Lake Oswego Public Library

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In partnership with the Lake Oswego Public Library and Key Bank, the Senior Scholar Program offers free, engaging academic classes designed especially for older adults. Explore topics in history, humanities, science, and technology while connecting with peers and nurturing a lifelong love of learning. Space is limited—registration is required.

• Location: LO Adult Community Center
• Cost: Free for all participants
• Registration Required: Call (503) 635-3758
• Early registration is encouraged due to limited seating.

Upcoming Fall 2026 Lectures

The Neurobiology of Awe: Reshaping the Aging Brain

Thursday, September 10 • 10–11:30 a.m.

Location: LO Adult Community Center
Presented by Dr. Lynne Shinto, Professor of Neurology at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU)

Uncover the transformative power of wonder and its tangible biological impacts. Dr. Lynne Shinto walks us through how intentional, everyday moments of awe physically reshape the neural architecture of the aging brain. Discover the fascinating science behind how experiencing wonder sparks fresh neural pathways, lowers cellular inflammation, and actively stimulates cognitive vitality to keep our minds sharp and resilient.

About the Instructor:
Dr. Lynne Shinto is a Professor of Neurology at OHSU, focusing on neurological health, brain longevity, and integrative medical approaches to cognitive well-being.

Course ID: 34834 – Free

Chinese Cowboys of the American West: A Forgotten Legacy

Tuesday, October 6 • 10–11:30 a.m.

Location: LO Adult Community Center
Presented by Dale Hom, Author and Historical Researcher

Step onto the rugged, untamed frontier to uncover a vital yet frequently overlooked chapter of American heritage. Through meticulous historical research and vibrant archival illustrations, author Dale Hom brings the deeply impactful legacy of Chinese cowboys to life. Explore how these resilient individuals shaped the ranching industries and livestock traditions of the 19th-century American West despite structural and cultural hurdles.

About the Instructor:
Dale Hom is a dedicated author and researcher who specializes in unearthing and preserving marginalized histories and cultural narratives of the early American West.

Course ID: 34829 – Free

Linguistic Archaeology: The Story of Chinook Jargon

Thursday, November 5 • 10–11:30 a.m.

Location: LO Adult Community Center
Presented by David Douglas Robertson, PhD, Linguist and Historian

Unlock the profound linguistic history hidden within the early Pacific Northwest landscape. Dr. David Douglas Robertson guides us through a fascinating linguistic deep dive into Chinook Jargon, the historic trade language that blended Indigenous and European tongues. Learn how this unique hybrid form of communication served as a cultural bridge and vital economic lifeline that fundamentally shaped the early communities of the Willamette Valley.

About the Instructor:
Dr. David Douglas Robertson is an expert linguist and leading authority on Pacific Northwest languages, specializing in the historical preservation of regional dialects.

Course ID: 34830 – Free

The Carbon Footprint of the Cloud: Data, AI, and the Environment

Thursday, December 3 • 10–11:30 a.m.

Location: LO Adult Community Center
Presented by Dr. Christof Teuscher, Professor at Portland State University (PSU)

Look behind the digital curtain of our hyper-connected lives. PSU Professor Dr. Christof Teuscher reveals the immense, often invisible environmental impact of the massive data centers and straining power grids that fuel our daily internet use and the current AI boom. This talk breaks down the physical resource realities of modern technology and offers practical frameworks for practicing sustainable digital stewardship in our personal lives.

About the Instructor:
Dr. Christof Teuscher is a Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at PSU, researching next-generation computing architectures and the intersection of technology and sustainability.

Course ID: 34892 – Free

Program Highlights

• Diverse Course Offerings: Explore wide-ranging topics that stimulate curiosity and broaden understanding.
• Engaging Learning Environment: Lectures encourage thoughtful discussion and shared insights.
• Community Connection: Build relationships with fellow lifelong learners.
• Expert Instructors: Courses are taught by accomplished university scholars.
• Supports Cognitive Health & Well-Being: Lifelong learning promotes curiosity, connection, and mental vitality.

Registration Details

• Cost: Free for all participants
• Registration Required: Call (503) 635-3758
• Early registration is encouraged due to limited seating.

