Special Events and Travel
Fr. Bacik Lectures
5:30 PM, Thursday, May 18
Fr. Jim Bacik will continue his lecture series with titles to be announced later. Presentation will be in the Franciscan Center theater. No reservations are necessary. General admission is $10 (cash or check only) payable at the door.
Arbor Day with the Arborist
Scott Kirby
9:30 – 11:00 AM, Friday, April 28
Rain date: 9:30 – 11:00 AM, Monday, May 1
Celebrate Arbor Day with us as we talk about trees! Learn the details involved in preparing trees at a nursery, then planting them, whether from containers or using the ball and burlap method. Observe the planting of two fruit trees at the new community garden on the Lourdes University campus. Learn about forest and landscape tree species, fruit tree varieties, and grafting, and have your tree-related questions answered.
Scott Kirby is the arborist for the Sisters of St. Francis. Scott became a certified arborist in 1992 and will share his knowledge and love of the trees as we walk the main part of campus.
Pirates of Penzance
11:15 – 12:45 PM, Friday, May 19
Love, laughter, and tender-hearted pirates make a delightful combination! An abbreviated version of this Gilbert & Sullivan favorite will be presented by Toledo Opera’s resident artists exclusively for Lifelong Learners on the Lourdes University campus. After the show, meet and mingle with the cast.
Celebrate the end of the semester with music, a meal, and Lifelong Learning friends. A bountiful hot lunch buffet before the show is included!
Sacred Spaces
Sister Barbara Vano, OSF
10:00 – 11:30 AM, Monday, May 22
Lourdes University is a proud sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Saint Francis of Sylvania. Under the guidance of Mother Mary Adelaide, foundress of the Sylvania Franciscans, the Sisters created countless beautiful spaces for learning and reflection. Tour three of these spaces and learn the stories behind Duns Scotus Library, Queen of Peace Chapel, and the Portiuncula Chapel. Each of these spaces has unique art, striking stained glass, and a special meaning for the Sylvania Franciscans.
Sister Barbara Vano, OSF, serves as Vice President for Mission & Ministry and the Director of Service Learning at Lourdes University.
180th Fighter Wing Base Tour
10:00 – 1:00 PM, Tuesday, May 23
Have you heard fighter jets overhead? Most likely they are from the 180th Fighter Wing (180FW) of the Ohio National Guard. This is your opportunity to see the base from the inside, view an F-16 jet up close and learn about the flight equipment needed to fly one.
Situated on 135 acres at the Toledo Express Airport, the 180FW base and infrastructure have been designed and constructed to support the current and future fighter aircraft needed for America’s security and defense. The 180FW is made up of more than 1,200 combat-ready Airmen who flew more than 2,600 sorties, including nearly 950 combat flying hours, in 2021. Honored with the U.S. Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for the fifth consecutive year in a row, the 180FW is responsible for homeland defense, disaster relief, international deployments, as well as responding to local emergencies in surrounding communities. Learn about the wing and its mission, as well as facts about the Ohio Air National Guard and how they serve the community.
After learning about a variety of flight equipment, there will be a tour of a hangar and the 9/11 memorial. We will then enjoy a catered lunch and finish with the dramatic take off, or landing, of a F-16 jet. Please note there will be a lot of standing. Transportation to the base is not provided; please arrange your own transportation. U.S. Citizens will be required to provide a driver’s
license or state ID. Foreign nationals are required to bring a passport or visa number.
A catered seated lunch is included with large sandwiches, lemonade, ice tea, potato chips, condiments, and fresh pecan chocolate chip cookies. Choose from four lunch options:
- Smoked ham with sharp cheddar cheese, lettuce and tomato
- Roasted medium rare roast beef with sharp cheddar cheese, lettuce and tomato
- Made-from-scratch tuna salad topped with lettuce and tomato
- A large deli sandwich full of veggies
Travel
Please Note: If you have special dietary considerations (e.g. vegetarian), you must notify Lifelong Learning at the time of registration. For more information about our trips visit www.Lourdes.edu/Travel
Art of Detroit
Pewabic Pottery is the legacy of Mary Chase Perry Stratton, one of Michigan’s finest artists. Mary co-founded Pewabic Pottery in 1903 and ran the studio during a time when she could not legally own her own business or even vote. Despite this, she built up Pewabic Pottery with her partner, Horace J. Caulkins, a business is still in operating over 100 years later.
Pewabic Pottery produced nationally renowned vessels, tiles, and architectural ornamentation for public and private installations featuring their unique iridescent glazes. When the Great Depression reduced the demand for costlier wares, ceramic jewelry was produced by Pewabic. This iconic pottery can be found nationally, but this tour will focus on the Pewabic tiles installed in Detroit. This guided tour will highlight some of the installations in public spaces such as Detroit’s sports stadiums and People Mover stations, as well as the Scarab Club (art gallery) and Guardian building (landmark skyscraper in the financial district). Some of the installations will be seen from the People Mover (Detroit’s elevated train), others will require a short walk, and some will be viewed from the bus.
