OLLI Summer 2024 Catalog

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

SUMMER 2024 CATALOG

ONLINE EDITION

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

Summer 2024 Director’s Message

Greetings on behalf of the OLLI at WMU staff,

We are excited to share our catalog of OLLI at WMU summer offerings and h ope you are looking forward to joining us for another summer of engagement, exploration, and fun! Before you begin reviewing the lineup of courses, how about a game of word association? When you hear these words—beaches, sunscreen, ice cream, picnics, sunshine, taking a dip in the pool, what do you think of? Yes, you guessed it, summer!

Summer is almost here, and the beauty of this season includes warmer t emperatures, travel and outings, family gatherings, and spending time with friends. As you peruse the OLLI summer offerings, think about those you would like to have learning beside you, then kindly invite those friends or family members to join you in registering for one or more of our summer courses. Together, you can pursue knowledge building just for the sheer enjoyment and fun of lifelong learning. Partake in a course(s) together, and then follow up in fellowship afterward over a nice summer meal topped off with the perfect warmweather dessert, ice cream!

As you review the list of summer courses, please join me in thanking our Curriculum Committee volunteers for once again establishing a diverse and interesting catalog of offerings. We hope our courses will pique your curiosity, inspire you to bring a friend, and experience the beauty of the summer season with our lifelong learning community!

Enjoy

Toni Woolfork-Barnes Director

OLLI FROM THE MEMBERS

Well-prepared participants sharing their work to raise awareness of the indigenous people and their lives.

Land Acknowledgement with Leeanne Seaver and the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi

“”Instructor’s resources and are exemplary - she was very que stions and provided superb be useful especially for those at all familiar with this topic!

The Next Frontier of Combustion Giselle Rajabikhorasani

“Very interactive and instructor provided us useful information and f un visual challenges to our brains.

How Trustworthy are your Eyes? with Sam Strine

“

The speaker was very knowledgeable about the subject matter and very enthusiastic about it.

A Woman’s Place is Under the Dome with Valerie Marvin

and research into this topic very receptive to our superb handouts which will those of us who weren’t topic! It was FUN!

”

”

”

Western Michigan University Civility Statement

Western Michigan University is committed to creating and sustaining an environment that honors the inherent dignity and worth of all members of the WMU community. Respectful behavior expressed verbally, textually, visually, and physically should be the norm in all university communications and venues including classrooms, meetings, offices, workplaces, forums, events, social media and residential communities.

As an institution of higher education, we welcome a diverse range of perspectives and opinions and uphold the importance of civil debate. We fully support the free exchange of ideas and beliefs, as well as the expression of provocative or unpopular ideas. It is through this process that we generate knowledge and deepen our understanding of humanity.

Freedom of thought and expression may create conflict, strong emotions, and divergent ideological positions. While these effects are expected and welcomed, all members of the community have a responsibility to behave in a manner that does not harm others nor creates a hostile environment. Behavior that attacks, humiliates, belittles, or conveys hatred towards others diminishes our thriving and safe university environment.

Each member of our academic community is encouraged to be thoughtful and sensitive in their choice of words and behaviors. We should be aware of how our behavior affects others. Furthermore, we carry a responsibility to challenge those who communicate intolerance, hatred and bigotry. Words and actions matter. Everyone is asked to do their part in creating a healthy and positive university community and a culture that truly values each member’s uniqueness experiences, and perspectives.

Why Become an OLLI Member?

Intellectual discovery, personal growth, and social engagement are proven to enrich one’s quality of life, boost health, and contribute to one’s overall happiness. Those who are open to new experiences, actively involved in their communities, and cultivators of curiosity often lead more purposeful and productive lives.

From music to history or the arts to the sciences, the opportunities to expand your worldview and broaden your horizons are endless with OLLI at WMU!

OLLI Membership Fees

Memberships fees are $50 per year and are nontransferable. Our annual renewal date is July 1. Joining OLLI is simple – just head to our website at wmich.edu/olli. If you have questions about membership, call us at (269) 387-4157 or email wmu-olli@wmich.edu.

