Programs

No tests, no grades – no worries!

100 Series Courses - 200 Series Courses - 300 Series Courses

The 100 Series: Traditional Thomas Dunn
These courses cover a wide range of topics and are offered free of charge. Download a registration form to enroll in a course.

101 Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Programs and Pet Overpopulation
Ray Feick, Sharon Roberts and Liz Rudder
Saturday, Sept 11, 10am-noon

Pet overpopulation is a serious problem throughout the United States. St. Louis is no exception. Our city is fortunate to have several low-cost spay/neuter programs available. This workshop will discuss overpopulation and the ways individuals can make a difference in reducing the number of dogs and cats euthanized in our area. We will be joined by Ray Feick, founder of Pound Pals, and Liz Rudder, founder of Operation SPOT: Stop Pet Overpopulation Today.

102 A Guided Tour of the St. Louis Holocaust Museum
Robert J. Hutcheson, Ph.D.
Wednesday, Sept 15, 10am-noon

Meet at the Holocaust Museum
12 Millstone Campus Drive
St Louis, MO 63146
(314) 432-0020

The St. Louis Holocaust Museum and Learning Center houses a 5,000 sq-ft core exhibition that provides a chronological history of the Holocaust with personal accounts of survivors who emigrated to St. Louis. Join us for a personal tour of the Museum guided by Dr. Robert Hutcheson, a longtime faculty member at Thomas Dunn Memorials as well as an experienced docent and educator at the Museum. Dr. Hutcheson will provide a detailed overview of the Holocaust through examination of the objects on display. He will also facilitate discussion and respond to questions.

103 Hoarding Behaviors: Resources and Responses
Marsha Clark
Thursday, Sept 23, 1-3 pm

Recent TV shows about hoarding have captivated viewers. What is behind the urge to gather and hold onto things? And what is the distinction between chronic hoarding versus disorganization, situational messiness or an overabundance of stuff? This workshop is for anyone who may be curious, concerned about a loved one or considering professional assistance. Suggestions for communication and resources for assistance will be presented. Participants will not be asked to divulge details about their own or a loved one’s living conditions. Marsha Clark is a participant in the National Study Group for Chronic Disorganization, which supports professionals in the service of helping individuals with various levels of accumulation. As president of Move Facilitations, LLC, Clark has assisted individuals who move from homes where hoarding behavior is present.

104 Today’s Economic Outlook
Courtesy of John M. Jennings, JD, CFP®
Saturday, Sept. 25, 10 am-noon

Join us as John Jennings returns this fall to discuss the state of the economy and the road that lies ahead. Come prepared with your questions and concerns.

105 The Life and Music of Papa Haydn
Andy Hahn, Director, Campbell House Museum
Monday, Sept 27, 10-11:30 am

Composer Franz Josef Haydn (1732-1809) spent most of his life as a servant in the employ of the fabulously rich and powerful Esterhazy family. In his later years he became the most loved and celebrated composer in Europe, writing his best works while he was in his 60s and 70s. Join us as Andy Hahn continues our Life and Music series with a discussion of Papa Haydn, "The Father of the Symphony."

106 Take a Walking Tour of Tower Grove Park
Sue Oertli, Friends of Tower Grove Park
Thursday, Sept 30, 10-11am
Please meet at the Music Stand (near the Piper Palm House) in Tower Grove Park Wear your walking shoes!
Rain Date: Thursday, Oct. 7, 2010, 10-11 am.

Donated to St. Louis in 1868 by Henry Shaw, Tower Grove Park is one of the finest examples of a Victorian park in the Western world. Join us to explore the park’s rich heritage as we weave together history, architecture, horticulture, and lore during this docent-led walking tour of one of St. Louis’ great treasures. Highlights include Park History, Traditions of the Music Stand, Lily Ponds, The Piper Palm House, Victorian Pavilions, The Ruins, Sailboat Pond, Statues and Gates. Meet us there!

107 Train Your Brain
Presented by the Alzheimer’s Association
Wednesday, Oct 13, 10-11 am

When you think about staying fit, you probably think about exercising your body. But the health of your brain plays a critical role in almost everything you do—thinking, feeling, remembering, working, playing, even sleeping! The good news is that we now know there’s a lot you can do to help keep your brain healthier as you age. These steps might also reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia. This one-hour interactive workshop features nutritional and lifestyle advice, strategies to keep your memory sharp, interactive exercises and activities and materials to take home for further reading.

