SCHEDULE OF COURSES Fall II 2016
October 17 – December 16
DIRECTOR’S NOTE
Thank you for supporting our classes and enjoying them as much as we enjoy bringing them to you. OLLI is based on the premise that learning is great fun and that aging well includes staying active and continuing to challenge oneself to discover new things. If you haven’t joined as a member yet, come be a part of the Indian summer days with good friends and conversations at OLLI!
COURSE HIGHLIGHTS Common Ground Lecture Series with Gleaves Whitney page 9
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
Islamic Culture and Civilization page 3
Dante: His Life and His Works 9:30-11:30 a.m. More Hemingway 11:30-1:30 p.m. Islamic Culture and Civilization 1:30-3:30 p.m. The Presidential Campaign Homestretch 1:30-3:30 p.m. Civil War Era Lecture Series 9:30-11:30 a.m. Love Letters: A Beautiful Story 9:30-11:30 a.m. Housing the American Dream – A History from Building to The Big Short 1:30-3:30 p.m. Learning from Story: Reflections on the Memoir, A Polish Doctor in the Nazi Camps 9:30-11:30 a.m.
The History of Poland 9:30-11:30 a.m.
In Love with Paris 9:30-11:30 a.m.
A Retreat with St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi 9:30-11:30 a.m.
The Long 20th Century Fight for the Equal Rights Amendment 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Titanic: Michigan Connections 1:30-3:30 p.m. Public Lives and Ideals of the Founding Fathers 1:30-3:30 p.m. Finding Your Voice: Memoir Writing 9:30-11:30 a.m. Tuesdays with Professors Noon – 1:00 p.m. What Happened in the ‘60s? 1:30-3:30 p.m. The Birth of Rock and Roll 9:30-11:30 a.m. Holiday Entertaining 1:30-3:30 p.m. Eyewitness to WWII: The POW Experience Part 2 1:30-3:30 p.m. The Return of Tales from the Bench 1:30-3:30 p.m. A Very “Mary” (and Tom) Rademacher Christmas! 9:30-11:30 a.m.
The Cemeteries of Paris 9:30-11:30 a.m. Finding Our Way on the Camino de Santiago 9:30-11:30 a.m.
The Star of Bethlehem: Shedding New Light on an Old Mystery 9:30-11:30 a.m. Common Ground Lecture Series with Gleaves Whitney 1:30-2:45 p.m. 2016 Movies with “The Kid” 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Rapa Nui: A Tourist’s Footsteps: Understanding of Stones of Easter Island Jerusalem 1:30-3:30 p.m. 1:30-3:30 p.m. Every Day with An Adventurous Morrie Life 1:30-3:30 p.m. 1:30-3:30 p.m. A Look at Religious Early Auto Violence Dealers in 9:30-11:30 a.m. Grand Rapids The American West: 1:30-3:30 p.m. A Photographer’s Journey 1:30-3:30 p.m. Remembering Our History 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Lost Restaurants of Grand Rapids 9:30-11:30 a.m. The 2016 National Election: Before & After - What a Year! 9:30-11:30 a.m. Tour at GRAM – Iris van Herpen: Transforming Fashion 10:00-11:00 a.m. FREE MEMBER CLASSES Aging Well 9:30-11:00 a.m.
The Presidential Campaign Homestretch page 3
Love Letters: A Beautiful Story page 4
Housing the American Dream - A History from Building to The Big Short page 4
Titanic: Michigan Connections page 5
Single Payer System: Would it Work Better for Our Healthcare? 9:30-11:00 a.m.
What Happened in the 60s?
A Christmas Tea with Mrs. Claus 10:00-11:00 a.m.
page 7
page 5
The Cemeteries of Paris At the Movies with “The Kid” in 2016 page 9
Before and After the National Election page 10
OLLI Membership Fees and Tuition Pricing
(September 2016 – June 2017)
For the 2016-2017 OLLI academic year; we are again offering a tiered membership designed to provide you with options and monetary savings. The tuition costs are less if you join as an OLLI member, and savings are greater with each membership level.
MEMBERSHIP STRUCTURE The four different membership levels from which to choose are:
GOLD MEMBERSHIP:
SILVER MEMBERSHIP:
BRONZE MEMBERSHIP:
$60 Membership fee
$25 Membership fee
Tuition Pricing
Tuition Pricing
30% Discount
No Membership fee
15% Discount
Tuition Pricing
1 wk class- $17 2 wk class- $34 3 wk class- $51 4 wk class- $68
1 wk class- $14 2 wk class- $28 3 wk class- $42 4 wk class- $56
NON-MEMBER:
1 wk class- $20 2 wk class- $40 3 wk class- $60 4 wk class- $80
$385 Membership fee
Gold members can attend unlimited number of classes all year. Fees may be added for special events, trips or class materials. Tuition Pricing 100% Discount
Advantages of Membership
Become an OLLI Member today!
