Mission Statement
OLLI, a member-volunteer organization, offers noncredit academic classes and stimulating programs, along
with social opportunities for retired and semi-retired
men and women. Members use their talents, experiences,
and skills creatively in shared intellectual and cultural
pursuits. We strive to respect diversity of thought in a
relaxed, supportive academic environment, exploring
new interests, discovering and developing latent abilities,
and contributing to the immediate or broader community.
About the Osher Foundation
Thanks to the generosity of the Bernard Osher
Foundation, the network of Osher Lifelong Learning
Institutes across the United States is meeting the needs
of older learners who want to participate simply
for the joy of learning and personal fulfillment. To
date there are more than 117 OLLI programs in the
United States from Maine to Hawaii and Alaska.
Welcome to OLLI South at DU…
Where curiosity never retires.
Dear Friends,
Enclosed is the Fall 2016 curriculum information for OLLI South. The
8-week spring term begins the week of September 19 (Monday), and
ends November 10 (Thursday). OLLI brings together mature adults with
a passion for continued learning and intellectual growth in a relaxed, noncompetitive atmosphere to study and learn. All classes are held in classrooms
at Valley View Christian Church, 11004 Wildfield Lane, Littleton (South Santa
Fe Drive & Titan Parkway). We hope you find several classes interesting and
plan to join us for 8 weeks of learning, discussion and fun!
Members also can access the Class Catalog by going online to www.
universitycollege.du.edu/olli and clicking on the OLLI South tab. Going on the
website gives you the advantage of viewing classes at all three OLLI sites –
Central, West, & South. (Don’t forget, your membership dues allow you to
take as many courses as you like at any of the three sites.)
All OLLI South classes must have at least seven participants enrolled for
the class to be offered. If there are fewer than seven participants, members
will be notified two weeks prior to class beginning that the class is in
jeopardy. If within one week of starting classes, the class number has not
reached seven, the class will be cancelled entirely. Please do not purchase the
recommended course books until the week before class begins. We cannot
refund book purchases if a course has been cancelled. Membership and
materials fees will be refunded if a class does not make minimum enrollment.
OLLI South continues to grow steadily, and we sincerely appreciate your
support and commitment! Please share your Class Catalog with friends and
neighbors who may want to participate in OLLI.
If you have questions or want additional information, call (720) 339-1379 or
email Jenny at ollisouth@gmail.com.
Sincerely,
Jenny Fortenberry
Jenny Fortenberry, OLLI South Manager
OLLI Policy Statement
In the spirit of fostering understanding, all OLLI members are encouraged to
share opinions and ideas. OLLI class participants do not attempt to “convert”
others because there is a mutual respect for each member’s experiences,
ideas, value systems and beliefs. The true focus of an OLLI class is the critical
examination of issues and opinions. All participants’ points of view carry
equal weight. Consensus is not a goal.
We encourage participants with all points of view to attend and become
engaged through discussion and civil debate.
Membership Fee Information
Fee Structure: $130 per term for unlimited classes
Membership Fee includes the following benefits:
• Participation in as many classes as desired at any of the three OLLI
sites – Central, West & South (contingent upon space availability)
• Opportunity to participate in interActive Learning classes (extracurricular classes for additional per-class fee if applicable)
• Special member price for “The Summer Seminars of OLLI”
• OLLI Newsletter (three editions per academic term)
• Notice of unadvertised DU events (many at no cost because of DU
affiliation).
• Invitations to annual social events
• Newman Center Presents Concerts - 20% discount
• Penrose Library – Borrowing privileges
• The Enrichment Program – 20% discount (some restrictions apply)
• DU Athletics – 10% off athletic tickets
• DU Bookstore – Participate in “Pioneer Perks” Program
• Opportunity for full-year membership to the Coors Fitness Center
on the DU campus at the special OLLI price of $20 per month for
unlimited use of facility
Refund Policy
Per term: Full refund if requested no later than 10 days into the term. Please
contact Jenny Fortenberry at ollisouth@gmail.com to request a refund. Unless
a class is cancelled, there will be no refunds for interActive classes, accept for
Bridge and T’ai Chi.
Short Version by Topic for Fall 2016
Speaker / Lecture Series
Alternative Religions in America
Optimizing Your Health: Living Life to the Fullest
Our Precious Water Resources
Angela Nofziger
Anne Bennett
Dick Kinsman
Economics
”Free” Trade: Good for You? Good for the U.S,?
Clements/Rifkin/Folker
History
100 Years of America’s National Parks
Decisive Battles of World History
Hell in a Very Cold Place: 900 Day Siege of Leningrad
Life, Times & Legacy of Christopher Columbus
She is Making History Fighting for Victory
The Smithsonian: Experiencing America Through Its Artifacts
U.S. Army Rangers in the Modern Era
Larry Walling
Alan Folkestad
Wayne Cassell
Joe Shaw
Joanne Stratton
Natalie Conklin
Jim Rairdon
Literature & Writing
Many More American Short Stories
Writing Your Life Stories
Lauritsen/Williams/Wischmeyer
Connie Shoemaker
Philosophy, Spirituality & Culture
Alternative Religions in America
Beginning Conversational Spanish
The Bible, a Biography
Great Western Religions: A Comparative Overview
Living Awake
Religion & Science
Scripture and Cosmology
Angela Nofziger
Tomas Trujillo
Spong/Shoemaker
Peggy Breeding
Ron Moon
Dale LaNoue
Mike Brondos
Political Science / Current Events
Achieving Food Sustainability in the Future
American Politics in Hollywood Films
Election 2016: The Candidates and the Issues
Great Decisions 2016
Our Precious Water Resources
Roundtable: Discussion of Current Events
TED Talks
Bayard Breeding
Jerry Wischmeyer
Joe Masi
Laskey/Gernert
Dick Kinsman
Breeding/Timothy
Barbara Pond
Science & Technology
Achieving Food Sustainability in the Future
A Visual Guide to the Universe
Eating to Change the Course of Disease
The Fascinating World of Robots and Their Role in Society
Bayard Breeding
Khosrow Badiozamani
Anne Bennett
Pat Smith
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Short Version by Topic for Fall 2016
Science & Technology (continued)
iPad 4 Novices
LibreOffice: Free Office Suite
MAC Computers: Getting Up to Speed With Your MAC
The Science of Mindfulness
Windows 10 Operating System for Your PC
Stratton/Teklits
Ron Moon
Paul Mauro
Abe Grinberg
Ron Moon
Visual and Performing Arts
American Politics in Hollywood Films
The Art of Making Films
The Elixir of Life: Everyday Guide to Wine, Redux
Even More Fun Making Great Photos
Film Shorts with an Edge
Hollywood: The Racial Divide?
The Smithsonian: Experiencing America Through Its Artifacts
Jerry Wischmeyer
Bob Magnani
Sylvia Trujillo
Fred Larke
Judith Vlasin
Sally Walling
Natalie Conklin
WELLaware
The Botany of Desire: A Plant’s-Eye View of the World
Eating to Change the Course of Disease
Living Awake
Optimizing your Health: Living Life to the Fullest
The Science of Mindfulness
Travel Symposium
Bramley/Brown
Anne Bennett
Ron Moon
Anne Bennett
Abe Grinberg
Welch/Logan
interActive Learning*
The Great Game of Bridge: Advanced Play
The Great Game of Bridge: Standard Bidding Techniques
Laughing Yoga: Laughter is the Best Medicine
Learn Chess
More Splashing into Watercolors
T’ai Chi - Exercise is Medicine
Wilt Cooper
Wilt Cooper
Florence Welch
Bob Magnani
Rosie Lohnert
Joe Brady
_________
* What is interActive Learning?
interActive Learning classes give members an opportunity to participate in a variety of new
and interesting activities, i.e., something you may have always wanted to try, or try again.
A complement to the academic focus, interActive Learning expands learning opportunities
to OLLI members. OLLI South is pleased to offer these “extra-curricular” programs for your
enjoyment and extended learning experience.
Note: Please make out a separate check to OLLI South
for any fees listed for interActive Learning classes.
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Monday 9:30 - 11:30
Beginning Conversational Spanish
Facilitator: Tomas Trujillo
4 weeks, Sept 19-Oct10
Are you finding yourself hearing more and more Spanish? Are you traveling
to more countries where people speak Spanish? Would you like to learn a
little of the language?
Focus will be on useful phrases that you can use in every day situations.
There will be little, if any grammar in this class.
Emphasis will be on:
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pronunciation
alphabet
salutations/greetings
who, what, when, where & how
regular verbs
vocabulary
numbers
time of day
You will not walk out a proficient Spanish speaker, but you will know
enough to make yourself understood in certain conditions.
Book/Materials: None
Class Type: Lecture, discussion, class participation
Class Size: Maximum of 15
Tomas Trujillo is a retired business professional. Spanish is Tomas’ first language.
A Colorado native, he attended college in both Mexico and Boulder. His passions are
travel, archeology/anthropology, and music. In his spare time he enjoys his hobby brewing beer!
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Monday 9:30 - 11:30
interActive Learning
The Great Game of Bridge:
Standard Bidding Techniques
Facilitator: Wilt Cooper
Bridge is the world’s most popular card game. It is a great way to exercise
the mind with communication, visualization, probabilities, math, and
socialization. The game of bridge dates back to the 16th century when
Europeans were playing triumph. Triumph evolved into whist in the
1700s and was made internationally famous by Edmond Hoyle. With the
introduction of the bidding (or auction) concept in the late 19th century,
whist evolved into auction bridge. Ely Culbertson in the 1930s, then Charles
Goren in the 1950s popularized the game of bridge even further. It is
played by nearly 40 million people just in North America with international
tournaments annually.
This class is for bridge players who want to find the “Golden Fit,” get to
the best contract consistently, and learn current refinements in bidding
technique. This is also the class for beginning bridge players to learn an
exciting new game and establish a strong foundation for many years of
bridge fun in the future. The class addresses card play, hand evaluation,
Golden Rules, scoring, the language of bidding, opening bids, and responses.
The class continues to build on bidding techniques for more complex
bidding sequences, including rebids by opener and responder, competitive
bidding, take-out doubles, and the Stayman convention. Whether you want
to invite the neighbors over for a casual game of rubber bridge or get on a
track to play competitive duplicate bridge at the nearest bridge club, this
class will provide the means to start you on that journey.
Books/Materials: Bidding in the 21st Century, part of the ACBL Bridge Series
(2008 or later edition). Recommend ordering through Amazon.com for
about $10 used and $15 new, plus shipping.
