September   

Indoor session – for all students – 9–10 a.m., Tuesday, September 1

Explore the calming practice of Shinrin-Yoku, or forest bathing, in this introductory session led by Karen Johlas-Szalkowski, Certified Forest & Nature Therapy Guide and owner of Forest Spirit LLC. Learning what forest therapy truly is—an invitation to slow down, be present, notice, and engage the senses. Enjoy a brief presentation on its history and benefits, followed by a short indoor forest-bathing experience using natural items and gentle sensory awareness.

Outdoor field trip/walking session

Join Forest Spirit LLC for a calming, sensory-rich guided walk at Walnut Woods State Park. Through gentle, mindful invitations, this immersive experience encourages you to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with nature. Inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, the walk supports stress relief, enhances mental clarity, sparks creativity, and deepens your connection to the natural world—leaving you refreshed and renewed.

Indoor session – for all students – 9–10 a.m., Tuesday, September 1

Explore the calming practice of Shinrin-Yoku, or forest bathing, in this introductory session led by Karen Johlas-Szalkowski, Certified Forest & Nature Therapy Guide and owner of Forest Spirit LLC. Learning what forest therapy truly is—an invitation to slow down, be present, notice, and engage the senses. Enjoy a brief presentation on its history and benefits, followed by a short indoor forest-bathing experience using natural items and gentle sensory awareness.

Outdoor field trip/walking session

Join Forest Spirit LLC for a calming, sensory-rich guided walk at Walnut Woods State Park. Through gentle, mindful invitations, this immersive experience encourages you to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with nature. Inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, the walk supports stress relief, enhances mental clarity, sparks creativity, and deepens your connection to the natural world—leaving you refreshed and renewed.

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 18 years. The Fall 2026 class continues its mission with a focus on considering the potential for a future recession, the current state of the labor market, and the impact of the Federal Reserve’s efforts to stop inflation. Please join us in discussing what are often conflicting economic signals and political rhetoric in a quest to better understand the current economic environment.

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 18 years. The Fall 2026 class continues its mission with a focus on considering the potential for a future recession, the current state of the labor market, and the impact of the Federal Reserve’s efforts to stop inflation. Please join us in discussing what are often conflicting economic signals and political rhetoric in a quest to better understand the current economic environment.

Iowa’s delectable cuisine is quintessentially Midwestern, grounded in its rich farming heritage and spiced with diverse ethnic influences. Dig in as I serve up Iowa’s tastiest traditions. From the chili-and-cinnamon-rolls phenomenon to Maid-Rites to the moveable feast known as RAGBRAI, discover the remarkable stories behind Iowa classics and savor a smorgasbord of other unique Iowa food traditions with my fun, interactive program. Relish the tantalizing tidbits you missed in history class! 

Iowa’s delectable cuisine is quintessentially Midwestern, grounded in its rich farming heritage and spiced with diverse ethnic influences. Dig in as I serve up Iowa’s tastiest traditions. From the chili-and-cinnamon-rolls phenomenon to Maid-Rites to the moveable feast known as RAGBRAI, discover the remarkable stories behind Iowa classics and savor a smorgasbord of other unique Iowa food traditions with my fun, interactive program. Relish the tantalizing tidbits you missed in history class! 

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.

Thursdays, September 3, 10, 17, 24, October 22, 29, November 5: 10–11 a.m.

Learn more about the rapidly changing world within us and around us in this fun and exciting class that focuses on Transformation. What can we do and be aware of to enhance our personal experience during this period of profound change. The class will provide people the opportunity to better understand the nature and magnitude of the changes taking place at this time so they can release any anxiety or fear of the changes.

Directed by George Cukor and adapted from Clare Boothe Luce’s Broadway play, this sharp Hollywood comedy portrays the lives and rivalries of affluent New York women. Mary Haines (Norma Shearer) learns that her husband is having an affair with ambitious shopgirl Crystal Allen (Joan Crawford), setting off a cascade of gossip, betrayal, and personal transformation. Featuring an all-female cast—including Rosalind Russell and Joan Fontaine—the film blends sophisticated humor with pointed social observation. Famous for its witty dialogue and a lavish Technicolor fashion-show sequence within an otherwise black-and-white film, The Women remains a classic comedy of manners about friendship, rivalry, and independence.