• Free Member classes designated in each catalog • Great discounts on classes • Discounted prices on local performing arts and events • The option (with instructor approval) of auditing a regular Aquinas College class for $150
Please call 616.632.2430 or send in a completed registration form to:
OLLI at Aquinas College 1607 Robinson Rd. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49506
• Reminder: No OLLI credit will be given without a 24 hour notice. • All classes are held in the Browne Center - unless noted or notified. • Class cancellations due to weather at OLLI are based on Aquinas College closing – please check local TV stations and aquinas.edu
OLLI’S ANNUAL FUND DRIVE THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT
We hope that you will help us once again in continuing to provide outstanding educational opportunities for those over 50 in the greater Grand Rapids community. Eighty percent of our programs is funded by our Annual Fund Drive, tuition, membership, and fund raising events; therefore, your generous support is very important to our OLLI program.
Call to register: 616.632.2430
2
OLLI TUITION COURSES
MONDAY Dante: His Life and His Works Monday, 9:30-11:30 a.m. 4 Classes – Oct. 17, 24, 31 & Nov. 7 Greg Carnevale taught Latin and Greek at City High School (where he was a founding teacher) and Latin at East Grand Rapids High School. He also taught Ancient Greek History and Philosophy at the American Community schools in Athens, Greece. Last year, 2015, marked the 750th anniversary of Dante’s birth, and Greg introduced students to Dante’s life and his works. This session, Greg will make an historical detour and show many of the historical references that Dante uses which have had an imprint well into this century. Dante knew history, he knew the Church, he knew the Scriptures, he knew theology and philosophy, politics and myth. Join us and learn about the greatest poem ever written in the Western Canon, a celebration of love, a hymn to love. M: Bronze $68 Silver $56 NM: $80
More Hemingway Monday, 11:30-1:30 p.m. 4 Classes – Oct. 17, 24, 31 & Nov. 7 Anne Horvitz J.D., received her Masters from Harvard and her J.D. from Cooley Law School. Calling all Hemingway fans and interested parties: Join a vibrant book discussion on A Farewell to Arms, For Whom the Bell Tolls, To Have and Have Not, and The Garden of Eden. Anne will lead a discussion on the times and places of Hemingway’s life
when he wrote these novels. She will draw comparisons to their movie versions and focus attention on Hemingway’s reactions and relationships with the stars. Anne will also report on a recent five day Hemingway celebration in Oak Park, Illinois, Hemingway’s birthplace. This colloquium addressed Hemingway’s terse writing style, psychology, death, alcohol abuse, adultery, nature and Michigan. While it is preferable to read the books, this is not necessary for meaningful participation in the discussion. M: Bronze$68 Silver $56 NM: $80
Islamic Culture and Civilization Monday, 1:30-3:30 p.m. 3 Classes – Oct. 17, 24 & 31 Since 2009, Muaz Redzic, Ph.D., has served as Imam at the Bosnian Cultural Center in Grand Rapids. He earned his BA at Kuwait University, his MA in Religion at Vanderbilt University, and a Ph.D. in Islamic Studies from the Graduate Theological Foundation in Indiana. Islam has often been painted with a very dark, gruesome picture as an intolerant, extreme and a very exclusive ideology. In this course, Dr. Redzic will present a short historical overview of the birth, progress and modern state of Islamic Civilization, comparing its contemporary cultures and civilizations. The core values of Islamic teachings will be examined through its impacts on its adherents, as well as the contributions and legacy it has created since its inception 1400 years ago. M: Bronze $51 Silver $42 NM: $60
3
The Presidential Campaign Homestretch Monday, 1:30-3:30 p.m. 4 Classes – Oct. 17, 24, 31 & Nov. 7 Donald Zinman, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of political science at GVSU. His research centers upon the presidency and American political development. The final weeks of a presidential campaign are perhaps the most important. This course will cover the features of a presidential campaign in its closing weeks, including advertising, how late developments affect campaigns, strategy and tactics and the nationally televised debates between the candidates. Examples will draw upon not only the 2016 campaign, but also campaigns from the past. M: Bronze $68 Silver $56 NM: $80
Civil War Era Lecture Series Monday, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Fred Johnson, Ph.D., is associate professor of history at Hope College. Dr. Johnson earned his Masters and Doctorate degrees at Kent State University. His primary field of study is 19th Century U.S. History, specifically, the Civil War. Dr. Johnson will present four more lectures on the Civil War era. He will include untold stories of ordinary people caught up in the war. Oct. 24 - Women of Protest and Power Before the Civil War, dynamic American women worked tirelessly to achieve the social, economic, and political changes that would elevate them into full citizenship. When the fighting began, they immersed themselves in the conflict and helped reshape the way Americans thought about
M = members
NM = non-members
OLLI TUITION COURSES concepts like freedom and equality.
Love Letters: A Beautiful Story
Nov. 7 - I Will Fight No More Forever
Monday, 9:30-11:30 a.m. 1 Class – Nov. 14
During and after the Civil War, Native Americans persisted in waging a valiant struggle to maintain their languages, traditions, and way of life. While the conflict had reshaped the way Americans thought about and practiced democracy, it also forced Native Americans into the last stages of a historical death spiral that ended in surrender.
