Upcoming Lectures

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• Lecture – Beyond Politics: The Content of Wisconsin’s Character, Past & Present

  • When
    October 09, 2025
  •  
    1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
  • Location
    Oakwood Village University Woods Arts & Education Center

   

  
  

  Beyond Politics: the Content of Wisconsin's Character, Past & Present

  
  

  Thursday, October 9 from 1:30-3:00 p.m.

  
  

  In-Person at Oakwood Village University Woods

  Arts & Education Center

  
  

  6205 Mineral Point Road

  
  

  Registration is Not Required

  FREE PARKING
  

  
  

  Mike McCabe brings a farming background and a lifetime of experience in politics, journalism, nonprofit leadership and public sector management to his writing. He ran a spirited underdog campaign for governor of Wisconsin in 2018. Earlier he started the grassroots group Blue Jean Nation and for 15 years led the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, an independent watchdog group that tracks the money in state elections and works for reforms making people matter more than money in politics. In that role, Mike blew the whistle on wrongdoing by elected officials and earned a reputation as one of the nation’s best political money trackers.

  He was recognized by the Society of Professional Journalists and Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council as the “Citizen Openness Advocate of the Year” for 2012, and the University of Wisconsin’s School of Journalism honored him with its Distinguished Service Award in 2015.

   Over the years, his work attracted the attention of national news networks including ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox, NBC, MSNBC, NPR and Al-Jazeera America, as well as newspapers including The New York Times, Washington Post, USA Today and Wall Street Journal, and magazines such as Time and New Yorker. He also has been a frequent guest on news programs and talk shows on television and radio stations in Wisconsin and around the country. A dynamic and much sought-after public speaker, Mike has made more than 2,000 presentations to a wide range of audiences over the course of his career.

  Mike is the author of three books including Blue Jeans in High Places: The Coming Makeover of American Politics, published in 2014 and currently in its fourth printing, Unscrewing America released in 2020, and Miracles Along County Q released at the end of 2024.  Mike will have these books for sale at the conclusion of his lecture.

                                                                                         

  
  

  
  

                                                     

  ________________________________________

  Transportation Options:

  
  

  Bicycle:  Bike racks are available

  
  

  Bus: The BRT Route A bus  runs every 15 minutes and stops in front of Oakwood at the Island/Mineral Point station.  

  
  

  Car: 
  

  • Use the Island Drive entrance at 6205 Mineral Point Road.
  •  Veer left and follow the drive to the 2nd driveway with sign “Heritage Oaks Parking Garage.”
  •  Turn right into driveway.
  •   Press the buzzer and the Oakwood desk attendant will buzz you in. There are 70 parking stalls. Park in any visitor or non-reserved stall. Take the elevator up one floor to the main entrance, turn right and walk through the mail box area into the lobby. Ask at the desk for directions to the Performing Arts Center.
  • When you exit the underground parking, the garage door opens automatically.
  • _________________________

  Questions?  Contact lecture organizer Barbara Drake at barbaradrake21@gmail.com

  Show details
• Lecture – Immigration Law History & Current Status

  • When
    October 23, 2025
  •  
    1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
  • Location
    Oakwood Village University Woods Arts & Education Center

   

  Immigration Law History & Current Status

  
  

  Thursday, October 23 from 1:30-3:00 p.m.

  
  

  In-Person at Oakwood Village University Woods

  Arts & Education Center

  
  

  6205 Mineral Point Road

  
  

  Registration is Not Required

  FREE PARKING
  

  
  

  Join us for an engaging presentation on the history and current status of U.S. immigration law. We’ll trace how immigration policy has evolved over the decades, from the earliest federal laws to modern debates shaping today’s headlines. Along the way, we’ll explore the social, political, and economic forces that influenced these changes and take a close look at the challenges and opportunities facing our immigration system now. Whether you’re curious about the past, concerned about the present, or thinking about the future, this talk will offer valuable insights into one of the most important issues of our time.

  Raluca Vais-Ottosen earned her master’s in law (LL.M) from the Louisiana State University in 2004.  She is originally from Romania, where she obtained a law degree from the Spiru Haret University Law School, and a B.S. from Petru Rares National College. She is Chair of Dewitt Law Firm’s Immigration practice group and assists clients with U.S. immigration matters ranging from family-based and individual immigration applications to employment related visas and work authorization.

