Courses   

Classes are at noon on Tuesdays and Fridays during semester. Please refer to catalog for further details and dates. The class will be in the Knapp Center, but exact location in building not yet confirmed. Details will be emailed to participants.

This course introduces the practice of Tai Chi with a gentle, non-taxing routine that includes elements of Qigong, Yang style Tai Chi, and movement training. While it is a beginner’s course, people who have experience with Tai Chi are also welcome. The course is taught with the spirit that any movement is good movement. There are many claims about the positive benefits of Tai Chi, and it is our hope that with regular practice, you will notice a difference in overall flexibility, fitness, and ability to relax. If any parts of our routine are not comfortable, you do not need to do them. If you have any health concerns about taking the class, we recommend that you consult your physician.

This class meets once per month:
Wed. Feb. 5 at 10 a.m., Mon. March 17 at 10 a.m., Wed. April 9 at 10 a.m.,
and Wed. May 14 at 2 p.m.

Ever since its earliest offering during the 2008 financial crisis, the Economic Roundtable has strived to better understand the tumultuous economic environment of the last 15 years. The Spring 2025 economic roundtable continues its mission with a focus on considering the potential for a future recession, the current state of the labor market, the impact of the Federal Reserve’s efforts to stop inflation, and the increased political rhetoric in the run up to the presidential election. Please join us in discussing what are often conflicting economic signals and political rhetoric in a quest to better understand the current economic environment.

This class meets once per month:
Wed. Feb. 5 at 10 a.m., Mon. March 17 at 10 a.m., Wed. April 9 at 10 a.m.,
and Wed. May 14 at 2 p.m.

Ever since its earliest offering during the 2008 financial crisis, the Economic Roundtable has strived to better understand the tumultuous economic environment of the last 15 years. The Spring 2025 economic roundtable continues its mission with a focus on considering the potential for a future recession, the current state of the labor market, the impact of the Federal Reserve’s efforts to stop inflation, and the increased political rhetoric in the run up to the presidential election. Please join us in discussing what are often conflicting economic signals and political rhetoric in a quest to better understand the current economic environment.

Join Ellen for a monthly update on the current happenings in international relations and European politics. This class examines the resurgence of a world organized in major poles – three at this time – who contend with each other for dominance. The unipolar world centered around the United States, from 1989 (the end of the Cold War) to roughly 2008, is gone. The United States faces major challenges from Russia and China, each of whom has global ambitions. Their goals will be examined and we will look to the future in this fast-evolving situation.

Join Ellen for a monthly update on the current happenings in international relations and European politics. This class examines the resurgence of a world organized in major poles – three at this time – who contend with each other for dominance. The unipolar world centered around the United States, from 1989 (the end of the Cold War) to roughly 2008, is gone. The United States faces major challenges from Russia and China, each of whom has global ambitions. Their goals will be examined and we will look to the future in this fast-evolving situation.

Tuesdays, February 25, March 11 and 25, April 8 and 22, May 6 and 20

Bruce Martin will lead discussions of literary texts from various time periods and cultures. Authors to be read during the Spring 2025 semester will include Jorge Luis Borges, Emily Dickinson and Stephen Crane. They will be sent individually to participants throughout the semester. Anyone having questions or concerns, or wanting additional information should contact Bruce Martin: brucekmartin85@gmail.com or 515-612-3508.

This 7-session class features stretching and dynamic exercises, music, games, dance, and volleyball. Bring a towel and your swimsuit. Exercise equipment such as water buoys and noodles are provided. You do not need to know how to swim to participate in this class. All fitness levels are welcome.

Session 1 THE PROCESS OF DESIGNING POSTERS
People who design posters (as well as books and magazines, advertising, websites, and so on) are usually referred to now as graphic designers. The aspects of form that they typically consider include colors, sizes, angles, shapes, proportions, textures, and typographic letterforms. At the same time, they are equally intent on producing a final arrangement that is “suitable for” or “compatible with” a functional content which the poster is expected to promote. By what processes—by what means of thinking and seeing—do professional designers arrive at especially stunning results? In this talk, a designer who also taught design for 46 years shares the “trade secrets” on which he relies.

