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Explore midwifery through the ages—from cave women to the midwives that defied pharaoh to the deep South African American midwives who save black, white and mixed-race babies. Community midwives make a huge difference in maternal and infant mortality and present-day movement for modern day midwives of color changes the lives of their Inuit, tribal and black urban communities and regains their cultures. Midwives caught babies on The Trail of Tears. Learn about the famous midwives in Nebraska, Texas and Oklahoma—especially those in Lincoln, Langston, Edmond and Cherokee, Sioux and the other five civilized tribes midwives.

Learn how to navigate the many options surrounding retirement. Explore information on: choosing a retirement community; non- medical home care and home health care; stress-free organization and downsizing for a move; guardian/conservatorship; durable power of attorney; spousal impoverishment/Medicaid; Veteran options; hospice and palliative care truths and myths; planning end of life; senior fraud; planning for retirement; making informed Medicare insurance decisions; senior legislation; and tips for seniors when traveling.

Explore the details of the June, 2025 OLLI travel opportunity to Philadelphia, when you will experience rich history and culture and be some of the first to celebrate the 250th anniversary of America! Begin your journey at Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were debated and adopted. Delve into the art of coin-making at the U.S. Mint and marvel at the grandeur of Philadelphia City Hall’s stunning architecture. Stroll down Elfreth’s Alley, America’s oldest continuously inhabited residential street, before immersing yourself in the Nemours Estate, a breathtaking example of French-inspired architecture and gardens. Explore the natural splendor of Longwood Gardens, where lush landscapes and vibrant blooms captivate the senses. Get a glimpse into the region’s scenic beauty on a railway journey through the stunning vistas of Lehigh Gorge. From historic landmarks to natural wonders, Philadelphia promises an unforgettable blend of exploration and discovery.

Learn the basic skills necessary to function and flourish in an increasingly digital and online world. Discuss tools to effectively address the most popular phone and computer-based scams including identity theft, the nation’s number one consumer complaint. We will provide a practicum on safe browsing, secure banking, online shopping and payment systems, monitoring and protecting your credit, and cybersecurity. Created for everyone from the technophobic novice to the enthusiastic early adopter, the course focuses on the utility and benefit derived from using technology as a tool to stay connected, make life easier, and increase the quality of our lives.

Understand the stages of dementia, potential treatment options, how to care for a loved one, and prepare for what comes next in your journey.

2024 is a presidential election year and we have a re-match of the 2020 election. Former Political Science Department Chair John Comer will define the critical issues at stake this year. We will then look at Nebraska issues where the most critical races will be votes on a number of petition initiatives. It is also the first general election under Nebraska’s new voted ID law. Once again, this year we will have an election prediction contest where members of the class can compete for a prestigious trophy. There will be plenty of time for class members to discuss the results of the election and the implications for future events. The final session will involve representatives from Nebraska’s media who will provide insight into the results and insight on how the results may shape future politics.

Obtain an overview of this April 2025 OLLI travel opportunity to the picturesque landscapes and charming towns along the majestic Rhine River. Begin your adventure in Basel, Switzerland, where the Swiss, French, and German borders meet, offering a unique cultural fusion. Delve into the medieval charm of towns nestled into the Black Forest and experience the harmonious blend of French and German cultures in Strasbourg, France. In Schwetzingen, Germany, marvel at the opulence of Baroque palaces and meticulously manicured gardens. Learn about the historic significance of Koblenz, where the Rhine and Moselle rivers converge, before being captivated by the soaring spires of Cologne’s iconic cathedral. Conclude your voyage in Amsterdam, Netherlands, where charming canals wind through historic streets, offering a glimpse into the city’s vibrant culture. Each destination promises a rich tapestry of history, architecture, and local charm, ensuring an unforgettable journey.

Whether you are seeking strategies for your own self-care or are looking for a positive approach to caring for an older loved one, learn practical tips for embracing life's changes as we age. Focused on five key emotions—gratitude, empathy, forgiveness, love, and awe—known to enhance overall wellbeing, reduce stress, and create meaning, we will explore several easy-to-implement activities designed to harness these powerful emotions. These practices have been designed to help you savor each day, strengthen your relationships, and build personal resilience at every stage. This course is well-suited for caregivers and anyone seeking an easy-to- follow path for ongoing personal growth and wellbeing.