  Raluca Vais-Ottosen was elected to serve as the Chair of the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) in June 2025. AILA is the largest and most reputable immigration bar association in the United States  with 39 chapters nationwide. With extensive experience in immigration law, Raluca has long been committed to helping individuals, families, and businesses navigate complex immigration matters.                                    

  ________________________________________

  Transportation Options:

  
  

  Bicycle:  Bike racks are available

  
  

  Bus: The BRT Route A bus  runs every 15 minutes and stops in front of Oakwood at the Island/Mineral Point station.  

  
  

  Car: 
  

  • Use the Island Drive entrance at 6205 Mineral Point Road.
  •  Veer left and follow the drive to the 2nd driveway with sign “Heritage Oaks Parking Garage.”
  •  Turn right into driveway.
  •   Press the buzzer and the Oakwood desk attendant will buzz you in. There are 70 parking stalls. Park in any visitor or non-reserved stall. Take the elevator up one floor to the main entrance, turn right and walk through the mail box area into the lobby. Ask at the desk for directions to the Performing Arts Center.
  • When you exit the underground parking, the garage door opens automatically.
  • _________________________

  Questions?  Contact lecture organizer Barbara Drake at barbaradrake21@gmail.com

  Show details
• Lecture – Beyond Alexa & Siri: AI, Your Digital Dignity, and an Empowered Future

  • When
    November 06, 2025
  •  
    1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
  • Location
    Oakwood Village University Woods Arts & Education Center

   

  Beyond Alexa & Siri:

  AI, Your Digital Dignity, and an Empowered Future 

  
  

  Thursday, November 6 from 1:30-3:00 p.m.

  
  

  In-Person at Oakwood Village University Woods

  Arts & Education Center

  
  

  6205 Mineral Point Road

  
  

  Registration is Not Required

  FREE PARKING
  

  
  

  This lecture will provide a compelling and empowering introduction to AI, focusing on the crucial concept of digital dignity for older adults. It balances fundamental understanding with the practical benefits and ethical considerations. It aims to introduce AI as a tool that can enhance the lives of older adults, provided it is developed and used in a way that respects their dignity, independence, and agency, while also offering a glimpse into practical applications.

  
  

  Dr. Hank Weiss (PhD, MPH, MS) is an experienced epidemiologist and AI advocate at JBS International, passionately promoting the transformation of work through effective and ethical AI use. He earned his PhD in epidemiology from the University of Pittsburgh and has worked in infectious disease control, trauma and poison control systems, public health surveillance, and injury prevention. His career spans decades, characterized by scholarship, leadership, and peer recognition, especially for his contributions to injury prevention research and practice. This includes leading groundbreaking studies on maternal and child health risks, directing Wisconsin's response to the opioid crisis, and providing expert guidance to local agencies. He has a deep, practical understanding of the challenges faced by practitioners at the intersections of science, policy, implementation, and evaluation. As an innovation-driven professional, Dr. Weiss now focuses on the transformative potential of artificial intelligence. Fun facts: he enjoys playing pickleball, hiking, biking, and lived in New Zealand for five years. He is married with two grown daughters and is currently looking for a new dog.               

  ________________________________________

  Transportation Options:

  
  

  Bicycle:  Bike racks are available

  
  

  Bus: The BRT Route A bus  runs every 15 minutes and stops in front of Oakwood at the Island/Mineral Point station.  

  
  

  Car: 
  

  • Use the Island Drive entrance at 6205 Mineral Point Road.
  •  Veer left and follow the drive to the 2nd driveway with sign “Heritage Oaks Parking Garage.”
  •  Turn right into driveway.
  •   Press the buzzer and the Oakwood desk attendant will buzz you in. There are 70 parking stalls. Park in any visitor or non-reserved stall. Take the elevator up one floor to the main entrance, turn right and walk through the mail box area into the lobby. Ask at the desk for directions to the Performing Arts Center.
  • When you exit the underground parking, the garage door opens automatically.
  • _________________________

  Questions?  Contact lecture organizer Barbara Drake at barbaradrake21@gmail.com

  Show details
• Lecture - Coping with Loss: The Empty Chair

  • When
    November 20, 2025
  •  
    10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
  • Location
    Oakwood Village University Woods Arts & Education Center

   

  Coping with Loss:  The Empty Chair

  
  

  Thursday, November 20 from 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

  
  

  In-Person at Oakwood Village University Woods

  Arts & Education Center

  
  

  6205 Mineral Point Road

  
  

  Registration is Not Required

  FREE PARKING

  Please note that this lecture is scheduled for 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
  

  
  

  In her lecture, Peggy Weber will discuss the impact of loss on persons who are experiencing loss due to illness, death, significant family changes, jobs and/or any of the myriad losses affecting persons on their journey through life. In addition she will highlight coping strategies for effectively dealing with grief.

