Calling all bird enthusiasts, from casual observers to seasoned birders. With stunning photos, practical tips, and insightful quotes, we'll explore creating a bird-friendly habitat throughout the seasons. We will cover the importance of native plants, tools for bird identification, and solutions to common challenges like predators, pests, and window strikes. With a focus on conservation and community, the presentation includes ways to contribute to citizen science projects and connect with fellow bird lovers.

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Monday, Oct 6, TBD - UR Campus (12 seats (15%) remaining)

This course empowers you to become an active environmental conservationist through simple, impactful changes in your home and garden. You'll learn practical strategies for reducing waste, conserving natural resources, and making mindful garden choices that directly benefit the planet and foster a healthy ecosystem in your backyard.

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Monday, Oct 13, TBD - UR Campus ( No seats currently available )

Cancer is a complex disease with many types, stages, and treatment options: but moving from lab research to life-saving care is where clinical trials come in. Our panel of experts will demystify clinical trials: what they are, how they work, the phases and designs, and why they're essential for advancing cancer care. We'll tackle common myths and concerns, discuss the potential benefits and risks, and highlight why participation, especially from diverse communities, is so critical.

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Monday, Oct 6, TBD - UR Campus (16 seats (16%) remaining)

Critical thinking is important for many reasons, including being a better citizen. As conspiracy theories abound, studying and analyzing the facts, evidence, and truth becomes increasingly important. We will cover the challenges, logic, the fallacies, and the solutions in arriving at the best conclusions. Insights into the brain as well as why science represents the ultimate in evidence-based decisions will be studied. Approaches to critical thinking and the best fact-checking sites will be covered.

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Wednesdays; Sept 17, 24, Oct 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Nov 5, TBD - UR Campus (9 seats (9%) remaining)

Designed for those who want to learn more about daffodils, this class will include tips to make these cheerful harbingers of spring flourish, either in-ground or in pots. Participants will also see lots of photos of beautiful, award-winning daffodil cultivars, be introduced to the daffodil classification system, and learn about several organizations daffodil lovers can join.

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Tuesday, Sept 30, Special Programs Building, Classroom 156 (4 seats (11%) remaining)

This class will provide a concise guide exploring ten practical applications of generative AI specifically designed for adults over 50. From health management and memoir writing to travel planning and financial organization, this presentation offers straightforward strategies to enhance daily life. Perfect for seniors curious about AI technology but unsure where to begin. We'll include actionable starting points for immediate implementation.

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Monday, 11/10, TBD - UR Campus ( No seats currently available )

Islam's entry into the Indian subcontinent was a gradual process spanning several centuries, primarily through trade and later through military conquest. Arab traders established contact with India initially on the western coast along the Gujarat and Malabar areas. These Arab traders became the key figures in introducing faith to the region. Evidence suggest early Muslim settlements began along the coast with mosques being built as early as the 7th century.

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Monday, Oct 6, TBD - UR Campus ( No seats currently available )

Wine comes in all price ranges, from $6.99 grocery store specials to rare vintage French Bordeauxs for thousands a bottle. Join us to explore six wines in the higher range, averaging ~$100 per bottle. Enjoy this rare opportunity to sample, taste, and learn about wines not often opened. Light fare provided to compliment the wine tasting. Class may run over/under the allotted time.

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Thursday 9/18, Kitchen Classroom ( No seats currently available )

Explore Greek flavors that are less common but just as delicious. Greek meatballs with tomato sauce (soutzoukakia) are both comforting and intriguing with familiar and new flavors. Feta and Green Bean salad is perfect for your picnic and adaptable to a variety of vegetables, and Semolina and Pistachio cake is sure to become a new favorite. Class may run over/under the allotted time.

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Thursday, Sept 25, Kitchen Classroom ( No seats currently available )
Thursday, Oct 2, Kitchen Classroom

What's new, what areas are up and coming, and where are things going? Sample eight wines from around the country, with snacks and nibbles provided for you to enjoy while sampling and learning. Class may run over/under the allotted time.

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Thursday, Oct 9, Kitchen Classroom

Enjoy fall flavors and classic French techniques: Pan Seared Pork Tenderloin with Herb & Coarse Mustard Pan Sauce, Cauliflower Gratin, Haricot Vert with Wine and Shallots, and Pear Tarte Tatin. Class may run over/under the allotted time.