Session 2 FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT AND MODERN BOOK DESIGN
No doubt most people are acquainted with Frank Lloyd Wright’s achievements as an architect. Less often have they heard about his design of furniture, fabrics, stained-glass windows, and other components. In particular, they may have no awareness of his involvement in book design. This talk looks at the progression of book design (including handmade letterpress books) and the range of ideas and values that influenced their leading designers, among them William Morris, Frank Lloyd Wright, Elbert Hubbard, W.A. Dwiggins, El Lissitzky, Merle Armitage, Jan Tschichold, and numerous others.

Session 3 DEPRESSION-ERA ART, DESIGN AND ILLUSTRATION
During the administration of American president Franklin D. Roosevelt, millions of unemployed citizens were contracted by the government to work on public projects, such as post office buildings, roads, state parks, and essential infrastructure. Called the WPA (Works Progress Administration) it also offered employment for those in the arts, including visual arts, theatre, architecture, photography, and writing. It continued for four years, during which such things were completed as murals for public buildings, posters, documentary photographs, and research guides on every state. This talk is an overview of some of those projects, including their current whereabouts.

Sexuality is a positive, life-affirming force that involves our whole being, including our mind, body and spirit. It begins at the time we are born and continues and changes throughout our whole lifespan. Then why is it so hard to talk about? Participants will learn more about themselves and society’s sexual attitudes, values and beliefs and the impact these messages have on our health and happiness.

Sexuality is a positive, life-affirming force that involves our whole being, including our mind, body and spirit. It begins at the time we are born and continues and changes throughout our whole lifespan. Then why is it so hard to talk about? Participants will learn more about themselves and society’s sexual attitudes, values and beliefs and the impact these messages have on our health and happiness.

This course explores the fascinating science of human development, encompassing the entire journey from conception to birth and beyond. We’ll explore the intricate cellular and molecular processes that shape our bodies during embryonic and fetal development. Additionally, we’ll examine the scientific and ethical implications of developmental biology, particularly the applications of stem cells and organoids in developing novel disease treatments.

This course explores the fascinating science of human development, encompassing the entire journey from conception to birth and beyond. We’ll explore the intricate cellular and molecular processes that shape our bodies during embryonic and fetal development. Additionally, we’ll examine the scientific and ethical implications of developmental biology, particularly the applications of stem cells and organoids in developing novel disease treatments.

This class will examine the elements of music and how they specifically relate to affecting our emotions. We will then listen to examples to see how composers have used them through the various style periods and how listeners’ anticipated emotional responses have changed over time. Selections will be played for people to compare their responses to others in the class to demonstrate how the same music can affect various people in different ways. The same music performed by different artists will be compared to discuss how a performance can alter how we feel about what we hear. Live performance, and the addition of a visual element, will also be discussed.

THIS CLASS HAS BEEN CANCELLED

Chair yoga is a gentle practice in which yoga poses are done with the help of a chair or seated. For standing poses, the chair helps with balance. Chair yoga is great for beginners and for people with physical disabilities or who have a hard time getting up and down from the floor. The practice increases flexibility, strength, and awareness. Additionally, we will be using breathing techniques and meditation to promote relaxation and mental clarity.

This course will cover four narratives with no connection to each other other than that they do not appear in school syllabi. The first will focus on Lorenzo de’ Medici as Florentine politician rather than as patron of Renaissance art. The second will discuss women’s fashion in the French Revolution. The third will trace the link between the failed European revolutions of 1848 and the American Civil War. The fourth will describe the great city-to-city automobile races between 1894 and 1914 that heralded the arrival of the motor car in the modern world.

This course will cover four narratives with no connection to each other other than that they do not appear in school syllabi. The first will focus on Lorenzo de’ Medici as Florentine politician rather than as patron of Renaissance art. The second will discuss women’s fashion in the French Revolution. The third will trace the link between the failed European revolutions of 1848 and the American Civil War. The fourth will describe the great city-to-city automobile races between 1894 and 1914 that heralded the arrival of the motor car in the modern world.

