Gulf Park Courses

Fun and Horrors of Busting Coast Myths
Free and Open to the Public
Friday, January 24, 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Gulf Park, Hardy Hall, Ballroom
Guest Speaker, Kat Bergeron

Busting popular Coast myths is both fun and revealing; it is what makes the Coast tick as a community. In a long writing career, Kat Bergeron has tackled the deadly Richelieu hurricane party, the Biloxi Lighthouse painted black for Abe Lincoln, the Teddy Bear's Mississippi birth, a surprising sidebar to Jayne Mansfield's death – and so much more. Kat Bergeron is a semi-retired journalist who writes “Mississippi Coast Chronicles” for the Sun Herald about history. She has been a feature writer and reporter forty-five years and taught local folklore in Road Scholar programs.

The following Health and Fitness courses are available.

Tai Chi Chih - $20

Tuesdays/Thursdays, January 7 - 30

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Gulf Park, Fleming Education Center, Reception

Five-Week Class led by Susie Pham

This class will teach traditional physical meditative practice. It is designed to build strength, improve health and flexibility, reduce stress and increase energy flow. It is for newcomers to learn and for existing Tai Chi followers to enhance their skills.

Yoga for Seniors - $20
Wednesdays, January 8 - 29
1:30 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Gulf Park, Fleming Education Center, Reception
Class led by Buck Lawrence

This class will teach gentle yoga that will help build and maintain flexibility, stamina and range of motion in our bodies.

Tai Chi Chih for the Beginner - $25 Each Term
Term I: Tuesdays & Thursdays, February 11-March 12
Term II: Tuesdays & Thursdays, March 24 - April 23
8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Gulf Park, Fleming Education Center, Reception
Exercise Class led by Susie Pham

This class will teach traditional physical meditative practice. It is designed to build strength, improve health and flexibility, reduce stress and increase energy flow. It is for newcomers to learn and for existing Tai Chi followers to enhance their skills.

Intermediate Tai Chi Chih - $25 Each Term
Term I: Tuesdays & Thursdays, Feb. 11-Mar. 12
Term II:Tuesdays & Thursdays,Mar. 24-Apr. 23
9:45 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Gulf Park, Fleming Education Center, Reception
Exercise Class led by Susie Pham

This class will teach traditional physical meditative practice. It is designed to build strength, improve health and flexibility, reduce stress, and increase energy flow. This class is for those who have previously taken Tai Chi for the Beginner.

Making Sense of Nutrition - $25
Tuesdays, Feb. 11 & 18, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Gulf Park, Lloyd Hall
Two-Part Seminar led by Holly Kapusinski

This seminar will explore food awareness practices, current dietary food plans, fresh food versus packaged food, and how to make sense of healthy eating for improved health and wellness.

Yoga for Seniors - $25 Each Term
Term I: Wednesdays, February 12 - March 11
Term II: Wednesdays, March 25 - April 22
1:30 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Gulf Park, Fleming Education Center, Reception
Exercise Class led by Buck Lawrence

This class will teach gentle yoga that will help build and maintain flexibility, stamina and range of motion in our bodies.

Heart Healthy Grocery Shopping - $10
Wednesday, February 12
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Gulf Park, Lloyd Hall
Seminar led by April Sins

With so many label claims and food trends around us, Dietitian April will break it down with a step by step method to help us eat right. She will explain what to look for in produce, meat, dairy, snacks, and frozen items. April will also be demonstrating how to make a homemade heart-healthy salad dressing.

Intentional Spaces with Feng Shui - $10
Thursday, February 13
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Gulf Park, Lloyd Hall
Seminar led by Dr. Victoria Hippard

Each of us is intuitively living in the home uniquely meant for us at this time in our lives. There is no "bad" space, only the opportunity to adjust, "cure" or raise the level of chi (energy). Have fun learning basic Feng Shui principles for your home and office. Get energized as you meet your intuitive powers through special individual exercises!

Vibrational Self-Healing - $15
Friday, February 14 & 21
1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Gulf Park, Lloyd Hall
Two-Part Seminar led by Mary Frost

In this course, we will look at concepts of healing vs. curing, explore universal methods of traditional healing and discover ways to assess and access our body, mind and spirit wisdom. We will use simple methods and tools to unblock and raise your frequency: such as color, sound, energy healing, intention, affirmation, biofeedback, body-scan.

