Lifestyles   

Learn about what’s hot and what’s not in the world of buying, selling and evaluating antiques, coins and collectibles. We will cover a variety of items, including glassware, pottery, china, vintage jewelry, U.S. and foreign coins, old postcards and other paper collectibles. Class members are encouraged to bring a favorite item or mystery item each session for the instructor to appraise; for large items, bring a photo.

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. No homework, but you will learn some yoga tidbits to use in your future practice both on and off your mat. No equipment needed, but a yoga mat is encouraged. Consult with your physician prior to participating.

Learn to make bucktail jigs, marabou jigs/doll flies, and fishing flies that can be used to catch fish right here in Lancaster County. You will also learn basic jig and fly-tying techniques, including equipment, tools, materials, tying techniques, and patterns. You will be able to take home what they created in class to catch fish in the spring on tackle they created themselves.

This is the first course in a series called “Learn to Play.” Pitch is a simple card game which is always a hit at family gatherings, holiday parties, the local pub and card clubs. We will start with the most fundamental version, “Ten Point Pitch.” You will be introduced to the concepts of “trump,” “leads,” “sluffs” as well as bidding and scoring. Over the course, you will be introduced to playing with partners and “calling” for your partner. Lots of practice time will allow you to get comfortable playing. Even if you already know how to play, come join the fun, help to mentor and socialize with those learning the game. As time allows, you will be introduced to alternative pitch games, such as “four point,” or “five point,” etc.

Who decides which annual plants will be in the city gardens and where do those plants come from? Lincoln city horticulturists will answer those questions and many more during this course in the city’s public gardens section greenhouses. If you enjoyed the Sunken Gardens visit in June, you will be interested in hearing about the theme for summer 2023. We will learn how Lincoln’s gardens begin with seeds and grow into the beauty that we all appreciate.

Who decides which annual plants will be in the city gardens and where do those plants come from? Lincoln city horticulturists will answer those questions and many more during this course in the city’s public gardens section greenhouses. If you enjoyed the Sunken Gardens visit in June, you will be interested in hearing about the theme for summer 2023. We will learn how Lincoln’s gardens begin with seeds and grow into the beauty that we all appreciate.

You hopefully have learned a lot more about your camera and are making much better pictures, after taking the OLLI Intro to Digital Photography course. This course has been designed to help you turn great photos into masterpieces through post-processing/editing. You will learn how to control brightness, contrast, sharpness, cropping, and much more. You will need a laptop with an editing program such as Photoshop, Affinity Photo, Nikon NX Studio, Luminar, Canon Digital Professional 4, DXO PhotoLab or another comparable recent editing program. Bring at least two photos in RAW format and two photos in JPEG format to the class to get started. The prerequisite for this course is having previously completed the OLLI Digital Photography course. Contact John Keller, the instructor, if you have questions about what program(s) can be used for this course or if you have any other related questions.

The following video programs are on demand on the online platform CANVAS. Learn at your own pace, on your own time and at your convenience. This programming is available for a single cost of $30. After registration, you will receive an email with a “Join Code” and instructions for how to access programming.

All programming originates from OLLI at UNL.

A History of Lincoln’s Auditoria and the Pershing Auditorium Block

Before a village could become a true city, it needed a newspaper and an opera house— not a place to hear opera but a theatre or auditorium where you could witness a play or hold a graduation. Lincoln and Nebraska Historian Jim McKee explores Lincoln’s auditoriums, both private and public, from theatre held in the first capitol to Pershing Municipal Auditorium, with the largest outdoor mural in the world at the time, as well as Block 63 where Pershing sat for over half a century and what may take its place.

Take a Walk in the Clouds

During our childhoods, we may have spent time lying in the grass on a hot, summer day, gazing at the clouds and talking with our siblings or friends about what shapes they formed. KOLN/KGIN TV Meteorologist Brad Anderson shares information regarding the different types and shapes of clouds, the weather they can bring, and how they form.

Fly Girls

In 1929, at the dawn of aviation when every flight was a test of courage, 20 gutsy and passionate female pilots in propeller-driven planes raced from California to Ohio in the first female cross-country air race, making 18 stops in nine days, while competing for the $8,000 prize. During World War II, the 1,034 Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) ferried and flight-tested aircraft bombers in the U.S. and taught men how to fly. When the war ended, Congress clipped their wings and sent the WASPs home; they did not receive military status until 1977. In 1961, 13 remarkable women pilots underwent secret testing to become America’s first female astronauts. The Mercury 13 were ignored by NASA and on Capitol Hill while the USSR sent its first woman into space in 1963. Self-taught historian Lynn Roper and other experts of women aviators share in this fascinating series of lectures.

