We're excited to share the online version of our catalog with you here. For a quick glance at the class schedule by month, please visit the Classes and Events page.
FALL 2025 OPEN HOUSE
Join us for our Fall 2025 Open House—a great opportunity to reconnect with fellow learners and to preview our exciting upcoming courses!
Stop by to:
• Pick up your name tag for the semester
• Grab a copy of the new course catalog
• Enjoy cookies and refreshments
• Ask questions and get help with registration
Whether you are a longtime participant or new to the Lifelong Learning Center, we would love to see you there. Bring a friend and help us kick off another season of learning, connection, and fun!
Rivers and Destinies is a sweeping tale of courage, love, and resilience from 1797 to 1863. Against the backdrop of Tennessee, two unlikely boys form a bond that defies societal norms. Their friendship grows into a partnership as they leave behind the Red Oak plantation to brave the untamed wilderness of the West in search of freedom. Along the way, they navigate treacherous rivers, rugged terrain, and profound realizations about themselves in their world. This extraordinary journey of love, resilience, and shared dreams will resonate with anyone who believes in the power of human connection and the relentless pursuit of freedom.
Presenter: Dallas, Texas, born author Deb Cornelius - wife, mother, DeDe, educator, and now storyteller- is deeply committed to her passion project of sharing Mabel Gilbert and his friend's and family stories. Cornelius has a solid academic foundation; she earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Oklahoma and her master's degree from Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas. Beyond her professional pursuits, Deb finds joy in various activities. She cherishes family time and enjoys being outdoors, immersing herself in the beauty of nature. She was born within ten miles of where the Gilbert’s settled in Dallas, Texas, and she and her husband Tim currently live on Gilbert’s Historical Wichita County property and Gilbert Creek close to the Red River. Deb is thrilled to share the stories of Mabel, Charity, Rachel, Henry, and Sally’s families. She believes everyone’s lives are like rivers: They have twists and turns, rises and falls. Rivers and Destinies is a tale of two families with one enduring legacy. It is a timeless saga of courage, love, and the search for freedom. After reading it, the author hopes we will all be motivated to dig deep and find our own “grit” and willingness to stand up for our beliefs.
The first television campaign commercials for a presidential election were aired in 1952. At that time, about 35% of the American public had a TV in their home. Since then, television ads have become common place, and now any serious state or national campaign runs at least one television ad. This presentation will discuss the changes we have seen in political campaign commercials over the years and show some of my favorite commercials that have aired.
Presenter: Dr. Jeremy Duff is the Associate Vice President of Accreditation and Planning and an associate professor of Political Science at Midwestern State University. He has been teaching at MSU Texas for 17 years. He earned a bachelor's in political science from Texas A&M University and a master's and Ph.D. in Political Science from Michigan State University. Since 2016, he has been in charge of SACSCOC Accreditation at MSU. He has also served on the Board of Commissioners for the City of Burkburnett. Dr. Duff and his wife Tracy reside in Burkburnett with their two children, Lydia and Ryan.
Love walking, fresh air, and the great outdoors? Join us every Wednesday morning at the Priddy Pavilion for a refreshing walk around Sikes Lake! This scenic trail is one of the highlights of our new museum location, and we are excited to share it with you. Whether you are a seasoned walker or just starting out, we welcome all fitness levels, paces, and distances. Bring a friend, your dog, or simply yourself—headphones optional! After the walk, stick around for coffee and friendly conversation if you have time. No need to sign up or preregister—just show up and enjoy! Let’s make Wednesdays our walking day!
Do you love books? Are you often looking for people to discuss literature with? You might want to consider joining the LLC Book Club. We choose specific books to read at the beginning of the semester and then meet to discuss the book we have agreed upon for the month. This club is very informal. We meet on the first Wednesday of each month to give our opinions, likes, and dislikes. We try to learn a little about the author and their motivation for writing. ANYONE can come. There is no sign-up or pre-qualification other than having read the book, and we are lenient about that!
Book titles will be included in the newsletter.
It is noteworthy that Germany’s often-overlooked Weimar Republic (1918-1933) endured longer than the Third Reich (1933-1945), which Hitler had decreed would last “for a thousand years.” Despite the teacher’s concern that these classes on Hitler and Stalin (which have included long disquisitions about the history, culture and legacy of their places of origin) may persist longer than the Weimar Republic, he is nonetheless hopeful that this semester we may progress from the conclusion of World War I and the Russian Civil War to Hitler and Stalin's ascensions to malevolent tyranny. Last semester was devoted to a history of Russia, with its centuries-long legacy of exploitative autocracy. We concluded with Russia’s stunning battlefield losses in the First World War, the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II, the brief provisional government that followed, the massacre of the royal family by the Communist Bolsheviks, the collapse of a moderate provisional government, the seizure of the reins of government by a troika of Lenin, Trotsky and (covertly) Stalin, and the Civil War that ensued. The first class this semester will be devoted to the Communist victory in the Russian Civil War, the consolidation of the Soviet Union, Lenin’s death and apotheosis, the forced exile of Trotsky, and Stalin’s grasp of the reins of power, which included massive purges of his fellow Bolsheviks. The other three classes will pivot back to Hitler in the aftermath of World War I. We will discuss Germany’s stunning and unanticipated defeat, the deeply-resented Versailles Peace Treaty, the establishment of the Weimar Republic, the multiple political and financial crises that afflicted it (as well as a remarkable flourishing of artistic creativity), the rise of the Fascist movement in Italy under Benito Mussolini (Hitler’s contemporary role model), and Hitler’s own improbable rise in 1934 from rabble-rousing jailbird to unquestioned Führer (“Leader”) of a vast, historic, civilized and afflicted realm.
Presenter: Dr. Dave Hartman has a B.A. in History from Lynchburg College, a Master of Divinity degree from Vanderbilt University, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Lexington Theological Seminary. He also has over forty years of parish ministry, where he addressed religious issues on both a pastoral and scholarly basis. Hartman attained six hours of accredited post-doctoral work at the University of Oxford in the summer of 2012. He has been published in various religious journals. Dave Hartman is the former Coordinator of the MSU Lifelong Learning Center.
Texas $2.7 trillion economy is based on Workforce, Water and Electricity. By 2036 Texas will add another 10 million people. Electric demand increases by 50% by 2030. By 2070 the gap between demand and supply expands to 5 million acre-feet. Each 100,000 acre-feet in water supply supports up to $30 billion in new economic activity. Our water supply deficit will deprive Texas of $1.7 trillion of additional economic activity. Water is a huge challenge for our growing state due to the combined threats of drought as well as an aging, deteriorating water system. “Anything in water is typically a 20-year challenge,” notes Lubbock State Senator Charles Perry and, Texas is “about 25 years behind.” Perry chairs the Senate Water and Agriculture Resources Committee. Voters will decide on a November 2025 amendment adding $20 billion, for new sources of water, and improved infrastructure. Failing to water needs impacts all Texans. Businesses will not come here. New homes cannot connect to water. Electricity supply could be curtailed by 25% without water. Texas2036.org projects needs of $154 billion in investments over the next 50 years including $59 billion for new water supplies, $74 billion for drinking water upgrades and over $21 billion to fix wastewater systems.
Presenter: Jack’s family moved to the DFW when his father joined Chance Vought in 1955 as an engineer. Jack graduated in a class of 120 from Grapevine High School in 1972, two years before the DFW airport opened. With a BSEE from UT, Jack spent 5 years in engineering, then 35 years in sales, marketing, and operations, in Houston, Austin and Silicon Valley – providing technology to worldwide system makers of smart connected devices. With family in Denton, Houston, Austin and Tokyo, Jack and his wife Susan live near Sheppard AFB after moving to the area in 2015. Sunday’s Times Record News includes Jack’s Paying it Forward column about volunteering and community service. His columns, back to January 2023, are available at https:\\newcollarcoach.com. Jack also publishes a newsletter covering electrical energy, water, artificial intelligence, and semiconductors available on https:\\TxGreenHydrogenExpert.com.
Choosing joy does not diminish the pain of tragedy, but it can empower you to move forward and find meaning and hope in the face of adversity. It is a journey.
Presenter: Linda Green-Bennett is a native Oklahoman who grew up in a small town in Southwest Oklahoma, graduating high school in 1989. Linda married her high school sweetheart, Nik Green, in January 1992 and they have three daughters; Cortni, Brooklyn and Morgyn. Linda and the girls suffered the loss of Nik, an Oklahoma Highway Patrolman, on December 26, 2003, when he was murdered by a meth addict who was manufacturing on the side of a rural county road. Accepting Christ during a church revival at age eleven, Linda knew that depending on Christ after the loss of Nik was her way to survival. As a former public educator, she has made it her personal mission to minister to others by sharing God’s love through her testimony, educating about drugs, encouraging others through losses, and serving in her own church. She has successfully fought for change in state and national legislation and continues to speak to school groups, civic organizations, share her testimony to churches, and lead ladies or youth group conferences. Linda founded a non-profit, STOMP (Standing Together on Meth Prevention) in 2015 and is the retired director of the organization. Linda has a burning desire to make a difference in others’ lives by insisting that making good choices is key to a healthy life. Linda and her girls relocated to Jacksboro, Texas after she met her second love, Dennis Bennett, in July 2005. Similarly, Dennis had lost his first wife to cancer, so Linda became a second mother to his three children; Carly, Colby, and Cason. Together, Dennis and Linda became the “Bennett Bunch” to locals. Unimaginably, this sweet family suffered again when Dennis lost his life in a tragic car accident on February 28, 2019. Linda has been left to face sorrow, being a single parent, and has had to embrace life as ‘widowed' once more. Through it all, she has trusted The Lord to carry her and her children through these life-changing events. She stands on Truth, refuses defeat, and continues to walk in victory through our Savior, Jesus Christ. In March 2023, Linda released her first book “When Love Overflows” that tells her first husband Nik’s story and will begin the journey of book #2 that will map her and Dennis’s story and life together.
