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Spring 2023 Courses

ARTS—HATTIESBURG

Make Drop Earrings Using Wire Wrapping Techniques | $15                            
Tuesday, January 31 | In-Person 
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Seminar led by Jill Douglas
In this 2-hour seminar, students will learn how to weave copper wire, add seed bead embellishment and create a set of unique and eye-catching drop earrings. Tools will be provided. Supply fee included in course fee. Jill Douglas is a self-taught beadwork artist who has been beading and selling her work for over 20 years, beginning with traditional stringing, moving on to wire wrapping and now geometric beadwork. In March 2022, she was accepted into the Mississippi Craftsmen’s Guild.
 
Not Wholly Holy: Music Inspired by Religion | $25                                             
Tuesdays, January 31 – March 7 (Will not meet February 21) | In-Person 
2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. | Five-Week Class led by Dr. Ed Hafer

Religion has inspired some of the world's great art and music. Our class will consider instances in which music was used to enhance worship and other cases where religious music was used as a point of departure to achieve results that strayed far from a composer's original intention. Dr. Ed Hafer holds a BA in music history and literature from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and the MM and PhD in historical musicology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He teaches music history at USM.

Vincent's Novel | $25                                                                       
Mondays, February 6 – March 6 | In-Person and Zoom 
9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. | Five-Week Class led by Jan Laurens Siesling
Maybe the best-known name in art history, both to experts and the general public, Vincent van Gogh is an inexhaustible subject of conversation, fantasy and also research. It is not easy to separate the wheat from the chaff. Our approach of the painter and his work will be biographical, since we don't want to ignore all we know from the letters Vincent wrote to his brother, Theo. We will highlight an often-neglected aspect of his life: that he was an enthusiastic reader of books. During his life he must have spent as many hours with his novels, especially English and French, as he spent on his canvases. Maybe through his readings we can understand his painting better and certainly his personal trajectory from birth to a tragic end. Jan Siesling, alumnus of the Free University, Amsterdam, NL, is a retired university professor and former director of the Museum of Art at USM. Vincent van Gogh and aspects of his art were the subject of his master’s thesis. Jan worked in the Vincent van Gogh Museum before it was opened and organized the first show in the museum of one of Van Gogh's friends. Jan later wrote a novel on the painter.
  
Sock Knitting (For Cold Feet) | $45    
Tuesdays, February 7 – March 7 | In-Person 
2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. | Five-Week Class led by Teresa Odom
In this class, you will learn how to knit a warm pair of socks using knitting "secrets."  By the end of the class, you will be comfortable with the pattern and able to complete your Christmas list—with socks! Help is available at any time. Knitting kit cost included in course fee. Teresa Odom is a long-time knitter and previous yarn store owner for seven years, where she sold knitting and crochet materials as well as held knitting classes. She graduated from USM and has lived in several states following her military husband. Both 

are now retired. She spends most days knitting and helping others with their knitting problems as well as making hats, gloves and scarves for the homeless.

Colorful Crocheted Block Market Bag | $15
Wednesdays, February 8 and 15 | In-Person 
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Two-Part Seminar led by Sherry Dryden
Crochet a bright, contemporary-but-classic market bag - great for trips to the farmer's market, the beach, library or the grocery store. Supply List: 3 skeins Lily Sugar-n-Cream (solid or multi-colored) cotton yarn, 5.00 mm (H) crochet hook. Beginners are welcome. Sherry Dryden is a retired loan officer and supervisor from a credit union in Maryland. She has been a crafter since a young age. She was taught to crochet and embroidery by her mother and grandmother.  
 
Acrylics | $25
Thursdays, February 9 - March 9 | In-Person
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Five-Week Class led by Marty Turnbo

Acrylics are fun! They are fast-drying, easy-mixing and if you mess up, just let it dry and paint over it! (Yay!) 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 and pencil. Marty Turnbo is a retired art and drama teacher from Oak Grove and is a longtime member of the South Mississippi Art Association.

Americana Music: An Overview | $10
Monday, February 20 | In-Person and Zoom
9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. | Seminar led by Paul Davis

The history of Americana music mixes folk, rock, blues, bluegrass and country in deeply eclectic form that brings artist and audience together with a familiarity that feels like family. Socially conscious and rooted in love, it grows with every concert, festival and living room show. Paul Davis is a retired attorney and amateur musician who has relocated to South Mississippi so he will never have to use a snow shovel again.

Busy Beads | $20      
Mondays, February 27 and March 6 | In-Person 
9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. | Two-Part Seminar led by Penny Kochtitzky

Join Penny to learn the art of turning paper, such as advertisements and comic strips, into beads to use to make bracelets for gifting. Supply List: Scissors, Elmer's White Glue (Extra Strong Formula) and a few brightly-colored advertisements. Penny Kochtitzky is a past president of OLLI, former educator who studied at USM.

Mohawk Steel and Glass | $65                                             
Wednesday, March 15 | Meet-Up 
9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. | Seminar led by Jeremy Thomley
Meet at Mohawk Steel and Glass, 50 Hegwood Road, Hattiesburg.

Glassblowing experiences with Jeremy Thomley at Mohawk Glass do not disappoint. Through the years of dedication and commitment, Thomley has built quite a following for his work. Come along and see what it’s all about and blow your own item! Jeremy Thomley earned a bachelor's degree in speech communication from USM and served a two-year mission as part of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He always wanted to be a teacher and a great storyteller. His experiences made him trade his cubicle for a workshop.

Signs and Symbols in Early Christian Art | $15
Mondays, March 20 and 27 | In-Person 
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Two-Part Seminar led by Dana Stratton

The Bible for Illiterates was the name given to many of the visuals used by the Early Church in educating the people who made up the congregations of the early Christians. We will look at some of those visuals and the meanings behind their use, then and now. Dana Stratton is a retired art and art history teacher and practicing artist.

Beginning Drawing | $25
Mondays, March 20 – April 17 | In-Person and Zoom 
2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. | Five-Week Class led by Marty Turnbo

Let's draw! It is easy to learn—you will learn how on day one. You will then learn shading, perspective, enlarging and drawing faces. Supply List: #2 pencil, mechanical pencil (optional), eraser, colored pencils, Sharpie with two tips (fine and medium), small drawing pad and 10-12 sheets copy paper. Marty Turnbo is a retired art and drama teacher from Oak Grove and is a long-time member of the South Mississippi Art Association.

Nature, Art and Science | $25
Wednesdays, March 22 – April 19 | In-Person and Zoom 
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Five-Week Class led by Evelyn Timidaiski

This course uses interesting topics in nature science to create artwork. The course uses hands-on activities to augment the topics and bring a greater understanding of nature science. Some of the activities are leaf stamping, a gourd project and watercolor instruction. We will even paint with veggies. This is a course for everyone, not just science nerds. Supply List: Watercolor paint set, watercolor pad (at least 140# stock), a round and a flat brush. Evelyn Timidaiski is a retired biology teacher with thirty-three years of teaching experience. She is a five-time published author. She has painted in watercolor for over twenty years and enjoys combining her love of art and nature with her science background.

