September 25 – November 3, 2023

Our 2023 Classes and Fall Lecture Series are supported in part by a grant from the Anna+Anton Olson Legacy Fund, supporting the independence of Seniors in the Georgetown, Hutto and Taylor communities.

The Life & Times of Winston Churchill presented by Dr. Spencer Jones

9:00 – 10:00 AM and 10:30 – 11:30 AM (2 lectures per day) (In-person Only) (200 Students Max)

September 25-26 @ San Gabriel Presbyterian Church Sanctuary

September 27-29 @ Georgetown Public Library, The Hewlett Room

Senior University is co-hosting this special series with the Georgetown Public Library. It is sponsored by the WD Kelley Foundation so is free and open to the public, whether members of Senior University or not.

Dr. Spencer Jones is an award-winning historian and author. He is Senior Lecturer in Armed Forces and War Studies at the University of Wolverhampton and serves as the Regimental Historian for the Royal Regiment of Artillery. His key works include From Boer War to World War: Tactical Reform of the British Army 1902-1914 and Stemming the Tide: Officers and Leadership in the British Expeditionary Force 1914, which was runner- up for the Templer Medal in 2014.

Please use this EVENTBRITE link to sign up for the class.

MONDAYS

Celebrating 175 Years of Williamson County History

Coordinators: Babs Cape and Mary Faithfull

San Gabriel Presbyterian Church Sanctuary (200 Students Max)

Williamson County Immigration between 1850 and 1900 – Dr. Stephen Benold

October 2nd Only – 9:00-10:00 AM (In-person+Zoom+OD)

Between 1850 and 1900 the population of Williamson County increased rapidly, largely due to immigrants from Europe. The 3 main countries were Germany, Sweden and Czechoslovakia. Each nationality settled in a geographically distinct area of the county, and their culture is still present there today.

Stephen Benold has been teaching economics and various other courses for Senior University since 1999. His under-graduate degree was in economics from Rice University where he was the Hayden Honor Scholar in Economics. He retired as the medical director of the Williamson County EMS, but he maintains a private financial practice.

Early Williamson County History 1830-1900 – Judge Billy Ray Stubblefield

October 9th Only – 9:00-10:00 AM (In-person+Zoom+OD)

This county, before it was organized, was fraught with danger. It was beyond the northern reaches of the Austin Colony, subjected to incursions by Comanches on their way to raid the isolated farms of Austin’s settlers in what is now Bastrop County. The struggle for independence from Mexico saw Major Robert McAlpin Williamson leading local efforts to block hostile incursions to exploit settlers’ preoccupation with troops from the Mexican Republic. Locals struggled ten years for statehood following the Texan Republic. Yet a dozen years later came cries for secession which tore the newly created county. Post-Civil War times were, ironically, prosperous and full of social progress, with the establishment of Southwestern University. Yet it was the Wild West!

Billy Ray Stubblefield, Presiding Judge of the Third Administrative Judicial Region, is the product of four pioneer Williamson County families and is a proud sixth-generation Texan. He holds a B.A. in History from Southwestern University with scholar designation and a J.D. from The University of Texas Law School. He served four consecutive terms as Williamson County Attorney from 1977 to 1993 and was elected to six consecutive four-year terms as Judge of the 26th District Court before his retirement in 2014.

The Coming of the Railroad to Williamson County – Dr. Stephen Benold

October 16th Only – 9:00-10:00 AM (In-person+Zoom+OD)

For the first 25 years of its existence, Williamson County remained a very sparsely populated county with a few very small towns. In the late 1870s, this all suddenly changed with the construction of several railroads that connected Williamson County to the rest of the state and nation and profoundly changed the economy and the population.

Movers and Shakers of Williamson County – Danelle Houck

October 23rd Only – 9:00-10:00 AM (In-person+Zoom+OD)

Come learn about the movers and shakers of Williamson County. From suffragettes to rodeo stars, Williamson County has plenty of people that helped shaped our county. This lecture will cover many influential people who influenced government, infrastructure, sports, and arts.

Danelle Houck is the Educational Program Coordinator of The Williamson Museum and a Williamson County native.