(Optional Zoom presentation with Carl Johnson at 12–1 p.m., Wednesday, September 2)

Directed by George Cukor and adapted from Clare Boothe Luce’s Broadway play, this sharp Hollywood comedy portrays the lives and rivalries of affluent New York women. Mary Haines (Norma Shearer) learns that her husband is having an affair with ambitious shopgirl Crystal Allen (Joan Crawford), setting off a cascade of gossip, betrayal, and personal transformation. Featuring an all-female cast—including Rosalind Russell and Joan Fontaine—the film blends sophisticated humor with pointed social observation. Famous for its witty dialogue and a lavish Technicolor fashion-show sequence within an otherwise black-and-white film, The Women remains a classic comedy of manners about friendship, rivalry, and independence.

(Optional Zoom presentation with Carl Johnson at 12–1 p.m., Wednesday, September 2)

Directed by George Cukor and adapted from Clare Boothe Luce’s Broadway play, this sharp Hollywood comedy portrays the lives and rivalries of affluent New York women. Mary Haines (Norma Shearer) learns that her husband is having an affair with ambitious shopgirl Crystal Allen (Joan Crawford), setting off a cascade of gossip, betrayal, and personal transformation. Featuring an all-female cast—including Rosalind Russell and Joan Fontaine—the film blends sophisticated humor with pointed social observation. Famous for its witty dialogue and a lavish Technicolor fashion-show sequence within an otherwise black-and-white film, The Women remains a classic comedy of manners about friendship, rivalry, and independence.

(Optional Zoom presentation with Carl Johnson at 12–1 p.m., Wednesday, September 2)

**Please note - Class is Cancelled, will be rescheduled to spring semester. 

This introductory 90-minute experiential class invites learners to explore the intelligence of their breath. Through guided practice and insights from functional and slow rhythmic breathing, participants notice how breath patterns shift throughout daily life. The session builds practical awareness that supports better sleep, physiological balance, and emotional adaptability. Participants leave with simple tools to regulate stress and relate to their breath in more subtle and effective ways, meeting life’s changing demands with greater steadiness, clarity, and embodied presence.

Join us for a fun luncheon at Brick Street Café & Drive-Thru, a locally owned, diner-style cafe in Bondurant, Iowa. Our location, just off of the Highway 65 / 330 diagonal, allows easy access from Altoona, Ankeny, Marshalltown and the greater Des Moines metro area. Voted best Tenderloins in Iowa in 2014.

** Participants pay at restaurant

Join us for a fun luncheon at Brick Street Café & Drive-Thru, a locally owned, diner-style cafe in Bondurant, Iowa. Our location, just off of the Highway 65 / 330 diagonal, allows easy access from Altoona, Ankeny, Marshalltown and the greater Des Moines metro area. Voted best Tenderloins in Iowa in 2014.

** Participants pay at restaurant

Critics have compared The Sopranos to Shakespearean tragedy, because the groundbreaking prestige TV series explores the dark complications of family drama, political conflict, and psychological turmoil, focusing on the consequences of loyalty and betrayal, violence and revenge, youth and aging. What makes The Sopranos a contemporary tragicomedy? How do the primary characters in the series contend with circumstances and challenges in ways similar to characters in Macbeth, Hamlet, and King Lear? How does the series speak to current familial, national, and global concerns? 

Using clips from episodes in the TV series that embody the aforementioned themes and concerns, we will explore The Sopranos as a modern Shakespearean tragicomedy. Questions and concerns will be addressed in lectures and discussions. Viewing the episodes prior to classes is not required, but watching them will help you understand the larger context of the clips we analyze.

Tuesdays, September 8, 15, 22, 29: 9:30–11:30 a.m.

In the latter part of the 20th century, advances in mathematics and increased computing power led to new ideas in a broad spectrum of fields. Some of these ideas reached the public in the form of phrases such as “The Butterfly Effect”, “Period three implies Chaos”, “How long is the coastline of Great Britian” and “The Mandelbrot Set”. These ideas and the pictures that often accompanied them were part of a “new” field that became known as “Chaos and Fractals”.