Whether you’re new to smartphones, tablets or laptops, we will demystify these devices, their navigation and provide an understanding of the basics of web browsing and creating and managing your own email. Gain foundational knowledge required to thrive in the digital age; and consider registering for Crossing the Digital Divide: A Guide for Seniors to learn even more.

From the comfort of your own home, join in meditation, breath-work, balance, and mindful movements to reconnect your mind, body, and spirit. Class is for all levels, but poses will include a variety of positions requiring students to get on/off the floor. Instructor will provide modifications as needed. Learn some yoga tidbits to use in your future practice both on and off your mat. No equipment is needed but a yoga mat is encouraged. Consult with your physician prior to participating.

Sometimes, we need gentle reminders to slow down and be in the present moment. The harp has been called the perfect instrument for relaxation, as well as helping create wellness in our everyday lives. Learn from a therapeutic harpist as she weaves together powerful stories, practical tips, and plays harp examples, demonstrating music’s role in your life’s journey.

Dive into the compelling and inspiring history of Celia and Eliza Grayson, two enslaved Black women who made a daring escape from Nebraska Territory in 1858. Explore the Grayson sisters’ remarkable journey to freedom and the broader context of Black enslavement in the antebellum Midwest.

Research consistently finds that most people aged 50 and older want to stay in their homes and communities as long as possible. The AARP Home Fit session was created to help people stay in the homes they love by turning where they live into a “lifelong home,” suitable and safe for themselves and anyone in their household.

A common perception is that U.S. immigration law is a simple process involving the completion of proper forms by one who wishes to seek the American Dream. This notion is in stark contrast to the realities of a frustratingly complex web of statutes, regulations, case law, and departmental memoranda that make the acquisition of that dream beyond the reach of most. Obtain a broad outline of U.S. immigration law and explore the specific areas of interest of the class, which may range from non-immigrant classifications to those in which permanent residence, and eventually citizenship, in the United States may be sought. In addition to discussing potential pathways available to family members, we may also address situations wherein employers are attempting to fill gaps in the labor market or those wherein individuals are attempting to escape persecution in their home countries.

Sacred Ground is a film and readings-based dialogue series on race, grounded in Faith. Small groups are invited to walk through chapters of America’s history of race and racism, while weaving in threads of family story, economic class and political and regional identity. In the first session of this introductory course, view the film “American Creed” in preparation for discussion. In the second session, we will discuss the film and learn about the full curriculum of the entire Sacred Ground series, which will begin later in Term 1 and run 11 consecutive weeks through Term 2, from September 25 through December 11. The entire course has a commitment to racial healing, reconciliation, and justice in our personal lives and society.

Learn about the evolution of the Kimono from the Edo period (1615-1868) to the present. Exploration begins with the origins, traditions and cultural significance of this unique garment that remains synonymous with Japanese culture. A look at the shape, structure, materials, and needle craft of the kimono will lead to an appreciation of the symbolism and artistic qualities of this distinctive form of dress. Exploration continues as we delve into the journey of the kimono to the West. After first appearing in Europe in 1867, it soon found favor among women of the Aesthetics Movement. Its form and style were next embraced by fashion designers including Paul Poiret (1919), Geofrey Beene (1965), and Ralph Rucci (2004). Its simple geometrics and abstract relation to the human form allow it to continue to serve as a dynamic canvas for creative interpretation by artists and designers worldwide.

We will learn about the disease, changes to expect and how to care for someone on this journey.

The City of Lincoln adopted its first climate action plan in 2021. The State of Nebraska completed its first climate action plan in March 2024. Learn about the exciting things happening with each of these plans, including the who, what and why of the respective plans and how they complement one another.

Discover how to make the most out of limited space in this engaging interior design course. Learn the principles and elements of design and how to adapt them to small spaces, as well as how to create an environment that is both visually stunning and highly functional. Explore how design differs in small spaces, how to make them appear larger, ways to maximize storage, and understanding the importance of color and light.