Class Type: Book reading/study, facilitator presentation, card exercises, and
bridge hand play
Class Fee: Members $60; Guests $100
Class Size: Minimum of 8, maximum of 20
Wilt Cooper is a retired Aerospace Engineer from Lockheed Martin and an active
competitive bridge player. He has played the game of bridge since college, learning
more each step of the way. Wilt has earned a Bronze Life Master in bridge, is teacher
accredited by the ACBL, and has taught the game for several years. Because he is so
passionate about the game, he wants to share the bridge experience with everyone.
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Monday 9:30 - 11:30
Great Western Religions:
A Comparative Overview
Facilitator: Peggy Breeding
We all know what religion is, however, defining religion can be challenging.
The difficulty arises from the many different stories, leaders, rituals,
doctrines, and institutional forms in both tribal societies and major world
traditions.
This class will examine and compare the three Great Western Religions--Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Course topics will include:
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Similarities and differences Ancient beginnings Festivities as storytellers Unique symbols (including art and architecture)
Religion in America today
Book/Materials: Not required, although recommended readings can be
found in: World Religions-An Indispensable Introduction (Nelson’s Quick
Guides) by Gerald R. McDermott. Also, The Illustrated World’s Religions: A
Guide to Our Wisdom Tradition by Huston Smith.
Class Type: Power Point, lecture/discussion, DVD and The Great Courses
video: The World’s Greatest Churches Class Size: Maximum of 20 participants
Peggy Breeding moved to Colorado from Texas following retirement. She has a BS
in Nursing from the University of Texas-SA and a MA degree in Sociology from
Texas State University. Culture of Diversity, exemplified by a fascination with
comparative religion, has been a long term passion. 8
Monday 9:30 - 11:30
interActive Learning
Learn Chess
Facilitator: Bob Magnani 4 weeks, Sept 19-Oct 10
Chess is challenging and fun to play at any level – from beginner to Grand
Master. Come with us and learn how the pieces move, how the game is
played, some major openings (Ruy-Lopez, Four Knights, Sicilian, Queens
Gambit, etc), principles of end-game play, and exciting bar-room traps like
the Fried Liver Attack, the Evans and Kings Gambits. The course will consist
of short videos on important aspects of the game, live play and discussion of
what we have seen, (voluntary) occasional reports on a particular opening or
Master game, and a lot of in-house play of what we are learning.
Book/Materials: Bring a chess set
Class Type: Videos and DVDs with participant discussions
Materials Fee: None
Bob Magnani has been an OLLI member for six years attending classes at all three
Denver locations. His background includes both Arts and Engineering degrees,
telecommunications design work and management at Bell Laboratories and at U.S.
West Advanced Technologies and Product Management at AT&T. Bob has played
chess, on and off, since age 10 and once belonged to the New York Chess Club in
Manhattan.
9
Monday 9:30 - 11:30
Life, Times and Legacy
of Christopher Columbus
Facilitator: Dr. Walter “Joe” Shaw
4 weeks, Sept 19-Oct 10
Christopher Columbus’ four voyages to the new world inextricably changed
the world forever. His exploration did not occur in a historic vacuum.
Seminal events were happening throughout the world.
Of course Columbus did not “discover” the new world. The original
Americans arrived tens of thousands of year ago. Nor was he the first
European. That would have be the Vikings or perhaps others. But Columbus
set into motion momentous changes that continue to reverberate everywhere.
We will start by examining world events contemporaneous with Columbus
as he set out on his first voyage in 1492. We will briefly consider:
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final expulsion of the Moors from Europe
Ottoman conquest of North Africa
consolidation and founding of the nation of Russia under Ivan III
massive Chinese Ming Dynasty fleet under Admiral Zheng He
pinnacle of the Aztec and Inca Empires
crisis in the Roman Catholic Church
Together we will speculate how world history might have been different had
other decisions been made at critical moments by key actors.
Columbus never accomplished his primary goal of finding his way to Asia
by sailing West, though he died still thinking it was possible.
Each of Columbus’ four voyages from 1492-1504 was unique but all were
filled with adventure, heroism, treachery, hairbreadth escapes, sex, violence
and deceit. We will look at his discoveries, royal intrigue, failures, greed,
brutalities and many of fascinating, but little known, characters in this saga.
We will conclude with a survey of how the world has changed, both for the
good and bad, as a result of Columbus’ four voyages.
Book/Materials: None required
Class Type: Lecture, discussion
Class Size: No limit
Dr. Walter “Joe” Shaw is a retired college professor, dean and vice president
with substantial experience in international education, particularly in China and
Japan. His academic field is cultural anthropology and is coupled with a strong
personal interest in history and travel. This course is adapted from a 12-part series
of presentations he recently made on the 360’ Tall Ship, Star Flyer, as it sailed from
Spain to the Caribbean largely retracing Columbus’ routes taken during his four
voyages.
10
Monday 9:30 - 11:30
Windows 10 Operating System for your PC
Facilitator: Ron Moon 4 weeks, Sept 26-Oct 17
Upgrade all your Windows 7, 8 or 8.1 computers for free until July 29, 2016 to
Windows 10 that has support into 2025. This hands-on classes will walk you
through the Windows 10 tutorial that includes most of the following:
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Get to know Windows 10
Microsoft Edge
Start menu tips
Getting help
What’s new
Search for anything,
anywhere
Search for help
Sign in with a Microsoft
account
Set up accounts
Set up email and calendar
Change your account picture
Protect your PC
Get online
Why can’t I get online?
Connect to a printer
See what’s on the menu
Love it? Pin it
Make Start full screen
Find all your apps and
programs
What is Cortana?
Windows Hello
Get to know Microsoft Edge
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Personalization and settings
A new look for settings
Personalize your lock screen
Get started with themes
Change desktop background
and colors
OneDrive on your PC
What’s changed in File
Explorer
Get stuff on a PC, phone, &
tablet
Backup and restore your files
Move apps around
Choose how updates are
installed
Apps and notifications
Use your PC like a tablet
Use touch with Windows
Make your PC easier to use
Hear text read aloud with
Narrator
Use Speech Recognition
Save time with keyboard
shortcuts
Materials: Bring your Windows 10 laptop to class, online Windows tutorials
Class Type: Presentation, slides
Class Fee: $30
Class Size: 15 maximum
Ron Moon is a fixture in facilitating computer classes at OLLI. He has taught many
other classes including Guitar, Philosophy, and Facilitator Training.
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Monday 12:30 - 3:30
American Politics in Hollywood Films
Facilitator: Jerry Wischmeyer, Master Facilitator Note: 3 hours, 12:30 - 3:30
Since 2016 is a general election year, I am offering OLLI members the
opportunity to view and discuss a sampling of classic American Hollywood
political films. There are many to choose from, and my selections are not
intended to convey any personal ideological convictions. I have picked films
from different eras; some are vintage and some more current. Members of the
class will have the opportunity to convince classmates which other films would
have been better choices, or at least worthy of inclusion on the short list.
My picks contain universal themes common to the political film genre,
including the following: idealism, national myths, patriotism, celebrations of
democracy, Americanism, pragmatism, pessimism, populism, demagoguery,
corruption, domestic fascism, enemies within, paranoia, conspiracy, violence,
satire, irony, comedy, the impact of television, journalism and movies on
elections, and optimism, the belief that one, or a few, good men can make a
difference.
Though subject to change, my selections are:
• Mr. Smith goes to Washington (1939) -- the glorification of the common
man as a potent American icon, in the Frank Capra style.
• Advise and Consent (1962) -- a calm antidote to Mr. Smith, depicting a
centrist, pragmatic, argumentative Senate chamber set on compromise,
bargaining and a commitment to the democratic process.
• All the King’s Men (1949) -- Willy Stark, made in the image of the real
life populist demagogue, Huey Long.
• The Last Hurrah (1958) -- an elegiac film that mourns the passing of big
city machine politics.
• The Best Man (1964) -- an election film depicting the seamy political
maneuverings behind the nomination of a presidential candidate.
• The Manchurian Candidate (1962) -- a cult classic and wicked satire
depicting conspiracy, paranoia and violence.
• All the President’s Men (1976) -- a political film that had the greatest
impact on the 1970s.
• Bob Roberts (1992) -- a satirical mockumentary film that carries a
warning to all Americans to beware the self-righteous, self-proclaimed
messiahs who posture as saviors of the republic.
Book/Materials: None
Class Type: Videos, handouts, discussion, voluntary class member reports
Materials Fee: None
Jerry Wischmeyer, Master (not really--just frequent) Facilitator, who enjoys offering
courses featuring literature, history and film.
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Monday 1:00 - 3:00
The Art of Making Films
Facilitator: Bob Magnani
Movies are magic – entertaining, emotionally moving, sometimes with
awesome effects, they are able to create and spread unifying visions of our
world. But they don’t just “happen.” Join us as we step behind the camera
and take a journey through the movie creators’ eyes from studio executives,
producers, casting people, actors, writers, cinematographers, editors,
composers, technicians and directors and understand what it takes to create
the story, finance it, put together the team, and produce the movies we all
enjoy so much in this most collaborative of all arts.
This course is a combination of informative videos and group discussion and
is appropriate for all levels of film fans.
Books/Materials: None required
Class Type: Videos and DVDs with participant discussions
Bob Magnani has been an OLLI member for six years attending classes all three
Denver locations. His background includes both Arts and Engineering degrees,
telecommunications design work and management at Bell Laboratories and at
U.S. West Advanced Technologies and Product Management at AT&T. Bob has a
lifelong interest in film, theater, and acting and is delighted to be able to pursue these
interests at OLLI.
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Monday 1:00 - 3:00
interActive Learning
More Splashing into Watercolor
Facilitator: Rosemarie Lohnert
6 weeks, Sept 19-Oct 24
This class is for anyone who ever wanted to try watercolor. If you just
need a refresher course or have taken this class before, Rosie will help you
refine your skills by giving you more challenges. In this class you will learn
the basic techniques such as wet-on-wet, graded washes, textures. Color
theory, composition and design will also be addressed. You will get hooked
on the magic of watercolor. One thing is for certain, after this class you will
see things around you from a different point of view. Each week you will
proudly take home your own creation. The class is a wonderful learning
experience, with challenges and lots of fun. It will keep your intellect on
overdrive for a few hours.
Materials: The basics are required by each participant such as pencil, soft
eraser, and ruler. A complete list will be provided to each participant on the
first day of class.
Class Size: Maximum 12 participants only
Materials Fee: $15 to cover the cost of quality watercolor paper, paints etc.
provided by OLLI. (Please send in a separate check to OLLI for this fee when
you register.)
Rosie Lohnert is a seasoned OLLI Interactive facilitator who will be leading her
fifth Splashing into Watercolor class at OLLI South. Rosie is a hobby watercolorist.
She is a signature member of the Colorado Watercolor Society and the Western Slope
Watercolor Society, and an active member of the Parker Artist Guild. Her work,
mainly abstracts, has been shown at juried local, state, national and international
exhibitions. She loves this media and is happy to share her enthusiasm and skills
with the class participants.