The science behind climate change is relevant today as the “political climate” concerning this topic is also changing. This course will evaluate potential atmospheric and other environmental influences on climate and the molecular level science behind them. Beginning from the point of view that carbon dioxide emissions are a component of atmospheric change, the other players in the atmospheric dynamic will give a comparative impact thus leading to the final discussion of the significant components of climate change drivers. No knowledge of chemistry, physics, or advanced mathematics is assumed.
Presenter: Randal Hallford is a PhD (OSU) and an Associate Professor of Chemical Physics at MSU for the last 22 years at Midwestern State University. He holds degrees in Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics and holds a Professional Broadcast Engineers License. He has 39 years of research in condensed matter physics and chemistry, ancient languages, and history. He has published numerous articles and books in chemistry and on the philology of Semitic languages, in addition to over 40 scientific journal publications in chemistry and physics.
Love walking, fresh air, and the great outdoors? Join us every Wednesday morning at the Priddy Pavilion for a refreshing walk around Sikes Lake! This scenic trail is one of the highlights of our new museum location, and we are excited to share it with you. Whether you are a seasoned walker or just starting out, we welcome all fitness levels, paces, and distances. Bring a friend, your dog, or simply yourself—headphones optional! After the walk, stick around for coffee and friendly conversation if you have time. No need to sign up or preregister—just show up and enjoy! Let’s make Wednesdays our walking day!
It is noteworthy that Germany’s often-overlooked Weimar Republic (1918-1933) endured longer than the Third Reich (1933-1945), which Hitler had decreed would last “for a thousand years.” Despite the teacher’s concern that these classes on Hitler and Stalin (which have included long disquisitions about the history, culture and legacy of their places of origin) may persist longer than the Weimar Republic, he is nonetheless hopeful that this semester we may progress from the conclusion of World War I and the Russian Civil War to Hitler and Stalin's ascensions to malevolent tyranny. Last semester was devoted to a history of Russia, with its centuries-long legacy of exploitative autocracy. We concluded with Russia’s stunning battlefield losses in the First World War, the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II, the brief provisional government that followed, the massacre of the royal family by the Communist Bolsheviks, the collapse of a moderate provisional government, the seizure of the reins of government by a troika of Lenin, Trotsky and (covertly) Stalin, and the Civil War that ensued. The first class this semester will be devoted to the Communist victory in the Russian Civil War, the consolidation of the Soviet Union, Lenin’s death and apotheosis, the forced exile of Trotsky, and Stalin’s grasp of the reins of power, which included massive purges of his fellow Bolsheviks. The other three classes will pivot back to Hitler in the aftermath of World War I. We will discuss Germany’s stunning and unanticipated defeat, the deeply-resented Versailles Peace Treaty, the establishment of the Weimar Republic, the multiple political and financial crises that afflicted it (as well as a remarkable flourishing of artistic creativity), the rise of the Fascist movement in Italy under Benito Mussolini (Hitler’s contemporary role model), and Hitler’s own improbable rise in 1934 from rabble-rousing jailbird to unquestioned Führer (“Leader”) of a vast, historic, civilized and afflicted realm.
Presenter: Dr. Dave Hartman has a B.A. in History from Lynchburg College, a Master of Divinity degree from Vanderbilt University, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Lexington Theological Seminary. He also has over forty years of parish ministry, where he addressed religious issues on both a pastoral and scholarly basis. Hartman attained six hours of accredited post-doctoral work at the University of Oxford in the summer of 2012. He has been published in various religious journals. Dave Hartman is the former Coordinator of the MSU Lifelong Learning Center.
Semiconductor chips have revolutionized technology since the 1950s. Initially powering simple devices like AM radios, transistors and integrated circuits transformed industries. The invention of the blue LED, earning a Nobel Prize, completed the color spectrum enabling today’s vibrant displays. Semiconductors fuel the information age of the 21st century. These chips enable internet connections to our smartphones and computers.
- Early Years (1950s-1970s): Groundbreaking inventions like the transistor and integrated circuit were driving military and scientific applications as a fledgling semiconductor industry came into being.
- The Digital Revolution (1980s-1990s): Fueled by the personal computer revolution and the rise of consumer electronics, semiconductors became the backbone of modern infrastructure, enabling computing from smartphones to supercomputers.
- The Internet Age: Y2K, Clouds and Containers (1998-2015): The internet and the subsequent rise of cloud computing and artificial intelligence have further accelerated the demand for semiconductors.
- Virtual Reality, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, and Quantum Computing are today’s opportunities. Y2Q is expected by 2030 with quantum computing overcoming data encryption.
Advancements in AI and quantum computing enable breakthroughs in healthcare, finance, and autonomous systems. Quantum computing, operating at the atomic level, promises to solve complex problems beyond the reach of classical computers. Solutions that add value have been “proof points” for market progress for 100 years. Leadership comes to those “skating to the puck,” as past leadership is no guarantee of future performance.
Presenter: Jack’s family moved to the DFW when his father joined Chance Vought in 1955 as an engineer. Jack graduated in a class of 120 from Grapevine High School in 1972, two years before the DFW airport opened. With a BSEE from UT, Jack spent 5 years in engineering, then 35 years in sales, marketing, and operations, in Houston, Austin and Silicon Valley – providing technology to worldwide system makers of smart connected devices. With family in Denton, Houston, Austin and Tokyo, Jack and his wife Susan live near Sheppard AFB after moving to the area in 2015. Sunday’s Times Record News includes Jack’s Paying it Forward column about volunteering and community service. His columns, back to January 2023, are available at https://newcollarcoach.com.
Representative Frank will be giving an update on the recently completed 89th session of the Texas Legislature. He plans to touch on the Governor’s priority bills that were acted on this session – subjects that include education, the southern border, and water. He will also offer updates on his priority bills for this session, which centered mostly on education and healthcare.
Presenter: Representative James Frank serves the people of the 69th House District, which encompasses Archer, Baylor, Clay, Cottle, Foard, Fisher, Haskell, Hardeman, King, Knox, Motley, Stonewall, Wichita, and Wilbarger counties. A longtime resident of Wichita Falls, Representative James Frank graduated from Rider High School and earned a degree in Finance from Texas A&M University. He then began an eleven-year career in banking. In 2000, James and local investors purchased a metal fabrication business with 15 employees. Through over 20 years of additional acquisitions and growth, James’ primary business interests are three Wichita Falls based manufacturers: Sharp Iron Manufacturing, Transland, and Delta T, with a combined total of over 200 employees. First elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 2012, James served as Chairman of the Human Services Committee from 2019 through 2024. In his capacity as Chairman, James fought for major reforms to the Department of Family and Protective Services, working to make the Department more efficient, effective, and accountable, especially on the issue of child welfare. Of particular note, James spearheaded legislation that transitioned the state’s foster care system to a community-based care model and has passed several bills designed to prevent children from being unnecessarily removed from their families. Under James’s leadership, the Human Services Committee has also advanced major legislation to improve the state’s Medicaid program. Reforming Medicaid and, more broadly, healthcare in the state of Texas remains a continuing effort throughout James’s time in office. For the 89th Legislative session, James is serving on the Public Education committee and on the Public Health committee, where he is Chairman of the sub-committee on Disease Prevention and Women’s and Children’s Health. James is passionate about limited government that serves constituents rather than bureaucracy, common sense local control, increased personal freedom and responsibility, and will continue to focus on streamlining the functions of government. He formerly served as President of the Texas Conservative Coalition. In addition to his legislative work, James remains a respected and involved community leader. He has served on advisory boards of business and community groups, is a director for other local industries, is active in his church, and works with others to provide financing to entrepreneurs in the area. James and his wife Alisha married in 1989 and have six grown sons, with the family continuing to grow today by adding daughters-in-law and grandchildren.
Leland Snow (1930 – 2011) was a 50-year resident of Wichita Falls, designer of the Air Tractor agricultural aircraft, and founder of the company of the same name in Olney, Texas. Hear the stories and adventures that shaped the early life of this aviation pioneer, and learn the history, trials, tribulations, and successes of his companies and the aircraft he designed and built. Air Tractor, Inc. is the leading manufacturer of purpose-built aircraft for agricultural, firefighting, military, and other utility applications. From North, South, and Central America, to Australia, Indonesia, and China, to Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, Air Tractor aircraft can be found in more than 50 countries around the world. By most accounts, it is fair to say that Air Tractor founder Leland Snow did more to advance the ag aviation industry than any other single individual. To examine the career of this extraordinary man is to trace the development and advancement of the modern spray plane and the heritage of Air Tractor. To ensure the long-term success of the company and reward employees for their service, Air Tractor became employee-owned through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in 2008.
A tour of the Air Tractor factory in Olney will also be scheduled. Please note that non-US Citizens will be restricted from viewing certain areas of the factory due to ITAR regulations.
Presenter: Kristin Edwards, oldest daughter of Leland Snow, grew up in Wichita Falls and received a Bachelor of Fine Art degree from MSU in 1991. She began working at Air Tractor in 1992 in marketing and communications. She is married to Trevor Edwards, whose 20+ year career in aviation included ag-flying, aviation insurance, and several years at Air Tractor. Their son, Brennan, is a senior at Christ Academy. Reading excerpts from Leland’s autobiography, “Putting Dreams to Flight,” Kristin will bring her father’s voice and her unique perspective to the history of this North Texas aviation treasure.