Brain Health: Staying Sharp as You Age - $10
Wednesday, February 19
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Gulf Park, Lloyd Hall
Seminar led by Rachael Holden

This course will discuss the anatomy of the brain and age related brain changes: what is a normal part of aging, and what is not a normal part of aging. The course will reveal tips to help keep the brain sharp and things to be avoided for our brain health.

The Medicare Program - $10
Friday, February 28, 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Gulf Park, Lloyd Hall
Seminar led by Georgina Aguilar

The first half of this seminar will discuss the Original Medicare versus the Senior Advantage Plan. The second half will discuss the Medicare Appeal Process.

Disease and Nutrition: How They Link - $10
Wednesday, April 15
8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Gulf Park, Lloyd Hall
Seminar led by Dr. Stanford Owen

This course offers simple insights regarding treating disease with nutrition strategies: specifically how diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, depression and cancer are linked to nutrition by way of common cytokines.

The following Humanities courses are available.

Folklore Enhances our Mississippi Coast Character - $10
Friday, January 31,10:00 a.m. - 12: 00 p.m.
Gulf Park, Lloyd Hall
Seminar led by Kat Bergeron

Spaniard's beard in our oak trees? Crucifix fish lying on our beaches? Pirate treasures galore? Why is the possum's tail hairless? Was our James Copeland as bad as Jesse James? Did the Isle of Caprice disappear because of sinful gambling? Journalist and story-teller Kat Bergeron delves into these and other Coast legends.

The Old Testament in Catholic Tradition - $25
Mondays, February 10 - March 9
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Gulf Park, Lloyd Hall
Five-Week Class led by David Gauthier

St. Augustine wrote that, "The New Testament lies hidden in the Old, and the Old Testament is unveiled in the New." This course will shed light on what the Catechism of the Catholic Church refers to as the “unity of the divine plan in the two Testaments", and how that unity is expressed in Catholic teaching and liturgy.

Ancient Cultures - $25 Each Part
Part I: Mondays, Feb. 10-Mar. 9, 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.

Part II:Mondays,Mar. 23-Apr. 20,11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Gulf Park, Lloyd Hall
Five-Week Class led by Rev. Jon Caridad

Part I: This is not your grandfather's history course! This is a survey of early history from the Prehistoric times to 500 B.C. This course includes the early civilization, Sumer, Egypt, Babylonia, and the legacy of the Near East. Part II: Come learn about human history from the first days of the Ancient Greek Empire through the successes and failures of Ancient Rome.

Eastern Europe Experience: A Cultural Jewel-$25
Tuesdays, February 11 - March 10
1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Gulf Park, Lloyd Hall
Five-Week Class led by Patti Golden

The course will begin with a primer about the region, its geography, people, and politics. It will include a discussion of the religions and unique identities of each country, especially that of the painted monasteries in Romania and competing religions of the Adriatic region and Serbia. Then it will turn to travel experiences and suggestions.

Japanese History and Culture - $10
Friday, February 21, 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Gulf Park, Lloyd Hall
Seminar led by Savanna Jones

In this class we will study the history of Japan and explore different aspects of the culture and language. We will also compare the Japanese culture to other Asian countries such as Korea and China.

Old Outlaws and Young Guns - $15
Wednesdays, February 26 & March 4
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Gulf Park, Lloyd Hall
Two-Part Seminar led by Rebecca Orfila

An overview of Mississippi outlaws: the Harpes, Harry Sawyer, the Copeland Gang, plus others. We will examine the outlaw culture and crime history in our state.

Akashic Records - $10
Thursday, March 5, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Gulf Park, Lloyd Hall
Seminar led by Connie Rainey

Ever wonder how Nostradamus, Edgar Cayce, and many other psychics were able to see the future? They were able to tap into the Akashic Records. The Akashic Records are a compendium of all human events, thoughts, words, emotions, and intent ever to have occurred in the past, present, or future.