Andy and Melissa first met in third grade, and the subsequent intertwining of their very different lives and love story were memorialized in over a half century of letters. Yes, letters, not emails, not tweets, but good old pen to paper letters. You will laugh, you will cry, and you may become wistful for a simpler but more meaningful time as portrayed in A.R.Gurney’s wonderful two person play, Love Letters. OLLI regulars Margi Hankins and Jon March will reprise their 1997 Grand Rapids Civic Theatre performance, probably for the last time.
Nov. 21 - Rise of the Robber Barons From 1861 - 1865, the increasing demands for more and newer weapons to achieve victory in the Civil War produced major changes in manufacturing, governmental involvement in the private sector, industrial and scientific innovation, and economic adaptation. Those changes established a foundation upon which enterprising persons of talent, intelligence, and ruthlessness moved the United States in a direction that destined it to become a superpower. Dec. 5 - One Hundred Fifty Years Later Debate still continues over the causes, meaning, and overall outcome of the American Civil War. The significance lies not only in the debate’s connection to how Americans choose to remember the greatest existential threat to their nation’s existence, but the manner in which they will, or won’t, continue the project of nationhood that began in 1776 with the words: “We hold these truths to be selfevident that all men are created equal.” M: Bronze $17 Silver $14 NM: $20 Note: Price is per lecture
M: Bronze $17 Silver $14 NM: $20 Location: The Donnelly Center
Housing the American Dream – A History from Building to The Big Short
Monday, 9:30-11:30 a.m. 1 Class – Dec. 12 Barbara RylkoBauer, Ph.D., is an adjunct professor of anthropology at MSU and has published extensively. Following her earlier presentations about her book, A Polish Doctor in the Nazi Camps: My Mother’s Memories of Imprisonment, Immigration and a Life Remade, Barbara will discuss the importance of stories from the past and offer insights on issues that continue to be as relevant today. Reflecting on her mother’s story, Barbara will share lessons she has learned from studying the past: the dangers of highlighting real or imagined differences between people rather than our common humanity; factors that contribute to resilience in the ability to cope in the face of great adversity; and struggles and challenges of immigration. M: Bronze $17 Silver $14 NM: $20
Monday, 1:30-3:30 p.m. 2 Classes – Nov. 21 & 28 Matthew Daley, Ph.D., is associate professor of history at GVSU. Dr. Daley’s research focuses on urban public and social policy; Great Lakes maritime culture and technology; and public history. Single-family homes are a cornerstone of American society. The methods to building and financing them are complicated, and this has often led to crises. This course examines the importance, style, spread, and problems that come with housing, especially so with the 2008 financial crisis. M: Bronze $34 Silver $28 NM: $40
Call to register: 616.632.2430
Learning from Story: Reflections on the Memoir, A Polish Doctor in the Nazi Camps
4
TUESDAY The History of Poland Tuesday, 9:30-11:30 a.m. 3 Classes – Oct. 18, 25 & Nov. 1 Gary D. Stark, Ph.D., is a retired professor of Modern European History at GVSU. A specialist on Germany, he has studied and lived there. He is the author of several books on modern German and European history and culture. This course looks at Poland’s majestic, turbulent history from
COURSES CONT. medieval times to the present. Poland’s story is tragic and traumatic, one few Americans know much about. In the 18th Century, after several centuries as one of Europe’s most advanced nations, Poland fell into disorder. In 1795, its enemies wiped it off the map and for the next 123 years Poland ceased to exist. It was resurrected after WWI, then almost annihilated in WWII, only to be carved up again and fall under Soviet domination. But the Poles led the resistance to Soviet domination of Eastern Europe and in the 1980’s played a central role in the downfall of Communism and the end of the Cold War. Since then, Poland has prospered, but not without lessons from its past. M: Bronze $51 Silver $42 NM: $60
A Retreat with St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi Tuesday, 9:30-11:30 a.m. 2 Classes – Oct. 18 & 25 Betsy Willey is a spiritual director, retired teacher, retreat leader and author. Experience the beautiful spirituality of St. Francis and St. Clare. Through the practices of contemplation, art, music, and the sharing in community, we will join with them in blessing our world. M: Bronze $35 Silver $30 NM: $40
Titanic: Michigan Connections Tuesday, 1:30-3:30 p.m. 1 Class – Oct. 18 Jay Follis first joined the Titanic Historical Society in 1979. As a researcher and museum professional, Jay has pursued many facets of American history including the R.M.S. Titanic. The story of the Titanic is well‐
known, but did you know there are Michigan connections? Jay will share some of the little‐known stories: West Michigan passengers were aboard; a local college student had just launched a publishing company with a book on the Titanic; and a Michigan hometown hero led the Senate investigation into the disaster. He will also show some of the luxurious furnishings from the sister ship, Olympic, which are similar to the Titanic’s. M: Bronze $17 Silver $14 NM: $20
