Lincoln   

Who doesn't love chocolate? Explore the history of chocolate, where it is grown and how it is produced. We will discuss why chocolate is good to eat and good for you. Learn what is bad about chocolate, including child exploitation and the difficulty of addressing child labor. Taste chocolates from several different countries. Please bring a bottle of water to cleanse your palate between samples.

The U.S. Constitution of 1789 lays out the mechanism for calling subsequent conventions, but that mechanism has never been used. Now, Nebraska is one of 19 states who have signed on to the effort to call for a Convention of the States to propose amendments to the Constitution. A minimum of 34 states is required to make a convention happen. Proponents say we need a convention to bring power back to the states and the people and out of the hands of bureaucrats. Opponents say the convention could endanger the nation’s principles and institutions since the U.S. Constitution includes no rules or boundaries for what can be done at a convention. This course’s first session will feature a constitutional scholar explaining the history and philosophy behind the Constitution and the principles it lays out. At the second session, an opponent and proponent of calling a convention will present their arguments.

The U.S. Constitution of 1789 lays out the mechanism for calling subsequent conventions, but that mechanism has never been used. Now, Nebraska is one of 19 states who have signed on to the effort to call for a Convention of the States to propose amendments to the Constitution. A minimum of 34 states is required to make a convention happen. Proponents say we need a convention to bring power back to the states and the people and out of the hands of bureaucrats. Opponents say the convention could endanger the nation’s principles and institutions since the U.S. Constitution includes no rules or boundaries for what can be done at a convention. This course’s first session will feature a constitutional scholar explaining the history and philosophy behind the Constitution and the principles it lays out. At the second session, an opponent and proponent of calling a convention will present their arguments.

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

Each session will offer a facility tour of Duncan Aviation, the largest family-owned maintenance, repair, and overhaul facility in the world, providing complete acquisition, sales, and nose-to-tail support services for business aircraft. Owned and operated by the Duncan family since their founding in 1956, Duncan Aviation is well known and respected by operators, manufacturers, and other service providers worldwide for their quality, work ethic and expertise. Join us for a walking tour and a peek into the many different services Duncan provides, including airframe inspections, engine maintenance, major retrofits for cabin and cockpit systems, and full paint and interior services. Be prepared to walk and stand the entire time.

The Food Bank of Lincoln works to alleviate hunger in Southeast Nebraska, where an estimated 1 in 10 neighbors—and 1 in 7 children—are experiencing food insecurity. In its most recent fiscal year, the organization connected neighbors in its 16-county service area to more than 9.1 million meals. Touring the Food Bank’s new facility in Northwest Lincoln will offer insight into the operations of food banking and the programs and services addressing food insecurity in Southeast Nebraska, while answering common questions about food sources, community involvement and ongoing needs. The Food Bank of Lincoln is a proud member of the Feeding America network.

The Food Bank of Lincoln works to alleviate hunger in Southeast Nebraska, where an estimated 1 in 10 neighbors—and 1 in 7 children—are experiencing food insecurity. In its most recent fiscal year, the organization connected neighbors in its 16-county service area to more than 9.1 million meals. Touring the Food Bank’s new facility in Northwest Lincoln will offer insight into the operations of food banking and the programs and services addressing food insecurity in Southeast Nebraska, while answering common questions about food sources, community involvement and ongoing needs. The Food Bank of Lincoln is a proud member of the Feeding America network.

Join Founding Director Megan Elliott, along with faculty and students, at the Johnny Carson Center for Emerging Media Arts as they prepare for their annual Spring Open Studios. We will get a sneak peek at some of the projects they will be presenting and will have an opportunity to speak with the creators. After the class, stay for an evening of exploration and experimentation, and tour the Open Studios from 5-7 p.m. Examples of projects may include augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), 3D printing, interactive video, projection mapping and immersive experiences.