Learn to put together two of our simplest activities - breathing and walking - in a meditative way that can improve your physical and mental well-being. Research shows that combining patterns of breath synchronized with your walking steps produces a relaxation response and improved mood better than either on their own. The technique is simple, natural and effective - you can practice it anywhere! Weather permitting, class will meet at three lovely, outdoor public green spaces in Des Moines. Wear comfortable walking shoes, dress appropriately for the weather and bring a water bottle.

Proposed locations: Drake Campus, Robert D. Ray Asian Garden, Rose Garden at Greenwood Park

France has seen a renaissance (literally rebirth in French) in cultural awareness recently after the 2024 Paris Olympics and the reopening of the 12th century cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris. We will look at certain cultural and historical monuments in France that have been at the brink of destruction or ruin and how they were saved to either be reconstituted for a new use (think of the Musée d’Orsay, which was originally a train station) or rebuilt thanks to popular demand (Notre-Dame de Paris now twice), or how a private group raised funds to return a significant cultural touchstone to its original brilliance (Monet’s Gardens at Giverny).

France has seen a renaissance (literally rebirth in French) in cultural awareness recently after the 2024 Paris Olympics and the reopening of the 12th century cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris. We will look at certain cultural and historical monuments in France that have been at the brink of destruction or ruin and how they were saved to either be reconstituted for a new use (think of the Musée d’Orsay, which was originally a train station) or rebuilt thanks to popular demand (Notre-Dame de Paris now twice), or how a private group raised funds to return a significant cultural touchstone to its original brilliance (Monet’s Gardens at Giverny).

In a two-year period, Cary Grant starred in three of the most honored screwball comedies in film history, Bringing Up Baby (1938), The Philadelphia Story (1940), and His Girl Friday (1940). This course will discuss screwball comedies as a subset of the romantic comedy film genre, examine the three films and their amazing casts, and compare them as examples of this style of film.

Locations: Captain Roy’s, 1900 Saylor Rd, DSM, and, Truman’s, 400 SE Sixth St., DSM

Neighborhood Bars are part of the fabric of every community. Whether it’s a single establishment located on a small town Main Street, or a number of bars in different parts of a larger city, they are gathering places for local residents that provide vitality and energy to their community.

Join us as we learn about their history, the customers they serve, and sample from their menu. One can even choose to order an alcoholic beverage – naturally, that’s on your own dime. Come on, ‘dive in’ and join fellow OLLI members on this two-session ‘road trip’!

Session 1 at Harkin Institute:

Discussion questions: What are in-field and edge-of-field practices and how do they benefit the long-term value of farmland? Can we make our land resilient to climate change with these conservation practices on our land?

In-field: No-till/strip-till; Cover crops

Edge-of-field: Buffer strips; Wood-chip bioreactors; Saturated buffers; Prairie strips; Terraces; Waterways

Session 2 at Tesdell Century Farm:

On-farm visit to Tesdell Century Farm in rural Slater, Iowa. On the visit we will see conservation practices in place. We will have time for discussion during our visit. Participants will need to wear sturdy walking shoes for walking on uneven terrain.

This program helps to dispel common myths and misconceptions about Long-Term Care as well as describes the various forms of care available. Strategies for planning Long-Term Care include problems with legacy insurance, new and improved Long-Term Care insurance, other insurance products with Long-Term Care benefits, and financial strategies to leverage for care costs. Attendees of this presentation should come away with a greater understanding of what they need to do to plan properly for their potential future care needs.

This program helps to dispel common myths and misconceptions about Long-Term Care as well as describes the various forms of care available. Strategies for planning Long-Term Care include problems with legacy insurance, new and improved Long-Term Care insurance, other insurance products with Long-Term Care benefits, and financial strategies to leverage for care costs. Attendees of this presentation should come away with a greater understanding of what they need to do to plan properly for their potential future care needs.

The National Senior Games will be hosted in central Iowa July 24–August 4. There will be opportunities for OLLI at Drake members to get involved.