In this course we will consider such phrases, in the perspectives of sources, meaning, and consequences to explain the subject. Along the way, we will develop, at the level of high school algebra, the ideas of mathematical iteration, complex numbers, and the complex plane.

There will be occasional, optional problems, these are for students who want to follow up on class presentation. They will not be collected or graded.

In the latter part of the 20th century, advances in mathematics and increased computing power led to new ideas in a broad spectrum of fields. Some of these ideas reached the public in the form of phrases such as “The Butterfly Effect”, “Period three implies Chaos”, “How long is the coastline of Great Britian” and “The Mandelbrot Set”. These ideas and the pictures that often accompanied them were part of a “new” field that became known as “Chaos and Fractals”.

In this course we will consider such phrases, in the perspectives of sources, meaning, and consequences to explain the subject. Along the way, we will develop, at the level of high school algebra, the ideas of mathematical iteration, complex numbers, and the complex plane.

There will be occasional, optional problems, these are for students who want to follow up on class presentation. They will not be collected or graded.

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.

Join Sam Wormley as he reviews the basic function and operation of the Mac operating system, essentials, and capabilities. Also emphasized will be privacy, security, interoperability with other Apple products, and addressing your needs.

Wednesdays, September 9, 16, 23, 30, and October 14, 21, 28 (7 weeks, with no class on October 7): 10–11:30 a.m.

This class is offered in conjunction with OLLI at ISU. This class runs for 7 sessions.

Join us for the OLLI at Drake Book Club this fall as we read and reflect on four new books by award-winning authors. All four books feature themes and points of view that will not only challenge our perceptions of the world – but also our place in that world. Engaging and meaningful discussions are guaranteed! Join those discussions online each month.

Discussions will take place online each month. The schedule looks like this:.

September 10: Vigil by George Saunders 
October 14: Go Gentle by Maria Semple
November 11: One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This by Omar El Akkad
December 9: Python’s Kiss by Louise Erdrich

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.

This class is offered in conjunction with OLLI at ISU – 8 sessions.. 

Mike Meetz and Sam Wormley team up to provide a lively discussion with OLLI members about Science in the News. A deep understanding of science is not required to share and discuss recent Science in the News.

Thursdays, September 10, 17, 24, and October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 (8 weeks): 9–10:30 a.m.

Join our Knitting & Craft Group! Calling all lifelong learners and creative minds! Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just eager to try something new, our friendly group is the perfect place to unwind, share skills, and spark inspiration. Bring your knitting, crochet, embroidery, or any craft you love—along with your curiosity and conversation! Come create, connect, and learn together. This group will meet every two weeks at the Drake Alumni House.

Thursdays (every 2 weeks) , September 10 through November 19: 12–1:30 p.m.

Join us for an engaging look into the life of the iconic monarch butterfly. We’ll explore the “super-generation” of monarchs—the tiny travelers that fly thousands of miles to their winter home in the forests of Mexico. After an indoor presentation on their unique biology and the challenges they face, we’ll head outside to catch and tag migrating monarchs to help researchers track their journey. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and bring your sense of wonder!

Self drive

Join us for a tour of locations not often explored in Fairfield, Iowa. The itinerary is as follows:

10:00 a.m.: Explore the history at the Carnegie Historical Museum, one of Iowa’s five oldest museums, dating back to 1876 and housed in the first Carnegie Library west of the Mississippi River. Inside, you’ll find an eclectic collection that spans centuries and continents—Native American pottery, Civil War artifacts, Roman antiquities, and stories rooted in Fairfield’s own heritage.

Whether you’re fascinated by Abraham Lincoln, ancient civilizations, or the quirky threads of small-town history, this museum offers something unexpected for everyone.

12 p.m.: McElhinney House for lunch. Menu options will be emailed to participants in advance..Step into a beautifully preserved historic home that tells the story of Fairfield’s early families and civic spirit. This stop includes a catered meal, making it both a taste of history and a taste of hospitality.