Keep us growing by becoming a member and by telling your friends about OLLI at WMU! The gift of an OLLI membership also makes an excellent present for friends, family, and colleagues.

Benefits of an OLLI Membership

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at WMU is membership-based and open to anyone 50+ with a passion for learning. There are no tests, no grading and no academic credit. Your annual membership fee helps defray costs not covered by our low course fees.

There are many benefits to an OLLI at WMU membership, including:

• 25% discount for most events at the Gilmore Theatre Complex

• 15% discount for most events at Miller Auditorium

• 10% discount for most items at the WMU Bookstore

• Enrollment fee waived at West Hills Athletic Club

• Access to Special Interest Groups which are member directed

• Member-only events and tours

Course Locations

College of Engineering & Applied Sciences

4601 Campus Dr Kalamazoo MI

College of Health and Human Services

Western Michigan University - East Campus

Fort St. Joseph Archaeology Project Field

1415 Bond St, Niles MI 49120

Goodwill Industries of Southwestern Michigan

420 E. Alcott Street, 49001

Kalamazoo Public Library, Central Branch

315 S Rose St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

KVCC

6767 W O Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49009

Milestone Senior Services

918 Jasper St, Kalamazoo, MI 49001

Parkview Hills Clubhouse

3707 Greenleaf Cir, Kalamazoo, MI 49008

Pine Creek Reservation, Community Center

1485 Mno-Bmadzewen Way, Fulton, MI 49052

Portage District Library

300 Library Ln, Portage, MI 49002

Portage StoryPoint Senior Living

3951 W. Milham Aveue, Portage, MI 49024

Zhang Portage Community Senior Center

203 E Centre Avenue, Portage, MI 49002

Understanding Refugees Class

General Information and Policies

About the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Western

The Bernard Osher Foundation, headquartered in San Francisco, was founded in 1977 by Bernard Osher, a respected businessman and community leader. The Foundation supports a lifelong learning network for mature adults through their Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes, which can be found on the campuses of 120 colleges and universities nationwide.

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Western Michigan University (OLLI at WMU) takes pride in providing intellectual and cultural stimulation, personal growth, and social engagement for adults 50+ in an informal, lively educational atmosphere. Over the last 10 years, over 1,000 members have participated in over 969 courses taught by 410+ volunteer instructors at nine different locations, in addition to over 60 events and 99 trips.

In addition, hundreds of volunteers have been an integral part of committees and leadership, helping to guide the success of OLLI at WMU. Courses and activities are developed by OLLI members with the support of the staff of WMUx. Members also volunteer as planners, instructors, committee members or advisory board members.

Scholarships

We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to learn. If you are unable to pay for courses, but want to experience what OLLI at WMU offers, why not take advantage of our robust Scholarship Fund?

An individual may apply for financial assistance to pay for one course per semester. The application is short and confidential. Please email us at wmu-olli@wmich.edu or call (269) 387-4157 for more information.

Trip Registration and Fees

Trips will be announced in the monthly newsletter and on our website. Dates and costs vary on a case-by-case basis. Day Trips are categorized as Easy, Moderate, or More Strenuous based on how active the adventure will be. OLLI has also partnered with Premier World Discovery to offer opportunities for family and friends to travel together on extended journeys around the globe. Visit wmich.edu/olli/trips to learn more.

Cancellations, Withdrawals, and Refunds

Cancellations: Instructors reserve the right to cancel a class and will notify course participants accordingly. The instructor will work with class members to arrange a make-up session. If you registered for a course and it is canceled, you may receive a refund or apply your course fee to another course if space is available.

If Western Michigan University classes are canceled for any reason, such as inclement weather, OLLI in-person classes are also canceled. It is the participant’s responsibility to consult the WMU website, OLLI website and/or local media regarding weather or other closures.

Withdrawals: You may withdraw from a course by contacting the OLLI office. Non-attendance or notifying solely the instructor is not an official cancellation.

Refunds: You will be eligible for a refund if you withdraw from a course at least two weeks before the first session. If you withdraw from a course less than two weeks before the first session, fees will not be refunded.