Beyond Borders - $10
Tuesday, March 24, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Gulf Park, Lloyd Hall
Seminar led by Diane Edrington

This lecture will inform students about the immigration issues affecting not only the USA but Central America, about the thousands of immigrants coming into South America, and their journey through harsh jungle environments. It will discuss life within a refugee camp, and control flow program of immigrants.

Conservative Judaism in the Modern World - $25
Wednesdays, March 25 - April 22
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Gulf Park, Lloyd Hall
Five-Week Class led by Rev. Jon Caridad

The Hasidic Jewish community is an old and highly traditional approach to an historic faith. By using a novel or two written by Chaim Potok, we will examine and interpret conservative Judaism and its place in the modern world. "The Chosen" and "The Promise" by Chaim Potok are books one can read to accompany the course.

Health Conditions in Nazi Prison and Labor Camps - $5
Tuesday, March 31, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Gulf Park, Lloyd Hall
One-Hour Seminar led by Jamie Stanfield

This seminar will discuss life inside the camps. Pictures, personal testimonies and general overviews will show how those detained managed to live, what health and living conditions were like, and how people used minimal resources to sustain not only their person, but those imprisoned with them.

Taoism - $10
Tuesday, March 31, 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Gulf Park, Lloyd Hall
Seminar led by Betty Kirksey

This course provides an overview of the Tao Te Ching and the variety of ways that we can incorporate its teachings into daily life. Is Taoism a religion, a philosophy, or a simple guide to living with the seasons?

The Mississippi Flood of 1927 - How It Changed America - $10
Monday, April 6, 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Gulf Park, Lloyd Hall
Seminar led by Dave Reed

The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 is arguably the worst natural disaster to affect the United States. In addition to inundating all of the lower Mississippi Valley and causing massive destruction, the flood was a catalyst for significant changes in the United States.

Matter of Honor:Duels on the Mississippi Coast- $15
Tuesdays, April 7 & 14, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Gulf Park, Lloyd Hall
Two-Part Seminar led by Rebecca Orfila

Since the late 1700s, honor duels have occurred along the Mississippi Gulf Coast from Hancock County eastward to the Alabama line. This seminar will include stories of local duels, causes and effects, and the laws which ended duels in Mississippi.

Hunter - Gatherers - $10
Thursday, April 16, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Gulf Park, Lloyd Hall
Seminar led by Dr. Victoria Hippard

Hunter-Gatherers have populated the earth for hundreds of thousands of years; for 90% of human history. Of what importance is this prehistoric worldview as we negotiate the highly technical third millennium? We will look at the traditions of the Inuit,Native Americans,Bushmen,and Aborigines as well as "green consciousness" and prehistoric art.

The following Language and Literature courses are available.

Audiology, Deaf Culture and Awareness - $10
Friday, March 6
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Gulf Park, Lloyd Hall
Seminar led by Savanna Jones

Students will learn about the different types and causes of hearing loss and become immersed in American Sign Language and the local Deaf culture in the surrounding Gulf Coast communities.

The Life and Legacy of Eudora Welty - $25
Thursdays, March 26 - April 23
1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Gulf Park, Lloyd Hall
Five-Week Class led by Richard Kalnins

An exploration of Miss Welty's legacy clearly reveals she was more than just "a nice lady who wrote those adorable stories." This class will explore Welty's rightful place as an original and important voice in 20th Century fiction.

The following Personal Enrichment courses are available.

Getting Your Affairs in Order - $10
Thursday, February 13, 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Gulf Park, Lloyd Hall
Seminar led by Iona Ramsey

This course is to give information about the death and dying process. We will also discuss which resources are available and how to determine what is beneficial.

Social Security Strategy - $5
Wednesday, February 19, 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Gulf Park, Lloyd Hall
One-Hour Seminar led by Justin Jones

In this seminar, we will discuss strategies and considerations to help maximize Social Security benefits. Since social security is complicated in nature and everyone's situation is unique, it is important to understand how certain decisions can impact your financial future.

Tax Free Retirement - $5
Tuesday, March 10, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Gulf Park, Lloyd Hall
One-Hour Seminar led by Jackie Calhoun

Come learn how to invest in your future with tax free supplemental retirement.

