Your voice matters as we continue to grow Lifelong Learning at Bucks. We’re designing programs based on what our community wants to learn, experience, and explore.
Take a moment to share your input and help shape future offerings:
Select Tuesdays & Thursdays, September 17–December 10 | 1–2:30 p.m.
Rollins Center – Solarium, Newtown Campus
Cost: $10 for the full fall series
Pull up a chair for an afternoon of tiles, tea, talk, and friendly competition! Whether you’re a seasoned Rummikub player or brand new to the game, Rummikub Social is a relaxed and welcoming way to play, learn, and connect with others. One $10 registration covers the entire fall series! Come to as many gatherings as your schedule allows—there’s no need to register for each date separately. All game materials and light refreshments will be provided. No experience necessary; beginners are always welcome!
Fall Rummikub Social Dates:
1–2:30 p.m.
Sept. 17 & 29 | Oct. 27 | Nov. 12 & 24 | Dec. 10
Thursday, September 24 | 2 p.m.
Allied Health Building, Room 010, Newtown Campus
Cost: $10
Step into the hidden world of espionage, betrayal, and national secrets in The Spy Next Door with historian Herb Kaufman, M.Ed. From the American Revolution and Civil War through the World Wars and the atomic age of the Manhattan Project, Americans from all walks of life—including trusted FBI agents, scientists, and CIA insiders—have betrayed the nation’s secrets. Beginning with the story of the Rosenbergs and continuing through some of the most notorious modern spy cases, this fascinating presentation explores the often unbelievable true stories of espionage against the United States and the motives that led ordinary citizens to turn against their country.
Register for The Spy Next Door
Wednesday, September 30 | 2-3:30 p.m.
Rollins Center - Solarium, Newtown Campus
Cost: $15
Join us for the inaugural program in Living Wisely in a Digital World, a new monthly Lifelong Learning at Bucks discussion series exploring the opportunities, challenges, and everyday realities of living in an increasingly connected and technology-driven world. Through engaging conversations, practical insights, and thoughtful reflection, this series will help lifelong learners navigate emerging technologies and digital life with greater confidence, curiosity, and intention.
Our first conversation, Finding Balance in the Age of AI, focuses on artificial intelligence and its growing role in everyday life. Through guided discussion, practical demonstrations, and small-group reflection, led by CJ Stasik, founder of SheHandlesIt, participants will discover approachable ways AI can assist with tasks such as planning, organizing, writing, and brainstorming while also exploring the uniquely human qualities that technology cannot replace. Together, we'll reflect on creativity, wisdom, authenticity, connection, and intentional living, leaving with a deeper understanding of AI and greater confidence in finding balance during a time of rapid technological change. Light refreshments will be provided. No technical experience is required—just curiosity and a willingness to join the conversation.
Thursday, October 15 | 12:30–2:30 p.m.
Zlock Performing Arts Center, Newtown Campus
Cost: Free | Preregistration required
Join Lifelong Learning at Bucks for a free screening of The Way, written and directed by Emilio Estevez and starring Martin Sheen. The film follows Tom, an American doctor who travels to France after the unexpected death of his son, who had been walking the Camino de Santiago—the centuries-old pilgrimage route across northern Spain. Tom decides to complete the journey himself, setting out on a deeply personal experience that becomes about much more than reaching a destination. Beautifully filmed and filled with warmth, humor, and memorable characters, The Way explores themes of grief, family, friendship, purpose, and the unexpected connections we make along the way.
This special screening is free and open to the community, but advance registration is required.
Register for The Way @ The Zlock
Friday, October 16 | 2–3 p.m.
Rollins Center – Solarium, Newtown Campus
Cost: $15
Step back in time as award-winning storyteller and historical reenactor Jane Politi brings Elizabeth Poe, mother of Edgar Allan Poe, to life in this haunting first-person portrayal. Dressed in period attire, Elizabeth shares a mother’s love for her children and the tragedy of her early death, which left young Edgar and his siblings orphaned. Could the loss of his mother have helped shape the dark themes that would later define Poe’s writing and earn him a reputation as a master of the macabre? The program concludes with Elizabeth keeping her son’s spirit close through a dramatic recitation of one of his most famous works, “The Tell-Tale Heart.”
Jane Politi is an award-winning lifelong storyteller, reenactor, and performer whose Remembering the Ladies programs bring women of the past to life through extensive research, storytelling, and period-appropriate attire. She is Vice President of the Garden State Storytellers League and a member of the National Storytelling League, organizations dedicated to preserving and celebrating the art of oral storytelling.
