October   

This lively medieval spoof starring Danny Kaye blends musical comedy, swashbuckling adventure, and rapid-fire wordplay. Directed by Melvin Frank and Norman Panama, the film follows timid entertainer Hubert Hawkins, who becomes entangled in a rebel plot to restore a rightful king to the throne. Disguised as the notorious court jester Giacomo, Hubert must navigate palace intrigue, romance, and danger while keeping up the ruse. Memorable performances from Glynis Johns, Basil Rathbone, and Angela Lansbury complement Kaye’s athletic comic timing. The famous “vessel with the pestle” routine and colorful spectacle make The Court Jester a beloved classic of screen comedy.

(Optional Zoom presentation with Carl Johnson at 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Thursday, October 1)

This lively medieval spoof starring Danny Kaye blends musical comedy, swashbuckling adventure, and rapid-fire wordplay. Directed by Melvin Frank and Norman Panama, the film follows timid entertainer Hubert Hawkins, who becomes entangled in a rebel plot to restore a rightful king to the throne. Disguised as the notorious court jester Giacomo, Hubert must navigate palace intrigue, romance, and danger while keeping up the ruse. Memorable performances from Glynis Johns, Basil Rathbone, and Angela Lansbury complement Kaye’s athletic comic timing. The famous “vessel with the pestle” routine and colorful spectacle make The Court Jester a beloved classic of screen comedy.

(Optional Zoom presentation with Carl Johnson at 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Thursday, October 1)

This class is offered in conjunction with Osher at William and Mary.

This presentation will review how historians characterized the role of ordinary German citizens as their country slipped into a militaristic dictatorship in the 1920s and 30s. Were they willing collaborators – or  victims of a megalomaniac? The presenter will share the story of his own father, who grew up on both sides of the Atlantic in the 20s and 30s, and how members of his own family chose to deal with the demise of democracy within their homeland. Some chose to leave while others decided to stay, despite their misgivings, and still others endorsed the Nazi Party.

In this new documentary from Iowa PBS, The Legacy of 4-H explores the origins of the nation’s largest youth organization, tracing its roots to the early 1900s. The film celebrates Jessie Field Shambaugh, known as the “Mother of 4-H,” and her lasting influence on youth education, highlighting how 4-H has empowered generations.

The event includes the hour-long film and a producer talkback with Laurel Bower, who has produced documentaries for Iowa PBS for more than 20 years.

Light refreshments provided.

In this new documentary from Iowa PBS, The Legacy of 4-H explores the origins of the nation’s largest youth organization, tracing its roots to the early 1900s. The film celebrates Jessie Field Shambaugh, known as the “Mother of 4-H,” and her lasting influence on youth education, highlighting how 4-H has empowered generations.

The event includes the hour-long film and a producer talkback with Laurel Bower, who has produced documentaries for Iowa PBS for more than 20 years.

Light refreshments provided.

Join OLLI at Drake members for a tour of the Iowa State University Veterinary Clinic. These tours will be led by ISU veterinary students. 

While still on the ISU campus, we will visit the Textiles and Clothing Museum which features a teaching collection of over 9,500 historical and ethnic textile pieces, garments, and accessories.

Lunch will be a delicious BBQ buffet at Cornbred, on the historic Main Street of Ames. And the day will finish with a visit to beautiful Reiman Gardens.

Join OLLI at Drake members for a tour of the Iowa State University Veterinary Clinic. These tours will be led by ISU veterinary students. 

While still on the ISU campus, we will visit the Textiles and Clothing Museum which features a teaching collection of over 9,500 historical and ethnic textile pieces, garments, and accessories.

Lunch will be a delicious BBQ buffet at Cornbred, on the historic Main Street of Ames. And the day will finish with a visit to beautiful Reiman Gardens.

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.

First Ladies have always been much more than the power behind the throne. Their influence is global. Their authority is unchecked. They operate without a job description. Many have wrought positive, lasting change, while some we barely remember. Recent First Ladies have surprisingly and profoundly reshaped the position. This course will explore the evolution of the role, its traditions, contradictions, controversies, influence, and future, while focusing on important first ladies from 1776 to today.