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Monday 1:00 - 3:00
OLLI South Speaker Series
Our Precious Water Resources
4 weeks, Sept 19-Oct 10
Water, water, everywhere…… This four-part Lecture/Discussion
series, delves into the current and future all important issues surrounding
water sources and use of this precious natural resource. These are
critical issues for the world environment as well as local and Colorado
regional planning, for now and the future. This series covers Colorado
most of all, but also deals with the Middle East. It will increase your
understanding of the critical issues involved in this subject, and to encourage
your civic interest in the formulation and planning involved.
September 19: Geological Origins and Sources of Our Local Water
Jan Dixon, PhD Geology, worked in the oil and gas industry, Colorado Geological
Survey, and Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission. She will discuss the
origins and sources of our local water supplies, as well as what is occurring with our
supply of this natural resource.
September 26: A Citizens’ Guide to Water Administration
Kevin Rein, Deputy State Engineer, Colorado Division of Water Resources, will
present a Citizens’ Guide to Water Resources and Administration.
October 3: Water Across the West
Steve Boand, formerly a consultant for water and utility systems design and
operations, has more than two decades of experience in water and utility system
operations and development including utility design, development, and operations.
He will address regional water issues including the Seven-State Colorado Water
Compact and the Colorado Water plan currently under discussion.
October 10: Middle East Perspective
John Priest, a registered professional engineer, has lived the area and worked on
multiple water projects in the Middle East. He will discuss Rivers and Conflicts for
that area.
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Monday 1:00 - 3:00
Roundtable:
An In-depth Discussion on Current Events
Facilitators: Bayard Breeding and Al Timothy
Every day through the media we are informed on events affecting our lives
with short descriptions that often leave us with an incomplete understanding
of the event. Roundtable offers the opportunity to explore, through in-depth
discussions, current events in order to gain a better understanding. We will
look at topics such as U.S. Education, Health Care, Immigration, Domestic
Terrorism, the elections, and other items of interest to the class members.
All points of view are welcome and encouraged. We expect and encourage
diversity of opinions along with an atmosphere of civility and respect. In
addition, we want to enjoy ourselves and a sense of humor about what
is happening in the world is encouraged. As with all OLLI classes, we
are committed to having a forum wherein participants are comfortable
expressing their opinions.
For the first session, the facilitator will select the issue(s) and email materials
ahead of time. In subsequent sessions future topics will be selected with class
participation. The facilitators will provide materials on the subjects to be
discussed. Class members are expected to read the material prior to class and
be prepared for discussion. Each person will need to have access to email and
a printer for making hard copies of articles.
Book/Materials: Materials will be provided for each week.
Class type: Discussion based on videos, DVDs, articles. Reports by class
participants encouraged.
Class Size: Maximum of 20
Al Timothy spent the majority of his career in the brewing industry employed at
Miller Coors where he held a number of positions in the public affairs dimension of
the business, ultimately retiring as Vice President of Community and Government
Affairs. Prior to Coors he worked in Washington D.C. on the staffs of two U.S.
Senators.
Bayard Breeding graduated from South West State University with a degree in
Occupational Education. He has also taken numerous graduate level courses in
Applied Geography with an emphasis on Land Use Planning, Environmental Law,
Environmental Management and the Earth Sciences. He is a fourth generation Texas
farmer, and the Senior Partner of Windsong Farm.
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Tuesday 9:30 - 11:30
A Visual Guide to the Universe
Facilitator: Khosrow Badiozamani, Master Facilitator
4 weeks, Sept 20-Oct 11
This introductory course requires no background in Astronomy or
Cosmology. We’ll discuss the scientific stories behind some of the most
spectacular space images obtained during the past 20 years. Through these
images, we tour a variety of the most fascinating places in the solar system,
our Milky Way Galaxy, and the greater universe beyond.
The course starts with the Sun, the most prominent feature in our daily
life, and then we visit Mars and the Asteroid belt and one of its largest
inhabitants, Vesta. Next we visit Saturn, where we have an opportunity to
observe its magnificent rings and their potential origin. We close our tour of
the solar system with stops at the ice moons Europa and Enceladus, which
orbit Jupiter and Saturn, respectively.
We then follow the search of the Milky Way Galaxy for the shadows of Earthsized planets around other stars with the Kepler Space Telescope. Our next
stop is the Swan Nebula, where infrared images obtained with the Spitzer
Space Telescope have revealed an evolving pattern of star formation that may
have been driven by the passage of its parent dark cloud complex through a
galactic spiral arm.
The key emphasis throughout the course is how these images have made it
possible to visualize and map a universe that is mostly invisible to the Earthbond human eye.
Book/Materials: None
Class Type: Lectures, video, and discussion
Class Size: No limit
Khosrow Badiozamani (KOZ), Master Facilitator, is an OLLI Master Facilitator.
He was born in Iran and moved to the United States in 1968 to attend graduate
school at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL, where he received his Ph.D in
Mathematical Geology. He has conducted numerous classes throughout all OLLI
campuses.
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Tuesday 9:30 - 11:30
OLLI South Speaker Series
Alternative Religions in America
Facilitator Angela Nofziger
4 weeks, Sept 20-Oct 11
Can you name the mainstream religions in America? What about others? In
this class, four speakers will present some of the less common religions. The
goal is to offer new information, and to discuss and share. Sept. 20: Mennonite and Amish - Similarities, Differences and History
Dr. Jeremy Garber, professor at the Iliff School of Theology
Sept. 27: Paganism
Michelle Castle holds a Masters of Divinity from Iliff School of Theology with a
certificate in Pastoral Care and Counseling and is presently a hospital chaplain Oct. 4: Science vs. the Christian Right
Dr. Antony Alumkal, professor at the Iliff School of Theology
Oct. 11: Universalist Faith Rev. Jeannie Spero, pastor of the First Unitarian Church Books/Materials: Handouts distributed in class
Class Type: Presentations, DVDs and discussion
Materials Fee: None
Angela Nofziger is a retired Nurse Practitioner who was raised as a “dyed in the
wool” Presbyterian, married into the Mennonite faith, and is a practicing Mennonite
today.
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Tuesday 9:30 - 11:30
The Bible, a Biography
Facilitators: Richard Spong and Floyd Shoemaker, Master Facilitators
The Bible, the single work at the heart of both Judaism and Christianity, is
the spiritual guide for one out of every three people in the world. Translated
into over two thousand languages, it is also the world’s most widely
distributed book, and a perennial best seller. But the Bible is a complex
work with a complicated and obscure history. It has been transformed by
translation and through interpretation, has developed manifold meanings to
various religions, denominations and sects.
In the referenced book, acclaimed historian Karen Armstrong discusses in
an informative and engaging account, the conception, gestation, and life of
history’s most powerful book. She analyzes the climate in which oral history
turned into written scripture, how this scripture was collected into one work,
and how it became accepted as both Judaism’s and Christianity’s sacred text. She explores how scripture came to be read for the information it imparted
and how, in the nineteenth century, challenges to the historical accuracy of
the Bible caused as much concern as Darwin’s theory of evolution.
This course will also feature videos by Amy-Jill Levine and Bart Ehrman
on their views of the creation of the Old and New Testaments, respectively.
As Professor Amy-Jill Levine observes: “The Old Testament is endlessly
fascinating because it offers everything to explore: myth, saga, and history;
tragedy, comedy, and farce; economics and politics; literature and poetry of
surpassing beauty; court intrigue and prophetic morality; heavenly miracles
and sometimes heavenly silence; questions of theodicy; answers that satisfy
and answers that may not; destruction and rebuilding; despair and hope.”
Books/Materials: The Bible, a Biography, Karen Armstrong (2007), published
by Grove Press
Class Type: Reading, discussion, video
Materials: None
Richard Spong, Master Facilitator, graduated from Ottawa University with
a B.A. in economics and the University of Missouri at Kansas City with a J.D.
(Law). Richard retired from the Private Client Reserve (Trust Client Services and
Management) of U.S. Bank in 2009 after 35 years including twenty-eight years in
Joplin, Missouri and more than seven years in Denver. Floyd Shoemaker, Master Facilitator, completed a Ph.D in Communications
and Social Psychology at Michigan State University, and taught courses at five
universities, including The American University in Cairo where he created and
directed a graduate program on Communication and Social Change in the 1970s.
This course will be the 18th courses he has facilitated for OLLI Central, South and
West.
19
Tuesday 9:30 - 11:30
LibreOffice: Free Office Suite
Facilitator: Ron Moon
4 weeks, Sept 27 - Oct 18
LibreOffice is a powerful office suite – its clean interface and feature-rich
tools help you unleash your creativity and enhance your productivity.
LibreOffice includes several applications that make it the most powerful
Free and Open Source office suite on the market: Writer (word processing
like Word), Calc (spreadsheets like Excel), Impress (presentations like
Powerpoint).
This office suite works with both Windows and Mac OS 10.8+. LibreOffice
opens and edits docx, xlsx, pptx files and many more formats. This class will
introduce all three programs and focus on making presentations. The class
will be taught using Impress the presentation software.
LibreOffice will replace your need for Microsoft’s 1 PC or Mac $150 Office
Home & Office 2016 or $99/year Office 365. LibreOffice can be on as many
PC’s or Mac’s as you like. . . all for free.
So stop wasting money on Microsoft Office and bring your laptop to get a
hands-on tutorial of downloading, installing and using LibreOffice.
Materials: Bring your PC or Mac laptop to class
Class Type: Presentation, slides
Class Fee: $30
Class Size: 15 maximum
Ron Moon is a fixture in facilitating computer classes at OLLI. He has taught many
other classes including Guitar, Philosophy, and Facilitator Training.
20
Tuesday 9:30 - 11:30
OLLI South Speaker Series
Optimizing Your Health:
Living Life to Its Fullest
What is your plan for an active and enjoyable life?
How are you going to stay healthy and active to climb
mountains, travel to exotic places and keep up with
your children and grandchildren? The last 50 years
have produced amazing new and important scientific
breakthroughs in many areas of health and medicine.
During this course, metro area experts will provide
participants with opportunities to learn and discuss the
current state of medical and personal health. What does the future look like
in terms of personal health? Topics will vary from dealing with difficult
people, pharmacy for seniors, sleep and genetics.
Whether you are 50 or 90, join us for this exciting program to learn how to
plan and optimize your favorite life adventures!
Weeks 1 and 2: The River, the Button, and The Hook: Dealing with
Difficult People
Participants will be able to:
• Identify different categories of difficult people
• Learn simple techniques that de-escalate a conflict situation
• Practice skills that can be used to disengage with angry,
argumentative people.
