OLLI Shares

Mon/Tue Sept. 16/17, 23/24

8:30 – 10 a.m.

Dr. Jim Beaupre

Optics is the study of light and how it behaves. This course addresses two main themes: how optics developed between the time of Newton to the present day and the basic principles of propagation, reflection, refraction, diffraction, interference and particle behavior.

Sept. 9, 16, 23, 30

10:30 – 11:45 a.m.

Dr. David Keellings 

This course will introduce students to the physical science of climate change by exploring the Earth’s atmosphere and what drives changes in the climate system. Together, we will investigate the impacts of climate change through observations and examine possible future consequences. We will also explore potential solutions to the problems of climate change.

Sept. 9, 16, 23, 30; Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28

2 – 3:30 p.m.

Gary Wagoner, Coordinator

This course is taught by a team of seven local naturalists who take a multi-disciplinary approach to exploring various subjects such as botany, ichthyology, ornithology, geology, and ecology. Their areas of expertise will be shared as they discuss the incredible natural diversity of our region that they have deeply studied and observed.

Oct. 8, 14, 22, 29

8:30 – 10 a.m.

Dr. William (Bill) Confer

Modern psychology uses the scientific method to study thought, experience, and behavior. We will review some of the historical right and wrong turns that ultimately steered psychology from authoritative guesses and outright quackery to evidence-based applications and practices. Although not a course on memory improvement, it will include an overview of the psychology lab-derived basics of learning, forgetting, and memory – and then illustrate their applications to techniques for learning efficiency and improved retention for an aging population.

Sept. 24; Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Nov. 5, 12

10:30 a.m. – Noon

John Mason

This will be the first of a multi-part series describing the campaigns conducted by Generals Ulysses S. Grant and William Tecumseh Sherman that were ultimately responsible for the Union winning the American Civil War.  This course will touch on the pre-war lives of our two protagonists and then begin to trace the formation of their partnership.  We’ll discuss in detail the battles of Belmont, Forts Henry and Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth and Iuka, all key in their rise to supreme command and final victory.

Sept. 10, 17, 24; Oct. 1

1:30 – 2:45 p.m.

Dr. Richard Rhone

George Washington is usually depicted as almost a mythical figure in American history, and he is generally remembered only as our first president and the commander of the army in our Revolution. But he was much more. In this class, we will examine his life, family, career and personality up close and personal. We’ll probably be surprised by some things we discover.

Oct. 8, 15, 22, 29

1:30 – 2:45 p.m.

Dr. Richard Rhone

No history can ever tell the complete story, and certainly, there are events that were once headline news that simply fade away as time passes. We will discuss several such stories from our national history, including a scandalous shocking murder, some unbelievable disasters, an uproar over a White House dinner and how an American president saved football.

Sept. 10, 17, 24; Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

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. If you would like more information, please email mikereinke68@gmail.com.

Oct. 3

1:30 – 2:45 p.m.

Douglas Stowell

Topics to be discussed include 1) Review POTUS “approval” history from 1945-2020, 2) Explore how better voter polls are done, 3) Discuss “pundits,” 4) Define “generations” as voters, 5) Review current polls and focus on the issues by doing four online polls 6) Consider a Corporate Assessment Model for decision making, AND 7) Complete our own electoral vote forecast of the ‘24 election! This will be strictly non-partisan!

Sept. 12, 19, 26; Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

2:30 – 4:00 p.m.

Jay Lamar, Coordinator

This course features a series of talks and readings by contributors to the recently published book Old Enough: Southern Women Artists and Writers on Creativity and Aging. Each week, a different artist or writer will share their unique perspectives on creativity and aging, exploring themes of identity, memory, resilience, and the passage of time. Participants will engage with the rich tapestry of human experiences through personal stories, reflections, and insights, deepening their appreciation for the contributions of older women to the arts and humanities.