Tuesday   

Growing numbers of Americans believe that extraterrestrial aliens have landed on Earth. Over the past year alone, the Department of Defense collected nearly 500 reports of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena, formerly known as UFOs. While most of these were quickly resolved, some cases remain unexplained. Explore both theory and evidence for the idea that aliens have crossed the vast oceans of space to visit our planet. We will consider the Fermi Paradox, the Drake Equation, and the Rare Earth Hypothesis; we will give time to the sociology of UFOlogy; and we will consider the evidence for and against claims of alien presence. All are welcome to enroll, but spot checks for human DNA may be performed.

Growing numbers of Americans believe that extraterrestrial aliens have landed on Earth. Over the past year alone, the Department of Defense collected nearly 500 reports of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena, formerly known as UFOs. While most of these were quickly resolved, some cases remain unexplained. Explore both theory and evidence for the idea that aliens have crossed the vast oceans of space to visit our planet. We will consider the Fermi Paradox, the Drake Equation, and the Rare Earth Hypothesis; we will give time to the sociology of UFOlogy; and we will consider the evidence for and against claims of alien presence. All are welcome to enroll, but spot checks for human DNA may be performed.

Join the director, Ann Marie Pollard, for a discussion about “Urinetown, the Musical.” Produced in association with UNL Opera, “Urinetown” is a satirical musical that takes place in a dystopian future where a severe water shortage has led to the privatization of public restrooms. The story humorously critiques social and economic inequalities while following a revolution led by a charismatic hero fighting against the corrupt authorities controlling access to sanitation. Ann Marie will be joined by her production design team who will discuss their concepts and will show examples of their drawings, illustrations, models and more. This session will include a sneak- peek at the set, lighting, and costumes.

Charitable giving is not one-size-fits-all. Finding the right balance between family priorities and charitable giving is crucial and can vary greatly depending on individual circumstances and goals. Explore giving options and common pitfalls that can be avoided to ensure your gifts work as intended. Learn how to maximize your philanthropic efforts in a tax-advantaged way, regardless of the donation amount. The University of Nebraska Foundation is the university’s trusted partner for those wishing to support the University of Nebraska. Because estate planning can be complex, you are encouraged to consult your professional advisors to determine what is appropriate for you.

Charitable giving is not one-size-fits-all. Finding the right balance between family priorities and charitable giving is crucial and can vary greatly depending on individual circumstances and goals. Explore giving options and common pitfalls that can be avoided to ensure your gifts work as intended. Learn how to maximize your philanthropic efforts in a tax-advantaged way, regardless of the donation amount. The University of Nebraska Foundation is the university’s trusted partner for those wishing to support the University of Nebraska. Because estate planning can be complex, you are encouraged to consult your professional advisors to determine what is appropriate for you.

In her book, “Founding Mothers: The Women Who Raised Our Nation,” Roberts states, “Of the women who influenced the Founding Fathers, almost all of them are recognizable only because of the men in their lives.” We will look at these mothers, wives, sisters, and friends of the men who signed the Declaration of Independence, fought in the Revolutionary War, attended the Constitutional Convention and served in the new government. George Washington stated, “…I think you ladies are in the number of the best patriots America can boast.” Learn about who these women were and the significant impact they made.

In her book, “Founding Mothers: The Women Who Raised Our Nation,” Roberts states, “Of the women who influenced the Founding Fathers, almost all of them are recognizable only because of the men in their lives.” We will look at these mothers, wives, sisters, and friends of the men who signed the Declaration of Independence, fought in the Revolutionary War, attended the Constitutional Convention and served in the new government. George Washington stated, “…I think you ladies are in the number of the best patriots America can boast.” Learn about who these women were and the significant impact they made.

Dance Fitness is perfect for older adults who want to add some movement to their lives but would like to adapt the easy-to-follow choreography to their own fitness levels. You will be encouraged to do what works for you and will be shown options for raising and lowering the intensity. In the process, you’ll move to great show tunes, standards and world music while improving your balance, brain function and cardiovascular endurance. Wear comfy clothing and come prepared to move. And yes, you can dance in a chair.

Build your confidence on performing simple maintenance items on your bike. Bike anatomy, fit, ABC quick check, fix a flat, and simple brake and shifting adjustment will be covered. Gain confidence to make simple repairs on the road and to talk to a bike mechanic for the more complex repairs.

Explore how energy healing has been used in integrative medicine. Learn about its history, who teaches it and how it can be learned. Einstein told us that energy is in all matter, including us. We can influence that by learning ways of working with the energy system in the field around us, through energy centers and meridians. As many as 92 cultures have words that describe energy, illustrating how these concepts cross cultures and time; the term life force may be used in American culture. We will discuss Reiki, healing touch and therapeutic touch as three forms of energy healing.

Explore how energy healing has been used in integrative medicine. Learn about its history, who teaches it and how it can be learned. Einstein told us that energy is in all matter, including us. We can influence that by learning ways of working with the energy system in the field around us, through energy centers and meridians. As many as 92 cultures have words that describe energy, illustrating how these concepts cross cultures and time; the term life force may be used in American culture. We will discuss Reiki, healing touch and therapeutic touch as three forms of energy healing.

Recreational kayaking is a great lifetime activity and way to explore and enjoy the lakes in the Lincoln area. This class will introduce you to the basics of kayaking and safety measures so you can start enjoying this new activity on your own. All kayaking equipment is provided.

