Tired of the summer heat? Then it's time to check out some of the cool activities that Learning in Retirement has to offer.
If you see something that sparks your interest, call the office at 573-681-6852.
Three Learning in Retirement courses remain available in September, including "iPad Opportunities: Tech Serving Us," which meets Sept. 20; "Eyes on the Move: The Growing Hispanic Culture in Mid-Missouri," Sept. 21; and "Restoring Home: Journey Back to Nature," Sept. 26.
On Oct. 5 and 12, the most popular of LIR's classes is "Sitting Down with the Judges," where you will be introduced to Cole County Associate Circuit Judge Thomas L. Sodergren and Cole County Circuit Judge Richard G. Callahan. They will share their experiences while serving.
The next October class, "Celestial Events Coming Our Way," occurs Oct. 10, when you will learn of two solar eclipses happening, one in October and the other in 2024. The class will be presented by Mr. Valentine H. German, an observing assistant at the University of Missouri Columbia Laws Observatory.
The next day, you will be entertained by Miss Indigo, a mythical character and storyteller, who traveled with Harriet Tubman on the Underground Railroad. She will share her personal experiences on her journey.
"Cowboys and Indians, Part II" is a class originally scheduled for September but rescheduled for Oct. 17. Bruce Scovill, a retired Lincoln University history professor, will be brought back by popular demand to continue his description of the Old West and our country's westward movement. Some of the interesting characters he will discuss are Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, and Kit Carson.
On Oct. 18, Gary Wilburs, a local author and motivational speaker, will present "Positive Culture Wins" (In Business and Life). He will show how to create energy to motivate and achieve, boost productivity in life and create relationships.
An interesting activity currently happening in Jefferson City is the resettling of refugees in our community. LIR members Becky and Steve Buchholz have been working with an Afghan family and will share information on what goes into this effort. Catholic Charities representatives will explain what goes into resettling these refugees.
A four-week course beginning Oct. 31 and continuing Nov. 7, 14 and 21, is simply called "Water." Dan Hermann, a retired Jefferson City High School teacher, will examine the evolution of supplying water throughout the United States, from dipping a bucket into a stream to simply turning on a faucet in our homes.
The next one-day class is "True Colors Test -- Personality Types" presented by LIR members on Nov. 1. The class will be an entertaining way to better understand yourself and others and will help in improving your communication skills. This class will provide an invaluable tool in letting your "true colors" shine.
The next day, Lisa Stock, a librarian and a Lincoln University employee, will discuss book banning and how it relates to important social and political movements. She will discuss our individual right to freedom of expression and how it intersects with intellectual freedom.
On Nov. 8, a Lincoln University student will present a class called "Did You Know -- NASA Hidden Treasures." People who worked for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to further research of outer space advancement will be discussed.
The last class for Learning in Retirement members this semester is "Lincoln University -- On the Go!" Lincoln University President John Moseley will present information regarding the challenges LU faces and some of the positive developments that have occurred recently.
But that is not all that is happening for Learning in Retirement members. Seats are still available on three of the educational trips planned by the LIR Travel Committee. The first of these is a trip to Kansas City to watch the Royals take on the Yankees on Oct. 1. They may not have done so well this year, but things are looking up.
The second trip with available seats is a longer one, Oct. 16-18 to Kentucky. This trip includes a stop at the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory. Guests to the factory will each receive a miniature bat at the end of the tour.
Day two of the trip includes a visit to the Ark Encounter in Williamstown, Kentucky. Dozens of exhibits in this unique attraction bring to life the biblical account of Noah's Ark. On day three, the Creation Museum in Petersburg, Kentucky is the destination. Through the many exhibits, visitors see a recreation of the Garden of Eden, an exhibit teaching what Israel was like during Jesus' lifetime, and many, many more interesting exhibits.
The last available trip is Nov. 16 to Columbia, where members will visit the Roy Blunt NextGen Precision Medicine building, the Art and Archaeology Museum on the Mizzou campus, the Chocolate Factory and Blue Stem downtown, and then on to the Boone County History and Culture Center -- a truly full day of activities.
If you are interested in any of these trips and/or courses/classes, call the Learning in Retirement Office at 573-681-6152 or email [email protected]. Additional information can be found on the LIR website www.lirjc.org.