These select single-session lectures are open to both members and non-members. Registration is required.

The Miami University Sixty Plus Program

Did you know that Ohio residents 60 years of age and up have the opportunity to attend Miami University classes? Registrants in the Sixty Plus Program can attend classes without paying tuition or admission fees, on an audit basis, with approval from the instructor. Come learn about how to navigate and take advantage of free courses through Miami’s Sixty Plus Program, which shares similarities and differences with ILR. You will discover if this program is a good option for you and how best to navigate its extraordinary benefits as well as its challenges.

Instructor: Jim Horwitz is a retired entrepreneur and corporate real estate executive, former college instructor, and a current Miami University Sixty Plus student.

1 Monday: November 2; 9:00–10:15 am
Format: Hybrid
Location: Online or Oxford, Boyd Hall, Room 228
Note: The online format of this class will be held via Zoom.

The Miracle of the North Platte Canteen

In 1941, the townspeople of North Platte, Nebraska, opened a railroad stop that would serve six million traveling WWII soldiers over the course of four years. The North Platte Canteen, located at a Union Pacific Railroad depot, received no federal funding, meaning it was staffed entirely by volunteers and funded by donations. The people of North Platte worked tirelessly in 14-15 hour shifts to provide soldiers with food, drink, reading material, and to collect their mail. This inspiring story of determination and unity shows America at its best.

Instructor: Bill Deitzer, inspired by his wife, Rosemary, and her love of history, developed an interest in the North Platte Canteen and visited its memorial with her in Nebraska in 2016.

1 Tuesday: October 6; 12:30–1:45
Format: In person
Location: West Chester, VOALC, Auditorium

Backyard Wildlife: What’s Normal, What’s Not, and When to Help

Have you ever found a bunny nest in your garden, a turtle crossing the road, or a baby squirrel or opossum wandering around your yard? This course will review the natural history of common native wildlife so you can understand which things are normal, when it’s appropriate to intervene, and who to contact if you need help.

Instructor: Shannon Pennington is the Nature Education Supervisor for Warren County Park District, co-founder of Tiny Wonders Wildlife Rescue, and a state-permitted wildlife rehabilitator.

1 Wednesday: October 14; 10:45 am–noon
Format: Hybrid
Location: Online or West Chester, VOALC, Auditorium
Note: The online format of this class will be held via Zoom.

107 Days at Sea: The Journey That Changed Everything

At 63, Jill Chalsty boarded a ship alone, grieving her husband’s death and battling cancer. What began as a voyage around the world became far more than a trip. In this lecture, Jill shares the story behind her memoir Packets of Hope, inviting participants to travel alongside her through the ports she visited, the people she met, and the reflections that transformed personal adversity into strength and global impact. Jill demonstrates how one person’s courage can create ripples that span continents. Participants are encouraged to read her memoir, available free at www. packetsofhope.com, before the presentation.

Instructor: Jill Chalsty is the founder of Overcoming Obstacles, the nonprofit she launched in 1992.

1 Wednesday: November 4; 10:45 am–noon
Format: Virtual
Location: Online
Note: this class will be held via Webex.

The Neurobiology of Sleep and Dreaming

Why do we sleep? Why do we dream? What is the purpose of dreaming? What happens in our brains when we are sleeping vs. dreaming? How do our diet and the medications we take affect our sleep? This course will answer all of these questions and more.

Instructor: Gary Wenk is Professor of Psychology & Neuroscience, The Ohio State University. He is a leading authority on the consequences of diet and exercise on brain health.

1 Tuesday: October 13; 12:30–2:00 pm
Format: In person
Location: West Chester, VOALC, Auditorium

FNSFA: Henny Penny Manufacturing Plant Tour

Location: 1219 U.S. Rte 35 West, Eaton
Date: Friday, October 9; 10:00 am–noon
Cost: Free | Members and Non-Members

No, the sky isn’t falling, but it may feel like it if you miss this exciting tour! Henny Penny Corporation is an American, employee-owned manufacturer of premium commercial grade food equipment whose clients include KFC, Wendy’s, McDonald’s, and Chick-fil-A

FNSFA: Voice of America Cincinnati Submarine Memorial

Location: 8070 Tylersville Rd, West Chester
Date: Friday, October 16; 10:00 am–noon
Cost: Free | Members and Non-Members

The nuclear-powered submarine, USS Cincinnati (SSN 693), served as a stalwart guardian of national security during the Cold War era. Commissioned between 1978 and 1996, this newly opened memorial serves as a tribute to the city of Cincinnati’s namesake submarine, her role in defending peace, and the dedication and valor of her crew and all those who served during the Cold War. Join us as we explore the legacy of the USS Cincinnati.

FNSFA: Butler Tech Advanced Manufacturing Tour

Location: 101 Knightsbridge Dr, Hamilton
Date: Friday, October 23; 10:00 am–noon
Cost: Free | Members Only

The Advanced Manufacturing Workforce and Innovation Hub is a cutting-edge partnership between Miami University and Butler Tech Career Center. It aims to develop an educated workforce and will serve as a catalyst for community economic growth. Enjoy a guided tour and discussion to showcase the technology, student learning experiences, and regional workforce impact taking place at the Butler Tech Advanced Manufacturing Hub.

FNSFA: Cincinnati Type & Print Museum

Location: 2307 W 8th St, Cincinnati
Date: Friday, October 30; 10:00 am–noon
Cost: Free | Members and Non-Members

Step into the history of printing with a visit to the Cincinnati Type & Print Museum. This working museum features fully operational equipment that continues to produce printed materials today. Learn about the rich history of printing in the greater Cincinnati area and view historic presses, get ink on your hands, and gain a new appreciation for the technologies that helped shape modern packaging and printing. Note: Donations are accepted at the door.

FNSFA: Volunteer Session–Matthew 25: Ministries

Location: 11060 Kenwood Rd, Cincinnati
Date: Friday, November 6; 9:30 am–noon
Cost: Free | Members and Non-Members

In our previous tours of Matthew 25: Ministries, we have learned that volunteers play an essential role in the work of the organization. Would you like to be a part of bringing hope to the poor? This volunteer session will include sorting, counting, packaging, and palletizing donated household goods for shipment to various parts of the world.