Free seminars are open to those 55 and older
GALVESTON, Texas -Enrollment is open for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute's Summer School 2008 at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. Free seminars will be conducted in July and August at several Galveston locations.
Classes are open to anyone 55 and older. Membership in OLLI is required to enroll in classes. The annual fee is $25. The seminars are free but registration is required.
OLLI offers college-level courses to seniors regardless of previous education. There are no prerequisites for the seminars and no grades or tests are given.
Here is the summer course schedule:
A Sacred Feast: Reflections on Sacred Harp Singing and Dinner on the Ground, Tuesday, July 8, 10 a.m.-noon
Kathryn Eastburn, author of "A Sacred Feast," will share insights into her adventures through Alabama, Kentucky, Texas, Colorado and Washington in becoming acquainted with Sacred Harp singers. Sacred Harp singing dates back more than 200 years. Participants will receive recipes and sample foods from the traditions of dinner on the ground.
Tai-Chi, Mondays, July 14, 21, 28, Aug. 4, 11, 18, and Wednesdays, July 16, 23, 30 Aug. 6, 13 and 20, 10-11 a.m.
Instructor Julia Barragan will demonstrate the Yang style of Tai-Chi in a chair and in a standing position. The sessions will concentrate on balance, flexibility, breath control and slow movement. Research has shown Tai-Chi to increase balance and decrease likelihood of falls.
Introduction to UTMB's New Laboratories, Friday, July 11, 10 a.m.-noon
Dr. David Walker, executive director of UTMB's Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, will discuss how UTMB developed into an internationally renown research center to develop new drugs, vaccines. Acquire insight into how scientists at UTMB tackle dangerous microbes using biocontainment facilities and procedures that assure safety to the community and why emerging and reemerging infectious diseases will always be challenges to public health.
Introduction to Lifestory Groups at UTMB, Thursdays, July 10 and 17, 10 a.m.-noon
This two-part seminar is for those new to lifestory groups at UTMB who want to join a fall or spring writing group. This training is for anyone who has not previously participated in UTMB's lifestory groups. After completing both sessions of this training, you will be prepared to join one of the lifestory courses to be offered in fall or spring semester. The seminar is facilitated by Michelle Sierpina.
Galveston Reads, Tuesday, July 15, 10 a.m.-noon
Join organizers of Galveston Reads to learn about events held at various Galveston locations that focus on a selected book. Programming has included theatrical presentations, visits by authors and panel discussions, including an evening with three local English professors. Learn how books are selected and about programs from previous years. The 2008 book was "A Lesson Before Dying" by Earnest Gaines. For 2009, Galveston Reads has chosen "Glass Castle," by Jeannette Walls, a memoir that reads like a novel.
The Mexican Inquisition, Tuesday, July 22, 10-11:30 a.m.
Spain experienced 350 years of terror as hundreds of thousands of Jewish converts to Christianity were sent into exile. A second, quieter, but no less horrendous corollary was occurring in the New World. In 16th century Mexico, many suspected of practicing Judaism were strangled with iron collars and burned at the stake. Enroll in this seminar offered by Rabbi Jimmy Kessler and learn how the Spanish Inquisition sailed across the ocean and metastasized in Mexico. Rabbi Kessler is the founder and first president of the Texas Jewish Historical Society.
Persian Heritage, Persian Homeland, Wednesday, July 23, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
In this seminar, you'll accompany Dr. Hooshang Guilak on a nostalgic visit to his Persian roots. Using videos, music and poetry, he will transport you to a place and time that have influenced many cultures around the globe.
Recycling is Everyone's Job!, Tuesday, July 29, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
During Fiscal Year 2007, UTMB recycled 836 tons of paper and cardboard, saving 14,212 trees. Join UTMB recycling expert Ken Steblein who will take participants back to the basics of conservation. Participants will learn how to make recycling and composting easy at home.
Foods for Wellness, SuperFoods Rx, Wednesday, July 30, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Dr. Victor Sierpina, an integrative medicine expert at UTMB, will explain the 14 foods identified through research as "superfoods" -- basic, simple foods that provide the essential micro-nutrients for overall well-being. Participants will learn about nutrition, recipes, grocery shopping and dietary supplements from the bestselling book "SuperFoods Rx." One participant attending the session will win a free copy of the book.
Scrapbooking to Preserve Your Legacy, Wednesday, July 30, 10 a.m.-noon
This seminar will suggest tips, techniques and tools to maximize your own creativity in the popular hobby of scrapbooking. Dr. Judith Rowen will present information that can be adapted to any scrapbooking approach. All supplies will be provided, but participants should bring five photos for use in their projects.