Speaker: Rev. Dr. Steve Poos-Benson has served as the Senior Pastor of Columbine
United Church in Littleton for thirty-three years. His primary value as a pastor,
author, and public speaker is to promote civility as a part of daily interaction. He has
spoken to both religious and civic groups on the importance of civil interaction to
reduce public violence.
Week 3: A Hard Day’s Night: To Sleep or Not to Sleep….
• Learn how sleep effects wellness and illness
• Learn whether you are getting enough “good” sleep and what can go
wrong with sleep
• Learn about physiology, circadian rhythms, sleep apnea, and
insomnia
Speaker: Sleep Specialist from St. Anthony Central
(Continued on next page)
21
Tuesday 9:30 - 11:30
Week 4: The Hip Bone’s Connected to the Thigh Bone, the Thigh Bone’s
Connected to the Knee Bone....
• Learn about osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease of the hip
and knee
• Learn the signs, symptoms and progression of arthritis
• Learn treatment options including medical, physical therapy,
injection therapies, and surgical treatment
Speaker: Richard Lotspeich, MMSc, PA, Peak Orthopedics and Spine
Week 5: The Eyes Have It
• Learn the essentials of good eye health
• Learn about common eye problems
• Learn when surgical intervention is needed, as well as intraocular
lens options.
• Learn about the two forms of Macular Degeneration, how vision is
effected as well a treatment options
• Learn about Glaucoma, importance of early diagnosis and treatment
Speaker: Dr. Lauren Zimski, MD is a board-certified Ophthalmologist in the
medical and surgical treatment of eye conditions.
Week 6: Genetics, What Do You Need to Know?
• Learn about genetics and its applications
• What genetics can tell you about your health
• Genetic testing, availability and cost
• Advances and trends
Speaker: Erin Hoffman
Week 7: Pills, Pills and More Pills: Drugs and How They Work
• Learn about the drugs many of us take daily
• Learn the complex pharmacy of drugs and their interactions
• Learn the physiology and side effects of commonly prescribed drugs
• Learn how foods and supplements interact with drugs
• Learn about narcotics, addiction and mortality
Speaker: Pharmacist from Littleton Hospital
Week 8: Centers for Disease Control (CDC): Epidemics, Pandemics, and
Fighting for Your Health
• Learn how the CDC functions.
• Learn how the CDC is working to eradicate polio
• Learn the newest information on Zika virus
Speaker: Richard L. Vogt, MD
22
Tuesday 9:30 - 11:30
Travel Symposium
Facilitators: Florence Welch and Rochelle Logan
Have you ever wondered what to take on a trip? What
kind of research to do before your trip? Where to go
and what to do there? Maybe you are an experienced
traveler looking for some new ideas or a novice looking
for ways to get started. Either way, this class is for you!
You will receive a handout of tips and ideas prepared
by experienced travelers to use in planning a fun and
successful trip.
These eight weeks will be devoted to countries you might have read about,
wanted to visit or just want to learn about. Each presenter will provide a
brief history and culture of the country he/she has visited.
Learn about countries around the world, and a little about their history and
culture. Travelers will talk about their travel process, recommendations for
sites to visit, travel stories, and show pictures of interesting destinations.
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Sept 20: Samera Baird, Travel Overview
Sept 27: Barbe Radcliffe, South of France
Oct 4: Bob and Anne Bennett, Hawaii
Oct 11: Sara Nesmith, Kenya and Tanzania
Oct 18: Pat Smith, Argentina
Oct 25: Susan Alt Johnson, Flyways & Byways in a Rolling Home:
Loving RV Travel
• Nov 1: Rochelle Logan, Spain
• Nov 8: David and Diana Armstrong, Italy
Florence Welch has a passion for travel. She attributes this passion to the
multicultural environment that she was exposed to as a child and an adult. Born
and raised in Washington, D.C., and a graduate of American University she had
many international friends that lit her fire for traveling and learning about different
cultures. She has traveled to Europe, Africa, South America and around the U.S.,
and has also backpacked parts of the Appalachian Trail, Grand Canyon and the El
Camino Santiago in Spain.
Rochelle Logan is a librarian! She retired from Douglas County Libraries in 2015
as an Associate Director. Her passion for independent travel is now in full force. Her
husband Tom is on board and they make traveling a priority. They have visited more
than 30 countries on five continents. When she isn’t on the road, Rochelle spends
time playing golf and pickleball, gardening, reading and playing with her grandkids.
She loves library work, so has kept her hand in it with her library research consulting
business.
23
Tuesday 9:30 - 11:30
Writing Your Life Stories
Facilitator: Connie Shoemaker
This class will help you to uncover your life stories and shape them into
meaningful writing. Life review questions will focus on memories all the
way from early childhood to adulthood with special attention paid to the
turning points in your life. You will be encouraged to respond to these
questions in your journals, share in class discussion, and choose topics to
write about. You may want to begin writing a memoir, finish a piece of
writing already begun, or work on a family history.
Whatever your goal, we will work together to uncover memories and
shape them as we discuss the craft of writing: scene-making, character
development, dialogue, structure, and theme.
The first hour of the class will focus on the craft of writing and the second
hour on sharing your life stories in a small group.
Book/materials: Writing Life Stories by Bill Roorbach (Story Press, 1998)
Class type: Discussion, writing, sharing
Class Size: Maximum of 20 participants
Connie Shoemaker is co-founder of Spring International Language Center where
she continues to work with international students. In addition to her experience
as a reporter and columnist, she has authored five published books in the field of
international education, a book of poetry published during her four years in Cairo,
Egypt, and her recent memoir The Good Daughter: Secrets, Life Stories and
Healing.
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Tuesday 11:45 - 12:15
interActive Learning
Laughing Yoga:
Laughter is the Best Medicine
Facilitator: Florence Welch
Note: 11:45-12:15
4 weeks, Sept. 20-Oct. 11
Have you ever laughed until you cried? You could hardly breathe, but you
felt fabulous afterward. Laughter yoga (Hasyayoga) is a practice involving
prolonged voluntary laughter. Laughter yoga is based on the belief that
voluntary laughter provides the same physiological and psychological
benefits as spontaneous laughter. Laughter yoga is done in groups, paired
with gentle yoga, eye contact and playfulness between participants. Forced
laughter soon turns into real and contagious laughter. This class will energize
and invigorate you.
Join Florence for this fun filled class and laugh yourself to a happier healthier
day!
Book/Materials: Nothing needed but a playful spirit!
Class Type: Interactive
Class Size: Maximum of 10
Materials Fee: None
Florence Welch has a passion for fun and health. She works out regularly to feel
good and look good. She loves to be around people and to laugh and enjoy life.
She has many international friends loves learning about different cultures, often
backpacking. She has previously facilitated several OLLI classes.
25
Tuesday 11:40 - 12:40
Living Awake
Facilitator: Ron Moon Note: 11:40-12:40
4 weeks, Sept 27-Oct 18
Are you tired of trying to rule your mind? Are your
passions for permanence, reliability, security, and
certainty taking away your freedom? Do you want to
break away from reactions that are based on fantasies?
Do you want to have a life that isn’t focused on chasing
chimeras?
Living Awake is living a raw life with all of its
impermanence, unreliability, and uncertainty. This
practical class will explore the unnecessary experiences of: idealism,
dissatisfaction, fear, craving, addictive urges, wanting a different life,
eminent doom, judgment, lack of or too little control, worry, fear, and
passions from the awake perspective.
Being superhuman is not a requirement for this class. Nothing magical is
needed, just a desire to live awake.
Book/Materials: Emailed class notes
Class Type: Presentation, slides
Ron Moon is a fixture in facilitating classes at OLLI. He has taught many classes
including Computer, Guitar, Philosophy, Geek and Facilitator Training.
26
Tuesday 1:00 - 3:00
Decisive Battles of World History
Facilitator: Alan Folkestad, Senior Facilitator
Many of the most decisive turning points in the history of the world have
been battles. More than just conflicts between armies, such moments
often represent fundamental clashes among rival religions, cultures, and
social, political, and economic systems. The outcomes of these battles have
dramatically transformed and shaped the course of history, often sending
it on unexpected or completely new paths. This course examines such
moments, highlighting and exposing the key incidents and personalities
responsible for these critical shifts. Most of the course deals with historical
social, political, and religious developments leading up to the conflict.
This course features three aspects that should be relatively original, even for
those with some familiarity with military history. First, it is truly global in
scope. Thus, we’ll cover William the Conqueror and the Battle of Hastings;
we’ll explore the Battle of Sacheon in Korea.
Second, the course analyzes both key land battles and naval clashes, topics
that are frequently treated separately.
Third, although many famous battles are included, there are also a good
number that are not very well known, such as the Battle of Yarmouk, Diu and
Ain Jalut. Often, a more obscure battle whose outcome was actually more
decisive is substituted for a much better known but, in reality, less pivotal
one.
Book/Materials: No book. The Great Courses: The Decisive Battles of
World History will be utilized in this course. Short handouts from the
accompanying text and applicable topics will be emailed before class. Other
videos will also be presented.
Class Type: Facilitator presentations, videos, discussion and topics for the
class members to present.
Class Size: No limit
Alan Folkestad, Senior Facilitator, has been a student of history throughout his life.
At the University of Minnesota he majored in Political Science and earned a MPA
degree from Texas Christian University. This is the 14TH class Alan has facilitated.
27
Tuesday 1:00 - 3:00
Film Shorts With An Edge
Facilitator: Judith Vlasin
This class is for the adventuresome movie lover. It includes “edgy” film
shorts with unusual, controversial, or bold content; some films will contain
harsh language and some could be considered a bit weird or experimental.
(No wild sex or gratuitous violence, though, because your facilitator is not a
fan of those.)
All the shorts are worthwhile and will provoke interesting discussion.
Many have won or been nominated for Oscars or other prestigious awards.
Many are from foreign countries and will have subtitles. None of the films
included in this course have been used in the two previous film shorts
classes, so this class will have no repeat content.
If this description intrigues you, join us -- it will be a fun, provocative and
very different class on the largely under-appreciated genre of short film.
Book/Materials: A few handouts provided by the facilitator, no book
Class Type: Viewing and discussion - participation in discussion is not
required
Class Size: Maximum of 25 participants
Judith Vlasin has previously facilitated classes at OLLI Central, OLLI South, and
OLLI West. Her background in film includes many years of teaching “Film, Form
and Culture” in the International baccalaureate program at Littleton High School,
and a lifelong interest in feature-length and short films from all cultures. She holds a
BA in Literature Education and an MA in Instructional Technology She was a high
school literature, film and composition teacher for 42 years. Retired for five years,
she is now an entrenched OLLI fan, taking and facilitating classes on all three OLLI
campuses.