Naturally occurring Radon can gather in Nebraska homes. It increases the risk of lung cancer but can be easily mitigated. Learn the best testing practices and how to make informed decisions on mitigating your home or not. We will dispel myths of radon and focus on the clear facts of the invisible gas. Nebraska DHHS helps to inform and protect our citizens.

Before she passed away in 1974, Felicia Bornstein Lubliner wrote about her internment in Polish ghettos and two Nazi concentration camps, Auschwitz and Gross-Rosen. Her powerful stories have recently been published by her son, Irv Lubliner, an emeritus Southern Oregon University professor and OLLI instructor. He will share excerpts from “Only Hope: A Survivor’s Stories of the Holocaust,” shedding light on his mother’s experiences and indomitable spirit, as well as his experience as a child of Holocaust survivors and his process in bringing the book to fruition.

A pilgrimage is a journey in major religious traditions, such as Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Sikhism as well as pagan traditions. Listen to stories of people who have undertaken a journey or are knowledgeable about specifics of pilgrimages and identify sacred locations to which the faithful are drawn. Further discussion will include how pilgrimages are viewed within the specific tradition and personal accounts or observations while making journeys to places associated with the spiritual presence of holy figures or historic events within their traditions.

When it comes to caring for loved ones, most families don’t have a plan until a crisis happens. Find out what YOU need to know to provide the best care for your loved one and/or to provide vital information for your children to assist you should that need arise. You will receive the tools to plan for future housing needs, caregiving considerations and financial planning for the cost of healthcare. You can create a comprehensive plan that includes your home, health, finances, and wishes.

Obtain a comprehensive understanding of the complex and often contentious relationship between religion and contemporary society. Examine the intersection of religious beliefs, practices, and institutions with key societal domains, including the legal system, public education, LGBTQ+ rights, economics, and responses to the Covid-19 pandemic.

In 2024, we are witnessing history in the making as Nebraska takes steps toward re-enfranchising Nebraska voters previously convicted of a felony. Before 2005, those Nebraskans had been denied the vote indefinitely. That year, the Nebraska Legislature amended state statute to limit disenfranchisement to two years beyond the date a person completed a felony sentence. Since then, a variety of re-enfranchisement measures have been introduced without success – until this year. Explore the history and current circumstances regarding voting rights in Nebraska and the power of participation in our democracy.

The United States seems to be divided into two different countries – an urbanized “Blue” region of social and cultural liberalism and the “Red” rural regions rebelling against social and demographic change and resenting coastal elitism. It seems everyone has an opinion about rural America. Is it gripped in a tragic decline? Or is it on the cusp of a glorious revival? Is it the key to understanding America today? Perhaps, we’re missing the real question…is rural America even a thing? The presenters will examine this supposed divide from a social, economic, and political perspective. Does it really exist and what, if anything, should be done? What can we do to better understand each other? How can we address the economic issues that have victimized rural America?

Speakers:

Steven Conn, Ph.D

Steven Conn is the W.E. Smith Professor of History at Miami (Ohio) University and the author of numerous books, including the one that inspired this symposium entitled, “The Lies of the Land.” In 2016, he admitted to becoming an “accidental expert.” Eighteen months earlier, he published a book examining the “anti-urban tradition” in American life and traced its impact on policy and places across the 20th century. His goal was to explore a central American paradox: “we are a highly urbanized nation filled with people who dislike their cities.”

Jena Ochsner

Jena Ochsner is a farmer, a farm wife, mother of two farm kids, and an advocate for all things agriculture, though she was not raised on a farm. Her husband, Levi, and her family live and work on his family’s fifth generation farm where they raise corn, soybeans, cattle, and country kids. The two also ship their homegrown beef (Double O beef) from their farm to families across the country.

Brad Lubben, Ph.D.

Brad Lubben is an extension associate professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He is active in conducting the Nebraska Rural Poll annual survey, gathering the aggregated voice of rural Nebraskans on such issues as community, government policy, well-being, and work. He relays the findings to state lawmakers, ensuring the rural voice is heard.

