Fall Senior Forum to Feature Politics, Piano, Pottery and More

Fall sessions of the University of Findlay’s Senior Forum, a flexible learning experience for people age 50 and older, will be offered on six Wednesdays starting in September in the Alumni Memorial Union on Frazer Street.
Participants may choose their level of involvement by attending single sessions or all that are offered.
Forum dates are Sept. 21 and 28, and Oct. 5, 12, 19 and 26.
Costs are as follows: if paid by Sept. 14, single (all 18 sessions) $65; couple (all sessions), $120; individual sessions, $4. After Sept. 14, the costs are single (all sessions), $70; couple (all sessions), $130; individual sessions $5.
A buffet lunch is available for an additional $6 per day ($5.50 for 50 North lunch).
Registration and payment should be sent to Nancy Leatherman, Division of University Advancement, The University of Findlay, 1000 N. Main St., Findlay OH 45840.
Walk-in registrations are accepted but if you’d like lunch you must contact Leatherman at 419-434-4672 to reserve your place five to seven days before the session you’d like to attend. She can also be contacted to request a brochure and registration form.
Reserve parking is available in Parking Lot A on the east side of the Alumni Memorial Union or in any campus lot. Maps and permit are sent when you register. Parking at 50 North requires no permit.
Session details are as follows:
Wednesday, Sept. 21
10:15-11:30 a.m.
Dave and Becky Woodward, historical re-enactors
“Hancock County in the 1800s: A Living History”
For many years the Woodwards have been doing costumed living history interpretations. Here they give an intimate look at two of the early settlers of Hancock County in the 1800s. They examine both male and female roles and responsibilities. Dressed in authentic costumes and using historical props, they impart information through characters that come alive.
 
12:15-1:15 p.m.
Barb Matheny, yoga instructor
“Yoga: The Life Enhancer”
A yoga instructor for many years, Barb Matheny specializes in yoga for those over 60. She teaches regular classes at several local assisted living homes. She shows us some simple yoga exercises that anyone can do. Joining in is optional.
 
1:30-2:30 p.m.
Carole Elchert, traveler and photographer
“Art as Activism and Dissidence in Cuba”
This presentation introduces the documentary, “Art as Activism and Dissidence in Cuba,” produced by Philip Sugden, assistant professor of art at Bluffton University, and Carole Elchert, assistant professor of communication at University of Findlay. Featuring prominent contemporary Cuban artists, the film reveals why they became local activists or dissents and how they used conceptual, controversial artwork not only to inspire people/governments to action but also to advance the function and purpose of art. Carole will review the making of this documentary, including images from their Dec. 2015 trip to Havana, Cuba.
 
Wednesday, Sept. 28
10:15-11:30 a.m.
Robert Essinger, history buff
“Horse-drawn Vehicles”
Bob Essinger is a retired carpenter fascinated with the many types of farm and other horse-drawn vehicles from the past. In addition to imparting historical information, he shows his precise scale models of these vehicles, including a Wells Fargo stagecoach.
 
12:15-1:15 p.m.
William H. Spraw, chief of police and security director for UF
“Are My Kids Safe on Campus?”
William Spraw was appointed UF’s first police chief on June 1, 2016. The combined Office of Campus Safety and Emergency Management will include between 18 and 20 officers and security personnel. The new arrangement will allow all regional law enforcement agencies to work on campus crime prevention and response.
 
1:30-2:30 p.m.
Mary Dennis, Bowling Green State University
“Toraigh: Irish Music”
Mary Dennis, co-founder of the Irish Traditional Music ensemble, Toraigh an Sonas, tells us about the history of Irish music in America. She and other members of the group demonstrate the traditional dance music of Ireland with fiddle, tenor banjo, flute and tin whistle. The group will also do unaccompanied singing called “Sean nos.” Come ready to tap your feet and have your hearts lifted!
 
Wednesday, Oct. 5
10:15-11:30 a.m.
Dr. Doris Salis, UF retired
“Religious Art in the Renaissance”
Although she was an administrator at UF for 17 years, Doris Salis also has taught arts and culture courses for the degree completion program for 15 years, even after retirement. Here she gives us a look at several great masters of religious art in the Renaissance, Michelangelo being the prime example. What motivated these artists to create such works at this particular time in history?
 