The National Senior Games (NSG) active aging movement is the largest qualified, multisport event in the world, for individuals 50 and older. Learn how active aging through sports can be a fun way of increasing physical activity. Understand the health and well-being benefits of engaging in fitness through sports.

Once upon a time the Earth’s climate changed at, literally, a glacial pace. Now in the Holocene, aka the age of man, our climate is fluctuating widely and wildly with the undeniable, persistent, and problematic trend of getting steadily hotter. In the olden days—like, really really olden prehistoric days—it took a millennium or more for the Earth’s temperature to change by a degree in either direction, allowing plants multiple generations to evolve adaptations or “move” to more accommodating regions. But now, thanks to shifts in the atmosphere that have been sped up by human activity, temperatures are changing much faster than plants with long lifespans can adapt to. In this program we will examine how climate change is affecting tree populations around the world and what conservationists are doing to try to stay a step ahead. We’ll also learn how we can use trees to help combat climate change in our own backyards.

Participants will have the opportunity to tour the new workshop of Dobson Pipe Organ Builders, seeing firsthand how organs are made. Particular attention will be given to organ pipes, how they’re constructed, and how changing various parameters affects the tone.

Further details for carpooling, etc. will be sent closer to the date. Participants can choose their own locations to have lunch.

Want to challenge and exercise your brain by learning a new game? Mah Jongg is a fascinating rummy-like game played with tiles rather than cards. It is a game of skill, strategy and calculation and it involves a certain degree of chance. The four-player table version should not be confused with the tile matching computer game version, which is a recent invention and completely different from the table game. This class will follow National Mah Jongg League rules, which use a card (changed each year) of standard hands. Learners will work with experienced players during each class session as they learn rules, strategies, and all the challenging aspects of this game.

Class fee includes the purchase of the National Mah Jongg League 2025 Card for each participant.

This short course will offer safe solutions for common obstacles for aging in place. There will be demonstration of a large selection of common assistive technology/adaptive equipment for safe aging in place.

This short course will offer safe solutions for common obstacles for aging in place. There will be demonstration of a large selection of common assistive technology/adaptive equipment for safe aging in place.

Cinderella is a landmark animated film that played a pivotal role in revitalizing Disney Studios after World War II. The film is renowned for its enchanting animation, memorable characters, and a soundtrack that includes timeless songs. The film was a massive success, earning critical acclaim and becoming one of the highest-grossing films of 1950. Its financial success helped Disney Studios recover from wartime struggles, enabling the creation of future classics. The movie showcases Disney’s storytelling magic, blending humor, romance, and hope. Its innovative use of multi-plane cameras and vibrant Technicolor solidified it as an animation masterpiece.

(Optional Zoom presentation with Carl Johnson at 9:30–10:30 a.m., Thursday, May 1)

Cinderella is a landmark animated film that played a pivotal role in revitalizing Disney Studios after World War II. The film is renowned for its enchanting animation, memorable characters, and a soundtrack that includes timeless songs. The film was a massive success, earning critical acclaim and becoming one of the highest-grossing films of 1950. Its financial success helped Disney Studios recover from wartime struggles, enabling the creation of future classics. The movie showcases Disney’s storytelling magic, blending humor, romance, and hope. Its innovative use of multi-plane cameras and vibrant Technicolor solidified it as an animation masterpiece.

(Optional Zoom presentation with Carl Johnson at 9:30–10:30 a.m., Thursday, May 1)

The Des Moines Municipal Cemeteries offers three types of cemetery tours. Tour participants must be able to walk up to 1.5 miles and the tours range approximately two hours in length. The outdoor tours are both historically accurate and entertaining.

Civil War History Tour by Jeff Kluever, Woodland Cemetery – 2019 Woodland Avenue
On this Civil War-themed tour of Woodland Cemetery, guests will learn the history of Iowa in the Civil War through first-hand accounts of a few of the men who served and are now buried there. The twelve stops on the tour will highlight stories from Wilson’s Creek, Shiloh, Vicksburg, Sherman’s March, as well as other engagements, including the experiences of United States Colored Troops now interred at the cemetery. The stories from the men buried at Woodland are supplemented by historic photographs and Civil War relics, bringing their story to life more than a century after their death. Jeff Kluever, Cemetery Historian will lead the 1 ¼ mile walking tour.