Past Talks

Explore recordings, resources, and summaries from previous Senior Scholar presentations:

Spring/Summer 2026 Lectures

• Who Tells the Story? (June 18, 2026)
  Presented by Dr. David G. Lewis, Oregon State University. Discover how Native histories are researched and reconstructed through federal archives. Highlights the importance of Indigenous perspectives and representation in reshaping historical narratives.
  OSU Faculty Profile | PSU Profile | NDN History Research Website
• The Global Rise of Authoritarianism (May 12, 2026)
  Presented by Dr. Lindsay J. Benstead, Portland State University. Discover the global forces shaping democracy today, including democratic backsliding, election interference, and the rise of authoritarian leaders worldwide.
  PSU Faculty Profile | Wilson Center Profile
• Social Media & Society (June 9, 2026)
  Presented by Donna Z. Davis, Ph.D., University of Oregon. Explore how social media has transformed relationships, civic life, and community, highlighting isolation, algorithm-driven polarization, and structural platform decline.
  UO Faculty Profile | Oregon Reality Lab
• CANCELLED - Protest in America (March 17, 2026)
  Presented by Dr. Patricia A. Schechter, Portland State University. An planned in-depth conversation about the history of protest movements, civic engagement, and social activism within the United States.
  PSU Faculty Profile

Archive Links

• Witches & Witch-Hunters: Fear and Power in History
  View Past Talk Summary
• Medical Gaslighting
  View Past Talk Summary
• The Epidemiology of Gun Violence
  View Past Talk Summary
• Deconstructing Deception: Understanding Conspiracy Theories
  View Past Talk Summary
• Walls that Speak: Murals and Street Art as Voices of Social Change
  View Past Talk Summary
• Family Estrangement in Modern Families
  View Past Talk Summary
• How A.I. is Shaping Our Future and the Ethical Implications
  View Past Talk Summary
• The Role of Immigration in Shaping Our Communities
  View Past Talk Summary
• The Science of Climate Change
  View Past Talk Summary

Discover how contemporary AI applications can serve as powerful tools for independent living, lifelong learning, and daily problem-solving. This interactive workshop demonstrates practical accessibility functions hidden inside everyday tech, such as instant text-to-speech audio conversion, natural voice-command interactions, and real-time smartphone image recognition (perfect for reading small labels or identifying objects). Moving into deeper research skills, we will outline advanced prompting methods while unpacking the distinct structural limits of large language models. Learn exactly why AI should never replace professional advisory services, and discover specific strategies for spotting online medical misinformation.

For this session, participants are asked to bring smartphones, laptops or tablets with internet access. Hands-on activities will also include more in-depth prompt writing techniques.

Taught by Adult Services Librarian April Younglove of the Lake Oswego Public Library, with one‑on‑one assistance provided by students from the Lake Youth Leadership Council.

For more information and to register for this free class, please call the Adult Community Center at (503) 635-3758. This class will take place at the Adult Community Center, located at 505 G Avenue, Lake Oswego. This event is sponsored by the Lake Oswego Adult Community Center and the Lake Oswego Public Library.

Mark and Helena Greathouse blend music, storytelling, and cultural tradition in this engaging one-hour program featuring traditional Czech holiday songs, spirited accordion melodies, and lively folk dances. Helena shares heartwarming and humorous memories from her childhood in the Czech Republic, revealing the unique and sometimes surprising ways Czechs celebrate Christmas. She invites audience questions throughout, making this a warm, interactive celebration of Czech holiday spirit.

A livestream will be available at https://www.youtube.com/LakeOLib/streams.

Seating is on a first come, first served basis. The library is located at 706 Fourth Street, Lake Oswego.

This program is supported by the Friends of the Lake Oswego Public Library. For more information, please contact April Younglove at 503-534-5667 or [email protected]

Untitled design (4).png

In partnership with the Lake Oswego Public Library and Key Bank, the Senior Scholar Program offers free, engaging academic classes designed especially for older adults. Explore topics in history, humanities, science, and technology while connecting with peers and nurturing a lifelong love of learning. Space is limited—registration is required.