Tuesdays, October 6, 13, 27: 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Monday, October 19: 12–1:30 p.m.

First Ladies have always been much more than the power behind the throne. Their influence is global. Their authority is unchecked. They operate without a job description. Many have wrought positive, lasting change, while some we barely remember. Recent First Ladies have surprisingly and profoundly reshaped the position. This course will explore the evolution of the role, its traditions, contradictions, controversies, influence, and future, while focusing on important first ladies from 1776 to today.

Tuesdays, October 6, 13, 27: 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Monday, October 19: 12–1:30 p.m.

Modern conflict increasingly targets the systems societies rely on every day—hospitals, power grids, transportation networks, and digital infrastructure. This session examines how cyber attacks, sabotage, disinformation, and terrorism intersect in today’s era of hybrid warfare. Drawing on real-world incidents and national security trends, participants will explore how critical infrastructure has become a frontline in modern conflict and what leaders can do to strengthen resilience and preparedness.

Modern conflict increasingly targets the systems societies rely on every day—hospitals, power grids, transportation networks, and digital infrastructure. This session examines how cyber attacks, sabotage, disinformation, and terrorism intersect in today’s era of hybrid warfare. Drawing on real-world incidents and national security trends, participants will explore how critical infrastructure has become a frontline in modern conflict and what leaders can do to strengthen resilience and preparedness.

This course traces the road to the American Revolution from the French & Indian War to the American Victory at Saratoga, with all that the victory meant in terms of the geopolitics of the late 18th century. We look at the early campaigns on the frontier between the Colonies and Canada, the troubled politics on both sides of the Atlantic and the 10 different engagements, over five months, that culminated with the British surrender.

This class is offered in conjunction with Osher at William and Mary.

Join us for a behind-the-scenes visit to LifeServe Blood Center’s Johnston facility. This event will include an overview of LifeServe’s mission, a tour of the new building, and a chance to learn your blood type. For those interested, there will be the opportunity to donate blood.

LifeServe Blood Center is a non-profit, community-based blood center that has served the needs of local hospitals and patients in our regions since 1947. As one of the 15 largest blood centers in the country, LifeServe provides blood products to 175 hospitals primarily in Iowa, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Illinois.

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 the rules of the National Mah Jongg League, using an annually updated card that outlines the 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.

This course examines the 1841 unsolved murder of Mary Rogers. Participants will act as “armchair detectives,” analyzing the case through the lens of period police and journalistic practices. The course also explores Edgar Allan Poe’s short story based on the mystery and uses the text The Beautiful Cigar Girl: Mary Rogers, Edgar Allan Poe and the Invention of Murder by Daniel Stashower.

This course examines the 1841 unsolved murder of Mary Rogers. Participants will act as “armchair detectives,” analyzing the case through the lens of period police and journalistic practices. The course also explores Edgar Allan Poe’s short story based on the mystery and uses the text The Beautiful Cigar Girl: Mary Rogers, Edgar Allan Poe and the Invention of Murder by Daniel Stashower.

This course traces Black movement to Iowa, from early migrations like Buxton and the Great Migration to the ongoing pursuit of justice, stability, and belonging. Across three sessions, we examine how Black Iowans have navigated the Midwest’s contradictions, built community in unlikely spaces, and continuously redefined what it means to call Iowa home, not just in survival, but in resistance, creativity, and vision.

This course traces Black movement to Iowa, from early migrations like Buxton and the Great Migration to the ongoing pursuit of justice, stability, and belonging. Across three sessions, we examine how Black Iowans have navigated the Midwest’s contradictions, built community in unlikely spaces, and continuously redefined what it means to call Iowa home, not just in survival, but in resistance, creativity, and vision.

This informative tour of the Cowles Library gives OLLI members an overview of the collections at the Library, and a behind-the-scenes tour of the Drake Archives. 

Take advantage of this opportunity, as an OLLI at Drake member, to apply for (or renew) your free Drake Library Card. Staff will be able to process your card application while you are visiting the Library. Bring a photo ID – driver’s license or passport.

