people smile! Make your own bud vase arrangement to take home & enjoy or give away to make someone's day!
This workshop is offered each day, but you may only register for one session.

Let’s Downsize! (2015): Liz Farina, Surrey Consignment Shop Manager
Learn what to keep, what to donate, and what to throw away. Participants receive a comprehensive resource guide and articles (via email) that take them step by step through the downsizing journey. Whether you’re planning a big move or just want to make your home feel less cluttered, this is the program for you!

Intro to Tai Chi and Qigong (2461): Andy Buechner
Learn how to use the slow, soft, flowing movements of Qigong and Tai Chi 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.

Stress and the Brain: The Physiology of a Life Out of Balance (2483): Dr. Haley Nelson
Ahhhh, STRESS! You wouldn't be human if you didn't experience it! Our bodies and brains are designed to handle stress and allow us to function, even flourish, during these inevitable and unavoidable moments in our lives. But what happens when these stressors control our lives?

In this workshop, you'll hear from Dr. Hayley Nelson, a neuroscientist, psychology professor, and founder of The Academy of Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience and Be Well with Dr. Hayley.

Lemon And Orange (2466): Beth McCarrick and Judy McCleary, Bethel Township Preservation Society
What can you make with a lemon or orange?

Astronomy & Astrochemistry Session I (2465): Kenneth Koeplinger, NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador, DCCC Adjunct Chemistry Instructor
Utilize “Stellarium” software to take virtual tours of our observable solar system. Workshop will include demonstration of modern amateur telescopes used for both visual imaging and astrophotography.

Discussions will include the nuclear chemistry origins of starlight and extend to the on-going search for potential chemical signatures of life beyond our planet.
This multi-session workshop requires registration in session II on Thursday at 10:30.

Retirement: Making Your Money Last (1615): 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 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.

Get Paid To Talk / An Intro To Voice Over (2490): White Lake Studios, Voice Coaches
From audio books and training material to commercials and much much more, learn how the voice over field really works and how you can get started!

Acrylic Painting (1596): Eric Ayers, Multimedia Solutions
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.

Chair Yoga (2467)
Debbie Graci
Let's stretch while sitting in the chair! Students will stretch and hold poses using the chair for balance.

Golden Stage: A Theatrical Adventure Through Senior Stories - Session I (2464): Carol Gorski, DCCC Staff
Welcome Seniors! Golden Stage invites you to embark on a creative journey where you'll craft and perform skits portraying "A Day in the Life of a Senior Citizen."
This workshop requires attendance to both sessions. The second session is offered on in Workshop III.

AHA Family & Friends CPR Course (1216): 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.

Golden Stage - Session II (2471): Carol Gorski, DCCC Staff
This multi-session workshop requires registration during the 10:30 a.m. session, as well.

Get Paid To Talk / An Intro To Voice Over (2491): White Lake Studios, Voice Coaches
From audio books and training material to commercials and much much more, learn how the voice over field really works and how you can get started!

SeniorCON - Let's Get Building, Session I (2011): David Hill, DCCC Faculty
The College has fantastic workforce facilities and we want to share them with our Seniors! SeniorCON is an interactive workshop where you become the carpenter. There will be a major emphasis on safety, and proper use of the tools used to make a take-home project. You provide the safety goggles and we provide the rest.
This workshop requires attendance to both sessions. The third session is Wednesday.

Gentle Flow Yoga (2473): Debbie Graci, DCCC Adjunct Instructor
This class offers a mixture of meditation, breath-work and energizing movement.

Line Dancing (2474): Vonda Pearson
Soul Line Dancing is a social dancing, that is an easy and energizing way to get some exercise while enjoying some great music and good company. It's a workout that doesn't feel like a workout.

Acrylic Painting II (2487)
Eric Ayers, Multimedia Solutions
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.

The MIND Diet (2475): Frances Alloway
New research has shown that certain foods can help improve your mood and emotional well being as well as make a difference in reducing your risk of cognitive decline and dementia including Alzheimer’s disease. Sample recipes from the MIND diet and learn about the benefits of incorporating plant-based and protein rich foods in your meals each day.

Outsmart the Scammers (2472): Brendan Murphy, DCCC Adjunct Instructor
Incidents of fraud are on the rise, and scammers' tactics are becoming more complex. This presentation will help give you the information you need to Outsmart the Scammers.

Tuesday Class Schedule | Wednesday Class Schedule | Thursday Class Schedule

Wednesday, May 15

WORKSHOP I
8:45-10:15 a.m.

WORKSHOP II
10:30 a.m.-noon

WORKSHOP III
1:30-3 p.m.

Fire Safety/Extinguisher Training (2477): DCCC Emergency Services Faculty
Same course offered on Tuesday.

Contemporary Short Stories (1597): John Dalton
Continuation of Session I–Tuesday.
This multi-session workshop requires registration on each of the three days.

Christmas Ornament Making (2476): Bethel Township Preservation Society
Create your own Christmas decoration with folded cloth – bring a round picture 2 inches across to be part of the ornament.

