Come to a presentation by Orange County Assistant District Attorney, Darlene DeJesus, to learn about some of the types of scams that are targeted on the elderly.  Some examples are:  TECHNICAL SUPPORT SCAMS, CHEQUE FRAUD, AI-POWERED SCAMS, FUNERAL SCAMS, GOVERNMENT I MPOSTER SCAMS AND MANY OTHERS.  The best way to protect yourself is to be aware and be prepared.

Instructor:  Darlene DeJesus

Darlene is the Assistant Orange County District Attorney.

This introductory class is for swimmers and non-swimmers who are comfortable at the shallow end of the pool.  Participants must be able to enter and exit the pool independently. The class concentrates on safety and movements in the water.  You will be introduced to equipment used in the water.
Please bring your own lock for the locker, towels, water shoes (if desired) and water to drink.  Shower facilities are available.

Instructor:  Anne Condon

Anne has been a popular, certified and accomplished swimming and Aqua-size instructor for many years.

After the tariffs, what investments are best for you right now?  Which investments can help you meet your goals?  We will research ETF’s (Exchange-Traded Funds) and some individual stocks.  IRA’s (Individual Retirement Accounts) will be discussed.  Dividend-paying stocks, Business Development Companies (BDC’s), closed-end funds, etc., will be discussed.  Learn from the instructor’s 50 plus years of investing and avoid his mistakes!  Beginners are welcome!  All questions are welcome!

Instructor: Robert Pollsen

Robert is a retired Certified Financial Planner professional.  He has worked in NYC’s financial district for over 25 years: Standard & Poor’s, Merrill Lynch, Bank of America and more.

In 1968, the conflict that erupted over control of the NYC public schools was centered in the Black and Puerto Rican community of Ocean Hill- Brownsville.  It triggered the largest, longest and ugliest citywide teacher strike in US history.  That clash, between the communities of color and the 92% white union, paralyzed the nation’s largest school system, pushed racial tensions to a new high and undermined the city’s economy When the strike was imminent, Charles left law school to teach mathematics in Ocean Hill -Brownsville.  Despite his pro-union leanings, he crossed the picket lines of teachers who looked like him, joining forces with parents and children who did not.

Instructor: Charles S. Isaacs, Ph.D.

Charles has been a schoolteacher, a college professor, a community organizer, a Congressional consultant, a social activist, a bad golfer, a better gambler and an occasional journalist.  He has written opinion columns and feature stories for numerous newspapers and magazines, including The New York Times Magazine.  For 25 years, he was a consultant to dozens of non-profit organizations operating in the social justice arena.  His recently published work includes fiction, poetry and award-winning non-fiction.

This class is interactive and grounded in deep listening.  It invites participants into a meaningful conversation.

Guided by simple structures that promote safety, participants are encouraged to speak from their own experience using I statements, fostering mutual respect and emotional clarity.  Whether speaking or listening, each person is part of shared inquiry, where silence is honored, and presence becomes a form of care.

Instructor:  Larry Winters

Larry is a Vietnam Veteran and retired psychotherapist who served as head of Veterans Treatment at Four Winds Hospital where he worked extensively with trauma survivors, including Holocaust survivors, rape victims, veterans and individuals struggling with addiction.  As a licensed mental health counselor, Larry spent decades walking alongside those navigating the aftermath of profound injury, whether psychological, moral or spiritual.

Come hear the stories our ancestors told around the fire at night.  Learn about strange concoctions used to drive illnesses from your body.  

Prepare for Halloween with some ghostly tales of yore!  See you then!! Ha! Ha! Ha!...

Instructor: Yvonne Bigney

Yvonne was a Civil War re-enactor for ten years, participating in re-enactments including Museum Village and the 135th Anniversary at Gettysburg.  She has given talks at historical societies, schools, and libraries. 

Chair yoga exercises are physical activities that you can do while sitting in a chair or a wheelchair.  Yoga helps with balance, mobility issues, and reduces pressure on lower back.

Chair yoga exercises allow you to work your lower body while seated or supported making it an excellent choice for people with balance or mobility issues, or those who might be recovering from an injury.  This strengthens muscles and bones and gives you better balance and flexibility.

Benefits are improved posture, strengthen shoulders, lubricate knee joints and your upper body flexibility.
Students should bring bottled water to class.

Instructor:  Isabel Gomez

Isabel is an Aqua-size instructor at the Middletown YMCA.

A $15 DOLLAR FEE WILL BE COLLECTED TO COVER THE COST OF SUPPLIES.  Please bring your own scissors.

Students will craft a fall topiary that can be converted to a Christmas topiary if they choose. 

Instructor: Caren Aiello

Caren is a business owner, volunteer and crafter.  She has taught workshops at Hill Hold Museum in Campbell Hall, NY.

STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO READ EACH BOOK PRIOR TO CLASS.

On October 15th  we will discuss THE MESSAGE by Ta-Nehisi Coates.  We will also discuss SOLITO by Javier Zamora.    On October 22nd we will discuss THE ROSE CODE by Kate Quinn. 