  Peggy Reese Weber started her career in nursing in 1969 as a staff nurse in psychiatry, then transferred to oncology in 1977, where her lifelong interest in cancer care and education began. She returned to school at Edgewood College to earn her bachelor’s degree in nursing and, as a part of that program, developed an 8-week support curriculum for high school students with cancer. The program was named, “Kids Can Cope.” Peggy went on to develop other age-appropriate curriculum for patients affected by cancer and grief and facilitated children’s groups throughout Dane County. Peggy went on to earn her master’s degree in nursing, developing programs, retreats and critical nursing interventions for people experiencing grief and loss.

  Peggy Weber’s life commitment is, “Once a nurse, always a nurse.” After working for 45 years as a mental health advocate for patients and staff, a grief counselor, and facilitator for “I Can Cope,” Peggy retired, but her passion for nursing did not! Today she continues to organize grief support groups throughout the community. She is a certified grief counselor, and has implemented programs for survivors of suicide, death and loss, and cancer in addition to their family members and supporters. She shares her wisdom as an active member on a variety of community boards. She has been awarded the Distinguished Service Award from United Way of Dane County and, in 2024, received the Alumni Dominican Mission Award from Edgewood University. Peggy has great energy, insight and love for all who need a listening ear and a kind voice of reassurance.

  ________________________________________

  Transportation Options:

  
  

  Bicycle:  Bike racks are available

  
  

  Bus: The BRT Route A bus  runs every 15 minutes and stops in front of Oakwood at the Island/Mineral Point station.  

  
  

  Car: 
  

  • Use the Island Drive entrance at 6205 Mineral Point Road.
  •  Veer left and follow the drive to the 2nd driveway with sign “Heritage Oaks Parking Garage.”
  •  Turn right into driveway.
  •   Press the buzzer and the Oakwood desk attendant will buzz you in. There are 70 parking stalls. Park in any visitor or non-reserved stall. Take the elevator up one floor to the main entrance, turn right and walk through the mail box area into the lobby. Ask at the desk for directions to the Performing Arts Center.
  • When you exit the underground parking, the garage door opens automatically.
  • _________________________

  Questions?  Contact lecture organizer Barbara Drake at barbaradrake21@gmail.com

  Show details
• Lecture - Fun with Gorgeous Gladiolas!!

  • When
    December 09, 2025
  •  
    1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
  • Location
    Quarry Ridge Senior Living Community 2851 Fitchrona Rd., Fitchburg, WI

   

  
  

  Fun with Gorgeous Gladiolas!!

  
  

  Tuesday, December 9 from 1:30-3:00 p.m.

  
  

  In-Person at Quarry Ridge Senior Center

  
  

  2851 Fitchrona Rd., Fitchburg, WI  53719

  
  

  
  

  Registration is Not Required

  FREE PARKING
  

  
  

  In their lecture Jean and Dave Kollasch will share the challenges of raising gladiolas, hybridizing and developing new varieties and designing ways to show off their beauty in state and national competitions. You will be amazed at the number of varieties, sizes, and colors gladiolas come in! You will also see the outdoor garden boxes at Quarry Ridge in which Dave and Jean grow gladiolas during the summer!

  

  After college Jean and Dave bought a home on a 3-acre lot in Madison where Dave worked in agricultural economics and Jean worked for 30 years as a healthcare dietitian, helping to oversee local and state guidelines related to food provided in healthcare settings. Dave became interested in gladiolas and that interest became the focus of their lives. They worked together to raise and hybridize gladiolas, developing new varieties of the flower. In addition, they not only entered their glads in state and national competitions but also judged the gladiola competition at the Wisconsin State Fair for many years.

  Please Note:  This lecture will be held at the Quarry Ridge Senior Living Community, 2851 Fitchrona Rd., Fitchburg, WI  53719.  Parking is available immediately in front of the facility. Free valet parking will also be available at the main entrance.  The lecture will be held in the Performing Arts Center located to the right of the main lobby.

  Questions?  Contact lecture organizer Barbara Drake at   barbaradrake21@gmail.com

  Show details