Lunch will be at Sinbad’s Restaurant & Marina, named for the best-known sailor in history. Established in 1949, the restaurant quickly gained popularity with present-day sailors as a place offering good food, drinks, and a convivial atmosphere. Celebrating 73 years as a family owned establishment, Sinbad’s will serve our delightful lunch along with views of the Detroit River. Entrées include your choice of chicken parmesan, fried catfish, and broiled pork chop, each with accompanying salad, potato, rolls, and dessert.
Pewabic tiles are among the 65,000 artworks of the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA). Docents will describe the highlights of this impressive collection during a guided tour of the museum. After the tour there will be time to explore DIA at your own pace, with over 100 galleries housing one of the largest and most significant art collections in the nation. Even the white marble structure is a masterpiece and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Wednesday, April 19. Bus departs from Lourdes University parking lot M at 8:00 AM and returns at 5:30 PM. $149 for members, $161 for nonmembers.
Gentle Giants
Belgian horses are used for all manner of draft work, including plowing and logging, but they are known for their kind temperament and easy handling. See these majestic and gentle giants up close at Oak Haven Belgian Horse Farm. Established in 1992 by veterinarian Dr. Michael Stone, Oak Haven Farm is recognized as being one of the top Belgian breeders in the country! Enjoy a tour of the barn and get to see many impressive horses. The trainers will explain how they raise, train and show theses beauties at fairs and festivals across the country. Gaze over beautiful pastures and hopefully meet the newest foals as they learn from their mothers and the Oak Haven team how to be an award-winning show horse.
Ole Zim’s Wagon Shed has been serving hearty fare since 1964. Originally built as a hall for square dancing, the kitchen was an afterthought! The satisfying lunch will include fried chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, fresh garden salad, vegetables, fresh bread, and freshly baked pie for dessert.
At Lynnwood Kennel, witness an unforgettable canine experience presented by retired police officer, Brian Woods. Brian is an expert in police and military K-9 dogs and trains and sells his highly specialized pups all over the country. Brian has trained dogs to sniff out illicit drugs, explosives, and even hidden people. These dogs are also used for protection and can take down an assailant on command. Learn how dogs are trained for police, military, fire and rescue. See a local police officer and his K-9 partner in action and leave amazed at just how skilled man’s best friend can be!
Before heading home, visit downtown Fremont to browse a few of the quaint shops. Everyone will get a sweet treat from the Coco Beans Candy shop!
Wednesday, May 17. Bus departs from Lourdes University parking lot M at 9:00 AM and returns at 5:30 PM. $145 for members, $157 for nonmembers.
Only Man in Town
Sunday, June 11
Frank Glazier was a hero in many respects; he built the first skyscraper in Ann Arbor, made Chelsea the site of the world’s largest stove company, put up the money for retirement homes and launched the Ann Arbor News. He also served as Chelsea’s mayor and a Michigan senator. Frank Glazier also went bankrupt and spent time in prison. Set in the 1890s, the musical the Only Man in Town tells the story of how this man brought lower Michigan into the 20th century.
The Only Man in Town, an original musical, highlights in songs, humor, dance, and heart-wrenching drama the meteoric rise of Frank Glazier, his dramatic fall, and the recognition of his real needs. This original, large-cast musical, presented at the spacious Performing Arts Center at Chelsea High School, will delight people of all ages. You will laugh, you will cry, and maybe even dance in the aisles! The show brings Michigan’s history to life through song, dance, humor, and drama in the very town where Glazier got started.
Producing this new musical is the Chelsea Area Players (CAP), celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Jeff Daniels was one of CAPs original cast members during his high school years. The troupe has delighted audiences with more than 135 shows including musicals, youth theater, and winter dinner theater.
Before lunch tour Chelsea’s outdoor Sculpture Gallery with a local guide. This annual rotating exhibition has been a welcome addition to Chelsea for over 11 years. Sculptures featuring top regional artists are placed throughout the historic downtown, bringing contemporary art to visitors and residents.
Lunch will be at the Valiant Grill. Choose from a limited menu that includes homemade lasagna al forno, a generous Greek salad topped with chicken kabobs, hearty fried cod served with steak fries, or soup paired with a classic Reuben sandwich. Carrot cake for dessert! Opened in December 2018, this welcoming restaurant is the perfect spot to visit with friends old and new.
Sunday, June 11. Bus departs from Lourdes University parking lot M at 9:30 AM and returns at 6:00 PM. $141 for members, $153 for nonmembers.
Solid Gold Detroit
Motown started as a record label but became much more, a distinctive sound with simple structures but sophisticated melodies and tremendous pop appeal. It all began in the Motor City with studios churning out music at a fantastic rate. Music from Marvin Gaye, the Supremes, Four Tops, Smokey Robinson, and the Temptations filled the radio waves from Detroit.
Take a toe-tapping tour that will leave you dancing in the streets as we travel through the Motor City, home of the Motown sound, and illuminate local legends who made it big in the music business.
The Detroit Princess riverboat is one of the few remaining Detroit venues where one can hear Motown music performed live. Onboard, enjoy an amazing Motown Revue performed by The Prolifics. This classic Motown themed show will have everyone humming, tapping, or dancing along!