108 Know the 10 Signs: Early Alzheimer’s Detection Matters
Presented by the Alzheimer’s Association
Wednesday, Nov 17, 10-11 am

In 2011, the first wave of Baby Boomers will start turning 65, which is not only the age of Medicare eligibility, but also the age of greatest risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease. Early diagnosis will give you or your loved one the power to make choices about your own health and future with Alzheimer’s in the picture. During this workshop, we’ll discuss the 10 warning signs, risk factors, diagnoses and current treatment options.

200 Series Courses

The 200 Series: St. Louis Community College

Courses in the 200 Series are offered in partnership with St. Louis Community College-Forest Park. Fees due and payable to St. Louis Community College are established rates for individual offerings. Older adults (age 60 and older) who are residents of the college service area may enroll in most courses for a discount. Please indicate "Older Adults Fee Reduction" at time of registration. Call (314) 644-9175 for more information. Download a registration form.

OVERVIEW OF MICROSOFT OFFICE 2007: IN A DAY
COMP:713 930/931

Learn the basics of MS Office 2007 in a day. In this class you'll touch on the basics of Word, Excel, Access & PowerPoint, spending about 1.5 hours on each application. If you need a crash course or a basic understanding of the applications in Office 2007, then this class is for you! Prerequisite: Windows Introduction class or equivalent experience.

Fee: $69
Adults 60 and over: $48
10399 Friday, 9/17, 9am-4pm or 10400 Saturday, 10/2, 9am-4pm

MICROSOFT WORD 2007 IN A DAY
COMP:715 930/931

Learn the basics of MS Word 2007 in one day. You'll create and save documents; enter and edit text; learn to indent, set tabs, and enhance documents; make block moves, deletes, and copies; use spell checker, find and replace text; use shortcut keys; and print. Prerequisite: Windows Introduction class or equivalent experience.

Fee: $79
Adults 60 and over: $58
10338 Friday, 10/1, 9am-4pm or 10362 Saturday, 12/4, 9am-4pm

MICROSOFT EXCEL 2007 IN A DAY
COMP:720 930/931

Learn the basics of MS Excel 2007 in one day! In this introductory course you'll learn how to create spreadsheets for all kinds of applications including accounting, expense analysis, budgeting, etc. Topics include setting up worksheets, labeling, entering values, editing cells, copying, saving, and other commands. Prerequisite: Windows Introduction class or equivalent experience.

Fee: $79
Adults 60 and over: $58
10340 Friday, 9/24, 9am-4pm
10366 Saturday, 11/13, 9am-4pm

MICROSOFT ACCESS 2007 IN A DAY
COMP:725 930

Learn the basics of Access in one day. In this class you'll learn how to plan and design a database system, add, change, and delete information as well as how to create simple reports and how to query the database to find display data. Prerequisite: Windows Introduction class or equivalent experience.

Fee: $79
Adults 60 and over: $58
10346 Friday, 10/8, 9am-4pm

MICROSOFT POWERPOINT 2007 IN A DAY
COMP:730 930/931

Learn the basics of MS PowerPoint 2007 in one day! This is an introductory course in using PowerPoint to create effective graphic presentations. Learn to use word processing and drawing tools to create and edit text, logos, and artwork. Additional topics include importing clip art, using templates, and rearranging your presentation. Prerequisite: Windows Introduction class or equivalent experience.

Fee: $79
Adults 60 and over: $58
10345 Friday, 10/15, 9am-4pm or 10367 Saturday, 12/11, 9am-4pm

MICROSOFT PUBLISHER 2007: IN A DAY
COMP:731 930

Learn the basics of MS Publisher 2007 in one day! You will learn to design publications which are ready for printing. Topics include: importing and formatting text, inserting clip art, creating multicolumn pages, using page wizard and design galley, and adding type effects. Prerequisite: Windows Introduction class or equivalent experience.