Still Making History: Modern Williamson County and Beyond – Danelle Houck

October 30th Only – 9:00-10:00 AM (In-person+Zoom+OD)

Williamson County may have just celebrated our 175th anniversary, but we are still making history! This lecture will focus on the development of Williamson County from the mid-twentieth century to modern day. You may be surprised to learn about some of the hidden stories developing our area today!

Danelle Houck is the Educational Program Coordinator of The Williamson Museum and a Williamson County native.

Every Perfect Gift: The Rise and Fall of the Crusading Orders – Dr. Clark Wernecke

October 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th – 10:30-11:30 AM (In-person+Zoom+OD)

San Gabriel Presbyterian Church Sanctuary

The Crusades were a series of religiously inspired wars over the Period from 1096 to 1291CE. A class covering them would take at least a full semester so this course will take you through summary of the ten major conflicts and then turn to one of the more notable offshoots of the crusades – the crusading orders. We’ll look at the history of the three major orders – the Hospitallers, the Templars and the Teutonic Knights.

Dr. Clark Wernecke recently retired as the Project Director for the Prehistory Research Project at the University of Texas at Austin and Executive Director of the Gault School of Archaeological Research. He started his academic career with a degree in history from SMU followed by an MBA from Northwestern University, an M.A. in Anthropology from Florida Atlantic, and his PhD from the University of Texas at Austin. He has an interest in history coupled with a diverse career in business and archaeology where has worked in the Middle East, Mesoamerica, the American Southeast and Southwest, and Texas.

TUESDAYS

Beginning Spanish – Gloria Gonzalez

October 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st – 8:30-10:00 AM

First Baptist Church Room E205 (In-Person Only) (20 Students Max)

This is a beginning course in conversational Spanish limited to 20 students. The course is designed for those who have had little or no previous Spanish courses. The text for the course is Barron’s Learn Spanish the Fast and Fun Way, Third Edition. Both new and used copies are available through many online vendors including Thriftbooks, Wal-Mart, Amazon, etc. You will not need the edition with the MP3 CD for this course, but may wish to have this for your own studies.

Gloria Gonzalez earned her MA in Spanish at North Texas State University and has had 14 years teaching experience. She has been a resident of Sun City 22 years and a Senior University faculty member for many years.

French for Beginners– Lisa Taylor

October 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st – 8:30-10:00 AM (Tuesdays)

October 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th and Nov 2nd – 8:30-10:30 AM (Thursdays)

First Baptist Church Room E108-110 (In-Person Only) (20 Students Max)

It is well known that French is a very beautiful language. Forbes magazine is also saying that it is the language of the future. French lessons for beginners will provide conversational vocabulary to enable confidence when traveling. You will learn correct pronunciation and simple sentences. Mastering a language keeps the brain sharp and gives you a sense of personal satisfaction.

NOTE: This course meets twice a week on Tuesday and Thursday

Lisa Taylor is a French native from Paris who is passionate about languages, traveling the world and helping others to learn. She is a French linguistics graduate who has taught all levels in French including being a professor to those learning to teach French as a second language. She is fluent in many languages, and she is currently giving lessons in French, Spanish, Latin and Chinese.

American Traitors – Christina Wolf

October 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st – 9:00-10:00 AM

First Baptist Church Room E209-211 (In-Person+Zoom+OD) (85 Students Max)

A background investigation and a top-secret clearance does not constitute fidelity to the United States. Meet several Americans who chose to “sell out”, whether for money or ideology to other governments, causing the loss of American lives and our nation’s security. You, as the taxpayer, bear the expense to recreate new methods and technology to re-establish our nation’s protection. Learn the choices these individuals made and what has been done to try to prevent its reoccurrence.

Christina began her federal career in 1975 as a Special Agent with the US Dept of State, Office of Security, protecting Secretaries of State and Foreign Dignitaries, conducting background investigations and passport and visa fraud investigations. She joined the Central Intelligence Agency and eventually became an Operations Officer with a specialty in Counterintelligence. Completing a war zone tour in Afghanistan and a tour in Africa, she retired in 2016, receiving the Career Commendation Medal. Christy began a new life adventure in Texas. She has two sons, two wonderful daughters-in-law and two extraordinary grandsons.

