This series of classes features speakers who will keep you informed about a myriad of things happening in our world community. The scope of the topics will interest and amaze you—from government leaders to astronomy; from travel opportunities to how to cope with Medicare; from performers from the Houston Grand Opera to DNA; from religious tolerance to healthy aging.
This class meets from 11:15 AM until 12:15 PM on designated Thursdays
(when LEOH is in session)
The Spring 2026 session begins March 12 with registration.
Classes follow on consecutive Thursdays, ending on April 30.
See the scheduled list of speakers and topics below.
March 19 THE GREAT GALVESTON STORM OF 1900
Greg Funderburk, Minister for Pastoral Care, South Main Baptist Church, and attorney at Funderburk & Funderburk, discusses his book The Mourning Wave, about the storm.
March 26 COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS (CIS) OF HOUSTON
Kathryn Medina, BA, MS, Director of Strategic Partnerships, explains the role of CIS in providing community support to students to empower them to stay in school and achieve in life.
April 2 WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL, GREATER HOUSTON
Ronan O’Malley, Chief Programs Officer, Director of the Global Affairs & U.S. Foreign Policy Institute, World Affairs Council of Greater Houston, discusses their focus on China, Russia, and other countries.
April 9 THOMAS JEFFERSON, FOUNDING FATHER
John Boles, retired Rice University professor, discusses his research and book on Thomas Jefferson, Lawyer, Scientist, Plantation Owner, and signer of the Declaration of Independence.
April 16 HEALTHY AGING
Maureen Beck, UT Physicians Center for Healthy Aging , tells us what we can do to improve our quality of life as seniors.
April 23 PATTERNS OF LIBERATION: THE QUILT CODE OF THE
UNDERGROUND RAILROAD
Patricia Henderson, aka Lady Trish, imagines and creates quilts as part of the Jubilee Quilt Circle, currently in residency at the Glassell School of Art. She elaborates on their work and quilting inspirations, and the interconnections of quilting and sewing.
April 30 FERMENTED FOODS – THE HEALTHY BENEFITS
Scott Sheridan, entrepreneur and owner of Scotty’s Fermented Foods, educates us on the health benefits of live-culture, fermented products, and provides us with a demonstration. Examples of fermented foods include sauerkraut, kimchi, and yogurt.