Cheryl Burkhart-Kriesel, Ph.D.

Cheryl Burkhart-Kriesel is a professor and extension specialist at the University of Nebraska Panhandle Research, Extension, and Education Center in Scottsbluff. Her community development experience focuses on new resident recruitment, retention, tourism development, and community planning.

L. J. McElravy, Ph.D.

L.J. McElravy is an associate professor of Leadership in the Department of Ag Leadership, Education, and Communication. His research and extension efforts focus on leadership assessment, leadership training, and development based on positive psychology, and developing shared leadership systems prepared to engage in effective creative and innovative problem-solving.

Ronnie Green, Ph.D.

Ronnie Green is Chancellor Emeritus at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He was appointed the 20th chancellor of UNL in 2016 and retired from that position in 2023. Before that appointment, he was the Harlan Vice Chancellor of the UNL Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources and Vice-President for Agriculture and Natural Resources of the University of Nebraska system. Green was raised on a mixed beef, dairy, and cropping farm in southwest Virginia.

Erin Schoenberg

Erin Schoenberg is development manager at the Center for Rural Affairs. Raised on a farm/ranch in North Central Nebraska, Erin’s work is focused on strengthening community networks and partnerships and organizing workshops and courses for farmers.

Jillian Linster

Jillian Linster is policy director at the Center for Rural Affairs. She draws on her diverse experiences to advance the organization goals of values, worth, and action. She supports a group of exceptional people in their tireless dedication to strong rural communities.

Saturday, October 12, 2024 Schedule                                

8:30 am   Doors Open

9:00 am   Welcome

9:10 am    Steven Conn – Keynote; W.E. Smith Professor of History Miami (OH) University

10:05 am Questions and Answers

10:20 am Break

10:25 am Jena Ochsner; Double “O” Farms, Sutton, NE

10:55 am Questions and Answers

11:05 am  Break

11:15 am   Nebraska Rural Polls Panel; Brad Lubben, Nebraska Extension, UNL; Cheryl Burkhart-Kriesel, Nebraska Extension, UNL; L.J. McElravy, Ag Leadership, UNL

12:05 pm Questions and Answers

12:20 pm Lunch

1:00 pm    Ronnie Green; UNL Chancellor Emeritus 1:30 pm Questions and Answers 1:45 pm        Break

1:55 pm    Center for Rural Affairs; Erin Schoenberg, development manager, CFRA; Jillian Linster, policy director, CFRA

2:25 pm   Questions and Answers

2:35 pm   Closing Remarks – Conclusion

Sacred Ground is a film and readings based 11-week dialogue series on race, grounded in faith. The class is invited to walk through chapters of America’s history of race and racism, while weaving in threads of family story, economic class, and political and regional identity. This course has a delayed registration beginning at 1 p.m. September 4 and closing on September 18. The course begins September 25 and runs straight through for 11 consecutive weeks, ending December 11. Participants will be asked to prepare for each session by reading online materials and viewing films. Most course materials are provided online; however, participants will need to acquire two books: “Waking Up White and Finding Myself in the Story of Race” by Debby Irving, available on Amazon for $16; and “Jesus and the Disinherited” by Howard Thurman, available on Amazon for $13. The entire course has a commitment to racial healing, reconciliation, and justice in our personal lives and society.

Volleyball has been a part of the UNL athletic landscape for more than a century, but the sport didn’t gain much notoriety until the early 1970s, when the Huskers began to put together a program that is now known worldwide. Learn how its reputation grew from its humble beginnings, reaching a pinnacle last August when Volleyball Day put 92,003 in Memorial Stadium stands. Meet some of the players who made it possible from those early Title IX days at Mabel Lee Hall and the Coliseum. They had big dreams, and so many of them have come true.