Register for A Mourning Mother Poe
Tuesday, October 20 | 2–3 p.m.
Upper Bucks Campus, Perkasie – Room TBA
Cost: $10
Join us for Curiosity Café, a new Lifelong Learning at Bucks gathering built around simple pleasures: something interesting to discover, good conversation, and a chance to connect with others over coffee and light refreshments. This month, we’re asking: What Happened to Halloween? Take a fun, nostalgic look back at the Halloween traditions we remember—and some that have disappeared along the way. Think homemade costumes, plastic masks, school parades, bobbing for apples, neighborhood mischief, pillowcases full of candy, and trick-or-treating after dark.
We’ll start with a few Halloween throwbacks to get the memories and conversation flowing, then compare notes: What was Halloween like when you were growing up? What do you miss? What are you happy to leave in the past? And how has Halloween changed? Come ready to reminisce, laugh, share a story or two, and enjoy some seasonal treats. No costume required—just bring your curiosity!
Tuesday, October 20 | 10–11 a.m.
Rollins Center – Gallagher Room, Newtown Campus
Cost: $15
Why has Paris remained the fashion capital of the world for centuries—and how did French become the language of style? Explore the fascinating history of haute couture, iconic designers, luxury brands, and the unmistakable idea of French chic. Along the way, discover the French words and expressions—from prêt-à-porter to atelier—that crossed borders and continue to define the global fashion industry today.
Wendy Rosen has been teaching French for more than 15 years and holds a master’s degree in French. Her lifelong love of the language and culture has taken her on many trips to France and even led to a stint working for Club Med, where she experienced French as it is spoken in everyday life. Today, Wendy teaches small-group classes, private lessons, and conversation sessions for adult learners, bringing together her love of French language, culture, travel, and lively conversation.
Register for The Language of French Fashion
Friday, October 23 | 10:30 a.m. to noon
The Orangery, Newtown Campus
Cost: $15
Join naturalist and artist Jack Hobe as he walks you through techniques for drawing swallows of Tyler State Park! Using an easy-to-learn gesture sketching system, participants will practice capturing swallows on paper in both perched and in-flight positions, as well as learning the differences between common swallow species at the park and tricks for drawing swallows from life. No art or drawing experience required—all skill levels are welcome!
Tuesday, October 27 | 10–11 a.m.
Rollins Center – Gallagher Room, Newtown Campus
Cost: $15
How did the French convince the world that their food was simply… better? Was it the butter, the wine, the cheese, the mystique of terroir—or some very clever culinary marketing? Explore how France built and exported its extraordinary reputation for food and wine, from early claims of culinary superiority to the traditions of terroir and the development of the AOC system. Along the way, discover how empire, colonialism, and even Thomas Jefferson helped spread French tastes, techniques, and ideas about what counts as “good” cuisine around the world.
Wendy Rosen has been teaching French for more than 15 years and holds a master’s degree in French. Her lifelong love of the language and culture has taken her on many trips to France and even led to a stint working for Club Med, where she experienced French language and culture firsthand. Today, Wendy teaches small-group classes, private lessons, and conversation sessions for adult learners, bringing her love of French language, culture, travel, and lively conversation to each program.
Register for French Food and Wine
Wednesday, October 28 | 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Gene & Marlene Epstein Campus, Bristol – Room TBA
Cost: $10
Join us for Curiosity Café, a new Lifelong Learning at Bucks gathering built around simple pleasures: something interesting to discover, good conversation, and a chance to connect with others over coffee and light refreshments. This month, we’re asking: What Happened to Halloween? Take a fun, nostalgic look back at the Halloween traditions we remember—and some that have disappeared along the way. Think homemade costumes, plastic masks, school parades, bobbing for apples, neighborhood mischief, pillowcases full of candy, and trick-or-treating after dark.
We’ll start with a few Halloween throwbacks to get the memories and conversation flowing, then compare notes: What was Halloween like when you were growing up? What do you miss? What are you happy to leave in the past? And how has Halloween changed? Come ready to reminisce, laugh, share a story or two, and enjoy some seasonal treats. No costume required—just bring your curiosity!
Thursday, October 29 | 2–3 p.m.
