Enjoy the entire series with  Early Bird Series- Register by September 4

Enjoy all classes, with a concert performance on September 27 for an early-bird discount. Registration must be completed by September 1.

OWLS invites you to enjoy a concert of hit tunes by American Composer Stephen Sondheim, featuring six stunning senior singers from the greater Columbus area.

Cast: Steven Anderson directs Stephanie Carter Henkle, Michael Kirkman,  Karen Peeler, and Cabot Rea, accompanied by Rose Zuber.

You will not want to miss this event!

From ROmber and Herbert to Rogers and Hammerstein, from "Naughty Marietta" to Wicked, America's unique contribution to world theater is the American Musical. In this 2-day class, we will explore the shows, the performers, and the traditions that have enlivened this truly American Musical genre. Along the way, we will hope to determine just why musical theatre is so American, and maybe have a bit of a "sing-along"!

This introductory memoir writing course is ideal for anyone looking to capture their life experiences in a personal narrative. You will learn how to tap into your memories, find your unique voice, and structure your writing, all through guided exercises that help you uncover the meaningful moments of your life. By the end of the course, you will have a solid foundation to embark on your memoir journey with confidence and creativity. The workshop will include tips and tricks, providing participants with a chance to write and share their stories. The class will critique each other's work, making for a fun and supportive sharing experience, as well as creating opportunities for writing groups beyond this class.

 October 9 and October 16

Steven McCaw, retired educator, is well-known in central Ohio for his personal memoir writing workshops. In his previous classes, students wrote narratives focusing on their own memoirs or interviews with family members, with family members providing the foundation for some very compelling stories. 

October 13 and October 20

This course will focus on an in- depth analysis of short stories. The aim is to equip participants with the tools to analyze these stories, create their own narratives, and refine them. This course is designed to enhance storytelling skills and will cover four distinct sessions on the following topics, including participant discussion.

1. "Where to Start: Beginning Stories" Studies effective story openings, discusses what makes them compelling, and how they foreshadow future developments in the narrative before crafting their own beginnings.

2. Landing the Plane: Ending Stories" emphasizes the importance of strong story endings, analyzes exemplary conclusions to understand how they fulfill narrative expectations, and engages in practical exercises to create resonant endings.

3. "Plotting in the Drafting Stages" explores the role of plot in narratives, covering the relationship between plot and character, and examining how pivotal events shape storytelling through examples from short stories.

4. "Over-Plotting" addresses the pitfalls of excessive plotting in story drafts, examining how overreliance on plot can lead to predictable narratives, and engaging in discussions and exercises to foster innovative, engaging story development.

October 22 and 23

Jerry Gabriel: An Ohio native and graduate from the Ohio State University, Jerry's first novel, Deserters, was published in May 2026. He is the author of two collections of stories. The Let Go (Queen's Ferry Press, 2015 and Drowned Boy (Sarabande, 2010), which won the Mary McCarthy Prize in Short Fiction, was a Barnes & Noble "Discover New Writers"pick and was awarded the 2011 Towson Prize for Literature. His stories have appeared in One Story and Epoch Fiction. The Missouri Review and Alaska Quarterly among other publications. He has received numerous grants and fellowships. He lives in Maryland with his family and teaches writing at St. Mary's College of Maryland.

Jerry 

Get ready for an exhilarating journey through the vibrant history of Columbus! Join us as we dive deep into the fascinating tale of this remarkable city. We will trace its roots from prehistoric times to the time it became the capital city. We will uncover the colorful stories behind its renowned dining scene, celebrating the beloved restaurants that have shaped its culinary landscape throughout the years. Prepare to be captivated by the stunning architecture and breathtaking public art that adorns the streets of Columbus. We will also learn about the enchanted waterways, including the canals, to discover how they influence the city's development and character. Don't miss this chance to celebrate the rich heritage and dynamic spirit of Columbus.

Presenters include: Jack Benjamin, current President, and Diane Frush (Board of Trustees) of the Columbus Historical Society; Kay Bea Jones, emeritus professor of the Ohio State University Knowlton School of Architecture; and Peter Bowen Riley, Professor of Humanities at Columbus State Community College