The 2026 mid-term elections are shaping up to be among the most important in our nation’s history. This course meets twice: once before the elections to give students a summary of the major campaign issues and themes, and to provide a handy take-home guide to the bellwether races to watch on election night; and once after the election to analyze the results and what they mean for American politics.  US House and Senate races will be covered, as well as state and local races here in Iowa.

Tuesday, October 13, and Friday, November 6: 2–3:30 p.m.

The 2026 mid-term elections are shaping up to be among the most important in our nation’s history. This course meets twice: once before the elections to give students a summary of the major campaign issues and themes, and to provide a handy take-home guide to the bellwether races to watch on election night; and once after the election to analyze the results and what they mean for American politics.  US House and Senate races will be covered, as well as state and local races here in Iowa.

Tuesday, October 13, and Friday, November 6: 2–3:30 p.m.

Ever wonder why a solo in an orchestra piece is an oboe instead of a violin?  Why/how did the composer make that choice? What resources did he/she envision to bring this composition to life?  An organist wrestles with questions such as these every time he/she delves into a piece of music. What sounds are available to me?  How do they blend together?  What are my best choices for interpreting this piece satisfactorily? Did the composer give me clues or am I on my own? This class will explore these questions and more with the use of an Allen electronic organ and the goal of helping the listener listen better, whatever the music!

9:30–11 a.m. (Option 1) OR

11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. (Option 2)

Participants will be assigned their session after registration.

Growing up in the 1950s or 1960s meant that there was a good chance you lived on a 160 or 240 acre farm. Farming in those days was modeled after natural ecosystems. This class will discuss the value (and arguably the necessity) of farming systems that acknowledge and respect ecological principles. The future of farming may depend on it.

Wednesdays, October 14, 28 and Friday, October 23: 2–3:30 p.m.

Growing up in the 1950s or 1960s meant that there was a good chance you lived on a 160 or 240 acre farm. Farming in those days was modeled after natural ecosystems. This class will discuss the value (and arguably the necessity) of farming systems that acknowledge and respect ecological principles. The future of farming may depend on it.

Wednesdays, October 14, 28 and Friday, October 23: 2–3:30 p.m.

Ditch the lecture hall and grab your flannel, we’re heading into the woods for an autumn expedition. This isn’t a power-walk; it’s a high-vibe, low-speed investigative stroll through nature’s annual “closing time.” Immerse yourself in the forest’s golden glow as sunbeams pierce the crimson canopy, illuminating a slow-motion dance of falling leaves. It is a serene, ethereal atmosphere that only Mother Nature can conduct. Together, we’ll uncover the science behind the scenery and see how a few chemical shifts create one of the most spectacular floral displays on Earth.

Despite clear warnings and growing risks, many communities fail to prepare for disasters until it is too late. This session explores the psychological, social, and organizational factors that cause people to underestimate threats and delay action. Using real-world examples from severe weather, public safety incidents, and crisis response, this presentation examines why preparedness is often ignored—and how leaders can close the gap before the next disaster strikes.

Despite clear warnings and growing risks, many communities fail to prepare for disasters until it is too late. This session explores the psychological, social, and organizational factors that cause people to underestimate threats and delay action. Using real-world examples from severe weather, public safety incidents, and crisis response, this presentation examines why preparedness is often ignored—and how leaders can close the gap before the next disaster strikes.

Join us for a short road trip to visit Rusty Stars Alpacas located east of Winterset. You will learn about the history of the farm, and hear an overview of the operation while interacting with the alpacas (food is provided if you choose to feed them). These gentle animals provide wonderful fiber and you may choose to browse the lovely alpaca products available in the farm gift shop.

This 20-acre farm welcomes visitors to feed and pet their more than 30 alpacas. The farm’s owners, Aron and Kari Shultz, bought their first two alpacas more than a decade ago. Leaving behind their full-time jobs and relocating to Iowa from Colorado, the couple said they decided to start the farm and make it accessible to the public.

Reserved seating for OLLI at Drake members.  OLLI members may bring a guest to this special event. Please remember to register your guest.

