OLLI Shares

March 17/19, 24/26 (Mon/Wed)

8:30 – 10 a.m.

Dr. William "Bill" Confer

Even “normal” people occasionally do abnormal things. Some stress is good for us, but more is not better. Everyone feels anxious and sad on occasion, but where does ordinary anxious and depressed mood end and an anxiety or depressive disorder begin? Please join us to see how clinical psychology has dealt with these conceptual and definitional conundrums, leading to strategies to help distressed individuals resolve extraordinary stresses, anxiety, and depression.

Jan. 27; Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24; March 3

9 – 10:15 a.m.

Elizabeth Aversa

In this course, participants will explore and hear the most beautiful operas in the Bel canto repertoire. Known for its elegant vocal lines and expressive melodies, Bel canto showcases the artistry and technical brilliance of the human voice. Attendees will gain a deeper appreciation of this celebrated operatic style through hearing music by composers such as Bellini, Donizetti and Rossini.

March 18/20, 25/27 (Tues/Thurs)

8:30 – 10 a.m.

Dr. Jim Beaupre

Relativity is the study of the comparison of observations by different observers. While a seemingly a trivial pursuit, relativity has provided deep insights into reality and the universe. The approach taken in the class is the historical evolution of relativity: We’ll begin with Galileo and Newton and end with the remarkable confirmations of Einstein’s ideas.

Jan. 28; Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25; March 4, 18, 25

10:30 – Noon

John Mason

The battle of Vicksburg had been, along with events in Pennsylvania, a watershed moment in the Civil War. While the war devolved to a stalemate in the East, operations continued in the West where Henry Halleck repaired railroads, William Rosecrans got besieged in Chattanooga, and a new team was called upon to save the day. This course will discuss that siege and the victories at Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge, the collapse of Braxton Bragg's army, and the arrival of a new Union commander. 

Jan. 21, 28; Feb. 4

1:30 – 2:45 p.m.

Dr. Richard Rhone

Forty-five men have served as our president, but many Americans recognize the significance of only a few. Yet some lesser-known presidents made important decisions or set precedents paralleling contemporary issues. Hopefully, we can highlight the complexities and responsibilities of the presidency beyond just the most famous occupants and give recognition to some forgotten presidents.

Jan. 21, 28; Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25; March 4

2:30 – 4 p.m.

Joseph Kicklighter

This is the first of three courses for 2024-25, covering the major events in the history of England from the earliest written sources to the Tudor period. The first segment covers the period of Roman rule through the conquest by the Anglo-Saxons, the conversion to Christianity, and the creation of early England. We shall complete this portion at the time of the Norman Conquest in the 11th century.

Jan. 21, 28; Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25; March 4

2:30 – 4 p.m.

Mike Reinke

This class explores the origins and evolution of American folk and roots music, including African-American folk music, its commercial separation from Anglo-American folk music, and the folk music of Alabama. It also covers the structure and composition of traditional folk, roots, and blues music as well as the impact of various folk, roots, and blues musicians on contemporary music and culture.

Jan. 23, 30; Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27

Noon – 1:15 p.m.

Dr. Kenneth Lichstein

This course reviews healthy and disordered sleep but does not comprise sleep treatment.  Topics include normal sleep, sleep measurement, sleep across the lifespan, and health risks of inadequate sleep.  We will discuss why we get sleepy.  Lastly, we will explore a few of the 80 sleep disorders (e.g., insomnia, sleep apnea and restless legs).