Parking Information

For in-person courses held on WMU’s campus, OLLI at WMU pays for your parking. Other course locations do not require permits. Parking permits are emailed or mailed by USPS (upon request) one to two weeks before the first session of your course.

Please let the office know if you already have a WMU permit or a disability parking placard/license plate, as you will not need a parking permit. If no handicapped parking spots are available when you arrive, you may park in any available space with a valid disability placard/license plate, including metered spots (except reserved parking).

Your Photo

When you participate in OLLI at WMU activities (courses, trips, events, etc.) your photograph may be taken and utilized to promote the Institute. Your photo may be used on the website, in our e-newsletter, in brochures, flyers, catalogs or elsewhere. If you do not want your photo to be used it is your responsibility to step out of pictures that are being taken.

Photovoice Class

Volunteers are the Heart of OLLI!

Are you eager to make a significant impact on your community? Do you want to utilize the skills you have developed over a lifetime or discover new ones? Would like to make new friends and social connections? If the answer is “yes” to any of the above, please consider volunteering with OLLI!

Teach a Course!

You do not have to be a current or past WMU instructor to teach a course! We welcome past and present instructors from public schools and colleges as well as members of the general community who are passionate about a topic and wish to share their knowledge with others. Got an idea for a topic? Contact us via email at wmu-olli@wmich.edu or visit wmich.edu/olli/become-instructor

Support OLLI at WMU

OLLI at WMU is a membership- and volunteer-driven organization. Even though instructors are unpaid volunteers, the Institute incurs other costs related to course offerings. Subsequently, membership and class fees do not cover all costs associated with operating the Institute. There are also people in the community who are committed to lifelong learning but cannot afford the cost of our courses.

Through WMU’s University Advancement and Alumni Relations Office, we accept donations to either our Operating Fund to support the day-to-day operations of OLLI at WMU, or our Scholarship Fund, which provides free or reduced course registration to individuals who are not able to otherwise participate otherwise.

Visit our website for more information about how you can support OLLI with a financial gift.

Connect with us on Facebook

Stay up to date by liking and following us on Facebook! Search for OLLI at WMU (@WMULifelongLearning) on your Facebook account. Our posts include thought-provoking articles, upcoming details for courses, trips, and events, as well as reviews and photos from programs that have already taken place. You can also use our page to connect with fellow OLLI members, post comments, and share interesting information!

Registration

Registration for the Summer semester opens Wednesday, May 15 at 10 a.m. Courses are offered both in-person and online; course descriptions will indicate delivery method.

Ways to Register Online

Call the OLLI office at (269) 387-4157

Visit room 1530 in Ellsworth Hall on Western’s main campus

Please note that there will be limited “phone-in registration” for the Summer 2024 semester. Registering online is the quickest way to secure your spot for the courses you want to take. If you need assistance doing so, email us at wmu-olli@wmich.edu or call (269) 387-4157. If you have a visual or auditory disability, please make the OLLI at WMU office aware and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

Trip Registration and Fees

Trips will be announced in the monthly newsletter and on our website. Dates and costs vary on a case-by-case basis. Day Trips are categorized as Easy, Moderate, or More Strenuous based on how active the adventure will be. OLLI has also partnered with Premier World Discovery to offer opportunities for family and friends to travel together on extended journeys around the globe. Visit wmich.edu/olli/trips to learn more.

Course Fees

Current fees are based on $10 per session for members and $20 for non-members. Other fees may apply.

If you register by mail, over the phone, or online you will receive registration confirmation and a receipt of payment via email. If you do not have an email address on file, you will receive your confirmation by postal mail upon request.

Good Times with

OLLI Fall 2023

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For virtual courses, online access links will be sent to you prior to your course start date

For on campus classes, parking passes will be emailed a week before your course start date, if needed

Understanding Anime: What Has Led Generations to Fall in Love With This Medium

Wayne L. Bond II

Thurs. 6/6, 4 to 5:30 p.m.

College of Health & Human Services, Room 1035

What was once an isolated fad beloved by quiet individuals, anime is now a global phenomenon. This course will serve as a thematic introduction to the art form of anime, how anime culture has grown within the United States, and how it is broadly viewed by millennials and Gen Zers. While this course is not meant to answer every question one may have, it presents the themes that have captivated multiple generations within the West, and you’ll walk away with a better understanding of why millions worldwide fell in love with the whimsical and wonderful world of anime.

