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

AARP Smart DriverTEK Workshop

Technology is changing the driving experience! The Smart DriverTEK Workshop will keep you in the know about the latest high-tech safety features in your current or future car. Learn with your peers about blind spot warnings, forward collision warnings, smart headlights and many other helpful functions.

Instructor: Robert Bass became a volunteer with AARP in 2019, and quickly got involved in their Smart DriverTEK workshop program (SDTEK).

1 Tuesday: November 4; 9:00–10:30 am
Format: In person
Location: West Chester, VOALC, Room 128

Holding Back the Aging Process

Can you hold back the aging process, enabling you to live longer and better? The answer is a resounding “Yes!” This may be accomplished by combining the Seven Dimensions of Senior Wellness and by building the lifestyle foundation that’s right for you. The course is based on experience, not theory.

Instructor: Educated in England, Roy Franchi enlisted in the Royal Navy at age 18. Today, Roy’s primary interests are the aging process, new approaches to retirement, and whole-person wellness.

1 Tuesday: October 21; 2:15–3:30 pm
Format: In person
Location: West Chester, VOALC, Auditorium

 A Short History of Dubno, Oxford’s Sister City

In July 2023, Oxford Mayor William Snavely and former Mayor Mike Smith traveled to Dubno, Ukraine, and signed a sister city partnership with the Ukrainian town of 37,000 residents. Located in the Volhynia region in the northwest of the country, Dubno has a rich history. It was once part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, then the Russian Empire, then the Polish Republic, then the USSR, and now independent Ukraine. This lecture will provide a brief history of the town’s tumultuous past and conclude with an overview of how Dubno has responded to the full-scale Russian invasion of 2022.

Instructor: Stephen Norris is the Walter Havighurst Professor of History and the Director of the Havighurst Center for East European, Russian, and Eurasian Studies at ºÚÁÏÉçÇø.

1 Wednesday: October 8; 10:45 am–noon
Format: Virtual
Location: Online

Where on Earth is the U.S.? Are we in the ºÚÁÏÉçÇø 10?

How does the U.S. compare in meeting the challenges that exist in 2025? We will examine 24 topics including: GDP, wages, taxes, trade balance, tariffs, environment, energy, education, healthcare, climate change, immigration, safety, prosperity, happiness, and the highest-scoring nations in these categories. We will evaluate a quick snapshot of the U.S. rank relative to other nations. Our sources are international surveys by highly credible and impartial worldwide organizations. A complete PDF copy of the materials covered will be supplied in advance.

Instructor: Doug Stowell is a global consumer issues polling veteran, holding positions in U.S. and E.U. markets. Doug specializes in accurate data gathering and reporting.

1 Thursday: October 9; 4:00–5:30 pm
Format: Virtual
Location: Online

History of Music in Film

From the Silent Era into today, we will discuss the evolution of music in movie-making, decade by decade, highlighting key original scores, pivotal moments, and prominent composers.

Instructor: Andrea Smiley has been a member of the Southwestern Ohio Symphonic Band for over 20 years and is currently serving as its president.

1 Friday: October 10; 2:15–3:30 pm
Format: In person
Location: Oxford, Boyd Hall, Room 228

FNSFA: Fernald Preserve

Location: Visitors Center, 7400 Willey Rd, Hamilton
Date: Friday, October 10; 10:00 am–noon
Cost: Free | Members only

Enjoy a visit to the Fernald Preserve Visitors Center, which details the rich and varied history of the Fernald Uranium Enrichment site. Learn the local history spanning Native American communities, pioneer settlement, farming, uranium production, environmental cleanup eras, and the recent ecological restoration mission. Note: May include short walks on gravel or grass trails.

FNSFA: Cincinnati 911 Call Center

Location: City of Cincinnati Emergency Communications Center, 2000 Radcliff Dr, Cincinnati
Date: Friday, October 17; 9:30 am–noon
Cost: Free | Members only

911, What’s your emergency? While this is not an emergency, plan ahead to attend this tour of the Emergency Communications Center (911 and 311 center), and the Emergency Operations Center, where large events and natural disasters that occur in Hamilton County are monitored. In addition, we may tour the SWAT Garage (if they are not on an active incident at the time) and learn the history of Cincinnati’s ECC.

FNSFA: Municipal Brew Works

Location: 20 High St, Hamilton
Date: Friday, October 24; 10:00 am–noon
Cost: $5 | Members and Non-Members (for optional sample tasting; to be paid at event)

Municipal Brew Works (MBW) is an award-winning brewery located in the iconic Fredrick Mueller building, a true cornerstone of early Hamilton that once housed city council, jail, police, a bank, and even a fire station. MBW honors the community’s strong brewing tradition by bringing back historical brewing styles and beers as well as producing new flavors of beer and seltzers. MBW, in partnership with the City of Hamilton, ignited the revitalization of the downtown business district nine years ago. Come and hear firsthand how the very fire station that once protected the city now serves as a dynamic taproom, fostering a renewed sense of community. Note: Closed-toed shoes are required to tour the brewing facility.

FNSFA: Matthew 25 Ministries: Volunteer Session

Location: 11060 Kenwood Rd, Cincinnati
Date: Friday, October 31; 9:30 am–noon
Cost: Free | Members and Non-members

Matthew 25: Ministries assist the poorest of the poor and disaster victims throughout the U.S. and around the world. In a previous tour we learned that volunteers play an essential role in the work of the organization.  Would you like to be a part of bringing hope to those in need?  This volunteer session may include sorting, counting, packaging, and palletizing donated household goods for shipment to various parts of the U.S. and the world. Note: Comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes are recommended. The temperature in the processing center fluctuates with the season. No large bags or backpacks are permitted.

FNSFA: Cincinnati Music Hall

Location: 1241 Elm St, Cincinnati
Date: Friday, November 7; 1:00–3:00 pm
Cost: $16 Members | $20 Non-members

If you have a particular interest in history, music, theater, architecture, or Cincinnati culture, this will be a fascinating and memorable experience. Explore both public and private spaces in the stunning Cincinnati Music Hall. See for yourself how it reflects the spirit of both past and present. Discover why it was the envy of the Great Midwest in the 19^th century and the cornerstone of the 21^st century renaissance of Cincinnati’s historic heart. Note: Public parking is available in the immediate vicinity. Carpooling is encouraged and will be arranged for those interested.