12:15-1:15 p.m.
Richard Epstein, Better Business Bureau of Northwest Ohio president
“The New World of Fraud”
Dick Epstein has been president of the Better Business Bureau of Northwest Ohio since 1972 and has seen many kinds of fraud perpetrated on the public. With the use of more and more sophisticated electronics, the possibility of identity and financial fraud has skyrocketed. The cautionary methods taken five to 10 years ago to avoid fraud are no longer enough.
 
1:30-2:30 p.m.
Robert Tong, history buff
“Have Your Heard of Bell Pottery?”
A student of the Civil War and local history, Rob Tong sometimes uncovers interesting facts that few Findlay locals know. He has enlightened us about Findlay window glass in the past, and now tells us about a delicate pottery known as Bell pottery. Rob will bring examples of this local invention.
 
Wednesday, Oct. 12
 
10:15-11:30 a.m.
Mark Olthouse
“Memories of Vietnam”
Mark’s theological and biblical education was capped by a master’s in theological studies from the University of Dayton. Now retired, for 10 years he was a caseworker for Children’s Protective Services in Hancock County. As a young man he served four years in the U.S. Navy, which led to an “all expenses paid tour of exotic Southeast Asia with the Marine Corps.” Mark shares with us some memorable images of his experiences in Vietnam at the end of that war.
 
12:15-1:15 p.m.
Marianne Bradshaw, Agency on Aging Ohio District 3
“Elder Exploitation: Can it Happen to You?”
“This could never happen to me,” many say. Actually, elder exploitation is vastly underreported. Marianne Bradshaw has assembled a presentation to give you the facts. Do you know the signs and symptoms of abuse and what to do about it? Long and short-term assistance is available from your local area Agency on Aging. If not for you, it might help a friend.
 
1:30-2:30 p.m.
Raylene Hlavaty, historical performer
“Song of Abigail Adams”
Last year Raylene presented us with a bevy of religious characters through costume and song. Here she concentrates on one of the great ladies of the early United States, Abigail Adams. With this performance, Raylene helps you sense the essence of this remarkable woman.
 
Wednesday, Oct. 19
10:15-11:30 a.m.
James Taylor, historian
“Landmark American Presidential Elections”
In this election year, James Taylor, our favorite history teacher, is back to review what he considers landmark presidential elections. In Jim’s own energetic way, he will enlighten us on the presidential politics of the past with little-known facts. Will the 2016 election someday join his list?
 
12:15-1:15 p.m.
Cameron Williams, certified professional environmental auditor
“What You Need to Know About Home Electricity”
Cam Williams has developed and presented many health, safety and environmental risk reduction training programs. Among others, he has authored “Electrical Safety-Related Work Practices” for Honda. Here he applies his expertise to home electricity and what every homeowner should know.
 
1:30-2:30 p.m.
Wendene Shoupe and Anne Buis, pianists
“Alone and Together at the Piano”
These two talented local pianists will perform a variety of piano music for solo as well as duo piano. Classical and semi-classical music is on the program to delight your ears and lift your spirits!
 
Wednesday, Oct. 26
(Sessions at 50 North, 339 W. Melrose Ave.)
10:15-11:30 a.m.
Jon Stealey, photographer and historian
“History Through Photography”
Bluffton University Professor Jon Stealey is a well-known photographer in the Findlay area. Here is his update of history projects with the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, and the Bibliothèque Nationale de France. Other projects include the camera obscura, physiognotrace, zograscope, the paper air balloon and kites from the 18^th century.
 
12:15-1:15 p.m.
John Platt, master gardener
“Square Foot Gardening: A Lot in a Small Space”
John has focused his gardening skills on the art of getting a lot from a small space. A new gardening industry has grown up around the idea of economy of space with maximum results. Using the techniques of Mel Bartholomew, who founded the Square Foot Gardening Foundation, John shows us how to make a garden that fits our space and needs.
 
1:30-2:30 p.m.
Dave Beach, Findlay Water Pollution Control Center
“What’s in Your Water?” A Visit to Findlay’s Water Pollution Control Center”
Dave is superintendent for Findlay’s Water Pollution Control Center. He does a lot of testing but mainly for sewage pollutants in 10-12 million gallons of water per day. What about other pollutants such as medications? Experts like Dave Beach are hard at work trying to solve such problems. We’ll visit his workplace and laboratory.