AI is rapidly changing everything about how we work, live, and find meaning. How did we get here—and where are we going? In this insightful, far-ranging conversation, two of the world’s sharpest thinkers on AI and the future bring their deep expertise to the biggest question of our time

Karen Hao is an award-winning journalist covering the impacts of artificial intelligence on society. She co-hosts the BBC podcast The Interface and contributes to publications including More Perfect Union and The Atlantic. She also co-created the Pulitzer Center’s AI Spotlight Series, a program that has trained thousands of journalists around the world on how to cover AI. She was formerly a reporter for the Wall Street Journal, covering American and Chinese tech companies, and a senior editor for AI at MIT Technology Review. She has received numerous accolades for her coverage, including an American Humanist Media Award, an American National Magazine Award for Journalists Under 30, and a TIME100 AI honor. She received her Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from MIT.

Nicholas Thompson is the CEO of The Atlantic, a position he has held since 2021. He was previously the editor-in-chief of WIRED and the editor of NewYorker.com. Thompson is also a cofounder of The Atavist, a multimedia CMS that was sold to WordPress, and Speakeasy.ai, which was sold to Amplica Labs. He is a board member at ProRata.AI and The National Committee on American Foreign Policy, as well as the author of The Hawk and the Dove: Paul Nitze, George Kennan, and the History of the Cold War. He films a daily video on tech policy for Linkedin and has roughly two million followers across social media platforms. He has long been a competitive runner; in 2021, he set the American record for men 45+ in the 50K race. His second book, “The Running Ground,” will be published by Random House this fall.

Reserved seating for OLLI at Drake members.  OLLI members may bring a guest to this special event. Please remember to register your guest.

AI is rapidly changing everything about how we work, live, and find meaning. How did we get here—and where are we going? In this insightful, far-ranging conversation, two of the world’s sharpest thinkers on AI and the future bring their deep expertise to the biggest question of our time

Karen Hao is an award-winning journalist covering the impacts of artificial intelligence on society. She co-hosts the BBC podcast The Interface and contributes to publications including More Perfect Union and The Atlantic. She also co-created the Pulitzer Center’s AI Spotlight Series, a program that has trained thousands of journalists around the world on how to cover AI. She was formerly a reporter for the Wall Street Journal, covering American and Chinese tech companies, and a senior editor for AI at MIT Technology Review. She has received numerous accolades for her coverage, including an American Humanist Media Award, an American National Magazine Award for Journalists Under 30, and a TIME100 AI honor. She received her Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from MIT.

Nicholas Thompson is the CEO of The Atlantic, a position he has held since 2021. He was previously the editor-in-chief of WIRED and the editor of NewYorker.com. Thompson is also a cofounder of The Atavist, a multimedia CMS that was sold to WordPress, and Speakeasy.ai, which was sold to Amplica Labs. He is a board member at ProRata.AI and The National Committee on American Foreign Policy, as well as the author of The Hawk and the Dove: Paul Nitze, George Kennan, and the History of the Cold War. He films a daily video on tech policy for Linkedin and has roughly two million followers across social media platforms. He has long been a competitive runner; in 2021, he set the American record for men 45+ in the 50K race. His second book, “The Running Ground,” will be published by Random House this fall.

Reserved seating for OLLI at Drake members.  OLLI members may bring a guest to this special event. Please remember to register your guest.

AI is rapidly changing everything about how we work, live, and find meaning. How did we get here—and where are we going? In this insightful, far-ranging conversation, two of the world’s sharpest thinkers on AI and the future bring their deep expertise to the biggest question of our time

Karen Hao is an award-winning journalist covering the impacts of artificial intelligence on society. She co-hosts the BBC podcast The Interface and contributes to publications including More Perfect Union and The Atlantic. She also co-created the Pulitzer Center’s AI Spotlight Series, a program that has trained thousands of journalists around the world on how to cover AI. She was formerly a reporter for the Wall Street Journal, covering American and Chinese tech companies, and a senior editor for AI at MIT Technology Review. She has received numerous accolades for her coverage, including an American Humanist Media Award, an American National Magazine Award for Journalists Under 30, and a TIME100 AI honor. She received her Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from MIT.