Film: The Unimaginable Journey of Peter Ertel

Joe Cahn

Thurs. 6/13, 2 to 5 p.m.

Portage District Library

In the face of great evil, it is the courageous person who refuses to succumb, and Peter Ertel was one such man. Forced to serve in the German army despite his open contempt for the Nazis and his refusal to kill the enemy, Ertel would not only end up miraculously surviving World War II but would also be regarded as family by his Jewish employers. “The Unimaginable Journey of Peter Ertel” is a riveting, award-winning account of the life of a man who defied insurmountable odds in an unforgiving environment and later found peace in America. This twohour film combines archive footage—much of which has never been shown—with Ertel’s telling of a true story so bold, brave, and beautiful that it will restore your faith that humanity can survive even the darkest of days. A live Q&A via Zoom with the film’s director, Joseph Cahn, will follow.

A Trunk Show of Handmade Quilts

Lynne Hall

Tues. 6/25, 1 to 3 p.m.

College of Health & Human Services, Room 1035

A trunk show is a combination of displaying and presenting information about works of art. Several local quilters from the Log Cabin Quilters group are excited to share their beautiful handmade creations and the stories about each quilt they’ve made in this one-of-a-kind popup experience. Join us!

Taking Better Pictures with Your iPhone

Lynne Hall

Wed. 7/10, 7/17, 7/24, 1 to 3 p.m.

College of Health & Human Services, Room 1284

The iPhone is an amazing device that can do much more than make a call or send a text—the device’s camera is quite amazing and is consistently being upgraded. In this class, we will explore the many ways you can use the iPhone camera along with some simple composition rules to take beautiful, professional-looking pictures. Let’s explore together!

Culture & the Sciences

Wine 101

Charlie Olzewski

Tues. 6/4, 2 to 4 p.m.

Online via Webex

Calling all wine lovers—this course is for you! We’ll discuss the many types of wines and the differences between them, which glasses are best for each, ideal food pairings, and how long to aerate bottles. You’ll also learn all about wine tasting, including what to look for when choosing a wine (aroma, body, flavor, color), and how to put on your own wine-tasting party at home. This course was so popular, we just had to bring it back!

The Wild World of Prairies

Ellen Badger Hanson

Tues. and Thurs. 6/25 and 6/27, 9 to 11 a.m.

College of Engineering & Applied Sciences, 4601 Campus Dr Kalamazoo MI, Room D-201

This course will introduce the prairie ecosystem—covering both key players in prairies and the important services they provide. We'll start with what we see above ground, then do a deep dive into the hidden world below! You will also have the chance to put your newfound knowledge into action after learning how to start a mini prairie in your own backyard. The course will be a blend of indoor and outdoor activities, so come prepared to get out and experience the prairie firsthand! Please note: this is an expansion of the course that has been offered in previous years, covering some of the same material and some brand new. We recommend that you park in the west parking deck (P4). Once inside the building, take the elevator to the 2nd floor.

Health and Wellness

Learning to Play Pétanque: A French Team Game Similar to Bocce Ball

Stanley Sackett and Martha Beverly

Wed. 6/5, 10 a.m. to Noon KVCC, 6767 W O Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49009

Come ready to play because playing is the best way to learn this game! Pétanque and bocce are similar in that the goal is to be closer to the target than your opponent, scoring with as many of your team’s boules as possible. Pétanque doesn’t require a strong athlete to toss the baseball-sized boules, which are smaller, lighter, and made of steel. Played outside on a gravel terrain, teams of two or three players work together using six balls per team. You’ll learn the terms, rules, throwing techniques, and strategies hands-on during gameplay. Please plan to meet in the southwest parking lot near the tennis courts at KVCC.

Please Pass the Gratitude

Jennifer Clark

Tues. 6/ 11, 9 to 11 a.m.

