Events   

LSO Concertmaster Anton Miller opens this performance with Sibelius’ heart-wrenching Violin Concerto in D Minor. Following intermission, the orchestra explores themes of love, loss and the mysteries of the eternal with the dramatic “Prelude and Liebestod” from Wagner’s tragic opera “Tristan und Isolde” and Strauss’ transcendent tone poem “Tod und Verklärung “ (Death and Transfiguration).

Tired of leftovers for lunch? Ready for a new eating adventure? Join us for lunch at the Great Plains Culinary Institute at Southeast Community College. In addition to a delicious buffet lunch prepared and served by the students, learn about the culinary program by taking a tour of the facility and observing a food preparation demonstration. Past participants are welcome to attend again. This facility is fully accessible; parking information will be provided prior to this event.

Jessica Coody serves Nebraska Athletics and the Huskers Radio Network as an announcer, host and producer. Coody joined the Huskers in July 2021 after spending nine seasons with the University of Oklahoma Athletic department where she served as a sideline/digital reporter, television/radio host, play-by-play announcer and feature producer.

Since all your holiday shopping will be concluded by December 14 (smile), bring a guest and plan to join fellow OLLI members for a delightful holiday lunch at Screamers Dining and Cabaret, combined with awesome entertainment provided by the restaurant staff, all local talent!

Adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher for the stage, innocence is shattered in a remote estate haunted by secrets. As a governess uncovers the eerie mysteries surrounding her young charges, prepare for a gripping journey. Under the direction of Emily Funkey, this play is sur to delve into the depths of psychological terror. Join us… if you dare! The show concludes with a post-performance question and answer period with OLLI attendees.

Learn about the work and lifetime accomplishments of renowned Nebraska artist, Gene Roncka, who captured on canvas the seasons, places and memories that connect our past, present and future, then chat with OLLI members about your experience while tasting local wine. We will begin at the Ashland Public Library and learn about Gene Roncka’s paintings and the stories behind his inspiration. Several organizations commissioned Roncka to artistically convey their mission or purpose through a painting or piece of art. Next, we will walk a block to Willow Point Gallery and view much of Roncka’s work showcased within. Many of Roncka’s paintings are seen in interpretive centers, galleries, museums, businesses, and community buildings across the state of Nebraska. We will end the afternoon at Glacial Till Cider House and Tasting Room. Explore his work, some wine and enjoy a stroll down Ashland’s main street of shops.

Join us at Saro Cider, a Lincoln-based cidery, and discover a history of hard cider in the U.S. Take your taste buds on an adventure through a curated cider flight, showcasing the variety of Midwest cider, including cider from apples grown at Arbor Day Farm in Nebraska City. A snack will be provided during sampling and you will enjoy a short trek through the production facility to learn the art of cider making.

Discover the art of pairing wines with desserts in this delightful experience. Sample five or six James Arthur wines paired with delicious desserts from Lincoln’s Sweet Things by Marcy. Enjoy a decadent dessert experience that captures the essence of Southern culinary traditions, along with pairings that bring out the best in both wine and dessert.

“Jeopardy: The Team Edition” is a fun and engaging game designed in a group setting. Players are divided into teams, each consisting of members who bring their wealth of life experience and knowledge to the table. The game follows the classic format of the beloved TV show with a full- size electronic game board. Teams take turns selecting categories and point values from the game board, with each category representing a different topic of interest. Once a category and point value are chosen, the team is presented with a question. Instead of responding individually, team members collaborate to come up with the correct answer. This fosters teamwork, communication, and lively discussion among players. The team with the most points at the end of the game is crowned the Jeopardy champions, but the real prize is the camaraderie and memories shared during this delightful journey through knowledge and nostalgia.

“Jeopardy: The Team Edition” is a fun and engaging game designed in a group setting. Players are divided into teams, each consisting of members who bring their wealth of life experience and knowledge to the table. The game follows the classic format of the beloved TV show with a full- size electronic game board. Teams take turns selecting categories and point values from the game board, with each category representing a different topic of interest. Once a category and point value are chosen, the team is presented with a question. Instead of responding individually, team members collaborate to come up with the correct answer. This fosters teamwork, communication, and lively discussion among players. The team with the most points at the end of the game is crowned the Jeopardy champions, but the real prize is the camaraderie and memories shared during this delightful journey through knowledge and nostalgia.

“Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive, POTUS” by Selina Fillinger is an adult comedy which centers on seven women and their efforts to manage a White House public relations nightmare while keeping the president out of trouble. Register for the performance in the company of fellow OLLI members in a reserved section of the theatre or attend the production at a different time that works with your schedule by purchasing a ticket on your own. The same OLLI discount on ticket prices applies either way you attend.

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

Enjoy a day filled with fun, friends, and home-grown treats! We will begin with a tour at Jisa Farmstead Cheese near Brainard. It sells a wide variety of flavors throughout the nation. Making cheese the traditional way is an art. The Jisa family takes pride in using only milk straight from their dairy. We will enjoy lunch on the way to our next stop at Baker’s Candies in Greenwood, known for its chocolate meltaways. It produces world class chocolates synonymous with the state of Nebraska. The entire automated process is a first in the industry. The day will be capped off with a visit to Glacial Till Cider House and Tasting Room in Ashland.

Thai hand-rolled ice cream is a unique frozen dessert that originated in Southeast Asia and has gained popularity worldwide. Instead of being pulled from frozen buckets by the scoop, its liquid base is poured onto a frozen pan and then chopped, mixed, spread and rolled. Join us for an ice cream social that offers beautiful hand-rolled ice cream creations like Mango Tango, Strawberry Lady, Avocado, and Matcha Tea. We will swap ice cream stories and explore some brief ice- cream trivia in this simple but sweet social event.

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