The courses below start in November
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Why has America gone gambling crazy? | $50 - Cal Hobson
November 3-24, 2025 | Mondays | 1:00-3:30pm
If this is true, how does name, image, and likeness (NIL) fit into that reality? Also, did the sports wagering bill become law last session? If so, how does it work? Who does most of the sports betting, and what programs receive the revenue collected? For context and background, please know that in the 1980s, 1990s, and 2002-2004, this OLLI class leader, Cal Hobson, authored most of the legislation related to horse racing, the lottery, and tribal casinos in Oklahoma. Who has this helped or hurt? If applicable, what is the status of compacts with Oklahoma tribes authorizing them? Finally, what improvements could be made going forward?
Making Norman a Community that Supports Aging in Place: Aging Needs Assessment Program NANAP | $50 - Dave Boeck
November 4-December 2, 2025 | Tuesdays | 9:30-11:00am
24% of Norman’s population is over the age of 55. How has Norman moved to create a community that is age-friendly? The class will look at this question and try to answer it. We will analyze segments of the community like housing, neighborhood design, transportation, and circulation. We will also evaluate how the business community supports aging and accessibility. We will share our findings with the city by having the mayor and the city manager participate in the class.
*Class will not meet on Tuesday, 11/11*
The Lost Art of Respectful and Civil Conversations | $50 - Fran Roberson & Mary Lee Roberson
November 5-26, 2025 | Wednesdays | 9:30-11:00am
In our divided world, the ability to have respectful and civil conversations seems to be a fading art form. In this course, we will explore practices for re-developing our capacities to listen for understanding, respond with authenticity, set limits compassionately, and de-escalate tense situations. The belief that others can be convinced to “see things our way” with the use of information and facts has proven ineffective. Our need to convince others that they are wrong is most often rejected. Sometimes this means a loss of family members and long-term friends. Thus, a new skill set can provide ways to connect without discounting, converse without raging, and convey differences without disparaging. Participants will be invited to learn new and/or forgotten skills, practice skills without stress, and bring conflict-laden experiences for review if they choose. Instructors have been active in the Norman Community and witnessed the increase in conflicts with limited resolutions. We have studied with the D.C Peace Team and Meta Peace Team, international organizations that work toward heightening peaceful interactions in our world. We would like to share what we have learned with the goal of more respectful, civil, peaceful interactions across the divide.
