Fall Registration Is Off and Running! |
Fall classes begin Monday September 14, with the bulk of the term starting the following Monday September 21. We’re offering 48 brand new topics this term, five classes at our beautiful Sandy Center, 23 shorter sessions, and 11 new instructors teaching for Osher for the first time. We will also feature 24 new courses through our partnership with Osher Online™️at Northwestern University. Their esteemed instructors from Osher Institutes all over the country present class preview videos in the Osher Online™️ class listings. The registration deadline for Osher Online™️ is September 9 so sign up today if you’d like to participate! And please read below for some highlights of upcoming classes and special events.
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Thank you to all who attended our Red Butte Garden open house last Monday. It was a good time for our shining star instructors and socializing members alike, and nice to see both new and returning faces! Special thanks to all who donated school supplies for local children in need. And bravo to our dedicated volunteer, Connie Reed, who spearheads this effort each year. The generosity, kindness, and care of Osher members is inspiring.
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Lipreading, also known as speechreading, can boost spoken language comprehension for those with hearing loss. A common misconception about reading lips is that it's lip shapes only. This is not true; it's a combination of strategies. The first two weeks of this course will focus on setting the stage for lipreading, nonverbal cues, and using logic. The next three weeks we will work with the visible lip shapes while building strategies and self-advocacy.
Tuesday September 22 at 11:30 am
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This course reviews the history of the American Revolution as fought in South Carolina. We start with an overview of the fraught political situation in South Carolina prior to the war, as well as the early battles there, followed by two years of militia in-fighting. Next, we briefly review the northern war which resulted in a stalemate, so the war shifted south. We then review in greater detail the battles which took place in the south involving Continentals and/or militia. We conclude with the brutal fighting that occurred after the surrender at Yorktown, and explain how it affected the eventual terms of the Treaty of Paris.
Tuesday September 22 at 11:30 am
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This course explores the earliest known non-Native explorers of the territory that would later become the state of Utah. Beginning with the early Spanish colonies and their efforts to expand trade networks and connect with other Spanish settlements in California, the course examines the impact of the fur trade on exploration of the region and the growing interest in westward expansion. It also covers early military mapping/surveys and concludes with a brief examination of key pioneer explorers. Members will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on learning activities, and the course will feature a guest expert in historic firearms and a fur trade-era reenactor.
Tuesday September 22 at 3:30 pm
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Bridge is played with a standard deck of 52 cards, but it's more than just a card game. Bridge is a game of partnership, communication, puzzles, lifelong learning, and a world of new friends. Join us in this introductory class where we will focus on the basic structure and objectives of the game. Whether you are already a pro at other trick-taking card games, or if you have simply flipped past Bridge diagrams in the newspaper, this is the perfect place to start.
Tuesday September 22 at 9:30 am
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Come play bridge with us! This is not a structured class, but a comfortable place to come and play with a teacher on hand in case you have questions. These bridge sessions were created with beginning bridge players in mind, but players of all skill levels are welcome, and we are happy to have you join us, with or without a partner.
Tuesday September 22 at 11:30 am
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This course is designed to prepare those who already know the basics of bridge to play competitively in duplicate settings. We will discuss and practice scoring, rules, ethics, strategies, and filling out convention cards for duplicate bridge. This class is ideal for those who have played party bridge in the past or taken a beginning bridge class already and now find themselves interested in or curious about duplicate bridge.
Tuesday September 22 at 1:30 pm
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In January of 2025, the wildfires in Los Angeles County burned for two weeks, killed at least 29 people, forced more than 200,000 people to evacuate, and burned more than 18,000 structures. Over 57,000 acres, or 89 square miles of land, larger than the combined land areas of Washington, DC (43,700 acres) and Manhattan, NY (14,600 acres), were destroyed in the worst wildland-urban fire in U.S. history.
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Why could this tragedy not be stopped? Could a catastrophic fire happen in Utah? What is fire? Why in the whole universe is earth, the watery blue planet teeming with life, the only planet that we know of that has fire? What role has fire played on earth in shaping and devastating the natural and urban landscapes? This course will address these burning questions and more! You are invited to join the teaching team of Alan Eastman, Mark Muir, and Jane Yager using their expertise in chemistry, geology, and ecology as they share what they have learned about Fire Weather on the Blue Planet!