Public Lives and Ideals of the Founding Fathers Tuesday, 1:30-3:30 p.m. 3 Classes – Oct. 25, Nov. 1 & 8 John Pinheiro Ph.D., is an associate professor of history at Aquinas College. Before Aquinas, he served as assistant editor of the Presidential Series of the Papers of George Washington at the University of Virginia. Dr. Pinheiro will examine the public lives of three prominent American Founding Fathers: Washington, Hamilton and Jefferson. At each session he will focus on their ideas and contributions. M: Bronze $51 Silver $42 NM: $60
Finding Your Voice: Memoir Writing Tuesday, 9:30-11:30 a.m. 4 Classes – Nov. 1, 8, 15 & 22 Deb Moore assists people with recording their life stories through her business The Stories of Your Life. Everyone has a story to tell – have you told yours yet? Join Deb for inspiration, instruction, writing, sharing and feedback. You’ll be surprised how easy and rewarding it can be to write your personal or family history, one story at a time. Tips will also be 5
provided on how to finish and share copies of your stories with family members. M: Bronze $68 Silver $56 NM: $80
Tuesdays with Professors Tuesday, Noon – 1:00 p.m. 1 Hour Course – Nov. 8 The Contemporary Writers Series celebrates its 20th year at Aquinas College with its 20162017 season. In honor of the anniversary, four notable popular writers repeat performances this season. Linda Nemec Foster, will discuss Anne-Marie Oomen’s award-winning writings including creative nonfiction, memoir, essays, poetry, and plays. Oomen is the author of Love, Sex, and 4-H (Next Generation Indie Award for Memoir), and is a Michigan Notable author. Her presentation on Nov. 16 in the Wege Ballroom begins at 7:30 p.m. and is open free to the public. M: Bronze $8 Silver $6 NM: $12
What Happened in the ‘60s? Tuesday, 1:30-3:30 p.m. 3 Classes – Nov. 1, 8 & 15 Lee Hardy, Ph.D., is a well published professor of philosophy at Calvin College. The Civil Rights Movement, the assassination of John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr. , and Malcolm X, the Vietnam War, the Free Speech Movement, Betty Friedan, The Beatles, the Summer of Love, the Space Race, Timothy Leary, race riots, sex, drugs, and rock & roll, People’s Park, Woodstock, Altamont—“the 1960’s was the key decade of the 20th century,” writes NYT’s reporter John Rockwell, “the most dramatic, the most controversial, the most thrilling.” In three sessions,
M = members
NM = non-members
OLLI TUITION COURSES Dr. Hardy will review the main events, personalities, and trends of the 1960’s through lecture, music, documentary film, and personal recollections from the professor’s life in the late 60s. M: Bronze 51 Silver $42 NM: $60
The Birth of Rock and Roll
Tuesday, 9:30-11:30 a.m. BACK 3 Classes – Nov. 15, 22 BY POP UL & 29 DEMAN AR D! Benita Wolters-Fredlund Ph.D., is associate professor of music at Calvin College, where she teaches American music, popular music and world music. This course will examine how a new genre called “Rock ‘n’ Roll” came to emerge in America in the 1950s. Students will explore how the social, economic and political climate of the post-war era allowed for a new generation of babyboomers to make surprising and unprecedented musical choices. Benita will also analyze the various stylistic influences (R&B, country, gospel and pop) that were drawn from to create a new musical hybrid. Along the way we will listen to and discuss the music of early rock ’n’ roll legends such as Elvis, Chuck Berry and more.
and enjoy great seasonal holiday appetizers! M: Bronze $17 Silver $14 NM: $20 Maximum: 35 Please add $7 fee
Eyewitness to WWII: The POW Experience Part 2 Tuesday, 1:30 -3:30 p.m. 1 Class – Nov. 29 James Smither, Ph.D., is professor of history at GVSU, and directs the Veterans History Project where he conducts oral history interviews with area veterans. Dr. Smither will draw on oral history videos from the GVSU Veterans History Project to continue the examination of experiences of World War II POWs that he began last year. Featured veterans will include both airmen and ground troops, and the presentation will follow several of these veterans from their capture through liberation. The primary focus will be on prisoners held by the Germans, with much of the time devoted to life in the camps. M: Bronze $17 Silver $14 NM: $20
The Return of Tales from the Bench
Judge Smolenski will share the “life of a Court Judge” as only she can. Her humorous takes and delightful storytelling will inform and entertain! M: Bronze $17 Silver $14 NM: $20 Location: Donnelly Center
A Very “Mary” (and Tom) Rademacher Christmas! Tuesday, 9:30-11:30 a.m. 1 Class – Dec. 13 Ring in the holidays with this debut performance of talented local singer Mary Rademacher as she appears alongside her brother, the talented writer Tom Rademacher! Together, they’ll entertain with song, images, storytelling and audience participation. This is likely to be a feel-good sellout, so sign up today! M: Bronze $17 Silver $14 NM: $20
WEDNESDAY In Love with Paris
M: Bronze $51 Silver $42 NM: $60
Tuesday, 1:30-3:30 p.m. 1 Class – Dec. 6
Wednesday, 9:30-11:30 a.m. 1 Class – Oct. 19
Holiday Entertaining
Sara J. Smolenski was elected 63rd District Court Judge in 1990 and appointed Chief Judge by the Michigan Supreme Court in 1996. She is highly involved in professional and community organizations and has received numerous awards and accolades - including being named one of the 50 Most Influential Women of West Michigan.