Nicholas Thompson is the CEO of The Atlantic, a position he has held since 2021. He was previously the editor-in-chief of WIRED and the editor of NewYorker.com. Thompson is also a cofounder of The Atavist, a multimedia CMS that was sold to WordPress, and Speakeasy.ai, which was sold to Amplica Labs. He is a board member at ProRata.AI and The National Committee on American Foreign Policy, as well as the author of The Hawk and the Dove: Paul Nitze, George Kennan, and the History of the Cold War. He films a daily video on tech policy for Linkedin and has roughly two million followers across social media platforms. He has long been a competitive runner; in 2021, he set the American record for men 45+ in the 50K race. His second book, “The Running Ground,” will be published by Random House this fall.

You are invited to discover one of North America’s most curious and charismatic trees. Through engaging visuals, stories, and science, this presentation explores the Osage Orange’s unusual fruit, remarkable strength, deep cultural history, and surprising ecological role. Equal parts informative and playful, it reveals how this often-misunderstood tree has shaped landscapes, supported wildlife, and captured human imagination for centuries—proving that even the strangest trees have extraordinary stories to tell.

New time for session 1 on October 23. It will now be at 10 a.m., Friday, October 23. Session 2 will be at 12 p.m.. Friday, October 30.

At the River’s Edge: The Southeast Bottoms and Roadside Settlement House: Before levees, highways, and redevelopment reshaped the southeast side of Des Moines, the area known as the Southeast Bottoms was home to working-class families, immigrant communities, riverfront industry, and one of the city’s most important social reform institutions. This course will explore the history of the Roadside Settlement House, its move to the South Bottom near the Des Moines River, and the women reformers who used settlement work to offer education, recreation, social services, and community connection. Along the way, we’ll examine what this low-lying river district reveals about class, labor, immigration, public health, reform, and the neighborhoods that often shaped Des Moines from the margins.

From Amusement Park to Urban Corridor: The Story of Ingersoll Avenue: Long before Ingersoll Avenue became one of Des Moines’ best-known restaurant, retail, and residential corridors, it was tied to streetcars, early suburban development, and an amusement park near 42nd Street that helped draw people west. This course will trace Ingersoll’s evolution from pleasure destination and streetcar corridor to a fashionable residential address, commercial main street, and modern urban corridor shaped by changing transportation, housing, architecture, business, and neighborhood identity. From Ingersoll Park to the Avenues of today, we’ll look at how one street tells a much larger story about how Des Moines grew, entertained itself, reinvented its neighborhoods, and moved west.

New time for session 1 on October 23. It will now be at 10 a.m., Friday, October 23. Session 2 will be at 12 p.m.. Friday, October 30.

At the River’s Edge: The Southeast Bottoms and Roadside Settlement House: Before levees, highways, and redevelopment reshaped the southeast side of Des Moines, the area known as the Southeast Bottoms was home to working-class families, immigrant communities, riverfront industry, and one of the city’s most important social reform institutions. This course will explore the history of the Roadside Settlement House, its move to the South Bottom near the Des Moines River, and the women reformers who used settlement work to offer education, recreation, social services, and community connection. Along the way, we’ll examine what this low-lying river district reveals about class, labor, immigration, public health, reform, and the neighborhoods that often shaped Des Moines from the margins.

From Amusement Park to Urban Corridor: The Story of Ingersoll Avenue: Long before Ingersoll Avenue became one of Des Moines’ best-known restaurant, retail, and residential corridors, it was tied to streetcars, early suburban development, and an amusement park near 42nd Street that helped draw people west. This course will trace Ingersoll’s evolution from pleasure destination and streetcar corridor to a fashionable residential address, commercial main street, and modern urban corridor shaped by changing transportation, housing, architecture, business, and neighborhood identity. From Ingersoll Park to the Avenues of today, we’ll look at how one street tells a much larger story about how Des Moines grew, entertained itself, reinvented its neighborhoods, and moved west.

Please note: different time than in the catalog. This class will now be 12:15–1:15 p.m., October 23

Join Des Moines Police Chief Michael McTaggart who will present a brief background of the Des Moines Police Department and its reasoning for developing a strategic plan, followed by how the plan was developed and structured. He will show goals and the implementation process, and the final aspect of the accountability framework and where the plan is after one year. Question and answer session to follow presentation.