Fee: $79
Adults 60 and over: $58
10405 Friday, 10/29, 9am-4pm

ADOBE INDESIGN CS4: IN A DAY
COMP:731 931

Learn the basics of InDesign CS4 in one day! In this course you will gain an understanding of the tools, menus and palettes required to produce digital page layout, including placement of text and pictures and typographic design control. Prerequisite: Windows Introduction class or equivalent experience. Textbook included.

Fee: $79
Adults 60 and over: $58
10370 Friday, 11/19, 9am-4pm

CREATE YOUR OWN WEBSITE: IN A DAY
COMP:742 930/931

Learn how to create your own personal website in one day. You will learn about site layouts, programs that can be used, links, adding pictures, archiving, updating, promoting, and many other decisions that need to be made to make your creation as special and unique as you are! Prerequisite: Windows: Introduction class or equivalent experience. Textbook included.

Fee: $79
Adults 60 and over: $58
10336 Friday, 9/10, 9am-4pm or 10361 Saturday, 11/6, 9am-4pm

LEARNING WEB DESIGN WITH ADOBE CS4 (DREAMWEAVER, FLASH, FIREWORKS)
COMP:745 930

Learn to design, manage, and modify web pages. Work with and create a variety of web pages and sites from basic to complex, including interactively and advanced elements. Text includes step-bystep application exercises to teach skills and critical thinking. Prerequisite: Windows Introduction class or equivalent experience.

Fee: $179
Fee for adults 60 and over: $135.50
10372 Saturday, 10/16, 9am-4pm and Saturday, 10/23 9am-4pm (2 weeks)

ADOBE FLASH CS4: IN A DAY
COMP:745 932

Learn the basics of Adobe Flash CS4 in one day. Learn how to import images, use text, create shapes, build layers, format objects, create animations, work with buttons, and add sound. Experience with Windows and basic keyboard skills required. Prerequisite: Windows Introduction class or equivalent experience.

Fee: $79
Adults 60 and over: $58
10406 Saturday, 9/18, 9am-4pm

HTML: IN A DAY
COMP:746 930

Learn the basics of HTML in a day. HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) is used in the development of webpages. You will learn formatting skills; how to add hyperlinks; link documents together; create tables; work with images; and explore the basics in CSS (Cascading Style Sheets). Prerequisite: Windows Introduction class or equivalent experience.

Fee: $79
Adults 60 and over: $58
10407 Saturday, 9/25, 9am-4pm

ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR CS4: IN A DAY
COMP:752 930

Learn the basics of Illustrator CS4 in one day. In this course you will gain an understanding of creating vector art objects or typographic designs for print, as well as the tools, menus and palettes required to create and edit vector art object and typographic designs, using color on layers. Prerequisite: Windows Introduction class or equivalent experience.

Fee: $79
Adults 60 and over: $58
10371 Friday, 11/5, 9am-4pm

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP CS4: IN A DAY
COMP:755 930

Learn the Basics of Adobe Photoshop CS4 in a day. You will learn how to manipulate digital images from a digital camera, previously scanned images, or internet graphics. Concepts covered include Selection Tools, Paintbrush Tools, Layers and Masking. Students will work hands-on with a wide variety of images. Prerequisite: Windows Introduction class or equivalent experience.

Fee: $79
Adults 60 and over: $58
10368 Friday, 11/12, 9am-4pm

FAST TRACK TO ADOBE PHOTOSHOP FOR DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY AND GRAPHIC ARTS
PHOT:704 930

An introduction to the popular image-editing software used by graphic artists. This course is for students interested in learning how to edit images (photographs) on the computer for print and electronic production at home. Students are encouraged to bring a project (digital file) to work on. Experience with Adobe Illustrator is suggested but not required.

Fee: $79
Adults 60 and over: $58
11028 Saturday, 10/30, 9am-4pm

CANDLE MAKING FOR FUN & PROFIT
CRFT:765 930

This class introduces candle making and how to profit from this craft. Each person attending will make one votive and one 3x3" candle. If time, students may also make a 3x6" candle. Take home molds, wax, wicks, fragrance and putty. Informal, hands-on class designed to teach, be fun and creative. Fee includes all materials. There will be a half-hour lunch break -- please bring a sack lunch! Students should wear closed toe shoes and long sleeve shirt for protection against wax splashes. Wear old clothes.