Susan Smith is a former Grand Rapids Press writer and involved community member. Since retiring, she has traveled to many fascinating and exotic destinations. Her travel blog is DesignDestinations.org.
Tuesday, 1:30-3:30 p.m. 1 Class – Nov. 22 With the holiday season just around the corner, Chef Andy Schultz from Aquinas College will showcase his talent and help you with your holiday entertaining. Come
Call to register: 616.632.2430
6
Every year millions of tourists travel to Paris, a city that oozes history, art and charm, to savor its compelling sights and scenes. Susan will take you on a photographic journey of
COURSES CONT. the City of Light, explaining the arrondissements, and revealing why Paris is universally considered the most romantic city in the world while sharing some insider tips. If you do not have a trip to Paris planned, you may be inspired to organize one after attending this presentation. M: Bronze $17 Silver $14 NM: $20
The Long 20th Century Fight for the Equal Rights Amendment Wednesday, 9:30-11:30 a.m. 2 Classes – Oct. 19 & 26 Anita AnthonyVanOrsdal, Ph.D., received dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in English and in History from GVSU. Her research focuses on American women’s history and Michigan history. During the 20th Century, many Americans sought to pass a federal amendment that would guarantee equitable treatment in legal and economic situations regardless of gender or sex. Yet, at each attempt, the struggles to pass an Equal Rights Amendment failed. Join in a discussion of the context and reasons for the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment during its conception in the early 1920s and its later, modified version in the 1970s. Much of the discussion will focus on the roles of women in political justice movements, women’s ages and roles as mothers and workers during the years of political turmoil, and the more recent efforts to reinvigorate the demand to pass an Equal Rights Amendment. Join us as we strive to understand the multiple voices (even yours) and historical contexts that defeated the ERA in the 20th Century and led to legal changes that impact Americans, especially American women, to this day. M: Bronze $34 Silver $28 NM: $40
The Cemeteries of Paris Wednesday, 9:30-11:30 a.m. 1 Class – Oct. 26 Steve Soper, digital photographer and photo archivist, has been photographing the cemeteries of Italy and Paris since 2001. He recently published A Guide to 1,165 Works of Art in Père-Lachaise Cemetery, the first of a four-volume series of Guides to the Art in Paris cemeteries. Explore the incredible outdoor art museums of Paris where you’ll meet some of the world’s greatest artists, musicians, writers, and many of France’s most revered historical, cultural and intellectual treasures. They’re all dead of course but that doesn’t stop the French from leaving notes, stones, Metro tickets and otherwise paying homage not just to a person but to their own history. M: Bronze $17 Silver $14 NM: $20
Finding Our Way on the Camino de Santiago
BACK BY POP UL DEMAN AR D!
Wednesday, 9:30-11:30 a.m. 3 Classes – Nov. 2, 9 & 16 Ann Zoellner, MA, is a retired educator/ administrator… and a lifelong world traveler. After 38 years with the Grand Rapids Public Schools she decided to find her way into the next chapter of her life. With four friends, she walked the ancient pilgrim path also known as the Camino Francés, or the Way of St. James. Ann will begin sharing her journey by showing the film, The Way, staring Martin Sheen. Next, students will hit the road, discussing this historical journey and the accomplishment of completing this 500 mile walk from
7
the French Pyrenees to Santiago, Spain. Finally, Ann will explore the lessons learned, including why did we walk, what did we bring (oh yes....you carry what you bring), where did we stay, what did we eat, how many blisters did we treat, and most of all, how did we share the joy of this extraordinary experience with other pilgrims. M: Bronze $51 Silver $42 NM: $60
Rapa Nui: A Tourist’s Understanding of Easter Island Wednesday, 1:30-3:30 p.m. 1 Class- Nov. 2 Gordon Olson is Grand Rapids City Historian Emeritus. He is the author of numerous books about Grand Rapids. Gordon Olson has been fascinated to learn more about Easter Island or Rapa Nui - as it is known to native residents - since he read Thor Heyerdal’s books, Kon Tiki and Aku Aku. Last spring, he visited the island and was amazed at the beauty and the ancient carved statues found along the perimeter. He will share through his stories and photographs much about this historic island as only Gordon can. M: Bronze $17 Silver $14 NM: $20
Every Day with Morrie Wednesday, 1:30-3:30 p.m. 1 Class – Nov. 16 Dave Kampfschulte is director of Amazing Circles Workshops, speaker and author of I’m Dying to Talk with You: Twenty Five Years of Conversations on End of Life Decisions. Using his energy, humor, empathy and over 30 years as an educator, Dave facilitates workshops and classes. Tuesdays with Morrie was on the best seller list for over 5 years. Join
M = members
NM = non-members
OLLI TUITION COURSES us for a lively, thought provoking discussion as we talk about the impact of this book, why it still strikes a chord today, and the lifelong lessons that Morrie not only imparted to his pupil Mitch, but to people the world over. Lessons can still be learned today from this popular book.
degree from U of M. Since retiring 7 years ago, Dan has spent time photographing wildflowers and anything else that attracts his naturalist’s curiousity and photographer’s “eye.”
