PLATO

Feb. 11    Majesty and Light: The Making of the King James Bible  

OLLI member Cleve Callison, Ph.D., takes us back to Elizabethan England, an era of epic Protestant, Puritan and Catholic battles and general turmoil, followed by the ascension of James I and the language?of Ben Jonson, Christopher Marlowe, Francis Bacon and William Shakespeare. King James oversaw the compilation of a new book by six teams of scholars that revolutionized its predecessors and profoundly influenced Christianity, other religions and the language we speak today. 

Feb. 18    Staying Physically, Mentally and Cognitively Healthy Throughout Life  

UNCW Professor of Nursing Tammy Arms, Ph.D., DNP, discusses how to maintain the good cognitive, mental and physical health essential for healthy aging. She outlines how staying cognitively active and productive and engaging in activities that challenge the brain can help maintain mental acuity. She also speaks to physical well-being, underscoring how incorporating exercises that improve flexibility, strength, balance and endurance can contribute to overall health. 

Feb. 25     Developing Affordable Housing 

Stephanie Norris, PE, of Norco Management Company, Inc., specializes in developing affordable housing.?She helps provide homes for area residents who find it almost impossible to afford them. Her recent success was Estrella Landing, a development off Gordon Road. She is currently building an affordable apartment community for people 55+ on Carolina Beach Road. Norris discusses obtaining funding and her experiences working with contractors, architects and engineers. 

March 11 Cape Fear Ships and the Merchant Mariners Who Sailed Them 

John Moseley, manager of the North Carolina Maritime Museum in Southport, recounts how more than 2,700 ships were built in our region between 1941-44. These ships went on to sail around the world, taking part in the most important campaigns of WWII. Thousands of people signed up for this unknown and uncelebrated part of the war effort. 

March 18         Lights, Camera, Action! 

In the film and television industry, Wilmington is known as Wilmywood or Hollywood East. Since 1983 when producer Dino De Laurentiis came to the region to produce the film “Fire Starter,” Wilmington has produced more than 150 feature films and 175 television productions. Holli Saperstein, executive director of the Wilmington Railroad Museum and a professional actor, talks about the history of the local film business, behind-the-scenes experiences on film sets and the iconic productions made here. 

March 25        GLOW Academy: Making a Positive Impact  

Principal Kate Tayloe of the Girls Leadership Academy of Wilmington shares the positive and lasting impact her dedicated staff is making on young women in our community. Through the school’s whole-girl education model, students are provided with a supportive, caring environment and a rigorous curriculum that fosters personal and academic growth, leadership development and a college-oriented culture.  

April 1        Making Informed Decisions About Your Medications     

As we grow older, prescription drugs can become a larger part of our already busy lives. However, navigating the various medications and the many facets of the health care system can be puzzling and complicated. Local pharmacist Barbara Katell offers helpful information about common prescriptions and over-the-counter medications, our role in their safe use and how to ask the right questions. 

April 8         Mysteries about Lighthouses 

From the Frying Pans Shoals to the rocky Maine Coast and beyond, mysterious events involving lighthouses have occurred over the years. OLLI member Herb Strickler shares stories, tales and unique facts about lighthouses, along with information on how they work and where you can find them. He presents photos and videos of these structures amid shocking storms and massive surf as well as little-known tidbits of lighthouse lore.