Intro to Tai Chi and Qigong (2479): Andy Buechner
Learn how to use the slow, soft, flowing movements of Qigong and Tai Chi 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.

Anxiety vs. Depression (2538): Audrey Stockslager, DCCC Adjunct
We all know someone who might have one or perhaps all three of the above-named diagnoses. 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.

Making a Move? Real Estate Options (2478): Tim Scepansky
Check out your next phase in life! Learn about resources and housing options to consider, and help put true priorities in order.

Spring Bud Vases (2481): Leona Swiacki
See the Tuesday schedule for description.
You may only register for one of these sessions.

Strong Bones (2501)
Dianne Moore, MSW, MS, CHC, CNE
Good bone health is a factor in increasing longevity and your ability to live independently. Learn which foods help improve bone density, what contributes to bone degradation and loss along with how exercise builds and supports healthy bones and muscles. Leave with recipes and resources for creating your game plan for strengthening your bones and preventing age related bone loss.

Virtual Tour of the Historic Chichester Crossroads (2482): Cyndi Charney Bethel Township Preservation Society

PowerPoint presentation of the historical Chichester Avenue and Meetinghouse Road intersection and surrounding area in Upper Chichester Township. Learn about the successful effort to preserve the historic 1867 McCay Avenue School.

Cape May Navy & Egg Harbor Guards (2486): Jeffrey LaMonica, Professor
New Jersey privateers of the “Cape May Navy” captured nearly thirty British ships between 1775 and 1783. The “Egg Harbor Guards” composed of 250 militia from Egg Harbor, Galloway, Somers Point, Mays Landing, Weymouth, Absecon, and Wrangleboro, New Jersey and clashed with British and Loyalist forces from Mount Holly to Wildwood.

Chair Yoga (2485): Debbie Graci, DCCC Adjunct Instructor
Let's stretch while sitting in the chair! Students will stretch and hold poses using the chair for balance.

Anyone Can Draw–Session I (2513): Eric Ayers, Multimedia Solutions
Study contours, space, composition and shading, using a variety of media that may include graphite, pen and ink, charcoal and pastels.
This multi-session workshop requires registration during the 1:30 p.m. session, as well.

Crime, Policing, Mental Health and Racism (2492): Christopher Flanagan, Superintendent of Police, Radnor Township
How are we addressing mental health issues and systemic racism? What is the most effective role of our police in responding to criminal actions and to situations involving individuals with mental illness?

Healing Your Gut (2502): Dianne Moore, MSW, MS, CHC, CNE
Healthy digestion is a fundamental foundation for good health and if the process is compromised, it often affects not just your gut, but also your immune, hormonal and nervous systems. Learn about the Functional 5 R protocol to resolve your digestion issues. Take away top functional nutrition principles, recipes and recommendations.

Protect Yourself in Act Two - Your Second Career (2484): 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.

Meditation (1612): Lynne McMahon
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.

AHA Family & Friends CPR Course (2496): Delaware County Community College Faculty
Repeat of early session, please only register for one.

Cooking With Cast Iron (2500): Frances Alloway, MA, RDN, LDN, Nutritionist
This old kitchen favorite is hot again. Discover the health advantages of using cast iron and sample some recipes prepared in class.

Stretch This Not That (2494): Heather Gustafson, RN, BSN, MBA, E-RYT500, IPT; Owner, Reset Relief
Find out how to relieve the muscular imbalances which can cause most of your aches and pains.

Meditation (2498): Lynne McMahon
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.

Line Dancing (2499): Vonda Pearson
Soul Line Dancing is a social dancing, that is an easy and energizing way to get some exercise while enjoying some great music and good company. It's a workout that doesn't feel like a workout.

SeniorCON - Let's Get Building, Session II (2495): David Hill, DCCC Faculty
This workshop requires attendance to both sessions. The first session is offered on Tuesday.

Thomas Garrett and the Underground Railroad (2497): 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.

Anyone Can Draw Session II (2514): Eric Ayers, Multimedia Solutions
Continuation of Session I.
This multi-session workshop requires registration during the 10:30 a.m. session, as well.

Let's Make Earrings (2480): Audrey Stockslager, DCCC Staff
Create beautiful earrings with beads! In this beginner workshop, you will learn how to design, make and take home three fashionable pairs of earrings. You will become skilled in how to use basic jewelry tools to fashion your own customized earrings. Tools, beads, and earring wires will be provided.

Tuesday Class Schedule | Wednesday Class Schedule | Thursday Class Schedule

Thursday, May 16th

WORKSHOP I
8:45-10:15 a.m.

WORKSHOP II
10:30 a.m.-noon

Dairy in the 1800's (2504): Bethel Township Preservation Society
What was a dairy in the early 1800s – milk, cheese, or butter. Learn how to make butter.

Spring Bud Vases (2506): Leona Swiacki
See the Tuesday schedule for description.
You may only register for one of these sessions.

Monarch Butterflies and the Miracle of Migration (2517): Mike Weilbacher
Every year, monarch butterflies engage in one of nature's most extraordinary feats, flying to Mexico - and back! How do they accomplish this remarkable feat? Naturalist and author Mike Weilbacher shares the butterfly's unique story, weaving up-to-date science with folk legend and even Aztec myth. You'll gain a new appreciation for these butterflies and learn innumerable ways you can help them. Mike will also be selling his new book, Wild Philly.