M: Bronze $17 Silver $14 NM: $20
The American West, the part of the country west of the Missouri River, is a place of big skies, tall mountains, vast prairies and grasslands and deserts. For many, this is “flyover country.” Dan has frequently traveled the interstates, 2 lane state highways and gravel roads searching for and photographing the colors, shapes and textures that he believes define this beautiful place. In this class, students will be looking at many photographs, some familiar, others maybe not, of this personal journey of discovery.
A Look at Religious Violence Wednesday, 9:30-11:30 a.m. 1 Class – Nov. 30 P. Douglas Kindschi, Ph.D., is director of the Kaufman Interfaith Institute and professor of mathematics and philosophy at GVSU. Doug originated the year-long, Grand Rapids area “2012 – Year of Interfaith Understanding” which has sponsored and promoted over 300 interfaith events. It seems like every day we read about religiously motivated violence either in America or somewhere in the world. Is this the new normal, or is there an alternative? What should be the American response? Do we ban Muslims from entering the U.S.? The relationship between religion and violence is not new. We find it in the Bible as well as throughout history. Doug will explore the sources of religious violence, in terms of our evolutionary biology, group identity, social structure, and religious identity. He will also examine the viability of various responses to this threat. M: Bronze $17 Silver $14 NM: $20
The American West: A Photographer’s Journey Wednesday, 1:30-3:30 p.m. 1 Class – Dec. 7 Daniel Bauer, MD, is a retired physician who received his BS in botany and zoology and his medical
Call to register: 616.632.2430
M: Bronze $17 Silver $14 NM: $20
Remembering Our History Wednesday, 1:30-3:30 p.m. 1 Class – Dec. 14 Jeffrey VanWingen, MD, is a partner at Family Medicine Specialists and Medical Director at Heartland Home Care and Hospice. He also teaches at MSU College of Human Medicine. Holocaust survivor and Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel said, “Memory has become the sacred duty of all people of goodwill.” This course will touch on history and explore the human aspects of our past. Discussion will move toward a resolve to improve our society in days to come. Historical artifacts from periods such as the Holocaust, wars and slave trade will be used, providing witness and a tangible experience to the historical and human topics discussed. M: Bronze $17 Silver $14 NM: $20
8
THURSDAY The Star of Bethlehem: Shedding New Light on an Old Mystery Thursday, 9:30-11:30 a.m. 2 Classes – Nov. 3 & 10 Two longtime OLLI presenters combine their expertise to consider whether a natural sky event might have been responsible for the Biblical story of a special “Star” that guided the Magi at the time of Christ’s birth. In the first class, Rev. Maurice Fetty draws upon his long career as clergyman and Biblical historian to consider the origin of the Magi and prophesies often associated with the birth of Jesus. The date of the birth will be explored along with attitudes toward natural events prevalent at the time. The second meeting will be held at the Chaffee Planetarium at the Grand Rapids Public Museum, where Curator Emeritus Dave DeBruyn will use the remarkable new simulation technology to illustrate a number of sky phenomena that may have been visible at the time of the Nativity which could explain the Star event. M: Bronze $34 Silver $28 NM: $40 Note: Please add $10 fee Location: Nov. 10 class held at the Grand Rapids Public Museum - 272 Pearl St NW 49504
COURSES CONT. R
ETURN S Common Ground TO OLL I! Lecture Series with Gleaves Whitney, Director of the Hauenstein Center at GVSU
films of 2016 including a breakdown of the biggest film festival premieres and the most anticipated projects from Clint Eastwood, Ang Lee, Oliver Stone, and more.
Thursday, 1:30-2:45 p.m.
M: Bronze $51 Silver $42 NM: $60
Nov. 3 – Hope of the Founders: The Midwest as the Second Promised Land Few people realize that America’s founders were not just thinking about the Thirteen Colonies during the American Revolution. After we won the War for Independence, the founders began imagining what the New Republic should be like. In this lecture, Gleaves will explore the proposals of Jefferson, Hamilton, and Adams to shape future Midwestern states like Michigan. Nov. 17 – American Borderlands The transition from the Midwest to the Great Plains holds the key for much of America’s history, geography, and destiny. Gleaves will share the highlights of his 3,000-mile journey through the great interior borderlands of North America. M: Bronze $17 Silver $14 NM: $20 Note: Price is per lecture Location: Donnelly Center
Footsteps: Stones of Jerusalem Thursday, 1:30-3:30 p.m. 3 Classes – Dec. 1, 8 & 15 Neal Bierling, a Calvin College graduate, began his archaeological dig adventures back in 1972 in Israel. He has created curriculum for Old and New Testament Bible translations. For millennia, the stones of Jerusalem have been important for at least three major religious faiths—Jews, Christians, and Muslims. We are in a new millennium in which numerous pilgrims have journeyed or would like to journey, to Jerusalem. Christians visit the Hagia Polis, the Holy City, especially for Passion Week. Jews journey to Jerusalem for the pilgrim feasts that include Passover, and during the Muslim holy month, Ramadan, Muslims ascend to the “Temple Mount.” Travel the footsteps of these three religious faiths and explore this important holy city.