28
Tuesday 1:00 - 3:00
MAC Computers:
Getting Up-To-Speed with Your MAC
Facilitator: Paul Mauro, Senior Facilitator
6 weeks, Sept. 20-Oct. 25
Getting started with a new MAC? Or you are an ‘old hand’ wanting to learn
how to maximize your usage? We will address both these issues in this
class. Mastering basic features such as TextEdit, Calendar and Photos, and
reviewing many important things everyone needs to know to make the best
use of their machine, such as back-ups and security, are both on the agenda.
We will not take on advanced applications that include Pages and Numbers
in this class. Each week time will be devoted to answering questions on your
most vexing MAC issues.
Here is a sampling of features we will cover:
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Effective file management
Printing your calendar
Organizing your contacts
Using special characters in text
Syncing with your iPhone
Organizing and editing your photos
Downloading from the AppStore
Web browsing
Protecting your security and privacy and keeping up-to-date.
This class assumes the participant has minimal experience with MAC
desktops or laptops. You will benefit from seeing features you haven’t yet
tried and relearning some things you forgot. This class will not address
iPads nor iPhones, which use a completely different operating system. MAC
users with a laptop are welcome to bring them to class or you may choose to
take notes in class and practice at home as the desktop users will do.
Book/Materials: None
Class Type: Lecture and demonstration
Class Size: Limited to 25
Paul Mauro, Senior Facilitator, joined OLLI Denver in 2012 , after participating
in OLLI in Prescott, AZ for many years. He spent his career with large scale, highly
specialized computer systems, starting in the era of big mainframe computers in the
60s. He has had a personal computer in his home for more than 40 years.
29
Wednesday 9:30 - 11:30
2016 Election:
The Candidates and the Issues
Facilitator: Joe Masi, Master Facilitator
This course is a major update to the 2016 Election-The Issues That Divide Us.
Those who took the course last winter or spring will find the Fall offering
different in the following respects.
• Less formal presentation and more class discussion
• We will focus on presidential candidates chosen in each party’s
summer convention
• The key issues remain the same but will be updated to reflect their
current circumstances
• Each issue will include a proposed solution that may or may not
agree with the positions taken by each candidate.
We begin the course with a focus on the 2012 voters: the attitudes and
opinions that influenced their 2012 vote. We then speculate on what may
cause them to vote differently in 2016 given today’s issues and the positions
and personalities of the candidates. Next we take on the Issues. We compare
our Healthcare system to other countries and assess Obamacare’s impact.
We address our economic philosophies and trade rivals; the 2008 recession;
and the impact of globalization and automation on our economy. Our
foreign policy discussion focuses on Islam and our approach to Iran and ISIS.
We round out the course with other lively issues: gun rights, voter fraud,
immigrant citizenship, and impacts on our climate. Last but not least are
women’s rights vs. male dominated institutions.
Book/Materials: Each week members twill receive slides and a poem to
highlight the lesson’s major theme. Participants will gain the most from the
lesson if they review the material before class.
Class Type: Presentation and discussion
Class Size: Maximum of 40
Joe Masi, Master Facilitator, graduated with honors in Economics from Princeton
University, served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, and took graduate
level courses in Economics and Politics at the University of Chicago. He had an
extensive business career in manufacturing (Fortune 500 companies), professional
services (Deloitte), and healthcare (Denver Health). At different periods in his life
he has been, with conviction, a conservative and a liberal. He is a life-long student
of American History. He devotes his time to researching our conservative and
liberal political philosophies and how their present day polarization threatens the
achievement of the good life.
30
Wednesday 9:30 - 11:30
Eating to Change the Course of Disease:
Nutrition Part II
Facilitator: Anne Bennett, Senior Facilitator, and various guest speakers
Have you been confused about carbohydrates? Which
ones should you eat? Should you eat any? What is the
glycemic index and how does it work? Can a person get
diabetes by eating sugars? Is fat the enemy? Can you
eat butter? Is coconut oil good for you? What causes
your cholesterol to go up? Does cholesterol in your diet
really matter? What is trans fat? How much protein do
you need as you age? Is red meat bad for you? How do
you lose weight and keep it off? What diets really work? Are any fad diets
dangerous? How should you feed your friend, family member or yourself if
you have cancer? You’ve heard about the gut microbiome, but what is it and
how can you improve the health of your GI system? Are probiotics good for
your gut or just expensive? Is “natural” or “organic” better? Do you know
how to adapt your favorite recipes to your diet needs? Is it possible to eat
healthy and eat out?
Join Anne Bennett, Registered Dietitian and other local nutrition experts to
explore these and other nutrition topics to address your chronic disease and
improve your health and well-being. Don’t have a chronic disease, come and
learn to promote health through nutrition.
Book/Materials: Handouts will be provided
Class Type: Lecture, DVDs, interactive, speakers
Class Size: Unlimited
Anne Bennett, Senior Facilitator, is a Registered Dietitian with a Master’s Degree
in Public Health. Anne has 42 years of experience in nutrition and public health.
Anne worked as a clinical dietitian at Yale Medical Center and Texas Children’s
Hospital before moving to Denver. She worked for Tri-County Health Department
for more than 30 years and became Director of Nutrition Services during her
last 8 years of work. Anne is passionate about eating healthy delicious foods and
promoting healthy lifestyles.
31
Wednesday 9:30 - 11:30
The Fascinating World of Robots
and Their Role in Society
Facilitator: Pat Smith
How exactly do robots work? What does it take to build a robot that can, for
a period of time, perform tasks and make decisions with little human input?
What are the most revolutionary robots at work today? How do we balance
the technological benefits of robots with the potential risks they pose to
preexisting ways of life?
There are concerns about the increasing use of robots and their role in
society. Robots are blamed for rising unemployment as they replace workers
in increasing numbers of functions. The use of robots in military combat
raises ethical concerns. The possibilities of robot autonomy and potential
repercussions have been addressed in fiction and may be a realistic concern
in the future.
This course will draw heavily from The Great Lectures Course on Robotics
by Professor John Long and will be supplemented by relevant and
fascinating TED talks.
Book/Materials: TBA
Class Type: Based on study, lectures, discussions, audiovisual material and
guest speakers.
Class Size: No limit
Pat Smith has more than 35 years’ experience in Information Technology in a
variety of industries. Prior to her retirement in 2015, she was the Chief Information
Officer at Our Kids of Miami-Dade/Monroe, Inc., an umbrella organization that
creates safe havens for children and families through adoption and foster care.
Prior to Our Kids, she spent ten years at GlaxoSmithKline where she served as
Global Vice President Information Technology. She is the recipient of several IT
and computer world awards and honors. She serves on the Editorial Advisory
Board of Mobile Enterprise Magazine. Pat has a BA in Economics, a Certificate in
Telecommunications from the University of Miami and a graduate degree from the
University of Maryland in Information Science.
32
Wednesday 9:30 - 11:30
“Free” Trade:
Good for you? Good for the U.S.?
Facilitators: Joe Clements, Stan Folker, Ira Rifkin, Master Facilitator
4 weeks, Oct 12-Nov 2
Perhaps one of the broadest powers of the President is that of negotiating
and administering our nation’s foreign trade. During this campaign,
politicians have opposed both existing and proposed “free” trade
agreements. But that is not something new. In recent times, trade bashing
has become a popular topic every four years. Candidate Obama did it in
2008; yet President Obama’s administration has negotiated the Trans-Pacific
Partnership, the largest regional trade accord in history.
What are the issues that make trade-bashing a popular tactic for candidates
and negotiating “free” trade agreements attractive for sitting Presidents?
This four-week course will:
• briefly review the history of such agreements and their effect on our
economy and workers,
• explore the candidates’ public positions,
• try to improve our understanding of the issues involved.
If you have strong opinions on this subject, come join us and share in a
friendly OLLI discussion environment. If you are confused about the issues,
you will not be alone. We are too.
Book/Materials: Short articles sent via email
Class Type: Lecture, videos, discussion
Class Size: Limited to 20 participants
Joe Clements has facilitated several OLLI courses, primarily history. However, he
also has an interest in political science and economics.
Stan Folker has an engineering and aviation background. He has had a long time
interest in economics and investing and worked as a financial consultant after
retiring from the airlines. He has co-facilitated several economics courses.
Ira Rifkin, Master Facilitator, a retired physician, has had a lifelong interest
in economics, political science, and history. He is currently on the Curriculum
Committee and has previously served on the Advisory Committee at OLLI South.
33
Wednesday 9:30 - 11:30
The Smithsonian:
Experiencing America Through Its Artifacts
Facilitator: Natalie Conklin
Art and artifacts bring history to life. For those who can’t make it to
Washington D.C., this class will bring a bit of the Smithsonian to you. Learn
the “story behind the story” of such artifacts as the Star-Spangled Banner,
the John Bull Steam Engine, the Wright Brothers’ Flyer, the Hope Diamond,
the first Apple computer and the famous Gilbert Stuart portrait of George
Washington. This course will highlight the 170-year history and collection
(137 million specimens!) of the world’s largest museum and research
complex.
The Smithsonian is made up of 19 museums and galleries, The National
Zoological Park and nine research facilities. Its artifacts represent America’s
rich heritage, art and culture. This class will be based on the critically
acclaimed book, The Smithsonian’s History of America in 101 Objects by Dr.
Richard Kurin, the Smithsonian’s Under Secretary for History, Art and
Culture and the Great Courses Video Lecture Series based on the book.
Additional lecture and video materials and discussion will supplement it.
Book/Materials: Based on the book The Smithsonian’s History in 101 Objects
by Dr. Richard Kurin. (Participants are not expected to buy the book, which
is $50.)
Class Type: DVD, keynote presentation, lecture, and discussion
Class Size: No limit
Natalie Conklin has enjoyed taking OLLI classes for the past three years since her
retirement from teaching. She has co-facilitated two OLLI classes on Broadway and
a presentation on the Russian Ballet. She has a great interest in American History.
Her son lights exhibits at the Smithsonian, which sparked her interest in wanting to
learn more about the museums and their artifacts and share these stories with others.
34
Wednesday 9:30 - 11:30
U.S. Army Rangers in the Modern Era
Facilitator: James L. Rairdon
The U.S. Army Rangers have been in continuous combat rotations since the
attacks on September 11, 2001. This course will cover who the U.S. Army
Rangers are now and through out history. The distinction will be made
between Rangers and other Special Operations units, especially U.S. Army
Special Forces. There will be a session to cover the early history of Rangers
from colonial times to World War II.
During WWII Ranger Battalions were established; there were also a variety
of Ranger type units. There were Ranger companies formed during both the
Korean War and the Vietnam War. Since 1974 the Rangers have been part of
the U.S. Army’s establishment. The 75th Ranger Regiment was created in
1984, and a third battalion was raised. The Regiment now includes the three
ranger battalions and a Special Troop Battalion.