Watercolor | $25
Wednesdays, March 22 - April 19 | In-Person and Zoom
2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. | Five-Week Class led by Marty Turnbo

Never learned how to paint? Let's do watercolor! Learn tricks and techniques. Watercolor is cheap and fun! Supply List: Watercolors, round watercolor brushes (assorted sizes, S - L), watercolor paper (9X12 or so), painter`s tape, resist medium such as crayons, pastels and masking fluid. Bring anything else that looks like fun! Marty Turnbo is a retired art and drama teacher from Oak Grove and is a longtime member of the South Mississippi Art Association.

Monoprinting with a Gelli Plate | $20
Monday, March 27 | In-Person and Zoom 
2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. | Seminar led by Dr. Lilian Hill
In this seminar, we will learn about Monotype Printing using a Gelli Plate. A brayer is used to spread acrylic paint on the plate, then textured objects (leaves, stencils, found objects, etc.) are impressed in the paint and the print is transferred onto paper or card stock. Paint in different colors and varied textures can produce an infinite variety of designs. Completed prints can be used to make greeting cards, collages, art journal pages, bookmarks or be framed. The Gelli Plate and brayer can be easily cleaned and reused endlessly. Bring textured items from nature, including leaves and grasses, or textured items from home that are relatively flat (this is a great opportunity to repurpose packaging and junk mail). Students should wear clothes or a cover-up that they don't mind getting paint on. Some supply cost is included in the course fee.  Supply List: Several colors of acrylic paint and 25-30 pages of copy paper. Dr. Lilian Hill is a certified Life Coach and graduate of the Academy of Culinary Nutrition; she retired from USM in 2022.

HEALTH AND FITNESS

Tai Chi for Health on Zoom  | $30 Each Term                                           
Mondays and Wednesdays | Zoom 
9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. 
Term I: January 30 - March 8
Term II: March 20 - April 26 
Six-Week Exercise Class led by Susan Nodurft

This class is open to all participants of the 2020-2021 Zoom class or with permission of the instructor. Participants must be familiar with Dr. Lam's Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention (40 Sun forms) and Tai Chi for Beginners (first 6 forms of the 24 Yang style Forms). Emphasis will be placed on advancing the practice and learning new forms. Susan Nodurft is a retired biology teacher. After retirement she began the study and practice of Qigong/Tai Chi. She has been certified through the Institute of Integral Qigong and Tai Chi and the Tai Chi for Health Institute.

Chairobics | Zoom | $30 Each Term  
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.  | Zoom 
Term I: Mondays and Wednesdays, January 30 – March 8
Term II: Wednesdays and Fridays, March 22 - April 28
Six-Week Exercise 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. She is a life member of the USM Alumni Association and has worked in the accounting and finance industry and in IT.

Why Regenerative Farming? | $10             
Monday, April 3 | In-Person and Zoom
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Seminar led by Ben Simmons

This course will show how to apply five regenerative principles on a farm and the health benefits from the food raised. Learn how Nature's Gourmet Farm got started with regenerative farming and the obstacles faced along the way. This course will also discuss information on current operations and future plans. Ben Simmons is a graduate of USM with a business degree in purchasing management where he was in the first classes taught by Dr. Alvin Williams. His career led him to complete his Certified Purchasing Manager training which opened doors of opportunity across various manufacturing jobs in multiple southeast states. In 2009, he left the corporate world and returned to the farm and started Nature's Gourmet Farm, a regenerative farm that raises beef, pork, chicken with direct sales to the public. 

Morning Yoga | $30 Each Term  
Mondays and Wednesdays | In-Person 
10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. 
Term I: January 30 - March 8
Term II: March 20 - April 26 
Six-Week Exercise Class led by Serina Carpenter

This class will introduce yoga concepts of meditation, breath control and basic asanas (poses or positions). Our goal is to evaluate and improve participant strength, flexibility and balance. The emphasis is on the functional practice of yoga, not the perfect pose. Whether you are new to yoga or experienced, come join us. "It's your mat and it's your yoga." Serina Carpenter earned a 200-hour yoga teaching training in 2017 and a 300-hour teacher training in 2019.  She has taught multiple classes at the Yoga Room and The Family YMCA in Petal. 

Afternoon Yoga | $30 Each Term  
Mondays and Wednesdays | In-Person
3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. 
Term I: January 30 - March 8
Term II: March 20 - April 26 
Six-Week Exercise Class led by Serina Carpenter

This class will introduce yoga concepts of meditation, breath control and basic asanas (poses or positions). Our goal is to evaluate and improve participant strength, flexibility and balance. The emphasis is on the functional practice of yoga, not the perfect pose. Whether you are new to yoga or experienced, come join us. "It's your mat and it's your yoga." Serina Carpenter earned a 200-hour yoga teaching training in 2017 and a 300-hour teacher training in 2019.  She has taught multiple classes at the Yoga Room and The Family YMCA in Petal. 

Tai Chi for Health and Balance | $30 Each Term                                      
Mondays and Wednesdays | In-Person
4:15 p.m. - 5:15 p.m. 
Term I: January 30 - March 8
Term II: March 20 - April 26 
Six-Week Exercise Class led by Susan Nodurft

This class is designed for beginners and individuals who have had some previous Tai Chi experience. During the first term, students will be introduced to the fundamentals of the practice and learn an easy Tai Chi set emphasizing slow movement and balance. The second term will build on the fundamentals and introduce new forms and sets. Susan Nodurft is a retired biology teacher. After retirement she began the study and practice of Qigong/Tai Chi. She has been certified through the Institute of Integral Qigong and Tai Chi and the Tai Chi for Health Institute.

Massage | By Appointment Only
Thirty-Minute massage | $25
One-Hour massage | $45
Tuesdays or Thursdays | 1:00-2:00 p.m., 2:15-3:15 p.m., 3:30-4:30 p.m.
January 31 - April 27 | In-Person 
By Appointment Only | Massage Therapist, Serina Carpenter (LMT#2957)

Sign up for a thirty-minute or one-hour relaxing massage designed to meet one's individual needs. Serina Carpenter is a retired nurse and current yoga instructor. She completed massage therapy training at PRCC as a member of their first graduating class of massage therapists. She has completed all requirements of the Mississippi Board of Massage Therapy to practice as a Licensed Massage Therapist in the state of Mississippi. In addition to meeting minimum state requirements, Serina has also passed the national Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination. 

Symptoms of Dementia and Effective Communication | $5        
Thursday, February 2 | In-Person and Zoom
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Mini-Seminar led by Kristen White
This two-part course will suggest how to recognize common warning signs of Alzheimer's and dementia and compare them to typical age-related changes; present tips for approaching someone about memory concerns; explain the importance of early detection and benefits of diagnosis; and identify possible tests and assessments for the diagnostic process. Part Two will explain the communication changes that take place throughout the course of the disease; decode the verbal and behavioral messages delivered by someone living with dementia and inform on responses that are helpful to the person and strategies to help you connect and communicate at each stage of the disease. Kristen White is a licensed social worker who received her master's degree in social work from the University of Alabama. Kristen has experience working with people with Alzheimer's and their caregivers in nursing homes and hospital settings. She has been the program coordinator for the Alzheimer's Association since 2019, educating caregivers and the public about this disease.