College of Health & Human Services, Room 1035

Did you know that expressing gratitude is good for your emotional and physical health? After touching on the science of gratitude, we will explore the thoughts of several intriguing writers and poets to see what wisdom we can reap from their gratitude journey. Through their lives and words, we will reflect on the relationship between gratitude and growth, gratitude and joy in the face of difficulties, and other connections.

By diving into and embracing gratitude, you may discover impactful new ways to enrich your own life as well as the lives of those around you!

50 for the 20th Time Series

Lynn McFarlen

Session 1: Learn about Milestone Senior Services Tues. 6/18, 10 a.m. to Noon

Milestone Senior Services, 918 Jasper St, Kalamazoo MI 49001

Milestone Senior Services (MSS) is known for their Meals on Wheels program, but they provide many other services that you may not know about! For example, did you know they build accessibility ramps and interior safety modifications, such as grab bars, which help empower aging adults to stay in their homes? Milestone is hosting an ongoing series of classes that provide invaluable information about resources for older adults or those living with a disability. Lynn McFarlen, Outreach Partner with MSS, will provide you with a Best of Care Directory and information on all MSS programs. If you or someone you know could use a helping hand, reaching out to Milestone Senior Services is the best place to start!

Lisa Brink

Session 2: Learn about the Disability Network Tues. 7/23, 10 a.m. to Noon

Milestone Senior Services, 918 Jasper St, Kalamazoo MI 49001

The Disability Network Southwest Michigan (DNSM) is a coalition of individuals living with disabilities who are dedicated to advancing justice, access, and inclusion for the disability community. In the second session of this class, Lisa Brink, Options Counselor with the DNSM, will introduce you to some of the free programs and services that they offer to people with disabilities and their families in Southwest Michigan. We will also share information on the dos and don’ts of service animals and highlight the differences between service animals, emotional support animals, and therapy animals.

Brain Games

Norman Bober

Fri. 7/12, 10 a.m. to Noon

Portage Zhang Senior Center, Meeting Room 1B

We have creative brains, able to tap into a lifetime of experience and education that can be used to “think outside the box.” Games are an easy way to activate problem-solving strategies such as brainstorming ideas or a shift in perspective that may lead to grins, groans, giggles, and guffaws. For example, everyone knows the 50 States in the U.S., but can you name the twelve states that begin with the letter “N” in just two minutes? A playful, mind-stimulating experience will be had by all!

Kan Jam: A Game for All Ages

Paul Schonveld

Tues, 7/16. 9:30 to 11 a.m.

College of Health & Human Services, Room 1073

Kan Jam is an easy outdoor game perfect for the backyard, the beach, the park, or a tailgate! You do not need to be physically fit to play Kan Jam—if you can toss a frisbee approximately 35 feet with some accuracy, you should be successful in this game. Come out and have some fun with us! Be sure to dress for physical activity, bring some water, and don’t forget sun protection.

Communicating With People Who Drive You Crazy

Mary Jane Mapes

Mon. 7/22 & 7/29, 9 to 11 a.m.

College of Health & Human Services, Room 1087

Do you find yourself arguing with family members? Do they refuse to consider your point of view? Do they keep you up at night wondering, “How do I deal with this person?” If so, this course is for you! Discover eye-opening ways to turn around the most resistant, resentful, or belligerent person and get them to communicate with you instead of constantly arguing for their perspective. You’ll learn surefire ways to maintain control over your own mind and emotions, empowering you to respond instead of reacting. As we explore a new relationship vision, we’ll go over five powerful communication strategies that you can use to help win others over and facilitate opportunities for open and constructive conversations.

History

The Truth About Indian Boarding Schools

Robert Weir and Guest Panelists Thurs. 5/30, 1 to 4 p.m.