2016 Movies with “The Kid”
M: Bronze $51 Silver $42 NM: $60
Thursday, 9:30-11:30 a.m. 3 Classes – Dec. 1, 8 & 15
An Adventurous Life
Ian MacNeil, our ‘’in house” movie critic will entertain OLLI students again. It’s almost Oscar season, and you may be wondering what you should be watching. Can’t make it to the movies? Maybe you don’t recognize any of the film titles or actors. Don’t worry. “The Kid” (Ian) has got you covered. Enjoy this three-week exploration into the best and worst
Thursday, 1:30-3:30 p.m. 2 Classes – Dec. 1 & 8 Kate Dernocoeur refuses to live a conventional life. She returns to OLLI, where she has already regaled audiences on topics ranging from working with elephants to training a search dog to how to handle emergency situations. She lives and
9
works in various exciting capacities in the Lowell/Ada area. What is it that is so captivating about A-D-V-E-N-T-U-R-E? An irresistible force, adventure is spice to those who refuse to regard life as routine or drab. Kate will examine the nature of adventure, using her own twists on the topic as grist. This session is not for the faint-of-heart, although armchair adventurers are very welcome. Included will be a reprise of Kate’s popular delivery of her 1999 Blue Nile River adventure complete with the National Geographic video. M: Bronze $34 Silver $28 NM: $40
Early Auto Dealers in Grand Rapids Thursday, 1:30-3:30 p.m. 1 Class – Dec. 15 Tom Wilson attended GVSU and is a life-long student of Michigan history. He and his wife have coauthored five books on the history of Michigan tourism. Before today’s modern car dealerships on suburban streets, early Grand Rapids automobile dealers were located near downtown and in city neighborhoods. As the automobile business expanded, dealers then moved into neighborhoods like Eastown and Cheshire Village and beyond. Tom will show examples of old familiar cars like Plymouth and Pontiac, and he will also talk about forgotten cars such as the Austin and the Maxwell. Come take a look back at the growth of car sales during the heyday of the automobile from its beginnings. M: Bronze $17 Silver $14 NM: $20
M = members
NM = non-members
COURSES CONT.
FRIDAY
Rapids’ most beloved eateries and the stories behind them.
Lost Restaurants of Grand Rapids Friday, 9:30-11:30 a.m. 1 Class – Oct. 21 Norma Lewis is the author of twelve books with two more forthcoming. Half are local histories focusing on Michigan, the others are on diverse topics. Local author, Norma Lewis, will discuss the nostalgic value of restaurants. These are the special places where the celebrations in our lives happened and where we frequent often. Her presentation will focus on some of the Grand Rapids area restaurants and the effect they had on the growing city. Many restaurants have stories associated with them – some laced with humor – while others are laugh-out-loud funny. A few of the stories are poignant, like when seventeen-year-old Gerald R. Ford worked part time as a server and dish washer at Bill’s Place and his biological father dropped in unexpectedly. Join Norma as she explores the history of Grand
M: Bronze $17 Silver $14 NM: $20
The 2016 National Election: Before & After - What a Year! Friday, 9:30-11:30 a.m. 2 Classes – Oct. 28 & Nov. 18 David Ryden, Ph.D., professor at Hope College, has a J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School and a Ph.D. from The Catholic University of America. His areas of specialization are religion and politics, and parties and elections. The 2016 national election is shaping up to one of historic significance, with one party on the verge of self-immolation and the other considering a socialist revolution. The presidential contest is one that has defied convention. Meanwhile majority control of the senate hangs in the balance. In the midst of all this, the electorate is sending a clear message of deep disapproval of politics as usual. Dr. Ryden will examine the factors that are likely to shape the outcomes on Election Day. More
significantly, he will dig deeper to consider the underlying cultural and political forces at work, and their meaning for the future of American democracy, its politics and the parties on the national level. M: Bronze $34 Silver $28 NM: $40
Tour at the GRAM – Iris van Herpen: Transforming Fashion Friday, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. 1 Hour Tour - December 16 “Step onto the runway this fall with an in-depth look at the work of Dutch fashion designer, Iris van Herpen. Cutting-edge designs by van Herpen have been worn by style icons such as Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, and Bjork and have electrified the runways of Amsterdam, London, and Paris.” The GRAM is one of only seven North American venues for Transforming Fashion, so register early for this tour. M: Bronze $8 Silver $6 NM: $12 Maximum: 30 Location: 101 Monroe Center NW Note: Please arrive by 9:45 a.m. All registrations add $7 for entrance fee
FREE MEMBER CLASSES AT THE BROWNE CENTER Aging Well Friday, 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. November 11
BACK BY POP UL DEMAN AR D!
