Summer Potpourri I

June 3 — Book Talk: “Blood to Rubies”
“Blood to Rubies” is a sweeping saga of injustice, love and redemption in the western wilderness, by Milwaukee debut novelist, Deborah Hufford. The novel is told through a young frontier photographer who settles in the Bitterroot Mountains and becomes obsessed with a young Irish immigrant woman. As both come to admire the local Nez Perce tribe and their leader, Chief Joseph, their stories tangle in a ruthless convergence of fates. “Blood to Rubies,” published September 2023, has won numerous literary awards, including Book of the Year, by the American Writing Awards, and is an Amazon international bestseller. It has also won acclaim from many New York Times bestselling authors, critics and Nez Perce tribal elders. For more information go to: www.DeborahHufford.com

June 10 — Our Political Mind: Behind Our Deep Divisions
This course, The Political Mind: The Psychology and Neuroscience Behind our Deep Divisions, will examine stark differences in perspectives, beliefs and brain functioning between liberals, conservatives and moderates. Neuroscientific and psychological research has revealed the sources behind our divisions, with some surprising findings. Do we acquire our political beliefs from our social environment or are they hardwired into the brain? Can these beliefs change? If so, how does this happen? How big a role does social media play? We will address these and other pressing questions affecting our polarized political environment.

June 17 — Thoughts on Retirement: Three Years In
Join retired Osher Director Kim Beck as he offers his thoughts and musings after three years of retirement, including memorable experiences, unexpected challenges and future aspirations. He will also share some of the important lessons he learned from Osher members as he prepared for retirement. Not to be missed is his most important rule for a happy retirement!

Instructors

Deb Hufford

Deborah Hufford is Milwaukee author of the award-winning debut novel, “Blood to Rubies.” She grew up an Iowa farm girl with horses and was a rodeo queen. She became a career magazine editor and writer with credits in numerous publications ... read more

Phillip Chard

After 32 years as President and CEO, Philip recently retired from Empathia, Inc., a behavioral services firm providing health, safety and productivity solutions for over 400 organizations across North America. He remains a practicing psychotherapist who, for over 34 years, ... read more

Kim Beck

Since his retirement, Kim has been certified as a Wisconsin Master Naturalist. In that role, he has volunteered at state parks in Texas and Wisconsin, the Disney Wilder Preserve in Florida, as well as the Mequon Nature Preserve and the ... read more