1:30 p.m.: Johnny Clock Museum – Lockridge, Iowa. Discover the charm of one man’s remarkable craftsmanship at the Johnny Clock Museum, where every clock tells more than time—it tells a story. Self-taught woodworker John McClain created intricate, fully functioning clocks from memory, transforming Iowa hardwoods into masterpieces of art and engineering. The museum showcases dozens of these handmade treasures, along with tools, memorabilia, and a homespun atmosphere that captures the spirit of small-town ingenuity. Quirky, creative, and utterly unique, the Johnny Clock Museum is a stop that delights visitors.

Self drive

Join us for a tour of locations not often explored in Fairfield, Iowa. The itinerary is as follows:

10:00 a.m.: Explore the history at the Carnegie Historical Museum, one of Iowa’s five oldest museums, dating back to 1876 and housed in the first Carnegie Library west of the Mississippi River. Inside, you’ll find an eclectic collection that spans centuries and continents—Native American pottery, Civil War artifacts, Roman antiquities, and stories rooted in Fairfield’s own heritage.

Whether you’re fascinated by Abraham Lincoln, ancient civilizations, or the quirky threads of small-town history, this museum offers something unexpected for everyone.

12 p.m.: McElhinney House for lunch. Menu options will be emailed to participants in advance..Step into a beautifully preserved historic home that tells the story of Fairfield’s early families and civic spirit. This stop includes a catered meal, making it both a taste of history and a taste of hospitality.

1:30 p.m.: Johnny Clock Museum – Lockridge, Iowa. Discover the charm of one man’s remarkable craftsmanship at the Johnny Clock Museum, where every clock tells more than time—it tells a story. Self-taught woodworker John McClain created intricate, fully functioning clocks from memory, transforming Iowa hardwoods into masterpieces of art and engineering. The museum showcases dozens of these handmade treasures, along with tools, memorabilia, and a homespun atmosphere that captures the spirit of small-town ingenuity. Quirky, creative, and utterly unique, the Johnny Clock Museum is a stop that delights visitors.

Gothic Literature is known for its gloomy and mysterious aesthetics and the often torturous journeys of its protagonists. In this course, we’ll define and explore the genre and examine its two forms—threat from the supernatural, and characters who are haunted by their own psychological demons. Together, we’ll be taking an in-depth look into three examples of Gothic Literature.

Students are highly encouraged—but not required—to familiarize themselves with the following three classic texts. All of them are widely available online for free: The Fall of the House of Usher by Edgar Allan Poe, The Turn of the Screw by Henry James, and The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson.

Gothic Literature is known for its gloomy and mysterious aesthetics and the often torturous journeys of its protagonists. In this course, we’ll define and explore the genre and examine its two forms—threat from the supernatural, and characters who are haunted by their own psychological demons. Together, we’ll be taking an in-depth look into three examples of Gothic Literature.

Students are highly encouraged—but not required—to familiarize themselves with the following three classic texts. All of them are widely available online for free: The Fall of the House of Usher by Edgar Allan Poe, The Turn of the Screw by Henry James, and The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson.

Visit the Wallace Farm (birthplace of Henry A. Wallace) at the Gathering Barn for a farm-to-table luncheon, presentation by the farm manager, tour of the corn plots, and hike through the beautiful restored Iowa prairie art walk.

The meal will be an Iowa Pork Chop with apple butter glaze, herb roasted potatoes, seasonal vegetables and includes a garden salad, homemade seasonal dessert, water, iced tea and coffee. Beer and wine are available for purchase. Note: dietary restrictions can be accommodated.

Visit the Wallace Farm (birthplace of Henry A. Wallace) at the Gathering Barn for a farm-to-table luncheon, presentation by the farm manager, tour of the corn plots, and hike through the beautiful restored Iowa prairie art walk.

The meal will be an Iowa Pork Chop with apple butter glaze, herb roasted potatoes, seasonal vegetables and includes a garden salad, homemade seasonal dessert, water, iced tea and coffee. Beer and wine are available for purchase. Note: dietary restrictions can be accommodated.

During this class, I will provide a brief history of the survey method in US politics, an overview of what we are currently using, a discussion of how to interpret approval ratings (with some insights from a project I am working on), and an exercise revolving around survey design. The benefits of the session would be to promote some tools to better understand public opinion dynamics in everyday life and to be more mindful of certain distortions and oversights that commercial polls include.