Love walking, fresh air, and the great outdoors? Join us every Wednesday morning at the Priddy Pavilion for a refreshing walk around Sikes Lake! This scenic trail is one of the highlights of our new museum location, and we are excited to share it with you. Whether you are a seasoned walker or just starting out, we welcome all fitness levels, paces, and distances. Bring a friend, your dog, or simply yourself—headphones optional! After the walk, stick around for coffee and friendly conversation if you have time. No need to sign up or preregister—just show up and enjoy! Let’s make Wednesdays our walking day!
Join us for a fun, hands-on workshop where you will create a pet collage using the deconstruction art method — a playful approach that breaks your pet's image into parts and reassembles them in unexpected, expressive ways. Bring a photo of your pet or favorite animal and turn it into a one-of-a-kind masterpiece!
It is noteworthy that Germany’s often-overlooked Weimar Republic (1918-1933) endured longer than the Third Reich (1933-1945), which Hitler had decreed would last “for a thousand years.” Despite the teacher’s concern that these classes on Hitler and Stalin (which have included long disquisitions about the history, culture and legacy of their places of origin) may persist longer than the Weimar Republic, he is nonetheless hopeful that this semester we may progress from the conclusion of World War I and the Russian Civil War to Hitler and Stalin's ascensions to malevolent tyranny. Last semester was devoted to a history of Russia, with its centuries-long legacy of exploitative autocracy. We concluded with Russia’s stunning battlefield losses in the First World War, the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II, the brief provisional government that followed, the massacre of the royal family by the Communist Bolsheviks, the collapse of a moderate provisional government, the seizure of the reins of government by a troika of Lenin, Trotsky and (covertly) Stalin, and the Civil War that ensued. The first class this semester will be devoted to the Communist victory in the Russian Civil War, the consolidation of the Soviet Union, Lenin’s death and apotheosis, the forced exile of Trotsky, and Stalin’s grasp of the reins of power, which included massive purges of his fellow Bolsheviks. The other three classes will pivot back to Hitler in the aftermath of World War I. We will discuss Germany’s stunning and unanticipated defeat, the deeply-resented Versailles Peace Treaty, the establishment of the Weimar Republic, the multiple political and financial crises that afflicted it (as well as a remarkable flourishing of artistic creativity), the rise of the Fascist movement in Italy under Benito Mussolini (Hitler’s contemporary role model), and Hitler’s own improbable rise in 1934 from rabble-rousing jailbird to unquestioned Führer (“Leader”) of a vast, historic, civilized and afflicted realm.
Presenter: Dr. Dave Hartman has a B.A. in History from Lynchburg College, a Master of Divinity degree from Vanderbilt University, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Lexington Theological Seminary. He also has over forty years of parish ministry, where he addressed religious issues on both a pastoral and scholarly basis. Hartman attained six hours of accredited post-doctoral work at the University of Oxford in the summer of 2012. He has been published in various religious journals. Dave Hartman is the former Coordinator of the MSU Lifelong Learning Center.
By the 1880s, small, localized power systems were emerging, primarily serving urban areas in Texas. During the 20th century, the industry consolidated, leading to the formation of large utility companies. These utilities, vertically integrated, controlled generation, transmission, and distribution. Deregulation of the Texas electricity market occurred during the 1990’s. This reform aimed to introduce competition and lower consumer costs. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) was established to manage the state's power grid, ensuring reliability and balancing supply and demand. Today, ERCOT oversees a complex system fueled primarily by natural gas, followed by wind and coal. Texas faces substantial growth in electricity demand over the next decade:
- 5 million new residents.
- Hyperscale data centers and cryptocurrency mining operations add to tax base, but need power
- Electrification of oil and gas operations increases demand, while reducing the risk of fire and blackouts.
- Increasing popularity of EVs adds significant load, especially during peak periods.
To capitalize on emerging opportunities and sustain the “Texas Miracle,” we must pursue all energy solutions:
- Texas leadership in small modular reactor (SMR) technology could provide a clean, reliable, and scalable energy source.
- Maximizing the monetization of Texas's abundant energy resources, including natural gas, wind, solar, and hydrogen drives economic growth and strengthens the state's position as an energy powerhouse.
By embracing innovation, diversifying its energy mix, and optimizing grid operations, Texas can ensure a reliable and sustainable energy future.
Presenter: Jack’s family moved to the DFW when his father joined Chance Vought in 1955 as an engineer. Jack graduated in a class of 120 from Grapevine High School in 1972, two years before the DFW airport opened. With a BSEE from UT, Jack spent 5 years in engineering, then 35 years in sales, marketing, and operations, in Houston, Austin and Silicon Valley – providing technology to worldwide system makers of smart connected devices. With family in Denton, Houston, Austin and Tokyo, Jack and his wife Susan live near Sheppard AFB after moving to the area in 2015. Sunday’s Times Record News includes Jack’s Paying it Forward column about volunteering and community service. His columns, back to January 2023, are available at https://newcollarcoach.com.
Ron Kitchens will delve into the seismic changes that have happened over the past 36 months in Wichita Falls and their impact on generations to come.
Presenter: Ron Kitchens is the President and CEO of the Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce, where he leads transformative initiatives to drive economic growth. He also serves on the Sheppard Military Affairs Committee and the Midwestern State University Dillard College of Business Advisory Board. A serial entrepreneur, Ron has founded and funded eight companies and was the founding General Partner of the nation’s largest community venture fund. His civic leadership includes serving as Mayor Pro-Tem of Ozark, Missouri, and as a staff member for U.S. Senator Jack Danforth. An acclaimed author, Ron has written multiple bestsellers, including Uniquely You and Community Capitalism, inspiring leaders to innovate and build stronger communities.
First, and still the best. For over 50 years, the world’s best agricultural aircraft have been manufactured in the small west Texas town of Olney: first Snow, then Thrush, and since 1972, Air Tractor. Join us as we tour this facility and learn about its incredible heritage.
Love walking, fresh air, and the great outdoors? Join us every Wednesday morning at the Priddy Pavilion for a refreshing walk around Sikes Lake! This scenic trail is one of the highlights of our new museum location, and we are excited to share it with you. Whether you are a seasoned walker or just starting out, we welcome all fitness levels, paces, and distances. Bring a friend, your dog, or simply yourself—headphones optional! After the walk, stick around for coffee and friendly conversation if you have time. No need to sign up or preregister—just show up and enjoy! Let’s make Wednesdays our walking day!
It is noteworthy that Germany’s often-overlooked Weimar Republic (1918-1933) endured longer than the Third Reich (1933-1945), which Hitler had decreed would last “for a thousand years.” Despite the teacher’s concern that these classes on Hitler and Stalin (which have included long disquisitions about the history, culture and legacy of their places of origin) may persist longer than the Weimar Republic, he is nonetheless hopeful that this semester we may progress from the conclusion of World War I and the Russian Civil War to Hitler and Stalin's ascensions to malevolent tyranny. Last semester was devoted to a history of Russia, with its centuries-long legacy of exploitative autocracy. We concluded with Russia’s stunning battlefield losses in the First World War, the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II, the brief provisional government that followed, the massacre of the royal family by the Communist Bolsheviks, the collapse of a moderate provisional government, the seizure of the reins of government by a troika of Lenin, Trotsky and (covertly) Stalin, and the Civil War that ensued. The first class this semester will be devoted to the Communist victory in the Russian Civil War, the consolidation of the Soviet Union, Lenin’s death and apotheosis, the forced exile of Trotsky, and Stalin’s grasp of the reins of power, which included massive purges of his fellow Bolsheviks. The other three classes will pivot back to Hitler in the aftermath of World War I. We will discuss Germany’s stunning and unanticipated defeat, the deeply-resented Versailles Peace Treaty, the establishment of the Weimar Republic, the multiple political and financial crises that afflicted it (as well as a remarkable flourishing of artistic creativity), the rise of the Fascist movement in Italy under Benito Mussolini (Hitler’s contemporary role model), and Hitler’s own improbable rise in 1934 from rabble-rousing jailbird to unquestioned Führer (“Leader”) of a vast, historic, civilized and afflicted realm.
Presenter: Dr. Dave Hartman has a B.A. in History from Lynchburg College, a Master of Divinity degree from Vanderbilt University, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Lexington Theological Seminary. He also has over forty years of parish ministry, where he addressed religious issues on both a pastoral and scholarly basis. Hartman attained six hours of accredited post-doctoral work at the University of Oxford in the summer of 2012. He has been published in various religious journals. Dave Hartman is the former Coordinator of the MSU Lifelong Learning Center.
From Art to Nourishment offers a behind-the-scenes look at how creativity, collaboration, and community engagement come together to support hunger relief in our region. Led by the CEO of the Wichita Falls Area Food Bank, this course traces the evolution of Empty Bowls, a signature event where local artists, chefs, businesses, and volunteers unite around a shared mission: to fight hunger. Through storytelling, event history, and impact data, participants will explore how Empty Bowls has grown into a dynamic effort that raises both awareness and critical support for those facing food insecurity. The course also highlights the partnerships that make it possible—from studio potters to restaurant owners—and how each piece contributes to a larger, coordinated response to community needs. Whether you are interested in event planning, nonprofit work, or local engagement, this course offers practical insight and real-world inspiration. Discover how a simple bowl becomes a powerful symbol of nourishment—and how the collective efforts of a community can make a lasting difference.
Presenter: David O’Neil graduated from Wichita Falls High School and earned his B.B.A. from Midwestern State University in 1984. He joined the Wichita Falls Food Bank in 2022 and assumed the CEO position in March 2023 after a successful 39-year career in banking. His previous roles included leadership positions as president of Wells Fargo in Midland/Odessa and regional president for the South Texas Region. In 2017, he assumed the Central Texas regional president position, which grew to include Austin, Corpus Christie, El Paso, Bryan/College Station, Waco, and the Rio Grande Valley. Philanthropically, O'Neil served as President of the Wichita County Heritage Society during the Holt Hotel restoration, Board Chair for the Midland & Bryan/College Station Chambers of Commerce. He helped develop “The Literacy Project” with the Midland Reporter/Telegram to promote literacy by delivering a book to every MISD 1st-grade student annually. Additionally, O'Neil served as the United Way of Midland’s board and campaign chair that raised $3.1 million, the Texas Bankers Association Board and on various not-for-profit boards, including Austin Habitat for Humanity and the North Texas United Way, serving as board chair of the Brazos Valley Community Foundation.