Tuesday September 22 at 10:30 am
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In a time of increasing division, the ability to engage in respectful, thoughtful conversations is more important than ever (even and especially with those you disagree with!). This course introduces the Living Room Conversations model—an approach to discussing challenging topics in a controlled environment where all voices are heard and valued. Participants will learn how to practice active listening, curiosity, and bridge-building, learning how to navigate difficult discussions with empathy and understanding. Each week, we will cover specific skills and discuss a different topic together, fostering powerful connection and mutual learning.
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Weekly topics will include: Foundations of Civil Dialogue, Navigating Tricky Conversations, Finding Common Ground in Political Discussions, Communicating with Care and Empathy, Writing and Speaking for Impact, and Applying Civil Dialogue in Everyday Life.
Wednesday September 23 at 9:30 am
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Muscle strength and balance are critical to maintaining health and independence as we age. Without additional strength training, most older adults will experience a gradual loss of muscle mass and strength that can negatively impact balance, mobility, and overall function. Vivo is a live, online, interactive strength and balance program designed specifically for older adults. Vivo sessions incorporate cognitive, balance, and strength exercises informed by the latest science and research on healthy aging and exercise.
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Certified personal trainers, skilled in working with older adults, provide modifications to meet each participant's needs and abilities. Whether you are new to exercise or already active, Vivo can help you build strength, improve balance and mobility, and support long-term independence. Classes meet once a week for 45 minutes. For best results, participants are encouraged to register for two class sessions per week and may choose the days and times that best fit their schedule.
Monday through Fridays at 8:00 am or 10:00 am
Registration Deadline September 11
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In this course of advanced guitar instruction, learn performing techniques, dynamics, phrasing, advanced sight reading, solo and ensemble music, and how to manage our nerves when performing. We will also explore color tones, additional notes that change the sound of a chord to make it more exciting. Join us to hone your advancing skills!
Tuesday Sept 22 at 9:30 am
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This two-part course explores the 300-year reign of the Romanov dynasty (1613-1917), focusing on Russia's transformation from a regional power into a massive European empire. Topics covered range from the rise of the dynasty following the "Time of Troubles" in the early 1600s through Peter the Great's westernization reforms, the founding of St. Petersburg, and Catherine the Great's enlightenment policies, to rapid industrialization, expansionism, and the revolutionary movements in the late 1800s, leading to the dynasty's collapse under Nicholas II. We will also explore ideas and traditions established during the Romanovs' reign that shaped political and economic development of Russia to the present.
Tuesday September 22 at 3:30 pm
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The Bicycle Collective uses the power of bicycles to create access, build community, and support meaningful change throughout our city. This guided tour offers a closer look at the organization's mission, from refurbishing donated bikes to providing transportation, education, and opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds. Learn how the Bicycle Collective is helping create a more connected, sustainable, and inclusive community through one bike at a time.
Tuesday September 1 at 11:00 am
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Have you ever seen a waterfall on the outside of a building or a rotating public market? Come see them both and more at Millcreek Commons! We will tour Millcreek Common and discuss two murals along the way. The first mural, located on the Adventure Hub, depicts a skater and was created by Utah artist Chuck Landvatter. The second mural, located next to City Hall, is The Unifying Journey of Water by New Jersey artist Alysia McKenzie. This mural is a collaboration between Millcreek and a private developer.
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Along the way, representatives from Millcreek will discuss the history and planning of Millcreek Common and City Hall. The tour will conclude at the 1330 Design Collective, the latest in a series of rotating public markets on the ground floor of City Hall.
Wednesday September 2 at 11:30 am
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The Salt Lake Art Museum is dedicated to celebrating Utah's artists—from historical masters to today's visionary creators. This new museum, which opened in July, is housed in the historic B'Nai Israel Temple, a landmark built in 1890 to serve Salt Lake's Jewish community. Mr. Chris Jensen, the museum's Executive Director, will give Osher members a private tour, providing an overview of the different exhibitions: Albert Bierstadt, Julia Reagan (yes, billboard Julia Reagan), Pilar Pobil, and more. You will also have time to explore and enjoy the museum on your own after the tour.
Wednesday September 4 at 10:30 am
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Sept 1
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Join Artistic Director of NOVA Chamber Music Series, Kimi Kawashima, in an introduction to chamber music and the composers and music performed at NOVA's upcoming 49th season at Libby Gardner Hall and the Utah Museum of Fine Arts. A renowned pianist and music educator, Kimi will share the history behind NOVA Chamber Music Series and how she curates unique programs for NOVA audiences, performed by the top local classical musicians. Osher members will get a discount code for tickets to the NOVA performance on Sunday, September 27 at 3:00 pm in Libby Gardener Concert Hall.