Instructor:  Marlena Lange

A long time Encore instructor; Marlena has also been a teacher of English at Chester High School, SUNY Orange, Harriman College and Mercy College.  She has worked in many prisons.  Marlena is the current president of the Middletown Thrall Library Board of Trustees.  In addition, she is the current president of Friends of Thrall Library.

Orange County is the home to hundreds of discoveries of mastodons, extinct ice age elephants.  This class will explore the geological, paleontological and possible archaeological context of Orange County’s mastodons.  In 2024, Dr. Harris was involved in the identification and recovery of a mastodon jaw from Scotchtown, NY.  During June 2025, he led a class of students to investigate if any other elements remained.  Results of this recent research will also be discussed in this class.

Instructor:  Cory Harris Ph.D.

Cory is a professor of anthropology and sociology and Department Chair of the Department of Behavioral Sciences at SUNY Orange.

“We have it in our power to begin the world over again.”

On the 250th anniversary of the start of the American Revolution, we are going to look at key individuals who helped inspire this pivotal war.  In the context of various historical events, we will explore how various people like Patrick Henry, John Hancock, Thomas Paine, Mercy Otis Warren and others helped to put the colonists on the path to independence.  During the course of this class, we will investigate their contributions and efforts in bringing about the United States of America.

Instructor: Professor Heidi Amelia-Anne Weber, Ph. D

Dr. Heidi Amelia-Anne Weber is a Full Professor of History in the Department of Global Studies at SUNY Orange.  She is actively involved in teaching classes in the Honors program as well as for Encore.

Heidi was selected as the recipient of both SUNY Orange Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching as well as the Chancellor’s Award for Teaching Excellence. Heidi has written the book Like a Great Feudel Landlord: How Architecture and Slavery Created the World of the Upcountry Planter published in November 2022 by Mercer University Press.

This workshop course will provide suggestions for how to write autobiographically while capturing aspects of creative writing style that can help us present our stories. The course will also allow participants to share stories for feedback and observations.

The first class will involve drafting stories, and the second class will allow participants to share their stories aloud for the class community.  At the end of the class, participants will aim to have a draft of an autobiographical story with creative details added or planned.

Instructor:  John Andelfinger

John is an Instructor of English and Chair of Assessment Advisory Committee at SUNY Orange. His research and personal interests include English composition and creative writing, creating and performing music, and exploring creativity that combines various forms of expression.

We will discuss the vital role that tourism and film play in the success of our local economy.  We will share developments in each industry and how people can get involved and how to enjoy Orange County the full extent!

Instructors:  Amanda Dana and Rachel Carr

Amanda has served as Orange County’s Tourism Director since 2018 and also leads the County’s Film Office.  With over 25 years’ experience in sales, marketing, and economic development, she has built strong partnerships and a reputation for connecting people and organizations with key resources.  In 2020, she was named President of Hudson Valley Tourism, representing the 10-county region.  She previously led business retention efforts at the Orange County Partnership and ran a successful real estate practice.

Rachel joined the Orange County Tourism & Film Department as Tourism Coordinator in 2022 and brings a deep connection to the community as a lifelong resident.  Prior to this role, she spent 10 years managing operations and marketing at her family’s business, Chester Printing.  She’s a graduate of Leadership Orange and actively serves as Treasurer of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall Committee in the town of Wallkill.  Rachel is passionate about promoting Orange County and strengthening its economy through tourism.

A $25 DOLLAR FEE WILL BE COLLECTED AT THE FIRST SESSION TO COVER THE COST OF THE SUPPLIES.

PLEASE bring your own scissors.  The teacher will supply the paper, glue and other needed materials.
We will be making two cards in each class (example: birthday, baby, holiday, etc.).

Instructor:  Pam Ippolito

Pam has been making handmade cards for over 15 years. She has been a stampin-up demonstrator for the last six years.

This lecture series will discuss the history of Native Americans including their history, culture, and how against all odds native people survived the arrival of European explorers.  The program will tell of the arrival of the first Americans in the western hemisphere, their history, and culture including the Native Americans who lived in the Hudson Valley and their connections to Alice Desmond.

Instructors:  Frank Kieck and Charlie Ford

Frank is an avid old-time radio and mystery fan.  He has taught multiple classes at SUNY Orange and the Desmond Campus.

Charles has taught classes at the Desmond Campus, Vassar College, Bard College, Shawangunk Correction Facilities and local churches.

The course will focus on the old houses and estates of Goshen that have not survived and those that remain.

Old families that contributed to the life and development of Goshen will be discussed.  The involvement of the harness racing industry and the development of the legal profession in the growth of Goshen will be covered.

Instructor:  Edward Connor

Edward Connor is the village of Goshen historian and a trustee of the Orange County Historical Society.  He also served as a trustee of the Goshen Public Library and Historical Society.  

Ensure peace of mind for your family by making arrangements ahead of time.

