Beer Capital of the World

How Milwaukee Made Beer Famous

Long known as the “Beer Capital of the World,” Milwaukee is synonymous with brewing. This presentation takes attendees on a 180-year journey to explore this famed industry that dates to the 1840s. While iconic breweries, such as Pabst and Schlitz, became global brands, dozens of other smaller breweries dotted the landscape throughout the decades. Recently, the number of craft breweries has surged, creating dozens of new flavors while the rich brewing legacy remains. Engaging beer trivia and historic brewery artifacts “show and tell” included.

Presenter: Paul Hepp

Thu, June 29, 10-11:15am

Delivery type: In-person with Livestream Location: Hefter & Zoom

$10, Program No. SUM:324

Hollywood Hates Hitler

In September 1941, a handful of isolationist senators set out to tarnish Hollywood for warmongering. The United States was largely divided on the possibility of entering the European War, yet the immigrant moguls in Hollywood were acutely aware of the conditions in Europe. After Kristallnacht (the Night of Broken Glass), the gloves came off. Warner Bros. released the first directly anti-Nazi film in 1939 with Confessions of a Nazi Spy. Other studios followed with such films as The Mortal Storm (MGM), Man Hunt (Fox), The Man I Married (Fox), and The Great Dictator (United Artists). While these films represented a small percentage of Hollywood’s output, senators took aim at the Jews in Hollywood who were supposedly agitating us for war and launched an investigation that resulted in Senate Resolution 152. What followed was a complete embarrassment of the United States Senate and a large victory for Hollywood as well as freedom of speech.

Presenter: Chris Yogerst

Tue, July 11, 12:30-1:45pm

Delivery type: In-person with Livestream

Location: Hefter & Zoom

$10, Program No. SUM:326

Understanding Credit Scores and Reports

This course will discuss why credit reports and scores matter, how to understand credit reports, how credit scores are calculated, getting free annual credit reports and disputing information on your report. Presenter: Blaine Gibson, CFP® , AWMA®

Tue, July 11, 2:15-3:30pm

Delivery type: In-person with Livestream Location: Hefter & Zoom

$10, Program No. SUM:328

Equitable Active Transportation in WI

Active Wisconsin is a network of communities that are building active transportation networks and providing public transit in their cities and towns. These efforts are crucial for advancing health, equity, and sustainability in the transportation system. The presentation will cover the importance of providing transportation options that support nondrivers and strategies for implementation at the local level, using examples from Active Wisconsin communities.

Presenter: Susan Gaeddert

Wed, July 12, 12:30-1:45pm

Delivery type: In-person with Livestream Location: Hefter & Zoom

$10, Program No. SUM:330

Green Burial Traditions

This talk will include a brief history of the events that led to the development of the Farley Center and Natural Path Sanctuary. The social and environmental justice components of the Farley Center and the integral linkage between the two organizations will be mentioned. The main focus will be on green burials in general, Natural Path Sanctuary specifically.. The methods, science, reasoning behind green burials will be discussed, along with Funeral homes and home funeral.

Presenter: Shedden Farley

Wed, July 12, 2:15-3:30pm

Delivery type: In-person with Livestream Location: Hefter & Zoom

$10, Program No. SUM:332

Sondheim & Me:

Author Talk

In 1994, Paul Salsini founded and was the editor of The Sondheim Review, a magazine devoted to the works of fabled Broadway composer/lyricist, Stephen Sondheim. In the 10 years the magazine was published, Paul exchanged notes, letters, faxes and phone calls with Sondheim, and his relationship with the artist is the basis for his 2022 book, Sondheim & Me: Revealing A Musical Genius. In this talk, Salsini will detail his unlikely long-distance relationship with Sondheim while also discussing many of his Broadway productions. Video clips will highlight the artist’s work.

