Gulf Park Courses
Get out of the house while you're at home--ZOOM with OLLI! As a result of COVID-19
concerns and out of caution, we will continue to use ZOOM for the spring semester.
ZOOM is a user-friendly program, and instructions on downloading it are available
in the short, simple video available in this link: ZOOM with OLLI! If you need assistance or practice in ZOOM, feel free to call us.
Course lists are available in the Gulf Park Courses and Hattiesburg Courses pages
of this website. Icons for each are in the left-side menu, and no matter which city
you're in, you may enroll in classes listed for either campus. ZOOM provides us an
opportunity to participate in courses with peers from both campuses and most anywhere,
no driving required.
Ready to Register?
Call 601.264.2780 in Hattiesburg or 228.214.3277 in Long Beach if you have questions about joining or registering.
Course or Field Trip Suggestions
SPRING 2021
All OLLI courses are currently available in ZOOM format only.
Term II Information
Registration for Term II classes is underway now!
The course list is below, and classes begin Monday, March 22.
Term II Courses
ARTS
Five Conversations on Women in Art - $25
Mondays, March 22 - April 19
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Five-Week Class led by Donna Anderson
Join a group of a dozen people in Zoom conversations about women in art. We will use
Visual Thinking Strategies to look closely at a small selection of artwork focused
on these themes: Heaven and Earth; Projections of Power; Symbols and Signs; Turning
Inward; and Mystical Portraits. No knowledge of art is necessary--this will be a highly
interactive Zoom conversation based on your own observations and perspectives. Donna Anderson is the director of OLLI at the University of Southern Maine in Portland. She worked
in the museum field for over 30 years, in exhibition planning/interpretation and collections
management. She has a Master of Museum Studies from the University of Toronto and
taught undergraduate museum studies at Hartwick College in NY.
Let’s Play the Ukulele! - $25
Mondays, March 22 - April 19
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Five-Week Class led by Gina Aguilar
OLLI members will learn to understand the ukulele as a musical instrument, learn to
read ukulele chords, and play while reading the chords. Gina Aguilar is retired and is volunteering her time at OLLI. She learned to play the ukulele
on her own and plays the ukulele as a hobby.
Beginner to Intermediate Drawing - $25
Thursdays, March 25 - April 22
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Five-Week Class led by Marty Broadus Turnbo
This is a drawing class for those who would like to practice drawing objects, shapes
and shading techniques. You will learn about perspective, how to enlarge and much
more. Let's draw! Supply List: #2 pencil, mechanical pencil (optional), eraser, colored
pencils, Sharpie with two tips (fine and medium), small drawing pad, 10-12 sheets
copy paper. Marty Broadus Turnbo is a retired art and drama teacher and is a secretary for the South MS Art Association.
In 2011, she assisted her daughter, Lola, in starting the local Painting with a Twist
studio.
Senior Readers Intro to Acting & Theatre - $15
Tuesday, March 30 and Thursday, April 1
9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Two-Part Seminar led by Sherri Marengo
Acting on stage isn't just for the young folks, it's also for the young at heart!
Senior Readers Acting is a wonderful creative way to get on stage and be someone else
for a while. In this seminar we learn acting WITH a script in hand, using improv skills,
props like hats and the fun of being OVERLY dramatic. Sherri Marengo, veteran actress and director for community theater in the Pine Belt, is bringing
"Senior Readers Theatre" to the older crowd. Learn the craft, the techniques and have
all the fun with a script in hand!
Acrylics - $25
Thursdays, April 29 - May 27
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Five-Week Class led by Marty Broadus Turnbo
This class focuses on learning the techniques and skills needed to create acrylic
paintings. Participants will learn how to paint different compositions and to have
fun! Supply List: surface for paint (watercolor paper, cardboard, mat board, wooden
board, etc.), acrylic paints (a variety of colors), acrylic brushes (three sizes),
design to paint, transfer paper, pencil. Marty Broadus Turnbo is a retired art and drama teacher and is a secretary for the South MS Art Association.