• Location: LO Adult Community Center
• Cost: Free for all participants
• Registration Required: Call (503) 635-3758
• Early registration is encouraged due to limited seating.

Upcoming Fall 2026 Lectures

The Neurobiology of Awe: Reshaping the Aging Brain

Thursday, September 10 • 10–11:30 a.m.

Location: LO Adult Community Center
Presented by Dr. Lynne Shinto, Professor of Neurology at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU)

Uncover the transformative power of wonder and its tangible biological impacts. Dr. Lynne Shinto walks us through how intentional, everyday moments of awe physically reshape the neural architecture of the aging brain. Discover the fascinating science behind how experiencing wonder sparks fresh neural pathways, lowers cellular inflammation, and actively stimulates cognitive vitality to keep our minds sharp and resilient.

About the Instructor:
Dr. Lynne Shinto is a Professor of Neurology at OHSU, focusing on neurological health, brain longevity, and integrative medical approaches to cognitive well-being.

Course ID: 34834 – Free

Chinese Cowboys of the American West: A Forgotten Legacy

Tuesday, October 6 • 10–11:30 a.m.

Location: LO Adult Community Center
Presented by Dale Hom, Author and Historical Researcher

Step onto the rugged, untamed frontier to uncover a vital yet frequently overlooked chapter of American heritage. Through meticulous historical research and vibrant archival illustrations, author Dale Hom brings the deeply impactful legacy of Chinese cowboys to life. Explore how these resilient individuals shaped the ranching industries and livestock traditions of the 19th-century American West despite structural and cultural hurdles.

About the Instructor:
Dale Hom is a dedicated author and researcher who specializes in unearthing and preserving marginalized histories and cultural narratives of the early American West.

Course ID: 34829 – Free

Linguistic Archaeology: The Story of Chinook Jargon

Thursday, November 5 • 10–11:30 a.m.

Location: LO Adult Community Center
Presented by David Douglas Robertson, PhD, Linguist and Historian

Unlock the profound linguistic history hidden within the early Pacific Northwest landscape. Dr. David Douglas Robertson guides us through a fascinating linguistic deep dive into Chinook Jargon, the historic trade language that blended Indigenous and European tongues. Learn how this unique hybrid form of communication served as a cultural bridge and vital economic lifeline that fundamentally shaped the early communities of the Willamette Valley.

About the Instructor:
Dr. David Douglas Robertson is an expert linguist and leading authority on Pacific Northwest languages, specializing in the historical preservation of regional dialects.

Course ID: 34830 – Free

The Carbon Footprint of the Cloud: Data, AI, and the Environment

Thursday, December 3 • 10–11:30 a.m.

Location: LO Adult Community Center
Presented by Dr. Christof Teuscher, Professor at Portland State University (PSU)

Look behind the digital curtain of our hyper-connected lives. PSU Professor Dr. Christof Teuscher reveals the immense, often invisible environmental impact of the massive data centers and straining power grids that fuel our daily internet use and the current AI boom. This talk breaks down the physical resource realities of modern technology and offers practical frameworks for practicing sustainable digital stewardship in our personal lives.

About the Instructor:
Dr. Christof Teuscher is a Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at PSU, researching next-generation computing architectures and the intersection of technology and sustainability.

Course ID: 34892 – Free

Program Highlights

• Diverse Course Offerings: Explore wide-ranging topics that stimulate curiosity and broaden understanding.
• Engaging Learning Environment: Lectures encourage thoughtful discussion and shared insights.
• Community Connection: Build relationships with fellow lifelong learners.
• Expert Instructors: Courses are taught by accomplished university scholars.
• Supports Cognitive Health & Well-Being: Lifelong learning promotes curiosity, connection, and mental vitality.

Registration Details

• Cost: Free for all participants
• Registration Required: Call (503) 635-3758
• Early registration is encouraged due to limited seating.