Please note: different time than in the catalog. This class will now be 12:15–1:15 p.m., October 23

Join Des Moines Police Chief Michael McTaggart who will present a brief background of the Des Moines Police Department and its reasoning for developing a strategic plan, followed by how the plan was developed and structured. He will show goals and the implementation process, and the final aspect of the accountability framework and where the plan is after one year. Question and answer session to follow presentation.

Founded in 1910, the Drake Relays grew from a small early-season track meet at Drake University into one of the nation’s premier track and field events, earning the nickname “America’s Athletic Classic.” Despite a snowy first meet, the Relays quickly gained national recognition through milestones such as the first world record in 1914, one of the earliest radio broadcasts of a major track meet in 1922, and the construction of Drake Stadium in 1926, home of the iconic Blue Oval. The event has showcased legendary athletes including Jesse Owens and Wilma Rudolph while expanding to include women’s competition and becoming a launching pad for Olympic talent. Today, the week-long Drake Relays combine elite high school, collegiate, and professional competition with community celebrations, making it a signature sporting tradition in Des Moines.

Founded in 1910, the Drake Relays grew from a small early-season track meet at Drake University into one of the nation’s premier track and field events, earning the nickname “America’s Athletic Classic.” Despite a snowy first meet, the Relays quickly gained national recognition through milestones such as the first world record in 1914, one of the earliest radio broadcasts of a major track meet in 1922, and the construction of Drake Stadium in 1926, home of the iconic Blue Oval. The event has showcased legendary athletes including Jesse Owens and Wilma Rudolph while expanding to include women’s competition and becoming a launching pad for Olympic talent. Today, the week-long Drake Relays combine elite high school, collegiate, and professional competition with community celebrations, making it a signature sporting tradition in Des Moines.

Join fellow OLLI at Drake members on a fun scavenger hunt, and then meet up at a local venue to enjoy Happy Hour and review the results of the Hunt. Participants can either work individually or in teams.

Join fellow OLLI at Drake members for an in-depth discussion of the upcoming midterm elections with political experts Doug Gross and Tom Henderson. Drawing on their decades of experience in Iowa politics, they will examine the key races, candidates, campaign issues, and political trends shaping the election. Tom and Doug will share their insignts into the key factors affecting these important midterm election races.

Douglas E. Gross received his BA from Iowa Wesleyan College and his JD from Drake. He is a member of BrownWinick law firm. Doug has extensive campaign experience in Iowa, including involvement in numerous successful gubernatorial, congressional, and state legislative campaigns. Among other positions, he served as chief of staff to Governor Terry Branstad and administrative assistant to Governor Robert D. Ray.

Tom Henderson is a public administration and law graduate of Drake University. While at Drake he served as Student Body President. He practices law at Whitfield & Eddy Law Firm in Des Moines. He has specialized in civil trial practice, and has been peer selected to the American College of Trial Lawyers.  He serves as the Grimes City Attorney. Through the Iowa State Bar Association, he served as President of the Young Lawyers Division, and is currently co-chair of the bar’s political action committee, LawPAC. In the Democratic Party, he attended the 1996 and 2000 National Conventions as part of the Iowa Delegation, and served for 19 years as Polk County Democratic Chair.

Join fellow OLLI at Drake members for an in-depth discussion of the upcoming midterm elections with political experts Doug Gross and Tom Henderson. Drawing on their decades of experience in Iowa politics, they will examine the key races, candidates, campaign issues, and political trends shaping the election. Tom and Doug will share their insignts into the key factors affecting these important midterm election races.

Douglas E. Gross received his BA from Iowa Wesleyan College and his JD from Drake. He is a member of BrownWinick law firm. Doug has extensive campaign experience in Iowa, including involvement in numerous successful gubernatorial, congressional, and state legislative campaigns. Among other positions, he served as chief of staff to Governor Terry Branstad and administrative assistant to Governor Robert D. Ray.