Fee: $36
Adults 60 and over: $29.50
10310 Saturday, 10/9, 9:30am-1:30pm

300 Series Courses

The 300 Series: These courses are offered in partnership with Marquette Learning Institute, a 501(c)(3) corporation established independently from Thomas Dunn Memorials Adult Education Program.

Courses in the 300 Series require a fee payable to Marquette Learning Institute. Proceeds support a Kids Alive music program for neighborhood children. Download a registration form to enroll in a course.

301 Letting Go of the Tough Stuff
Janine Adams, CPO, CPO-CD
Wednesday, Sept 8, 10-11:30am
Fee: $10

It can be difficult to part with one's personal belongings. But if you have a difficult time letting go of stuff, it can lead to an overwhelming clutter problem. Janine Adams, a Certified Professional Organizer in Chronic Disorganization and owner of Peace of Mind Organizing, can help you come up with questions to ask yourself when deciding about keeping and letting go of sentimental items. She’ll take you through a process that will help you identify those items that are really important and those that should be let go. She’ll also talk about avenues for donating items so they may continue being useful.

302 The Federal Reserve System: Culprit in the Crash?
Bob Hoffmann, MA
Fee: $10
Thursdays, Sept 9-16 (2 weeks), 1-3 pm

The Fed was created in 1913 to monitor the economy to prevent disastrous events and help keep the economy moving in the right direction. Join us for a look at the recent recession. Should the Fed shoulder any of the blame? Is there a need for reform?

303 The Middle East Islamic World Today and Its History: Part II
Tom St. John, M.A.T., M.B.A.
Fee: $30
Tuesdays, Sept 14-Oct 26 (7 weeks)
10am-noon

This continuation of our discussion of the Middle East will cover major topics of the area. New students are welcome! The first session will provide a survey review of “The Middle East: Part I.” Additional topics we will cover this semester include Faith; Imperialism since 1918; Oil and Water; Nationalism and Fundamentalism; Iran-Iraq conflict; Israel and the State of Palestine; Saudi Arabia and the Gulf States; and US Foreign Policy in the area since the 1950s—especially with Israel, Iran, Turkey, Egypt, Iraq and Saudi Arabia.

304 Conversational/Travel Spanish
Timothy Neckermann
Wednesdays, Sept 22-Oct 27 (6 weeks), 10-noon
Fee: $10

We will learn Spanish through useful simplified lessons stressing pronunciation, basic grammar and the essential use of verb forms. Through these lessons, you will be able to speak, communicate and travel throughout the streets of Spain, Mexico, Central or Latin America. The goal of the course is to help you speak and use the language for everyday situations.

305 Create Your Own Stamps
Corinne Didisheim
Fee: $35
Monday, Oct 4, 10am-noon

Are you already, or would you like to become, an artful crafter? Let Corinne Didisheim teach you the aesthetically rewarding craft of stamp carving. Embellish scrapbooks, create custom cards, or design your own mini-prints. Free the artist within… and have a lot of fun in the process!

306 How to Read a Road Map and Use Your Atlas
Barbara Koessel
Tuesdays, Oct 12 and 19 (2 weeks)
10am-noon
Fee: $10

GPS is helpful, but everyone should be able to make the most of a map. There’s more here than meets the eye! We’ll explore multiple kinds of maps in your atlas, which will be available for optional purchase at the first class for $9.

307 Beginning Knitting
Paste Arts and Crafts
Saturdays, Oct. 16-23 (2 weeks)
10am-noon
Fee: $45 includes supplies

We’re excited to offer a beginning knitting class at our Learning Center this fall. Come learn the basics of casting on and knit and purl stitches. You’ll be well on your way to scarf making by the time you leave!

308 Calhoun County Church and Quilt Barn Tour
Joan Huisinga, MA
Friday, Oct 22, 8:30am-5:30pm
Fee: $79

Join us for a fall excursion to the land between two rivers. We’ll enjoy rural villages, rolling hills, painted barns and historic small churches. History buffs, crafters and nature lovers will savor the sights and sounds of scenic Calhoun County, Ill. Price includes bus, lunch, admissions and Joan’s capable leadership. Please bring snacks for the bus.

