Fall 2025 Courses

Math, Science, and Technology

Tom Dietz

Mondays, Term 1
September 8 to September 29 (4 classes)
4:15 pm – 5:30 pm

Have you ever wondered what it would take to dramatically reduce the energy required to operate your home? Have you wondered about people who claim that they have Net Zero homes that produce as much energy as they consume? In this course we will discuss what it takes to design and implement an energy efficient home. While achieving a true Net Zero home can be very challenging, it is possible to achieve. The course will discuss key components of an energy efficient Net Zero home. These include proper insulation and air barriers, the impact of windows and other building openings, efficient options for building heating and cooling, water heating, and other appliances. Further a detailed discussion will be had about options for on-site energy generation and conservation with a focus on the steps which can provide the highest immediate returns. The course will provide real world examples of Net Zero construction for both new builds or the retrofit of a historic buildings. Detailed discussion will be provided about potential sources of financing and the economics of the required changes to building or retrofit costs. While many may not take the full leap to making their home truly Net Zero, there will be many learnings from the course which may help attendees make their homes much more energy efficient with limited budgets.

TOM DIETZ is a retired chemist with extensive knowledge and experience in the energy industry. After retiring from his corporate career, he has been heavily involved with sustainability projects at home, with the town, and at the University of Delaware. He has built two Net Zero Energy homes and installed geothermal HVAC systems and solar arrays at his homes and business. His hands-on experience with the details of these projects provides a unique perspective. Tom is now a full-time resident of Chestertown and owns the Skipjack Art Studios in Downtown Chestertown.

This course is limited to 15 students.

Humanities

Airlee Johnson and Carolyn Brooks

Tuesdays, Term 1
September 2 to October 7 (6 classes)
4:15 - 5:15 PM

This course will educate audiences on the astounding history and hidden culture of African American communities on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. These counties have vibrant communities of African American citizens whose lives and work expand our understanding of what life was like for freeman and descendants of enslaved Africans on the Shore. The WC Starr Center has been conducting a substantial exploration of African American artifacts, oral histories, videos, and audio recordings that are now housed in the Chesapeake Heartland Digital Archive. An African American humanities project created by WC and the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, the Chesapeake Heartland Digital Archive preserves, digitizes, interprets, and makes materials accessible to the public through a website, programming, and community outreach. This course will foster knowledge of the rich heritage and pride generated from within the Black community through time. Unearthing this hidden information affirms that the African American free Blacks and descendants of the enslaved achieved far more than their limited resources would allow. The Black experience will explore how this culture was erected and maintained through participation in education, sports, debutantes/cotillion balls, community/fraternal organizations, veterans, religion and family/social life and employment.

CAROLYN BROOKS and AIRLEE RINGGOLD JOHNSON are Kent County natives raised during the 1950s and 1960s. Both attended segregated public schools in Kent County and Historically Black Colleges and Universities in Maryland; Morgan State University and University of Maryland Eastern Shore, respectively. Both earned their Master’s Degrees and worked in major US cities in their respective career fields. They both overcame adversities but persevered in their chosen careers, returning home to Kent County for retirement. Carolyn and Airlee have always been interested in history and have developed a passion for sharing the Black experiences on the Eastern Shore. In working with the Chesapeake Heartland Project, they have uncovered major hidden figures right here in Kent County and are excited to share their findings.

Limited to 30 students.

 

Agritourism

Judy Crow

Tuesdays, Term 1
September 2 to September 23 (4 classes)
4:15-5:15 PM

Immersive experience at Crow Farm, a generational farm vineyard & winery.

A generational family farm takes a new direction with a farming diversification and sustainability plan by creating a wine destination in Kent County. The process began 16 years ago to reinvent a 365-acre working family farm to a thriving agritourism venue. Crow Farm was growing corn and soybeans, and had a few Angus beef and many old buildings. Intentional preservation of history of the buildings and the farm has led to much renovation and an improved authentic farm feel. A heard of 100 grass fed Angus Beef roam rotational grass pastures. There is a thriving retail business that host special wine and food events, sells Angus beef and award-winning wines, and other local products that are sold in the Haybarn Tasting Room.

The participants will immerse themselves in the many aspects of Crow Farm and explore the wine making process.  Tour the farm with the owners and winemaker to see the many changes and challenges in the Agritourism business.

JUDY CROW retired from 30 years of teaching to return to her farming roots. Judy and Roy Crow were married 16 years ago, and they began on a journey to reinvent the family farm as their way to preserve the farm and allow visitors to immerse themselves in a variety of ways. Together they offer a farm-stay bed and breakfast, a herd of Angus beef, a 12-acre vineyard, and a 5,000-case state of the art winery. They have a wine tasting room that is open each day 12 noon to 5 pm for guest to enjoy award winning wines and farm-to-table lunch specials.

Limited to 30 students.

Health and Wellness

Shane Brill

Tuesdays, Term 1
September 2 to September 30 (5 classes)
1-2 PM

Curious about how food can support your well-being as you age? Food Foundations are dynamic courses designed for curious eaters, health seekers, gardeners, and food educators who want to deepen their understanding of nutrition through a practical, nature-based lens. Grounded in ancestral wisdom and functional nutrition, this course helps you restore energy, support digestion, and promote hormonal balance—all while reconnecting with the natural rhythms of your body. Each class will focus on a different plant family and its unique benefits, incorporating hands-on tastings, seasonal tips for sourcing and growing, recipes and resources, and guided exercises to build your own personalized nourishment map. Join either course—or both! Each course stands alone, but together they provide a comprehensive foundation for lifelong vitality. Optional pre- and post-course health questionnaires allow you to track improvements in diet-related symptoms.

Food Foundations 1 will explore foundational plant groups such as cabbages, legumes, squashes, carrots, and staple grains like wheat, corn, and oats. We’ll dig into food and physiology, highlighting how to get the most nourishment by focusing on nutrient density, digestion, and seasonal adaptability.

SHANE BRILL is a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner who empowers people to restore their energy, digestion, and overall vitality through targeted food and lifestyle strategies. Trained by the Nutritional Therapy Association and Restorative Wellness Solutions, he blends ancestral nutrition with cutting-edge functional tools to help clients get clear answers and lasting results. His approach is grounded, personalized, and rooted in the belief that the body can thrive when given the right support. Beyond one-on-one work, Shane leads wellness workshops and community foraging walks. His teaching bridges nourishment and ecological awareness, offering lifelong tools for resilience, vitality, and well-being.