Women of the Bible

Dr. Jonathan Redding, Assistant Professor of Religion at Nebraska Wesleyan University, analyzes the portrayal of women in Biblical literature. He explores critical theories of feminist, womanist, and gender studies alongside their application to biblical studies. What factors may have influenced how these ancient authors portray women?

Trading Under the Buttonwood Tree: Founding the Stock Market

On May 17, 1792, 24 men gathered under a tree in lower Manhattan to establish an auction market among themselves to trade government bonds. The NYSE then and now seeks to complete transactions quickly and cheaply and to always provide liquidity with a ready buyer and seller of securities. Still using an auction market with a “bid” and an “ask,” electronic trading still uses a market maker and specialist system. Lynn Roper, retired senior vice president at Merrill Lynch, shares the history, mechanics of trading, and significant events shaping the NYSE as the world’s largest securities trading system.

America and the World War in Ukraine (and Other Modern Challenges)

Since the beginning of the 20th century, the U.S. has been, by many measures, the most influential nation in the world. As Americans and their government have navigated complicated global currents,  they have encountered difficult challenges, including: nationalism and globalization from the American revolution to the Russian war on Ukraine; Russia, the Cold War and the challenge of socialism; the place of China and Asia in the American story; and the American role in climate change. UNL Modern World History Professor Tim Borstelmann explores each of these critical issues in the American relationship with the rest of the world.

Deterrence: From Korea to Ukraine – The Evolution of a Vital National Security

General George C. Marshall once said, “The only way human beings can win a war is to prevent it.” Deterrence, specifically nuclear deterrence, has been a mainstay of United States foreign policy and national security. The term lost relevance with the demise of the Soviet Union in the early 90’s but is front page news again after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Retired Major General Roger Lempke explores the definitions, dilemmas, and stories of nuclear deterrence that helped avert a nuclear conflict during the Cold War. After a thirty- year hiatus, very direct nuclear threats have emerged again. Would stronger deterrence actions before the Russian invasion perhaps caused Putin to think twice?

The American Civil War: Causes and Consequences – More Than You Think

Volume after volume has been written about the American Civil War. Despite all that information, do we really know the whole story about what led up to the war and what came after? The causes can be traced back to early settlements in 1607 and events that led to the war. We are still dealing with the consequences. Come along this historical journey as Gary Timm, retired history faculty member at Northeast Community College explores the causes and effects of the Civil War. It’s more than you think.

This course teaches the lifesaving skills of Adult Hands-Only CPR, Child CPR, Infant CPR and AED use. We will cover mild and severe airway block for adults, children and infants. Skills are taught in a dynamic group environment using the American Heart Association’s research- proven practice, while watching technique. We will also learn some bonus material on the use of life-saving tourniquets in controlling serious extremity hemorrhage. This course is information only and does not lead to re-certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation. 

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 a PDF of these forms, to print out and sign, then bring to the first class.

Do you have a Mac computer, or an iPad, 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 with “what ails ya,” or, to make your life a bit easier.

The NCAA uses a season-ending tournament - “March Madness” - to determine its national collegiate champion in Division I men’s basketball. The tournament field begins with 68 teams out of 319 competing schools. Which teams get in? Which are left out? Which are “on the bubble?” Processes for analyzing the prospects and predicting the bracket of selected teams have come to be known as “bracketology.” Engage in bracketology, playing the roles of the NCAA’s Tournament Selection Committee. For the final six weeks leading up to Selection Sunday, the mock selection committee will identify and work with criteria for selection, develop a mock bracket and adjust it regularly, and ultimately create a final version, which will stand in comparison to the NCAA’s official bracket.

Join us for a winter wander with staff from the Pioneers Park Nature Center. We will go on a 1 to 2 mile walk around the Nature Center, exploring how life has adapted for Nebraska’s winter weather. Dress for the elements; we will be outside exploring for the duration. Binoculars, cameras, walking sticks and layered clothing are all encouraged.