HUMANITIES

Americans and the Holocaust Exhibit | $10          
Tuesday, January 17 | Meet-Up
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Seminar led by Sean Farrell
Meet at Hattiesburg Library, 329 Hardy Street, Hattiesburg.

This 1,100-square-foot traveling exhibition is based on the exhibition that opened in April 2018 at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC. The Americans and the Holocaust traveling exhibition addresses important themes in American history, including Americans' responses to refugees, war and genocide in the 1930s and '40s. This exhibition will challenge the commonly held assumptions that Americans knew little and did nothing about the Nazi persecution and murder of Jews as the Holocaust unfolded. Drawing on a remarkable collection of primary sources from the 1930s and '40s, the exhibition focuses on the stories of individuals and groups of Americans who acted in response to Nazism. It will challenge visitors to consider the responsibilities and obstacles faced by individuals-from President Franklin Delano Roosevelt to ordinary Americans who made difficult choices, sought to effect change, and, in a few cases, took significant risks to help victims of Nazism even as rescue never became a government priority. The exhibit hopes to challenge people to not only ask "what would I have done?" but also, "what will I do?" Join Sean Farrell, former library director, and fellow OLLI members for a guided tour. Following the tour, the group will meet to reflect on the themes and ideas the exhibit presents. Sean Farrell received his MLIS and MA in history from USM. He worked at the Library of Hattiesburg for thirty-two years. He attended the US Holocaust Memorial Museum training for the Americans and the Holocaust exhibit.

The Stormy Start of the Italian Renaissance | $30                                             
Thursdays, February 2 - March 9 | Zoom
9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. | Six-Week Class led by Donna Anderson

Behind the art of the Renaissance was a rich, turbulent world of intellectual brilliance, intrigue, war, plague and wealthy nobles as well as ordinary people focused on family and survival. Participants are asked to watch the Netflix series Medici, season 1), and the class itself will separate fact from fiction, look at themes such as power and war on the Italian Peninsula, the banking networks that fueled the Renaissance, poison and protection and plague and pandemic. We will take a virtual journey from the Vatican to the Venetian lagoons, Florentine piazzas to fortified hill towns, and universities to busy ports to show the grittiness and glamour of Renaissance Italy. Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) may be used to explore artwork and the rich material culture of the period. Donna Anderson is the director of OLLI at the University of Southern Maine in Portland. For over thirty years she worked in the museum field in New York and New Jersey, focused on exhibition development and collections management. She teaches OLLI courses on garden design, art interpretation, and museums in the contemporary world. This course will be offered separately at both USMs—in Mississippi and in Maine!

The Problem of Evil in the World's Religions | $25
Fridays, February 10 - March 10 | In-Person 
9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. | Five-Week Class led by Dr. Amy Slagle

This course explores how different religions (both Abrahamic and non-Abrahamic) address the perennial and existential dilemmas of evil and suffering in the world. What is the cause of suffering? Why do people commit acts of atrocity? How should these situations be addressed? We'll explore how religious thinkers, from across the span of human cultures, have answered these perplexing questions. Dr. Amy Slagle is Associate Professor of Religion at The University of Southern Mississippi.

Brothers in War: In Vietnam and Iraq | $20
Wednesdays, February 8 - March 1 | In-Person
9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. | Four-Week Class led by Dr. Andrew Wiest
This course will look at Dr. Wiest's book/documentary on soldiers in combat in Vietnam and will also look forward to his forthcoming book on the Mississippi National Guard in Iraq in 2005. Dr. Andrew Wiest is a nationally known historian, author, and documentarian.  He specializes in the history of the Vietnam War and is now researching the Mississippi National Guard in the war in Iraq.  He has several major books to his credit.  Most germane to this class is The Boys of 67: Charlie Company's War in Vietnam, which was also the subject of the Emmy-nominated documentary Brothers in War for the National Geographic Channel.
 
Uncommon Gospels: Lessons from Popular Culture | $25                       
Wednesdays, February 8 – March 8 | In-Person and Zoom 
2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Five-Week Class led by Rev. Melanie Morel-Ensminger

Some people believe the only way to live a righteous life is to follow the dictates contained in the sacred scriptures of their particular religious tradition. Others believe "revelation is not sealed" and that important lessons for living life in the best way possible can be gleaned from many sources, including popular culture. What lessons might we learn from looking at the "gospel" according to Dolly Parton, Winnie the Pooh, Peanuts, Lord of the Rings, The Simpsons and Ted Lasso? Rev. Melanie Morel-Ensminger has been a credentialed Unitarian Universalist minister for 30 years, serving Our Home Church in Ellisville, part-time since 2013. She has a graduate degree from Loyola Institute for ministry in New Orleans 1992 and has experience as a guest lecturer at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, Bryan College-Dayton, Tennessee and Rowan University-Glassboro, NJ. Melanie has served 8 Unitarian Universalist congregations including Auckland, New Zealand and taught an OLLI class in Unitarian Universalist history a few years ago.

The Greek World | $15 Each Term
Thursdays | 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. | In-Person 
Term I: February 9 - March 9
Term II: March 23 - April 20 
Five-Week Class led by Dr. Marvin Kendrick

The Golden Age of Athens in the fifth century BCE saw the pinnacle of development of Greek science, the arts and philosophy. These are preserved in the monumental architecture of the acropolis and the literary records of its poets, playwriters, philosophers and historians. Consideration will be given to each of these elements which are classical Greece and some texts reviewed will include authors Homer, Stesichoros, Herodotos, Sophocles, Demosthenes, Aristophanes, Plato, Thucydides and Menander. Dr. Marvin Kendrick taught at Yale University in 1964. With a degree from Harvard Divinity School, he returned to Yale and earned an MFA in the School of Art in 1980. Retiring to Hattiesburg, he taught art history in the Art and Design Department at USM.

Lincoln's Last Trial | $10
Monday, February 13 | In-Person and Zoom 
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Seminar led by Jeff Rimes

This presentation will discuss the last major trial of Abraham Lincoln prior to his ascension to the presidency. Jeff Rimes is a practicing attorney licensed in Mississippi. He has a B.A. from William Carey University, a M.Div. from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and a J.D. from Mississippi College School of Law. He has received numerous honors for his work in the legal profession.

Ada Lovelace: The World's First Computer Programmer | $10
Wednesday, February 15 | In-Person and Zoom 
2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. | Seminar led by Dr. Ralph Bisland
Ada was the daughter of the English poet Lord Byron. She was very gifted in the field of mathematics but like all women in the 1800s she was not allowed to attend school, so she relied on correspondence courses with university professors for her education. Ada met an inventor named Charles Babbage who had developed plans for a theoretical machine called the Analytical Engine. However, he did not know how to make the machine work. As Ada and Charles shared a love of betting on racehorses they began to discuss his machine and Babbage's lack of ingenuity of how to make it work. Ada figured out how to do this and thus became the world's first computer programmer. Her back story is also very interesting. Dr. Ralph Bisland retired from university teaching after 37 years as professor of computing science with specialties in software engineering, database management and the internet. Ralph has been an OLLI instructor since 2007, teaching mainly computer-related courses.
 