History of Steel Pan Music - $10
Thursday, April 29
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Seminar led by Dr. John Wooton
In this seminar, Dr. Wooton will share a brief history of the steel pan, explain the
different voices, perform and answer questions. Dr. John Wooton is a full professor of percussion in the School of Music at The University of Southern
Mississippi.
Welcome to Leah’s Lampwork Studio! – $5
Tuesday, May 18
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
One-Hour Mini-Seminar led by Leah Holmes
Join us for a virtual tour of Leah Holmes's glass bead-making workshop and process!
Called "lampworking," glass bead creation involves (carefully) hand-firing rods of
glass into a molten state, then using heat, gravity, and special tools to achieve
intricate patterns and designs. Participants will tour her studio space and view a
live demonstration of her lampworking process. A hot glass artist of 16 years, Leah Holmes has sold her beads and finished jewelry privately and in several Gulf Coast boutiques.
HEALTH AND FITNESS
Tai Chi for Health/Fall Prevention - $25 Each Term
Term II, Session 1: Mondays, Wednesdays, March 22 - April 21
Term II, Session 2: Mondays, Wednesdays, April 26 - May 26
9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Five-Week Class led by Susan Nodurft
This is a beginning Tai Chi course for those with or without previous experience and
is designed to prevent falls and improve balance, health and well-being. This specific
program was developed by health and Tai Chi professionals to be safe, easy to learn,
and has proven effective by medical studies. Susan Nodurft is a retired biology teacher. After retirement she began the study and practice of
Qigong/Tai Chi. She is certified as a Tai Chi Easy "Practice Leader" by the Institute
of Integral Qigong Tai Chi.
Chairobics - $25 Each Term
Term II, Session 1: Mondays, Wednesdays, March 22 - April 22
Term II, Session 2: Mondays, Wednesdays, April 27 - May 27
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Five-Week Class led by Valerie Webber
Chairobics combines fun and fitness while moving to music. This class is designed
to increase muscle strength and range of movement as well as improve cardiovascular
health. Small hand weights and elastic bands are used for toning. A chair is used
for seated exercises and standing support. No on-the-floor exercises. Valerie Webber is a Southern Miss graduate with a BSBA and MBA as well as a Life Member of the Alumni
Association. She has worked in the accounting/finance industry and in information
technology.
Yoga Flow - $25 Each Session
Term II, Session 1: Mondays, Wednesdays, March 22 - April 21
Term II, Session 2: Mondays, Wednesdays, April 26 - May 26
2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Five-Week Class led by Ashley Stewart
All levels welcomed for this easy-designed Yoga class. This class consists of a series
of sun salutations and standing poses followed by a cool down stand with seated poses
and supine poses. Don’t know the poses? Don’t worry! This is an easygoing, low-key,
slow-paced, no sweat and mostly stretching class but, Ashley also suggests more intermediate
poses and stretches for those more advanced in Yoga. If you are uncomfortable getting
up and down from the floor, you may use a chair. Ashley Stewart has a passion for health and fitness. Her purpose is to inspire others to better
themselves mentally, physically, and spiritually.
Take 5! The Benefits of Stress Reduction on Cognitive Performance – $15
Wednesdays, March 24 and 31
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Two-Part Seminar led by Dr. Mark Huff
This seminar explores the relationship between de-stressing techniques such as mindfulness
meditation, nature experiences, naps/siestas, and other relaxation therapies on cognitive
abilities such as attention and memory. A survey of various techniques will be provided
with a particular focus on how these techniques might be applied in later adulthood
to improve cognitive functions. Dr. Mark Huff is Assistant Professor of Psychology at USM. His research is within the domain of
human memory with particular interest in memory errors and various methods to improve
memory accuracy. Dr. Huff’s research takes a life-span approach with emphasis on memory
and attention changes that happen in later adulthood.
Now, What? Tips for Seniors and Caregivers – $10
Wednesday, March 24
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Seminar led by Susan Jenkins
Many of us are facing our own aging and that of our parents. The internet and media
are vast oceans of knowledge, but our capacity to discern the useful from the mind-boggling
may diminish over time. Our concept of addressing the realities of aging may consist
of "crossing that bridge when we come to it." Together we will address finance/insurance,
care giving, residential living options, independence vs. neglect, and more. Susan Jenkins is a Licensed Master Social Worker who began home health social work after retiring
from the MS Department of Mental Health. She increases her knowledge base of resources
for our senior adults daily and is being schooled continuously on pitfalls that can
make those latter years less than golden.