Humanities

Raymond Vergne

Mondays, Term 1
September 8 to September 29 (4 classes)
4:15 - 5:30 PM

Benito Perez Galdos is the top novelist of 19th Century Spain, and “Misericordia” is one of his masterpieces. “Misericordia” is rather short (250 pages), succinct, and full of unforgettable characters and universal themes. The plot: Benigna, the sixty-year-old servant, confidant, and companion of Doña Paca (who has become penniless due to reckless spending), is forced to beg secretly to support her mistress and family.   When, somewhat miraculously, Doña Paca comes into an unexpected inheritance, Benigna is rejected and discharged.  Financial security does not bring the family happiness or peace, but Benigna achieves moral stature after experiencing much ingratitude, pain and hunger.

Just about every student in the Spanish-speaking world reads “Misericordia” either in high school or college, like they read Dickens' Great Expectations in the English-speaking world. The issues brought up for discussion always result in a most stimulating experience.

NOTE: Copies of “Misericordia” (English translation) will be issued to registrants and returned on the last session.

RAYMOND VERGNE is a retired cardiologist and educator with interests in the humanities.

Limited to 30 students.

Health and Wellness

Debra Silberg

Tuesdays, Term 1
September 2 to October 7 (6 classes)
4:15-5:30 PM

In this course, we will discuss how the gastro-intestinal (GI) tract (esophagus, stomach, small intestine and colon), liver, pancreas and gallbladder function normally as well as the diseases/disorders of the different organs. The diseases discussed will include such topics as eosinophilic esophagitis, acid reflux, dyspepsia, gastric (stomach) ulcers, celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, constipation, colon polyps and cancer, fatty liver, cirrhosis, pancreatic insufficiency and pancreatic cancer. In addition, there will be a session on the microbiome explaining what it is, and what are prebiotics, probiotics and fecal transplants. The course will end with a session on maintaining a healthy GI tract.

DEBRA SILBERG, MD, PhD, has specialty training as an adult gastroenterologist. She is currently retired from clinical practice. She was on the faculty at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine for over 10 years where she taught medical students, residents and fellows about the GI system. Debra had a 20 plus year career in clinical development, developing drugs for the GI tract in the Pharmaceutical Industry. She is currently a consultant for biotech companies developing drugs in the GI space. Debra is also the Chief Scientific Officer of Beyond Celiac, a patient advocacy organization for celiac disease, with the mission to find a treatment and cure for celiac disease. She is passionate about teaching, especially about the GI tract.

Business, Finance, and Law

David Simison

Mondays, Term 1
September 8 to September 29 (4 classes)
4:15 - 5:15 PM

Are you curious about mediation—what it is and how it works? This course will offer a clear and accessible overview of Mediation in Maryland. These classes will explore what mediation is, the role and qualifications of a mediator, why people choose to mediate, and what it takes to become a mediator, including training requirements and costs. We will also discuss the different types of mediation, the role (or absence) of attorneys in the process, and how to assess the quality of a mediator. Specifically, we will seek to answer many questions you might have, such as: 1. What is Mediation; 2. What does a Mediator do; 3. Who can be a Mediator; 4. Why Mediate; 5. Can you be a Mediator; 6. Can you make a living as a Mediator; 7. Do I need training to be a Mediator and if so how much and at what cost; 8. What kinds of Mediation are there; 9. Do I need an attorney in Mediation; and 10. How do I know if a Mediator is any good. Join this course to demystify this growing field and learn how mediation helps individuals, families, and communities resolve conflict peacefully.

DAVE SIMISON has been mediating cases in Maryland for over 25 years, has received hundreds of hours of training and has trained or assisted in training hundreds of mediators including attorneys and judges. He has served on panels for the Maryland Judiciary that observe and critique mediators. He has provided mediation services to the Courts statewide and specifically in Howard, Carroll, Anne Arundel, Queen Anne, and Caroline Counties. He has mediated a wide range of subjects including Second Marriage Estate Plans, Real Estate and Easement Disputes, Divorce, Custody, Auto Accident, Foster Care Adoption, Partnership, and Contractor.

Math, Science, and Technology

Larry Vetter

Thursdays, Term 1
September 4 to October 9 (6 classes)
4:15 pm – 5:30 pm

In this course, we will discuss the emergence of the environmental remedial industry as well as the various practices employed in clean up, recovery, and disposal of hazardous and nonhazardous substances. We will cover current local environmental issues. Various case studies will be included to emphasize equipment and materials usage. We will also discuss the various science disciplines employed. The course will take you through a number of different remedial technologies and will be peppered with lots of actual on-site stories.

LARRY VETTER is a retired environmental scientist with thirty years of experience in the environmental remedial field. He has been involved in hazardous spill response, contaminated soil and water remediation, hazardous waste management, indoor air quality, etc. 

Health and Wellness

Deborah Reid

Saturday: 6 hours; Sunday: 6 hours.
September 20 and 21, 2025 (2 classes).

Unitarian Universalist Church, 914 Gateway Dr, Chestertown, MD 21620

Lecture, Demonstration and Practice

Reiki is a Japanese based energy healing method that allows self-healing to occur physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. It works through using the electromagnetic energy that is all around and within us. But most importantly, it works through empathy and helps grow your own empathy for yourself and others. Reiki can relieve acute or chronic pain, improve circulation, reduce your blood pressure, relieve fever and speed up wound or injury healing times. Reiki will also reduce stress and provide relief from emotional pain such as grieving, anxiety and depression while improving your mental and emotional clarity. The first degree of Reiki attunement forms the foundation of your practice by clearing your own energetic system so that Reiki can more easily flow through you. During this 2-session class, you will learn about the history and origins of Reiki, the basics of the human chakra / energetic system as well as how to give Reiki to yourself and others. There will likely be other Reiki practitioners coming to go teach, depending on the day.

Following completion of both classes, you will receive a certificate of completion as a First Degree Usui Reiki Ryôhô Provider.

