91成人导航

In Person Date: Sept. 15

Zoom Date: Sept. 18

Presenter: Dr. Rajul Patel, Professor

Rajul Patel is Professor in the Dept of Pharmacy Practice at the UOP School of Pharmacy. He is founder and director of the Medicare Program at the School, which started in 2007. Over the last two decades, the School鈥檚 Medicare program has assisted 12,765 beneficiaries, helping them save an estimated $13.9 million in out-of-pocket prescription drug expenses. He has had >200 research presentations about the Part D benefit and Medicare beneficiary outcomes at national and international meetings. 

We will provide an overview of Medicare, share key features of the Part D prescription drug benefit, and considerations that you should be mindful of when selecting a Part D drug or Medicare Advantage plan. We will also discuss how to minimize your out-of-pocket drug costs and changes to the Part D benefit in the upcoming year.

In Person Date: Sept. 22

Zoom Date: Sept. 25

Presenter: Gene Bigler, Former Diplomat and Retired Professor

A graduate of 91成人导航鈥檚 Raymond College, he earned an MA in International Relations and Ph.D. in political science from Johns Hopkins University. As a professor in the U.S. and abroad, he specialized in understanding other countries & their international relations. As a diplomat much of his time was in public diplomacy explaining America to the world. Since retiring, he has devoted his energy to trying to understand America in light of global perspectives and explain that to fellow Americans. In his second term, President Trump has emphasized an America First approach in foreign policy even more than in the first. The lecture will examine how he has escalated economic protectionism, distancing from allies, transactional relations in collaboration, isolation from global endeavors, and escalation of conflict avoidance. Is the approach providing expected dividends or too early to tell?

In Person Date: Sept. 29

Zoom Date: Oct. 2

Presenter: David Diskin, Microsoft Certified 鈥淢aster鈥�

David is a Microsoft Certified 鈥淢aster鈥� with a focus on the user experience and education. He provides consulting and training services to small businesses and government agencies throughout California. At 91成人导航, he鈥檚 lectured about Microsoft Office to OLLI members, staff, and students for over a decade.

From fake videos to believable chatbots, AI is good at tricking us. In this eye-opening lecture, David explores how AI manipulates what we see, hear, and believe 鈥� especially in politics, social media, scams, and beyond. With real-world examples, short video clips, and live demos, you鈥檒l learn how hard it is to spot what鈥檚 fake and question what鈥檚 real鈥� because seeing is no longer believing.

In Person Date: Oct. 6

Zoom Date:  Oct. 9

Presenter: Tom Graham, Professor and Journalist

Before retiring in 2016, Tom taught journalism for 28 years at City College of San Francisco. He previously worked (concurrently) for the San Francisco Chronicle as an editor and writer for more than 22 years. Tom also taught journalism at College of Marin, Solano Community College and the University of San Francisco. He has worked for 14 seasons for the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department as a summer naturalist at Camp Mather, the City鈥檚 family recreation camp near Yosemite. 

Tom walked every street in San Francisco. It took him six years. The more he walked, the more he realized how little he knew about his hometown. After he finished his walk, he says he finally learned 鈥渉is place.鈥� He learned its history, and his family鈥檚 place in it. It was a lesson in geography, topography, geology, and personal growth. Now, at 77, he leads hikes in all over Yosemite.

In Person Date: Oct. 20

Zoom Date:  Oct. 23

Presenter: Mamie Starr, Lead Docent, California Department of Fish and Wildlife Sandhill Crane Tours

She served 28 years as a docent with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife Sandhill Crane Tour Program, leading tour groups at the Phil and Marilyn Isenberg Sandhill Crane Reserve (aka Woodbridge Ecological Reserve) each winter. Currently, she serves on the Board of Directors for the World of Wonders Science Museum in Lodi and recently retired from the Lodi Sandhill Crane Association Board. In her past work life, she was an environmental, land use and school facility planner. 

For thousands of years (or more), as the winds start to chill and the days get shorter, Sandhill Cranes have been leaving their 鈥榟omes鈥� in the north to come to the great winter rendevous in the California Delta. Come learn more about these amazing, almost prehistoric, birds that are practically in YOUR backyard .. . . every winter!

In Person Date: Oct. 27

Zoom Date:  Oct. 30

Presenter: Rex Hamilton, Professor of General Education and Religion

 Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Rex has taught in Oregon, Michigan, and California. Rex teaches in General Education, Religion, and Philosophy. His PhD is in religious studies from the University of Aberdeen in Scotland. His research interests in religion and culture focus on corporate and public ritual patterns, new and emerging religious movements, and the ways religious communities navigate change. Rex is also a member of the Stockton Chorale. 

We all know about Halloween鈥攇hosts, goblins, witches, trick-or-treating. . . but October 31st is also an important holiday in many Christian communities鈥擜ll Saints鈥� Eve. This presentation will provide an overview of the history of Halloween, drawing attention to the way many of our holidays are 鈥渂lended,鈥� reflecting rich traditions that sometimes fit together nicely鈥攁nd sometimes don鈥檛!

In Person Date: Nov. 3

Zoom Date:  Nov. 6

Presenter: Krista Fiser, St. Mary鈥檚 Community Services Chief Executive Officer

Krista M. Fiser, MA is a community advocate and leader. She holds a bachelor鈥檚 degree in Community Health Education, a master鈥檚 degree in Nonprofit Leadership and Management, and has over 15 years of experience leading programs that address homelessness, violence and poverty. She oversees strategy, program effectiveness, and internal operations, while ensuring St. Mary鈥檚 continues its tradition of providing essential services to individuals and families facing poverty and homelessness.