The Founders who wrote our U.S. Constitution faced two uncompromising attitudes: small states demanding equality with large states and slave states seeking a stronger voice in congressional districting and in presidential elections. Creating a U.S. Senate with all states delegated two senators and also granting slave states the right to count three-fifths of slaves in each U.S. Census for congressional districts helped to mollify both groups to protect their interests. Turning to the election of the President, the delegates held 30 separate votes unsuccessfully and finally used a model based upon the election of emperors under the Holy Roman Empire. The Constitution was then ratified. Despite critical Constitutional amendments that enhanced both democracy and citizen rights, neither the U.S. Senate nor the Electoral College, other than 12th Amendment, have been reformed to avoid “minority rule.” Explore how both institutions contribute to our “creeping counter-majoritarianism” in the 20th and 21st centuries.

Explore the political events and economic conditions of the 1920s leading up to the Great Depression of the 1930s. Learn the unsettling similarities of the 1920s to our current 2020s. Examine political responses instituted to attempt to alleviate misery (i.e., CCC, WPA, etc.) and discuss the actual effects on several families in their struggles to survive. We will hear memories of Americans from all parts of the nation and from differing socio-economic strata. There will be a discussion of the effect of WWII to place the U.S. on the road to recovery.

Learn about the incredible life of the monarch butterfly. The monarch’s identification, lifecycle, migration, overwintering grounds, and promoting the butterflies in our landscapes will be covered.

The United States locks up more of its citizens than any other liberal democracy. How does having the world’s largest incarcerated – and formerly incarcerated – population influence the social, economic and political life of the nation? Identify the level of government most responsible for high incarceration levels, explore the key drivers of incarceration and investigate the unintended consequences of creating an exponentially growing population of ex- prisoners. Incarceration levels are rooted in struggle to manage a growing violent crime problem during a historical period marked by roiling social changes that included widening economic inequality, increasing racial diversity and sharpening ideological divides. That struggle has produced several unintended and under-explored consequences that ultimately affect everyone in society.

The secrecy of the Manhattan Project hid the roles of women, leaving the perception it was done by a few brilliant male scientists. The sprawling enterprise with three tightly guarded secret sites included thousands of women in every capacity working and living in Oak Ridge, Tn., Hanford, Wa. and Los Alamos, N.M. Learn the stories of women who served as physicists, chemists, mathematicians, and lab technicians. Forbidden to talk about their work, thousands of young women never knew what purpose their tasks at Oak Ridge would accomplish.  The one ultimate gatekeeper to the secret city of Los Alamos, N.M. was a woman in Santa Fe whose consent was required before anyone could be admitted to the project. Thousands of men, women and children endured hardships in their everyday lives sequestered inside Los Alamos. They lived in hastily built barracks and had to lie to their families about where they were and what they were doing as they disappeared for years.

Trap, Neuter and Return (TNR) works! TNR improves the co-existence between outdoor cats and humans. Learn the facts about what TNR can do for your community and the feral, stray or community cats that live there. Explore this valuable program, its impact and how you can become involved.

The Otoe-Missouria people once called south and eastern Nebraska home before they were forcibly removed to Indian Territory, present- day Oklahoma. They now reside in Red Rock, Oklahoma, which is the headquarters of the tribe. This course is offered in partnership with the Center for Great Plains Studies. Learn the origins and history of the tribe, along with their migration from Minnesota and Iowa, the split from the Ho-Chunk, as well as their removal within Nebraska and further removal into Indian Territory. There will be four class sessions and two optional event opportunities, including the September 20 Otoe-Missouria Day at Spring Creek Prairie, and the October 13 celebration of Indigenous People’s Day at the Lincoln Indian Center. More information will be provided on these opportunities during the course.

Crops irrigated by water from the High Plains/Ogallala Aquifer comprise a significant portion of the world’s food supply. This water is Nebraska’s most important natural resource. Beginning about 31 million years ago, ashfall from eruptions of super volcanos to the west and southwest and then sediments carried by raging rivers flowing off the Rocky Mountains formed the aquifer. Learn about the geologic development of this feature and the impact in recent years of irrigation on the water in the aquifer.

Are you confused about Medicare? Nebraska’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) educates people about Medicare, empowering older adults and people with disabilities to make informed decisions about health care. Become more educated with Medicare so you can identify and report possible Medicare scams, error, or waste. Learn more regarding your health insurance options, benefits, and choices.