DEB REID is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and a Reiki Master who has been in the medical field and working with energy therapy for over 20 years. After working as a Biochemist, she received a Master's Degree in Nursing from Pace University in 2000 and has worked in Hospice, Family Practice and Emergency Medicine. While in nursing school, she was trained in Therapeutic Touch and went on to receive training in Usui Reiki Ryôhô and completed her Master level training in 2010. As of December of 2014, she is now a Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner. One of her passions about health and wellness is the concept that our bodies are communicating what they need through symptoms and we just need to learn how to listen. Her goal is to help clients find and realize their personal path to wellness through a combination of allopathic and alternative medicine. Depending on the class schedule, other Reiki practitioners may join to help teach and demonstrate Reiki skills.

Limited to 10.

Business, Finance, and Law

George Nilson

Fridays, Term 1
September 5 to October 3 (5 classes)
4:15 pm – 5:30 pm 

Every day, Americans are confronted with legal headlines—some dramatic, some obscure—that affect our rights, our communities, and the shape of our democracy. But behind the noise and polarization is a complex legal system that few understand well. This course will demystify that system, offering a practical, plainspoken guide to how the law works in the United States—from the U.S. Constitution to your local courthouse. From fundamentals of constitutional law—what it says, what it doesn’t, and how it is being interpreted today in ways that surprise even seasoned attorneys, we will examine how rights such as due process and equal protection are being currently applied. We will discuss the judiciary itself, asking hard questions: Is the Supreme Court still functioning as a constitutional guardrail? What is happening in the lower federal courts, and why do they matter just as much—if not more—in many cases? We will also discuss state and local law, with a focus on Maryland, where common legal issues—zoning, policing, juvenile justice, divorce, and inheritance—play out with real consequences. Finally, we will tackle the legal issues of the moment: immigration by bus and plane, the limits of executive power, the vanishing act of Congressional oversight, and the very structure of our democracy. We will cover the right to counsel, how the criminal justice system functions, and the legal mechanics of some of life’s most personal turning points.

GEORGE NILSON was a Political Science major in college and earned an LLB from Yale Law School and a Master of Urban Studies. He practiced law for 50 years in Baltimore: 10 years in a senior position in the Md Attorney General’s office, 10 years as Baltimore City Solicitor, and 30 years in private practice at a 4,000-lawyer international firm. His trial lawyer experience included several four-month jury trials, a successful death row case and 3 wins in the Supreme Court. He has previously taught two popular courses and one learning lunch at WC ALL.

Maximum number of students: 75.

Humanities, Social Science

Kathryn Lee

Thursdays, Term 1
September 4 to October 2 (5 classes)
4:15 pm – 5:30 pm

In Chestertown’s Memorial Park there is a monument honoring the Black soldiers from Kent County who served in the Union Army, one of only twenty-four such monuments in the country. In this class, we will honor their memory by discussing four events involving Black soldiers, events which changed many lives forever. The first is about the First South Carolina Volunteers who gathered in Beaufort, SC on January 1, 1863, to hear the Emancipation Proclamation read. Three weeks later the regiment went on a raid up the St. Mary’s River, and Robert Sutton, a former enslaved man now Union soldier, confronted his former owner. The second event occurred four months later when Harriet Tubman, Union spy, led the famous Combahee River raid, a raid that not only freed hundreds, but resulted in many freed men enlisting in the Union Army. The class will then discuss the tragic 1864 Battle of the Crater in Petersburg, VA in which over 100 Black Kent County soldiers fought, one of whom is buried in Janes Cemetery on Quaker Neck Road. Finally, we will discuss the establishment of the fraternal organization, the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), the founding of the GAR Charles Sumner Post 25 in Chestertown in 1882, and the struggle of Kent County Black veterans to obtain their well-deserved government pensions.

This course is Part 2 of a course taught in Fall 2024 (attendance not required). There will be five classes and the opportunity to have a guided tour of Sumner Hall on S. Queen Street. Readings will be distributed before each class session.

KATHRYN (KATHY) LEE, PhD, taught political science for thirty-eight years, retiring to Chestertown in July 2022 from Spokane, Washington. She is professor emerita of political science at Whitworth University. Kathy’s PhD is from Johns Hopkins. In researching Chestertown, she discovered Sumner Hall and was intrigued by its history. Her only knowledge of Black Civil War soldiers had come from the 1989 film, "Glory," about the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment. Now a board member of Sumner Hall, Kathy took a deep dive into the subject of Black soldiers in the Civil War, going to the National Archives to read the pension files of the Sumner Hall founders. In her research of the Battle of the Crater, Kathy discovered that a great-great-great uncle of hers was in a Pennsylvania regiment and witnessed the tragic battle.

Humanities

Raymond Vergne 

Fridays, Term 1
September 5 to October 10 (6 classes)
4:15 pm – 5:30 pm

The Papacy is the office and jurisdiction of the Bishop of Rome, known as the Pope. He is also the head of the Roman Catholic Church and has many titles. The Papacy has been occupied by 267 men over almost 2,000 years and has been a major factor in the history of Christianity, Europe, Western culture, and civilization. This exercise will focus on eight periods or crises in the political history of the Papacy, from biblical times to the present day. 

RAYMOND VERGNE is a retired physician and educator with interests in the humanities.

This course is limited to 30 students.

Social Sciences, Current Events, Math, Science and Technology

Jack Despeaux

Thursdays, Term 1
September 4 to September 18 (3 classes)
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Via ZOOM

Have you ever wondered what the differences between Twitter, X, and Bluesky are? Have you seen a post on Facebook that fires you up, just for someone else to say that it's some kind of AI fake post made precisely to rile you up? Have you heard someone say that they were sent a "Snap," and had no clue what they were talking about? This course may be for you! In Social Media 101, you will learn the basics of each major social media platform, how they work, what they're known for, how to navigate the never-ending stream of content within them, and the basics on how to avoid troublesome content and scammers. Students will learn about Facebook and its umbrella company, Meta; the rise and fall of Twitter and its different offshoots; and a brief overview on Instagram, Tiktok, Snapchat, and more. Get your thumbs ready for some scrolling!

NOTE: While the instructor has a lot of experience with social media and the technology it accompanies, he is not certified in any official way to train people to identify scammers on social media. This class is to be taught as if students' grandkids were giving them a detailed breakdown of what social media is like, not from a social media professional's perspective.

JACK DESPEAUX belongs to the strange middle-ground between Gen Z and Millennials, growing up with a chorded telephone on the wall, then having a flip phone in Middle School, and finally getting a smart phone late in high school. He experienced the start of Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, among other social media platforms, and has since had experience live-streaming sports talk shows on Twitter (now, "X"), running a blog through Facebook, and for a time running Washington College's Alumni Relations' social media accounts.