Growing Plants from Cuttings - $10
Wednesday, March 11, 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Gulf Park, Lloyd Hall
Seminar led by Dr. Christian Stephenson

This course will discuss methods of growing plants including types of cuttings, when to take them, and how to get the most success when propagating plants.

Macaroon Cooking Class - $35
Friday, March 13
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Off-Site: The Mary C. O'Keefe Cultural Arts Center, 1600 Government Street, Ocean Springs, MS
Seminar led by Kimme Hargrove

Enjoy a hands-on experience learning how to make one of the most popular cookies worldwide: the macaroon. This delicate, almond-based cookie is crisp on the outside and chewy on the inside. Take your creations home to enjoy!

Bee-utiful, Bee-friendly Gardens - $10
Tuesday, March 24, 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Gulf Park, Lloyd Hall
Seminar led by Dr. LaRue Stephens

Honey bees and other pollinators have a vital role in world food production. Flowerless landscapes and other factors have led to a serious loss in pollinator numbers. What can we do to reverse the loss of pollinator habitat? Creating bee-utiful, bee-friendly gardens is a first step and can help restore lost habitat.

What Happens When Paychecks Stop? - $5
Wednesday, March 25, 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Gulf Park, Lloyd Hall
One-Hour Seminar led by Justin Jones

Part one of this seminar will focus on the fundamentals of investing, and part two will address key issues that need to be considered once reaching retirement.

OLLI Luncheons

Dutch treat with great conversation and fellowship.

Feel free to bring a friend!

Salute - Friday, Feb. 14, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Aroma - Thursday, Apr. 9, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

White Cap - Thursday, Apr. 23, 11:00a.m.-12:00 p.m.

The following Science and Technology courses are available.

Endangered Species Management of the Longleaf Pine Ecosystem - $10
Friday, March 27, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Off-Site: 23332 Success Rd, Saucier, MS
Seminar led by Ed Moody

Come learn about the active red-cockaded woodpecker cluster, the longleaf pine ecosystem and all of its inhabitants such as the gopher tortoise, black pine snake, and dusky gopher frog.

Birding Southern Mississippi: A Beginners Guide - $10
Monday, March 30
1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Gulf Park, Lloyd Hall
Seminar led by Dave Reed

Over 400 species of birds either live in or migrate through the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Come learn how to get started in the enjoyable pastime of bird watching. Topics will include birding locations in the area, equipment needs, and tips to identify some of the more common birds in the area.

Emergency Preparedness - $10
Friday, April 3
8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Gulf Park, Lloyd Hall
Seminar led by Matt Stratton

This course will provide information on the hazards and vulnerabilities of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, effective ways to prepare for and mitigate against them, and basic principles for household emergency response and recovery.

Child Asset Builder for Grandparents - $5
Monday, April 13
1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Gulf Park, Lloyd Hall
One-Hour Seminar led by Kim Casano-Ware

Come learn how to invest in your grandchildren's future.

Care and Maintenance of Flowering Plants in South Mississippi - $10
Tuesday, April 21, 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Off-Site: Pine Hills Nursery, 7446 Cuevas Road, Pass Christian, Ms.
Seminar led by Polly Cuevas

We will be discussing plants that are good to use in zone 9 during the heat of summer and how to care for and maintain these plants.

Birds and Boats: Touring the Pascagoula River - $35
Friday, April 24 (Back Up Date: May 1)
11:00 a.m. - 12:10 p.m.
Off-Site: Pascagoula River Audubon Center, 5107 Arthur St, Moss Point, MS
Seminar led by Captain Benny McCoy

Join Captain Benny McCoy for a unique boat tour of the Pascagoula River. Learn about birds, plants, wildlife, and the people of the river. This is a wonderful way to explore the longest free-flowing river in the lower forty-eight states. The tour begins and ends at the Pascagoula River Audubon Center.

Arctic and Polar Expeditions – Then and Now - $5
Thursday, February 27, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Gulf Park, Lloyd Hall
One-Hour Seminar led by Rolf Logan

Join Rolf Logan as he shares a modern history of Exploration in the Arctic and Polar Regions. Learn about early polar expeditions which have evolved into modern day.