Tom Henderson is a public administration and law graduate of Drake University. While at Drake he served as Student Body President. He practices law at Whitfield & Eddy Law Firm in Des Moines. He has specialized in civil trial practice, and has been peer selected to the American College of Trial Lawyers.  He serves as the Grimes City Attorney. Through the Iowa State Bar Association, he served as President of the Young Lawyers Division, and is currently co-chair of the bar’s political action committee, LawPAC. In the Democratic Party, he attended the 1996 and 2000 National Conventions as part of the Iowa Delegation, and served for 19 years as Polk County Democratic Chair.

Join OLLI at Drake members for an exclusive performance by the Invincible Czars from Austin, TX, as they perform an amazing array of instruments: piano, violin, electric guitar/bass, organ, flute, drums, and bass clarinet to accompany a screening of the original silent masterpiece Faust (FW Murnau). They create a live experience so immersive that it’s easy to forget the music is being played live at times! Their brand new electrifying score marries new and old elements of classical music, bossa nova and even a touch of heavy metal to bring the movie to life for contemporary audiences and incorporates a mix of instruments like flute, violin and electric guitar. 

The Invincible Czars have been making adventurous, fun music with a cinematic flare since 2003. They started out in the clubs of Austin, TX, but their eclectic instrumentation and broad scope quickly led them to crossovers into the fine arts realm nationwide. Band member on violin and keyboard is Phil Davidson, son of OLLI members, Margie and Jay Davidson.

Join OLLI at Drake members for an exclusive performance by the Invincible Czars from Austin, TX, as they perform an amazing array of instruments: piano, violin, electric guitar/bass, organ, flute, drums, and bass clarinet to accompany a screening of the original silent masterpiece Faust (FW Murnau). They create a live experience so immersive that it’s easy to forget the music is being played live at times! Their brand new electrifying score marries new and old elements of classical music, bossa nova and even a touch of heavy metal to bring the movie to life for contemporary audiences and incorporates a mix of instruments like flute, violin and electric guitar. 

The Invincible Czars have been making adventurous, fun music with a cinematic flare since 2003. They started out in the clubs of Austin, TX, but their eclectic instrumentation and broad scope quickly led them to crossovers into the fine arts realm nationwide. Band member on violin and keyboard is Phil Davidson, son of OLLI members, Margie and Jay Davidson.

Join OLLI at Drake members for an exclusive performance by the Invincible Czars from Austin, TX, as they perform an amazing array of instruments: piano, violin, electric guitar/bass, organ, flute, drums, and bass clarinet to accompany a screening of the original silent masterpiece Faust (FW Murnau). They create a live experience so immersive that it’s easy to forget the music is being played live at times! Their brand new electrifying score marries new and old elements of classical music, bossa nova and even a touch of heavy metal to bring the movie to life for contemporary audiences and incorporates a mix of instruments like flute, violin and electric guitar. 

The Invincible Czars have been making adventurous, fun music with a cinematic flare since 2003. They started out in the clubs of Austin, TX, but their eclectic instrumentation and broad scope quickly led them to crossovers into the fine arts realm nationwide. Band member on violin and keyboard is Phil Davidson, son of OLLI members, Margie and Jay Davidson.

Abraham Lincoln argued passionately for a Vision of American life rooted in what a modern historian (Gordon Wood) has called the Radicalism of the American Revolution.  These Radical principles ennobled ordinary people

Lincoln’s lesser known speeches are the first focus of this presentation. His monumental speeches: the Gettysburg address and the Second Inaugural are poetic expressions of his Vision but the lesser known speeches – the Peoria (1854) address and Coopers Union (1860) – were the nuts and bolts of political struggle. The arguments of these lesser-known speeches contain the roots of the Constitutional reformation called ‘The Reconstruction’. A contemporary legal scholar (Akhil Reed Amar) identifies the Constitutional principle of  this reformation– in a recent book entitled “Born Equal” – and credits Lincoln as the most important 19th century source. 

These lesser known speeches were also part of the Great Debate between Lincoln’s Vision of equality and Stephen Douglas’s principle of popular sovereignty – a debate continuing off and on for seven years (1853-60).