Math, Science, and Technology

Warren Case

Wednesdays, Term 1
September 3 to October 1 (5 classes)
4:15 – 5:30 PM

Students will learn all about space exploration – from its origins and history up to the present-day events and future trends. They will be introduced to the locations and roles of the NASA Centers, including practical information about visits. The course will discuss the manned space programs from Mercury to Apollo to the International Space Station and new spaceships under development. It will also cover unmanned satellites, their uses, and how they impact our daily lives and our perspective on our place in the universe. The course will present space exploration’s greatest achievements and toughest challenges. It will describe the dangers of space debris and chronicle the rise of space tourism (and when it will become more widely available). On a practical level, students will learn where to go see a launch closeup and when/where to see the International Space Station fly over Chestertown. No knowledge of technical concepts is assumed or required. No textbooks or materials are required. The students might have the opportunity to tour NASA Goddard Space Flight Center on November 19 on a space-available basis.

WARREN CASE became fascinated with astronomy and space exploration after watching Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon during the Apollo 11 mission. Since then, he has wished to share this excitement with others. His first job after high school was to give planetarium lectures at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, then subsequently work at the Goddard Visitor Center. He spent the bulk of his career supporting the Space Shuttle’s Spacelab missions (14 years) and the Earth Observing System missions (20+ years). In these roles, he principally served as a liaison between the Goddard operations teams and the outside interfaces (primarily the scientific community). In 2020, he transferred to NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC and began coordinating the operations of approximately 20 earth science missions, some hosted on the International Space Station (ISS) and others on free-flying satellites. He retired in March 2025.

Humanities

Wendy Eckel

Thursdays, Term 1
September 4 to October 9 (6 classes)
4:15 pm – 5:30 pm

What is a memoir? What should (and shouldn't) be included in creative nonfiction? What does it take to turn your story into a book? The instructor these questions will answer and you will be given the opportunity to be mentored throughout the process of outlining, drafting, and editing a memoir. Whether your goal is publication or writing your story down to share it with loved ones and friends, this interactive class will support you in improving writing skills, incorporating constructive feedback, and producing a polished work of creative nonfiction. This is a highly interactive class, and you may hear amazing stories from yourself and our community.

WENDY ECKEL is an award-winning published author of the Rosalie Hart Mystery Series. She has published 4 in the series with Level Best Books. Two were Amazon best-sellers, and the last one is in the works. She is a retired Licensed Clinical Social Worker and writes the advice column for the Maryland Writers' Association. She taught a 4-week Memoir Writing Course in January and April of 2025 at the Chestertown Library that was very popular with a waiting list for both classes. She is scheduled to deliver an hour-long lecture about memoir in the Cecil County Library in July. Wendy spent months reading memoirs and books about the art of writing memoir to prepare for these classes.

This course is limited to 8 students.

Humanities

Donna Van Dusen

Wednesdays, Term 1
September 3 to October 1 (5 classes)
4:15 – 5:30 PM

Often assumed to be only a poetic device, metaphor has the power to shape thought, unify and divide people, and exert influence in ways that often go unrecognized. The power of metaphor resides in its ability to evoke powerful images, stir emotions, make complex ideas understandable, and create meaning by imposing frames—structures that organize our thoughts and experiences. The unrecognized aspect of metaphor enhances its power. In this course we will explore the metaphors that shape our thoughts and perceptions, and how they influence our identities, opinions, and politics. We’ll also explore how changing metaphors can transform our attitudes and perspectives. The course includes several recommended readings that can be accessed online to enhance our discussion.

DONNA VAN DUSEN, Professor Emerita, finds retirement to be a time in which to engage with others in exploring a number of academic topics from an experiential perspective. Her study of rhetoric and communication sparked her interest in the ways metaphor has been used in recent political discourse as well as in shaping other life experiences, such as aging, conflict, and creativity.

Business, Finance and Law

Owen Bailey

Wednesdays, Term 1
September 3 to September 24 (4 classes)

This four-week course introduces participants to the principles of sustainable land use, zoning and comprehensive planning, the economics of land development, and the public processes that shape our communities. Designed for engaged citizens, community leaders, and lifelong learners, the course demystifies how local governments make land use decisions and how individuals can participate meaningfully.

OWEN BAILEY is the Director of Land Use and Policy at Eastern Shore Land Conservancy. He teaches and speaks regularly on sustainable development, including a two-week course on Sustainable Communities with the Institute for Adult Learning and a Lunch and Learn at Washington College. Owen frequently presents at planning commission and council meetings as Chair of the Eastern Shore Regional Trails Steering Committee and Partners for Open Space, and serves as Vice-Chair on the Chestertown Planning Commission.

Math, Science, and Technology

Fernando Segade

Wednesdays, Term 2
October 22 to November 19 (5 classes)
4:15 pm – 5:30 pm

By the mid-20th century two discoveries came together and opened the new research field of modern molecular genetics: the laws of genetic inheritance explaining how some traits are passed through generations as discrete units; and that those units (the genes) are encoded in a molecule (DNA) capable of duplicating itself. Now, and for the first time ever, we will be able to change our genetic endowment, our genome, and to fix crippling inborn diseases. But should we? Are ethical and moral implications that may prevent the use of molecular gene tools? Are “designer babies” just around the corner? This course will explore current discoveries in genetics and expand our understanding of the incoming debate across five lectures: 1. Inheritance and Genetics. Introduction to the history of genetics. 2. How Genes Work. How genetic information is decoded from the DNA and is used to produce a body trait. 3. DNA Forensics. How DNA analysis and comparison are used in criminology and paternity testing. 4. DNA Ancestry. How DNA analysis can determine your genealogy. 5. Genome editing and “Designer babies”. How we can correct errors in an individual’s DNA by “editing” DNA.

FERNANDO SEGADE is a semi-retired molecular biologist and adjunct instructor in Biology at Washington College. Dr. Segade has worked on the genetics of complex diseases and developed genetically-modified animals and cellular models of human genetic diseases at Washington University in St. Louis and Wake Forest University.

Current Events, Social Sciences, Health and Wellness, and More! 