FIELD TRIP
The Whiteside Museum of Natural History (WMNH) was established in December of 2013 due to the Herculean philanthropic efforts of Judge Clyde E. Whiteside. As a lifelong mission to create a natural history museum for Seymour based on the incredible paleontological importance of Seymour and Baylor County, Judge Whiteside financed the museum’s development. WMNH provides all visitors with a glimpse into the natural world and more specifically the ancient life that once inhabited North Texas.
WALKING CLUB
Date/Time: Wednesday, October 1 at 9 a.m.
Love walking, fresh air, and the great outdoors? Join us every Wednesday morning at the Priddy Pavilion for a refreshing walk around Sikes Lake! This scenic trail is one of the highlights of our new museum location, and we are excited to share it with you. Whether you are a seasoned walker or just starting out, we welcome all fitness levels, paces, and distances. Bring a friend, your dog, or simply yourself—headphones optional! After the walk, stick around for coffee and friendly conversation if you have time. No need to sign up or preregister—just show up and enjoy! Let’s make Wednesdays our walking day!
Do you love books? Are you often looking for people to discuss literature with? You might want to consider joining the LLC Book Club. We choose specific books to read at the beginning of the semester and then meet to discuss the book we have agreed upon for the month. This club is very informal. We meet on the first Wednesday of each month to give our opinions, likes, and dislikes. We try to learn a little about the author and their motivation for writing. ANYONE can come. There is no sign-up or pre-qualification other than having read the book, and we are lenient about that!
Book titles will be included in the newsletter.
In the late 1700s a rumor spread through the newly formed United States of America, a shadowy irreligious organization was working behind the scenes to corrupt the young country. The Illuminati, as the rumor went, was the group behind the French Revolution, and were coming to the United States disguised as French refugees. These rumors were spread by notable pastors, like Jedediah Morse and academics like Timothy Dwight, president of Yale. These rumors also enabled John Adams to pass the series of Alien and Sedition acts, to curb the potential power of these sleeper agents. What is more, 1800 was an election year pitting John Adams against Thomas Jefferson. Republicans, as supporters of Jefferson called themselves, also embraced the conspiracy but cast the New England clergy as the Illuminati. The battle played out in the media where Federalist newspapers and Republican newspapers attacked the other side with rumor and hearsay. The “Illuminati conspiracy,” demonstrates that while we live in extraordinary times, they are not unprecedented. Conspiracy and partisan media have been a part of American life since the early days of the Republic and is often packaged in religious language. In this course we will look at the enduring draw of conspiracy theories.
Presenter: Brandon Blakeslee was born in Dallas, Texas, but grew up abroad in Africa, South America, and Europe. He double majored in History and Spanish at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and then got his PhD from the University of Texas in Arlington. His research focuses on state formation and the creation of national identity in the first half of the twentieth century, focusing on mass spectacles like sporting events. He is also interested and currently researching on public health campaigns in Colombia during the 1920s and 1930s.
As we know, our world is becoming more complex and interdependent each year. This challenges educators to effectively prepare college students to not only enter this world but to lead efforts to tackle the pressing problems of the future. This presentation will examine one of the most effective educational strategies in developing the leaders of tomorrow, Model United Nations. Model UN is a learning simulation in which students role play the delegation of a country in the United Nations. Students serve on various committees organized by policy area, and they are charged with developing solutions to existing global problems such as protection of fisheries, governance of UN peacekeepers, and the prohibition of the use of chemical weapons. Through Model UN, students conduct independent research, critically examine and develop solutions to real world problems, and then convince their competitors to adopt their solution, activities that require the students to use and deepen their critical thinking, communication, and, most importantly, leadership skills. During this presentation Dr. Garrison will be joined by several students that have participated in this program, and they will provide a brief overview of the history of the award-winning program, an overview of a Model UN simulation, how the students prepare, and what they learned from the experience. Lastly, the accomplishments of participating students will be reviewed, and they will discuss how the experience transformed their lives.
Presenter: Dr. Steve R. Garrison, Director of the Redwine Honors Program, specializes in the study of social movements and political protest. He holds an MA (1996) and Ph.D. (2002) in political science from the University of Kansas. Dr. Garrison’s research examines the escalation of small-scale political protest into societal level conflict or civil war utilizing quantitative research methods. In addition to teaching classes on social movements and political protest, he also teaches American & Texas Government, Research Methods, Foreign Policy, and Latin American Politics. Dr. Garrison strongly emphasizes experiential learning in the classroom, employing a variety of high impact practices. This approach is exemplified by Dr. Garrison’s faculty sponsorship of the MSU Model United Nations Team, the premier competitive academic team on the MSU campus. Dr. Garrison regularly contributes political analysis to the local news media and is actively involved in his community. Dr. Garrison will be joined by students from the current and previous Model UN teams.
I have found that over the years there are many Texas critters that capture our hearts, but none more so than the Texas Horned Lizard, also affectionately known as the “horny toad.” This session will remind you of “a childhood growing up in Texas,” explore the facts and myths of this iconic state reptile of Texas, and describe what so many dedicated scientists are doing to keep this symbol of Texas wild around for many generations to come. I will include information on what we have discovered about these beloved reptiles through ongoing research and what you can do to assist in conservation efforts to save the future of this symbolic flagship species.
Presenter: Lynn Seman is a certified Texas Master Naturalist with the Rolling Plains Chapter based in the Wichita Falls, TX region. She volunteers for several non-profits, including the Horned Lizard Conservation Society. Growing up in the Texas Panhandle, she developed a love for Texas critters and has continued to support conservation efforts. She has a B.S. in Education from West Texas State University and a M.S. in Multidisciplinary Math/Science from Texas Tech University. After retiring as a Texas public school educator after 32 years, she now gives back to the community through volunteering with youth activities and educational programs through the Texas Master Naturalist organization.
Dr. Haynie will present an update on MSU Texas, as she completes her second year at the university. Her presentation will include news about the 2025 legislative session, and its impact on higher education and MSU Texas, and information about the partnerships MSU Texas has with Sheppard Air Force Base, the City of Wichita Falls, and the community. Of great significance this year was the funding and progress of the Student Success Initiative, anchored by the Military Education Center.
Presenter: Stacia Haynie, Ph.D., began her tenure as the 13th president of Midwestern State University on August 1, 2023. She is a native of nearby Henrietta, Texas, and earned two degrees from Midwestern State University – a bachelor’s degree in theatre and a master’s degree in political science. She received a Ph.D. in political science from the University of North Texas. As an accomplished scholar and leader in higher education with 33 years of service to Louisiana State University, Dr. Haynie rose in the academic ranks to full professor and retired from the institution as the J.W. Annison Jr. Family Alumni Professor. Dr. Haynie served LSU in numerous administrative roles including Department Chair, Associate and Interim Dean of the Graduate School, Vice Provost for Academics and Planning, Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, and Executive Vice President & Provost. Dr. Haynie studies judicial politics with special emphasis on comparative appellate court decision-making. She has particular expertise in the legal systems of South Africa, the Philippines and India. Her studies also include analyses of United States Supreme Court decision-making and civil trial court decisions in U.S. state courts. Dr. Haynie’s book, Judging in Black and White: Decision Making in the South African Appellate Division, 1950-1990, explores the decisions of judges during the apartheid era of South Africa. Her studies also include analyses of civil trial court decisions in U.S. state courts. Her most recent book with the University of Virginia Press, Does Privilege Prevail: Litigation in High Courts across the Globe, explores the decision-making of the high courts of Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, India, the Philippines, and South Africa from 1970-2000 analyzing who wins and why. Dr. Haynie teaches courses in Judicial Politics, American Constitutional Law, Comparative Judicial Politics and American Public Law. Throughout her career, Dr. Haynie has been devoted to providing students with the best possible educational opportunities and supporting them throughout their education to graduation. She credits Midwestern State University for providing the academic foundation she needed to pursue her goals. She has returned to MSU Texas to lead the institution into its second century.
Love walking, fresh air, and the great outdoors? Join us every Wednesday morning at the Priddy Pavilion for a refreshing walk around Sikes Lake! This scenic trail is one of the highlights of our new museum location, and we are excited to share it with you. Whether you are a seasoned walker or just starting out, we welcome all fitness levels, paces, and distances. Bring a friend, your dog, or simply yourself—headphones optional! After the walk, stick around for coffee and friendly conversation if you have time. No need to sign up or preregister—just show up and enjoy! Let’s make Wednesdays our walking day!
Join us for Creative Calm: Art and Mindfulness, a relaxing workshop where you will draw patterns that begin with easy strokes and grow into beautifully complex and calming compositions. No art experience is needed — just bring an open mind and enjoy a peaceful, creative escape. Discover how simple lines can transform into stunning, meditative art!
Vaccines are one of the most powerful tools in modern medicine—but how exactly do they work? How are they developed, and why do they matter to individuals and communities alike?
In this short course, we will explore the science behind vaccines in a way that is easy to understand and relevant to everyday life. We will break down how vaccines train your immune system, the steps involved in their development and approval, and the role they play in preventing disease outbreaks. We will also discuss why it is important to get the recommended vaccines for those of us over 50. This course will address common questions and concerns, tackle myths and misinformation, and help you feel confident navigating conversations about vaccines—whether with family, friends, or your own healthcare provider. No scientific background is needed—just curiosity and a desire to better understand one of the most important advances in human health.