Presenter: Paul Salsini

Thu, July 13, 10-11:15am

Delivery type: Online Location: Zoom

$10, Program No. SUM:334

Money Potholes

This course will discuss how to recognize the 10 most common money traps, determining wants versus needs, creating a financial plan, understanding the value of budgeting and accessing online money management tips and tools. Presenter: Blaine Gibson, CFP®, AWMA®

Tue, July 18, 2:15-3:30pm

Delivery type: In-person with Livestream Location: Hefter & Zoom

$10, Program No. SUM:336

Psychedelics as Drugs: Updates and Challenges

This presentation will provide an update on the results of recent clinical trials of psilocybin and of MDMA for the treatment of depression, substance use disorders, and PTSD. The complexity of the preparation and dosing persons with these drugs will provide insight into some of the challenges that will arise if and when these drugs are approved by the FDA in the coming years. The presentation will also describe activities and goals of the UW Madison Transdisciplinary Center for Research in Psychoactive Substances in developing translational research and training in this exciting new area of therapeutics. Presenter: Paul Hutson

Thu, July 20, 12:30-1:45pm

Delivery type: In-person with Livestream

Location: Hefter & Zoom

$10, Program No. SUM:338

The Study of Light and Scientific Thought

Thinking scientifically versus believing what we see. For thousands of years, humans looked at the sky and observed the motion of the sun, moon and stars. It was pretty clear from their perspective that the Earth was the center of the universe. So what changed? When and why did humans begin to question what they saw? This seminar will explore how we began to think scientifically. We will begin with a discussion of early astronomers’ work; how they began to look differently at our world and its place in the universe. We will then move to the study of light and how this seemingly simple thing, which is all around us, drives us deeper and deeper into no longer being able to believe what we see. We’ll discover how humans needed to change the way we think if we were going to be able to study the very large or the very small. Presenter: Adam Weber

Mon, July 24, 12:30-1:45pm

Delivery type: In-person with Livestream Location: Hefter & Zoom

$10, Program No. SUM:340

Wills, Trusts & Power of Attorney

This course will discuss intestacy (dying without a will), what trusts and wills do, types of trusts and wills, advanced health care directives and issues relating to Power of Attorney. Presenter: Blaine Gibson, CFP®, AWMA®

Tue, July 25, 2:15-3:30pm

Delivery type: In-person with Livestream Location: Hefter & Zoom

$10, Program No. SUM:342

Vaudeville’s Effect on American Entertainment

Before radio, movies, television and computers, Vaudeville (live staged variety acts) was the mainstream form of American entertainment. It greatly influenced these later modes, even today. Using film clips, photos, live demonstration and fun, see how it shaped our cultural history, laugh at the comedians, hum along to the classic popular songs, and learn how it produced such greats as Bob Hope, Fred Astaire, Judy Garland, and many others.

Presenter: Nancy Weiss McQuide

Thu, July 27, 7-8:30pm

Delivery type: In-person with Livestream Location: Hefter & Zoom

$10, Program No. SUM:348

Poetry Slam A La Osher

Book Banning

The practice of book banning, done as early as the 5th century CE, is alive and well across the world and the United States. This lecture will address the history of the practice of banning books, who did it and why, and the current state of the practice including who (people and organizations), what (specific books and topics), why, and how (in the courts and through government bodies). We’ll also talk about what is being done nationally and locally to counter the actions taken against access to books.

Presenter: Kathy Johnson

Thu, July 27, 12:30-1:45pm

Delivery type: In-person with Livestream Location: Hefter & Zoom

$10, Program No. SUM:346

How do I love Osher? Let me count the ways. Poetry, like Osher, is both good for your health and able to soothe your soul. Poems are more than words. They begin in delight and end in wisdom. In a few lines, poems can give rhythm to silence and light to darkness. This class will source Osher members as poets and presenters. Come hear your fellow Osher members share poems. Enjoy listening to poetry of others or volunteer to contribute something yourself. Topics can range from love, humor, drama, mystery, identify, nature, beauty, travel, Flannery O’Connor, celebration, dreams, recovery, death, disappointment, new life, coming of age and more. Poems will be limited to three to five minutes and must be family-friendly. If you have a favorite poem written by yourself or someone else that you would like to share, please contact Cheryl Randall at cherylrndll@gmail.com. Presenters: Cheryl Randall & Beth Waschow