Justin White

Thursdays, Term 2
October 16 to November 20 (6 classes)
4:15 pm – 5:30 pm

This course on Artificial Intelligence is designed for adult learners or professionals. The course balances technical awareness, practical application, and critical thinking. Topics will include: AI tools across industries, AI’s exponential development, and cultural, economic, and governmental challenges. The goals of the course are to show how useful current AI can be in our daily tasks and dreams, to help AI luddites come to terms with its reality and to illustrate the huge potential and reality of AI in our lives. The course will cover all aspects (good, bad, and ugly) of this incredibly disruptive force.

High speed internet connectivity via "WC-Guest will be available (instructions will be provided). Attendees are encouraged to be on the internet with a device of their choosing. Attendees will have the opportunity to share their experiences using AI by the end of the course.

This course has been developed by AI and will be delivered in large part by AI, assisted by humanoid Justin White, WC ('76) and Microsoft Alumni.

JUSTIN WHITE graduated from WC in '76 as a drama major and studied the theatre professionally in NYC, focused primarily on directing Shakespeare. But, alas, he got the computer bug in the early 80's and became a PC programmer and software development consultant focused primarily on building small business accounting and inventory databases.  After moving to the West Coast he was hired by Microsoft in 1990 to be a database sales engineer and eventually wound up managing its sales, engineering, and internet publishing operations in the Rocky Mountain states out of Colorado.  In the 2000s he left Microsoft to start his own software company supplying business management systems to the wellness industry.  After an absence from Chestertown of 45 years, he and his wife moved here in 2021, and stay busy restoring an old house downtown.  An avid poet, he has now orchestrated an album's worth of songs he's written using AI.

Humanities

Jim Maddox

Thursdays, Term 2
October 16 to November 20 (6 classes)
4:15 pm – 5:30 pm

I have been collecting American Indian Pueblo pottery for more than 40 years. For many years, I collected from all the pueblos, but about five years ago I narrowed my collecting to 4 pueblos: Acoma, Kewa (formerly known as Santo Domingo), Zuni in New Mexico, and Hopi in Arizona. At all these pueblos, pottery-making is a centuries-old tradition. Almost all my pottery derives from the long period after the arrival of the railroads in New Mexico and Arizona, roughly 1880. Much, indeed most, Native American pottery from 1880 to the present is continuous with the pottery that the Indians were making before the arrival of the Americans, but the pottery has long since lost its connection with any actual use that the Indians make of it in their daily lives. Much of the pottery is probably more sensibly regarded as art—and as art of a very high caliber. We will look at, admire, perhaps sometimes criticize, and handle (!) about 125 pieces of Indian pottery from as early as 1870 to the present. Ideally, you will learn to recognize pottery from Acoma, Hopi, Kewa, and Zuni. We will discuss what draws us to the pottery, and whether and how it is beautiful.

JIM MADDOX, before retiring, was a professor of English at the George Washington University and at Middlebury College's summer graduate school, the Bread Loaf School of English, where he taught and then became the director for almost 25 years. One fine day in the early 1980s, Jim came upon a beautiful Acoma pot at an antique show in Washington and bought it. His path from this initial interest to serious collecting was steep and passionate. He visited the land of the pueblos in New Mexico and Arizona many times; visited the great museums, especially in Santa Fe; and became familiar with many dealers in Indian pottery, again especially in Santa Fe, which is ground zero for pottery collectors. He also became deeply interested in the history of the Pueblo peoples, a history strongly shadowed by the Native Americans' contact with the descendants of Europeans, first the Spanish, then the Americans. Although like all other American Indians, the Pueblo peoples suffered from this contact, they did so (I will argue) less than almost all other Native American groups.

This course has a limit of 12 participants.

Humanities

Yolanda Sanchez

Tuesdays, Term 2
October 21 to November 18 (5 classes)
4:15 pm – 5:30 pm

Nestled between the rugged Cantabrian Mountains and the wild Atlantic coast, Asturias remains one of Spain’s best-kept secrets—a region where dramatic landscapes, ancient traditions, and a deep sense of heritage come together to create a truly unique experience. Asturias: The Road Less Traveled in Spain invites you to explore this fascinating land, where pre-Romanesque churches stand alongside bustling cider houses, and where untouched beaches give way to soaring peaks. Through history, culture, cuisine, and curated itineraries, this course will uncover the heart of Asturias, from its vibrant cities to its most remote and breathtaking corners. Whether you are drawn to medieval architecture, the traditions of Asturian bagpipes and festivals, hiking rugged mountain trails, or the region’s rich gastronomy—featuring hearty stews, artisanal cheeses, and world-famous cider—this course will offer an in-depth look at one of Spain’s most underrated yet unforgettable regions.

YOLANDA SANCHEZ PhD was born and raised in Asturias (Spain). She grew up hiking in the mountains and enjoying summers at the beaches in this beautiful region. She attended primary and high schools in Oviedo as well as the local University to obtain her BSci in Biology and a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology prior to coming to the US. She has been sailing in Chesapeake Bay for many years and has resided in Chestertown for the last three.

Math, Science, and Technology

Dennis Herrmann

Mondays, Term 2
October 13 to November 10 (5 classes)
6:30–8:00 pm
Kent County High School Planetarium

A basic overview of the night sky that can be seen from anyone's backyard. This will include seasonal constellations, the zodiac, circumpolar stars, basic motions of celestial objects as seen from Earth, and the celestial sphere model. Visible planets will be identified and seen through telescopes, and the planetarium instrument will show the night-time sky in each season. Time-lapse videos from the James Webb and Hubble space telescopes will reveal recent discoveries in space.

DENNIS HERRMANN retired from teaching Astronomy and other sciences at Kent County High School in 2015, where he also coached track and field and cross country for 42 years. His interest in Astronomy began as a youngster when he and an across the street buddy spent hours under the night sky with their backyard telescopes. He has presented Christmas programs at the KCHS planetarium with the help of WKHS-FM 90.5 radio station since 1987. He officiates track and cross country meets as a certified USATF official and works part-time at Haven Harbor marina. He is an active member at Trinity Lutheran Church in Chestertown as Council President and in the choir.

Limited to 24 students.