Everybody Can Social Dance – $10
Monday, March 29
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Seminar led by Dr. Michael Forster
The perspective shared in this seminar is that everybody both can and should dance--ideally
with a partner, but alone if need be. Dance is associated with a growing range of
holistic health benefits - physical, psychological, social, even spiritual. This seminar
will emphasize local opportunities for older people to learn and practice dance, including
via video available through OLLI during the COVID pandemic. Dr. Michael Forster is a USM professor of social work, Director of the School's Center on Aging and an
amateur ballroom dancer.
Actions and Attitudes Make A Difference – $10
Tuesdays, April 13 and April 20
9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Two-Part Mini-Seminar led by Dr. Susan Bone
Join Susan and embrace the wonderful life of caregiving for someone who has been diagnosed
with dementia in this two-part series. Session One, "Our Actions Can Change Our Story";
Session Two, "Our Attitudes Can Change Our Story." Dr. Susan Bone currently works with the Area Agency on Aging, offering caregiver support and education
to people who are caregiving someone with dementia. She has worked in long-term care
for the past six years and, prior to that, served as Fitness and Wellness Director
at The Payne Center.
Basic Medicare Concepts – $5
Wednesday, April 28
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
One-Hour Mini-Seminar led by David Manasco
Come learn basic Medicare concepts from David Manasco, who counsels Medicare beneficiaries in the southern 15 counties in Mississippi.
He studied Insurance Risk Management and Financial Planning at Mississippi State University.
Integrative Medicine Symposium – $5
Thursday, May 27
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
One-Hour Mini-Seminar led by Laureli Latimer
This course will explain Chinese Medicine, what is classified as Chinese medical techniques,
how these techniques help support Western medicine, and how we can use some of these
techniques to support our immune systems. Laureli Latimer, LMT, BA, MPS, MAOM, is a long-time licensed massage therapist and teacher. She
has a master’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine and is in private practice at
“Center of Natural Therapies.”
Modern Medicine: An Herbalist's Perspective – $5
Tuesday, May 11
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
One-Hour Mini-Seminar led by Lynda Baker
Learn from someone with 25+ years of experience as a chemist/herbalist. Lynda will
compare our modern system of medicine with traditional herbalism and examine how the
systems can, do, and have worked together to enhance positive health care outcomes.
She will share stories from her personal experiences as an herbalist and some current
evidence-based science about herbs and their actions. Lynda Baker has been studying plants in their medicinal, culinary, foraging, nutritive, and ethnobotanical
contexts for over 25 years. She holds a BS (geology) and MS (environmental geochemistry)
and worked as a professional chemist for eight years. She has spent most of her time
as an herbalist teaching and formulating remedies.
A Father's Perspective on Addiction – $5
Wednesday, May 12
9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
One-Hour Mini-Seminar led by James Moore
In this mini-seminar, James will tell the story of his son Jeffrey's struggle with
opioid addiction and the life lessons learned through his struggle. James Moore has owned Moore's Bicycle Shop for 36 years. He served as official Alderman for the
city of Petal from 2005-2009. He is a past elementary music teacher with a degree
in music from USM. He is the father of Jeffrey Moore, who died from a heroin overdose
in 2015. James is a recovery advocate.
What is Energy Medicine, and What Can It Do for You – $10
Tuesday, May 18
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Seminar led by Mary Frost
Mary will be your guide to the extraordinary benefits and opportunities of accessing
this wide range of therapies that can be used from wellness care to integrating with
current treatments for existing conditions. We will do some interactive exercises
and explore a multitude of possibilities. Mary J. Frost, RN, BSN, MS, CHt. CHTP, CHTI, HNB-BC, Ret. was one of the first board certified
holistic nurses in the country. For 30 years she has been a practitioner and instructor
of many holistic healing arts and sciences and has an independent practice in the
greater New Orleans area, Gulf Coast, and teaches internationally.