The House of Windsor | $15
Mondays, February 20 and 27 | In-Person 
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Two-Part Seminar led by Rev. Jon Caridad

The death of Queen Elizabeth II has sparked renewed interest in the House of Windsor, the governing royal house of Great Britain and its commonwealth. This two-part seminar will examine the origins of the House of Windsor, which began after the reign of Queen Victoria and was so named in 1917 by King George V because there was so much anti-German feeling in Britain. Come learn about the reigns of George V, Edward VIII (Duke of Windsor), George VI, Elizabeth II and the beginning of the reign of Charles III. Rev. Jon Caridad is a retired Episcopal priest with extensive experience in education, ancient history and biblical studies.

The History of OLLI at Southern Miss | $10                                                                         Monday, February 27 | In-Person 
2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. | Seminar led by Sue Pace
Come learn how OLLI at USM has evolved from the founder herself. Sue Pace will take us from the beginning of the Institute for Learning in Retirement (ILR) to the current Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. Sue Pace holds a Master of Science degree from Oklahoma State University. She is the founder of ILR/OLLI and former director of Continuing Education at USM. 
 
When Jews in Finland Fought Alongside German Nazis | $5                                         Monday, March 20 | Zoom 
9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. | Seminar led by Dr. Cami Hofstadter
Although Finland was never occupied by Hitler, Finnish-Jewish soldiers joined forces with the German Nazis against the common enemy of the Soviet Union. When Himmler came to meet with Finland's renowned Marshal Mannerheim, he traveled with his personal physiotherapist, a Finn. Some of the stories from these historical meetings are part of the answer for the topic that has lingered since the post‐war trials in Finland: Did Hitler (through Himmler) demand that the country deport its Jewish citizens and, if so, how did the Finns deal with it? Cami Green Hofstadter, PhD, was born a member of the Swedish-speaking minority in post-war Helsinki, Finland. With two law degrees and a PhD (Ed. Leadership), she spent her academic career at the University of Miami and Florida International University, while nurturing her passion for research and writing. She's an award-winning author (her latest book, The Yellow Star that Wasn't: Scandinavia, Miami and Me, is on the Amazon Bestseller List).
 
How the Bible Actually Works | $30                                               
Tuesdays, March 21 - April 25 | In-Person and Zoom
9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Six-Week Class led by Bill Youngblood and Rev. Clint Gill

How does this ancient, ambiguous, and diverse book work for people who look to it today for spiritual guidance? When Israel conquered the city of Jericho have you ever wondered why the Bible says the Lord told Joshua to kill everything in the city including all the men, women, children and the animals with their swords? That sounds like war crimes. Peter Enns has a different take on that passage and many other passages in the Bible. We will use the book: How the Bible Actually Works, by Peter Enns. We will work through Peter Enns' book together with lots of opportunities for discussion. The book is available at Amazon. Bill Youngblood is a retired United Methodist pastor who graduated from the School of Theology at Emory University and who served churches in Florida and Louisiana. He retired from the LA Conference of the United Methodist Church in 2006. Team-teaching with Bill is Rev. Clint Gill who graduated from USM and Emory Seminary. He retired from the MS Conference after serving churches in MS including Parkway Heights in Hattiesburg. He is a returning OLLI instructor.

Do You Know Where Your Books Are? | $15
Tuesdays, March 21 and 28 | In-Person 
2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. | Two-Part Seminar led by Linda Ginn

This seminar will help you organize your books and launch your own online catalog. Never again arrive home with a book you bought at an estate sale or from a sale bin in a shop, only to find you already had a copy. Use a smart device to view your own catalog while you are shopping. Using the LibraryThing platform and a free personal account, you will learn to easily list your books and organize them into collections that work for you. Does your community organization or church have a lending library? Those catalogs can be online, too (free for small libraries staffed only by volunteers). This seminar will cover the basics of organizing your own library and using LibraryThing to manage your book data. In addition, we will look at LibraryThing's partner platform, TinyCat, to operate a small lending library. Each participant should bring a laptop (or other device, but preferably not a phone) to the class. Linda Ginn is a retired librarian whose professional specialty was the organization and cataloging of materials in library collections. She worked for Spartanburg County Public Libraries in South Carolina before joining the faculty of USM in 2007 in University Libraries. Since retiring, she has reorganized her personal library, a small organization's library, and her church library, each with its own online catalog. 

Inside the Mississippi State Capitol | $10
Wednesdays, March 22 and 29 | In-Person and Zoom
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Two-Part Mini-Seminar led by Steve Clyburn

This course will cover the history of the construction of the new state capitol, the different styles of architecture found inside and outside of the building, unique features and information. Steve Clyburn was a docent at the Mississippi State Capitol for two years. He led tours of the Capitol and included information not normally stated by other guides. He is a graduate of The University of Southern Mississippi majoring in political science and has a master's degree from William Carey University in secondary education. He is retired from the Active Army National Guard and as a public high school teacher. 

Consul, Counsel or Consulate: What Do They Do? | $5    
Monday, March 27 | Zoom
9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. | Mini-Seminar led by Dr. Cami Hofstadter

Why do we find  foreign consuls in all fifty US States? Why are some of them American citizens and others natives of other countries? Are they all just social butterflies or do they actually perform important professional duties in our communities? Through a slide presentation, Dr. Hofstadter will explore the history and modern status of these foreign officials while also showing the relevance of them to Mississippi. Cami Green Hofstadter, PhD, was born a member of the Swedish-speaking minority in post-war Helsinki, Finland. With two law degrees and a PhD (Ed. Leadership), she spent her academic career at the University of Miami and Florida International University, while nurturing her passion for research and writing. She's an award-winning author (her latest book, The Yellow Star that Wasn't: Scandinavia, Miami and Me, is on the Amazon Bestseller List). 

Changing the World One Carrot Stick at a Time | $15
Thursdays, March 30 and April 6 | In-Person and Zoom
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Two-Part Seminar led by Dr. Andrew Haley

This two-part seminar explores the history of visionary (and not-so-visionary) efforts to use food to make a better world. Part one will explore food reform movements in the nineteenth century, from the quirky efforts of Sylvester Graham to tamp down sin with bland food to the no-less-quirky, but considerably more lucrative, efforts of John Harvey Kellogg to tamp down indigestion with bland food. Part two will explore food and reform in the 20th and 21st century. It will cover everything from yogurt faddists to green revolutionaries and end with the exciting efforts of contemporary chefs to address food deserts, food commercialization and food disasters. Dr. Andrew Haley is an associate professor of American History at Southern Miss. Haley studies culture, class, and cuisine in the United States from the Gilded Age through the 1970s. He is currently completing a book that explores how Mississippi community cookbooks tell stories about gender, race, and identity in the twentieth century.

Bush 41: Personal Insights | $5       
Monday, April 3 | In-Person and Zoom
9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. | Mini-Seminar led by Don Hagan

Having been an active volunteer at the George H. W. Bush Library and Museum since 2016, Don will present some behind-the-scenes stories and insights into George and the Bush family. Don Hagan was in the entourage that met President Bush's body upon arrival at his burial site in College Station and is a retired geo-scientist with Chevron. He spent 20 years working overseas. He is an avid Southern Miss supporter. He has a passion for presidential history and has made it a mission to have completed in-person visits to all the presidential libraries.