Rhythm and Harmony, Techniques and Tricks, Thursday, July 31, 10 a.m.-noon
OLLI instructor Bonnye Karger will delight you with a seminar on the musical techniques and tricks that create amazing musical rhythms and harmonies. Participants will see and hear why Karger remains one of Galveston's most treasured musical performers.
The Poetry of Summer-ness, Friday, Aug. 1, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Participants will be delighted by John Gorman's summer poetry. "Summer's lease has all too short a date," wrote Shakespeare, for example. Most English language poetry has been written by and for people at latitudes more northerly than Galveston's. Northerners have a more positive view of summer than many in lower latitudes. Afterall, while northerners endured months of cold, dark weather they're not going to be blindsided by sudden hurricanes. They see summer as fulfillment, delight, the rich culmination of a seasonal cycle without the mortuary implications of autumn's harvest. For relief, Gorman will look at some of his anti-heat and humidity poems.
First Aid/CPR Overview, Tuesday, Aug. 5, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Join Clint Evans, certified Red Cross instructor, for this overview of basic first aid and CPR. Participants will watch demonstrations followed by hands-on training. In this brief overview, participants will learn to recognize and respond to shock, cardiac and breathing emergencies for adults, children and infants. This seminar does not include Red Cross CPR certification.
Scintillating Salons
Salons, in a formal reception room, offer an exploration of creativity in a gathering of people for social and intellectual interaction. Salons, as literary circles, once gave women public voice and social influence. Participants who enjoy the creative process will revel in this exhilarating fusion of narrative and dramatic presentation. Theater professional Mary Margaret Buss, in two events, presents intimate portraits of remarkable women. Then Galveston's own theater stars Frances Powell and Victor Lang will provide a rousing finale with "Love Letters."
Lincoln Salon, Friday, July 25, 2-3:30 p.m.
With power, passion and perspective Buss presents Mary Todd Lincoln with a fresh approach. She tells fascinating stories you may never have heard as she unravels the mystery of the much misunderstood Lady from Lexington.
Elizabeth Barrett Browning Salon, Friday, Aug. 15, 2-3:30 p.m.
Tapping into the social, cultural and aesthetic traditions of the Age of Romanticism, this salon will transport participants to Victorian England. Layer by layer participants will see the life of this great poet, whose work reflects beauty and the healing power of love.
Love Letters, Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2-3:30 p.m., a spoken theater piece written by A. R. Gurney will introduce participants to two people whose lifelong correspondence began with a childhood birthday party and weathered boarding school, college, war, marriages and divorces filled with much joy and anguish.
Health Care and the Presidential Elections, Monday, Aug. 11, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Hear Dr. John Stobo, UTMB's former president, discuss the two major national presidential candidates' proposed health care platforms and how they align with current U.S. health care challenges. Get a glimpse of what may happen after the November election, including a summary of public opinion and a model for health care reform in the United States.
Alzheimer's Disease, An Expert Perspective
Part one: Thursday, Aug. 14, 10 a.m.-noon
Part two: Thursday, Aug. 21, 10 a.m.-noon
Professor Judith Drew, of UTMB's School of Nursing, will share the latest information from an international Alzheimer's conference including scientific findings and personal health practices related to this devastating disease. Participants will learn about brain health and recently recommended lifestyle interventions for preventing or delaying dementias of all types.
Part one focuses on definitions of Alzheimer's and other dementias and the difference between the brain's normal aging and disease. Participants will learn reasons for consulting a physician to discuss difficulty with memory and changes in everyday thinking.
Part two will acquaint participants with the latest research on factors related to Alzheimer's and other dementias. Drew will describe effective strategies individuals and caregivers can use to put brain healthy interventions to work.
Participants must register to hold a space in any seminar. No one will be admitted to a seminar without registration. Registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
"We ask your cooperation in registering only for those sessions you are certain you can attend," said Michelle Sierpina, OLLI founding director. "If you find later that you are unable to attend a session, please let us know right away so another learner can participate in your place."
To register or for information, call 409-747-4657. Registration is also available by e-mail: Michelle Sierpina at msierpin@utmb.edu or Julia Barragan, OLLI coordinator, at jdbarrag@utmb.edu.
Participant must purchase an OLLI annual membership, which is valid from Sept. 1 to Aug. 31 of each year. All memberships expire on Aug. 31. Current members may renew now for 2008-2009, or may renew any time before Aug. 31. Join now for Summer School and membership will expire on Aug. 31, 2009. You can participate in a full year of OLLI programming.