The Power of Plant-Based Nutrition – $5
Tuesday, May 25
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Seminar led by Tyler Cambre
Tyler will discuss the genuine power of plant-based nutrition and explain how many
of the common diseases that plague America, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease,
and different forms of cancer, can be prevented and even reversed through a whole-food,
plant-based diet. Tyler Cambre is the founder of Next Day Nutrition, providing 100% plant-based meals to the Gulf
Coast. For more than three years he has extensively researched plant-based nutrition
and is committed to helping others experience its life-changing benefits.
HUMANITIES
Conservatives and Liberals; Not Conservatives vs. Liberals - $25
Tuesdays, March 23 - May 11
11:45 a.m. - 1:45 a.m.
Eight-Week Class led by Mike Berkowitz
Our country is divided. There are two camps, each with its own valid framework for
viewing what's best for the country. Our purpose is to better understand others, not
persuade them. We'll do this by sharing perspectives, not debating them. To do this,
we need a dozen conservatives from OLLI/University of Southern Mississippi and a dozen
liberals from OLLI/University of Southern Maine. Let’s learn to listen and listen
to learn. Mini lectures from psychology and politics will frame discussions of parenting,
political parties, government, schools, media, religion, capitalism, socialism, taxes,
SCOTUS, etc. Mike Berkowitz received a BA from Brown University and an MA from the University of Massachusetts.
He has taught in daycare centers, elementary schools and colleges before finding his
niche at OLLI. He sees Psychology as a fertile arena for examining human interactions,
exploring personal growth and critiquing society. He currently resides in Portland,
Maine.
Shamans: A Multicultural Overview - $10
Friday, March 26
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Seminar led by Dr. Victoria Hippard
The term Shaman comes from the Tungus people in Siberia and is used to denote a person
who has the power to cross over into the spirit world, often in another form. Shamans
are knowledgeable members of their communities and supervise sacred ceremonies, Vision
Quests as well as spiritual and emotional healings. This overview will include the
traditions of the Inuit, Bushmen, some Native American tribes and others. Dr. Victoria Hippard MSW, LCSW lives in Bay St Louis. She maintains a small private practice in psychotherapy
in New Orleans and balances a little bit of work with lots of art projects. She received
facilitator training in SoulCollage® in 2011.
The Real Pirates of the Mississippi and Louisiana Coasts – $15
Wednesdays, March 31 and April 7
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Two-Part Seminar led by Dr. Chris Wiggins
Did all pirates on the Gulf Coast wear an eye patch and have a peg leg? Or were some
well-to-do citizens and agents of France or the United States. We will explore this
with plenty of visual-based slides and commentary. Dr. Chris Wiggins is an orthopedic surgeon. He has an abiding interest in local history. He is a board
member of the Jackson County Historical Society and has published several local history
books.
Electoral College: Love It or Leave It - $5
Tuesday, April 6
9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
One-Hour Mini-Seminar led by Peg Ciraldo
Join OLLI for a seminar on the history of the Electoral College and detailed explanation
of the pros and cons of such an election process. Margaret “Peg” Ciraldo is a retired attorney who practiced for 25 years in family law and as guardian ad
litem. She is currently the president of the League of Women Voters Pine Belt.
Deportation 101: How the Immigration Court System Works - $5
Friday, April 16
9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
One-Hour Mini-Seminar led by Amelia McGowan
With discussions of immigration and deportation filling the news, this seminar will
cover how deportation works: who can be deported, how the deportation process works,
and what are the rights that people have who are facing deportation. Amelia McGowan is an immigration attorney who studied history and Spanish at USM.
Only Hope: My Mother and the Holocaust Brought to Light - $10
Thursday, April 22
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Seminar led by Prof. Irv Lubliner
Before she passed away in 1974, Felicia Bornstein Lubliner wrote about her internment
in Polish ghettos and two Nazi concentration camps, Auschwitz and Gross-Rosen. Her
powerful stories have been published by her son, who will share excerpts from Only Hope: A Survivor’s Stories of the Holocaust, shedding light on her experiences and indomitable spirit, as well as his experience
as a child of Holocaust survivors. Irv Lubliner teaches classes for OLLI at Southern Oregon University and serves on its Council
of Directors. With a specialty in math education, he taught for 40 years and led seminars
for teachers in 39 states. In 2019, he created Felabra Press and published the book
that will serve as the theme for this presentation.