Sullivan vs Kilrain: A Hattiesburg Boxing Match | $10                                       
Monday, April 3 | In-Person and Zoom 
2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. | Seminar led by Dr. Ralph Bisland

The last bare-knuckled world heavy weight boxing match occurred on July 8, 1888, here in Hattiesburg, MS. The two combatants were John L. Sullivan, the current champion, and Jake Kilrain. The bout was originally scheduled to take place in New Orleans, but local regulations prohibited it, so it was moved. The bout went 75 rounds in the blazing hot Mississippi sun. If you want to know the interesting back story of the bout and who won, you will just have to sign up for the seminar. Dr. Ralph Bisland retired from university teaching after 37 years of service at the rank of professor of computer science with specialty areas of software engineering, database management, and the Internet. He has been an OLLI instructor since 2007, teaching mainly computer-related courses.

Good Caesar/Bad Caesar: Roman Rulers Gone Wild! | $15
Thursdays, April 13 and 20 | Zoom
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Two-Part Seminar led by Dawne Kennedy

In this course, we will discuss several Roman emperors, their actions and legacies and how the populace responded to them. Dawne Kennedy is a foreign language and history teacher who studied at USM.

Camp Shelby's 442nd WWII Unit | No charge—donations are appreciated.
Tuesday, April 25 | Meet-Up
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.  
Meet at the Mississippi Armed Forces Museum Building 850, Camp Shelby.

Meet OLLI members for a guided tour of the WWII 442nd Unit and the Museum.

LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE

Come Write With OLLI | $5
Thursday, February 9 | In-Person 
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Mini-Seminar led by Dallas Gorbett
The planning, writing, editing, and finishing of this session's OLLI Expressions is starting. Come find out how this particular sausage is made. Have you seen the three volumes of USM's OLLI writers' collected works? Come find out more about contributing to the next volume. (No, we don't know when that will be yet.) Bring questions. Dallas Gorbett is a lazy lay-about and sometimes writer, sometimes poet, sometimes photographer who really enjoys the OLLI community. Only a past president of the OLLI Advisory Board can get away with this self-deprecating humor in a bio and an equally witty course description. Enjoy the learning and laughter in this course!
 
Many Paths, Many Goals: My Writing Journey | $10                     
Tuesday, February 14 | In-Person and Zoom 
9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. | Seminar led by David Walker

Join the instructor for a discussion of writing and writers' goals. This course will highlight basic elements of storytelling in fiction (particularly for—but not limited to—fantasy and youth). Participants will be introduced to various exercises and prompts which are intended to encourage creative vision. All writers face problems and distractions which can make it difficult to approach a new project or to regain momentum with an old one. All bring unique ideas to a group. This is a great opportunity to discover new ideas. Egos should be left outside. All writers are learners. Supply List: Paper and pencil. David Walker is a retired public school teacher who was recently awarded the 2022 Mississippi Author Award for Youth by the MLA (Mississippi Library Association). He is a long-standing member of the SCBWI (Society for Children's Book Writers and Illustrators - he is both) and participates in the Mississippi/Louisiana region. He has written in other genres and has been published in THEMA literary magazine. 

Tactual Literacy: Lots of Dots |$10
Monday, March 20 | In-Person and Zoom
2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. | Seminar led by Jane Harty
Dots on the elevator. Dots on the ATM. Are they meaningful to anyone? Let's find out together. Jane Harty is a late bloomer who began her current career at the age of 50. This is her fifteenth year of teaching the visually-impaired. Jane thinks of herself more as a facilitator than a teacher. Upon college graduation, she was honored with University of Toledo's Outstanding Special Education Student Award, and she adores the braille code and has taught students in OH, KY and now MS. She's pleased to teach her first OLLI seminar.

PERSONAL ENRICHMENT

Beyond Basic Bridge | $20 
Mondays and Wednesdays, January 30 – February 8 | In-Person
9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. | Two-Week Class led by Dr. Vivien Carver

This course is for players wanting to play above beginning Bridge. Content will include hand evaluation, bidding and responding, overcalls and responses, defense and doubles. Dr. Vivien Carver, former OLLI Board President, is professor emeritus in public health at USM and has taught bridge courses for several years, many of those at OLLI.

Focus on Fixed Income | $5
Wednesday, April 5 | In-Person and Zoom 
9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. | Mini-Seminar led by Courtney Payton

This seminar is designed to educate investors on how fixed income investments, such as bonds, can help them to reach their financial goals. Participants will learn bond characteristics and features, relationship between interest rates and bond prices, tax advantages of municipal bonds and how bonds may help investors weather fluctuating markets. Courtney Payton is an Edward Jones Financial Advisor and has served the Hattiesburg area since 2020. She is an eleven-year finance professional with experience across both private and public sectors. She is a graduate of William Carey University and holds a master's degree in public administration from Belhaven University. She is a faithful servant at her local church, where she teaches Sunday School and serves on the Coordinating Committee.

Senior Living: Am I Prepared? | $5
Wednesday, February 1 | In-Person and Zoom 
2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. | Mini-Seminar led by Torie Smith and Gabby Hill

During this mini-seminar, we will be reviewing what assisted living is and the steps you can take to be successful in planning for your future. Torie Smith is the Sales Manager at Brookdale Assisted Living in Hattiesburg. She studied Integrated Marketing Communications at The University of Mississippi. Gabby Hill is the Marketing Coordinator at Brookdale Assisted Living in Hattiesburg. She studied health care administration at Belhaven University.

Do You Need a Will? There's a Way! | $10
Thursday, February 2 | In-Person and Zoom 
2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. | Seminar led by Nancy Steen

This presentation will provide basic information about wills and other documents everyone needs to have in place, particularly as we age. We will learn the meaning of probate terms, discuss who actually needs a Will (everyone!) and talk about other steps to take regarding assets. The floor will be open for discussion and questions. Nancy Steen is a graduate of Southern Miss in speech communication and the University of Mississippi School of Law. She has practiced law in Hattiesburg for more than 30 years, currently with Michael Adelman as Adelman and Steen, Attorneys. Nancy practices mostly in the chancery court system which oversees family law cases, equity issues, and probate and estate matters. She is a speaker and facilitator at local divorce recovery and parent/co-parent support groups.

What's That Grape?!  |$10
Monday, February 6 | In-Person 
2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. | Seminar led by Christen Raanes
Look at any restaurant wine list, and one is sure to see a familiar line-up of the usual suspects: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, etc. The world of wine has so many other grapes to explore, 10,000 to be exact! This tasting will allow one to explore some lesser-known grapes (i.e., Hondurabi Zuri, Agiorgitiko, Blaufrankisch) that are delicious and should be on your shopping list. Christen Raanes is a certified specialist of wine, a Level 3 wine professional with the Wine & Spirits Education Trust and the owner of The Little Wine Shoppe in Hattiesburg's The District at Midtown. In her first year of business, Christen organized and helped lead over 100 wine tastings throughout Hattiesburg. Christen has a passion for sharing the history, geography, and subtle differences that distinguish one wine from the next.
 
Strategies for Playing Bridge | $25
Tuesdays, February 7 - March 7 | In-Person
9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. | Five-Week Class led by Ellen Davies

This course will cover some of the easier conventions and special bids of bridge. Participants need to have taken at least two bridge courses or have played for at least a year. There will be plenty of time for lecture and play. Ellen Davies is a retired teacher and lawyer who started playing bridge as a teenager. She has taken and taught many bridge courses at OLLI.