Tue, Aug 1, 12:30-1:45pm

Delivery type: In-person with Livestream Location: Hefter & Zoom

$10, Program No. SUM:350

Unique Challenges of Baseball Event Planning

Drew Formentini worked for major league baseball and was responsible for planning and executing international baseball events. Formentini will share a behind-the-scenes look at this unique aspect of baseball and offer multiple anecdotes he experienced working with MLB teams and players. His experience will focus on Asia and Latin America highlighting the similarities and differences in working in different parts of the world.

Presenter: Drew Formentini

Thu, Aug 3, 10-11:15am

Delivery type: In-person with Livestream Location: Hefter & Zoom

$10, Program No. SUM:352

Ways to Love Your Brain

Your brain health awareness journey starts here! Learn about the key habits and protective measures under your control to promote healthy aging and maintain good cognitive health throughout life. Key presentation points include brain foods and nutrition, brain and body benefits of physical exercise and restorative sleep, appropriate stress management and social stimulation, and avoidance of toxins.

Presenter: Rolf Lolloff

Wed, Aug 9, 10-11:15am

Delivery type: In-person with Livestream Location: Hefter & Zoom

$10, Program No. SUM:354

The Magical World of Mustard

It’s what brings a corned beef sandwich to life – mustard! You may take this condiment for granted but Barry Levenson, founder and curator of the National Mustard Museum, will enhance your appreciation of the golden condiment with a surprising history of the sauce that goes back centuries. Wanna taste some unusual mustards? That’s part of the program.

Presenter: Barry Levenson

Tue, Aug 15, 12:30-1:45pm

Delivery type: In-person with Livestream Location: Hefter & Zoom

$10, Program No. SUM:356

Special Interest Groups

Join socially stimulating, peer-led study groups that meet on a regular basis.

Presenter biographies are located online at uwm.edu/sce/osher

Italian Reading and Conversation –Primary Level

This group is composed of Osher members who have completed basic introductory classes in Italian and/or demonstrate equivalent proficiency. The group focuses on listening, speaking, reading and writing in Italian, with an emphasis on building vocabulary, strengthening grammatical constructions, improving conversational skills and reading Italian literature. We share a common love of all things Italian –culture, history, art and food. All members of the group take turns developing lessons, providing readings and listening comprehension exercises, including homework. The class facilitator/leader responsibility rotates on a weekly basis. Contact: Theresa Bellone, tjbellone@ gmail.com.

11 Mon, June 5-Aug 21, 10-11:30am

Meets weekly on Mon No class July 3

Delivery type: In-person with Livestream Location: Hefter & Zoom

$20, Program No. SUM:500

Intermediate Spanish Conversation

This group is designed for Osher members who have an intermediate knowledge of Spanish and wish to improve their conversational and listening skills. The group focuses upon speaking, listening, and reading, with emphasis on building vocabulary, sharpening knowledge of everyday usage and idioms, and improving grammatical usage, through directed conversation, readings, and grammar exercises. All members of the group take turns on a weekly basis developing lessons, relying upon the books (designated below) of readings, grammar and vocabulary exercises, and internet resources. People registering for this group should have these books on the first day of class: – 101 Conversations in Intermediate Spanish: Short Natural Dialogues to Improve Your Spoken Spanish (Spanish Edition) by Olly Richards – is available for Kindle for $3.99 or in paperback for $14.99. – The Ultimate Spanish Review and Practice book available from Amazon for $20.00. It’s a good investment and will serve for many years to come as we continue this group. It’s a very helpful reference book. Questions may be directed to Harvey Kurtz at hkurtz@ ameritech.net.

13 Thu, June 1-Aug 24, 10:30am-Noon

Meets weekly on Thu No class July 6

Online only every 3rd Thu

Delivery type: In-person with Livestream Location: Hefter & Zoom

$20, Program No. SUM:502