Revisiting the Lindbergh Kidnapping - Hoax of the Century - $10
Tuesday, April 27
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Seminar led by Hon. Lise Pearlman
This seminar will be an exposé of "the crime of the century" as a cruel hoax-- evidence
that the jury that condemned Bruno Richard Hauptmann to death for kidnapping and killing
Charles Lindbergh, Jr. never saw. Learn of proof that multiple State's witnesses committed
perjury plus "Suspect No. 1," whom the police should have suspected instead, and who
aided in the cover up. Lise Pearlman is a retired judge, prize-winning author and frequent speaker on famous trials of
the 20th century. Her "myth-smashing" new book, The Lindbergh Kidnapping: Suspect No. 1, The Man Who Got Away, is a must-read for true crime fans.
Presidents and Their Religions - $25
Fridays, April 30 - May 21
2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Four-Week Class led by Dr. Greg Ferro
Most presidents firmly believed in a supreme being, and many invoked the blessings
of heaven in public. However, the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia agreed
that if they were to save both church and state, separation was absolutely mandatory.
Join us as we try to bring light and not heat to this interesting topic. Dr. Greg Ferro is a retired history teacher who lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and now operates
his own business. He travels throughout the mid-Atlantic states teaching American
history courses at retirement communities and resorts at Chautauqua in New York and
Wildacres in North Carolina. He earned his doctorate at Pennsylvania State University.
Angels in Scripture - $15
Wednesdays, May 5 and 12
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Two-Part Seminar led by David Gauthier
All the world's great religions recognize the existence of these spiritual creatures,
but who are they? We will examine what the Bible tells us about this Heavenly Assembly
and their role in Salvation History. Dave Gauthier enjoys talking about scripture, his church and his faith. He retired from a long
shipyard career and now is Coordinator for Religious Education Programs at St. Thomas
the Apostle Parish in Long Beach.
Great Lakes Lighthouses: From Presque Isle to the Edmund Fitzgerald - $10
Thursday, May 13
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Seminar led by Jim Dryden
This seminar will include discussion and illustration of the dramatic history and
grandeur of the lighthouses of the Great Lakes and the life and struggles of the courageous
lighthouse keepers. Jim Dryden worked for the US Bureau of Land Management for 31 years as an archaeologist and
geologist. He holds dual degrees in geology and environmental studies. His research
focus has been studies of fish, wildlife and endangered species.
The Process of Redistricting in Mississippi - $10
Thursday, May 20
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Seminar led by Dr. Catherine Perry Cotton
This course will discuss the brief history of redistricting in the United States,
reason for redistricting in Mississippi and other US states, general process and timeline
of redistricting in Mississippi and who is in charge of redistricting in Mississippi,
current redistricting plan in place and the needs of the new plan, and the pitfalls
of redistricting. Dr. Catherine Perry Cotten has served for 40 years in public and private education. She has held teaching and
administrative positions at the elementary through the university that include academic
and research positions. In Texas she led a nationally recognize distributive education
initiative for in-service teachers.
LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE
Writing for Fun - $25
Wednesday, March 24 - April 21
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Five-Week Class led by Evelyn Timidaiski
Have you ever read a book and said, "I could do better than this"? Wished you could
change the ending of a novel? These and many questions will be answered while getting
feedback from the instructor and the group. This is not a grammar course. Discussion
during the course allows adults to tell a story their way in a caring environment.
Evelyn Timidaiski is a retired Biology/Science teacher. Writing has been a dream, but she waited until
her kids were grown before putting words on the page. She is a three times published
author with two more books on the editor's desk.
More Than a List of Books: The Library Catalog - $10
Thursday, April 22
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Seminar led by Sean Farrell
The library catalog is much more than a list of books. Special functions can be selected
to really narrow down the focus of searching, and special features even offer information
on books and authors you love--along with suggestions for new authors and titles.
