Summer courses in Harrisburg have ended. Stay tuned for our fall courses! Visit our membership page to join OLLI.
Summer Course Descriptions:
When: Three Wednesdays in May: 5/14, 5/21, and 5/28; 1:15–3:00 p.m.
Where: Penn State Harrisburg, W138 Olmsted Building
Fee: $35
Capacity: 25
Description: This three-part course, led by Dr. Libby Tisdell, explores how to embrace life as a pilgrimage in the second half of life. Participants will engage in walking and movement-based practices, cultivate gratitude through meditation and artistic expression, and connect with supportive communities that promote well-being. The course integrates spiritual reflection with practical strategies for aging well.
Instructor: Elizabeth J. Tisdell, Ed.D., is Distinguished Professor Emerita of Lifelong Learning and Adult Education at Penn State Harrisburg. Since 2020, she has worked part-time as a chaplain at Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Her research focuses on meditation, mindfulness, and the intersection of spirituality and culture. She has explored transformative pilgrimage learning through experiences like Croagh Patrick in Ireland and the Camino de Santiago. Recently, she has written about living life as a pilgrimage, including surviving ovarian cancer.
When: Thursday, May 15, 10:30 a.m.–noon
Where: Penn State Harrisburg, C213 Olmsted Building
Fee: $15
Capacity: 100
Description: Join David Biser as he reenacts the life of John Harris, founder of Harrisburg and Dauphin County, PA. In this conversational first-person interaction, Biser will peel back the layers of the adventurous life Harris lived along the Susquehanna River. The learner will discover all that went into the establishment of Dauphin County and the development of the city of Harrisburg so that it could become the state’s capital.
Instructor: David Biser is an amateur historian and author who stepped into offering a first-person presentation of John Harris 15 years ago. He is an 18th century reenactor as a hobby and a full-time pastor of a Harrisburg congregation.
When: Six Thursdays in May and June: 5/22, 5/29, 6/5, 6/12, 6/19, and 6/26; 10:30 a.m.–noon
Where: Penn State Harrisburg, E224 Olmsted Building
Fee: $40
Capacity: 20
Description: This is an intergenerational course. Through engaging art experiences, class discussions, and case studies, young and older adults will explore the powerful relationship between art and healing. The course will introduce participants to the practical application of creative arts therapies, using a variety of approaches to wellness and healing. No prior artistic skills are required — just bring your curiosity and openness to learn with and from each other!
Instructor: Patty Aguilera earned her doctorate in lifelong learning and adult education, holds an M.S. in psychology, and completed a residency in marriage and family therapy. With over 20 years of experience as a clinical therapist and supervisor, Dr. Aguilera has effectively utilized art therapy and has facilitated numerous intergenerational courses.
Special Note: It is expected that members will participate in all 6 sessions, but it is not mandatory.
When: Tuesday, June 3, 2:30–3:30 p.m.
Where: Penn State Harrisburg, W139 Olmsted Building
Fee: $15
Capacity: 20
Description: When planning your estate, it is critical to understand how your assets are distributed to your heirs and favorite charities. This course will address the differences between various forms of legal ownership of assets and the tax implications on your estate. This course can help you understand how probate and non-probate assets impact your estate plan.
Special Note: This course is an important primer for the subsequent course on Estate Planning 101.
Instructor: Alvin H. Blitz, Esq., graduated from Dickinson School of Law in 1989. He was accepted into the PA Bar the same year. He practiced law in the Estate and Trust Division of Eckert Seamans in Harrisburg before leading the Gift Planning Department of Masonic Villages for 22 years. His focus is on estate and charitable planning. He is currently employed by CommunityAid as its general counsel and philanthropy director. He has lectured on estate planning throughout the United States.
When: Tuesday, June 10, 2:30–3:30 p.m.
Where: Penn State Harrisburg, W139 Olmsted Building
Fee: $15
Capacity: 15
Description: In this course, we will discuss why a Will, Financial Power of Attorney, Health Care Power of Attorney, Living Will, and, in certain cases, Living Trust are necessary documents for a well-designed estate plan. Informational handouts will be provided about each document. Not having an estate plan should never be an option.
Instructor: Alvin H. Blitz, Esq., graduated from Dickinson School of Law in 1989. He was accepted into the PA Bar the same year. He practiced law in the Estate and Trust Division of Eckert Seamans in Harrisburg before leading the Gift Planning Department of Masonic Villages for 22 years. His focus is on estate and charitable planning. He is currently employed by CommunityAid as its general counsel and philanthropy director. He has lectured on estate planning throughout the United States.
When: Wednesday, June 11, noon–2:00 p.m.
Where: Nature’s Way Nursery and Bonsai Studio, 1451 Pleasant Hill Rd., Harrisburg, PA 17112
Fee: $35
Capacity: 20
Description: Join bonsai artist Jim Doyle for an engaging two-hour course exploring the history and artistry of bonsai. Doyle will demonstrate essential techniques for pruning and caring for a bonsai tree while sharing his passion for plants as life forms that sustain us. He will discuss the deep connection between bonsai cultivation and artistic expression, emphasizing how caring for these miniature trees becomes an art form in itself. Participants will also have the opportunity to tour Nature’s Way Nursery and Bonsai Studio, experiencing a diverse collection of bonsai trees up close.
Instructor: Jim Doyle, B.S., is a graduate of Delaware Valley University, where he studied horticulture. He founded Nature’s Way Nursery and Bonsai Studio, which is located in Linglestown, PA, in 1973. He is also a bonsai artist, who teaches classes on the art and science of bonsai, both locally at his studio and as a guest artist in the US, Canada, Puerto Rico, Ireland, the Czech Republic, Western Europe, and New Zealand.
When: Tuesday, June 17, 10:30 a.m.–noon (Rescheduled from 5/27)
Where: Penn State Harrisburg, C213 Olmsted Building
Fee: $15
Capacity: 100
Description: This course will introduce the concept of cultural humility and its potential to help people have productive conversations about controversial and difficult topics. Examples are provided based on research on how cultural humility is used to train psychotherapists to work with clients of diverse backgrounds.
Instructor: Stephanie Winkeljohn Black is a licensed psychologist and an associate professor of psychology at Penn State Harrisburg. She has over 40 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters on psychotherapy, culture, and related topics.
When: Wednesday, June 18, 10:00–11:00 a.m.
Where: Penn State Harrisburg, W338 Olmsted Building
Fee: $15
Capacity: 40
Description: Research shows that nearly half of dementia cases can be prevented or delayed by making healthy choices. This has shifted the focus for healthy aging to setting healthy habits earlier in life and keeping risks low as we age. Experts recommend staying socially, mentally, and physically engaged. However, having a health condition or disability can make it harder to stay active and connected. This course will share simple and effective ways to keep yourself active and involved in the community, even with health challenges. Come to this course to learn strategies to adapt and available resources to support staying involved and healthy for life.
Instructor: Allison Flemming is an associate professor at Penn State. She was a professional counselor working with youth and adults with disabilities to help them gain and keep employment and currently directs an inclusive post-secondary program for college students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Her research focuses on employment and disability, and the benefits of employment and meaningful community participation for well-being throughout the lifespan.
When: Wednesday, June 25, 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Fee: $10 for members
Capacity: 40 (FULL)
Description: Participants will enjoy a guided tour through the PA State Capitol and State Museum of Pennsylvania. The itinerary is:
1:00 p.m. — State Museum of PA
2:15 p.m. — PA Capitol Building
3:00 p.m. — Reception in the rotunda with light refreshments
4:00 p.m. — Departure