The training of Rangers for the Regiment (Ranger Assessment and Selection
Program) and the Ranger course will be reviewed. Finally, the course will
review Rangers in the global War on Terror. The course will use lecture,
discussion, videos, and first person recorded recollections. Rangers Lead the
Way!
Book/Materials: No book for this course
Class Type: Lectures,videos, discussion
Class Size: No limit
Professor James L. Rairdon, DM, FLMI spent seven years on active duty, both
enlisted (U.S. Air Force) and commissioned (U.S. Army). He is a graduate of the
U.S. Army Ranger Course (class 1975). Jim is a Professor at National American
University, and an adjunct instructor at Colorado Christian University. 35
Wednesday 12:10 - 12:55
interActive Learning
T’ai Chi
“Exercise Is Medicine”
Facilitator: Joseph Brady Note: Class Time: 12:10 - 12:55
Life is stressful, but it doesn’t have to be! The ancient
Chinese art of T’ai Chi is a wonderful way to exercise,
relax and commune with your spirit. And you can begin
or continue to learn this beautiful art format at OLLI
South. From a modern scientific perspective the ancient
Chinese art of T’ai Chi is a moderate aerobic exercise that
benefits both mind and body without the physical wear
and tear associated with many exercise methods.
The American Medical Association describes T’ai-chi as “characterized by
physical movement and mental concentration; its purpose is to moderately
exercise all the muscles and achieve integration between mind and body.”
T’ai Chi is intended to be an exercise form that you can maintain as a lifelong
practice. It can be strenuous exercise, or slow, meditative movement. It
can be practiced almost anywhere, and can be integrated into almost any
lifestyle. People of all ages can use T’ai Chi to improve strength, balance, and
flexibility. T’ai Chi can help you look and feel younger while you relax. What
else can you ask for?
Class Size: Minimum of 8 members, maximum of 25
Course Fee: Members $50.00, non-members $65.00 (If space is available.)
Joseph Brady MSTCM, L. Ac. Dipl. O.M. is a nationally board certified
practitioner of Oriental Medicine. Joe taught on healthy aging issues and
coordinated the Gerontology program at the University of Denver for 20 years. Also
teaching classes at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Metropolitan
State College of Denver and in the Colorado Community College System, Joe has
written many articles on healthy aging for the Rocky Mountain News and the
Denver Medical Journal and has presented at many scientific conferences.
36
Wednesday 1:00 - 3:00
The Botany of Desire:
A Plant’s-Eye View of the World
Facilitators: Kathy Brown and Sue Bramley
5 weeks, Sept 21-Oct 19
Michael Pollan, one of the most trusted food experts in
America, demonstrates the relationship between people
and domesticated plants in this PBS series.
Learn how Pollan has linked four fundamental human
desires – sweetness, beauty, control and intoxication –
with plants that satisfy them. The stories of the apple,
the tulip, the potato and marijuana illustrate how
plants have evolved to satisfy humankind’s most basic
yearnings. Discussion & guest speakers will center around other plants that
fulfill these basic desires.
This five-week class will follow along with the video series and book,
culminating in a tour of a marijuana grow facility. Book/Materials: None
Class Type: Video and discussion
Class Size: No limit
Kathy Brown learned gardening at an early age, taught by her mother. She was
a past Master Gardener for twelve years, and is currently an active Native Plant
Master with the Jefferson County CSU Extension Office. Kathy teaches gardening
with native plants, as well as certificate classes in native plants on the trail at several
state and county parks. She has co-taught two native plant courses for OLLI South. Sue Bramley comes from a long line of obsessive home gardeners who have fought
their way through poor soil, poor weather and poor growing conditions. She has a
love/hate relationship with her compost pile. A self-declared foodie, she is passionate
about farm to table, and plants her 4 x 20 ft. vegetable garden accordingly. Former
program chair and 1st lady of the Highlands Ranch Garden Club, she is always
on the lookout for great ways to educate people on exploring their green thumbs.
Sue is the OLLI WellAware Committee co-chair and a member of the Curriculum
Committee.
37
Wednesday 1:00 - 3:00
Great Decisions 2016
Facilitators: Dale LeNoue, Senior Facilitator, Chuck Laskey, and Bill Gernert
Sponsored by the independent Foreign Affairs Association (FAA), the Great
Decisions publication is America’s largest discussion program on world
affairs with participant groups through the country. Each year, eight critical
global topics are chosen and by a panel of FAA experts and reviewed in a
comprehensive Briefing Book. The book is published every January. The
topics are unerringly current and receive in-depth coverage. This session will
include:
•
•
•
•
Mideast Alliances
Migration
Islamic State
The Koreas
•
•
•
•
Climate Change
The Kurds
United Nations
Cuba and the U.S.
Addressing the topics in the order published, this class involves reading the
Great Decisions Briefing Book presentation on each subject before meeting to
discuss the issues. At the discretion of the facilitators, use may be made of
DVD presentations on the subject as well as relevant current information
contributive to the issue. Participants have the option to contribute to a
national opinion ballot on each issue that is consolidated by the FFA for
public distribution.
NOTE: This is a repeat of the Spring 2016 class.
Book/Materials: Great Decisions 2015 Briefing Book (will be provided).
Occasional briefing updates or related articles as may come available.
Suggested references: http://www.fpa.org/about/http://www.fpa.org/
great_decisions/
Class Type: Discussion, review questions suggested at the end of each issue
presentation.
Materials Fee: $25 for Briefing Book (Please send in a separate check to cover
this fee when you register for the class)
Dale LeNoue, Senior Facilitator, is a retired clinical psychologist who has facilitated
more than ten OLLI courses.
Chuck Laskey is a retired CARE International executive and has facilitated other
Great Decisions courses. He is a world traveler and bon vivant!
Bill Gernert is a retired Army colonel.
38
Wednesday 1:00 - 3:00
Hell in a Very Cold Place:
The 900 Day Siege of Leningrad
Facilitator: Wayne Cassell 5 weeks, Sept 21-Oct 19
In 1941, after the fall of Western Europe, Nazi Germany turned its focus
to the east in an attack Hitler believed would last only a few months. The
German High Command chose three strategic objectives for the attack
on the Soviet Union. Leningrad, the northern objective, was assigned to
German Army Group North. Leningrad, now known as St. Petersburg,
has always been a city of many dimensions: the soul of Mother Russia, the
heart of the revolution, a thriving industrial center, a cultural and historic
city – a place worth fighting and dying for in what Stalin called “The Great
Patriotic War.” The Germans never took the city but laid siege to it for 822
days. Approximately 1.4 million Russians died during the siege and those
who didn’t faced hunger, disease, starvation, and instances of cannibalism.
However, Leningrad was also a place of great courage – a people determined
to defeat a deeply hated enemy and to save the city that so many of them
loved. As we discuss the siege and it’s consequences we will cover a variety
of topics – some interesting for what happened, others for what did not
happen.
• Why did the Soviet defenses collapse at first and how did they
stabilize the front?
• Why didn’t the Germans take Leningrad in 1941? • How do you resupply a city surrounded by the enemy? • What is the story behind Shostakovich’s Seventh “Leningrad”
Symphony? • What was the amber room and where is it? • What was the greatest maritime disaster in history? Book/Materials: Suggested reading includes The 900 Days, The Siege of
Leningrad by
Harrison E. Salisbury
Class Type: Lecture, DVD, discussion
Class Size: Maximum of 20
Wayne Cassell is a former U.S. Army armor officer during the mid to late 1970s.
During the 1980s he was a tactical training consultant for the army before moving
to Colorado and becoming a technical illustrator and graphics artist. An avid
amateur military historian, he finds his knowledge is useful in his hobbies that
include building historically accurate models and playing board and computer
strategy war games. 39
Wednesday 1:00 - 3:00
iPad 4 Novices
Facilitator: Bob Stratton and Bob Teklits 5 weeks, Sept 21-Oct 19
This class is for people with a new iPad or those who have had an iPad for a
while but would like to learn a bit more about the many features that are part
of this amazing tool as it comes right out of the box. Your iPad can do much
more than send email and do some rudimentary searching of the web. This
course will follow the Apple iPad users guide for ISO 9.3. You will learn how
to download a free copy of this users guide for your own reference in the
future. The pace of the course is designed to allow each student to learn in
detail about each of the basic features of this instrument.
Typical items that will be covered are listed below:
•
•
•
•
Explore the “Settings” app to customize the iPad to your needs.
What is an “App”?
Keyboard tips to enhance your keyboarding experience.
Examine the “Privacy” options to control how much the world knows
about your activities and your movements.
• How to be sure that your software is up-to-date.
• How to get answers from “SIRI” on most questions by simply
speaking.
This course should prepare you to expand the use of the included apps
that have many features beyond what first seems apparent. Additionally
your comfort level will be increased to explore other ways the iPad and the
myriad of available apps and enhanced features may be helpful for you.
Books/Materials: You will need to bring your iPad to class.
Class Type: Discussion, hands on
Class Size: Maximum of 14
Materials Fee: None
Bob Stratton moved to Colorado from Western New York and Northwest Indiana
after a career as an engineer/manager with the steel industry. Bob has become an
avid iPad user after taking Piet Kallemeyn’s course twice and then co-facilitating
with Piet on five more iPad classes. He is looking forward to helping OLLI members
learn the basics of this modern tool.
Bob Teklits has a B.A. in Mathematics and a Master’s degree in Telecommunications. Bob worked in the Information Technology (IT) field for more than 30
years developing systems and managing IT resources. He first started using Apple
products and specifically the Apple iPad in 2012. He has since discovered that it is
one of the most versatile and powerful automated tools available today. 40
Wednesday 1:00 - 3:00
Many More Classic American
Short Stories
Facilitators: Jeanette Lauritsen, Jerry Wischmeyer, Master Facilitator and
David Williams, Master Facilitator
ALL NEW SELECTIONS! Using as our text, The Oxford Book of American
Short Stories, this class offers a sampler of masterpieces of short fiction sure
to delight, instruct, and occasionally bewilder. (If you were in any of our
previous “Classic Short Stories” courses in 2011-2015, or in the short story
classes facilitated by Carolyn Kallemeyn and Barb Sears, not to worry—these
are all new selections for 2016.)
Selected authors include several women and minorities, and are from the
nineteenth as well as the twentieth centuries. We’ll discuss such story-telling
essentials as plot, character, setting, style, point of view, theme, and historical
context. Class members will read two stories each week, written by such well
known authors as Philip Roth, Raymond Carver, Nelson Algren, Willa Cather,
Stephen Crane, Ralph Ellison, and many more.
Look for enjoyment and meaning in each story, and think about each author’s
particular writing style and approach to the subject. Be sure to underline
and share your favorite passages with class members. Lively discussion is a
necessary ingredient of a successful class.