A massive riverboat with the top deck 65 feet up, the Detroit Princess is the perfect place for a full view of the Detroit skyline. Cruise in luxurious style past Belle Isle further down the Detroit River towards Lake St. Clair. This magnificent boat sports an extravagant buffet to match with three hot entrees, hot side dishes, salad and dessert. Coffee and tea are included, plus a full bar will be available for those wanting to purchase cocktails.
“Hitsville U.S.A.” is the nickname given to Motown’s first headquarters and recording studio, once an ordinary home in a regular neighborhood. This is one of the Motown hot spots to be seen during the conclusion of the Detroit driving tour.
Thursday, July 20. Bus departs from Lourdes University parking lot M at 8:00 AM and returns at 5:45 PM. $159 for members, $171 for nonmembers.
Selfridge Military Air Museum
Explore the Selfridge Military Air Museum, home to military artifacts and memorabilia since 1975. Indoor exhibits span the 20th and 21st centuries of aviation, and include aircraft engines, an interactive Air Traffic Control radar display, a Vietnam era A-7 cockpit, modern era F-16 cockpits, scale models, artifacts, and more. Outdoor exhibits include 32 full size vintage military aircraft and helicopters from WWI to the present, vehicles, and missiles.
Selfridge Air National Guard Base is one of the nation’s oldest and most historic military installations. Beginning in 1917, pilots, aero mechanics, aerial photographers, and gunnery personnel trained here for World War I. Many famous aviators trained here, including Charles Lindbergh. Today, Selfridge is the nation’s largest Air National Guard Base with all branches of the military, active and reserve units alike, represented on the Base.
Lunch will be at Mulligan’s Restaurant on the edge of Selfridge Base in Mt. Clemens and overlooking a par 72 golf course. A delectable hot buffet lunch and dessert is included.
Please note that because Selfridge is an active military base, everyone attending must submit security information by August 16 that includes a full legal name, citizenship information, driver’s license number, and date of birth. No one will be allowed on the base without prescreening and refunds will not be issued.
To sweetly start the day, tour the Morley Candy factory where Sanders fine chocolates are made. Watch expert candy makers create luscious treats from an observation walkway. And if your complementary sampling box of chocolates is not enough, there is a gift shop!
Tuesday, September 19. Bus departs from Lourdes University parking lot M at 9:00 AM and returns at 6:30 PM. $144 for members, $156 for nonmembers.
A Grape Escape
A getaway for wine lovers: visit three wineries in one day!
The first stop is at Rocky Point Winery located in the historic Marblehead Schoolhouse, a building that is 100 years old. Enjoy a wine mimosa and a sweet treat in the garden behind the winery. Established in 2014, Rocky Point Winery is owned by the Redfern family and offers over a dozen varieties of wine, craft beers, and many unique distilled spirits.
Enjoy a quick stop at Cheese Haven, a unique shop in Port Clinton. A perfect place to find cheeses and foods to pair with wines.
Lunch will be at Chateau Tebeau, including savory lasagna, salad, rolls, and dessert. After lunch, tour the production room and vineyards at Chateau Tebeau, followed with a wine tasting tray that includes 5 unique wines. Mary and Bob Tebeau made wine for decades before opening the winery’s tasting room in 2010. This winery has new owners who are enthusiastic about making the most of the well-established vineyard, gorgeous outdoor area -including a koi pond- and spacious but quaint tasting room.
Next, tour the newest winery in Sandusky, the Copper Whale Winery. Opened in August 2020 by four friends, it was immediately successful, particularly with blackberry peach and strawberry wines as well as more traditional offerings like cabernet sauvignon. With its rustic charm and retro-chic feel, Copper Whale Winery has many antiques and a growing art collection within its historic buildings.
In case you still have not found the perfect wine, enjoy a short shopping stop at Hall’s Wine R We & Brews 4 U which has a wide variety of Ohio wines and beers for purchase.
Wednesday, October 11. Bus departs from Lourdes University parking lot M at 9:00 AM and returns at 6:15 PM. $149 for members, $161 for nonmembers.
Dinner with the Presidents
Saturday, November 4
Meet past Presidents of the United States of America and First Ladies! Historical re-enactors in period dress will portray the famous couples for the evening. From the moment they arrive in period transportation, their characters will captivate you! Dinner will feature recipes from different White House administrations and at least one president or First Lady will be at your table. Bring a camera to capture all the details! Suggested attire for men is a sport coat and tie and for women a dress or dressy pantsuit. Or dress up in period clothing for extra fun!
The dinner is hosted by the Marion County Historical Society and before dinner we will enjoy a tour of their museum. Housed in Marion’s historic post office, Heritage Hall has exhibits of Marion’s rich history including a collection on the life and career of Warren G. Harding, 29th president of the United States.
Saturday, November 4. Bus departs from Lourdes University parking lot M at 1:00 PM and returns at 10:30 PM. $145 for members, $157 for nonmembers.
For more information or to register please call 419-824-3707 or email lifelong@lourdes.edu