Social Sciences

Jill Royston

Wednesdays, Term 1
September 3 to September 17 (3 classes)
4:15 – 5:30 PM

“Decision made? I don’t know.” Whether it’s deciding what’s for dinner or to sell a home, decision making can be frustrating and leave us feeling overwhelmed. “Decision Making, Simplified” is an engaging course learning the simple and repeatable INSIGHT framework. This approach was created to help you use your head, heart, and the facts to make decisions based on what matters most to you. Tested over 20 years with many people, the most common responses people share are: “I wish I knew this sooner!” and “I can’t wait to teach this to my family!” Let’s cut through the overwhelm, minimize the frustration, and try something new. How fun will it be to finally break the endless refrain of “I don’t know, what do you want for dinner?” Sign up for this course and find out!

JILL ROYSTON has over 20 years of experience as an executive coach, strategic advisor, and former Chief Operating Officer, helping people and organizations grow and thrive. Jill created the INSIGHT framework to teach people how to make decisions with confidence using their head, heart, and the facts. She helps people break free from what they “should” do and to instead create the life experiences that matter most to them, one decision at a time.

Limited to 12.

Health and Wellness

Pam Kuster and Terese Boegly

Wednesdays, Term 2
October 15 to November 19 (5 classes)
9:30–10:45 am

Location: Worthmore Equestrian Center at 11570 Still Pond Road, Worton, MD 21678.

Maryland heralds a rich equestrian heritage from thoroughbred racing, eventing, show-jumping to steeplechase and polo. In addition, many horses are doing incredibly important and challenging work as support animals in equine-assisted services. They work alongside therapists, social workers, educators, and specially certified equine instructors. Equine assisted activities and adaptive riding encompass the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of a person. This course combines classroom and experiential groundwork with horses and highlights their enormous ability to engage and understand humans. Participants will explore how horses communicate with people, interact with horses and more. This course does NOT include horseback riding. Participants need no experience with horses, just a sense of curiosity and wonder. The Worthmore Equestrian Center classroom and barn have concrete floors. The riding arena is equipped with ramps to accommodate accessibility to the viewing area. 

PAM KUSTER has worked in the horse industry for over forty years. She is a Certified Instructor with the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International and a Certified Equine Specialist with Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association. Pam brings deep experience in the horse industry and a strong passion for disability advocacy. As a PATH Certified Riding Instructor, EAGALA Equine Specialist, and Area Director for Special Olympics, she blends her love for horses and commitment to inclusion by leading equine-assisted programs at a thriving 40-horse facility.

TERESE BOEGLY Ed. D has worked in education for over 30 years. She served as an elementary principal for the last 20 years of her career. During her tenure as a principal, she provided supportive and nurturing learning environments to students, staff, and families. Terese began volunteering at Worthmore Equestrian Center in 2022, where she combines her love of children, horses, and learning. She is currently pursuing her certificate as an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning through PATH Intl.

Limited to 15 students.

Health and Wellness

Shane Brill

Tuesdays, Term 2
October 14 to November 11 (5 classes)
1–2 pm

Curious about how food can support your well-being as you age? Food Foundations are dynamic courses designed for curious eaters, health seekers, gardeners, and food educators who want to deepen their understanding of nutrition through a practical, nature-based lens. Grounded in ancestral wisdom and functional nutrition, this course helps you restore energy, support digestion, and promote hormonal balance—all while reconnecting with the natural rhythms of your body. Each class will focus on a different plant family and its unique benefits, incorporating hands-on tastings, seasonal tips for sourcing and growing, recipes and resources, and guided exercises to build your own personalized nourishment map. Join either course—or both! Each course stands alone, but together they provide a comprehensive foundation for lifelong vitality. Optional pre- and post-course health questionnaires allow you to track improvements in diet-related symptoms.

Food Foundations 2 will expand into more specialized plant allies—including lettuces, nightshades, aromatic herbs, berries, pomes, edible flowers, onions, and ginger. This course emphasizes herbal energetics and strategies for reducing dietary stressors to support deeper healing.

SHANE BRILL is a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner who empowers people to restore their energy, digestion, and overall vitality through targeted food and lifestyle strategies. Trained by the Nutritional Therapy Association and Restorative Wellness Solutions, he blends ancestral nutrition with cutting-edge functional tools to help clients get clear answers and lasting results. His approach is grounded, personalized, and rooted in the belief that the body can thrive when given the right support. Beyond one-on-one work, Shane leads wellness workshops and community foraging walks. His teaching bridges nourishment and ecological awareness, offering lifelong tools for resilience, vitality, and well-being.

Recreation

Demonstration and practice

Linda Foster, Jane Nightingale, Judi Gunter, Michael Shane

Tuesdays, Term 2
October 14 to November 18 (6 classes)
4:15 pm – 5:30 pm

Mah Jongg is a popular tile-based game developed in China in the 19th century that combines elements of strategy, skill, and chance. Two, three, or four people can play, however, the class will focus on 4-players. It is also a great way to maintain brain health while engaging in a fun, social activity. In fact, multiple studies have shown that playing Mah Jongg slows the normal cognitive decline of aging by improving memory, concentration, and patience. In this course, you will learn the basic rules and strategies for playing Mah Jongg and then put them into practice by playing games under the guidance of the instructors. Week 1 and 2: Become familiar with the tiles and rules through open-hand play. Week 3 and 4: Practice tile and rule knowledge through guided play. Week 5 and 6: Play games with guidance from the instructors, as needed. Additional information over the 6 weeks will include play etiquette, common questions for new players, and recommendations for getting started and improving your play.

Prerequisites: None.

Course Materials: National Mah Jongg League, Inc Official Standard Hands and Rules card for 2025 ($15)      

 (Request via:  www.nationalmahjonggleague.org, (212) 246-3052, OR writing 450 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10123 - include a self-addressed stamped envelope).

Caution:  Do not purchase cards through Amazon, the cards are not the same and will render the card unusable.

LINDA FOSTER is a Chestertown resident who has enjoyed playing Mah Jongg 1-3 times per week over the last year. Linda took a WC-ALL class Fall 2024.

JUDI GUNTER is a Chestertown resident who is self-taught in playing Mah Jongg through online play and coaching from fellow players.

JANE NIGHTINGALE is a Chestertown resident who has enjoyed playing Mah Jongg multiple times per week for over the last year. Jane took a WC-ALL class Fall 2024.

MICHAEL SHANE is a Chestertown resident who is an avid player of Mah Jongg, playing multiple times per week. Michael took a WC-ALL class Spring 2024.

This class has a limit of 16 participants.

