Last chance for spring classes! The Osher spring term is winding down this week and what a fantastic term it has been. We had another record number of enrollments with over 1,475 of you joining us for classes and events. Osher members are often sad to see classes end. But never fear! Summer school is almost here. Our summer term will run from May 11 through the end of August this year. Registration will open at 9:00 am on Thursday May 7. Save the date and join us by being one of the cool kids who get to attend summer school!
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The AARP Smart Driver Course is the nation's first and largest 4-hour refresher course designed specifically for older drivers. The goal is for you to become an even safer driver through this program and our additional resources. This course will review driving skills and techniques, as well as strategies and tips to help you adjust to normal age-related changes that may affect your driving ability. As an added bonus, graduates could receive a discount on their auto insurance. Plus, it's fun and enjoyable!
Monday April 27 at 1:00 pm - Today!
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Historical novels tell interesting stories about a time, a place, and the people living there. Authors must do extensive research so their writing accurately reflects the history. Using Horse by Geraldine Brooks as the launching point, this class will offer a one-hour look at the development of horse racing in America, with a focus on the social, economic, cultural, and racial impact of the horses themselves and the people around them. We will then spend an hour discussing the novel as contemporary literature. Readers and history buffs welcome! Participants should read Horse before class.
Friday May 1 at 1:30 pm
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Did you know we start losing muscle as early as age 30 and this accelerates after 60? This loss impacts balance, mobility, bone density, and independence. The good news? Strength training can help reverse that trend. Join us for a dynamic session on how building strength supports better health, sharper cognition, and improved quality of life as we age. You'll learn science-backed strategies to safely get started (and stick with it!) - plus enjoy a short demonstration and time for Q&A.
Monday April 27 at 9:30 am - Today!
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Studies show that more social ties and activities can result in a lower risk of cognitive impairment as we age and physical activity can improve our memory. Exercise is one of the single best things people can do to age well, yet less than 70% of older adults get enough physical activity. Our Lunch & Learn lecture on April 8 featured U of U PhD student Owen Benzley discussing the importance of physical activity in his presentation, Exercise and the Aging Brain.
You can view the recording in our archives.
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Join us for the May session of the Osher Booker Bookers Book Club series! The book this month will be TRUE HISTORY OF THE KELLY GANG by Peter Carey. The Booker Bookers will read Booker Prize winners in monthly meetings from September 2025 through May 2026. Each session will feature a rotating discussion leader from among Osher members. The reading list is curated by Osher volunteer Lee Ann Troutman, featuring titles available at both the Anderson Foothill branch of the city library system and the Granite County Library. Come join the Booker Bookers!
Please note: This event is offered as a series, and you'll need to register separately for any sessions you'd like to attend.
Friday May 1 at 1:00 pm
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What if living with more love and less effort was actually possible? Join us for a cozy morning of coffee and conversation at Cucina Deli as we explore 52 Ways to Live the Course in Miracles by Karen Casey. Together, we'll share insights and simple practices for creating a calmer, more meaningful way of living--no background in the Course required. This is a gentle, open discussion designed for connection, reflection, and inspiration.
Monday May 4 at 10:00 am
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Meet Kim Beck, the owner of Top Dog Snake Finders. Kim is a dog trainer, specializing in dog-scent training. Once afraid of snakes, Kim is now the only Certified Venomous Safety Instructor in Utah who is not employed by DWR or the zoo. Kim will discuss different rattlesnakes in Utah, with information on where they're found, their toxicity and temperament; the social side of rattlesnakes - they're much more advanced in their behavior than previously thought; how to stay safe when hiking or if you encounter a rattlesnake; how to keep your dog safe while hiking, and more. Kim will bring a couple snakes that will be in secured boxes so people can safely get up close to one to observe; she can also get one out that we can see from a distance. If you have a dog that you take hiking, or just curious about rattlesnakes, join us at this unique special event.
Monday May 4 at 11:30 am
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Whether you are curious about the future of transportation or if you are simply a train enthusiast, you will be able to embark on a journey through the heart of innovations in this special event as you witness first-hand, the captivating world of passenger train production.
