Some lectures fulfill Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) requirements.
All lectures listed will be from 3:30 to 5:00 PM, held in person on Mondays and live via Zoom on Thursdays.
In-person lectures are scheduled on Mondays at O’Connor Woods Senior Living Community, 3400 Wagner Heights Rd, Stockton, CA.
Our Monday lecture series is exclusively in person at O’Connor Woods at the Main Clubhouse in West Hall. You are not required to be a resident of O’Connor Woods to attend. For online lectures, registered members will receive a Zoom invite on a weekly basis. Recordings will be sent in the same manner the day after the lecture (with permission from the speaker).
Lectures are available to GOLD and SILVER members only.
The Origin of the American Medicine Show
In Person Date: Feb. 03
Zoom Date: Feb. 06
Presenter: Andrei Pischalnikoff AKA: Doctor R. Multimedia Creator
This presentation will cast light on the origins of the patent medicine shows that were started in England, and then bloomed in the US. Learn about small-time operations to sophisticated shows that used clever marketing and engaging performances to sell “Snake Oil” including devices. The shows were especially entertaining to the nation before the arrival of radio and film.
Tools Not to Get Fooled
In Person Date: Feb. 24
Zoom Date: Feb. 27
Presenter: Carolyn Dougherty, Retired Teacher and Founder of Rational Roundtable
With so much misinformation out there, it is hard to know who or what to trust! We’ll discuss basic media literacy techniques and review some critical thinking skills to help us from being fooled.
10 Bucket List Places to See in Yosemite
In Person Date: Mar. 03
Zoom Date: Mar. 06
Presenter: Tom Graham, Professor, Journalist
Must-See, Bang-for-the-Buck, Stunning Places in Yosemite. Off the beaten path, 5-mile moderate round-trip hikes that are simply jaw-dropping. Powerpoint lecture with photos and maps by a naturalist who has been leading hikes throughout Yosemite for 15 summers. These hikes are crowd favorites. Various locations and elevations.
From SF to "All Things Considered" to Stockton? An American Filipino's 50 Years in an Imperfect Media World
In Person Date: Mar. 17
Zoom Date: Mar. 20
Presenter: Emil Amok Guillermo, Journalist, Comedian, Poet
What happened to the media? To America? Emil Guillermo has lived through it the last 50 years as he talks about his media journey from San Francisco to NPR (where he was the first Filipino American to host a national news show,) to his days in print at the Stockton Record. Topics: The Marcos dictatorship, eugenics in Stockton, and the failure of diversity efforts in media and society.
An Illustrated History of Motorcycling in the Northern San Joaquin Valley
In Person Date: Mar. 24
Zoom Date: Mar. 27
Presenter: David Stuart, Retired Director of the San Joaquin County Historical Museum
The history of motorcycling in San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties, 1900-1970, will be put in context of broader historic themes. The presentation will use dozens of historic photographs, illustrating the development of motorcycles, shops, use for basic transportation, use by police and others, club activities, racing and competition, and Hall of Fame inductees from our region through the decades.
Autism and Me: A Female Experience and the Changing Narratives of Advocacy
In Person Date: Mar. 31
Zoom Date: Apr. 03
Presenter: Anna Sims, Advocate & Sean Rodgers, Speaker
Anna Sims will be discussing her personal experience as a late-diagnosed autistic woman. She will explore issues of stigma, social difficulties, and finding herself through late diagnosis. She will discuss current trends in exploring the autistic experience including a review of the Double Empathy Problem and how it relates to the fight for autistic rights and where the movement goes from here. Sean Rodgers will be sharing his lived experience of late-diagnosed autism and co-occurring mental health issues.
Safe Medication Use as We Age
In Person Date: Apr. 07
Zoom Date: Apr. 10
Presenter: Rolly Kali-Rai, Doctor of Pharmacy
An overview of changes we undergo as we age and how they influence medication effects. Will review tips and best practices to maximize medication benefit while reducing side effects and harm due to avoidable errors. Ample time for interaction and questions.
Know Us Before You Need Us... All About Hospice Care
In Person Date: Apr. 21
Zoom Date: Apr. 24
Presenter: Sandy Stoddard, Director of Development & Marketing at Hospice of San Joaquin, & Frances Sandor, Director of Patient Access
There are many Hospices but only one Hospice of San Joaquin. Hospice of San Joaquin helps patients take charge of their end of life goals. Hospice care doesn’t mean you’re giving up. Hospice is caring for patients’ comfort in the last few weeks or months of their lives. Not all Hospice providers are the same. Nonprofit Hospices like Hospice of San Joaquin provide better quality care.
