Members are encouraged to attend as many classes as desired and to bring guests for one time only. Applications are available for guests to join at any time. The regular fee for a full year membership (Sept.-Aug.) is $45. For new members interested in summer classes, a special membership fee of $25 for entrance to all classes through August 2007 is available. Annual scholarships are also available to those who qualify. For more information about membership, please call (775) 784-8053.

Most classes are open to all members without pre-registration. However, please note that some classes are limited and require pre-enrollment with the instructor. If a class requires pre-enrollment, you must call at least one week prior to the class start date to secure your spot.

For more information or to register, please call Shera Alberti-Annunzio at Extended Studies, (775) 784-4046, email shera@unr.edu, or call our office at (775) 784-8053.

Classes are held at the University’s Warren Nelson Building at 401 West Second St., Suite 235, Reno, unless otherwise noted.

View or print an Adobe PDF version of our current class schedule.

Please join us for the following classes, groups and events through July 2007:

JUNE

A Cultural Profile of Nevada
June 6, Wednesday, 10-11:30 a.m.
Instructor: Fred Horlacher, retired Reno history teacher
Northern Nevada has always been a multi-ethnic community and continues to be so, in great part because of its many educational facilities. Today we will get an overall picture of where and why the Truckee Meadows has become the chosen spot of Nevada.

The Basques in the West
June 8, Friday, 1-2:30 p.m.
Instructor: Xabier Irujo, assistant professor, University of Nevada, Reno Center for Basque Studies
Xabier Irujo holds master’s degrees in philology, history, philosophy and law, and doctoral degrees in history and philosophy, and has authored and co-authored numerous books and journal articles. He will lead a discussion focusing on Basque migration into the United States over the centuries, and will examine the traces of Basque culture left behind over the course of that migration. Class participants will gain an understanding of Basques in the American West: where they came from, when they arrived, and what kind of lives they developed here in Northern Nevada.

Bridging the Gap
June 13, Wednesday, 10-11:30 a.m.
Instructor: Toni Harris, president, Northern Nevada Black Cultural Awareness Society
This presentation will focus on understanding cultural diversity. Several members of the Northern Nevada Black Cultural Awareness Society will participate in the program, to inform participants about the meaning of the Juneteenth worldwide celebration of the abolition of slavery in the United States. Other discussion topics include African-American migration to Northern Nevada. There will be surprise samplings of food for the class to taste.

You Say Hispanic — I Say Latino
June 15, Friday, 1-2:30 p.m.
Instructor: Marie Anastasia Sefchick
Learn the history and culture of the Latino community and its impact on the life of Nevada. Participants will also learn the difference between the words “Hispanic” and “Latino” and their proper usage.

A Taste of Yiddish
June 20, Wednesday, 10-11:30 a.m.
Instructor: Ethel Joffe, Reno Yiddish teacher
Ethel Joffe, Reno’s foremost Yiddish instructor, grew up speaking Yiddish and has taught the language in Reno for many years. Participants will hear a brief history, learn several songs, and enjoy a skit by members of the Reno Yiddish Club.

Scottish Culture in Nevada
June 22, Friday, 1-2:30 p.m.
Speakers: Chief Doug McAlpine and Chieftain Don Lindsay of the Nevada Society of Scottish Clans
Learn who the Scots in Nevada are and the history of the Nevada Society of Scottish Clans, and about the society’s mission of promoting the culture and customs of Scotland in Northern Nevada.

Around the World in 90 Minutes
June 27, Wednesday, 10-11:30 a.m.
Instructors: Representatives from the Intensive English Language Center at the University of Nevada, Reno, including a panel of University students. All participating instructors hold masters or doctoral degrees and have experience living and teaching overseas.
For more than 20 years, the Intensive English Learning Center (IELC) at the University of Nevada, Reno, has been bringing international students to our community and teaching English language skills required to enroll in North American colleges and universities. In addition to teaching language skills, the center also introduces students to American culture and university life. IELC students from around the world will host an interactive session in which they will share their cultures, languages and experiences. There will be time for questions and answers, and individual tables presenting posters, displays and food samples will be included.

The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming
June 29, Friday, 1-2:30 p.m.
Instructor: Dr. Zeny Ocean, president, Sierra Nevada Balalaika Society
The Russians who are coming are musicians from the Sierra Nevada Balalaika Society. They will inform participants about the migration of Russians to Nevada and share information about the balalaika and its distinctive sound.