Glendale Cemetery Historical Tour by Ganesh Ganpat, Glendale Cemetery – 4909 University Avenue
Glendale Cemetery is one of the largest and most active cemeteries in our state. When the cemetery first opened, it was so far west of the population center it was believed it would never be used. Your tour includes a visit to the Glendale Abbey, the GAR section, former VP Henry A. Wallace’s burial site and many other notable residents. Participants also learn about what makes the cemetery unique culturally, how the cemetery operates today, headstone designs, cremations burials, volunteer opportunities and monument cleaning. Your tour is 1 ½ miles, and tour guide is Ganesh Ganpat, Cemetery Manager.

Woodland Cemetery Historical Tour by Archie Cook, Woodland Cemetery – 2019 Woodland Avenue
Woodland Cemetery is a vast treasury of our heritage and the many pioneer leaders who are buried there transformed our country. Cemetery historian/researcher/educator Archie Cook shares his wealth of knowledge about Woodland Cemetery during about 1-mile walk. The stories told by the monuments and headstones combine to form the history of the city as it has passed through civil and world wars, epidemics, and natural disasters as well as the normal course of birth, life, and death. Passing through the narrow drives of the cemetery, you see stone etchings of the names of many citizens from our past who helped build Des Moines. The names are a part of everyday life in our city’s landscape, streets, parks, schools, and buildings, such as Savery, Kenworthy, Ingersoll, Hubbell, Kaplan, Perkins, Teachout, Fleur, Redhead, Polk, and Sherman.

Join one of Iowa’s foremost birders, Dennis Thompson, for a morning bird walk exploring central Iowa parks. We’ll look for a wide variety of species in various habitats. Novices are very welcome. Bring binoculars and a small notebook to record your sightings. Participants will receive meeting directions via email prior to the class. Expect some uneven terrain and wear sturdy shoes.

Community building is about connecting people and creating a sense of belonging. In this class, we’ll be looking at a variety of ways to build community and explore how those are being applied to our Drake area through art, coffeeshops and more. Plus, we’ll get a chance to meet some of the people building community around our neighborhood.

Coffee will be served during this class.

Famously, in 2017, defending White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer’s lie about attendance at Donald Trump’s Inauguration, Kellyanne Conway stated that Spicer was giving “alternative facts.”  What are “alternative facts?”  Have myths and lies become so ingrained in our understanding of history that we refuse to see the real truth?  Why do we persist in perpetuating them?  Is it patriotism, ignorance, or a threat to democracy?  We’ll explore all these possibilities by looking at myths from pre-European America to the present.

This class will provide you a golden opportunity to dive deeply into your true essence.  We will learn how to release old patterns and beliefs as we discover new gifts and powers within us.  Different practices and techniques will be taught to help us “LET GO” of our very limited beliefs of who we are.

Join us for a farm tour followed by lunch at Wilson’s Orchard and Farm in beautiful Cumming, Iowa. Wilson’s mission is to help develop local, ethical, and regenerative food and farm systems in our communities. Choosing locally-grown means lower food miles, and a smaller carbon footprint. Their growers and farm partners utilize a variety of environmentally responsible practices, and they try to choose varieties that prioritize flavor, meet the local demand for Iowa-grown produce, and improve the health and wellness of our community. Each season Wilson’s partners with various local food pantries and community programs that support our neighborhoods and make our products easily available to as many as possible.

Lunch menus will be emailed 2 weeks prior to the class date.

The invasion of Normandy by Allied forces on June 6th, 1944, was the largest seaborne invasion of all time. It opened a second major front against Nazi-occupied Europe and led to the eventual collapse of the Third Reich in 1945. The cost was high in lives paid but it was the crucial step to bring an end to World War II in Europe. This presentation will offer an overview of this momentous battle and commemorate the service and sacrifice of so many Americans to the cause of freedom.