Color Power! Fashion, Travel, Home | $35                                                           
Wednesday, February 8 | In-Person and Zoom 
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Seminar led by Catherine Nowicki

Color analysis has changed since the ‘80s! Just like WE have! Learn in what ways it affects your looks, your home decor and how to pack for a trip using this fool-proof method. Join us for lots of fun, laughter and information! Fee includes a color-personalized product. Catherine Nowicki has been a certified color and image consultant since 1988. She was trained by Color Me Beautiful and has a private studio in Laurel. She has helped hundreds of women and men feel better about themselves through color and style. Her services include color analysis, personal shopping, closet cleaning, figure and style analysis and home interior styling using color.  

The Genealogy of Grapes |$10
Monday, February 13 | In-Person 
2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. | Seminar led by Christen Raanes

This tasting will look at the genetic link between various grapes. Come explore the family tree of Cabernet Sauvignon—who are the parent and sibling grapes and how did they come to be. Christen Raanes is a certified specialist of wine and a Level 3 wine professional with the Wine & Spirits Education Trust. She is the owner of The Little Wine Shoppe in Hattiesburg's The District at Midtown. In her first year of business, Christen organized and helped lead over 100 wine tastings throughout Hattiesburg. Christen has a passion for sharing the history, geography, and subtle differences that distinguish one wine from the next.

Dogs Can Do What? | $10
Thursday, February 16 | In-Person and Zoom 
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Seminar led by Patricia Lambert

This seminar will touch on a number of topics including selecting the right pet for your lifestyle, providing for your pet when you are gone and some of the benefits of pet therapy. It will also include demonstrations of obedience and nose work as well as information about dogs being used to detect cancer. A question-and-answer period will be provided with each topic. Patricia Lambert is a USM alumna and taught adjunct classes in the school of Human Performance Recreation. In the early ’80s, she and her mother taught dog obedience through continuing education at USM. She is the owner of Okatoma Kennel which boards pets in the community. She teaches dog obedience and volunteers by organizing a group to go to pet therapy at various nursing homes. Trish enjoys showing her dogs in nose work, FASTCAT, and conformation.

Sparkling, It's Not All Champagne! |$10
Monday, February 20 | In-Person 
2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. | Seminar led by Christen Raanes

Have you ever wondered how Champagne differs from Prosecco or Cava? This tasting will explore the six different ways to produce sparkling wines and how that translates into the various wine styles found around the world. Christen Raanes is a certified specialist of wine and a Level 3 wine professional with the Wine & Spirits Education Trust. She is the owner of The Little Wine Shoppe in Hattiesburg's The District at Midtown. In her first year of business, Christen organized and helped lead over 100 wine tastings throughout Hattiesburg and has a passion for sharing the history, geography and subtle differences that distinguish one wine from the next.

Shop! Shop! Shop! | $35                                                                  
Wednesday, February 22 | Meet-Up 
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Seminar led by Catherine Nowicki
Meet at front of TJ Maxx, 5024 Hardy Street, Hattiesburg.

Have you always wanted to have a personal stylist advise you as you shop, but not pay the big bucks? Do you love to shop, or hate to shop, and find it makes you dizzy? Let Catherine guide and help you choose what to buy and what to stay away from...and why! Fee includes a personalized lip product.  Catherine Nowicki has been a certified color and image consultant since 1988. She was trained by Color Me Beautiful and has a private studio in Laurel. She has helped hundreds of women and men feel better about themselves through color and style. Her services include color analysis, personal shopping, closet cleaning, figure/style analysis and home interior styling using color.  

Cupcake Decorate! Cake Decorating Class | $15
Thursday, April 6 | In-Person 
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Mini-Seminar led by Elizabeth Laird               

Learn new, exciting ways to decorate a cupcake using a few common decorating techniques and delicious buttercream! Course will include four cupcakes and Petit Joie's signature buttercream, as well as the decorator's tip and icing bags to take home to continue your decorating adventures! Food fee is included in course fee. Elizabeth Laird is the owner of the home bakery, Petit Joie Bakery, and is a self-taught baker and cake decorator.

Pagan, Wiccan, Witch . . . What's the Difference? | $10                                    
Monday, March 6 | Zoom 
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Seminar led by Eric Wood

This seminar will explore the similarities and differences between (neo)paganism, traditional witchcraft, and wicca. The intent will not be to convert anyone but to explore the subject and gather some insights for why neopaganism is the fastest growing religious demographic in the United States. Eric Wood is a mental health therapist and active Unitarian Universalist. He has a passion for mental health, genealogy, and world religions.

Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies | $10 Each Term                               
Term I:  Monday, March 6 | 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Term II: Monday, April 24 | 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Meet-Up led by Jessie Mathias
Meet at 502 Sheeplo Loop, Petal.

Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies (EAAT) represent the fastest growing equine industry in the world. Horses are being used to enrich the lives of individuals with special needs, heal the hearts of trauma survivors, ease the transition of soldiers returning from combat and allow individuals with mobility related disabilities the freedom of movement. We will discuss various horse assisted therapeutic applications, tour the facility and get some hands-on experience with horses (if participants want to!) Meet at 502 Sheeplo Loop, Petal. Jessie Mathias has been working in the therapeutic horsemanship industry since 2008. As the founder and director of Worthy Stables, she has brought a broad range of therapeutic and educational activities to the Pine Belt. Using primarily rescue horses, Worthy Stables enriches the lives of hundreds of deserving, underserved people every year. 

Supervised Play of Bridge | $25
Tuesdays, March 21 – April 18 | In-Person
9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. | Five-Week Class led by Ellen Davies
This course offers participants time to play bridge with an instructor nearby to answer questions and make suggestions. Ellen Davies is a retired teacher and lawyer who started playing bridge as a teenager. She has taken and taught many bridge courses at OLLI.
 
Mah Jongg | $25
Thursdays, March 23 – April 20 | In-Person
2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. 
Five-Week Class led by Dr. Jeanne Phillips and Debra Topp

This course will be taught using the rules set by the National Mah Jongg League and the cards developed by the league. Each year a different card is sold. Should the student elect to participate with a group they will need to join the League and purchase a current card. During this class, cards from previous years will be used. The tiles are similar to domino tiles, but with the classic Mah Jongg symbols. We will provide tiles for the games. Mah Jongg is usually played with four individuals but can be played with as few as two. What fun and very interesting and challenging! Join us! While living in The Villages, Florida, Dr. Jeanne Phillips learned a game that has intrigued her for many years. Of course, she is referring to Mah Jongg. After joining the National Mah Jongg League, Jeanne played with many different groups. Upon moving to Hattiesburg, she found a group of interested people and taught this group, having a partner to help. Now 20 to 30 players regularly meet to play every week. Debra Topp is in charge of the game day at Parkway Heights. She plays Mah Jongg with many who come. Debra has been playing since Jeanne taught her several years ago.