During this class, I will provide a brief history of the survey method in US politics, an overview of what we are currently using, a discussion of how to interpret approval ratings (with some insights from a project I am working on), and an exercise revolving around survey design. The benefits of the session would be to promote some tools to better understand public opinion dynamics in everyday life and to be more mindful of certain distortions and oversights that commercial polls include.

Join us for the OLLI at Drake Film Discussion group. Films include two documentaries: A Girl in the River: A Lesson in Forgiveness (an attempted honor killing), and For Sama (a woman and her family in war-torn Syria). Films to be discussed will be: Secrets and Lies – a film which explores the consequences of adoption. Two Family House, is a true story of complications that arise from an unusual situation. Fatal Attraction is a modern horror film. Focus will be on discussion, after viewing the films on your own.

This course will examine the careers of Americans who made very important contributions to their country, but whose stories are now slipping from public memory. Examples include: Frances Kelsey of the FDA, who fought to prevent the approval of thalidomide; A. Philip Randolph, who founded the first Black trade union and pressed successfully for desegregation of the defense industry in 1941; Vannavar Bush, who headed the office overseeing the Manhattan Project and the development of radar; Archibald Cox, whose firing as Watergate Special Prosecutor was a key moment in that scandal; and others equally impactful.

This course will examine the careers of Americans who made very important contributions to their country, but whose stories are now slipping from public memory. Examples include: Frances Kelsey of the FDA, who fought to prevent the approval of thalidomide; A. Philip Randolph, who founded the first Black trade union and pressed successfully for desegregation of the defense industry in 1941; Vannavar Bush, who headed the office overseeing the Manhattan Project and the development of radar; Archibald Cox, whose firing as Watergate Special Prosecutor was a key moment in that scandal; and others equally impactful.

Explore the streets of Des Moines’ historic “Auto Row” on this engaging Iowa Architectural Foundation walking tour of downtown’s west side. From the late nineteenth century through the 1930s, Iowa was home to a thriving automotive industry, and Des Moines played a key role in designing, manufacturing, and selling automobiles—from early electric carriages to luxury gasoline-powered cars. Participants will discover how the rise of the automobile shaped the city’s architecture, commerce, and identity during one of the most transformative periods in Iowa history.

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.

Though we usually tend to read The Declaration of Independence quite casually as a text of political rhetoric, it in fact presents a remarkably structured argument.  It is a much more substantial document than casual readers might realize.  In this one-session course during the 250th anniversary of its creation, we will examine the text to tease out its logic, enhancing both our understanding of the document’s logic and our appreciation of the brilliance of its authors.

Though we usually tend to read The Declaration of Independence quite casually as a text of political rhetoric, it in fact presents a remarkably structured argument.  It is a much more substantial document than casual readers might realize.  In this one-session course during the 250th anniversary of its creation, we will examine the text to tease out its logic, enhancing both our understanding of the document’s logic and our appreciation of the brilliance of its authors.

As we celebrate this country’s 250th anniversary, what is it we are exactly celebrating? Did we simply replace George III with George Washington, and nothing else really changed? We’ll explore the key causes, long-term and short-term; the key people and most important events; and finally, the outcomes, immediate and long-term. What did our Founding Fathers believe about equality? Did they really believe in democracy? Let’s explore together how far we’ve come since the 1783 Treaty of Paris and our recognition as a sovereign nation. 

Fridays, September 18, and October 2, 9: 10 a.m.–12 p.m.

“Nothing develops intelligence like travel.” – Emile Zola

Little did René Lego know, when she joined OLLI at Drake two years ago, that it would open the door to engaging classes, wonderful new friends, and opportunities to travel abroad. OLLI at Drake partnered with EF Go Ahead Tours and Drake professors Craig Owens and Yasmina Din Madden to curate an amazing itinerary. After traveling to France with the group last year, René was excited to experience the Emerald Isle this June. The journey was truly special, and she is delighted to share the moments and memories from 11 unforgettable days in Ireland.