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Thursday, Oct 16, Kitchen Classroom (3 seats (19%) remaining)
Thursday, Oct 23, Kitchen Classroom ( No seats currently available )

Come on a guided tree walk with one of our horticulture professionals to see all of the colorful foliage throughout Maymont's rolling hills peppered with historic state and national champion trees. Fall is a beautiful time to visit! Be sure to wear good walking shoes. The terrain includes hills and flat areas, grass, and paved pathways.

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Tuesday, 11/4, Maymont ( No seats currently available )

This course offers a broad overview of four specific psychotherapeutic approaches used in clinical mental health: Person-Centered Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing. Many clinicians combine aspects of various approaches depending on the client's needs (e.g. regarding trauma).

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Tuesdays, 11/11 & 11/18, TBD - UR Campus ( No seats currently available )

The 500-Year Forest Foundation conserves mature forests and the biologically diverse species they nurture. Come hear how this non-profit organization works in partnership with private landowners to help ensure their forests are protected into the future.

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Tuesday, 12/9, TBD - UR Campus

Have you found some of your ancestors, collected information, started a family tree... and want to do more? This class will help you make sense of what you have, expand your research skills, learn to use more advanced tools and techniques, and broaden your knowledge of genealogical resources. The goal is to build on what you have already done and add to the depth and breadth of your family history.

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Mondays and Thursdays, Oct 20, 23, 27, 30, TBD - UR Campus

We will survey the development, operational use, and subsequent evolution of the world's first operational cruise missile, the V-1; and the world's first operational ballistic missile, the V-2. The course will be broken into four parts: the post-WWI environment that led to development of these missiles; the V-1 cruise missile in operational service; the V-2 ballistic missile in operational service; and early US Air Force missile development based on these two designs.

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Thursday, 12/18, TBD - UR Campus ( No seats currently available )

Discover some classic and modern holiday flavors for a smaller crowd: Brined and Roasted Turkey Breast, Scratch Green Bean Casserole, Cheesy Chive Mashed Potatoes, Sourdough Stuffing and Gravy, and Pumpkin Pecan Pie. Class may run over/under the allotted time. Fees are non-refundable unless we are able to fill your vacated slot.

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Thursday, 11/13, Kitchen Classroom ( No seats currently available )
Thursday, 11/20, Kitchen Classroom

We'll address the basic science of nuclear reactions and radiation, how a reactor works, the nuclear fuel cycle and waste management, the design of nuclear power plants, nuclear safety and accidents, the pros and cons of nuclear power compared to other forms of energy generation, the future of nuclear power including nuclear fusion, and nuclear power plant operation, or how to drive a nuclear reactor. All without math!

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Wednesdays; Sept 17, 24, Oct 1, BUS, Ukrop Auditorium Q162

Increase your connection to the natural world by slowing down to focus on drawing from observation and recording your experiences in a nature journal. Using pencils and/or pens and markers, quiet your mind and relax into the present moment by following guided drawing and journaling exercises. No experience is necessary for this fun and relaxing introductory class.

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Wednesday, Oct 8, Synchronous Online (1 seats (4%) remaining)

Learn how native plants provide ecological services to native members of the animal kingdom, why these services are vital, and why invasive plants aren't able to provide these services. Discover dozens of examples of plants that have become invasive in Virginia, and get inspired about the many native plants that we can intentionally plant on our property that not only play nicely with other plants, but also enhance biodiversity.

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Thursday, 11/6, TBD - UR Campus ( No seats currently available )

Mughal Architecture in India refers to the distinctive Indo-Islamic style that flourished under the Mughal emperors from the 16th to 19th Centuries. This style is characterized by its use of arches, domes, and minarets, blending Persian, Turkish, and Indian architectural traditions. Key features include bulbous domes, slender minarets, large gateways and intricate ornamentation. Notable examples include the TajMahal, Red Fort in Delhi and Agra, Humayuns Tomb, Fatehpur Sikri, Jama Masjid, and Shalimar Gardens.

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Monday, 11/17, TBD - UR Campus

Over one million knee and hip replacements are provided annually in the US. This number continues to increase due to demographic trends, earlier diagnoses, and a shift in treatment strategies. It's more common now to have a knee replacement offered earlier in treatment, and the outcomes are not always good. This course will explore how to know if the pain is due to arthritis, or if it is something much less costly to treat.

