Learn about the worldwide phenomenon of After Death Communications, the various types, induced vs. spontaneous ADC, when they occur, and who typically experiences them. We will offer a safe space to share personal experiences.

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Wednesday, Aug 12, TBD - UR Campus ( No seats currently available )

Learn about the classic French Mother Sauces and how to make two of them: Bechamel and Sauce Tomate and a classic French 'small' sauce Beurre Blanc. Then turn those sauces into delicious dishes. All About Sauces 2 will be offered in the Fall to compliment this course. Class may run over/under the allotted time. Offered twice; please register for only one session. Note: The new refund policy applies.

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Thursday, July 2, The Kitchen Classroom ( No seats currently available )
Thursday, July 16, The Kitchen Classroom ( No seats currently available )

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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No session is currently available for registration

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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No session is currently available for registration

Older adults are prime targets for cybercriminals, losing billions annually to scams and fraud. This practical course demystifies cybersecurity and provides essential protection strategies. Learn to identify phishing emails, phone scams, and online fraud. Discover how to secure passwords, shop safely online, and protect your financial information. Through real-world examples and interactive exercises, you'll gain confidence navigating the digital world safely. No technical background is required, just a willingness to learn protective strategies that work.

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Mondays; June 29 and July 6, TBD - UR Campus ( No seats currently available )

Discover the art of growing breathtaking organic dahlias in this hands-on workshop. We'll explore soil preparation, planting techniques, feeding schedules, harvesting for long vase life, and how to properly lift, divide, and store tubers for years of continued growth. Perfect for gardeners of all experience levels, this class includes a live demonstration and Q&A session.

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Wednesday, June 17, TBD - UR Campus

Join this 'behind the scenes' look at disaster management through lens of the Office of the Governor of Virginia. From school shootings to hurricanes and other natural disasters to snipers and mass shootings, we'll look closely at the roles, responsibilities and actions of senior leadership during major emergencies.

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Monday, Aug 3, TBD - UR Campus

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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No session is currently available for registration

Learn how to create a thriving, resilient garden that works with nature rather than against it. In this workshop, we'll explore how to design gardens that support pollinators, beneficial insects, birds, and soil life while still producing beautiful, abundant plantings. We'll cover companion planting, habitat layering, soil stewardship, water-wise practices, and how to encourage natural balance so your garden becomes healthier and more self-sustaining over time. Ideal for gardeners of all experience levels.

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Wednesday, June 3, TBD - UR Campus

This class is for individuals who have Family Tree Maker (FTM) and want a better understanding of the software and to build skills. The following will be covered: overview of features (including the 2024 version); techniques on navigating and using FTM to create, edit and manage trees; interfacing with Ancestry.com for hints; importing data; and syncing trees. Students should bring their laptops with FTM installed for use in class.

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Tues and Thurs, Aug 4 and 6, TBD - UR Campus (4 seats (17%) remaining)

Explore VSU's Land Grant Research Farm through guided stops highlighting innovative research, hands-on demonstrations, and real-world agricultural practices. Learn how land-grant institutions partner with Cooperative Extension to support farmers, communities, and sustainable agriculture across Virginia.

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Friday, June 12, Virginia State University

Learn about the bright and bold flavors of Morocco, including how to sear and braise chicken 'tagine' with preserved lemon, make a bright and (mildly) spicy carrot salad, and prepare herbaceous couscous. A light, not-too-sweet lemon cake is a perfect end to the meal. Class may run over/under the allotted time. Offered twice; please register for only one session. Note: The new refund policy applies.

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Thursday, July 23, The Kitchen Classroom ( No seats currently available )
Thursday, July 30, The Kitchen Classroom (3 seats (19%) remaining)

We'll begin each session with the biographies of the great scientists who started revolutions in cosmology, quantum physics, relativity and biology/evolution. The second hour will detail what the science itself is, where it has come from, and where we now are in the realm of that science.

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Mondays, July 6, 13, 20, 27, TBD - UR Campus ( No seats currently available )

Join this conversation about types of grief, ways of comforting grieving people, and community resources for grievers. Topics will include impacts of loss on function and health, anticipatory grief, maladaptive grief responses, and concrete ways of supporting people experiencing loss. While this session is not a support group, resources for grievers will be provided.

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Mon/Tues, Aug 24 and 25, TBD - UR Campus

The Japanese characters forming the word 'ike-bana' can be best translated as 'living flowers.' However, ikebana has become generally accepted as meaning the art form of Japanese flower arrangement. Watch a demonstration then create your own arrangement, using materials and flowers provided. Bring a flower snipping tool and a bucket to take home your flowers. You will keep the suiban container, kenzan spiky frog, handouts, flowers, and branch material to re-create your arrangement at home. Note: The new refund policy applies.