“Nothing develops intelligence like travel.” – Emile Zola

Little did René Lego know, when she joined OLLI at Drake two years ago, that it would open the door to engaging classes, wonderful new friends, and opportunities to travel abroad. OLLI at Drake partnered with EF Go Ahead Tours and Drake professors Craig Owens and Yasmina Din Madden to curate an amazing itinerary. After traveling to France with the group last year, René was excited to experience the Emerald Isle this June. The journey was truly special, and she is delighted to share the moments and memories from 11 unforgettable days in Ireland.

Unless you are from the countryside, you probably know almost nothing about townships, yet these units of government used to be as important as counties in the day-to-day lives of rural Iowans. This course reviews the history of townships in our state, their evolving responsibilities, and the pluses and minuses to their near total disappearance. Along the way, lots of humorous stories about townships will be shared, including the time that thousands of Hawkeye football fans got stranded on muddy roads after a game and a teenage experience by the instructor.

Unless you are from the countryside, you probably know almost nothing about townships, yet these units of government used to be as important as counties in the day-to-day lives of rural Iowans. This course reviews the history of townships in our state, their evolving responsibilities, and the pluses and minuses to their near total disappearance. Along the way, lots of humorous stories about townships will be shared, including the time that thousands of Hawkeye football fans got stranded on muddy roads after a game and a teenage experience by the instructor.

Enhanced by slides and videos that contextualize the great music from Europe’s past, course attendees will experience music they perhaps have never heard, and will delve more deeply into repertoire that may be among their favorites. Examples will be drawn from over 800 years of music ranging from 1200 CE to the present. We will explore the music in detail in order to understand the minds of the human beings who composed the notes.

**Materials needed for the class will be provided free of charge at the first class. This class meets twice per week.

 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 your ability to relax. This course is advanced in the sense it is a continuation of the Beginning OLLI Tai Chi course the instructor taught. Rather than learn forms and routines from scratch, as in the beginner’s class, we will begin with a week or two of thorough review. Videos from past classes will also be made available. Depending on the interest of the class, new material may also be introduced. Beginners are very welcome, although you should contact the instructor (at daniel.alexander@drake.edu) in advance to discuss whether the class is right for you – if you have a spirit of adventure (and are comfortable learning to swim by swimming) or have any experience with Tai Chi, you should be ok. This course is taught with the spirit that any movement is good movement. 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.

Tuesdays (12-1 p.m.):
  September 22, 29, October 6, 20, 27
  November 3, 10, 17, 24, December 1, 8

Fridays (12-1 p.m.):
  September 25, October 2, 16, 23, 30,
  November 6, 13, 20, December 4

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.

What if the secret to truly understanding a world-class wine isn’t found at the bottom of the glass, but in the notes of a song?  For centuries, the rolling hills of France and Italy didn’t just cultivate legendary vineyards—they birthed the soaring, visceral passions of classical opera.

This immersive sensory experience is presented by Marcus Hanson, former professional Bass-baritone and Portfolio Director for Small Lot Imports in Minneapolis, MN. Known dynamically as “The Opera Wine Guy,” Marcus bridges his two greatest passions by stripping away the academic pretense of wine tasting and replacing it with pure, unadulterated joy. Part musical recital and part wine masterclass, this unique session pairs exquisite European pours with the powerful French and Italian operatic arias that share their native soil.  You will look past generic labels, unlock the hidden “emotional terroir” of legendary regions, and discover how music and wine perfectly elevate one another. Come ready to sip, listen, and experience the Old World with all five senses.

What if the secret to truly understanding a world-class wine isn’t found at the bottom of the glass, but in the notes of a song?  For centuries, the rolling hills of France and Italy didn’t just cultivate legendary vineyards—they birthed the soaring, visceral passions of classical opera.

This immersive sensory experience is presented by Marcus Hanson, former professional Bass-baritone and Portfolio Director for Small Lot Imports in Minneapolis, MN. Known dynamically as “The Opera Wine Guy,” Marcus bridges his two greatest passions by stripping away the academic pretense of wine tasting and replacing it with pure, unadulterated joy. Part musical recital and part wine masterclass, this unique session pairs exquisite European pours with the powerful French and Italian operatic arias that share their native soil.  You will look past generic labels, unlock the hidden “emotional terroir” of legendary regions, and discover how music and wine perfectly elevate one another. Come ready to sip, listen, and experience the Old World with all five senses.