Instructors: Mary McPhillips and Barry Bernstein

Mary is the Funeral Director and owner of Applebee-McPhillips Funeral Home, a family business which has served the community for over 100 years.  

Barry is a funeral director.  He has found funeral service to be very rewarding as it serves his passion and desire to help and serve those families who have lost a loved one, and to guide them during their most difficult time.

This is an overview of the Orange County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department, upcoming improvements and additions and amenities available for seniors.

Instructors:

Travis Ewald, P.E. has served as Commissioner of Parks & Recreation since September 2023.  Travis is a professional engineer and has extensive experience in project-management, including the administration of bids and contracts.  He has been instrumental in many improvements at OC Parks, including the construction of multiple sections of the Heritage Trail, and overseeing many projects throughout the parks.

Deanna Crawford has been Deputy commissioner of OC Parks, Recreations and Conservation since 2021.  Deanna works alongside the Commissioner overseeing the fiscal and administrative operations and assisting with implementation of projects and programs.

Meredith Foy has served as Deputy Commissioner of Parks and Recreation, Division of Construction and Maintenance since 2024.  She has over 25 years of commercial general contracting experience that includes all aspects of project management, contract administration and field supervision.  She plays a vital role in the upkeep of the amenities throughout the parks

This course examines the development of a large-scale slave society during the conquest of Rome’s empire (ca. 241 BCE-30 BCD).  During the course, we will examine the historical problems of studying Roman Slavery, the role slaves played in the Roman legal, social, and economic order, the relationship between the conquest of Rome’s empire and the phenomenon of mass enslavement, the lives and work of the enslaved themselves, the practice of slave mastery, slave insurrection (including the famous Spartacus Revolt), and the Roman literacy image of the enslaved.

Instructor:  Michael Quinn Ph. D.

Michael is an assistant professor of History in the Department of Global Studies and VP of Shared Governance at SUNY Orange Community College.

HEALTHY LIVING FOR YOUR BRAIN AND BODY: TIPS FROM THE LATEST RESEARCH, AN EDUCATION PROGRAM PRESENTED BY THE ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION

For centuries, we have known that the health of the brain and the body are connected.  But now, science is able to provide insights of how life style choices may help you keep your brain and body healthy as you age.  Join us to learn about research in the areas of diet and nutrition, cognitive activity, and social engagement, and use hands-on tools to help you incorporate these recommendations into a plan for healthy aging

Instructor:  Eileen Hendriksen

Eileen has worked for the Alzheimer’s Association’s Hudson Valley Chapter since 2019, in the position of Care Consultant and Director of Early Stage Services.  She received her Bachelors in social work from the Dominican University in Orangeburg, and her Master’s in social work from the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College, in the Aging Field of the Practice and Community Organizing, Planning, and Development Method.

Our programs and services will be discussed.  We are committed to meeting the needs of Orange County’s older adult population, their families, and friends who care for them.  Our goal is to maintain the dignity, well being and independence of older adults through our role as advocate and community partner.

Instructor:  Danielle Diana-Smith and staff

Danielle is the director of the Orange County Office of the Aging

The cells in our bodies are built and maintained by the instructions encoded in our DNA.  Genetics describes how we inherit traits from our parents’ DNA.  Epigenetics is the study of how our DNA is affected by the experiences and stresses of life.  

We are just now learning how the experiences of ourselves and our parents affect our personal biology at a molecular level.

This course will give a brief overview of what is being discovered about the relationship between nature and nurture in human beings.

Instructor: Ernest Vanderkruick

Ernest is a New York State Master Teacher Emeritus, taught high school and college level biology for 20 years, most recently at S. S. Seward Institute in Florida, NY and SUNY Orange.  Educated as a molecular biologist in the 1970's, he has witnessed the revolution that new discoveries about DNA have brought about.

Origami cranes are a symbol of healing, hope, and peace.

We will learn to make paper cranes that can be used in many ways; as decorations, to commemorate peace, make wishes come true, and practice mindfulness.  Come share my lifetime supply of beautiful origami paper and celebrate International Peace Day.  I will bring some ribbon, string, beads, etc… and you bring your creativity!!

Instructor:  Linda Hall

Linda is a retired K-1/reading teacher.  “In retirement I have been pursuing my life long interest in art by exploring classes that use different artistic media and styles.”  I love folding paper cranes of different sizes and colors and using them around my home as decorations.

This film series will have something for everyone.  This semester the movies have been recommended by the students of the Spring class.

Sept. 19:  Scarface
Sept. 26:  The Grand Hotel
Oct. 3:  Sunset Boulevard
Oct. 17:  Marty
Oct. 24:  The Pawnbroker
Oct. 31:  The Sunshine Boys
Nov. 7:  Argo

Instructor: Matt Pfisterer

Matt has served as the Director at Middletown Thrall Library since 2011.  Matt earned a Master’s Degree in Information Science from SUNY Albany, worked as a public Librarian and gained experience as a director of public libraries in Ulster and Duchess counties.