Learn about the behind-the-scenes process of putting together a Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra concert, then attend LSO’s “A Tightrope Across Time” performance on April 25. Prior to the concert, there will be four presentations: LSO Executive Director Barbara Zach Lee will talk about what a symphony orchestra means to a community, and what kinds of support are required for an orchestra to flourish. Maestro Edward Polochick, director and conductor, will explain the role of a musician and give insights on how orchestras can provide transformative experiences to audience members. Composer-in-Residence Elena Ruehr will discuss what it’s like to compose music for a specific group of friends and musicians, and how it feels to hear newly composed music performed live. Piano soloist Simone Dinnerstein will talk about life as a professional musician, what inspires her, and her favorite kinds of music to perform.

Learn about the behind-the-scenes process of putting together a Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra concert, then attend LSO’s “A Tightrope Across Time” performance on April 25. Prior to the concert, there will be four presentations: LSO Executive Director Barbara Zach Lee will talk about what a symphony orchestra means to a community, and what kinds of support are required for an orchestra to flourish. Maestro Edward Polochick, director and conductor, will explain the role of a musician and give insights on how orchestras can provide transformative experiences to audience members. Composer-in-Residence Elena Ruehr will discuss what it’s like to compose music for a specific group of friends and musicians, and how it feels to hear newly composed music performed live. Piano soloist Simone Dinnerstein will talk about life as a professional musician, what inspires her, and her favorite kinds of music to perform.

Loren Eiseley (1907-1977) is recognized as one of the most important nature writers of the 20th century. His reputation is global, but many people are unaware that he grew up in Lincoln. As a boy, young Loren roamed the woods and fields on the edge of town, and as a young man he did paleontological field work in the western Nebraska badlands for the Nebraska State Museum. Eventually he became a distinguished professor of anthropology at the University of Pennsylvania, spending most of his adult life in Philadelphia. Yet much of Eiseley’s writing is influenced by his early life in Nebraska. We will read a selection from his work, emphasizing his portrayals of Nebraska. All class participants will receive a free copy of the book, “The Loren Eiseley Reader.”

Loren Eiseley (1907-1977) is recognized as one of the most important nature writers of the 20th century. His reputation is global, but many people are unaware that he grew up in Lincoln. As a boy, young Loren roamed the woods and fields on the edge of town, and as a young man he did paleontological field work in the western Nebraska badlands for the Nebraska State Museum. Eventually he became a distinguished professor of anthropology at the University of Pennsylvania, spending most of his adult life in Philadelphia. Yet much of Eiseley’s writing is influenced by his early life in Nebraska. We will read a selection from his work, emphasizing his portrayals of Nebraska. All class participants will receive a free copy of the book, “The Loren Eiseley Reader.”

Petitioning for Freedom is an interactive and growing database of records from Nebraska and other states that chronicle the efforts of marginalized people to challenge their carceral and coercive confinement. With cases ranging from attempted marriages involving horse chases to confounding stories of enslavement and trafficking in the 1890s, this project reveals the incredible diversity and significance of Nebraska's legal history and puts that narrative in dialogue with trends across the American West. Our two-session course will start with Nebraska and then pan out to consider the implications of the project on our nation's legal traditions and assumptions. With funding from the National Science Foundation, the presenter led a team of over 50 undergraduate and graduate students, digital humanities staff and regional consultants to explore and index historic case files throughout the American West.

Petitioning for Freedom is an interactive and growing database of records from Nebraska and other states that chronicle the efforts of marginalized people to challenge their carceral and coercive confinement. With cases ranging from attempted marriages involving horse chases to confounding stories of enslavement and trafficking in the 1890s, this project reveals the incredible diversity and significance of Nebraska's legal history and puts that narrative in dialogue with trends across the American West. Our two-session course will start with Nebraska and then pan out to consider the implications of the project on our nation's legal traditions and assumptions. With funding from the National Science Foundation, the presenter led a team of over 50 undergraduate and graduate students, digital humanities staff and regional consultants to explore and index historic case files throughout the American West.

This course is for beginning players with limited or no prior pickleball experience. You will learn the basics of pickleball in small groups of four OLLI participants taught by one or two experienced players (mentors). Emphasis will be on the fun and joy of pickleball. A limited supply of paddles and balls are available to borrow. Purchase pickleball paddles at local sporting goods stores starting around $50. On-line purchase is not recommended! Questions? See contact information for the instructor/facilitator below.

Learn about Nebraska’s history of lawlessness during the early years of statehood, through original narrative poetry and music (guitars and vocals). Discover Nebraska’s obscure, colorful, complex characters and situations of the Western Movement from a sister duo who grew up along “Nebraska’s Outlaw Trail Scenic Byway Highway 12.” These Nebraska Humanities presenters have incorporated their rural experience and research to provide an educational yet entertaining look at Doc Middleton (Nebraska’s Robin Hood), Kid Wade, outlaw wives, and the situation of “frontier law:” rustlers vs. vigilantes.

Tai Chi is a widely practiced physical and mental exercise form that originated from ancient Chinese martial arts. This class builds on Tai Chi Part 1. We will train in more complex skills that comprise the second portion of the classic Yang ‘solo routine’ that is the foundation for daily self- practice. Those who have taken Tai Chi Part 1 or with prior Tai Chi experience are welcome.

Enjoy a live, virtual presentation by Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo. Learn from a zoo educator and caretaker about the elephant herd. Meet the elephants from the public viewing platform, then virtually journey to the non- public areas of the Elephant Barn for a tour behind the scenes. Discover how the animal care staff trains and enriches the lives of Nebraska’s largest zoo residents. Learn about the care of the five elephant babies now at the zoo.

Enjoy a live, virtual presentation by Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo. Learn from a zoo educator and caretaker about the elephant herd. Meet the elephants from the public viewing platform, then virtually journey to the non- public areas of the Elephant Barn for a tour behind the scenes. Discover how the animal care staff trains and enriches the lives of Nebraska’s largest zoo residents. Learn about the care of the five elephant babies now at the zoo.