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Thursday 9/18, BUS, Ukrop Auditorium Q162

More than any other invention of the past 150 years, the telephone has transformed how we communicate and conduct business. But how was it invented, and why did it have such a profound impact? We'll explore Alexander Graham Bell's groundbreaking 1875 concept for transmitting sound over an electric wire, his struggles to commercialize the telephone with his father-in-law, Gardiner Hubbard, and his rivalry with inventors Elisha Gray and Thomas Edison.

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Wednesdays, Oct 15, 22, 29, Nov 5, 12, 19, Synchronous Online

Become educated, entertained, and empowered to become more effective stewards of the natural world. Through real-life conservation stories drawn from the instructor's personal experiences and her time as host of Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom, we will highlight the impact of passionate individuals working together to address complex environmental challenges.

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Wednesdays, Oct 8, 15, 22, 29, Nov 5, 12, Synchronous Online

From 1831-1836, Charles Darwin circumnavigated the globe aboard the HMS Beagle, collecting data that, after decades of study and reflection, formed part of the basis for his publication 'On the Origin of Species.' The ideas presented in that volume remain the foundation of all modern biological thought. We will address the historical and cultural context of Darwin's era, follow the five-year journey, discuss how Darwin came to his ideas, and explain his theories in detail.

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Thursdays, Oct 16, 23, 30, Nov 6, 13, 20, Synchronous Online (1 seats (8%) remaining)

Let's take a behind-the-scenes look at the scientific process, exploring how modern science developed, what scientists actually do, and what makes research reliable. We will examine the strengths and weaknesses of scientific methodology, uncover common pitfalls, and identify red flags for pseudoscience and untrustworthy findings.

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Tuesdays, Oct 14, 21, 28, Nov 4, 11, 18, Synchronous Online

Let's explore the life and innovations of Nikola Tesla, from his early experiments in electricity to his groundbreaking work in wireless technology. We'll examine his collaborations and rivalries, the 'War of the Currents,' and his ambitious Wardenclyffe tower. Tesla's later work, including his wireless experiments, military research, and the mystery surrounding his secret papers, reveals the genius and intrigue behind one of history's most visionary inventors.

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Mondays, Oct 6, 13, 20, 27, Nov 3, 10, Synchronous Online ( No seats currently available )

Scientific understanding of the human gut has changed radically, revealing that microbes may be powerful allies in our search for health. Does our modern way of living damage these helpful bacteria? Are diet changes or probiotics helpful? This course will focus on a few recent developments in microbiome science, and refer to research studies that may help us protect our own microbiomes and well-being.

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Tuesdays; 9/16 & 9/23, Special Programs Building, Room 160 ( No seats currently available )

Osher is having its own Trivia Night -- but in the afternoon. Come join us for this new, fun event. We are bringing in the local expert, Ball of Fire, to run the event, and we'll have snacks and beverages to sustain you when the competition gets tough! Come join us!

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Thursday, Nov 20, TBD - UR Campus

Have you tried to photograph the many celestial events we've heard about lately? With just a few tips, night photography can be easy. Osher instructor and wonderful photographer Bill Draper will share his techniques as well as his photos of the night skies in Virginia and from as far away as Texas, Colorado, and Ireland. Join us in viewing the aurora borealis, comets, planets, shooting stars, blue/new moons, and other beautiful celestial events.

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Tuesday, Oct 7, TBD - UR Campus (7 seats (12%) remaining)

Plastics are everywhere. We use them constantly, store and cook our food in them, and wear them as polyester clothing. We travel in plastic cars and airplanes. But plastics are not biodegradable. Recent studies indicate that we're eating, drinking, and breathing increasing amounts of tiny micro- and nano-plastics. This course will discuss strategies to reduce our plastic consumption, and refer to recent studies of the health problems these substances may cause.

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Tuesdays; 12/2, 12/9 & 12/16, TBD - UR Campus ( No seats currently available )

The Library of Virginia (LVA) is a key resource for Virginia genealogy research and for many surrounding states. The LVA has the most comprehensive collection of Virginia genealogy materials ranging from the earliest colonial times to the present. This class is designed to give you a foundational understanding of the LVA's collections (online and on-site) and suggest how to focus your research, and it includes a tour and hands-on research at the LVA.