Sean Farrell is the Director of the Library of Hattiesburg, Petal and Forrest County.
The de Grummond Primer - $10
Fridays, April 23 and 30
9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Two-Part Mini-Seminar led by Ellen Ruffin and Dr. Eric Tribunella
The de Grummond Primer will be published in spring 2021 and gives a history of the
Collection and its founder, Dr. Lena Y. de Grummond. Ellen Ruffin will lecture on
an overview of the book and the essays, presented by the various scholars and including
scholarly essays describing the unique aspects of the Collection. Ellen Ruffin has served as the curator of the de Grummond Children’s Literature Collection for
the last 15 years. Her passion is discovering unusual artifacts in the Collection
and sharing them with an interested audience. Dr. Eric Tribunella is a professor of English and the Executive Associate Dean for the College of Arts
and Sciences. He is the author of Melancholia and Maturation: The Use of Trauma in American Children's Literature and the co-author of Reading Children's Literature: A Critical Introduction.
PERSONAL ENRICHMENT
Herb Serendipity: Unexpected Pleasures of Growing Herbs in Your Garden - $10
Tuesday, March 23
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Seminar led by Linda Franzo
This session will focus on how to grow and group your herbs in culinary theme containers
or a garden bed. Learn to harvest herbs and to explore the many ways to use herbs
every day. Learn to make your own herbal teas, herbal sugars, preserving herbs in
oil, vinegar, or pesto. Use your herbs in aromatherapy. Put Herbal Pizazz in your
gardens! Linda Franzo is a traveling cooking instructor, with Culinary Herb gardens. She is the president
of the New Orleans Herb Society and is an advanced Master Gardener. She was featured
in Southern Living magazine in July 2004. She currently teaches cooking classes at The Kitchen Table
in Hattiesburg.
Great Plant Selections for Season Long Color - $10
Thursday, March 25
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Seminar led by Polly Cuevas
Come find out what annuals and perennials will give you the most bang for your buck!
You will also learn which varieties last the longest this season in your garden and
future gardens. Polly Cuevas has been the manager at Pine Hills Nursery from its beginning in 1986.
Shopping Baskets on a Budget - $5
Thursday, April 15
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
One-Hour Mini-Seminar led by April Sins
Have you ever wondered how to shop healthy at the grocery store? Learn tips from Rouses
Dietitian April on how to get the most out of your shopping trip. We will also talk
about affordable meals and inspiring recipe ideas. April Sins has a master's degree in healthcare management and is the Registered Dietitian for
Rouses Markets.
Honeybees and Me! An Introduction to Hobby Beekeeping - $10
Wednesday, May 19
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Seminar led by Dr. LaRue Stephens
This seminar will provide an overview of backyard hobby beekeeping for personal enrichment,
garden pollination and fresh honey. Dr. LaRue Stephens has kept honeybees since 1984. As a hobbyist beekeeper, he manages 25-30
colonies, enjoys rescuing honeybees from structures and removes swarms for people.
He received additional training and certification as a beekeeper through the University
of Georgia at the Young Harris Beekeeping Institute.
Tree Health and Maintenance - $10
Thursday, May 20
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Seminar led by Tim Ray
During this seminar you will learn how to recognize symptoms of decline in trees,
identify possible causes of decline, and how to properly care for your trees for long-term
growth. Tim Ray is an Agriculture/Horticulture Agent with Mississippi State University Extension in
Harrison County. Having almost 25 years of horticulture experience, he spent almost
15 years working in lawn, landscape, orchard, and tree farm management in private
industry before joining Extension.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Malware and Social Engineering - $25
Mondays, March 22 - April 19
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Five-Week Class led by Dr. Ralph Bisland
This course will explain various types of computer malware such as viruses, worms,
Trojan horses, spyware and adware. Various types of system backup strategies, email
spam, strategies for reducing and eliminating spam will be presented. Encrypted electronic
online transactions and digital signatures will also be investigated as well as phishing.
Dr. Ralph Bisland retired from university teaching after 37 years as Professor of Computing Science
with specialty in software engineering, database management and the internet. He has
been an OLLI instructor since 2007, teaching mainly computer-related courses.