“Il Barbiere di Siviglia (The Barber of Seville)” is an opera buffa in two acts composed by Gioachino Rossini with an Italian libretto by Cesare Sterbini. Rossini’s Barber of Seville is considered to be one of the greatest masterpieces of comedy within music and has been described as the opera buffa of all “opere buffe.” After two centuries, it remains a popular work. We will listen to and discuss the history of this opera; its structure, information about the composer’s sources, and different musical elements which are characteristic of this opera. Other information will be shared to define additional contributions to the opera genre.

Join us on an enlightening journey through the intricacies of cancer, exploring its scientific underpinnings, contemporary treatment modalities and the holistic support systems available. This course, tailored for OLLI, will include a tour of the state-of-the-art April Sampson Cancer Center. Participants will engage with leading oncologists, researchers, and other health care professionals, gaining insights into innovative therapies, precision medicine and the pivotal role of technology in cancer diagnosis and treatment. View cutting- edge medical equipment, observe the healing arts throughout the center and see firsthand the incredible offerings the center has for Nebraska’s cancer patients. Meet us at the intersection of science, medicine and human compassion in the fight against cancer.

Enjoy a comprehensive overview of birding in Nebraska's parks. Discover the diverse bird species that call these parks home and the best times and places to spot them. Learn about bird identification techniques, Nebraska’s Important Bird Areas designated by the National Audubon Society, and the importance of habitat conservation. Enhance your birding skills and learn how Nebraska's parks provide vital resources for both residents and migratory birds, making them prime locations for bird enthusiasts.

Enjoy a comprehensive overview of birding in Nebraska's parks. Discover the diverse bird species that call these parks home and the best times and places to spot them. Learn about bird identification techniques, Nebraska’s Important Bird Areas designated by the National Audubon Society, and the importance of habitat conservation. Enhance your birding skills and learn how Nebraska's parks provide vital resources for both residents and migratory birds, making them prime locations for bird enthusiasts.

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.

Enjoy the “golden years” with a healthy and strong body. Meet with a certified personal trainer to discover ways to incorporate physical activity and fitness into your daily life. All sessions will be broken into two main components: education and activity. Topics will include functional fitness, cardio training, strength training, flexibility training, balance exercises and core work. Modifications will be provided for all activities. Copies of the workouts will be provided to all participants so exercises can be done at home. Please wear comfortable work out attire and tennis shoes.

All participants must submit the Health Questionnaire and UNL Rec Center Waiver before beginning the workouts. The OLLI office will email electronic forms to fill out online and electronically sign prior to the first class. 

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.

Explore Buddhism as it is lived and practiced by communities within and outside Asia today. Learn about the ways in which Buddhist communities live out Buddhist teachings through rituals, festivals, ceremonies, celebrations, and ethical living. Discover the diversity that is the Buddhist tradition, plus various communities that live out the dynamic religion.

Explore Buddhism as it is lived and practiced by communities within and outside Asia today. Learn about the ways in which Buddhist communities live out Buddhist teachings through rituals, festivals, ceremonies, celebrations, and ethical living. Discover the diversity that is the Buddhist tradition, plus various communities that live out the dynamic religion.

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

Gain greater proficiency in digital photography while using an advanced amateur camera (adjustable), mirrorless interchangeable lens camera (MILC) or digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera. Learn the fundamentals as you practice with your own personal camera. Basic principles of photography will be reviewed and then more sophisticated digital camera operations, such as controls, function and purpose, lighting, composition, hardware options and software will be discussed.

Learn through this hands-on course how to gather information from family members and check facts using trustworthy sources. Explore places to research, like libraries and online databases, and learn how to find information in newspapers and census data. Discover how to document and organize your findings and understand your ancestors’ lives in the social context of their lives. Find ways to tackle research challenges and connect with local and online genealogy groups for support. Confidently begin the journey that preserves your family’s story for future generations.

Learn through this hands-on course how to gather information from family members and check facts using trustworthy sources. Explore places to research, like libraries and online databases, and learn how to find information in newspapers and census data. Discover how to document and organize your findings and understand your ancestors’ lives in the social context of their lives. Find ways to tackle research challenges and connect with local and online genealogy groups for support. Confidently begin the journey that preserves your family’s story for future generations.