Gardening for Life! | $10
Wednesdays, April 12 and 19| In-Person and Zoom
9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. | Two-Part Mini-Seminar led by Nadine Phillips
Come learn about gardening as a form of nature connection that can inspire the "active cherishing" so greatly needed to improve planetary health. This course will introduce different forms of nature therapy, share transformative moments of connection found in gardens, and highlight the changing role of gardening as it relates to restoring fragmented habitats and increasing biodiversity. Discover a groundbreaking project called Homegrown National Park™. Cofounded by renowned entomologist and best-selling author, Dr. Doug Tallamy, Homegrown National Park™ is the largest cooperative conservation project ever conceived or attempted. This grassroots call to action needs small efforts by many people to achieve collective success. By joining Homegrown National Park™, you can contribute to "reweaving" the tapestry of life and rejuvenating biodiversity where you live. Nadine Phillips is a lifelong nature lover is most at home, and most herself, in the forest. Nadine has led Forest Therapy walks since 2018 and is a certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide, accredited by the International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance (INFTA). All her interests revolve around nature and promoting biodiversity to support the interconnected Web of Life. Nadine is also a longtime volunteer at The Crosby Arboretum.
 
Spring Saunter: A Guided Forest Therapy Experience | $15                            
Wednesday, April 26 OR Wednesday, May 3 | Meet-Up 
9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Seminar led by Nadine Phillips
Meet at Lake Thoreau Environmental Center, 150 Lake Thoreau Road, Hattiesburg.

Come along and relax during a guided forest therapy experience at Lake Thoreau in Hattiesburg. This gentle outing is about slowing down in nature, nurturing your well-being, and enhancing your connection to the natural world. The activities offered will enable you to unwind and calm your busy mind so you can best receive the medicine of the forest. Forest therapy arose from a practice developed in Japan called Shinrin-yoku, which roughly translates as "forest immersion." It is an easeful, de-stressing practice that offers many health benefits to mind, body and spirit. This inviting way of immersing our senses in the atmosphere of the forest is backed by significant medical and scientific research - and the plethora of health benefits are wide reaching. Forest Therapy is emerging worldwide as a publicly accessible means to reduce stress and a pathway to a happier, healthier and more fulfilling life. Nadine Phillips is a lifelong nature lover. She is most at home, and most herself, in the forest. Nadine has led Forest Therapy walks since 2018 and is a certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide, accredited by the International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance (INFTA). All her interests revolve around nature and promoting biodiversity to support the interconnected Web of Life. Nadine is also a longtime volunteer at The Crosby Arboretum.

Welcome Spring 2023! | $10                                                           
Tuesday, May 9 –Thursday, May 11 | Field Trip
Three-day trip led by Nadine Phillips
Join us for a relaxing getaway at Paul B. Johnson State Park.  This will be an ideal time of year to be outdoors, drinking in the fresh air and enjoying nature during the last month of spring, before summer is upon us. The deep forests surrounding Paul B. Johnson provide a picturesque setting for a variety of outdoor activities. Over the course of 2 days, we will gather for a cozy potluck meal and enjoy campfires with night sky watching. Those interested can gather in small groups for guided early morning or sunset Forest Therapy walks on the Nature Trail. Participants are asked to make their own lodging arrangements as there are a variety of options available. The park offers 125 RV campsites, 25 primitive tent campsites, 16 cabins, 3 cottages. Reservations can be made by calling the park at (601) 582-7721 or by online reservations using Reserve America. Please use the following link to make reservations online: MS State Parks Reservations. Nadine Phillips is a lifelong nature lover. She is most at home, and most herself, in the forest. Nadine has led Forest Therapy walks since 2018 and is a certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide, accredited by the International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance (INFTA). All her interests revolve around nature and promoting biodiversity to support the interconnected Web of Life. Nadine is also a longtime volunteer at The Crosby Arboretum.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Basic Veterinary First Aid: Part Two and Aging Pets | $10                                
Wednesday, February 1 | In-Person and Zoom
9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. | Seminar led by Dr. Jennifer Lewando-Sutton
Learn how to respond to health emergencies and provide basic first aid for your pet. It may save the  life of your pet until you can reach a veterinary hospital or emergency clinic. This seminar will also discuss needs of senior pets. A live demonstration will be provided with the assistance of Belle, a certified search and rescue canine. Part I is not required to take this class! Dr. Jennifer Lewando-Sutton is a graduate of Millsaps College and the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. Along with her husband, Jeffrey D. Sutton, DVM, they established the only 24-hour veterinary hospital on the MS Gulf Coast, Gulf Coast Veterinary Emergency Hospital.
 
Recycling Realities in Mississippi | $10
Tuesday, February 7 | In-Person and Zoom
9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. | Seminar led by Gene Smith

A general discussion of the various types of commodities that are currently able to be recycled including which commodities and programs are available in Mississippi that are economically sustainable. Gene Smith is the president of FV Recycling, the commercial paper and plastic recycling business headquartered in Hattiesburg but operating trucks and warehouse locations in 8 Southeastern States. 

My Apple Device | $25                                 
Tuesdays, February 7 - March 7 | In-Person 
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Five-Week Class led by Santha Walters

Learn how to map, organize and customize your Apple device (settings, haptics and taps)! This course will provide problem-solving, creating and programming Apple apps for your lifestyle. We will also review practices for 2023 with Apple, password creation boot camp, responsibilities of a cohort and where do we go next. We will finish up with a last-chance problem rodeo and graduation! Please come to the first class with a list of problems to solve. Santha Walters is an Apple-trained instructional coach. She graduated from the Apple Learning Academy in Cupertino, California, in February of 2020. Now returning to the south from a life in the frigid north, Santha is excited to bring the ease of Apple tech and Apple learning to a new and exciting group at OLLI. She has also completed Apple Teacher for Swift Playgrounds (Apple's programming language) and is a certified Apple Teacher.

Everyone Can Create with Apple, Part I | $15                              
Tuesdays, March 28 and April 4 | In-Person 
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Two-Part Seminar led by Santha Walters
Get ready to be a social media darling with all these advanced meme and clip-generating skills. Using Apple's simple-to-follow "Everyone Can Create Curriculum," explore how participants can create their own videos, animations, and memes to share with the world. In this class students will: master Apple's Clips app to create videos with stickers and animations, conquer Apple's photo app to write on images and create custom art and join forces with your cohort to assemble your own problem-solving team. Students will utilize the first hour learning programs and techniques and follow that hour with hands-on creation time in a facilitated environment. Santha Walters is an Apple-trained instructional coach. She graduated from the Apple Learning Academy in Cupertino, California, in February of 2020. Now returning to the south from a life in the frigid north, Santha is excited to bring the ease of Apple tech and Apple learning to a new and exciting group at OLLI. She has also completed Apple Teacher for Swift Playgrounds (Apple's programming language) and is a certified Apple Teacher.
 
What is Petrified Wood? | $10                                
Thursday, March 9 | In-Person and Zoom
2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. | Seminar led by Jim Dryden

What is "petrification?" How does vegetation or wood become stone? This class will answer this question,  inform one where to find petrified wood and what causes the various colors we see in the wood. In anticipation of a field trip to Flora, we will learn how petrified wood ended up in MS. Hopefully, this will give basic information to those registered for the field trip. Jim Dryden grew up in Dayton, Ohio, earning a bachelor's degree in geology and environmental studies and spent six years on the archaeological research staff at the University of Alabama. He spent thirty-one years with the US Bureau of Land Management in six states and Washington, DC.