Rollins Center – Solarium, Newtown Campus
Cost: $15
“Come, my pretties!” As night falls and the countryside glows with autumn color, our thoughts turn to pumpkins, witches, jack-o’-lanterns, goblins, and sweet treats. But where did these familiar Halloween traditions come from? Cordelia knows—after all, she is a witch! Within the belly of her cauldron are the stories, beliefs, and traditions that form the roots and origins of witches and Halloween. Join her as she reaches back through time to an ancient Celtic festival and uncovers a story that has bubbled and brewed in her cauldron for more than 2,000 years.
Award-winning storyteller, reenactor, and performer Jane Politi brings Cordelia to life as part of her Remembering the Ladies programs. Jane is Vice President of the Garden State Storytellers League and a member of the National Storytelling League, organizations dedicated to the art and preservation of oral storytelling.
Wednesday, November 4 | 2–3:30 p.m.
Rollins Center – Gallagher Room, Newtown Campus
Cost: $15
We’ve added nearly 30 years to human life expectancy since 1900, changing not only how long we live, but how we think about aging and the years ahead. Inspired by the Stanford Center on Longevity’s New Map of Life, Your 100-Year Life explores what research on human longevity can teach us about living longer—and living well. In this first session, How Old Are You, Really?, we’ll challenge common myths about aging and explore what we know—and don’t know—about how our bodies and minds change over time. Discover the difference between chronological and biological age, how genetics, environment, and lifestyle choices influence the aging process, and evidence-based strategies that can help us live better, longer. Part lecture and part conversation, the session will combine current research and insights with opportunities to share experiences, observations, and questions.
Kim Martin Korda is a former C-suite executive and current doctoral student at the University of Southern California’s Leonard Davis School of Gerontology. She is the founder of Aging Made Interesting, an initiative dedicated to translating longevity research into practical, accessible guidance and helping people approach longer lives with greater confidence, curiosity, and purpose.
Register for How Old Are You, Really?
Wednesday, November 18 | 2–3:30 p.m.
Rollins Center – Gallagher Room, Newtown Campus
Cost: $15
Longer lives are changing the traditional idea of a predictable “learn, earn, retire” path. Our middle and later adult years can bring new opportunities alongside significant transitions—retirement, changing family roles, evolving relationships, and questions about who we are and what we want from this stage of life. In Who Am I Now?, we’ll explore the role that purpose and meaning can play in the second half of life. We’ll discuss common life transitions and consider how purpose, mindset, and a sense of possibility can help shape a meaningful and fulfilling next chapter. Part lecture and part conversation, the session will combine research and insights with opportunities to reflect on and discuss participants’ own experiences and observations.
Kim Martin Korda is a former C-suite executive and current doctoral student at the University of Southern California’s Leonard Davis School of Gerontology. She is the founder of Aging Made Interesting, an initiative dedicated to translating longevity research into practical, accessible guidance and helping people approach longer lives with greater confidence, curiosity, and purpose.
Register for Who Am I Now?
Friday, November 20 | 10:30 a.m. to noon
The Orangery, Newtown Campus
Cost: $15
Practice drawing soaring and perched hawks of Tyler State Park! Raptors are majestic and fierce both in flight and while perched, and there are lots of useful techniques to capture them in both behaviors. Local ornithologist and artist Jack Hobe will share ways to use a loose sketching framework to capture perched raptors on paper, as well as tips for capturing their fierce look. Guests will practice sketching from photos of perched and in-flight hawks. No art or drawing experience required for this workshop—all skill levels are welcome!
Wednesday, December 9 | 2–3:30 p.m.
Rollins Center – Gallagher Room, Newtown Campus
Cost: $15
We often think about investing in our financial future—but what about investing in our social future? Meaningful social connection is an important part of well-being and healthy aging, yet opportunities for connection have been declining across age groups. In Your Social Portfolio, we’ll explore why relationships, friendship, and community matter as we age and examine some of the common barriers that can make meaningful connection more difficult. We’ll discuss practical ways to build and maintain a strong “social portfolio” at any age and share local resources and opportunities for staying connected. Part lecture and part conversation, the session will combine research and insights with opportunities to share experiences, observations, and ideas for building connection and community.
Kim Martin Korda is a former C-suite executive and current doctoral student at the University of Southern California’s Leonard Davis School of Gerontology. She is the founder of Aging Made Interesting, an initiative dedicated to translating longevity research into practical, accessible guidance and helping people approach longer lives with greater confidence, curiosity, and purpose.
Register for Your Social Portfolio