Presenter: Dr. Brennan is the Dean of the McCoy College of Science, Mathematics and Engineering and a faculty member in the Department of Biology at Midwestern State University of Texas. He received his B.S. in Biology from the University of South Dakota, his M.S. in Veterinary Medical Sciences (Microbiology) from Louisiana State University, and his Ph.D. in Medical Sciences (Microbiology) from Texas A&M University Health Sciences Center. Dr. Brennan’s scholarly activities focus on infectious disease research. He has worked on projects involving host-pathogen interactions, infection prevention, diagnostics, and vaccine development. Before his academic career, Dr. Brennan worked as a Microbiology Specialist at 3M in their Medical Division. His work has resulted in over 20 peer-reviewed publications, many of which include undergraduate students as co-authors.
Wichita Falls’ East Side is more than a neighborhood—it is a vibrant piece of the city’s history shaped by generations of families, educators, business owners, and community leaders. Once a self-sustaining community with its own schools, churches, shops, and cultural institutions, the East Side has long been a cornerstone of strength, pride, and perseverance.
Presenter: Born in Florence AL in 1948 to Master Sergeant and Mrs. Charles and Dayse Jarrett, the Air Force brought the family of 7 to Wichita Falls in 1959. Brenda and her brothers and sisters grew up on the East Side, then a thriving and vibrant community separate from the West side of Wichita Falls. There were stores, services, churches, places to go, and the Booker T. Washington School. Brenda attended and graduated in 1966. Brenda has been involved in community development since 1987 working with Mr. Lindsey Walker with Wichita Falls Economic Development Corporation, East Side Girls Club and Beacon Lighthouse for the Blind those three jobs gave Brenda inspiration and motivation to create and focus on providing a place for youth to call their home, all races and creeds. Brenda was instrumental in Wichita Falls being designated a Federal program of Weed and Seed. Her devotion to the East Side calls for Wichita Falls’ organizations to honor her she received the Golden Eagle Award, State Representative Award and many, many more and 2014 Brenda was recognized as the Wichitan of the Year after over 30 years of devotion to the Eastside community and with family and health challenges Brenda Jarrett retired as director of a Youth Opportunities Center in 2019 currently Brenda is working for AARP her job title is community outreach, Brenda will continue to seek and fulfill ways to empower the community of Wichita Falls East and its residents.
Lectures one and two will cover the Italian Renaissance during the fifteenth and sixteenth century. The course will track the initial impulses of the Italian Renaissance in Florence, and its progression into the canonical Renaissance works in Rome and Venice. Alberti’s treatise will provide the theoretical understanding of renaissance values of harmony, proportion, and ideal form. We will then study how the principles of Italian humanism are carried out by artists such as Michelangelo and Raphael, and architects including Bramante and Palladio. The course will focus on the great fifteenth and sixteenth century churches beginning with Florence Cathedral designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, the high renaissance of St. Peter’s in Rome, and late renaissance church of San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice designed by Palladio. We will also discuss Renaissance urban planning, specifically the town of Pienza.
Presenter: Joe Ross is a practicing architect in Wichita Falls and is active in the design of workplaces, civic buildings, schools, and residences in north Texas. Joe studied architecture at Texas Tech and Harvard before starting his practice in Wichita Falls. Joe and Kimberly Ross live in Wichita Falls with their two children, Elizabeth and Henry.
This is the federal university for leadership development. West Point works hand-in-hand with civilian experts to advance the best, most effective theories and practices about leadership. Find out how this is done, and how it has changed over the past 50 years
Presenter: Rick is not unlike you in most ways. He has held several roles throughout his life. He has transitioned from role to role with difficulty at times, but also with ease. He has chosen to live in Wichita Falls; he enjoys life with his wife. His children and grandchildren are a joy. He is thankful for the ways in which God has blessed him. He continues to give himself away. Rick is curious about many things, but especially health and wellness. His background is in medicine, as he was a radiologist for 38 years. His story about how he became interested in the prevention arm of health, rather than the diagnostic arm, may resonate with you. His perspective is fresh and timely; it will challenge you to become a better version of yourself and give you hope going forward. Relax, and enjoy. Be inspired! In the first installment of lectures (Spring 2025), he introduced you to some of the different nuances of healthcare, gave you options for improving your own health as we get older, and how we might expect medicine to change in the coming months and years. Change will come; it always does. The real question is whether it will be gradual or abrupt (transformational). So, in this second installment of lectures, we begin laying the foundation for that change.
Love walking, fresh air, and the great outdoors? Join us every Wednesday morning at the Priddy Pavilion for a refreshing walk around Sikes Lake! This scenic trail is one of the highlights of our new museum location, and we are excited to share it with you. Whether you are a seasoned walker or just starting out, we welcome all fitness levels, paces, and distances. Bring a friend, your dog, or simply yourself—headphones optional! After the walk, stick around for coffee and friendly conversation if you have time. No need to sign up or preregister—just show up and enjoy! Let’s make Wednesdays our walking day!
A timely discussion about all the things happening in the City of Wichita Falls, including final budget information for 2026, Lake Ringgold updates, economic development, and Sheppard AFB updates. This is an interactive discussion event with questions and audience participation encouraged!
Presenter: Tim Short, an active community leader and business owner for over 25 years, is the current Mayor of Wichita Falls. Tim is a product of West Texas, graduating from Shallowater High School and then Texas Tech University with a bachelor's degree in Telecommunications in 1988. The first in his family to graduate from college. Tim chose Wichita Falls to grow his family and his State Farm agency in 1999. Tim has been very active in the Wichita Falls Kiwanis Club (3 times serving as President), Hands to Hands Community Fund (2 times serving as Board Chairman), the 100 Club (President 2 times), coached Little League Baseball for 10 years and has served as a volunteer and board member for Meals on Wheels for the last 14 years. Tim and his family are members of Grace Church. Tim and Kerri Norman Short were married in 1991. Kerri is a long-time early education teacher at Christ Academy. They have one son, Parker, who graduated from Rider High School and Midwestern State University and received an MBA from Texas Tech. He is now a graduate of PA School and has completed his Doctor of Medical Science from Butler University. He practices Family Medicine at URPG in Wichita Falls. He is married to Macie Miller Short, a Midwestern State University graduate. Tim’s strategic goals as Mayor focus on securing a generational water source, Economic Development of our city, opportunities for the city and private businesses to work together, and transparency.
Texas began honoring historical people, places, and events in 1936 during the Texas Centennial. The program grew over the years and, starting in the mid-60s, the iconic Texas Historical Markers seen across the state appeared. The program will discuss the process of procuring a marker, including application cycles and types of markers.
Presenter: In 2010, Becky Gellner Trammell walked into the Museum of North Texas History looking for Lita Watson at the Wichita County Archives. She did not realize at the time she would still be there over fourteen years later, serving on the Board of the Museum of North Texas History and as the marker chair of the Wichita County Historical Commission. Becky and Lita Watson worked on a re-publication of the book, Pioneers Remember. Elizabeth Hawley and Becky have co-edited two books, Historical Markers of Wichita County and Women of Wichita County, Texas – Stories About Remarkable Women. Becky is a graduate of Midwestern State University, the University of North Texas, and the University of Texas at Tyler.
The documentary tells the story of how a small Southern town underwent decades of struggle over its moral and civic identity. Told through the eyes of local historians, journalists and those who grew up in Hot Springs, the documentary provides a snapshot of the transformations that took place across the southern United States after World War II.
Lectures one and two will cover the Italian Renaissance during the fifteenth and sixteenth century. The course will track the initial impulses of the Italian Renaissance in Florence, and its progression into the canonical Renaissance works in Rome and Venice. Alberti’s treatise will provide the theoretical understanding of renaissance values of harmony, proportion, and ideal form. We will then study how the principles of Italian humanism are carried out by artists such as Michelangelo and Raphael, and architects including Bramante and Palladio. The course will focus on the great fifteenth and sixteenth century churches beginning with Florence Cathedral designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, the high renaissance of St. Peter’s in Rome, and late renaissance church of San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice designed by Palladio. We will also discuss Renaissance urban planning, specifically the town of Pienza.
Presenter: Joe Ross is a practicing architect in Wichita Falls and is active in the design of workplaces, civic buildings, schools, and residences in north Texas. Joe studied architecture at Texas Tech and Harvard before starting his practice in Wichita Falls. Joe and Kimberly Ross live in Wichita Falls with their two children, Elizabeth and Henry.
Many believe that character is fixed in early adulthood, and that it can only be strengthened or revealed under the stresses of daily life. Plebes (freshmen) at West Point start their training to be servants and leaders in their late teens. See how fallacious the fixed-character idea is, and why. Character, both personal and cultural, evolves as we age. It is foundational to make the critical changes in healthcare that we face.
Presenter: Rick is not unlike you in most ways. He has held a number of roles throughout his life. He has transitioned from role to role with difficulty at times, but also with ease. He has chosen to live in Wichita Falls; he enjoys life with his wife. His children and grandchildren are a joy. He is thankful for the ways in which God has blessed him. He continues to give himself away. Rick is curious about many things, but especially health and wellness. His background is in medicine, as he was a radiologist for 38 years. His story about how he became interested in the prevention arm of health, rather than the diagnostic arm, may resonate with you. His perspective is fresh and timely; it will challenge you to become a better version of yourself and give you hope going forward. Relax, and enjoy. Be inspired! In the first installment of lectures (Spring 2025), he introduced you to some of the different nuances of healthcare, gave you options for improving your own health as we get older, and how we might expect medicine to change in the coming months and years. Change will come; it always does. The real question is whether it will be gradual or abrupt (transformational). So in this second installment of lectures, we begin laying the foundation for that change.
