January 23, 2013
For the joy of learning: Osher Institute classes spring into a new year with UFM Community Learning Center
Submitted by Communications and Marketing
Learning is for a lifetime. That's why the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Kansas is again partnering with Kansas State University, UFM Community Learning Center and Meadowlark Hills Retirement Community to bring classes to Manhattan for adults 50 and older.
It's the eighth semester for Osher classes in the community, with this semester's offerings -- six different courses and three special events -- the most offered in a semester by the Osher program in Manhattan. The institute's motto is "the joy of learning."
"The Osher classes, coordinated by UFM Community Learning Center, have seen great success over the last seven semesters -- a success due to the enthusiasm for continued learning throughout a lifetime held by Midwest residents," said Linda Teener, UFM director.
The first course will provide an insider's view of the Cold War era. Behind the Iron Curtain: Cold War Stories will take place from 1-3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6, 13, and 20, at the Meadowlark Hills Community Room. Topics to be discussed include the Yalta Conference, Stalin's terror, the development of the Communist Bloc and much more. Instructor Waldemar Biniecki was born in Bydgoszcz, Poland, and received his master's degree in education.
The second course, Textile Rescue 101: Saving Your Heirloom Clothing, will provide basic knowledge to record and learn about treasured family heirlooms using a material culture analysis as well as methods for conversation, storage and display. It will take place from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 18 and 25 and March 4 in 157 Justin Hall at Kansas State University. Instructor Marla Day is curator of the university's Historic Costume and Textiles Museum.
The History of Native Americans in Kansas, the third course opportunity, will look at the history of the Native American tribes that once lived in Kansas as well as those who still make Kansas their home. It will examine the cultures, traditions, tools and artifacts of Native American tribes in Kansas. Instructor Doug Tippin is a retired history teacher who has researched Native Americans for 45 years. It will take place from 2-4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26 and March 5 and 12 in the Fellowship Hall at College Avenue United Methodist Church, 1609 College Ave.
In the course Writing: Discovering Slice-of-life Stories Contained in Your Treasured Objects, participants will evaluate their family mementos, treasured photographs, vintage clothing, wartime letters or family recipes to record important family stories. They also will explore ways to compile stories so that they can be shared with friends and family. The course is led by Deborah Murray, an instructor of English at Kansas State University. It will be offered from 5-7 p.m. Monday, March 25 and April 1 and 8 in the Area Agency on Aging Conference Room, 401 Houston St.
The fifth course, Experiencing the Magic of Baseball, will feature histories, reminiscences and discussions based on America's national pastime. It will attempt to recapture some of the magic of the pre-eminent summer sport. The course will be offered from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, April 2, 9 and 16 in 123 Leadership Studies Building on the Kansas State University campus. Instructor is Roger Johnson, a lifetime baseball fan and academic counselor for the university's athletics department.
Exploring the Northern Isles of Scotland looks at the physical, economic and cultural geography from the Scottish mainland to Shetland, Orkney and the Outer Hebrides. Discussions will include archaeology, land tenure and ecology. Instructor is Tom Schmiedeler, professor of geography at Washburn University. The course will be offered from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, April 17 and 24 and May 1, in 123 Leadership Studies Building on the Kansas State University campus.
The first special event of the season will feature the Manhattan Arts Center's production of "Caberet." Offered on Sunday, April 28, the program will start with a noon lunch accompanied by a lecture with the musical's director Penny Cullers and German history specialist Brent Maner, an associate professor of history at Kansas State University, on the process of putting on the musical and the history behind "Caberet." It will be followed by the matinee at 2 p.m. at the Manhattan Arts Center, 1520 Poyntz Ave.
The second special event, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday, May 3, will include a leisurely self-guided tour through the Flint Hills Discovery Center, 315 S. Third St., with its Immersion Experience theater and interactive displays. Lunch will follow at Local Food and Friends, 3011 Anderson Ave., which donates 100 percent of its profits to local Manhattan charities.
The final special event and Osher event of the season will be "A Poetic Tribute to Kansas' First 150 Years." Kansas poet laureate Caryn Mirriam-Goldberg will lead a reading and discussion of the book "To the Stars Through Difficulties: A Kansas Renga in 150 Voices." Contributors from the Manhattan and Topeka areas will read from the book and the poet laureate will discuss the state of the arts in Kansas. It will take place from 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, May 7, Meadowlark Hills Community Room.
To register or find out more about the classes and special events, go to http://www.tryufm.org and click on the Osher Institute classes link or call 877-404-5823 toll-free, or 785-864-5823.