Kansas State University

MANHATTAN -- Adults 50 and older can quench their thirst for knowledge this summer with three special classes being offered in Manhattan through a collaboration with UFM Community Learning Center, Kansas State University and Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Kansas.

The institute provides noncredit enrichment short courses "for the joy of learning" to adults 50 and older. The collaboration has made institute courses available in the Manhattan area for the last six semesters, but the summer offerings will be a first.

"The Osher classes, coordinated by UFM Community Learning Center, have seen great success over the last six semesters; a success due to the enthusiasm for continued learning throughout a lifetime held by Midwest residents," said Linda Teener, UFM director.

The summer classes, all offered in the Community Room at Meadowlark Hills Retirement Community, include:

* Summer Fun with Cocktails, taught by Rusty Andrews from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Monday, June 3, 10 and 17, is about mixing some fun summer drinks with a dash of history. The class will cover martinis, gimlets, Manhattans, margaritas, mojitos and more. It will address questions like why gin was actually promoted by the Prohibition in the U.S. and why martinis are usually shaken, not stirred.

* The Great Flood of '51, taught by Roy Bird from 2-4 p.m. Wednesday, June 5, 12 and 19, will examine the 1951 as well as floods before 1951-- especially 1844 and 1903 -- and floods since, such as in 1993. It will look at whether another great flood could happen and what sort of damage it would cause. The class also will examine the economic and landscape changes that took place or resulted from the floods, and the courage, stamina, and ingenuity of the people of Kansas who lived through it. Bird is an alumnus of the Kansas State University history department and historical consultant for "Sunflower Journeys" on KTWU.

* The End of Compromise and the Coming of the Civil War, taught by Shawn Hornung from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Monday, July 8, 15 and 22, will examine events like the legacy of Manifest Destiny, "Bleeding Kansas," the Dred Scott decision and the emergence of regional political parties. Primary documents will be utilized to illustrate the sentiment of the day. Hornung is the Advanced Placement U.S. history teacher at Wamego High School.

To register for any of these classes and for more information, go to the UFM Community Learning Center website at http://tryufm.org and click on the Osher Institute Classes link; or call 877-404-5823 toll free or 785-864-5823.