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Wednesday, July 22, TBD - UR Campus (4 seats (27%) remaining)

This lecture covers herbaceous perennials, vines, shrubs, and trees that will enhance your property throughout the year, with emphasis on native species.

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Thursday, July 23, TBD - UR Campus

Learn how to grow fresh, nutrient-dense microgreens right at home in this hands-on workshop. We'll cover seed selection, growing mediums, lighting, watering, harvest timing, and how to prevent common issues like mold or legginess. You'll also learn how to maximize flavor, nutrition, and yield. Perfect for beginners and experienced growers alike.

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Wednesday, June 10, TBD - UR Campus (6 seats (15%) remaining)

When the Erie Canal opened in 1825, it revolutionized American travel and transportation: but it was inspired by Europe's earlier canal networks. In this course, we will trace French, British, and Irish canals of the 17th and 18th centuries, then follow the story into the 19th century as we examine American canals, especially in New York and Pennsylvania. We will explore how canals reflect politics and ambitions and why they remain vital to shipping today. Note: The new refund policy applies.

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Wednesdays, July 8, 15, 22, 29, Aug 5, 12, Synchronous Online (5 seats (38%) remaining)

In this course, we will explore a wide range of horticultural practices with something to offer no matter our experience level or where we live. We will cover container gardening, aquatic gardens, ornamental and fruiting plants, bonsai, landscape design, and pest management. Each week, we will focus on a theme and examine design ideas, plant choices, and long-term care practices for success. Wherever we garden, we can find plenty to learn and enjoy in horticulture. Note: The new refund policy applies.

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Tuesdays, July 7, 14, 21, 28, Aug 4, 11, Synchronous Online

Streaming music, swiping photos, consuming real-time news, reading e-books: all these activities have been transformed by digital technology. Let's explore how media is created, stored, and experienced in a digitized world. We will demystify fundamentals like text files, encoding, pixels, and algorithms in easy-to-understand ways: no prior computer knowledge needed. Each session examines a different medium, contrasting our analog past with the digital present. Topics will include text, images, music, social media, and media ownership. Note: The new refund policy applies.

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Mondays, July 20, 27, Aug 3, 10, 17, 24, Synchronous Online (5 seats (38%) remaining)

A PEW research study showed that a large percentage of Americans believe that obesity is caused by lack of will power. According to the New England Journal of Medicine, obesity is a disease, and heredity is a contributing factor in a majority of cases. New thoughts and medications in the treatment of obesity will be discussed as well as case presentations.

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Monday, Aug 17, TBD - UR Campus ( 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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Wed/Thur, Aug 19 and 20, TBD - UR Campus ( No seats currently available )

The Osher Institute at Dartmouth is offering its summer lecture via livestream to Osher colleagues across the nation. Lecture 1 is 'What Can the Declaration of Independence Teach Us About Artificial Intelligence.' The session begins with the lecture, is followed by a half-hour break, then resumes with Q&A.

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Wednesday, July 8, Synchronous Online (24 seats (18%) remaining)

The Osher Institute at Dartmouth is offering its summer lecture via livestream to Osher colleagues across the nation. Lecture 2 is 'Can AI Think Like a Doctor?' The session begins with the lecture, is followed by a half-hour break, then resumes with Q&A.

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Wednesday, July 15, Synchronous Online (24 seats (18%) remaining)

The Osher Institute at Dartmouth is offering its summer lecture via livestream to Osher colleagues across the nation. Lecture 3 is 'Environmental Impact.' The session begins with the lecture, is followed by a half-hour break, then resumes with Q&A.

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Wednesday, July 22, Synchronous Online

The Osher Institute at Dartmouth is offering its summer lecture via livestream to Osher colleagues across the nation. Lecture 4 is 'What Will be the Economic Impacts of AI?' The session begins with the lecture, is followed by a half-hour break, then resumes with Q&A.

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Wednesday, July 29, Synchronous Online (21 seats (16%) remaining)

The Osher Institute at Dartmouth is offering its summer lecture via livestream to Osher colleagues across the nation. Lecture 5: 'Is AI Leading Us Toward a More Dangerous World Disorder?' The session begins with the lecture, is followed by a half-hour break, then resumes with Q&A.

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Wed, Aug 5, Synchronous Online

The Osher Institute at Dartmouth is offering its summer lecture via livestream to Osher colleagues across the nation. Lecture 6 is 'Morality, Ethics, Equality, Justice, and the Need for Regulation.' The session begins with the lecture, is followed by a half-hour break, then resumes with Q&A.