What the Bluebirds Told Me | $5                                                                
Thursday, March 23 | In-Person and Zoom
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Mini-Seminar led by John Lipscomb

This seminar will cover bluebird mating, nesting and fledglings. Also included will be information about habitat, bluebird box placement and predators. John Lipscomb is a Master Naturalist residing on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. He has been involved with birding most of his life.

TRAVEL

The Joy of Traveling | $10                                                              
Tuesday, February 21 and 28 | In-Person 
9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. | Two-Part Mini-Seminar led by Steve Clyburn

In this class participants will learn how to prepare for overseas travel, packing tips, customs, travel in a COVID environment, places to eat and where to stay. It will also cover information on using travel companies. Steve Clyburn was a docent at the Mississippi State Capitol for two years. He led tours of the capitol and included information not normally stated by other guides. He is a graduate of The University of Southern Mississippi majoring in political science and has a master's degree from William Carey University in secondary education. He is retired from the Active Army National Guard and as a public high school teacher. 

Trip to Flora for The Mississippi Petrified Forest | $50
Friday, March 10 | Field Trip
8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.  
Meet at the Peck House, 3601 Pearl Street, Hattiesburg.

Join OLLI friends and take a bus to Flora to the Petrified Forest. Come learn the history of the petrified forest, participate in the nature trail, visit the museum and gift shop and mine for gems. Afterwards, we will eat at Cock of the Walk.

OLLI Travels to Canyon Country | $10                               
Tuesday, March 21 | In-Person 
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Seminar led by Kay Guiles

Join the OLLI members who traveled on the 2022 Canyon Country trip to learn firsthand about their highlights of the adventure. From Phoenix to Sedona, the Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park, and Las Vegas ..... it was a grand adventure. They promise to share plenty of gorgeous pictures of this remarkable part of the country.

OLLI Overnight Trip to Starkville | Price to be determined.                   
Tuesday, March 21 – Wednesday, March 22 | Field Trip 

Join us for an overnight trip to Mississippi State University in Starkville to see the Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library, the John Grisham Room at the Mitchell Library and the University-run cheese store (with more to buy than just cheese.) If we have time, we will visit Lincolniana, take a wine tour, see the Museum of archaeology and the Wade Clock Museum.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Outstanding Black Women of Yalobusha County:
               From Column to Oral History Project to Book
Free and open to the public. | Registration required.                                                    
Wednesday, March 1 | In-Person
5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. | Seminar led by Dottie Quaye Chapman Reed
This course offers an overview of the origin of the Outstanding Black Women of Yalobusha County newspaper column currently published in the North Mississippi Herald in Water Valley, MS. A column initially designed to recognize unsung black women who made a way out of no way while making a positive impact on their communities - a column which led to an oral history collaboration with the Center for the Study of Southern Culture at the University of Mississippi, entitled Black Families of Yalobusha. Forty-five articles and reader comments are compiled in a book entitled Outstanding Black Women of Yalobusha County - Their stories and their contributions to a Mississippi Community. These projects or the processes may be used to develop similar efforts in other communities especially where there is a goal to integrate the African American story into the American story and the American story into the African American story. Dottie Quaye Chapman Reed retired from corporate America where she worked for The Wall Street Journal in retail, wholesale and educational sales and marketing for 15 years. She spent another 14 years in Editorials with the McGraw-Hill Companies. Prior to this, she worked for two colleges. Through Chapman Reed Associates, she has provided business training and consulting services since the early ‘90s and has various certifications. Ms. Reed is currently a newspaper columnist and book author.
 
Mystery Dinner Theater | $60                     
Thursday, March 2 | 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Prepare to laugh as "The Detectives Comedy Dinner Theatre" guides us through an interactive comedic event in which guests enjoy a 3-course meal that includes a murder mystery to solve. Part sitcom and part crime drama, dinner will be a unique experience. Is that your friend's new boyfriend or a serial killer? It is up to audience members to determine the guilty party, the motive and how the murder was done. With a little luck, good detective work and loads of laughs, your table could be the one to unlock the mystery and win some prizes. Join us—we are "Dying to Meet You!"

What’s New in Hearing Aids? | Free and open to the public.
Friday, March 31 | In-Person and Zoom
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. | Mini-Seminar led by Dr. Jennifer Goshorn   

Join OLLI for a talk about new technology and advancements in hearing aids. There will be a discussion of the current technology available and how these advances can benefit those with hearing loss. Topics to be included are digital noise reduction, adaptive directional microphones, rechargeable battery options and Bluetooth technology. The discussion will be followed by an opportunity to ask questions. Dr. Jennifer Goshorn is a clinical instructor at the School of Speech and Hearing Sciences at The University of Southern Mississippi. Her area of interest is audiological rehabilitation and amplification for the adult population. She teaches students in the Doctor of Audiology Program and undergrad speech language pathology program at Southern Miss. She received her AuD from the University of Florida in 2017. 

On the coast? Register online, email your class list to Maryann.Herodes@usm.edu, or call 228.214.3277.

In Hattiesburg? Register online, email your class list to olli@usm.edu or call 601.266.6554. 

Ready to Register?

Call 601.266.6554 in Hattiesburg or 228.214.3277 in Long Beach if you have questions about joining or registering.

SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS (SIGs)

SIGs are free with membership!
Schedule for SIGs currently is below. Some are meeting only in Zoom, as noted. Your OLLI membership must be current to participate in a SIG. Also, to receive emails
with the Zoom joining details, you must be registered in the SIG.
Contact either office with questions:
228.214.3277 (Gulf Park) or 601.266.6554 (Hattiesburg).
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           GP Art (February - April)                                      1st Friday at 9:30 a.m.

           HB Art                                                                      1st Friday at 1:00 P.m.

           GP Coffee Chat (Resumes in February)           2nd Friday at 9:30 a.m.

           HB Knitting                                              1st and 3rd Friday at 2:00 p.m.

           HB Life Story and Poetry                                   3rd Friday at 10:30 a.m.

           HB MS Books and Authors                                4th Friday at 11:00 a.m. 

           GP OLLI Book Club (Zoom only)                         3rd Friday at 1:00 p.m. 

           HB OLLI Book Club                                           2nd Friday at 10:00 a.m.

           GP OLLI Outdoors in S. Mississippi                  3rd Friday at 9:30 a.m.

           Photography (Zoom)                           1st and 3rd Fridays at 2:30 p.m.

          GP Ukulele (Resumes in January)                      Tuesdays at 2:30 p.m.

          HB Ukulele                                                                Fridays at 2:00 p.m.

 

Contact Us

Hattiesburg Campus

3601 Pearl Street               Peck House                            118 College Drive, #5055 Hattiesburg, MS 39406     

Campus Map

Email
tay.baucumFREEMississippi

Phone
601.266.6554

Contact Us

Gulf Park Campus

N. Academic Building
Room 225              
730 E. Beach Blvd.          
Long Beach, MS 39560

Campus Map

Email
maryann.herodesFREEMississippi

Phone
228.214.3277