Tuesdays | October 6, 13, 20, 27
10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
October 6
Songs of Lincoln and the Civil War
Moderator | Michael Wildermuth and Conkers
Through quotations, anecdotes and songs, insight into the life of Abraham Lincoln and the U.S. Civil War will be presented. Some may be familiar, some may be new, and some you may have forgotten. Come to be enlightened, amused, entertained, and, perhaps, moved.
October 13
The Famous, the Infamous, and the Forgotten
Moderator | Grant Sullivan
You’ve heard about Ben Faurot, and you know the history of Kewpee. But do
you know the stories of Lima natives who helped design the Biltmore Mansion,
co-starred with Clark Gable and Joan Crawford, and created the first illuminated
signs for New York’s Times Square? We will learn about prominent citizens for
which many of Lima’s streets are named and then go on to explore the heroes
and villains of Lima’s past that have been forgotten.
October 20
Heroes Sung and Unsung – Lima during
World War II
Moderator | Karlyn Laurer
Karlyn will discuss Lima in the 1940s and how the war impacted Lima and the
many ordinary people who stepped to the forefront to “do their bit” for the USA.
October 27
What the Founders Agreed Upon in the World of 1787
Moderator | Dr. Jason Opal, dean and director, Ohio State Mansfield
The presentation will focus on the motivations of the framers at the Constitutional Convention.
1:00 to 2:30 p.m.
October 6
The History of Memorial Hall
Moderator | Mark Billingsley
Come learn about one of Lima’s local landmarks. Memorial Hall is a historic
performing arts center and former city hall on the corner of Elm and Elizabeth
streets in downtown Lima. It was built in 1908 in honor of local military veterans.
October 13
What’s Happening in Lima
Moderator | Sharetta Smith, mayor of the City of Lima
Come join us to hear Mayor Smith talk about new developments in Lima.
October 20
Monarchs – Recent Research on Their Status
Moderator | Carol McKinley
Topics covered in this class will be the Monarch life cycle, their amazing migration, why they are endangered, and what we can do to help them rebound.
October 27
How the Red Cross Helps
Moderator | Jennifer Sexton, executive director American Red Cross
We will learn some of the many ways the American Red Cross helps Americans
during times of difficulty.
2:45 to 4:15 p.m.
October 6
Civil War History of the 112th Volunteer Infantry – Soldiers From This Area
Moderator | Mike Klinger
Mike will discuss the men from Allen, Van Wert, Putnam and surrounding
counties who volunteered to fight in the Civil War. Maybe you also have a
relative who fought – Mike may have some information to share.
October 13
United Way of Greater Lima
Moderator | Erin Hardesty
Discover how United Way of Greater Lima has been bringing our community
together to improve lives for more than a century. This presentation will explore
our history, mission, the impact of local giving, the work of our partner agencies,
and the many ways community members can get involved to help improve lives
throughout Allen County.
October 20
Medicinal and Other Herbs: Nature’s Chemical Factories
Moderator | David Kinder
The class will examine herbals as used historically and currently for health benefits. The class will include a presentation of what modern drugs were discovered first in plants, and how or why some of the compounds were modified to make them pharmacologically more useful, as well as some common herbal preparations that can be made in your kitchen. Also, the pitfalls of using plants/natural products will be highlighted.
October 27
A surprise
Moderator | To be announced
We’re actively lining up a fantastic guest speaker for this slot! We’re putting the
finishing touches on the details and will officially announce our speaker during
the first week of classes. Stay tuned.
Thursdays | October 8, 15, 22, 29
10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
October 8
Science Behind Healthy Aging
Moderator | Karen Kier
This class will provide recent scientific evidence on aging related to both our chronological age and our biological age. The course will describe testing methods for biological age and how our cells age over time. Early evidence on ways to reverse the biological aging of the cells with lifestyle modifications will be provided.
October 15
Beginnings of High School Football in Allen County
Moderator | Mike Buettner
Are you a football fan or maybe just interested in football history? Learn about the beginnings of high school football in the Allen County schools.
October 22
250 Years of Keeping Americans Healthy
Moderator | Dr. Norman O. Moser
In this class we will:
• Study the history of health care in America
• Study the discovery of X-rays
• Study the discovery of the polio vaccine
• Study the discovery of insulin
October 29
My 40 Years as a Boxing Official
Moderator | Frank Garza
A graduate of Delphos St. John’s, Frank has officiated boxing all over the world. He has appeared on ABC, CBS and HBO networks and was inducted into the Ohio Boxing Hall of Fame in 2026.
1:00 to 2:30 p.m.
October 8
Lima/Allen County Chamber of Commerce: From Global Origins to Local Impact
Moderator | Josh Unterbrink, president and CEO, Lima/Allen County
Chamber of Commerce
This presentation explores the fascinating history of chambers of commerce,
tracing their beginnings around the world and examining how this enduring
model of business advocacy spread to communities like ours. Founded in 1887
during the early days of the region’s oil boom, the Lima/Allen County Chamber of
Commerce has served as a champion for local businesses for nearly 140 years.
Attendees will learn how our chamber fits into a larger global story and how
its mission has evolved to meet the changing needs of Allen County’s business community.
October 15
Lima’s Oldest Storyteller
Moderator | David Trinko, editor of the Lima News
One constant in Lima and Allen County over the past 140-plus years has
been its local newspaper. Learn the history of our local paper, from the Daily
Democratic Times in 1884 to the Lima News of today. You’ll also get the inside
scoop on how local media does its job and today’s economics of sharing stories
of this community.
October 22
History of the Apollo Career Center
Moderator | Keith Horner, superintendent, Apollo Career Center
This presentation will include current programs and how Career Technical
Education has gone from a lesser path to a better educational option.
October 29
The History of Music in Lima
MODERATOR | Dale R. Laukhuf
Discussion will include the history of music in Lima, pre 1968 and 1968 to the
present; including the Ray Coleson Orchestra, the Lima Area Concert Band and
the Lima Symphony Orchestra.
2:45 to 4:15 p.m.
October 8
Understanding Dementia: What Every
Family Should Know
MODERATOR | Dr. Kelly Schroeder
Dementia is one of the most important health challenges of our time, affecting approximately 50 million people worldwide – a number expected to more than double by 2050. This lecture is designed to help community members understand what dementia is, how to recognize its early signs, what can be done to reduce risk, and how to support a loved one living with this condition. Knowledge is the first step toward better care, earlier diagnosis, and a more compassionate community.
October 15
Lima/Allen County Economic Development and School Choice/School Vouchers
MODERATOR | Jon E. Rockhold
This will be a facilitated discussion to explain and explore the how and why
businesses and international industries choose the Lima/ Allen County region to
settle and thrive. Panelists include Dave Stratton and Cindy Leis.
October 22
My Life of Baseball Fandom
MODERATOR | Scott Little
Over the course of Nine Innings, Scott will discuss his lifelong interest in baseball. He will share funny stories, his favorite places, players and collectibles and how being a baseball fan has enriched his life.
October 29
The 2026 Midterm Elections
MODERATOR | Dr. William Angel
In this important midterm election cycle. We will have lots of interesting things to
discuss:
• The war in Iran – What impact will this event have in election.
• What are the major domestic issues?
• Beyond the war in Iran – What other foreign policy issues could impact
the election?
• How will domestic issues affect midterm 2026?