Love walking, fresh air, and the great outdoors? Join us every Wednesday morning at the Priddy Pavilion for a refreshing walk around Sikes Lake! This scenic trail is one of the highlights of our new museum location, and we are excited to share it with you. Whether you are a seasoned walker or just starting out, we welcome all fitness levels, paces, and distances. Bring a friend, your dog, or simply yourself—headphones optional! After the walk, stick around for coffee and friendly conversation if you have time. No need to sign up or preregister—just show up and enjoy! Let’s make Wednesdays our walking day!
*Please note the day of this class*
We will cover common dynamics in sexual abuse cases including victim selection, grooming both the victim and the community, brazenness, poly-victimization, and minimization. Also, we will examine delayed disclosures and when and why victims disclose abuse, and the child abuse outcry, and other types of evidence in child sexual abuse prosecutions. The speaker will give examples of these dynamics from the various child abuse cases he has prosecuted in his career. Finally, we will also look at human trafficking and walk through a case study of a human trafficking case from Wichita County.
Presenter: John has been District Attorney of Wichita County since January 2019. He started his second term this year. As a 23-year career prosecutor since 2001, John’s passion is targeting those who prey upon the vulnerable and being a voice for those who have never had a voice. Notably, John led the trial team that prosecuted Michael Corey for continuous sexual abuse of three children, obtaining three life with parole sentences which were stacked. John also led the successful prosecution of Migel Matthew for felony murder that resulted in a 60-year sentence for killing a 4-year-old child passenger when she was driving drunk with 5 children, all unbuckled in her car driving 103 m.p.h. The Sara Woody child torture prosecution was also a notable case. Woody starved her step kids and subjected them to mental cruelty and torment. Rather than just charge her with third degree bodily injury, John utilized the first-degree charge of causing Serious Mental Injury and proved that the childhood PTSD Woody inflicted was SMI. Woody received a 45-year sentence, which was upheld on appeal. In March of 2023, John led a team that prosecuted James Irven Staley III for capital murder of a child. Staley, a wealthy oil man, suffocated his girlfriend’s toddler. In a completely circumstantial evidence case, a jury convicted him in 4 hours. Staley received Life Without Parole. Facing another child torture case, John led a trial team against Daniel Ortiz in January 2024, obtaining three 50-year sentences for Ortiz causing Serious Mental Injury to each of his three victims. Ortiz had dunked, waterboarded, beaten, and bound the little girls. The judge stacked the sentences, imposing 150 years for his child torture. John has trained TDCAA on Crossing Defense Experts in Child Abuse Cases and on Upholding Search Warrants in court. In August 2024, John taught at the Dallas Crimes Against Children Conference on Investigating and Prosecuting Child Torture Cases.
Texas began honoring historical people, places, and events in 1936 during the Texas Centennial. The program grew over the years and, starting in the mid-60s, the iconic Texas Historical Markers seen across the state appeared.
The program will discuss the process of procuring a marker, including application cycles and types of markers.
Presenter: In 2010, Becky Gellner Trammell walked into the Museum of North Texas History looking for Lita Watson at the Wichita County Archives. She did not realize at the time she would still be there over fourteen years later, serving on the Board of the Museum of North Texas History and as the marker chair of the Wichita County Historical Commission. Becky and Lita Watson worked on a re-publication of the book, Pioneers Remember. Elizabeth Hawley and Becky have co-edited two books, Historical Markers of Wichita County and Women of Wichita County, Texas – Stories About Remarkable Women. Becky is a graduate of Midwestern State University, the University of North Texas, and the University of Texas at Tyler.
This lecture will cover early twentieth century architecture in Wichita Falls. The lecture will focus on the grand social spaces and includes residences, churches, clubhouses, and large auditoriums. In the Twenty-first century, social activity tends to occur on a screen, while in the early twentieth century people gathered in social spaces that were designed for the specific purpose of gathering people. We will study digital reconstructions of houses along “Millionaire’s Row,” discuss the great city churches including St. Paul Lutheran, and digital reconstructions of Wichita Falls first golf clubhouse. We will also discuss Memorial Auditorium and its original auditorium space design. The course will show a range of styles that are prevalent in Wichita Falls and offers opportunities to imagine buildings and spaces that have been lost but recreated again using digital technology tools and archival drawings.
Presenter: Joe Ross is a practicing architect in Wichita Falls and is active in the design of workplaces, civic buildings, schools, and residences in north Texas. Joe studied architecture at Texas Tech and Harvard before starting his practice in Wichita Falls. Joe and Kimberly Ross live in Wichita Falls with their two children, Elizabeth and Henry.
General Ulysses Grant, West Point, Class of 1843, is an example of how character can be developed throughout life. The timid child from Ohio became the most revered player on the American stage after the Civil War. Find out what influenced his mindset and directed his behavior to become the ultimate “success” in one of the most difficult arenas of life.
Presenter: Rick is not unlike you in most ways. He has held several roles throughout his life. He has transitioned from role to role with difficulty at times, but also with ease. He has chosen to live in Wichita Falls; he enjoys life with his wife. His children and grandchildren are a joy. He is thankful for the ways in which God has blessed him. He continues to give himself away. Rick is curious about many things, but especially health and wellness. His background is in medicine, as he was a radiologist for 38 years. His story about how he became interested in the prevention arm of health, rather than the diagnostic arm, may resonate with you. His perspective is fresh and timely; it will challenge you to become a better version of yourself and give you hope going forward. Relax, and enjoy. Be inspired! In the first installment of lectures (Spring 2025), he introduced you to some of the different nuances of healthcare, gave you options for improving your own health as we get older, and how we might expect medicine to change in the coming months and years. Change will come; it always does. The real question is whether it will be gradual or abrupt (transformational). So, in this second installment of lectures, we begin laying the foundation for that change.
WALKING CLUB
Date/Time: Wednesday, October 29 at 9 a.m.
Love walking, fresh air, and the great outdoors? Join us every Wednesday morning at the Priddy Pavilion for a refreshing walk around Sikes Lake! This scenic trail is one of the highlights of our new museum location, and we are excited to share it with you. Whether you are a seasoned walker or just starting out, we welcome all fitness levels, paces, and distances. Bring a friend, your dog, or simply yourself—headphones optional! After the walk, stick around for coffee and friendly conversation if you have time. No need to sign up or preregister—just show up and enjoy! Let’s make Wednesdays our walking day!
This course will cover the City of Wichita Falls drinking water treatment system, including raw water (where does our water come from?), treatment facilities, the types of water treatment plants, laboratory testing capabilities, and the water distribution system. There will also be a tour of the Microfiltration/Reverse Osmosis Plant and the 2010 Conventional Treatment Plant at the Cypress Water Treatment Facility.
Presenter: Mark Southard 2001 graduate of Midwestern State University with a B.S. in biology, minor in mathematics. He began working for the City of Wichita Falls in 2002 as a laboratory technician and has worked in many roles; currently serving as the Utilities Operations Manager. Mark is a Class A licensed Water Operator by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. He has worked with the City’s water treatment systems for 23+ years, and in 2014-2015, oversaw the operation of the United States’ first 50/50 direct potable reuse treatment plant; currently using indirect potable reuse. He has also Co-authored 50+ papers and presented at multiple conferences.
WOMEN IN AVIATION
This class will be a brief look at women in aviation history and their contributions to aviation with some insight into the internal and external challenges that women face in the industry.
Presenter: Mary Latimer has been a pilot and flight instructor for over 50 years with thousands of hours of experience. She is also a certified aircraft mechanic and spent 26 years as an air traffic controller. In 2011 she created the GIFT Academy- Girls In Flight Training to identify and address the issues that have kept the female pilot population at approximately 5%. Mary has earned the Wright Brothers Award. Charles Taylor Award. She is also inducted into the National Flight Instructor Hall of Fame.
This class is a continuation in a series on the untimely deaths of well-known celebrities who died in tragic plane crashes. This class will analyze the circumstances and events leading up to the crash that claimed the lives of country music legends Patsy Cline, Cowboy Copas, Hawkshaw Hawkins and manager Randy Hughes, with special emphasis on the life and career of Patsy Cline. The presentation will reveal the findings and causes of this tragic and preventable accident.
Presenter: Bill Smith has 38 years of aviation experience in safety management and accident investigation, education, and instruction. Assigned as Chief of Safety for two major USAF bases, he has extensive experience in management of safety programs, investigations and reporting on flight, ground, and weapons mishaps. He has over 5,500 hrs. total flight time in civilian and military aircraft to include the T-37, T-38, A-10, F-16, L-39, and multiple small aircraft. Bill is currently working as a T-38C simulator and academic instructor at Sheppard AFB and civilian flight instructor at Kickapoo Airport.
Do you love books? Are you often looking for people to discuss literature with? You might want to consider joining the LLC Book Club. We choose specific books to read at the beginning of the semester and then meet to discuss the book we have agreed upon for the month. This club is very informal. We meet on the first Wednesday of each month to give our opinions, likes, and dislikes. We try to learn a little about the author and their motivation for writing. ANYONE can come. There is no sign-up or pre-qualification other than having read the book, and we are lenient about that!
Book titles will be included in the newsletter.
Love walking, fresh air, and the great outdoors? Join us every Wednesday morning at the Priddy Pavilion for a refreshing walk around Sikes Lake! This scenic trail is one of the highlights of our new museum location, and we are excited to share it with you. Whether you are a seasoned walker or just starting out, we welcome all fitness levels, paces, and distances. Bring a friend, your dog, or simply yourself—headphones optional! After the walk, stick around for coffee and friendly conversation if you have time. No need to sign up or preregister—just show up and enjoy! Let’s make Wednesdays our walking day!