Washoe Tribes of Nevada and California: Carson City, Stewart, Gardnerville and Markleeville History
July 11, Wednesday, 10-11:30 a.m.
Instructor: Rose Painter, Washoe Tribe
Rose Painter of the Washoe Tribe has worked with the Indian Education Program for 12 years, is Washoe history representative to 20 schools in Nevada and California and is a member of the American Indian Movement and Sundance pipe carrier. This class will include a half-hour section on the Burns Paiute Tribe history and a presentation on the Washoe Tribes’ four Indian Colonies and their economic growth. There will be time for questions and answers after the presentation and samplings of native medicines.

Bring a bag lunch and stay for the afternoon class!

Global Warming
July 11, Wednesday, 1-2:30 p.m.
Instructor: Nick Anthony, legislative relations manager for the City of Reno
Facilitator: Louise Lang, concerned citizen
The documentary “An Inconvenient Truth” will be shown, followed by a discussion of global warming led by Nick Anthony.

Norwegian-American Relations Through the Centuries
July 13, Friday, 1-2:30 p.m.
Instructors: John Hylin, Ph.D., professor emeritus, University of Hawaii at Manoa, member of the Sons of Norway, and 20-year member or the Counsel for Norway in Hawaii; and Perralina Palm, Truckee Meadows Community College part-time instructor and member and past president of the Daughters of Norway
John Hylin and Perralina Palm will discuss the discovery and exploration of North America and Norwegian influence on American culture. There will be displays of rosemaling (decorative painting), Hardanger embroidery, bunads (Norwegian national costume), and samples of Norwegian food.

Italian Immigration to Northern Nevada
July 18, Wednesday, 10-11:30 a.m.
Instructor: Hugh Ricci, retired Nevada engineer and administrator of the Nevada Division of Water Resources, currently substitute teacher for the Washoe County School District
This course explores Italian migration from the end of the 15th century to the 20th century, focusing on Italian immigration to Nevada. The discussion will center on reasons these migrants chose to leave their homeland and settle in this area, and what they encountered upon arrival here.

Learn Sudoku, A Japanese Puzzle
July 18, Wednesday, 1-2:30 p.m.
Instructor: Louise Lang, ElderCollege/OLLI member
This class is for those who are curious about Sudoku and want to learn how it works. If you can count from 1 to 9, you can do it.

The Heart of Polynesia — American Samoa
July 20, Friday, 1-2:30 p.m.
Instructor: Sina Peace Ward, expert on the traditions and culture of Polynesia
This class will examine the migration of Samoans to the United States and the Samoan contribution to the local economy. As a Samoan, Sina Peace Ward can provide a distinctive view on the history, culture and cuisine of Samoa, and offer special Samoan entertainment.

OLLI/EC — The Melting Pot of Northern Nevada
July 25, Wednesday, 10-11:30 a.m.
Instructor: Betty Lou Marquardt, ElderCollege/OLLI member leader
You are all invited to come and represent your country of origin. Bring a story, picture, painting, handiwork or anything you have relating to your cultural heritage that you’d like to discuss. If there is a favorite ethnic cookie recipe you would like to share — or even better, a plate of cookies to sample with the coffee and tea that will be provided — please bring them along.

Auditory, Visual and Culinary Taste of Greece
July 27, Friday, 1-2:30 p.m.
Instructors: Chris J. Ewopulos, retired student and lecturer of Greek history, and Agnas Manos, Greek Youth instructor
This class will feature a lecture on the history of early 20th-century immigration and Greek nationalism in Nevada. The lecture will be followed by a Greek dance presentation from the St. Anthony’s youth group and an opportunity to sample Greek culinary delicacies.

ONGOING SUMMER CLASSES

Coop Group
First and third Mondays, June 4, 18; July 2, 16, noon-1:30 p.m.
Facilitator: Beth Larson, (775) 849-0587
Group participants deal with issues of aging and exchange life experiences and events according to the book Growing Old Disgracefully by Hen Co-Op and Marianne Gontarz. Members share problems and successes while developing friendships. Bring a brown-bag lunch and a beverage.

Cracker Barrel
Tuesdays: June 5, 12, 19, 26; July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 2-3:30 p.m.
Facilitator: LaMerne Kozlowski, (775) 358-1746
This is a group of OLLI/ElderCollege seniors who discuss current affairs of municipal, state, national and international interest. Cracker Barrel is modeled on the old-time, free-wheeling exchange of opinions in a small group of people who desire to be heard among their peers. Subjects vary according to participant interest.

Mystery Book Group
Mondays, June 11; July 9, 10-11:30 a.m.
Facilitator: Julie Ley
Various mystery books are chosen by group members and discussed at subsequent meetings. For information, call Louise Lang at (775) 322-8700.

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