Pine Creek Reservation Community Center, 1485 Mno-Bmadzewen Way, Fulton MI 49052

Despite the shameful attempts by the U.S. federal government to eradicate Native American culture through nationwide institutions called “Indian boarding schools,” the history, practices, traditions, and memories of Native Americans remain very much alive. 523 of these schools operated from 1879 to 1983 in 37 states, including several right here in Michigan. One of the last to close was Holy Childhood of Jesus school in Harbor Springs; in this course, you’ll hear the life stories of four former students of Holy Childhood who, now in their 60s and 70s, will relate their truth about the boarding school’s hidden purpose—cultural genocide through the covert abuse of young children. Their emotionally powerful messages will be accompanied by sacred acts such as drumming, smudging, colorful survivor quilts, eagle healing staffs, and the presence of traditional healers. You’ll also learn about Native American traditions and current cultural practices, plus receive an invitation to attend the annual “Honoring, Healing, and Remembering” ceremonies at the site of the former Michigan Indian Industrial Boarding School in Mt. Pleasant on June 6. The panelists, and former students, include Elder Sharon Skutt of the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe (Mt. Pleasant). Elder Tom Biron of the Garden River First Nation, Ojibwe Band (Marquette). Paul Walker of the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe (Freedland), and Debra Delk of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi (Baroda).

Origins of Old Time String Band Music as a Window to American History

Howard Steiner and the Rinktum Ramblers Band

Wed. 6/5 and 6/12, 3 to 5 p.m.

College of Health & Human Services, Room 1035

Many traditional American tunes, often played for square dances and contra dances, are like windows that illuminate forgotten details or overlooked events of American and colonial history. In this course, a local acoustic string band will perform and describe the surprising history of songs that have their origin in the folk melodies of European settlers—and in events of the “Old Frontier” of Appalachia, the Minstrel era, the Mexican-American and Civil Wars, and in the early development of ragtime music. You’ll also learn about the early and key contributions of enslaved and free African Americans to folk and dance music that inspired new ideas and encouraged cultural interchange.

There is Power in the Union

Tom Dietz

Fri. 6/21 and 6/28, 9 to 11 a.m.

College of Health & Human Services, Room 1035

As the United States economy rapidly industrialized in the 19th century, American workers struggled to improve their working conditions and gain a fair share of the wealth they were generating. We’ll explore the efforts made by Americans in the 1800s as they fought for both safety on the job site and equitable compensation for their time through the creation of workers’ benefit societies, national labor organizations such as the Knights of Labor, and trade unions like those that formed the American Federation of Labor.

The History and the Literature: The Good

Lord Bird

Diane and Stan Henderson

Mon. 7/15, 2 to 4 p.m.

College of Health & Human Services, Room 1024

Looking at events and people in the run-up to the Civil War, we will trace the increasingly fractious divide between slave states and abolitionists using the novel “The Good Lord Bird” by James McBride as our launching point. We’ll examine the Compromise of 1850, the concept of Popular Sovereignty leading to the Kansas-Nebraska Act, the Lincoln-Douglas Debates of 1858, Lincoln’s Cooper Union speech, and the run-up to secession, as well as analyze John Brown’s attack at Harper’s Ferry. In the second hour, we will continue with a discussion of this historical novel through the lens of contemporary literature. Readers and history buffs welcome!

Participants should read “The Good Lord Bird” by James McBride before class.

Baseball: The Way the Game Used to Be Played

Randall Schau

Fri. 7/19, 10 a.m. to Noon

College of Health & Human Services, Room 1024

This class will focus on the evolution of baseball from 1920 to 1965 and the many ways the game was different then. You’ll learn about how the rules, strategies, field dimensions, and minor league systems formed. We’ll also dig into the economics of baseball, including trades, drafts, and salaries, as well as examine the history of many routines and habits long forgotten over the course of baseball’s evolution as “America’s Sport.”

Can You Dig It? Tour of the WMU Fort St. Joseph Archaeological Dig Site

John Geisler

Sat. 8/3, 10 a.m. to Noon

Fort St. Joseph Archaeology Project Field, 1415 Bond St, Niles MI 49120

An OLLI-exclusive tour of the Fort St. Joseph Archeological Dig Site will take place in Niles, MI, during their Annual Open House. Every summer, the staff of the Project and archeological students continue to expand the site and now are constructing buildings whose locations were on the “dig” site. The tour will be organized by Dr. John Geisler and conducted by the Principal Director of the WMU/Niles Archeological Project, Dr. Michael Nassaney, Professor Emeritus, WMU. The project’s beginnings took place in the late 1990s, and the Project began in earnest in 2002. The tour will be outdoors, so please dress appropriately.