During her 50 years in aviation, Mary has experienced numerous emergencies and critical situations. Some as a pilot but others as a controller or other involvement. This session will look at some of these events and how we can learn from them and hopefully make the industry and the individual pilots safer.
Presenter: Mary Latimer has been a pilot and flight instructor for over 50 years with thousands of hours of experience. She is also a certified aircraft mechanic and spent 26 years as an air traffic controller. In 2011 she created the GIFT Academy- Girls In Flight Training to identify and address the issues that have kept the female pilot population at approximately 5%. Mary has earned the Wright Brothers Award. Charles Taylor Award. She is also inducted into the National Flight Instructor Hall of Fame.
U.S. policies and regulations at the intersection of international trade and security have changed rapidly and substantially in the past year. These changes have affected the lives of U.S. persons in many ways, including with respect to the prices people pay, the products available, the markets to which persons can ship, and the financial and personal security people experience. However, it is difficult for many people to track these changes and understand how they relate to each other and their potential impact. In this presentation, Richard Glen Young, co-owner and managing director of the trade consultancy SECURUS Strategic Trade Solutions, will systematically identify and analyze important changes in U.S. policies and regulations related to international trade and security, with a particular focus on developments in the second half of 2025. This will include discussions of the dynamic tariff environment, controls on exports of U.S. items, sanctions, U.S. positions toward partners, competitors, and adversaries, and changes that may occur in these and other areas related to international business, trade, and security in 2026.
Presenter: Richard Glen Young is a co-owner and managing director of SECURUS Strategic Trade Solutions, LLC, a Texas-based consultancy that provides businesses and governments with information, training, and guidance on global developments at the intersection of trade and security. Young specializes in international trade legal and regulatory development, nonproliferation, and illicit trafficking in weapons and related items in the former Soviet Union, Southeastern Europe, and the Middle East and North Africa. He has worked in international trade and security and consulting for over 20 years. Young has a bachelor’s degree in political science and history from Midwestern State University and a master’s degree in political science from the University of Georgia.
THE GODFATHER 1
Discover the secrets behind the enduring visual power of The Godfather. This session examines the exceptional cinematography of Gordon Willis, dissecting the innovative methods he employed to create a visual experience that flawlessly enhances the film's narrative. Gain a deeper understanding of these techniques through insightful analysis. Familiarity with The Godfather will enhance your learning experience.
Presenter: Steve Tucker, an actual native-born Wichitan, began and ended his formal college experiences at Midwestern. After starting his academic journey here, he embarked on a whirlwind tour of seven other universities, collecting transcripts like souvenirs. This educational odyssey resulted in two master's degrees and enough credit hours to qualify for multiple majors. Steve subscribes to the philosophy of “knowledge is power,” but with a healthy dose of “why pick one area of expertise when you can be vaguely familiar with everything?”
Westerns are back in vogue. From Taylor Sheridan’s “Yellowstone” to Kevin Costner’s “Horizon: An American Saga,” fresh iterations of the Old West are pouring out of film studios and publishing houses. All of which makes me wonder: How would Larry McMurtry feel about the hugely popular, present-day portrayals of the Old West? In Larry’s mind, Lonesome Dove, after all, was intended to debunk the glorified portraits of the American West. As a cowboy on the family ranch, Larry knew the harsh realities of cowboy life. His horse, Polecat, dragged him through a mesquite briar, ripping his skin to shreds. He was swept up in stampedes, hurled off his horse during a lightning storm, and much worse. No wonder the young cowboy grew disenchanted with romantic notions of cowboy life. As a writer, Larry set out to debunk such notions. But to his surprise and consternation, Lonesome Dove was hailed as “the greatest western novel” of all time. It won the Pulitzer Prize and set in motion an avalanche of books and films about the American West that capture new audiences each year, especially in Texas. “Some claim the three essential books in Texas history are the Bible, The Warren Commission report and Larry McMurtry’s Lonesome Dove,” historian Douglas Brinkley wrote in a New York Times essay. During the 40th anniversary of Lonesome Dove, bookstores are again stocking Lonesome Dove, realizing that a new generation of readers are clamoring to join Gus and Woodrow on their epic trail drive. This class will explore why Lonesome Dove remains an “essential book” for modern-day readers.
Presenter: George Getschow is a Pulitzer Prize finalist and winner of the Robert F. Kennedy Award for distinguished writing about the underprivileged. He was inducted into the Texas Institute of Letters in 2012 for “distinctive literary achievement.” He spent 16 years at The Wall Street Journal as a writer, editor, bureau chief and Mexico correspondent. He spent 12 years serving as writer-in-residence and co-founder of the nationally renowned Mayborn Literary Nonfiction Conference. During that same period, he teamed up with Larry McMurtry to conduct writing workshops in McMurtry’s hometown of Archer City, TX. After McMurtry’s death in 2021, Getschow curated and edited Pastures of the Empty Page, an acclaimed literary anthology about Larry McMurtry’s epic life as a cowboy, novelist, screenwriter, and bibliophile. Today, as director of the Larry McMurtry Literary Center in Archer City, his mission is to preserve and perpetuate Larry’s epic life and legacy as one of the most influential writers of the 20th century.
Love walking, fresh air, and the great outdoors? Join us every Wednesday morning at the Priddy Pavilion for a refreshing walk around Sikes Lake! This scenic trail is one of the highlights of our new museum location, and we are excited to share it with you. Whether you are a seasoned walker or just starting out, we welcome all fitness levels, paces, and distances. Bring a friend, your dog, or simply yourself—headphones optional! After the walk, stick around for coffee and friendly conversation if you have time. No need to sign up or preregister—just show up and enjoy! Let’s make Wednesdays our walking day!
Back by popular demand! Join us for Harvested Hands: Felt Your Pumpkin. In this fun, hands-on workshop, you will build your own pumpkin sculpture using wool and popular felting techniques, which involve shaping and bonding fibers together with special needles. Come create a cozy, one-of-a-kind decoration to celebrate the season!
David will explain how Aurora Borealis occurs at the level of the atom, why different colors are produced, when and where to experience this amazing phenomenon, and how you can capture Aurora Borealis with your own camera. David will then share his favorite Aurora photographs from his arctic travels in Alaska, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, not to mention the rare Aurora visit to Texas last October with photos taken in Montague County, Texas.
Presenter: David Spencer’s photography journey started in 1962. He was in 6th grade and was given a Brownie 120 box camera with two controls, the shutter button, and a film advance knob. He served as photographer on the annual staff in high school and college. In 1968, he purchased his first SLR camera with interchangeable lenses. He has been fortunate to travel extensively and use his camera to preserve those wonderful experiences. His photography interest was also a major factor in choosing Radiology, medical imaging, as a career.
The first part of this two-part class, which was presented last semester, identified six specific types of love in the Bible, and the way those loves encompassed both the fundamental essence of Biblical religion and their manifestation in human relationships. Last semester, we considered the first two: Theocentrism, a belief that the first formative love is that of God for God as encompassed in the uniquely Christian mystery of the Trinity, in which God is revealed as “Father, Son and Holy Spirit.” We talked about how this uniquely Christian perspective differs from the other two great monotheistic religions, Judaism and Islam, how it derives from the teachings of Jesus as conveyed in the Gospels, and how it may be discerned in the Genesis account of Creation and the opening verses of the Gospel of John. The second love we considered last semester was that of eros, traditionally understood to originate in physical desire between a man and a woman, and how that love could lead to the sacrament of marriage and the creation of new human life. The distinction was drawn between eros, in which the dignity of both persons was cherished and protected in a covenantal relationship, and ordinary lust, in which the value of the other is diminished to the status of a pleasure-invoking (and disposable) commodity. We also looked at a variety of Biblical man-woman relationships, notably Adam and Eve, Abraham and Sarah, Abraham and Hagar, and David and Bathsheba. This semester, we will look at the other four great loves of scripture:
Storge: The generational love between parent and child, which includes adoptive relationships and the deep affection between grandparents and grandchildren.
Philia: Brotherly, sisterly, or friendly love. This is the love with the fewest illusions, one which very often forms the basis for the longest relationship between (or among) two or more persons.
Patria: Love of country, or homeland, from which the word “patriotism” derives.
Agape: The divine love that pours from God into the spirit of persons and hence overflows to encompass others who (prior to the love’s manifestation) may not even be known to the giver (as in the parable of the Good Samaritan). Agape is unique among the loves in that is not necessarily motivated by feelings, but by actions, as commanded by Jesus in Matthew 25: “I was hungry, and you fed me, naked and you clothed me, thirsty and you gave me a drink, sick and you cared for me, in prison and you came to me, a stranger and you welcomed me.” It is from the Greek word agape that the Latin word caritas derives, from which we get (of course) the English word charity.
Presenter: Dr. Dave Hartman has a B.A. in History from Lynchburg College, a Master of Divinity degree from Vanderbilt University, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Lexington Theological Seminary. He also has over forty years of parish ministry, where he addressed religious issues on both a pastoral and scholarly basis. Hartman attained six hours of accredited post-doctoral work at the University of Oxford in the summer of 2012. He has been published in various religious journals. Dave Hartman is the former Coordinator of the MSU Lifelong Learning Center.