Thursday May 7 at 4:00 pm
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| Osher Special Events in 2026 are brought to you in part from funding from ZAP
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Utah Baseball Game and Tour of the New Ballpark - $26
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Here is a fun opportunity to watch a Ute baseball game and tour the new America First Ballpark at Charlie Monfort Field! We will tour the new ballpark with a member of the UofU Athletics staff, then head to the hospitality suite (between home plate and 3rd base) for a dinner of ballpark food: hot dogs, pretzel bites, popcorn, cookies, chips, soda, and water.
Once the game begins, you're welcome to enjoy it from several locations.
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The hospitality suite in the Gustafson Family Club includes about 20 front‑row counter seats with great views, along with additional high‑top and standard tables where you can sit or stand as you like.
- You can also take a blanket out to the berm grass area and watch from there.
- After the 2nd or 3rd inning, you're free to move to any open seat in the stadium (except for section 7 behind the home plate).
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Fun fact: Did you know that Vicki Henderson, Osher member and volunteer, is the wife of the Utah baseball head coach, Gary Henderson?
Bonus opportunity! 20 minutes after the game ends, all those interested are welcome to stay for photos with the coaches on the field. More details on this bonus opportunity will be provided that evening.
Since this event takes place before summer term registration opens, please call 801-581-7155 to register over the phone.
Tuesday May 5 at 5:00 pm
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Tuesday, April 28.
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Ethics Explored at the Intersection of Arts and Health
By Gretchen Case, Director of the Center for Health Ethics, Arts & Humanities at the University of Utah and Dan Froot, Producer, Writer, Director, Actor, Composer, Saxophonist and the Founder of Dan Froot & Company
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This discussion will focus on the ethical questions that arise when telling stories publicly that involve emotionally difficult or traumatic experiences. Medical providers often share stories from their clinical work to explore or illustrate critical issues, and the ethical conundrums associated with talking about medical encounters are well-known. How do you tell a story, on the stage or the page, that respects privacy and avoids re-traumatization, but still has the desired impact on your audience?
Osher members attending this Lunch and Learn session are encouraged to attend Dan Froot & Company’s Arms Around America on April 9-10 at UtahPresents. For those unable to do so, a summary of the performance and the creative process behind it will be provided at the beginning of the discussion.
For more information about the show and tickets: https://www.utahpresents.org/events/arms
Use UtahPresents 20% discount code for Osher members: OSHER.
Wednesday April 27 from 12:00-1:00 pm
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Call for Submissions – Osher Reflections
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Attention Osher Members! We are excited to announce that the 2nd Edition of Osher Reflections, our new literary and art publication, is now in the planning stage, to be available by December 2026. We are soliciting 22 stories and poetry for this edition. The selection of these stories/poetry will be done by a juried panel of five Osher members including Holly Webster, the editor. Guidelines for writing these submissions can be obtained by email: hollyfw@gmail.com .
We know there are many people in our Osher community with intriguing stories, and we look forward to reading them! We are hopeful for very modest donations to help publish this project, but it is not obligatory for submission of your writing. Donations can be made through the Osher website.
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| Artwork: Song Bird by Marjorie Ann McClure
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Utah Museum of Fine Arts Docent Program
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The Utah Museum of Fine Arts is launching a new docent class! Applications will be accepted throughout April, with weekly Wednesday morning training sessions beginning September 2. UMFA volunteer docents provide tours for people of all ages and backgrounds, with a primary focus on engaging students from elementary through high school. If you’re an art-loving person who might enjoy working with groups in the galleries, we hope you’ll consider reaching out.
Please email Ashley Farmer, Co-director of Learning & Engagement, at ashley.farmer@umfa.utah.edu for more information.
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Our previous newsletters and podcasts are saved in an archive on our main website, so you never have to worry about missing a thing.
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Stay Connected by Joining Us on Social Media
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The Osher Instagram and Facebook pages are a great way to stay connected. We highlight the accomplishments of Osher instructors and members. Special Events are updated, posted, and featured here too. Please like us to stay up to date and share with your friends who would enjoy all that Osher has to offer!
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Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
801-581-6461 | osher@utah.edu
osher.utah.edu
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Continuing Education at the University of Utah | 540 Arapeen Dr Rm 210 | Salt Lake City, UT 84108 US
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