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Monday and Thursday, Sept 22 and 25, Special Programs Building, Classroom 156 (5 seats (25%) remaining)

This course will highlight how climate change is making Richmond hotter and stormier, with historically underrepresented and economically disadvantaged communities bearing the greatest impacts. It will provide an overview of RVAgreen 2050, and explain how the city partners with communities across Richmond to address the causes of climate change and build climate readiness and resilience.

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Wednesday, 11/5, TBD - UR Campus ( No seats currently available )

In the popular imagination, lethal injection is a slight pinch and a swift nodding off to forever-sleep, it is performed by well-qualified medical professionals, it is regulated and carefully conducted, and it is certainly the most 'humane' form of capital punishment. In reality, not one of these statements is true. Lethal injection is nothing like what people think. This is its untold story.

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Wednesday, Oct 1, TBD - UR Campus ( No seats currently available )

The Enneagram is a powerful tool that can be used to understand self and others. This class will cover a brief introduction and history of the Enneagram followed by class attendees participating in teaching the Nine Types to others via the Narrative oral wisdom Tradition.

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Fridays, Oct 24, 31, Nov 7, 14, TBD - UR Campus

Before machines cut through Suez and Panama, magnificent canals and aqueducts graced civilizations from ancient times to the Industrial Revolution. In this class, we follow the story of how humans learned to move water. Cultures that began with primitive irrigation channels would one day build canals that joined Europe to Asia and the Mediterranean to the Atlantic. These canals changed the world long before the age of steam, internal combustion engines, or electric power.

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Tuesdays, Oct 7, 14, 21, 28, Synchronous Online

Let's explore the ocean floor: a hidden world of vast ridges, deep trenches, volcanoes, and plateaus. Learn how powerful forces beneath the Earth shape the seafloor, drive ocean circulation, and influence global climate. From the Atlantic to the Pacific and beyond, discover why the ocean floor holds the keys to understanding our dynamic planet.

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Monday, 11/10, JAC, Robins Pavilion 151 (20 seats (11%) remaining)

This course will explore the rotator cuff, providing an understanding of its structure, function, and significance. Common causes of rotator cuff injuries will be examined, along with insights into why surgical intervention is not always necessary. Students will gain valuable knowledge about alternative treatment options and factors to consider when managing rotator cuff-related issues. Students will also learn why the shoulder muscles can cause neck, elbow, and thumb pain.

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Friday, Oct 3, TBD - UR Campus ( No seats currently available )

This course provides an introduction to the sociology of religion, an important field within the discipline of sociology. Religion is one of the most powerful sources of social cohesion, order, meaning, disruption, protest, and change in human societies, both historically and today in the modern world. Sociology provides a particular disciplinary perspective and analytical tools and theories for describing, understanding, and explaining the nature and influence of religion.

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Tuesdays, Oct 21, 28, Nov 4, TBD - UR Campus ( No seats currently available )

This new class is designed for homeowners and those who just want to learn more about ornamental trees. Learn the many benefits of trees and some common challenges, as well as what to do and what to avoid when choosing, planting, and caring for trees.

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Friday, 12/5, TBD - UR Campus ( No seats currently available )

Join this journey into the powerful world of volcanoes: how they form, erupt, and threaten. Explore the forces driving magma from deep inside Earth, the dramatic eruptions at Mount St. Helens, Rainier, Yellowstone, and Long Valley, and how modern science works to predict and mitigate volcanic hazards.

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Monday, Oct 13, TBD - UR Campus (24 seats (16%) remaining)

In today's society, Science has become controversial and people often find it difficult to define what it is. This seminar traces Science from its pre-historic beginnings through epochs of missteps, stagnation, and near-extinction up to the present day and, while doing so, highlights the critical steps involved in the development of Science. This evolution was undirected and resulted in an institution unique among human endeavors.

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Mondays, Oct 27 and Nov 3, TBD - UR Campus ( No seats currently available )

Ever wonder what that unusual rock or fossil really is? Bring your geological finds for expert identification and learn about their origins, age, and formation. Whether it's a family keepsake, a strange beach stone, or a mysterious mineral, discover the hidden story inside your specimen. Time slots will be assigned prior to class so that Dr. Kitchen can examine each item. All are welcome, and curiosity is encouraged!

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Monday 9/22, Special Programs Building, Room 160 ( No seats currently available )

With the holidays coming, there's no better time to sample six cheeses paired with six wines and find your favorites to share on your holiday table! Class may run over/under the allotted time.

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Thursday, 11/6, Kitchen Classroom ( No seats currently available )