Thursday September 10 at 1:00 pm
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| Osher Special Events in 2026 are brought to you in part from funding from ZAP
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Calling all dancin’ lovin’ Osher members! The Westerner Dance Hall, Bar & Grill offers line dancing lessons every Wednesday night. Come join in on the fun along with your fellow Osher members on September 9. The $10 entrance fee is due upon arrival at The Westerner.
Wednesday September 9 at 7:00 pm
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Written by Laura Munts (with Reb Fleming and Elaine Jarvik), directed by Julie Jensen, and starring Reb Fleming, this one-woman play is about aging in plain sight—a subject avoided, disguised, or lied about. Sophia is a septuagenarian actor figuring out what she is supposed to be doing between now and when she dies. She is funny, cringeworthy, and ruthlessly honest. She is the wrong person in the right place. The right talent at the wrong age. This stunning and thought-provoking 45-minute performance is followed by a conversation among guests who share in the experience of exploring creative aging, together with the actor who brings it to life.
Thursday September 10 at 3:00 pm
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Lunch and Learn will start up again for fall term at noon on September 23, 2026 with another new series of six interesting FREE lectures on Zoom Webinar. These lectures are open to the public, no Osher membership required. So please invite a friend to join you and “test drive” what we do here at Osher. Thank you to Sandy Clark, our volunteer coordinator, for organizing so many great lectures for Osher members and our community at large!
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Wednesday, September 23 from 12:00 to 1:00 pm
Master Your Landscape: A Strategic Guide to Design and Curb Appeal
By Bruce Maw, Landscape Architect
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Wednesday, September 30 from 12:00 to 1:00 pm
The Biology of Skinwalker Ranch
By Ben Woodruff, Biologist, Hutchings Museum
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Wednesday, October 7 from 12:00 to 1:00 pm
Utah's Changing Demographics
By Mallory Bateman, Director of Demographic Research, Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute
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Wednesday, October 14 from 12:00 to 1:00 pm
Data Centers in Utah: What's Being Proposed and What Communities Can Do
By Deeda Seed, GSL Activist & Senior Campaigner at the Center for Biological Diversity
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Wednesday, October 21 from 12:00 to 1:00 pm
New Advances in Pharmaceuticals – Blocking Cancer’s Communication Network: A New Approach to Treat Advanced Ovarian Cancer
By Dr. Farzana Alam, Research Assistant Professor in Pharmacology and Toxicology at The University of Utah
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Wednesday, October 28 from 12:00 to 1:00 pm
Amplifying Women's Voices
By Sharon Spaulding, Author of “Women Make History”
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The University of Utah College of Music offers Adult Piano for Pleasure. The classes are weekly one-hour group sessions in a digital keyboard lab for enjoyable and effective learning of keyboard and musicianship skills. If you have always wanted to play the piano, this class offers a supportive group in a non-threatening atmosphere. Fall semester for beginners: no prerequisite required. Spring semester prerequisite: Semester 1 Adult Piano or 6 months of previous piano study. There will also be a Tuesday evening session added for second year beginners or those with previous piano experience wanting a review. Classes begin the week of August 24.
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Artist Series & Opening Reception for Joon Bae
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Join us for a reception for Osher instructor and artist Joon Bae. Joon’s work will be on display for the month of September. Joon received her BFA in Visual Arts with an emphasis in painting and drawing from the University of Utah. She began learning traditional Korean ink painting methods since childhood. After a lifetime of practice and an exploration into western forms of painting through her studies, she has found her rhythm as an East Asian Ink Painter. Her work has been collected internationally and exhibited in Utah at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts, Salt Lake City Library, University of Utah, Springville Museum, Jewish Community Center, and more. She has given countless demonstrations and was featured in the 2019 edition of Sunshine Artist magazine. She is excited to continue teaching and learning through storytelling by putting brush to rice paper. Joon is a much-loved instructor at Osher!
Artist Series Exhibition September 1-30
Opening Reception Thursday September 3 from 5pm -7pm
IJ & Jeanné Wagner Jewish Community Center, 2 North Medical Drive, 2nd Floor Art Gallery
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The Kaleidoscope Creative Aging Festival runs August 22–September 19. Please see the full festival schedule on their website. Throughout the month, partner organizations across Utah—including Osher—will host free arts-based events for older adults in their communities.
Learn More: utahcreativeaging.org
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Osher will offer FREE arts classes for the Kaleidoscope Creative Aging Festival. An Osher membership is not required to attend!
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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 |
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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540 Arapeen Drive | Salt Lake City, UT 84108 US
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