America’s Plutocracy Problem Part I & Part II
In Person Date: Apr. 28
Zoom Date: May. 05
Presenter: Gene Bigler, Diplomat and Retired Professor
Growing, deepening, exploitative plutocracy rather than just authoritarianism is examined as a major challenge of U.S. society today. The first lecture will focus on the Economic and Social Contortions of the last half century and the second will emphasize the Political Corrosion and Partisan Corruption, especially as a cabal of billionaires appears to be forming in the Trump administration.
Zoom lectures
The following Zoom lectures are available on select Mondays or Thursdays from 3:30 to 5:00 PM.
This lecture series is exclusively online via Zoom. For these online lectures, registered members will receive a Zoom invite on a weekly basis. Recordings will be sent in the same manner the day after the lecture (with permission from the speaker). Lectures are available to GOLD and SILVER members only.
Legal, Ethical, and Moral Issues with Defining Death
Date: Thursday, Feb. 13
Presenter: Caitlin Reynolds, Lecturer of Psychology
Defining death is not as clear-cut as we like to believe. We can probably think of people who are clearly alive and people who are clearly dead. However, sometimes there are cases when legal definitions of death are not sufficient (e.g., persistent vegetative state). We will unpack the controversy and discuss ways we can prepare and advocate for our needs (e.g., creating an Advanced Care Plan).
Shaken Not Stirred - The Music of James Bond
Date: Thursday, Feb. 20
Presenter: Mike Agron, Music Aficionado
Dive into the iconic soundscape of the James Bond franchise, where music meets intrigue. This 90-minute lecture explores how composers like John Barry and legendary artists including Shirley Bassey, Paul McCartney, Carly Simon, Adele, and more shaped Bond’s identity. From suspenseful scores to unforgettable theme songs, discover how this music built the perfect mix of tension, drama, and romance. Whether you’re a Bond fan or a music enthusiast, this session promises a thrilling journey through the melodies that defined a cinematic legend.
Pro-Active Aging: Beauty from the Inside Out
Date: Thursday, Mar. 13
Presenter: Jeanne Mayer, Actress, Professor, Lecturer
Hollywood actress shares insider tips, tricks, and hints for natural age-defining beauty remedies for everyone concerned with warding off the signs and symptoms of aging. Turn back the clock and reverse the effects of aging with natural DIY folk remedies for memory loss, skin – wrinkles, sags and age spots, whiter teeth, gray hair, “the neck gobbler,” eye crinkles and much more.
Traveling Tennessee's Music Trails
Date: Thursday, Ap. 17
Presenter: Keith Hatschek, Professor of Music Emeritus
Tennessee has been the birthplace of numerous genres of popular music including country, rockabilly, bluegrass, rock ‘n’ roll, and soul music. We’ll hear music by key artists such as the Carter Family, Elvis Presley, Otis Redding, Carl Perkins, and Loretta Lynn, who each influenced popular music. Learn about the offstage entrepreneurs such as Sun Records’ Sam Phillips and Stax Records’ Estelle Axton who discovered the talent that would become world renowned and linked forever to Tennessee’s rich musical heritage.
Nut Tree: From a California Ranch to a Design, Food, and Hospitality Icon
ate: Monday, May 12
Presenter: Diane Zimmerman, Author
This epic story of a world-famous restaurant spans the twentieth century and tells how a California ranch grew into a renowned destination. For seventy-five years, visitors came by land and later by air to dine, purchase fresh baked goods, candies, and unique gifts, and to enjoy art and entertainment. This purely California tale will fascinate historians, designers, foodies, and anyone interested in how a small farm business grew into an iconic multi-million-dollar enterprise and became an integral part of California’s lore
Notes of Legacy: Revisiting Fanny and Felix Mendelssohn's Marvelous Musical Journey
Date: Thursday, May 15
Time: 3:30-5:30 pm
Presenter: Anette Isaac, German Historian
Explore the extraordinary musical journey of Fanny and Felix Mendelssohn, 19th-century German siblings and prolific composers, as we join German historian Anette Isaacs in unraveling their family's rich legacy. Fanny's talents as a pianist and composer faced societal constraints, while Felix's innovative compositions earned him widespread acclaim. Descendants of philosopher Moses Mendelssohn, their family played a pivotal role in both cultural and Jewish heritage, leaving an indelible mark on classical music and intellectual pursuits.