THE LARRY MCMURTY I KNEW
Larry McMurtry was a dear friend and mentor. For a dozen years, I teamed up with Larry to conduct creative writing workshops in his hometown of Archer City, TX. I enjoyed a close-up view of Larry’s personality –his idiosyncrasies, eccentricities, habits, superstitions, whimsies, wit, and wry humor. For example, Larry believed that his 3-story mansion was haunted, which is why he refused to sleep there. (Instead, he slept at a bed-and-breakfast place in town called The Lonesome Dove Inn). Larry also was not comfortable around strangers, which is why some customers who frequented his bookshop in Archer City considered him aloof, even a curmudgeon. But if you somehow landed his inner circle, Larry was a “connoisseur of friendship,” as Michael Korda, his editor, put it. Larry was particularly drawn to strong, independent-minded women. Before his death in March 2021, Larry was working on a manuscript about his enduring relationships with Diana Ossana, Cybill Sheperd, Diane Keaton, Beverly Lowry, and many other famous and not-so-famous women in his life. The working title of the manuscript “62 Women.” It is no secret that Larry McMurtry is Texas’ greatest novelist, screenwriter, and book collector. But to fully appreciate this artist for ages, we will explore elements of Larry’s personality that will help explain why, for example, he called himself a “a minor regional novelist” even though literary critics around the world disputed his claim.
Presenter: George Getschow is a Pulitzer Prize finalist and winner of the Robert F. Kennedy Award for distinguished writing about the underprivileged. He was inducted into the Texas Institute of Letters in 2012 for “distinctive literary achievement.” He spent 16 years at The Wall Street Journal as a writer, editor, bureau chief and Mexico correspondent. He spent 12 years serving as writer-in-residence and co-founder of the nationally renowned Mayborn Literary Nonfiction Conference. During that same period, he teamed up with Larry McMurtry to conduct writing workshops in McMurtry’s hometown of Archer City, TX. After McMurtry’s death in 2021, Getschow curated and edited Pastures of the Empty Page, an acclaimed literary anthology about Larry McMurtry’s epic life as a cowboy, novelist, screenwriter, and bibliophile. Today, as director of the Larry McMurtry Literary Center in Archer City, his mission is to preserve and perpetuate Larry’s epic life and legacy as one of the most influential writers of the 20th century.
The mysterious disappearance of Michael Rockefeller in New Guinea in 1961 kept the world and his powerful, influential family guessing for years. In Savage Harvest, Carl Hoffman uncovers startling new evidence that finally tells the full, astonishing story. Despite exhaustive searches, no trace of Rockefeller was ever found. Soon after his disappearance, rumors surfaced that he had been killed and ceremonially eaten by the local Asmat—an indigenous tribe of warriors whose complex culture was built around sacred, reciprocal violence, head hunting, and ritual cannibalism. The Dutch government and the Rockefeller family denied the story, and Michael's death was officially ruled a drowning. Yet doubts lingered. Sensational rumors and stories circulated, fueling speculation and intrigue for decades. Retracing Rockefeller's steps, award-winning journalist Carl Hoffman traveled to the jungles of New Guinea, immersing himself in a world of headhunters and cannibals, secret spirits and customs, and getting to know generations of Asmat. Through exhaustive archival research, he uncovered never-before-seen original documents and located witnesses willing to speak publicly after fifty years. In Savage Harvest he finally solves this decades-old mystery and illuminates a culture transformed by years of colonial rule, whose people continue to be shaped by ancient customs and lore. Combining history, art, colonialism, adventure, and ethnography, Savage Harvest is a mesmerizing whodunit, and a fascinating portrait of the clash between two civilizations that resulted in the death of one of America's richest and most powerful scions. In this slideshow, Hoffman uses photos and videos from his search to tell the full story.
Presenter: Carl Hoffman is the New York Times Easterling author of Savage Harvest: A Tale of Cannibals, Colonialism and Michael Rockefeller’s Tragic Quest for Primitive Art, The Last Wild Men of Borneo: A True Story of Death and Treasure, The Lunatic Express: Discovering the World Via It’s Most Dangerous Buses, Boats, Trains and Planes, Liar’s Circus: A Strange and Terrifying Journey into the Upside-Down World of Trump’s MAGA Rallies, and Hunting Arbors: The Obsessive Quest for the Lost Airplanes of World War II. Savage Harvest was a New York Times Editors’ Choice, a New York Times bestseller, a notable Washington Post book of the year, a Kirkus best book of the year, an Amazon nonfiction book of the year, and has been translated into ten languages. The Lunatic Express was named one of the ten best books of the year by The Wall Street Journal. The Last Wild Men of Borneo received starred reviews in Library Journal, Kirkus Reviews and Publisher’s Weekly, and was a finalist for the Edgar Awards and the Banff Mountain Adventure Book Awards. Over the past three decades he has reported from 80 countries, covering stories about exploration, adventure, technology, and indigenous culture. He is a former contributing editor at Wired, National Geographic Traveler, Popular Mechanics, and Islands magazines, and is current contributor at The Washington Post Book World. He is a native of Washington, D.C. and the father of three adult children, and grandfather of two.
Love walking, fresh air, and the great outdoors? Join us every Wednesday morning at the Priddy Pavilion for a refreshing walk around Sikes Lake! This scenic trail is one of the highlights of our new museum location, and we are excited to share it with you. Whether you are a seasoned walker or just starting out, we welcome all fitness levels, paces, and distances. Bring a friend, your dog, or simply yourself—headphones optional! After the walk, stick around for coffee and friendly conversation if you have time. No need to sign up or preregister—just show up and enjoy! Let’s make Wednesdays our walking day!
Since entering the practice of Pharmacy in 1977 and retiring from full time practice in 2017, the practice of pharmacy has changed drastically. Rick will try to show how pharmacy law changes, patient medical counseling, computer technology changes, and other concepts have contributed to these changes in Pharmacy practices today. Being a community Pharmacists has given him a lifetime of interactions with pharmacy patients. These interactions have been rewarding and at times emotional and humorous.
Presenter: Rick Christy grew up in a pharmacy environment. His father had a pharmacy in East Texas for 10 years before moving to Wichita Falls in January 1959. He built and owned Christy Rexall Pharmacy in 1961 which was destroyed by the 1979 tornado. Rick served in the U.S. Army 1968-71 as a medical Corpsman/Clinical Specialist serving 1 year in Vietnam in 1970. He obtained a BS in Biology in 1974 from MSU and graduated from Southwestern Oklahoma State University School of Pharmacy in 1977. He married Kathy Bousquet in 1968, and they have two sons and two grandsons. He has practiced Pharmacy in Wichita Falls for 47 years. He also served as a pharmacist Nursing Home consultant for over 20 years part time. He has served the MSU Ex-Students Council, MHMR Board and past member of American Pharmaceutical Association, Texas Pharmaceutical Association and Nortex Pharmaceutical Association. He currently works occasionally as a Relief Pharmacist in the area.
Want to know about submarines — their history, high-tech gadgets, and why anyone would live underwater in a metal tube for months? Then watch YouTube. But if you want questionable stories about underwater life from someone who has done it, join Gary as he tries to keep you awake and give you a taste of what happens under the seas. Expect duct tape, bad coffee, close quarters, and a few things that might even be true.
Presenter: Gary Silverman is a U.S. Navy submarine veteran who has forgotten more than he remembers, but he has agreed (under unclear circumstances) to talk about life beneath the waves. In the Navy, he served aboard the USS John Marshall (SSN-611) and USS Henry L. Stimson (SSBN-655) and taught at the Naval Nuclear Power Training Unit (NPTU) in Ballston Spa, NY. After the Navy, Gary taught at the Comanche Peak Steam Electric Station (a fancy title trying to hide that it is a nuclear power plant). After earning the Certified Financial Planner designation, about 32 years ago he founded Personal Money Planning, an investment management and retirement planning firm, where he still works.
Love walking, fresh air, and the great outdoors? Join us every Wednesday morning at the Priddy Pavilion for a refreshing walk around Sikes Lake! This scenic trail is one of the highlights of our new museum location, and we are excited to share it with you. Whether you are a seasoned walker or just starting out, we welcome all fitness levels, paces, and distances. Bring a friend, your dog, or simply yourself—headphones optional! After the walk, stick around for coffee and friendly conversation if you have time. No need to sign up or preregister—just show up and enjoy! Let’s make Wednesdays our walking day!
Do you love books? Are you often looking for people to discuss literature with? You might want to consider joining the LLC Book Club. We choose specific books to read at the beginning of the semester and then meet to discuss the book we have agreed upon for the month. This club is very informal. We meet on the first Wednesday of each month to give our opinions, likes, and dislikes. We try to learn a little about the author and their motivation for writing. ANYONE can come. There is no sign-up or pre-qualification other than having read the book, and we are lenient about that!
Book titles will be included in the newsletter.
Grapevine, Texas, established in 1844, is the oldest settlement in Tarrant County. Originally named "Grape Vine" due to the abundance of wild grapes on the Grape Vine Prairie, it began as a rural farming community. The town's history is marked by its development from an agricultural center to a vibrant suburb within the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, influenced by the arrival of the railroad and later, DFW International Airport. Following our guided tour, we will have time to take in the town’s festive Christmas decorations and enjoy a bit of holiday shopping!
Love walking, fresh air, and the great outdoors? Join us every Wednesday morning at the Priddy Pavilion for a refreshing walk around Sikes Lake! This scenic trail is one of the highlights of our new museum location, and we are excited to share it with you. Whether you are a seasoned walker or just starting out, we welcome all fitness levels, paces, and distances. Bring a friend, your dog, or simply yourself—headphones optional! After the walk, stick around for coffee and friendly conversation if you have time. No need to sign up or preregister—just show up and enjoy! Let’s make Wednesdays our walking day!
Love walking, fresh air, and the great outdoors? Join us every Wednesday morning at the Priddy Pavilion for a refreshing walk around Sikes Lake! This scenic trail is one of the highlights of our new museum location, and we are excited to share it with you. Whether you are a seasoned walker or just starting out, we welcome all fitness levels, paces, and distances. Bring a friend, your dog, or simply yourself—headphones optional! After the walk, stick around for coffee and friendly conversation if you have time. No need to sign up or preregister—just show up and enjoy! Let’s make Wednesdays our walking day!