Book: The Oxford Book of American Short Stories, edited by Joyce Carol Oates,
Second Edition. ISBN 978-0-19-974439-8. Available in paperback from
Amazon.com and others.)
Class Type: Reading assignments/ discussion
Class Size: Limited to 22
Jeanette Lauritsen has facilitated a variety of classes for OLLI South, including
“Murderous Schemes” and “In Their Own Words,” as well as Great Books®
discussion groups. She holds a BA in English Literature and an MA in Teaching
Composition, teaching classes for a few years at the University of Colorado, Denver.
Jerry Wischmeyer, Master Facilitator, is a longtime supporter of the OLLI
program and, through facilitating, is enjoying meeting and interacting with many
accomplished people age 50 and over who share a love of learning.
David Williams, Master Facilitator, a retired marketing executive, has facilitated
several courses at both OLLI South and Central. David also facilitates a Great Books
Discussion Group at the Lone Tree Library. He is a slow reader, so short stories are
good.
41
Wednesday 1:00 - 3:00
Scripture and Cosmology
Facilitator: Mike Brondos
6 weeks, Sept 21-Oct 26
From the Ancient Near East to modern times our understanding of the
cosmos has changed significantly. Most, if not all, people in antiquity
originally assumed they lived on a flat earth which was covered by a dome
traversed by the sun, moon, planets and stars each day. Under Greek
influence that concept gradually changed to a round earth surrounded by
a series of interdependent spherical shells on which the planetary bodies
circled the earth. Not until the 16th and 17th centuries, after the Copernican
revolution, the invention of the telescope, and detailed scientific analysis by
Galileo, Kepler and others, did our current understanding of the universe
come properly into focus.
What is often inadequately understood today is that Jewish and Christian
interpretation of the cosmos followed a parallel path. We retrace that path
through an analysis of the Jewish Bible (Christian Old Testament), the New
Testament, and additional extra-biblical books and other writings by rabbis
and Christian theologians from 300 B.C.E. to 1600 C.E.
Class presentations will generally follow the excellent text Scripture and
Cosmology by Kyle Greenwood, Associate Professor of Old Testament and
Hebrew language at Colorado Christian University, published in 2016. The key desired outcome of this class is that participants gain sufficient
knowledge to put into perspective Biblical references to cosmos and to treat
with caution interpretations that impose a modern understanding of the
universe on ancient texts.
Book/Materials: Scripture and Cosmology by Kyle Greenwood (2016).
Supplemental material will be presented in Powerpoint prepared by the
facilitator.
Class Type: Lecture, discussion, reading, class presentations
Class Size: None
Mike Brondos received an undergraduate degree of B.S. in Education, and
graduate degrees of M.S. and Ph.D in Geology. Throughout his 40-year career as
an oil and gas geologist, he has also been an active member of several churches and
taught a number of adult education classes. His professional memberships include
the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, the Society of Independent
Professional Earth Scientists, and the American Scientific Affiliation (an
interdenominational organization of scientists who are Christian).
42
Thursday 9:30-11:30
100 Years of America’s National Parks
An Introduction: From Hidden Jewels to the Iconic
Facilitator: Larry Walling
America’s Best Idea? America’s Storyteller? The year 2016 is the 100th
anniversary of the creation of the organization charged with protection,
administration, maintenance and management of the 410 areas of national
significance which comprise the National Park Service.
Join us as we explore units of the national park system in the context of
the 100th anniversary of the creation of the National Park Service. We will
briefly examine the history of the National Park Service and review the
different types of units in the system. It’s true, not all units are parks even
though that is the conventional or generic label used most often to describe
them. For seven weeks the class will examine an individual region of
the United States and National Park Service units within that region. The
significance, a very brief history and outstanding features will be discussed
for each park. We’ll be moving quickly due to the number of parks to be
covered but perhaps student reports and special presentations will feature
unusual facts or possible travel itineraries.
No books will be required but if you’re interested, there will be a significant
bibliography available. Join the fun and education our national parks
provide.
See you in September!
Book/Materials: None required
Class Type: Lectures, PowerPoint presentations, student reports
Class Size: No limit
Larry Walling retired from the National Park Service after 31 years with
the Denver Service Center, the architectural and engineering office providing
professional planning, design and construction services for the system nationwide.
In retirement he has consulted in Tanzania with Gombe National Park, the Jane
Goodall Institute and with Tanzania National Parks on newly created wildlife
management areas. In the Republic of Georgia Larry has assisted the Ministry of
the Environment and Resource Protection with a number of projects at numerous
protected areas throughout the country.
43
Thursday 9:30-11:30
The Elixir of Life:
The Everyday Guide to Wine, REDUX
Facilitator: Sylvia Trujillo
6 weeks, Sept 22-Oct 27
Do you enjoy wine? If so, you are in good company - wine has a rich history
dating back thousands of years - Ancient Greeks, Egyptians and Romans
consumed and celebrated the beverage. All levels of wine experience are
welcome, but there are no “wine snobs” allowed! This class is not designed
for the connoisseur, sommelier, or vintner.
• How to taste a wine using the five “s” (see, swirl, smell, sip, & savor)
method
• The whites - Riesling to Chardonnay, the reds - Pinot Noir to
Cabernet
• California wines, and how they compete with French wines
• How about Colorado wines?
• Champagne & other sparkling wines
• What is a sommelier, and what does it take to become one?
• How to order wine in a restaurant
• How to buy wine in a store
• Does a crystal glass really make a difference?
• To cork or not to cork, that is the question
This class will use some DVDs from the Great Courses DVD series entitled
“The Everyday Guide to Wine.” We will also view a few other films/DVDs
that are designed to add enjoyment while learning more about wine.
Please note: there will be some repetition from the class held in Spring 2015,
but about 50% of the class with include new information. There will be no
wine sampled in the classroom, but may include optional off site-tasting
events.
Book/Materials: None required, suggest Wine for Dummies DVD or book
Class Type: DVDs lecture, discussion, class participation
Material Fee: None, charge for optional tasting events.
Sylvia Trujillo is a retired business professional. Her passions are reading, travel,
archeology/anthropology, and music. She spends spare time volunteering within
the Jefferson County Library system. Sylvia enjoys red wine and “has the wine
bug.” She is not a “wine snob” -- “What tastes good to you is what matters”! She
is the co-chair of the Visual & Performing Arts Committee, and has facilitated a few
classes at OLLI South.
44
Thursday 9:30-11:30
interActive Learning
Even More Fun Making Great Photos
Facilitator: Fred Larke 7 weeks, Sept 22-Nov 3
This seven-week course will focus on taking and making great pictures; i.e.,
capturing digital images in the field, and then editing (post processing) them
back in the class room. It is a natural follow-up to our previous Fall class Having Fun Making Great Photos.
In this class, we will concentrate on three things:
• Understanding and setting up your camera for good photos
• Capturing quality images in the field with good technique
• Using computer software to optimize your image, and realize your
vision
To do all this, we will have an introductory session devoted to different types
of photographs (landscape, water, etc.), and how the settings on your camera
can facilitate capturing these images.
Then we will have six weeks of alternating field and classroom sessions,
during which we will visit three beautiful and photogenic settings to
capture images, followed by classroom sessions each following week to
constructively critique and edit your captures. All the while having a great time!
This course is designed for anyone, with any type of camera, who is ready to
enjoy making more compelling images. Both new and previous students are
most welcome.
Class Type: Classroom & fieldtrips
Class Size: Maximum of 12 participants
Materials Fee: None
Fred Larke is retired from the CU Medical School where he taught medical imaging
to aspiring radiologists. He now happily pursues his passion for photography,
belongs to several photo clubs in town, and enjoys sharing whatever photography
knowledge he has gained with those of a similar interest.
45
Thursday 9:30 - 11:30
interActive Learning
The Great Game of Bridge – Advanced Play
Facilitator: Wilt Cooper
Bridge is the world’s most popular card game. It is a great way to exercise
the mind with communication, visualization, probabilities, math, and
socialization. The game of bridge dates back to the 16th century when
Europeans were playing triumph. Triumph evolved into whist in the
1700’s and was made internationally famous by Edmond Hoyle. With the
introduction of the bidding (or auction) concept in the late 19th century,
whist evolved into auction bridge. Ely Culbertson in the 1930s, then Charles
Goren in the 1950s popularized the game of bridge even further. It is
played by nearly 40 million people just in North America with international
tournaments annually.
This class is for experienced bridge players who want to enhance their
bidding, declarer play, and defensive techniques with a better grasp of
current bidding techniques and common bidding conventions. We will
be using practice hands for specific lessons coupled with free deals with
instructor over-site to continue our application of conventions such as
Stayman, Jacoby Transfers, reverses, Weak Two’s, Strong 2 Club, Drury,
Jacoby 2NT, Texas Transfers, New Minor Forcing, 4th suit forcing, RKCB, and
others. This class will apply the 2 over 1 bidding approach, but the class will
start with an introduction/review to 2 over 1, so it is not a prerequisite for the
class.
Prerequisite: Preferably completion of the four previous OLLI courses -“Bidding,” “Play of the Hand,” “Defense,” and “Common Conventions” -- or
instructor approval based on bridge playing experience with current standard
techniques.
Books/Materials: None, but I recommend 25 Bridge Conventions You Should
Know by Barbara Seagram and Marc Smith as a supplemental source, and also
a 2 over 1 text, such as the text written by Audrey Grant and Eric Rodwell.
Class Type: Primarily bridge hand play.
Class Fee: Members $60; Guests $100
Class Size: Minimum of 8, maximum of 20
Wilt Cooper is a retired Aerospace Engineer from Lockheed Martin and an active
competitive bridge player. He has played the game of bridge since college, learning
more each step of the way. Wilt has earned a Bronze Life Master in bridge, is teacher
accredited by the ACBL, and has taught the game for several years. Because he is so
passionate about the game, he wants to share the bridge experience with everyone.
46
Thursday 9:30 - 11:30
The Science of Mindfulness
Facilitator: Abraham (Abe) Grinberg, Senior Facilitator
Have you ever noticed that trying to calm down before
a high-stakes event often just produces more agitation?
That trying to change troublesome habits can seem
difficult or impossible? Or that real fulfillment and wellbeing can be elusive, despite living a successful life?
A surprising number of such difficulties stem from an
inherited propensity of the human brain—our automatic,
hardwired tendency to seek pleasure and to anticipate
and avoid pain. Modern science demonstrates that this mental hardwiring,
traceable to the survival needs of our earliest ancestors, is at the root of many
of the psychological and behavioral problems that we face today.
This course has the purpose of examining the neurobiology involved, leaving
you with a clear knowledge of the science underlying ancient practices that
are now profoundly influencing the contemporary world. And you’ll learn
many practical ways you can use mindfulness techniques in your own life.