The invasion of Normandy by Allied forces on June 6th, 1944, was the largest seaborne invasion of all time. It opened a second major front against Nazi-occupied Europe and led to the eventual collapse of the Third Reich in 1945. The cost was high in lives paid but it was the crucial step to bring an end to World War II in Europe. This presentation will offer an overview of this momentous battle and commemorate the service and sacrifice of so many Americans to the cause of freedom.

Ever wanted to get more involved in the beautiful gardens on the Iowa State Fairgrounds? Now is your opportunity! OLLI at Drake members will have a day of work at the Iowa State Fairgrounds gardens on May 15th. Participants will be supervised for a two-hour timeslot and should be prepared for gardening with appropriate clothing, gardening gloves, etc., and will be primarily working on new plantings under the supervision of the Iowa State Fair gardeners.

Participants will be allocated their timeslot.

Ever wanted to get more involved in the beautiful gardens on the Iowa State Fairgrounds? Now is your opportunity! OLLI at Drake members will have a day of work at the Iowa State Fairgrounds gardens on May 15th. Participants will be supervised for a two-hour timeslot and should be prepared for gardening with appropriate clothing, gardening gloves, etc., and will be primarily working on new plantings under the supervision of the Iowa State Fair gardeners.

Participants will be allocated their timeslot.

Participants will be assigned their times for both tours and emailed with the timeslot.

Join Dana Vasey for an in-depth presentation on the architectural gems of Des Moines (and Iowa). The class series will start with a two-hour presentation at the Harkin Institute for all registered participants. This will follow the next week with docent tours at Terrace Hill during morning sessions and the State Capitol building in the afternoon. Groups will be assigned by OLLI staff.

Terrace Hill, The Palace on the Prairie
Terrace Hill is the iowa’s Governor’s Resdience as well as a museum home. It is listed on the National Historic Landmark Register. Located on a hill overlooking downtown Des Moines, it is an excellent example of ‘Second Empire’ architecture; featuring a 90-ft tower, steeply pitched mansard roof, and open verandas that give this house an irreplacable design. The tour will begin with a documentary film in the Carriage House. The film chronicles Terrace Hill’s history and occupants, and will be followed by a docent tour of the residence. The first governor to live there was Governor Robert Ray and family in 1976.

Beneath the Golden Dome, the Iowa State Capitol
Years of painstaking restoration have placed Iowa at the top of the list of America’s most beautiful capitols. Learn about the building and maintaining of this 19th-century Renaissance-style building. You will learn about gilding our dome, the fire of 1904, and the talented restoration artists who have turned back the hands of time in the most beautiful fashion.

This class will include a visit in the second session to the State Historical Museum

Textile authority Mary Pemble Barton (1917-2003) believed quilts hold untold stories of women’s lives. With insatiable curiosity, Barton collected historically important quilts to decipher their stories, becoming one of the first researchers to collect clothing and women’s periodicals to document and date quilts based upon the fabric they contained. In this two-session course, we will discuss the legacy of Barton’s research and visit the SHSI Museum to see how her work inspires creativity, learning, and quiltmaking.

Please join us at the OLLI at Drake Annual Meeting and 20th Anniversary Celebration, a special event that marks two significant milestones: the continued growth and success of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Drake University and the recognition of the legacy of Governor Robert D. Ray and Mrs. Billie Ray. This year’s celebration honors the lasting contributions of the Rays to the state of Iowa and the OLLI program, which has provided enriching educational opportunities to lifelong learners for two decades. Through inspiring speeches, heartfelt tributes, and a look back at the OLLI’s journey, the event will highlight the legacy of the Ray’s vision for the organization as well as recognize the instructors, volunteers and outgoing council members who have contributed to the success of our 2024-2025 academic, year as well as election of new council members will be elected.

Take a 90-minute walking tour of the Waveland Park neighborhood in Des Moines to learn about Craftsman Homes, Sears & Roebuck kit homes, and important historical homes all built in the Stylized Period from approximately 1905 to 1929. Learn to distinguish a Bungalow from a Proto-Ranch or a Tudor Revival from a Neo Classical. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a camera!

This tour is offered by the Iowa Architectural Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring the appreciation of architecture and design through adult enrichment and youth education programs.