We will discuss major foreign policy issues facing the United States. The Foreign Policy Association has selected eight topics, and we will cover the final four in Term 4. The course is a continuation of Great Decisions from Term 3. Each topic will be covered through FPA’s 25-minute “Master Class” video lecture as well as written articles. You will be expected to read articles prior to watching the video each day of the class. Topics to be discussed in Term 4 include the future of NATO and European Security; AI and American National Security, India; between China, the West, and the Global South, and After Gaza; American Policy in the Middle East. Class members may purchase the “Great Decisions Briefing Book” online at www.fpa.org.

We will discuss major foreign policy issues facing the United States. The Foreign Policy Association has selected eight topics, and we will cover the final four in Term 4. The course is a continuation of Great Decisions from Term 3. Each topic will be covered through FPA’s 25-minute “Master Class” video lecture as well as written articles. You will be expected to read articles prior to watching the video each day of the class. Topics to be discussed in Term 4 include the future of NATO and European Security; AI and American National Security, India; between China, the West, and the Global South, and After Gaza; American Policy in the Middle East. Class members may purchase the “Great Decisions Briefing Book” online at www.fpa.org.

Step back in time and engage with history as questions are posed to iconic historic figures. Edith Kermit Roosevelt has been called the “first of our modern First Ladies.” Behind the scenes, she was a trusted advisor to her husband. She was said to be an excellent judge of character and her children said she had “a longer head in politics” than her husband. How influential was Edith?

Ulysses S. Grant was President of the United States from 1868-1875. During this time, most journalists and historians thought the Grant administration accomplished very little and was involved in political corruption. What does Ulysses say about those accusations?

Ansel Adams is known for his black and white photographs of the western United States. He was an innovator in the science of photography and organizer of professional photographers. Ansel was also an environmentalist and advocate for photography as art.

Step back in time and engage with history as questions are posed to iconic historic figures. Edith Kermit Roosevelt has been called the “first of our modern First Ladies.” Behind the scenes, she was a trusted advisor to her husband. She was said to be an excellent judge of character and her children said she had “a longer head in politics” than her husband. How influential was Edith?

Ulysses S. Grant was President of the United States from 1868-1875. During this time, most journalists and historians thought the Grant administration accomplished very little and was involved in political corruption. What does Ulysses say about those accusations?

Ansel Adams is known for his black and white photographs of the western United States. He was an innovator in the science of photography and organizer of professional photographers. Ansel was also an environmentalist and advocate for photography as art.

This course is a continuation of the Introduction to Bridge I course. It is structured for the student with very limited prior knowledge of the game of bridge. We will cover how the game is played, bridge vocabulary, basic Standard American bidding, and basic card play. Each week, learn new content which builds on the previous week's concepts. There will be ample opportunities to play hands that will illustrate what has been taught in class. The students will dictate the pace of the course so all can grasp the basics of the game. 

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.

The ukulele is an easy instrument to learn. Have fun singing, strumming, and learning with fellow OLLI members. Learning a new instrument keeps the brain sharp, and fingering the ukulele helps arthritic hands. You don’t have to know how to read music to take this class. Any standard "C tuning" ukulele may be used. It is helpful if members bring their own ukulele and music stand; and, members may check out a beginner ukulele from any public library in advance.

Award-winning Wright Morris brought a Nebraskan’s perspective to his showing and telling of the “American dream.” His childhood as “half an orphan,” beginning in Central City, provided a basis for his extended re- examination of our individual, local, regional and national experiences. His works of fiction, photography and commentary, published between 1942 and 1993, provide deceptively simple, yet challenging perspectives on our personal and collective construction of our lives, blending where we have come from, our current scene, and where we may be headed. We will examine multiple aspects and themes of his work, based on specific photos and passages, and questions they raise.

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.