How Lincoln’s war time efforts began Constitutional change is the second focus of this presentation. The arguments for this Vision evolve thru Lincoln’s wartime messages, letters, policies and Last speech. The Reconstruction amendments (13th to 15th) are the eventual products.  It draws heavily on the work of the late historian Don Fehrenbacher. 

Abraham Lincoln argued passionately for a Vision of American life rooted in what a modern historian (Gordon Wood) has called the Radicalism of the American Revolution.  These Radical principles ennobled ordinary people

Lincoln’s lesser known speeches are the first focus of this presentation. His monumental speeches: the Gettysburg address and the Second Inaugural are poetic expressions of his Vision but the lesser known speeches – the Peoria (1854) address and Coopers Union (1860) – were the nuts and bolts of political struggle. The arguments of these lesser-known speeches contain the roots of the Constitutional reformation called ‘The Reconstruction’. A contemporary legal scholar (Akhil Reed Amar) identifies the Constitutional principle of  this reformation– in a recent book entitled “Born Equal” – and credits Lincoln as the most important 19th century source. 

These lesser known speeches were also part of the Great Debate between Lincoln’s Vision of equality and Stephen Douglas’s principle of popular sovereignty – a debate continuing off and on for seven years (1853-60).

How Lincoln’s war time efforts began Constitutional change is the second focus of this presentation. The arguments for this Vision evolve thru Lincoln’s wartime messages, letters, policies and Last speech. The Reconstruction amendments (13th to 15th) are the eventual products.  It draws heavily on the work of the late historian Don Fehrenbacher. 

Thursdays, October 29, November 5 and Friday, November 13: 12–1:30 p.m.

The Scopes Monkey Trial of 1925 was an epic clash between William Jennings Bryan and Clarence Darrow over the apparent conflict between religion and science. It began when a high school teacher named John Scopes of Dayton, TN, was recruited to willingly violate the Butler Act which the state of Tennessee had passed prohibiting the teaching of human evolution in Tennessee classrooms. The clash proved to be of long-lasting significance because it dealt with key Constitutional issues that were foundational to the American republic. Issues such as academic freedom, free speech, majoritarianism and the role of religion in American life.

This class is offered in collaboration with Osher at William and Mary University.

Thursdays, October 29, November 5 and Friday, November 13: 12–1:30 p.m.

The Scopes Monkey Trial of 1925 was an epic clash between William Jennings Bryan and Clarence Darrow over the apparent conflict between religion and science. It began when a high school teacher named John Scopes of Dayton, TN, was recruited to willingly violate the Butler Act which the state of Tennessee had passed prohibiting the teaching of human evolution in Tennessee classrooms. The clash proved to be of long-lasting significance because it dealt with key Constitutional issues that were foundational to the American republic. Issues such as academic freedom, free speech, majoritarianism and the role of religion in American life.

This class is offered in collaboration with Osher at William and Mary University.

The first portion of the presentation will be focused on current fraud and scam trends. This section will be informational and is intended to educate the audience not only on current financial crime activity locally but also methods to keep themselves and their personal information safe from victimization. The second portion of the presentation will be a case study examining a large-scale check fraud investigation from 2024. This investigation culminated in significant criminal charges and uncovered a fraudulent check production operation within a Des Moines residence.

The first portion of the presentation will be focused on current fraud and scam trends. This section will be informational and is intended to educate the audience not only on current financial crime activity locally but also methods to keep themselves and their personal information safe from victimization. The second portion of the presentation will be a case study examining a large-scale check fraud investigation from 2024. This investigation culminated in significant criminal charges and uncovered a fraudulent check production operation within a Des Moines residence.

On November 3, all 435 seats in the US House of Representatives and 35 in the Senate are up for re-elections. Hundreds of local and state offices and issues will be settled. Turnout in POTUS elections is about 60%. Mid-terms? Barely 40%. This mid-term may be more consequential than any recent election.

So let’s dig into all the national issues, looking at how they rank – by party affiliation, generation, and region. We’ll look at some of the better forecasts of results, and we’ll conduct our own online, in-class polls of issues/results. YES, we will forecast the House & Senate results by party!

This class is offered in collaboration with Osher at William and Mary University.