Silent Toxins, EMF - $10
Tuesday, March 23
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Five-Week Class led by Holly Kapusinski
Have you ever considered some of your medical conditions could be made worse by dirty
electricity? What is dirty electricity and what is EMF? We will explore these topics
and offer some helpful advice to address them in this seminar. Holly Kapusinski has been a nurse for over thirty years and has a passion for holistic integrative
health. She is a board-certified integrative nurse coach with specialization in nutrition,
nonviolent communication, and stress management.
The Revolutionary Act of Self-Care: Putting You First - $10
Tuesdays, March 30 - April 6
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Two-Part Mini-Seminar led by Dr. Stephanie Jett
Many people tend to put others first and work to meet their needs before they take
care of their own needs. Self-care is, in turn, seen as selfish. But, conversely,
it is a vital component to mental health and is based on the premise that we cannot
care for others properly if we are not first taking care of ourselves. In this seminar,
we will discuss the revolutionary act of self-care and its importance to well-being.
Dr. Stephanie Jett is Assistant Professor of Psychology at Georgia College & State University. She graduated
from the University of Southern Mississippi with her PhD in Experimental Psychology.
Her research focuses on animal behavior/cognition and coping and resilience after
trauma in veterans and other populations.
Ethology: Overview & Practical Applications for the Modern World - $10
Tuesday, May 4
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Seminar led by Dr. Mystera Samuelson
As the title suggests, this seminar will present a broad overview of animal behavior
research including behavioral ecology, comparative behavior and cognition, and comparative
communication research. We will discuss the practical applications of such research
and how the resultant data can improve healthcare, conservation efforts, and other
critical topics that might otherwise seem unrelated. Dr. Mystera Samuelson specializes in ethology and has experience with a wide variety of species. She currently
is the Director of the Animal Behavior Core at the University of Nebraska Medical
Center in Omaha, Nebraska.
Chasing the Wind: Hurricane Forecasting for the Atlantic Basin - $10
Tuesday, April 13
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Seminar led by Bill Read
The continued rapid development along the southeast and Gulf coasts have led to increasingly
complicated preparations and response to the hurricane threat. This seminar will give
an overview of the history of hurricane forecasting, major technology changes that
have led to improvements in forecasting, and a look at what future changes in forecasting
hurricanes can be expected. Bill Read is a former Director of the National Hurricane Center. He retired after 40 years
of public service, including five as an officer in the US Navy and 35 with the National
Weather Service, and has BS and MS degrees in meteorology from Texas A&M.
Wild and Wacky Adventures in Bird Study - $15
Wednesdays, April 14 and 21
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Two-Part Mini-Seminar led by Dr. Mark Woodrey
This two-part seminar will focus on interesting approaches that are used to study
birds. We will use hilarious anecdotes to highlight various methods used to study
and conserve the birdlife of the Gulf of Mexico region. Topics discussed will range
from bird banding and the crazy methods used to capture them to use of satellite technology
to understand birds’ movements in and around the Gulf of Mexico. Dr. Mark Woodrey is Research Professor at the Mississippi State University Coastal Research and Extension
Center in Biloxi, MS. He has studied birds and been involved in bird conservation
for 30+ years. The over-arching goal of his research program is to conserve the birdlife
and their habitats along the Gulf of Mexico.
Mainframes in the Modern World (Including Quantum Computing, It’s Next) - $10
Tuesday, April 20
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Seminar led by Dusty Rivers
Mainframe computers have been around for over 50 years, but they are still relevant
in current climates (distributed computing, mobile applications, cloud, etc.). We
will discuss all of these architectures plus a bit of history and use cases. Also,
with the latest computer (the quantum processor) this will start to accelerate. Dusty Rivers has been an icon in the IBM Z community for decades. He's the Director of Z systems
at GT Software, a respected technical authority on the platform (IMS, z/OS), an in-demand
global speaker, and a Program Manager for IMGT at SHARE. Now he can add one more title
to his resumé: Lifetime IBM Champion for Z Systems.