Social Sciences; Current Events

Patricia Kirby

Mondays, Term 2
October 13 to November 3 (4 classes)
4:15 pm – 5:30 pm

America's fascination with murder seems insatiable. True crime stories captivate millions, while entire networks, podcasts, and YouTube channels devote hours to the topic. I often wonder, is it the motivation behind the murderous act, or is it the murderer himself that captures our attention and draws us in? Why are some murderers, like Luigi Mangione and Ted Bundy, embraced by the awaiting public? Their media persona and rock star status seem to overshadow and ignore the premeditated viciousness of their crimes. The course will probe current murder trials such as The University of Idaho Murders and The UnitedHealthcare CEO murder to attempt to understand how and why these murderers are glorified in the eyes of so many people today. There will be four sessions, with a new person/murder each session. The class size is small to encourage in-depth discussions about the cases and the phenomena that surround them.

PATRICIA KIRBY holds a PH.D. from American University. Her career included being a Baltimore City Police officer and homicide detective, an FBI Special Agent, and an FBI Profiler. Before retirement, she taught sociology and forensic psychology at Notre Dame of Maryland University.

Limited to 17 students.

 Current Events

Paul Chakroff

Fridays, Term 2
October 17 to November 21 (6 classes)
4:15–5:30 pm

The longer it takes the United States and other nations to zero-out their collective net greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere the greater will be the negative impacts of global warming on the environment, quality of life, and the economy. Such delay should be avoided for the general welfare of Americans and people worldwide; but to do so, the inconsistent climate policy of the U.S. Federal Government calls for enhanced individual, local, state, and private sector climate action.

This six-session course focuses on eliciting support for US climate policy through ‘meeting people where they are’ across the political spectrum. In this context the course addresses the nexus between climate change and ‘kitchen table issues’ of highest importance to Americans, including preserving democracy, personal finances, jobs and inflation, health and wellbeing, national and energy security and the national economy. Additional topics covered include the factors of time and tipping points in mitigating global heating, and environmental and socioeconomic impacts of a delayed response. The course concludes with a call for individual, community, corporate and state-led climate action in addition to federal action acceptable to the administration in power.

PAUL CHAKROFF holds a BS in Forest Biology and MS in Watershed Management both from the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (Syracuse, NY), and a PhD in Sociology: Climate Change and Sustainable Development Policy from the Universidade de Lisboa Instituto de Ciências Sociais (Portugal), which he completed after a 50+ year career in environmental protection and humane society management with government and nongovernmental organizations in the U.S. and internationally.

Fine and Performing Arts and Crafts

Lauren Davenport

Thursdays, Term 2
October 16 to November 20 (6 classes)
4:15–5:30 pm

ZOOM

There are numerous ways to tell a story. The same is true of stories for the stage. Plays can be traditional, experimental, long, short, futuristic, historical, inventive, and reimaginative. This course will help you a.) write / get started writing a play, and b.) build a playwright’s toolkit unique to you and how you work as a writer. In this practical writing class, we will explore the fundamentals of playwriting while crafting plays of our own. Classes will include short writing prompts, brief lecture and discussion, and reading new pages aloud with moderated group feedback afterwards. Topics to be discussed will include: Character, Voice, Movement, Worldbuilding, and Story & Structure. We will also utilize the Liz Lerman Critical Response Process as a guide for our group feedback. No prior experience is necessary. For class writing exercises, please bring either an electronic device, or (my favorite) paper and a preferred writing utensil. Pages to be read at sessions 2-6 should be typed and either brought to the group in paper format or shared digitally via email. Examples of modern play script format and the Liz Lerman Critical Response Process will be provided in PDFs via email. A suggested reading list of plays will also be provided, but is not mandatory or a prerequisite.

LAUREN DAVENPORT is a Philadelphia-based playwright and dramaturg. Her work has been produced and read in Philadelphia, Chicago, San Diego, West Chester, and Buffalo. She is a member of the Dramatists Guild, Literary Managers and Dramaturgs of the Americas, and currently works with Philadelphia Theatre Company. Lauren received her MA in Theatre from Villanova University and her BA in English Literature, Theatre, and Creative Writing from Washington College.

This course is limited to 7 students.

Fine and Performing Arts and Crafts

John Guthrie

Tuesdays, Term 2
October 14 to November 18 (6 classes)
4:15 pm – 5:30 pm

The aim of this course is to learn portrait photography through study and sharing. We will review the work of masters of portraiture in photography and painting. We will also learn from our own work, including class-based photography. The classes will be relevant both to individuals with complex Single Lens Reflex (SLR) cameras and to individuals with cell phone cameras. Student’s interests may range from casual Facebook-appropriate shots to formal photography. Although some guidance in camera technology will be provided, students should be familiar with basic operations of their cameras.

After reviewing diverse types of portraits, we will explore ‘character photography’, in which the photographer seeks to capture character traits, personalities or emotional expressions. To display these personal traits in photos, we will learn and use the fundamentals of: lighting, composition, context, color, skin tones, group pictures, young and old subjects, and personhood of subjects. In addition to lecture/discussion of world class photographers and iconic portraits, hands-on learning will be emphasized. In each class we will take, share and discuss our personal photographs and our techniques.

JOHN GUTHRIE enjoyed training from Dave Butler, renowned for “seeing the light” in people photography, and held two professional photography positions in Pocono Mountain Resorts. He was commissioned by the American Cancer Society to compose a series of photo essays of cancer survivors. For Washington College, John volunteered as a sports and special events photographer for four years. He is an active member of River Arts in Chestertown and has taught several WC-ALL classes.

This course is limited to 20 students.

Math, Science, and Technology; IT Skills

Jack Squadrito 

Fridays, Term 2
October 17 to November 21 (6 classes)
4:15–5:30 pm

Technology doesn’t have to be frustrating. Tech Savvy Chestertown is a supportive six-session course for seniors who want to better understand and manage their everyday devices. This course blends content covering both the "what and why" and the "how", with plenty of time for questions. This course is designed to empower senior learners to use modern technology confidently and safely, with support for a range of experience levels through general instruction and targeted hands-on practice. 

You’ll learn how to:

• Use your smartphone, tablet, or computer with more confidence.
• Send emails, manage attachments, and use video calling tools.
• Identify and avoid online scams and phishing attempts.
• Troubleshoot common issues like frozen screens or lost Wi-Fi.
• Download helpful apps and organize your device for everyday use.

This course is ideal for beginners and those looking to troubleshoot with more independence. 