309 The Goblins Might Get You: Haunted Koffee Klatsch
Joan Huisinga, MA
Thursday, Oct 28, 9-11:30am
Fee: $10

Join us for an engaging presentation on haunted houses and spooky folklore. We’ll regale you with interesting facts and trigger memories of your own Halloween adventures. Enjoy a hot cup of coffee or cider and donuts. Let’s have some Halloween fun!

310 Friends of Thomas Dunn Memorials 2010 Adventure: French Lick and Indiana Amish Tour
Joan Huisinga, MA
Sunday, Oct 24, 8:30 am-Tuesday, Oct 26, 7:30 pm
Fee: $288 (Please add $105 for a single room accommodation)
Friends Fee: $263 Guests pay full price.
No cancellations after Sept. 20!

Join Joan Huisinga and the Friends of Thomas Dunn Memorials on our farewell Friends tour. We depart the Thomas Dunn Learning Center at 8:30 am on Sunday, Oct. 24 and return at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 26.

Our group will enjoy a sightseeing stop on our way to French Lick, Ind., where we’ll proceed to the enchanting French Lick Springs Hotel, our home for the evening. Enjoy dinner at the Club House and a full breakfast buffet. Gorgeous grounds include the French Lick Golf Course and a visit to the West Baden Hotel. Care for a dip in the indoor pool? Golf, tennis, bowling, spa and 24-hour casino are optional events.

Our second night will be spent at the Gasthof Village Inn in Indiana’s Gasthof Amish Village. Browse antiques and crafts, tour Amish businesses, participate in the final Amish flea market of the year, see woodworking and quilts and enjoy lunch in an authentic Amish home. Price includes bus, lodging, two dinners, two breakfasts, lunch in the Amish home, guides and best of all, Joan Huisinga as your host.

Important Note: Please plan carefully. Due to hotel requirements, we are unable to provide refunds after Sept. 20. You will be asked to find a substitute traveler if you are unable to participate.

311 The Eastern Campaign: The Russo- German War of 1941-1945
Timothy Neckermann
Thursdays, Oct 28-Nov 18 (4 weeks), 10-noon
Fee: $15

This theater of operations is often overlooked and forgotten from the American perspective of World War II. The Eastern Campaign ranks as one of the most decisive components of World War II. Two-thirds of German casualties occurred throughout this campaign and it eventually served as the primary reason for Germany’s defeat. This course will explore German campaigns directed against Eastern Europe and consider the importance of these regions today.

312 Colonial Central America
Timothy Neckermann
Wednesdays, Nov 3-17 (3 weeks), 10-noon
Fee: $10

This course focuses on major topics related to Spanish Central America from roughly the Conquest to the eve of independence. Topics explored will be the size of the native population and what accounted for the success of the Spanish Conquest. It will focus on Native institutions and the culture that persisted under Spanish rule. Finally, we will examine the effects of independence from Spain upon the region.

313 Behind the Scenes
Joan Huisinga, MA
Friday, Nov 12, 9am-3pm
Fee: $52

’Round and ’round she goes, and where she stops, nobody knows. Half the fun of this mystery excursion is the element of surprise. Hop aboard your touring coach and let Joan lead the way. Fee includes bus, lunch, admissions and guide.

314 Discovering the Lost Treasures From the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair
Diane Rademacher
Tuesday, Nov 30, 10am-noon
Fee: $10

Discover the surprising treasures that remain from the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair both here in St. Louis and across the country. Hear the stories of the buildings, statuary and exhibit items that still exist in public places today. Through vintage and contemporary photographs, this then-and-now presentation provides an overview of the Fair, discusses its demolition and visually tours some of the splendid treasures. We encourage you to bring along any fair memorabilia or family fair stories to share. Books will be available for optional purchase.

315 Country Christmas
Joan Huisinga, MA
Thursday, Dec 9, 9am-4pm
Fee: $76

Rekindle the joy of the season as we tour historic country homes decorated for Christmas. We’ll enjoy a holiday lunch at the Blue Owl in Kimmswick, Mo., and return inspired to celebrate the holiday season consistent with our own traditions. Fee includes bus, donations, lunch, tips and guide.