Madelon Krissoff, MD, is board certified in Internal Medicine and Geriatrics. Many OLLI students were unable to attend this class last year. Dr. Krissoff has agreed to return and speak on the aging process including physiological, functional, medical and social aspects. She will look at the demographics and how the aging population poses challenges to our society.
Single Payer System: Would it Work Better for Our Healthcare? Friday, 9:30-11:00 a.m. December 2 Dr. Bob Levine, retired physician and member advocate for senior issues will explain why so many share in the belief that universal healthcare is the moral obligation of civil societies. Dr. Levine will show the documentary FIX IT and lead a discussion about whether we as a society are ready for a single payer healthcare system.
10
A Christmas Tea with Mrs. Claus Friday, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. December 16 Mrs. Claus will be in our area this holiday season! Mrs. Claus (Annette Halvorson) invites you to hear her tales of the Christmas spirit… and the inside story on life with her popular husband. Please come to our get together and leave with a new perspective on the hectic holidays.
Registration Form (Fall II 2016-2017)
Pricing Structure
Name(s)_________________________________________________________ Address________________________________________________________ City_______________________________________ Zip____________________ Home #_________________________Cell #___________________________ Email __________________________________________________________ Renew Your Membership Today!
Membership (2016 - 2017 academic year) q Bronze $25 q Silver $60 q Gold $385
Courses
# of Classes
MONDAY Dante: His Life and His Works More Hemingway Islamic Culture and Civilization The Presidential Campaign Civil War Era Lecture Series 10/12 – Women of Protest & Power 11/7 – I Will Fight No More Forever 11/21 – Rise of the Robber Barons 12/5 – One Hundred Fifty Years Later Love Letters: A Beautiful Story Housing the American Dream A Polish Doctor in the Nazi Camps TUESDAY The History of Poland St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi Titanic: Michigan Connections Public Lives and Ideals of the Founding Fathers Finding Your Voice: Memoir Writing Tuesdays with Professors What Happened in the ‘60s? The Birth of Rock and Roll Holiday Entertaining Eyewitness to WWII: The POW Experience Part 2 The Return of Tales from the Bench A Very “Mary” (and Tom) Rademacher Christmas!
Price
4 4 3 4
________ ________ ________ ________
1 1 1 1 1 1 1
________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________
3 2 1
Courses
1
________
SILVER
1X
$20
$17
$14
2X
$40
$34
$28
3X
$60
$51
$42
4X
$80
$68
$56
1 Hour
$12
$8
$6
4 Hour
$48
$32
$24
**Additional fees may apply**
# of Classes
THURSDAY The Star of Bethlehem Common Ground Lecture Series with Gleaves Whitney 11/3 – Hope of the Founders 11/17 – American Borderlands 2016 Movies with “The Kid” Footsteps: Stones of Jerusalem An Adventurous Life Early Auto Dealers in Grand Rapids
3 ________ 4 ________ 1 Hour ________ 3 ________ 3 ________ 1 **Add $7** ________ ________ ________
BRONZE
WEDNESDAY In Love with Paris 1 Fight for the Equal Rights Amendment 2 The Cemeteries of Paris 1 Camino de Santiago 3 Easter Island 1 Every Day with Morrie 1 A Look at Religious Violence 1 The American West: A Photographer’s Journey 1 Remembering Our History 1
________ ________ ________
1 1
NM
Price ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________
2
________
1 1 3 3 2 1
________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________
FRIDAY Lost Restaurants of Grand Rapids 1 ________ The 2016 National Election 2 ________ Tour at the GRAM 1 Hour **Add $7** ________ MEMBER FREE CLASSES 11/11 – Aging Well 1 12/2 – Single Payer System 1 12/16 – Christmas Tea with Mrs. Claus 1
________ ________ ________
Total Amount $ ________ Check ( Make payable to OLLI at Aquinas College) Credit Card: q Mastercard/Visa q Discover CC # ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ Exp Date: ___/___ Name (as it appears on the card) _________________________________________________
Call the OLLI office to register at 632.2430 11
Aquinas College OLLI at Aquinas 1607 Robinson Road SE Grand Rapids, MI 49506-1799
Look for these exciting January 2017 OLLI classes:
Common Ground Lecture Series with Gleaves Whitney
Fall II 2016
Michigan’s Forgotten Serial Killers
Course Schedule
Historic Summer Cottages – The Gems of Mackinac Island Michigan’s Notable Authors
Classes begin: October 17 Phone: 616.632.2430 Fax: 616.732.4480 aquinas.edu/olli
Letters, Gossip and Identity of 19th Century Women
MISSION STATEMENT
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Aquinas College is a community of adults joining together to achieve personal transformation of mind, body, and spirit through lifelong learning and community service.
Call to register: 616.632.2430
12
Like us on Facebook