Join Ashley Sidon as she discusses the upcoming Zenith Chamber Music Festival (ZCMF) that will be June 3–7. The festival is a free annual summer concert series that brings together professional musicians from around the world, as well as local artists, to perform in diverse and unique venues in Des Moines, Iowa. The festival aims to enhance the arts in the community through innovative and diverse programming, interactive community outreach, and creative partnerships with local and regional organizations. ZCMF is dedicated to making high-quality chamber music more accessible to the community and emerging student musicians.

Come and join your fellow OLLI at Drake members for a fun day at the ballpark.

Prior to the game, John Liepa will provide a pregame discussion about the season, so far, and some insights into players.

Join us in Winterset, Iowa for an exceptional day exploring the museums and history. Our thanks to Teddi Yeager from Madison County Tourism for putting together the following program for us.

10:00 a.m. Award-winning John Wayne Birthplace & Museum. Admission includes the museum and his birthplace home, as well as a short documentary film about the actor.

11:15 a.m. Iowa Quilt Museum tour. Guests can then do a little shopping or walking around the Winterset Courthouse Square.

12:30 p.m. Madison County Historical Museum where you’ll enjoy a catered lunch (Off the Griddle boxed meals include a sandwich, side, pickle and drink). Following lunch tour the museum and grounds.

3:00 p.m. Arrive at the historical  Iowa Theater for a special program on the 1914 cinema’s history, renovation, and a special presentation on movies filmed in Iowa. Guests will enjoy freshly popped Iowa-grown popcorn and soda.

4:00 p.m. Depart Winterset. Thank you for visiting!.

Location: Felix and Oscars, 4050 Merle Hay Rd, DSM

Join in the fun for the first ever OLLI Bingo   What you say, Bingo? Yep, this is correct! This event is going to be filled with all sorts of styles of BINGO without the stress and pressure!

Participants can order lunch from the restaurant and then play and play and play!

When State Auditor Rob Sand took office, he aimed to improve accountability by “waking up the watchdog” in Iowa government. Working with newly-configured leadership, Sand implemented paperless reports, eliminated some degree requirements, and created a government efficiency program that has been copied in two different states. Students will examine the strategy and thinking that set the stage for success and think critically about how to break molds in institutional settings to make things better.

When State Auditor Rob Sand took office, he aimed to improve accountability by “waking up the watchdog” in Iowa government. Working with newly-configured leadership, Sand implemented paperless reports, eliminated some degree requirements, and created a government efficiency program that has been copied in two different states. Students will examine the strategy and thinking that set the stage for success and think critically about how to break molds in institutional settings to make things better.

Stanley Kubrick’s Dr. Strangelove… is a dark satirical comedy about Cold War tensions and the threat of nuclear annihilation. Featuring Peter Sellers in multiple roles, the movie brilliantly blends absurdity with biting social commentary. Its grim humor underscores the madness of mutually assured destruction and the incompetence of political and military leadership. The memorable performances, sharp dialogue, and iconic imagery, such as the cowboy-riding-a-bomb scene, have made the film a timeless masterpiece. Released during heightened Cold War tensions, the film received critical acclaim and remains a benchmark in satire and political cinema. It was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and has been preserved in the National Film Registry for its cultural, historical, and artistic significance. Dr. Strangelove endures as a brilliant critique of human hubris and the absurdity of war.

Stanley Kubrick’s Dr. Strangelove… is a dark satirical comedy about Cold War tensions and the threat of nuclear annihilation. Featuring Peter Sellers in multiple roles, the movie brilliantly blends absurdity with biting social commentary. Its grim humor underscores the madness of mutually assured destruction and the incompetence of political and military leadership. The memorable performances, sharp dialogue, and iconic imagery, such as the cowboy-riding-a-bomb scene, have made the film a timeless masterpiece. Released during heightened Cold War tensions, the film received critical acclaim and remains a benchmark in satire and political cinema. It was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and has been preserved in the National Film Registry for its cultural, historical, and artistic significance. Dr. Strangelove endures as a brilliant critique of human hubris and the absurdity of war.