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Wednesday, Aug 12, Synchronous Online

Osher is having its own Trivia Night -- but in the afternoon. Come join us for this 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! Note: The new refund policy applies.

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Thursday, September 3, THC, Alice Haynes Room

New research shows that sleep isn't the mind's off switch, but instead a complex and dynamic process that impacts both our physical and mental health. Our modern lifestyle damages the 24 hour wake/sleep cycle and hinders our brain's ability to maintain and regenerate itself. We'll discuss some important and useful new research findings, and share ideas for practical strategies to protect and improve our brain health.

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Thursdays; July 2, 9, 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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Tuesday and Thursday, July 7 and 9 (Tuesday on campus, Thursday at the Library of VA), Library of Virginia

Risotto and Tiramisu are two classic Italian dishes that everyone should know how to make! Learn the ways of the Zabayon to take your Tiramisu to the next level and a classic Risotto Milanese. Class may run over/under the allotted time. Offered twice; please register for only one session. Note: The new refund policy applies.

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Thursday, June 4, The Kitchen Classroom ( No seats currently available )
Thursday, June 18, The Kitchen Classroom ( No seats currently available )

Most of us have little experience with sake, but it is a complex, diverse, and delightful beverage! Local expert Robert Jones will take us through different sakes to showcase the variety of styles and flavors they contain. While we sip, we will learn about how it is made, the various styles and flavor profiles, and how to serve it. Light fare will be provided to nibble while tasting. Class may run over/under the allotted time. Note: The new refund policy applies.

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Thursday, Aug 6, The Kitchen Classroom

Take charge of your bone health with this comprehensive, physician-led course. You'll learn the difference between osteopenia and osteoporosis, review the latest US statistics, identify common risk factors, and explore proven strategies to maintain strength as you age.

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Monday, June 1, JPSN, Room 118 (11 seats (11%) remaining)

The UR Computer/Technology Help Desk is available to Osher members, but do you really know what services it provides? Join this session to find out how to take full advantage of this great benefit of Osher membership.

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Wednesday, July 29, Synchronous Online

This class offers a visual journey through the changing seasons in and around Richmond. From spring blooms and nesting birds to summer butterflies, fall migrations, and winter's quiet beauty, the presentation highlights the rhythms of local wildlife and landscapes. Filled with Jim's beautiful photographs, it also includes suggestions and brief descriptions of nearby parks, gardens, and natural areas, encouraging viewers to explore and connect with local nature.

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No session is currently available for registration

Join us for tips about being a savvy news consumer in this difficult climate with the rise of social media and artificial intelligence (AI), as well as the decline in local newspapers. Virginia Public Media President Jayme Swain will provide an update on what's happening in the news landscape and share how you can tell fact from fiction.

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No session is currently available for registration

In American society today, science is often misunderstood and mistrusted, and most people struggle even to define it. This two-part seminar explains what science is and how it developed by tracing its origins through epochs of trial-and-error, missteps, stagnation and near-eradication up to the present day, while highlighting the invention of the critical ideas and factors necessary for modern science and its survival.

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No session is currently available for registration

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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Tuesdays; June 23 and 30, TBD - UR Campus

Back as our now bi-annual event, join Diane and Maggie (of Truckle Cheesemongers) to sample and learn about six wine and cheese pairings. Class may run over/under the allotted time. Note: The new refund policy applies.

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Thursday, June 11, The Kitchen Classroom ( No seats currently available )

This class is back by popular demand, but with all new wines. Do you have to spend a lot of money for a good bottle of wine? Can you tell the difference when you do? We will taste similar wines at different prices, learn what makes the difference, and find out if you can tell. Eight wines will be tasted, each as a pairing with one inexpensive and one more expensive. Fees are non-refundable unless we are able to fill your vacated slot.

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No session is currently available for registration

Explore the wines of New Zealand and Australia and learn that there is more than just Shiraz and Sauvignon Blanc to enjoy! We will sample eight wines with light fare provided to enjoy while tasting and learning. Class may run over/under the allotted time. Note: The new refund policy applies.

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Thursday, Aug 13, The Kitchen Classroom (4 seats (11%) remaining)

Explore the wines of Tuscany with Diane and the Kitchen Classroom! We will sample and discuss eight wines, with light fare provided to enjoy while tasting and learning. Class may run over/under the allotted time. Note: The new refund policy applies.

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Thursday, July 9, The Kitchen Classroom (2 seats (6%) remaining)