This course explores the causes of homelessness and examines practical, compassionate, and fiscally responsible solutions. Through real stories, policy analysis, and community-based approaches, we鈥檒l discuss how St. Mary鈥檚 Community Services, along with faith, family, personal responsibility, and local action, plays a role in addressing homelessness with dignity and common sense.

In Person Date: Nov. 17

Zoom Date:  Nov. 20

Presenter: David Stuart, Retired Director of the San Joaquin County Historical Museum

David wrote the two-volume 鈥淣ative Peoples of San Joaquin County.鈥� He previously directed the Sacramento History Museum, the Sacramento Science Center (now MoSAC), and museums in Ventura. Stuart was a planner for the National Park Service after serving as Assistant State Archaeologist of Colorado. He studied anthropology/biology at Modesto JC, Fresno State, and the University of Colorado. 

A PowerPoint presentation will introduce the history and culture of the Yokuts- and Miwok-speaking Indigenous nations from what is now the San Joaquin County region. Tribal origins, languages, and lifeways at the time Europeans arrived will be described. The significant impact of regional Native people on California鈥檚 colonial history will be revealed. Current sovereign tribes will be recognized.

In Person Date: Dec. 1

Zoom Date:  Dec. 4

Presenter: Gene Bigler, Former Diplomat and Retired Professor

In his second term, President Trump has launched an array of global initiatives in international trade, overseas expansion, peacekeeping, withdrawal from international organizations and commitments, and harsh expatriation/immigration. Reactions around the world have varied from militant rejection to warm embrace and rewards. Is the U.S. approach working or floundering?

Date: Thursday, Sept. 4

Presenter: Mike Agron, Music Aficionado

Born in LA鈥檚 entertainment scene, Mike is a former high-tech exec and entrepreneur who now creates and delivers dynamic, story-driven seminars on music and entertainment. With a storyteller鈥檚 eye and a DJ鈥檚 ear, he鈥檚 led 15 acclaimed seminar series, each spotlighting a different facet of music and entertainment, for the Sacramento Renaissance Society and national lifelong learning groups including OLLI, Osher Online, Encore Learning, and more.

Discover how jazz evolved from background music to a powerful storytelling tool on the big screen. In this session, we鈥檒l explore seven distinct jazz styles鈥擶est Coast Cool Jazz, Bossa Nova, Big Band & Swing, Hard Bop, Soul Jazz & Blues, Modal Jazz, and Jazz Fusion鈥攁nd see how they transformed film and television soundtracks in the 50s and 60s. From the moody tension of film noir to the vibrant energy of jazz fusion, learn how jazz became a defining force in shaping cinematic experiences, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to influence films today. Even if you鈥檙e not a die-hard jazz fan, you鈥檒l discover how these unforgettable soundtracks enhance storytelling and make the magic of cinema even more immersive.

Date: Thursday, Sept. 11

Presenter: Anette Isaacs, German Historian

German born and raised, Anette Isaacs, MA, is a Historian and Public Educator who has been presenting hundreds of programs on more than 40 different topics (all pertaining to her native country鈥檚 history, politics, and culture) all over the United States. She holds master鈥檚 degrees in American studies, political science, and history and is currently serving as the director of OLLI at FIU (Florida International University) in Miami. 

Join German Historian Anette Isaacs for a compelling look at the little-known ties between Nazi leaders and Islamic forces during World War II. Explore how shared ideologies, including antisemitism, shaped this unlikely alliance and continue to echo in today鈥檚 geopolitical landscape.

Date: Thursday, Oct. 16

Presenter: Joan Griffin, Author, Teacher, and Writer

Joan lives under a spell of wanderlust. She takes wing, whenever possible, for actual destinations and for literary locales in the pages of books. A native Californian and proud UCLA Bruin, Joan lives in the Northern California foothills of the Sierra Nevada. Joan applies her love of storytelling to her passions of teaching and writing. She teaches at the OLLI at Sierra College and Davis. Joan鈥檚 adventure memoir, Force of Nature: Three Women Tackle the John Muir Trail, was recently published. 

Come virtually hike the iconic John Muir Trail. It stretches for 200 miles through the heart of the Sierra Nevada, from Yosemite to Mt. Whitney. She will share photos and stories so you can taste the adventure and beauty on the world鈥檚 most beautiful long trail. Experience the terror of lightning at 11,000 feet, the thrill of walking through a waterfall, and the joy of dancing among midnight moon shadows.

Date: Thursday, Nov. 13

Presenter: Adrienne Hill, Retired High School Mathematics Teacher

Adrienne is a retired high school mathematics teacher who has volunteered since 2005 to educate teachers, students, and community members about Tourette Syndrome and its comorbid disorders (TS+). Adrienne currently serves as a board member and educational consultant for the Tourette OCD Alberta Network. Her own journey as a mother of three children includes two who have been diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome +. 

During her presentation, Adrienne will explore the various myths surrounding Tourette Syndrome (TS), a disorder often misunderstood. She will address common co-occurring diagnoses and the phenomenon of TikTok Tics that emerged during the pandemic. Come prepared with pen and paper to participate in an empathy exercise and experience what it鈥檚 like to live with TS+.

Date: Monday, Dec. 11

Presenter: Gail Knapp, Retired Professor

Gail retired after 38 years as a psychology professor at a Michigan community college, where she served as vice president of the faculty association, chair of the college鈥檚 academic body, and author of two psychology textbook instructor manuals. She was the chapter advisor and state coordinator for the Phi Theta Kappa honor society. Her degrees include a BA from Stony Brook University, an MA from Hofstra University, and a PhD from Michigan State University and, at the age of 62, a JD. 

Currently, Americans are experiencing vast cultural divisions that have not been seen in our lifetime. How has it happened? What exactly is happening? And how can we interact with each other even when we each see the world from a very different perspective? When we meet for this lecture, Thanksgiving will have just ended. How was it? If it was not good, what could have made it better?