American White Pelicans are among North America’s largest and most striking birds. They glide across inland lakes and wetlands with nine‑foot wingspans, working together to herd fish into the shallows. This program follows their seasonal journey from bustling northern breeding colonies—where adults sport bright orange bills and a temporary breeding “horn”—to their winter refuges along the Gulf Coast and Mexico. Through cooperative feeding, synchronized flight, and the spectacle of long‑distance migration, participants will discover how these birds depend on wetland ecosystems and the importance of protecting the habitats that sustain them.

Self drive

It’s time to relax with your OLLI at Drake friends in Iowa Falls. You will enjoy seeing the Pat Clark Art Collection in a historic Carnegie Library building. And what better way to eat lunch than on a 90-minute cruise on the Scenic City Express, as you enjoy a 3.5-mile guided tour on the Iowa River. If you arrive early stop at the Coffee Attic & Book Cellar for coffee, a light breakfast and to view the current featured artist’s work. Be sure to check out the Iowa Falls Swinging Bridge, stroll through the fun shops in historic downtown Iowa Falls, and enjoy a cold one at Timbukbru Brewery.

Scott Raecker, founding executive director of the Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University, will provide insights into the legacy of leadership demonstrated by Governor and Mrs. Ray that are life lessons for today and future generations. Scott worked with Governor Ray for nearly 30 years through the Iowa Sesquicentennial Celebration (1996) and the founding and growth of the organization that is now known as The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University. The Ray Center mission is to enhance civility through character development and ethical leadership.

The work of The Ray Center honors two of Drake University’s most respected alumni whose humanitarian efforts, character, and leadership set an inspirational example for multiple generations. In this program, Scott will connect leadership lessons from Governor and Mrs. Ray to the work of The Ray Center that perpetuates their legacy of leadership now and into the future. Through public awareness and programming grounded in research, The Ray Center provides character education and leadership development resources to improve civility and produce meaningful, measurable, and sustainable results in schools, organizations, families, and communities.

The Ray Center is the global home to CHARACTER COUNTS! serving over 9 million youth worldwide to help build students’ character, social-emotional, and academic skills while shaping a positive school culture. The Center also works in the public arena including annual engagements to create a culture of excellence and civility with state legislative leaders in all 50 states, all US territories, Canada, and Mexico. In association with the Olson Institute for Public Democracy at Drake, The Greater Des Moines Partnership, and the National and Iowa League of Cities, The Ray Center coordinates the National Civility Summit for Local Government. This annual event provides government officials, both elected and appointed, with best practices to lead an engaged and participatory government.

Scott Raecker, founding executive director of the Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University, will provide insights into the legacy of leadership demonstrated by Governor and Mrs. Ray that are life lessons for today and future generations. Scott worked with Governor Ray for nearly 30 years through the Iowa Sesquicentennial Celebration (1996) and the founding and growth of the organization that is now known as The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University. The Ray Center mission is to enhance civility through character development and ethical leadership.

The work of The Ray Center honors two of Drake University’s most respected alumni whose humanitarian efforts, character, and leadership set an inspirational example for multiple generations. In this program, Scott will connect leadership lessons from Governor and Mrs. Ray to the work of The Ray Center that perpetuates their legacy of leadership now and into the future. Through public awareness and programming grounded in research, The Ray Center provides character education and leadership development resources to improve civility and produce meaningful, measurable, and sustainable results in schools, organizations, families, and communities.

The Ray Center is the global home to CHARACTER COUNTS! serving over 9 million youth worldwide to help build students’ character, social-emotional, and academic skills while shaping a positive school culture. The Center also works in the public arena including annual engagements to create a culture of excellence and civility with state legislative leaders in all 50 states, all US territories, Canada, and Mexico. In association with the Olson Institute for Public Democracy at Drake, The Greater Des Moines Partnership, and the National and Iowa League of Cities, The Ray Center coordinates the National Civility Summit for Local Government. This annual event provides government officials, both elected and appointed, with best practices to lead an engaged and participatory government.