Learning in Retirement
Spring 2012 Curriculum
Classes are listed by Day/Date/Time
Monday - Tuesday - Wednesday - Thursday - Friday - Saturday
WEDNESDAY
The Impressionists
Jim Hammond, facilitator
Jan. 11, 18, 25; 1 pm
First Congregational United Church of Christ
Host: Jim Hammond 715-478-2262
This program will involve a series of Great Courses videos on the major artists in the Impressionist movement. This series will cover Seurat, Renoir, Pissarro, Monet, Manet, and Degas. Hammond will augment with other sources. We will cover additional artists next semester.
Consciousness and Its Implications
Jim Leschke, facilitator
Jan. 11, 18, 25; 9:30 am
First Congregational United Church of Christ
Host: John Maurice 715-362-2838
In this DVD presentation, Professor Daniel Robinson explores fascinating questions that peel away the layers of human identity. You will probe this mysterious mental state from the perspective of the philosopher. This view of the human condition will change the way you think about your own mind.
Science and Religion
Jim Leschke, facilitator
Feb. 8, 15, 22; 9:30 am
First Congregational United Church of Christ
Host: Pete Day 715-362-3402
Science and religion are unquestionably two of the most potent forces that have shaped, and continue to shape, human civilization. How have these powerful forces interacted over time?Popular opinion generally assume an antagonistic relationship between the two. Modern scholarship increasingly reveals that this is a one-sided view that is relatively recent and propagated in a selfserving way by extremist voices in both religion and the science camps. This course’s approach to the issue is both historical and philosophical and examines several historical episodes that highlight features of “science and religion” and analyzes in context the questions and issues that these episodes raise.
Behind the Scenes of an Audition
Jim Nuttall
Feb. 8; 1 pm
Nicolet College, LRC/Theater
Host: Diane DeiRossi 715-362-1756
Find out what goes on at an audition or “try-out” for a community theatre production. Learn some of the tricks and techniques of a good audition while taking turns reading scripts and playing different roles. This will be a fun interactive class!
Lessons from Katrina – from a Scientist’s Viewpoint
Maren Klich
Mar. 7; 9:30 am
Crandon Public Library
Host: Jim Hammond 715-478-2262
Maren and her husband Ed survived Hurricane Katrina and when ultimately returning to their home, they discovered much damage and many mold and air quality problems. Maren will share her personal experiences with us as well as apply her significant knowledge as a mycologist to the aftermath of Katrina. She will also discuss molds in our everyday lives.
Snowshoe Almon Park
Jean Johnson, Mike Shores
Mar. 14; 11 am at trailhead
Almon Park
Host: Jean Johnson 715-369-1433
Join Johnson and Shores for a snowshoe hike at Almon Park. The terrain is gently rolling and the trail is suitable for both beginners and experienced ‘shoers. A county trail pass is required and passes are available at the trailhead. If the snowcover departs early, we will switch from snowshoes to hiking boots. No trail pass required for hiking.
The American West in Myth and Reality
Gary R. Entz, Ph.D.
Mar. 21; 9:30 am
Pine Lake Town Hall
Host: Connie Griesbach 715-362-3509
Dr. Entz, a professional historian and educator, will present an exploration of the American West, its physical boundaries and evolving interpretations of the meaning of the frontier in American history. The class will also examine major themes in the West, including exploration, ranchers, miners, Indian wars and popular imaginings in film and fiction.
Ced’s Nature Series
Ernie Schluter, LeRoy Ferris, Ed Lee, Mike Shores
Mar. 28; Apr. 4, 11, 18, 25; May 2, 9, 16 9:30 am
Pine Lake Town Hall
Host: Ernie Schluter 715-282-6435
Hear from a variety of experts on the outdoor world of Wisconsin’s northwoods. Some of the topics that will be featured this semester include loons, wild flowers, wolverines, and Monarch butterflies. Participants are encouraged to bring specimens, photos and stories of their own to share.
TED Talks
Mike Shores, facilitator
Mar. 28; Apr. 4, 11, 18 1:30 pm
Pine Lake Town Hall
Host: Charlotte Schneider 715-499-0785
If you want to get a taste of this class, take a look at the ted.com website. The catalog of presentations now exceeds a thousand often mind boggling presentations. Each week features a different theme and consists of several presentations that seldom exceed twenty minutes each. Past topics have included sustainability, happiness, the frontiers of medicine, and human conceit. Expect an eclectic mix of topics and some lively discussion.
Macular Degeneration
Walter Gager, M.D.
Apr. 25; 1 pm
Pine Lake Town Hall
Host: Bev Geske 715-362-7156
Dr. Gager, a retired Ophthalmologist, will discuss the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of Macular Degeneration, a disease affecting a significant number of older Americans. Questions and answers will follow.
Courageous Presidential Decisions
Theodore J. Russell
May 9; 1 pm
Pine Lake Town Hall
Host: Connie Griesbach 715-362-3509
This course examines how various U.S. Presidents have acted courageously and decisively in times of crises and opportunity to alter the history of our nation. We will look at times where courage was placed ahead of popularity and patriotism ahead of party. Examples will include both early and 20th-century chief executives.
Eau Claire Dells Wildflower Walk/Hike
Jean Johnson
May 23; 10:30 am - ?; 9 am carpool
Eau Claire Dells Park
Host: Jean Johnson 715-369-1433
Pack a lunch and dress for all weather as we walk/hike the beautiful trails of the Eau Claire Dells, SW of Antigo. Sit on the rocks and watch the Eau Claire River churn its way thru the gorge. Bring your wildflower field guides and we will try to identify whatever we find blooming or just enjoy the area at your own pace.