Premier World Discovery

202 4 Trips

October 4 to 9, 2024

November 5 to 12,

Visit wmich.edu/olli/trips for additional details

Special Interest Groups

EDISON: The EDucation IS ON

-Resident Scholars

Group Dates TBD, 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Goodwill Industries of Southwestern Michigan, 420 E. Alcott Street, 49001

German Conversation

Gail Ledbetter

Fridays, ongoing, 10 a.m. to noon, location varies

Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

Highlight’s of Italy’s Amalfi Coast

2024

Pétanque, French outdoor game play sessions

Stanley Sackett & Martha Beverly

Mondays, weekly beginning May 6 10 a.m. to Noon

KVCC, 6767 W O Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49009

Readers Theatre Comes Alive

Dr. D. Terry Williams & Mary VanDerMass

Wednesdays, ongoing, 1 to 3 p.m.

Parkview Hills Clubhouse

OLLI at WMU is Proudly Sponsored By:

Meet the Instructors

Norman Bober

Norman Bober has worked with books in a university, in government, and in a local public school system. He has two master's degrees and an unending curiosity. In his spare time, Norman has embraced the many vicissitudes of country living. He was also a leading member of several Senior Odyssey of the Mind teams that were successful in State competitions for multiple years.

Wayne L. Bond II

Wayne Bond II brings experience working with people from all over the world. He currently serves as the Assistant Director for Campus Engagement at Western Michigan University, where he oversees everything from registered student organizations to programming for Bronco Bash. His responsibilities at WMU also include being an instructor for the School of Social Work, where he is proud to help develop future social workers. When he is not working or studying, Wayne can be found relaxing with a book or catching up on his favorite shows like “Game of Thrones” or “One Piece.” Wayne is a member of the millennial generation that helped introduce anime to the United States. When he is not reading, Wayne has taken to writing and directing online video essays depicting various themes and lessons within anime.

Lisa Brink

Lisa Brink has been employed at Disability Network Southwest Michigan for almost 14 years. As a Transition Navigator in the State of Michigan’s Nursing Facility Transition program, she has helped approximately 150 people move out of nursing facilities and back into the community. In 2021, she transitioned to the role of Options Counselor, where she teaches individuals about the many long-term resources and services available to them. Lisa became a certified ADA Coordinator in 2023 and conducts site surveys and assessments, helping organizations better understand how to foster accessibility and inclusion in their fields.

Joe Cahn

Joe Cahn has been producing, writing, and editing film and video productions for over 35 years. Before starting Victory Films in 2004, Joe was a producer with NFL Films, the film and television production company of the National Football League, where he wrote and edited highlight films and story pieces for shows on HBO and ESPN, as well as for home video.

Jennifer Clark

Jennifer Clark is the author of a children’s book and three full-length poetry collections. Her latest book, “Kissing the World Goodbye” (Unsolicited Press), ventures into the world of memoir, braiding family tales with recipes. Jennifer is a returning OLLI instructor who has facilitated a variety of presentations in diverse settings for over 30 years.

Thomas Dietz

Tom Dietz is the retired Curator of Local History at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum. He was a part-time instructor in American History at Wayne State University as well as at Western Michigan University and holds a master’s degree in American History from Wayne State University. Tom has taught numerous OLLI courses in both American and Kalamazoo History.

John Geisler

Dr. John Geisler has been a high school teacher and coach, a college admissions counselor, a director of a federal education program for disadvantaged youth, and a college professor at two Michigan universities—Central Michigan and Western Michigan University. He has presented several programs on roads and highways and served as a guide on one-day bus trips travelling those same roads. Dr. John has also taught numerous courses for OLLI, including a program on Forgotten Documents in American History.

Lynne Hall

Lynne Hall has taught a variety of classes for OLLI for several years. She is an occupational therapist with an MA in Audio Visual Media and she has been a member of the Log Cabin Quilt Guild since 1984. Lynne enjoys sharing her knowledge (as well as her quilts!) and encouraging others to learn and grow.