Oyster Gardening in Mississippi - $10
Tuesday, March 3
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Gulf Park, Lloyd Hall
Seminar led by Rayne Palmer

Come learn how the MS Oyster Gardening Program brings the reef to the people. This program aids in education and restoration of Oyster Reefs. The reefs are important for our local ecosystem for a variety of reasons. They act as a habitat for 300+ species, help stabilize the shoreline and improve water quality.

Self-Hypnosis - $10
Monday, March 30
8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Gulf Park, Lloyd Hall
Seminar led by Dr. Joseph Tramontana

Hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness in which the conscious and subconscious mind is focused and receptive to therapeutic suggestions. Participants will learn self-hypnotic techniques.

Psychotherapy Meets Popular Advice
Columnists - $10
Tuesday, April 21, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Gulf Park, Lloyd Hall
Seminar led by Dr. Raymond Swan

This course is a spin-off from the ever popular advice found in daily newspapers. Students will be expected to bring newspaper advice columns depicting widespread problems of living. Psychotherapeutic strategies will be interwoven into the discussion. Students will be encouraged to apply these discussions to their own problems of living.

Tarpon - $10
Thursday, March 5
1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Gulf Park, Lloyd Hall
Seminar led by Jill Hendon

Jill Hendon will discuss the history of tarpon in the MS Sound as well as current research efforts about this popular game fish.

The following Travel opportunities are available.

Yellowstone and Beyond - $10
Monday, March 23
1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Gulf Park, Lloyd Hall
Seminar led by Leonard Martin

Join us as Leonard shares his experiences traveling the United States and Canada. He will also speak about his previous job when working at Yellow- stone for the Older and Bolder group.

The following Special Events are available.

Wine Tasting - Dutch Treat ($25 Paid to Restaurant)
Thursday, March 26
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Off-Site: District on the Alley, 1310 27th Ave, Gulfport, MS
Seminar led by Jenny Gates

Come enjoy a glass of wine and some light appetizers in a gorgeous bistro setting!

An Energy Medicine Symposium Highlighting Integrative Holistic Health Care
Free and Open to the Public
Monday, April 20, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Gulf Park, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Classroom 200
Moderator, Mary J. Frost

Come hear a panel of practitioners and educators who share a passion for the health care that nourishes body, mind and spirit for you, your family and pets. Topics Include: Asian Approaches for Body Mind Health, Natural Plant Medicine, Integrative and Holistic Therapies with Practical Applications, and Powerful Effects of a Plant-Based Diet. This is presented by OLLI and the College of Nursing and Health Professions at USM Gulf Park. Guest Speakers: Laureli Latimer, LMT, BA, MPS, MAOM; Lynda Baker, BS, MS; Mary J. Frost, RN, BSN, MS, CHt. CHTP, CHTI, HNB-BC, Ret.; Tyler Cambre.

Sports Reporting at a Shuckers Baseball Game - $15
Date and Time TBD
Off-Site:MGM Park, 105 Caillavet St, Biloxi, MS
Seminar led by Jeffrey Haeger

Ever wondered what a sportscaster does in their pre-game coverage of a professional baseball game? Jeff Haeger will provide a rundown of his activities before a Shucker's game. After Jeff's presentation, attendees will enjoy a Shucker's game at MGM park.

The following Field Trips are available.

A Glimpse of Life in the 1800s French Quarter - Cost TBD
Friday, April 17
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Bus will leave from the Gulf Park campus.
Field Trip led by Holly Hebert

Join us in for an in-depth look into the daily life of the families and enslaved workers who lived at the Gallier and Hermann-Grima historic houses. We will have lunch at Antoine's (Dutch Treat) between house tours.

San Antonio Trip with Tony Rhodes – TBD
Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.
Leave from Gulf Park Campus
Trip led by Tony Rhodes

This trip will include staying in a historical hotel located next to the Alamo and is only a block from the famous San Antonio River Walk. We will visit the Alamo, the Spanish governor’s mansion, and several missions in the San Antonio area including the Goliad Mission. Mr. Rhodes will provide historical background and perspective on the Alamo and missions.

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