Contemporary Short Stories (2028): John Dalton
Continuation of Session II from Wednesday.
This multi-session workshop requires registration on each of the three days.

Introduction to Crochet, Session I (2023): Summer Trout, DCCC Instructor
Learn how to crochet! Crochet is a quick and easy hobby. With a little bit of patience and practice, anyone can master the skills needed to create beautiful hand-made items. In this 2-part class we'll cover how to select different yarns, yarn weights and their different uses, which crocheting hooks to use, and then we'll stitch up a small project together using basic stitches and techniques.
This multi-session workshop requires registration in the 10:30 session.

Pasta Sauces (2505): Antonella De Carlo Aloi, Owner, What’s for Dinner?

THIS SECTION IS CLOSED

Learn how to make fresh and healthy sauces from fresh Ingredients, to use on your pasta or also just enjoyed by themselves. There will be taste samples for everyone. *Not recommended for students with nut allergies. Recipes may not be vegetarian.

Computer Basics (2493): Nick Acciavatti, DCCC Adjunct Instructor
Discover what you can do with your computer. Course topics include: introduction to the computer, identifying hardware components, mouse use, windows navigation, exploring software, types of storage, hard drives and a brief look at the Internet.

Astronomy & Astrochemistry Session I (2507): Kenneth Koeplinger, NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador, DCCC Adjunct Chemistry Instructor
This multi-session workshop requires registration in session II on Tuesday at 10:30.

Gentle Flow Yoga (2508): Debbie Graci, DCCC Adjunct Instructor
This class offers a mixture of meditation, breath-work and energizing movement.

Don't Leave a Mess for Your Heirs (1611): 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.

Pasta Sauces (2511): Antonella De Carlo Aloi, Owner, What's for Dinner?
Learn how to make fresh and healthy sauces from fresh Ingredients, to use on your pasta or also just enjoyed by themselves. There will be taste samples for everyone. *Not recommended for students with nut allergies. Recipes may not be vegetarian.

Landscape Design (2509): Bob Seeley
Participants will learn how to measure an area, the landscape design process, plant selection and installation.

Introduction to Crochet, Session II (2510): Summer Trout, DCCC Instructor
This is a continuation of Session I offered at 8:30.

Google Searches & Calendar (2512): Nick Acciavatti, DCCC Adjunct Instructor
Learn how to use Google for searches on the web and create notifications and events on your calendar.

Cinema History (2620): Maria Boyd, DCCC Faculty
For over 100 years, movies have been an integral part of society in America and abroad. Discover how films operate as time capsules for each of the past ten decades. Learn how cinema can help us better understand our culture. Leave with some great recommendations for where to watch some of the most celebrated films in history and some hidden cinematic gems!

Return to Learn Week (formerly Elder Week)

More Information

Join Email List

In the Tradition of Elder Week

Return to Learn - 55 and Over
May 13, 14, & 15, 2025

Registration will open in March, 2025

Co-sponsored by the County Office of Services for the Aging and Delaware County Community College.

Sample schedule and workshops listed below

2024 Schedule

Tuesday, May 14

WORKSHOP I
8:45-10:15 a.m.

WORKSHOP II
10:30 a.m.-noon

WORKSHOP III
1:30-3 p.m.

Wednesday, May 15

WORKSHOP I
8:45-10:15 a.m.

WORKSHOP II
10:30 a.m.-noon

WORKSHOP III
1:30-3 p.m.

Thursday, May 16th

WORKSHOP I
8:45-10:15 a.m.

WORKSHOP II
10:30 a.m.-noon

THIS SECTION IS CLOSED

More Information

Join Email List

In the Tradition of Elder Week

Return to Learn - 55 and Over May 13, 14, & 15, 2025

Registration will open in March, 2025

Co-sponsored by the County Office of Services for the Aging and Delaware County Community College.

Sample schedule and workshops listed below

2024 Schedule

Tuesday, May 14

WORKSHOP I 8:45-10:15 a.m.

WORKSHOP II 10:30 a.m.-noon

WORKSHOP III 1:30-3 p.m.

Wednesday, May 15

WORKSHOP I 8:45-10:15 a.m.

WORKSHOP II 10:30 a.m.-noon

WORKSHOP III 1:30-3 p.m.

Thursday, May 16th

WORKSHOP I 8:45-10:15 a.m.

WORKSHOP II 10:30 a.m.-noon

THIS SECTION IS CLOSED

Return to Learn - 55 and Over
May 13, 14, & 15, 2025

WORKSHOP I
8:45-10:15 a.m.

WORKSHOP II
10:30 a.m.-noon

WORKSHOP III
1:30-3 p.m.

WORKSHOP I
8:45-10:15 a.m.

WORKSHOP II
10:30 a.m.-noon

WORKSHOP III
1:30-3 p.m.

WORKSHOP I
8:45-10:15 a.m.

WORKSHOP II
10:30 a.m.-noon