JACK SQUADRITO is the Cybersecurity Analyst for WC. He also runs a side business doing IT in the local area. In his experience over the years Jack has noticed seniors sometimes feeling disconnected from modern tech. They want to use it but are not entirely sure how best to do so. Jack’s goal is to help with those issues by reaching as many people as possible in our local community.

This course is limited to 50 students.

Daniel Boorstin’s Classic Work

Humanities

Wendy Costa

Wednesdays, Term 2
October 15 to November 19 (6 classes)
4:15–5:30 pm

A great 20th Century historian, Daniel Boorstin, published The Americans: The Colonial Experience in 1958, but it is still one of the most thought-provoking studies of the period between 1607 and the American Revolution. We will be reading and discussing this book, which is really a long essay. Questions we will address include: How did the colonial experience shape the development of the United States in subsequent years? Are Boorstin's ideas dated? If every generation writes its own history, what are the questions that our generation asks of colonial times?

This book is available on Amazon. A copy can also be purchased via The Book Plate (arrives in a few days). It is not mandatory to read the book.

WENDY COSTA majored in American Studies at Vassar College, received a Master's in History at Columbia University and a doctorate in educational leadership from University of California, Davis. She has lived in Kent County for 20 years and served on the Kent County School Board for 2 terms.

Humanities; Math, Science, and Technology 

Jeff Coomer

Mondays, Term 2
September 20 to November 10 (4 classes)
4:15–5:30 pm

Until the last century, the task of unraveling the mystery of consciousness fell largely to philosophy and religion. While recent advancements in the sciences have greatly increased our understanding of the incredibly complex processes associated with various states of brain activity, they have not yet produced a widely accepted solution to what philosopher David Chalmers famously termed “the hard problem of consciousness” — why and how electrical activity in clumps of physical matter is accompanied by a personal, subjective experience of the world. This course will present an overview of the main ways of thinking about the origin and nature of consciousness. Is the mind a separate, immaterial entity that interacts with the physical body, as most religions assert, or will science one day explain consciousness entirely in terms of brain chemistry and the known laws of physics? Might consciousness be the manifestation of an as-yet-undiscovered fundamental property of all matter, meaning even the smallest particles in existence have some level of awareness? What can near-death experiences, remembrances of past lives, and psychedelic drug experiences tell us about consciousness? Will machines ever become conscious? And lastly, are these questions even within the scope of human intelligence to answer?

JEFF COOMER is a Washington College graduate and the retired CIO of a multi-billion-dollar division of a Fortune 250 company. A long-time student and practitioner of Buddhist and Stoic philosophy, he has previously taught numerous WC-ALL courses on those and other subjects, and led occasional Socrates Café conversations about philosophical topics.

Limited to 45 students.

Humanities

Joe Smith

Mondays, Term 2
October 13 to November 10 (5 classes)
4:15–5:30 pm

Most of us know the central facts of the Holocaust. Less well known are the earliest forms of Nazi terror and murder against disabled children and Jehovah's Witnesses, among other groups selected for persecution. The first class will focus on some of these lesser known aspects of Nazi terror. Each of the four following classes will focus on an individual who survived Nazi persecution. Their stories appear in books, but there is no required reading for this course. The stories of survival are extremely different, and each is a heart-rending tale of luck and pluck.

JOE SMITH, a retired lawyer and amateur historian, has had an interest in Holocaust history for many years. His reading on the subject includes books in German that are not available in English. He has met Holocaust survivors, including one whose story will be told in this course. Mr. Smith holds an M.A. degree from Yale and a J.D. degree from Yale Law School.

This course is limited to 20 students.

Humanities

Vic Evans

Wednesdays, Term 2
October 15 to November 19 (6 classes)
4:15–5:30 pm

Making and creating are intrinsic to being human and present pathways to happiness. Unpublished Poets is about the creative process, not just poetry. Perception skills, 'new ways of seeing', and productive imagining are topics. In an era when every voice needs to be heard, poetry offers a deep reservoir of method and technique to elevate spoken and written language. Although there are no recipes, poetry making can be approached as a craft much like advanced cooking. Armed with the right tools, time and attention, everyone can write poetry. Poetry knowledge advances aesthetic understanding of many art forms. Poetic method and technique improve verbal and written communication. Poetry is about messaging that appeals to the senses. Poetry's succinct power is needed in our 'short attention span' era. Poetry-making offers unlimited journeys of discovery. Unpublished Poets is a discussion class. You don't have to buy referenced texts. Summaries and excerpts will be provided. All poems will be voiced. We will create poetry together.

VIC EVANS is a retired architect and certified planning consultant with deep experience serving educational institutions and governments domestically and internationally. His love of language and expression now focused on poetry, combined with his liberal arts (English) and design (Architecture) education, informs his belief that poetry-making releases voices.

Humanities; Fine and Performing Arts 

Muphen Whitney

Thursdays, Term 2
October 16 to November 20 (6 classes)
4:15–5:30 pm

Instructor is happy to make available to students copies of any podcasts or radio programs that they would like to hear to facilitate their decision about this class.

This course will explore the compositions of little-known composers and lesser-known compositions by very well-known composers. There are hundreds (perhaps thousands) of composers throughout the various eras of classical music who have not become well known, but in fact composed very exciting, interesting, and beautiful music. For some well-known household names composers, not all their music has become as well-known as the artists themselves. Composers such as Marina Dranishnikova, James Hook, Ferdinand Reis, Friedrick Gulda, and Caspar Cassado have written music that deserves to be heard by a wide and appreciative audience. And some much better-known composers such as Maurice Ravel, Richard Strauss, Astor Piazzola, German composer Engelbert Humperdinck (no, not the pop singer), and Camille Saint-Saëns — and even better-known composers such as Beethoven, Mozart, and Tchaikovsky have little-known musical gems to their credit. We will hear all of these — and more!

MUPHEN R. WHITNEY is a life-long lover of classical music. For more than a decade she has provided podcasts for classical music and arts organizations in Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. She recently recorded “Conversations and Classical Music with Muphen Whitney,” a 13-program series that aired on WSCL in Salisbury. Miss Whitney also organizes the classical music concerts for The Mainstay in Rock Hall. Her musical knowledge comes from decades of attending concerts and pre-concert lectures and picking the brains of the musicians, conductors, and composers who are friends and/or who have been guests on her podcasts and radio programs.

Limited to 20 students.