Critical thinking is the intellectually disciplined process of identifying a real-life problemor issue; locating the true facts relevant to the problem or issue; listening actively; researching in a schooled manner; and carefully applying logic, reason and experience to reach a conclusion regarding that problem or issue. This process requires that we identify how humans think; be mindful of our cognitive and emotional biases; keep an open mind; and apply statistics when available and appropriate. This class could help us find truer facts and make better decisions. For fun, we will look at WYSIATI, IYI, prospect theory, black swans, blinking outliers, and other concepts.

Critical thinking is the intellectually disciplined process of identifying a real-life problemor issue; locating the true facts relevant to the problem or issue; listening actively; researching in a schooled manner; and carefully applying logic, reason and experience to reach a conclusion regarding that problem or issue. This process requires that we identify how humans think; be mindful of our cognitive and emotional biases; keep an open mind; and apply statistics when available and appropriate. This class could help us find truer facts and make better decisions. For fun, we will look at WYSIATI, IYI, prospect theory, black swans, blinking outliers, and other concepts.

Papillion, Nebraska native Kelly Hunter, a three-time Husker All- American and two-time national champion, was promoted to a full- time assistant coach in December of 2021. Hunter previously spent three seasons on the Husker staff as a graduate assistant and a volunteer coach. Kelly, the Husker setter from 2013-2017 earned All-Big Ten and All-American honors and led her team to national title in 2015 and 2017. Come listen as Kelly shares her experiences as a player, and now as a coach for the premiere college volleyball program in the entire country.

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. If you wear comfy clothing and come prepared to move, then you’re ready for Dance Fitness. And yes, you can dance in a chair.

This class is structured for the student who has no or little knowledge of the game of bridge. We will cover how the game is played, bridge vocabulary, basic Standard American bidding, and basic card play. There will be ample opportunities to play hands that will illustrate what has been taught in class. The students will dictate how fast the class will move.

Join us for Italiamo! Part 2 to learn basic Italian from the instructor—Italian is her native language—explore even more Italian culture, art, literature, history, and music. After the first class fully dedicated to language basics, we will concentrate on language-learning by mimicking real-life communicative situations related to the topic of the day, for example, vocabulary about food will be offered when learning about Italian cuisine. The instructor will then lecture and take questions and comments from participants, while practicing specific vocabulary learned in the first part of class. Occasionally, guests and experts will join us for this interactive course. As a bonus, you will receive tips about travel and cultural customs. Completion of Part 1 is not required.

Join us for Italiamo! Part 2 to learn basic Italian from the instructor—Italian is her native language—explore even more Italian culture, art, literature, history, and music. After the first class fully dedicated to language basics, we will concentrate on language-learning by mimicking real-life communicative situations related to the topic of the day, for example, vocabulary about food will be offered when learning about Italian cuisine. The instructor will then lecture and take questions and comments from participants, while practicing specific vocabulary learned in the first part of class. Occasionally, guests and experts will join us for this interactive course. As a bonus, you will receive tips about travel and cultural customs. Completion of Part 1 is not required.

Have you heard about Nebraska’s best kept secret? Nebraska Extension has been engaging with people in all 93 counties for more than a century as a trusted educational resource; inspiring fulfilled, prosperous, and healthful lives. Discover how Extension engages with Nebraskans wherever they are, connecting them with the resources, research, and innovation of the University of Nebraska. Part I of this series focuses on an overview of the Nebraska Extension system followed by focused sessions on Water and Cropping Systems, Agricultural Profitability, Early Childhood, and Urban Extension. By living and working in communities, Extension educators rely on local relationships to respond to local needs, build trust, and engage effectively. Discover how you too can learn, engage, collaborate, and volunteer with Extension in your community. Nobody connects with the people of Nebraska like Extension!

 

Have you heard about Nebraska’s best kept secret? Nebraska Extension has been engaging with people in all 93 counties for more than a century as a trusted educational resource; inspiring fulfilled, prosperous, and healthful lives. Discover how Extension engages with Nebraskans wherever they are, connecting them with the resources, research, and innovation of the University of Nebraska. Part I of this series focuses on an overview of the Nebraska Extension system followed by focused sessions on Water and Cropping Systems, Agricultural Profitability, Early Childhood, and Urban Extension. By living and working in communities, Extension educators rely on local relationships to respond to local needs, build trust, and engage effectively. Discover how you too can learn, engage, collaborate, and volunteer with Extension in your community. Nobody connects with the people of Nebraska like Extension!

 

Do you have a Mac computer, or an iPad, 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 with “what ails ya,” or, to make your life a bit easier.