Past Talks

Explore recordings, resources, and summaries from previous Senior Scholar presentations:

Spring/Summer 2026 Lectures

• Who Tells the Story? (June 18, 2026)
  Presented by Dr. David G. Lewis, Oregon State University. Discover how Native histories are researched and reconstructed through federal archives. Highlights the importance of Indigenous perspectives and representation in reshaping historical narratives.
  OSU Faculty Profile | PSU Profile | NDN History Research Website
• The Global Rise of Authoritarianism (May 12, 2026)
  Presented by Dr. Lindsay J. Benstead, Portland State University. Discover the global forces shaping democracy today, including democratic backsliding, election interference, and the rise of authoritarian leaders worldwide.
  PSU Faculty Profile | Wilson Center Profile
• Social Media & Society (June 9, 2026)
  Presented by Donna Z. Davis, Ph.D., University of Oregon. Explore how social media has transformed relationships, civic life, and community, highlighting isolation, algorithm-driven polarization, and structural platform decline.
  UO Faculty Profile | Oregon Reality Lab
• CANCELLED - Protest in America (March 17, 2026)
  Presented by Dr. Patricia A. Schechter, Portland State University. An planned in-depth conversation about the history of protest movements, civic engagement, and social activism within the United States.
  PSU Faculty Profile

Archive Links

• Witches & Witch-Hunters: Fear and Power in History
  View Past Talk Summary
• Medical Gaslighting
  View Past Talk Summary
• The Epidemiology of Gun Violence
  View Past Talk Summary
• Deconstructing Deception: Understanding Conspiracy Theories
  View Past Talk Summary
• Walls that Speak: Murals and Street Art as Voices of Social Change
  View Past Talk Summary
• Family Estrangement in Modern Families
  View Past Talk Summary
• How A.I. is Shaping Our Future and the Ethical Implications
  View Past Talk Summary
• The Role of Immigration in Shaping Our Communities
  View Past Talk Summary
• The Science of Climate Change
  View Past Talk Summary

Your heart works for you every moment of every day. Supporting heart health is about more than protecting the heart itself—it also supports the health of your brain, blood vessels, digestive system, and other organs.

Join Katherine Ferruzzi, MScN, for an engaging, evidence-based look at how everyday foods and nutrients can support cardiovascular health and overall well-being. Learn which types of fats are most beneficial for heart health, why fiber is essential for healthy blood vessels, and how the foods you choose can influence important factors such as cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

You’ll leave with a better understanding of the science behind heart-healthy nutrition and simple strategies you can put into practice right away.

Katherine Ferruzzi is an experienced nutritionist and nutrition educator who helps people take an active role in their health through practical, evidence-based nutrition education.

She holds a master’s degree in nutrition from the National University of Natural Medicine and a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. Her background in both nutrition and science provides a strong foundation for translating nutrition research into practical, everyday food and lifestyle choices.

Katherine’s approach focuses on making meaningful changes one step at a time. Through weekly goals and practical strategies, she helps individuals build sustainable habits that can support improvements in energy, weight management, and metabolic health.

Through her community nutrition classes and one-on-one programs, Katherine provides participants with the knowledge, practical tools, and confidence to make informed food and lifestyle choices that support lasting improvements in their health.

This program is supported by the Friends of the Lake Oswego Public Library. Participation is free, and no registration is required. Please note, seating is limited due to the size of the space. Seats will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The final installation of The AI Toolkit Series equips you with an essential digital defense toolkit to evaluate whether online content is authentic, accurate, and trustworthy. We will break down common system errors, reveal how "hallucinations" occur, and introduce quick, library-approved methods for verifying data across independent sources. Crucially, this session helps participants recognize how malicious actors deploy technology for modern fraudulent schemes—including cloning voices for identity scams, fabricating hyper-realistic deepfakes, and pushing complex cryptocurrency traps. Leave with the confidence and critical awareness needed to enjoy modern digital conveniences safely and securely.

Requirements: Please bring a smartphone, laptop, or tablet with internet access for the hands-on practice portions.

Taught by Adult Services Librarian April Younglove of the Lake Oswego Public Library, with one‑on‑one assistance provided by students from the Lake Youth Leadership Council.

For more information and to register for this free class, please call the Adult Community Center at (503) 635-3758. This class will take place at the Adult Community Center, located at 505 G Avenue, Lake Oswego. This event is sponsored by the Lake Oswego Adult Community Center and the Lake Oswego Public Library.