Book/Materials: Based on the course of Ronald D. Siegal MD. Assistant
Professor of Psychiatry; University of Massachusetts Medical School: The
Great Courses (2014).
Class Type: Class will be supplemented with other DVD’s, audiovisuals and
journal articles that will help us to understand the science behind the concept
of mindfulness.
Class Size: Limited to 25 participants
Materials Fee: None
Abraham Grinberg (Abe), Senior Facilitator, is a retired physician who enjoys
continuing to learn about cultural understanding of different populations in
relation to medical and social problems. Abe has facilitated courses at OLLI related
to psychology, human behavior, art and socio-political problems in Latin-America.
This time he has decided to address an important problem that we encounter in our
modern society on a daily basis.
47
Thursday 9:30 - 11:30
She is Making History
Fighting for Victory
Facilitator: Joanne Stratton
American Women of World War II did make history. Although 2016 is the
75th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor and the entrance of United States into
World War II little is known about the contributions of women in the fight for
victory.
• Women entered the military. There were 340,000 volunteers who
served Stateside, Europe, North Africa and in the Pacific.
• Nurses were prisoners of war for years in the Philippines.
• The Women Air Service Pilots piloted every type of warplane that the
United States deployed. They were civilian volunteers.
• United States had female war correspondents, spies and those who
worked on “secret” projects.
• Entertainers performed hundreds of shows to elevate the military
morale.
• Women died protecting American values.
On the home front women were mobilized. Rosie the Riveter was an
incredible icon representing women. Women went into new roles in industry.
They built ships, planes and kept war effort work on target. Women lived
with rations, collecting scrap, planting victory gardens, letter writing and
waiting. It was their war, too.
Join us as we learn about these spirited women who did make history. They
were America’s “secret weapon”. Share these exciting stories and learn about
World War II herstory.
Book/Materials: There is no book required; however, there will be suggested
reading materials.
Class Type: Lecture, discussion, videos and optional reports
Materials Fee: None
Class Size: Limited to 20 participants
Joanne has been an OLLI member for 5 years since moving to the Denver area.
OLLI classes have created a greater curiosity regarding history. Having worked
for many decades in the Nursing Profession in New York, Indiana and Colorado
led to an interest in Nurses’ role in the War. That Research opened the door to the
multitude of roles that women filled in the war. It is an exciting topic.
48
Thursday 1:00 - 3:00
Achieving Food Sustainability
in the Future
Facilitator: Bayard Breeding
7 weeks, Sept 22-Nov 3
The conditions that we experience in the production of our produce and
meats are changing and will continue to do so in the future. In this class
we will look at how these conditions are changing, what are the causes of
these changes, and what options we have to continue to produce our food
sustainably and economically.
We will be looking at issues of the negative effects of Climate Change on
food production-with an emphasis on changes expected in Colorado. We will
look at issues such as, water supply, the cost of land, land availability, soil
fertility and degradation, the cost of food and its availability, declining yields
and will GMO crops help or hinder.
This course will be taking an in-depth look at alternative methods of food
production. Methods such as: Vertical Gardening, Greenhouse production,
Aquaponics, Hydroponics, Growing Towers, Farming in the Ocean’s and
others.
Book/Materials: None required. A suggested reading list will be posted
Class Type: Audiovisual materials and readings
Class Size: Maximum of 22
Bayard Breeding graduated from South West State University with a degree in
Occupational Education. He has also taken numerous graduate level courses in
Applied Geography with an emphasis on Land Use Planning, Environmental Law,
Environmental Management and the Earth Sciences. He is a fourth generation Texas
Farmer, and the Senior Partner of Windsong Farm.
49
Thursday 12:30 - 3:30
Hollywood: The Racial Divide?
Facilitator: Sally Walling
Note: 3 hours, 12:30-3:30
For the 2nd year in a row, there were no wins for diversity, in any category
at the Academy Awards in Hollywood. How is it possible that with all the
talent on display, this American body of judges has room for only caucasian
entries? Join us as we explore through satire, documentary, and fiction the
multi racial participation of those involved in these spurned films. Beginning
with Chris Rock’s groundbreaking opening monologue at the 2016 Award
ceremony, we will view films of diversity that have been ignored by the
Academy.
Class discussion will be an integral part of each session as we evaluate the
integrity of each film and try to determine how we can help bridge the
divide, not only in “Tinseltown” but in all of America. We will be reading
Solomon Northrop’s Twelve Years A Slave to aid in our study of the movie of
the same title. Sections or all of the following movies will be shown:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Do the Right Thing
A Better Life
Reel Injun
Twelve Years a Slave
Fruitvale Station
The Butler
Concussion
Beasts of the Southern Wild
Selma
Beasts of No Nation
Good Hair
A Day Without A Mexican
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Book/Materials: Twelve Years a Slave by Solomon Northrup
Class Type: View films, lecture, discussion
Class Size: No limit
Sally Walling is a retired Language Arts teacher who loves to read great books,
have meaningful discussions, and see, on the big screen, as many amazing movies as
possible!
50
Thursday 1:00-3:00
Religion and Science
Facilitator: Dale LeNoue, Senior Facilitator
This class will examine the conflicts between religion and science, how each
contributes to the other, the history of conflicts and agreements, current
status of this relationship and “famous” disagreements: e.g., the Catholic
church and Galileo, and evolution.
•
•
•
•
How can faith and reason be reconciled?
What is “authority”?
Who speaks for science?
Who speaks for religion?
We will discuss the history of relations between religion and science, historic
conflicts and current status. Faith and reason will battle it out. Join the
jousting! Books/Materials: None
Class Type: DVDs and discussion. Class Size: Maximum of 20 participants
Dale LeNoue, PhD, Senior Facilitator, is a retired clinical psychologist. He has
been a OLLI member for more than ten years. 51
Thursday 1:00-3:00
TED Talks: More Ideas Worth Spreading
Facilitator: Barbara Pond
TED is a nonprofit institution devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. It started in
1984 as a conference bringing together people from three worlds: Technology,
Entertainment, Design. Since then its scope has become ever broader.
The goal of TED is to foster the spread of great ideas. It aims to provide a
platform for the world’s smartest thinkers, greatest visionaries and mostinspiring teachers, so that millions of people can gain a better understanding
and a desire to help create a better future.
TED Talks are videos of the best talks and performances from TED
conferences and events where the world’s leading thinkers and doers can
give the talk of their lives, usually in 18 to 25 minutes. The best talks and
performances from TED are free online as TedTalks (http://www.ted.com/
talks). There are more than 2,000 TED Talks ranging from persuasive to
ingenious to jaw dropping.
The primary objective of this class is for the facilitator to select the categories
of topics that best prompt discussion amongst the class participants with the
objective of educating, entertaining and awakening in all of us new ways of
thinking. Maybe some will be inspired to take action.
Participants will have the opportunity to select one of their favorite Ted
Talks to stream for all, then acting as a guest facilitator with the objective
of prompting discussion and eliciting comments from their fellow OLLI
participants.
Book: None
Class Type: Video and discussion
Class Limit: Maximum of 25 participants
Barbara Pond has spent more than 45 years working in the field of education as
a math teacher, college professor, consultant, and conference speaker. Barb spent
her last 26 years in public education teaching math, science and social studies in
Douglas County. She recently retired from teaching and supervising students
at Colorado Christian University. Her hobbies include gardening, cooking,
scrapbooking, quilting, traveling and being a grandma. She enjoys exploring new
things and is a life-long learner. She and her husband, Dan, have enjoyed taking
OLLI classes for several years.
52
53
Who Are the Facilitators?
They are people….just like you!
At the heart of OLLI are our facilitators and curriculum. OLLI is successful
because every term we have an intriguing curriculum and a “faculty” of
dedicated people volunteering their time to make it happen.
The majority of OLLI facilitators have never taught a class in their lives.
They all find many different ways to organize a class based on the topic
and their style – some prepare discussion questions from the text they have
chosen; some prefer using lecture tapes and building a discussion around
them; others have members of the class give reports; and many invite guest
lecturers.
How can you find out about becoming a facilitator?
It is quite easy. You may begin by simply indicating your interest to anyone
on the Curriculum Committee or Jenny Fortenberry. They will be delighted
to answer your questions and offer suggestions.
54
2016-2017 OLLI South
Curriculum Committee
Science, Math, Technology
Abe Grinberg, abegri@comcast.net
Dan Pond, n0tk@comcast.net
History
Rae Wiseman, raye.wisemnan@comcast.net
Mike Ivy mikeivy@yahoo.com
Economics
Stanley Folker, no13dolfan@comcast.net
Ira Rifkin irarifkin@comcast.net
Political Sci/Current Affairs
Paul Mauro, paulmauro42@gmail.com
Bayard Breeding bayardbreeding@gmail.com
Visual and Performing Arts
Sylvia Trujillo, sltrujillo@comcast.net
Natalie Conklin, nataliec3@comcast.net
Philosophy, Spirituality & Culture Ruth Harthun, ruth@iescolorado.com
Roxanne Ahlbrecht, roxanne.ahlbrecht@gmail.com
Literature and Writing
Barb Sears, barb@linkwiser.com
Karen Conley km.conley@hotmail.com
WELLaware
Anne Bennett, annebennett12413@gmail.com
Sue Bramley, sueannebramley@yahoo,com
interActive Learning
Paddy Broughton, paddybroug2aol.com
Jenny Fortenberry, jennyfortenberry@msn.com
Ex Officio
Khosrow Badiozamani, khosrow@koztech.com
David Williams, dwilliams4000@centurylink.com
Facilitator Training/Support Joe Clements, jmcmsm@aol.com
Faye Hastings, fayehast@comcast.net
Secretary
Sherilee Selby, scselby@comcast.net
2016-2017 OLLI South Advisory Council
Bob Armstrong, OLLI DU Financial
Liaison
Shirley Bartlett
Kay Bowman
Kim Fry
Stuart Gentry
Ruth Harthun
Jim Hornor, President & Budget Officer
Pat Proctor
Gayla Solomon
Florence Welch
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Directions to OLLI South
Valley View Christian Church
11004 Wildfield Lane
Littleton, CO 80125
South Santa Fe Drive (Hwy 85) to Titan Parkway
(approximately 4 miles south of C470 or 10 miles north of Castle Rock).
Turn east, and then left on Wildfield Lane and follow the road
up to the church on the hill.
All OLLI South classes are held at:
Valley View Christian Church
11004 Wildfield Lane
Littleton, CO 80125
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at DU (OLLI)
2211 South Josephine Street
Denver, CO 80208
(303) 871-3090
Go online to learn more about OLLI: www.portfolio.du.edu/ollisouth
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