Johnson County Park and Recreation District’s 50 Plus Program serves as a host site for The University of Kansas, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.

The noncredit enrichment courses involves no homework, tests or pressure. It’s just learning for the joy of it.

Learn about the sixth longest river, The Arkansas, during the course, The Arkansas, and Its Impact on America’s Heartland at 2 p.m. Thursday, Sep. 22, at the Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse, 9101 Nall, Prairie Village. The instructor, Hannes Zacharias, a professor of Practice at KU's School of Public Affairs and Administration and former Johnson County Manager leads the discussion and pulls stories from his experience during two solo kayak trips down the entire length of the river.

Take a quick journey through the history of philosophy from Ancient Greece to modern America in Exploring Reality Beyond Physics: Great Western Philosophers. James Gaither, Th.D., will lead this presentation and has been teaching courses on history and philosopher for more than 25 years. Course will take place at 2 p.m. Monday, Oct 3, at the New Century Fieldhouse, 551 New Century Parkway, New Century (near Gardner.)

Each course meets for three consecutive weeks for two hours each week and is $50 per person. Participants must register directly with Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. Visit jcprd.com/osher for enrollment information or call Osher at 913-897-8530 to register by phone.