STILLWATER TOWN HALL
Mondays 10a-12p, 2/17-4/15
February 17
Topic: Navigating the Wild World of Supplements
You walk into a supplement store after hearing that Ashwa-something is good for your immune system. An employee quickly greets you and offers Ashwa-whatever and 10 other supplements for your immune system, cholesterol, hormone levels, aching joints, mental sharpness and watching your weight. A couple of hundred dollars later, you are unsure what just happened. Could you navigate that better in the future? This speaker will help equip you to navigate the wild world of supplements.
Speaker: Jill Joyce, PhD, RD
Dr. Jill Joyce, a Registered Dietitian who hates kale, is Associate Professor and Co-director of the Tactical Fitness and Nutrition Lab at Oklahoma State University. She is originally from Pittsburgh, PA, and after graduation, spent nine years moving around the country with her husband for his active-duty Army service working in a variety of settings as a dietitian. As a researcher, Jill investigates how healthy tactical athletes (fire, law enforcement, military) eat, why they eat the way they do, and effective interventions to help them fuel properly for health and performance.
February 24
Topic: Stillwater History
Discover Stillwater’s rich history through photos, artifacts, and engaging storytelling based on the Stillwater History Museum at the Sheerar. Come hear how the town has evolved over the years and enjoy a unique glimpse into its past. Whether you’re a history lover, collector, or just curious, this will deepen your connection to Stillwater and its vibrant heritage.
Speaker: Catarina DeAraujo, Executive director, Stillwater History Museum
Catarina de Araújo, Executive Director of the Stillwater History Museum, holds a BA in Journalism (2006), an MEd in Secondary Education (2011), and an MA in Art History (2021). An experienced classroom and museum educator, Catarina taught at the Chicago High School for the Arts and worked at several museums, including the Meadows Museum (Dallas), the OSU Museum of Art (Stillwater), and the Sam Noble Museum (Norman). Catarina is passionate about slow looking and object-based learning as she believes that observing museum items, whether paintings, fossils, or photographs, can unlock endless experiences and connections. Just recently, Catarina took a position as the Executive Director for the Stillwater History Museum at the Sheerar, where she looks forward to working to preserve and showcase Stillwater’s rich history.
March 3
Topic: The Tale of Genji Narrative Scrolls: Gender Relations in Japan’s Heian Period (794-1185)
Considered the world's first novel, "The Tale of Genji" (Genji Monogatari) was written in the early 11th century by Murasaki Shikibu, a noblewoman, poet and lady-in-waiting. In this lecture, we’ll explore the depiction of Japanese courtly life and the concept of "mono no aware" (the fragility of things); examine the 12th-century illustrated scroll, Genji Monogatari Emaki, which provides visual insight into the novel; and understand the unique aesthetic qualities, artistic techniques, and the impact on gender roles in medieval Japan and their influence on the contemporary period.
Speaker: Shaoqian Zhang, PhD
Dr. Shaoqian Zhang is an associate professor of art history at Oklahoma State University. She received her BA in traditional Chinese architecture from Beijing University, and MA and PhD in art history from Northwestern University. Professor Zhang’s research touches upon a wide variety of visual materials ranging from traditional East Asian architecture to contemporary art in China. She has published a number of articles that reflect her interests in print culture, military history, medium specificity and spectatorship in China’s modern period, appearing in journals such as Modern Art Asia, Transcultural Studies, Twentieth Century China, Dao: A Journal of Comparative Philosophy and Art in Print. She is the author of “Political Art and Posters” in Oxford Bibliographies of Chinese Studies. Professor Zhang received the 2017 Oklahoma State University College of Arts and Sciences Junior Faculty Award for Scholarly Excellence.
March 10:
Topic: Save, Organize & Share Your Photos
Are you overwhelmed with all the photos on your phone? Do you have boxes of photos and videos taking up space? Or worse you are unable to view them anymore because technology has changed. Learn how to get started organizing your photos. Learn about preserving your family history, photos and stories. You will also learn the ABCs of photo organizing including various ways to bring your photos and family stories to life with an easy workflow that will work for you.
Speaker: Lisa Kirkley, Educator
Lisa Kirkley is the owner and founder of Photo Solutions Forever, where she helps clients preserve photographs and other media. She earned her B.S. in Education at the University of Tulsa and her M.Ed. at Northeastern State University. She is a retired teacher and reading specialist who has taught all grade levels including the university at Langston and Northeastern State. Her passion for teaching combined with her hobby of memory keeping came together when she started helping people tell their stories and preserve their photographs.
March 17
SPRING BREAK
No OLLI gatherings this week
March 24
Topic: Say What?! Steps to Take If You Suspect a Hearing Loss
One in three people over age 65 has some amount of hearing loss. Come learn what steps to take if you suspect a loss in yourself or others. Also, learn about low-cost and no-cost resources that most people don't know. You never know who it might benefit.
Speaker: Diana Emerson
Diana is the Community Resources Coordinator at the Center for Individuals with Physical Challenges. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Deaf and Elementary Education from the University of Tulsa and a master’s degree in human relations from OU-Tulsa. Diana began her career teaching language arts to hearing children before joining a nonprofit dedicated to serving deaf individuals in 1988. She became a state-certified sign language interpreter in the early 1990s and has been nationally certified for over 20 years through the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf. With a career spanning 36 years, Diana has worked in community relations roles supporting individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, primarily through the Tulsa Speech and Hearing Association and now at the Center for Individuals with Physical Challenges. She has also facilitated a monthly support group for individuals who have lost their hearing later in life, a group she credits with enriching her understanding and approach to advocacy and education.
March 31
Topic: What's Old and New on Historic Route 66 (Part 1)
In this two-part series, we’ll explore the rich history and vibrant present of Route 66, from its early days to its status as America's Main Street. Discover the legacy of Cyrus Avery, the "Father of Route 66," and the businesses that have withstood nearly 100 years of tourism. Through vibrant photos and stories, “drive past” landmarks, wildlife, and natural habitats across all eight states. Plus, learn about upcoming centennial celebrations in 2026, with exciting events planned nationwide.
Speaker: Annette Murray, Educator
Annette Murray is the Concierge at Montereau Assisted Living, where she applies her educational background and experience to enhance the lives of residents. She holds a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Oklahoma State University and has completed partial doctoral work at the University of Oklahoma. Annette earned her bachelor’s degree from Mount Vernon College in Washington, DC. She has 22 years of experience as an educator, eight years as a School Library Media Specialist and five years of experience as a picture book author and public speaker.
April 7
Topic: What's Old and New on Historic Route 66 (Part 2)
The discussion continues. (Need not have attended part one last week to enjoy this presentation.) Explore the rich history and vibrant present of Route 66, from its early days to its status as America's Main Street. Discover the legacy of Cyrus Avery, the "Father of Route 66," and the businesses that have withstood nearly 100 years of tourism. Through vibrant photos and stories, “drive past” landmarks, wildlife, and natural habitats across all eight states. Plus, learn about upcoming centennial celebrations in 2026, with exciting events planned nationwide.
Speaker: Annette Murray, Educator
Annette Murray is the Concierge at Montereau Assisted Living, where she applies her educational background and experience to enhance the lives of residents. She holds a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Oklahoma State University and has completed partial doctoral work at the University of Oklahoma. Annette earned her bachelor’s degree from Mount Vernon College in Washington, DC. She has 22 years of experience as an educator, eight years as a School Library Media Specialist and five years of experience as a picture book author and public speaker.
April 14
Topic: TBD
Speaker: TBD