Google Software - $25
Mondays, April 26 - May 24
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Five-Week Class led by Dr. Ralph Bisland
Google software is a package that runs on any platform, operating system (macOS, Windows,
Chrome, iOS, Android, etc.) and any hardware (Computers: Macintosh, PC, Chromebook,
etc.), tablets or smart phones. It is a complete package that consists of Google Docs
(a word processor), Google Sheets (a spreadsheet), Google Forms (charts and graphs),
Google Slides (presentation software), Google Drawings (draw figures), Google Sites
(develop a website). This class will cover the how-to. Dr. Ralph Bisland retired from university teaching after 37 years as Professor of Computing Science
with specialty in software engineering, database management and the internet. He has
been an OLLI instructor since 2007, teaching mainly computer-related courses.
Computer Security and Safety - $15
Wednesdays, April 28 and May 5
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Two-Part Seminar led by Jeremy Graves
This seminar will cover computer use in relation to online and email usage. It will
provide tips and tricks to be used to ensure safety and protection online. Topics:
Phishing, Ransomware, Two-Factor Authentication, Online and Electronic Purchase Safety,
Personal Protection from Identity Theft. Jeremy Graves is an instructor in the School of Computing at the University of Southern Mississippi.
He has taught networking and security courses for two decades in the state of Mississippi.
In addition, he has provided security services to businesses through his corporation
for sixteen years.
Geology of Yellowstone National Park: Ready to Explode? - $10
Thursday, May 6
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Seminar led by Jim Dryden
Join us to review the geology and history of the Yellowstone National Park (including
if recent seismic activities are a precursor of future catastrophe). We will discuss
issues and controversies of the expanded Yellowstone Regional Ecosystem. Jim Dryden worked for the US Bureau of Land Management for 31 years as an archaeologist and
geologist. He holds dual degrees in geology and environmental studies. His research
focus has been studies of fish, wildlife and endangered species.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Take a Virtual Tour of the Spam® Museum - No Charge
Friday, March 26
10:00 a.m.
Back in 1937, Hormel was looking for a name for its new canned pork shoulder product.
One story goes that the name came from actor Kenneth Daigneau, who attended a drinking
party where Hormel put up a $100 prize for whoever could come up with the best name.
Whether or not this is true, SPAM®, short for spiced ham, was born that year – some
say just in time – as the new canned meat turned out to be just as critical in winning
World War II as the landing crafts known as Higgins Boats or the famous Willy’s Jeeps.
An army travels on its stomach. During each week of the war, Hormel delivered 15 million
cans of SPAM® to Allied armies around the world. Hormel’s wartime marketing slogan
for SPAM® was a “miracle in a can.” Few Americans returned from the war claiming
to have developed a taste for SPAM®. Join OLLI for a virtual tour of the SPAM® Museum,
located in Austin, Minnesota. Learn about the history (and mystery) of SPAM® and see
it for yourself with our very own “SPAM®bassador”!
TRIVIA SOCIALS
Join OLLI member Betty Dettre on the following Fridays at 1:00 p.m. for a fun game
of trivia! The link will be sent out by email from OLLIEngage@usm.edu.
Friday, April 9 at 1:00 p.m.
Friday, April 23 at 1:00 p.m.
Friday, April 30 at 1:00 p.m.
Friday, May 14, at 1:00 p.m.
Friday, May 28, at 1:00 p.m.
SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS (SIGs)
(No fee and all are exclusive to OLLI members)
Due to virus concerns and the increased risk associated with in-person classes, the
SIGs listed below are meeting via ZOOM at this time. Please register online for these
SIGs and contact either office with questions. 228.214.3277 (Gulf Park) or 601.264.2780
(Hattiesburg)
OLLI GP Book Club — Meets 3rd Friday at 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. via ZOOM.
Life Story Writing and Poetry SIG — 3rd Friday at 10:30 a.m. via ZOOM
Mississippi Books and Authors — 4th Friday at 11:00 a.m. via ZOOM
OLLI HB Book Club — 2nd Friday at 10:00 a.m. via ZOOM
Photography — 1st and 3rd Fridays at 2:30 p.m. via ZOOM
Ukulele SIG — 2nd and 4th Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. via ZOOM