Ellen Badger Hanson

Ellen Badger Hanson is a PhD candidate studying microbial ecology at WMU, where she explores the way plants, soil, and microbes interact. Ellen has spent the better part of her science life working in prairies—from the tallgrass prairies of Iowa as an undergraduate, to professional work in the shortgrass-steppe of Wyoming and Colorado, and now back to tallgrass here in Michigan.

Stan & Diane Henderson

Stan and Diane Henderson are avid readers—Stan reads history, Diane fiction. In other lives, they would have been history and English professors. Now they team up to share their passions with us! Pre-retirement, Stan was Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management and Student Life at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, and Diane an educational program planner/consultant. Both are failing retirement!

Mary Jane Mapes

For over 35 years, Mary Jane Mapes, BS, MA, has helped thousands of people from some of the country’s largest corporations melt walls of isolation, build winning teams, develop courageous authenticity, and get promoted to the highest levels. She has worked with leaders at every level, teaching them how to build positive and productive relationships—the bedrock of leadership. Mary Jane is the author of two best-selling books, “You CAN Teach a P.I.G. to Sing - Create Great Relationships with Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime,” and her latest book, “The Unstoppables - Success Strategies from 12 Top Women Leaders to Supercharge Your Career.” She has taught, practiced, and honed the strategies that work both in the marketplace and at home.

Lynn McFarlen

Lynn McFarlen is a returning OLLI instructor who has a passion for getting information into the hands of the people who need it. A former high school teacher for twenty years, she spent twelve years in the funeral industry but is now the Outreach Partner for Milestone Senior Services. Lynn likes to spend her time helping our community learn about all of the things Milestone does to keep aging people in their homes.

Charlie Olszewski

Charlie Olszewski is a member of the American Wine Society, “America’s largest community of wine explorers. As a part of the Cleveland chapter, he spent fourteen years learning about wine and tasting from winemakers and certified wine judges. Charlie went on to lead wine-tasting events for the Southwest Michigan Newcomers group for twelve years, conducting five or six tastings a year, all while learning more about the wonderful world of wine.

Stanley Sackett

Stanley Sackett has gained years of experience as a teacher during his working years training new employees. In the past six years, he has enjoyed playing the game of pétanque

with clubs in Georgia and Florida, also competing in several tournaments, once winning a prize as a finalist. Stanley is enthusiastic and passionate about the game of pétanque and its growing presence in the U.S. He is a returning OLLI instructor who has continued playing pétanque with his previous OLLI students, excited to see them become better players.

Randall Schau

Randy, a returning OLLI instructor and long-time fan of baseball, has taught courses about a number of topics, including Prohibition, Birds, Hit TV shows, How the States Got Their Borders, the Wright Brothers, and the Beatles.

Paul Schonveld

Paul Schonveld taught Physical Education in the Portage school system for 15 years, followed by 19 years as a counselor at Portage Central High School. Paul has previously served as an OLLI instructor, teaching the game of Pickleball.

Howard Steiner

Howard Steiner plays clawhammer banjo in the downstroke style of the African musicians who introduced the banjo to the New World and has been fascinated by both the instrument’s history and that of old string band tunes, and he enjoys exploring how this style of music has evolved over the years. He and the other members of the Rinktum Ramblers Band—Sarah Tyriver and Lee Talmadge on fiddles, Mary McCartney on bass, and Steve Seevers on guitar and vocals—delight in keeping this traditional music alive by playing the old tunes together in jam sessions, as well as for the live music at contra dances and square dances held in the Michiana region.

Robert Weir

Robert Weir is an accomplished writer, journalist, speaker, classroom facilitator, and a frequent contributor of articles about people to Encore Magazine. In June 2023, he attended a ceremonial event called ”Honoring, Healing, and Remembering” at a former Indian boarding school in Mt. Pleasant. While the personal accounts spoken there were of social injustice and human atrocities, the over-arching message was resilience, forgiveness, and hope, which inspired Robert to create an OLLI course hosting a panel of Native American survivors and their descendants who will relate their stories of their boarding school experiences and share their living heritage today.

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