Learn about two highly regarded German visual artists: Gerhard Richter (b. 1932 - ), in a fictionalized treatment of his life and career, and Anselm Kiefer (b. 1945 - ), in a documentary. The first film is “Never Look Away,” 188 minutes, by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck, the other is “Anselm,” 93 minutes, by Wim Wenders. We will explore and discuss trends and works by several German visual artists, looking at works from both East and West Germany, and also reference works throughout the 20th into the 21st century. Discover how art is embedded within a given culture and has clear connections to political and social history.

Get acquainted with the medium of clay. Explore hand-built ceramics from a functional and sculptural point of view while building and carving mugs and plant pots. Discover ceramic hand-building basics and observe demonstrations and examples. Some standing is required while working with projects.

Even if you didn’t attend Part 1, join us for Part 2, and continue to explore the ways that music, specifically choral music, has been composed and used to build a variety of communities—that of the composer within his/her creative cohort; of the performers; of audiences; and of scholars and commentators, past, present, and future.  We will focus especially on the concept of “community” in the framework of the arts, and how community is built by artists. We will consider six such artists, living in the ages of “Enlightenment and Brotherhood” (18th and early 19th centuries), and “Romanticism” (later 19th century): Joseph Haydn, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, Giuseppe Verdi, Richard Wagner, and Johannes Brahms. Their use of the choir had some things in common, but also interesting differences resulting from their individual artistic, narrative, and expressive intentions.

Even if you didn’t attend Part 1, join us for Part 2, and continue to explore the ways that music, specifically choral music, has been composed and used to build a variety of communities—that of the composer within his/her creative cohort; of the performers; of audiences; and of scholars and commentators, past, present, and future.  We will focus especially on the concept of “community” in the framework of the arts, and how community is built by artists. We will consider six such artists, living in the ages of “Enlightenment and Brotherhood” (18th and early 19th centuries), and “Romanticism” (later 19th century): Joseph Haydn, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, Giuseppe Verdi, Richard Wagner, and Johannes Brahms. Their use of the choir had some things in common, but also interesting differences resulting from their individual artistic, narrative, and expressive intentions.

The ancient practice of Qigong, pronounced "chee-gong,” focuses on improving balance, core strength, mental clarity, and flexibility. The slow and measured movements guarantee participants an excellent workout without the strain of jumping, quick movements, or floor work. Seated and standing forms will be practiced. Appropriate for individuals at all levels of ability.

Open your horizons to a new way to energize your inner self with a certified experienced teacher. The base of this class is "Tai Chi for Better Balance," a nation- wide program for beginners. It is a non-traditional form of exercise used to help participants improve strength and balance. Gain all the benefits of good health for your body, mind and spirit. Participants will learn a modified 8-form of Tai Chi (the most basic movements) and are encouraged to purchase a light Thera band (such as a Scheels or Target) for some of the stretching exercises at the beginning of each class.

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.

See the home of the Nebraska Cornhusker football team on this facility tour. Memorial Stadium has many historic and notable structures around the facility. The University of Nebraska athletics supports 24 varsity sports and is proud to be fully self- supporting, receiving no state funding or student fees. More than 1.3 million fans attend home sporting events each year. Memorial Stadium becomes the state’s third largest city on football game days with nearly 90,000 Husker fans and has been sold out for every game since 1962. Enjoy this tour with stops in the Osborne Athletic Complex (North Stadium), All-American Wall Display, Captains Photo Display, view of the North Stadium weight room, and the tunnel walk out onto Tom Osborne Field.

Do you have a Mac computer or an iPhone, or an Apple Watch… or, even a Home Pod? From editing photos to word processing to spreadsheets to turning on and off the lights in your home, these incredibly high-tech devices can be both easy to use and fun. We will touch on some of the more useful features of Apple’s amazing products, as well as demonstrate some practical features and apps to help make your life a bit easier. This course will cover Apple devices and products only.

Tour five senior independent living communities in Lincoln and learn what an active, carefree lifestyle can be. In the first session, we will learn the aspects to consider when selecting a senior living community, to ensure social, physical, medical, and financial needs are met. Then, each week we will tour one of five senior living communities in Lincoln gathering information specific to each facility such as type and number of units, costs, special amenities and features and dining options. Start your search by learning about the different personalities of retirement communities.