Introduction to the Italian Language – Mike Damelio

October 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st – 10:30-12:00 (Tuesdays)

October 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th and Nov 2nd – 10:30-12:00 (Thursdays)

First Baptist Church Room E205 (In-Person Only) (20 Students Max)

Do you want to travel to Italy and know enough about the language so that you don’t feel completely lost? Or have you ever had the desire to gain experience with one of the most beautiful, melodic languages in the world? Here’s your chance! Introduction to the Italian Language has been constructed specifically for those with either zero or very little experience with Italian. It’s taught in a step-by-step manner that continuously builds on that which was previously presented so that you’ll never feel lost. In class, there will be plenty of opportunity to learn the basics and practice speaking in Italian. Join us for a rewarding and enjoyable experience that might just change your life – even just a little bit!

NOTE: This course meets twice a week on Tuesday and Thursday

Mr. Damelio retired as an Intellectual property attorney. He was also an Adjunct Professor of Management at Texas State University for 15 years. He grew up speaking Italian (Abruzzese dialect) at home and has had formal Italian language training in various schools over the course of his life. He has spent significant time in Italy, including at in-country Italian language schools where he tested out at level C1 (advanced). He plans on spending the rest of his life focusing on the following: Italian cooking, Italian language, and spending time in Italy.

Creative Non-fiction: Word Magic for Your Writing – Dr. Patricia Baldwin

October 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st – 10:30-12:00 AM

First Baptist Church Room E109-111 (In-Person Only) (40 Students Max)

You want to write … blogs, travelogues, essays, website posts, podcast scripts, a family history, a philanthropic memoir, stories for mass media and social media or other nonfiction. Maybe you need to improve your writing skills with a few simple steps. After all, you want to get your writing right and get it read. In the workshop, you’ll learn about writing artfully with sensory sentences and replacing abstract words and phrases with description. We’ll also explore how to use structural “recipes.” You’ll develop skills in critical thinking, clear communication (check spacing), research – and have a chance to practice. You’ll also be guided to strengthen your writing with some refreshers in punctuation, usage, grammar, fact-checking, style, voice and maybe other essentials. Make writing fun!

Patricia Baldwin is a longtime writer, editor and educator who loves storytelling. She has experience at business journals, daily newspapers, consumer magazines. Recently, she taught writing workshops at Houston-based Writespace. She earned a PhD in higher education and journalism from the University of North Texas. She also holds degrees from the University of Texas at Austin. She has taught mass communication at the University of North Carolina at Asheville and Texas State University.

Exploring Assumptions to Reality – Dr. Herman Matthews

October 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st – 10:30-11:30 AM

First Baptist Church Room E108-110 (In-Person Only) (15 Students Max)

We start with the basic premise that Life is a Mystery. What we do, individually and collectively, is make assumptions about different aspects of the Mystery from which we create our realities. These assumptions are then interpreted which leads to behaviors which creates a reality. A simplified process of assumptions creating realities:

Assumptions -> Interpretations -> Behaviors -> Realities

We will explore how different assumptions create realities using this simplified process. This is a participatory, interactive experience and the enrollment is limited to 15 participants. Before the first class, think about what you would like to explore. Note — we are not judging whether these assumptions are right or wrong. We are using them to explore the process of assumptions creating realities.

Herman Matthews has a PhD in Physics and was on the faculty at four major Universities in the US. He then resigned from academia and was self-employed for 35 years. He was a consultant, produced video and designed and facilitated several hundred workshops and seminars using experiential and non-traditional learning. Herman has worked with many, diverse corporations, organizations, cultures, traditions and individuals both in the US and India.

Understanding the Stock Market and How to Make Money – Stephen Sutter

October 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st – 10:30-11:30 AM

First Baptist Church Room E103-105 (In-Person Only) (85 Students Max)

The stock market is a material part of our economy. How to profit from investment has materially changed in the last 60 years (my time investing). This course will explore the various techniques used to evaluate a “good investment”, how technology has already altered the investment landscape, and the constraints working against the individual investor (why so many people suffer losses).

Stephen A Sutter, Esq is admitted to practice in the US Supreme Court, the Federal Court of Appeals, all New York State Courts and the Courts of Connecticut. A graduate of NYU Law School and Queens College-BA-Economics cum laude, he has participated in several well-known venues. This experience includes federal criminal law, civil trials, surrogate court trials, family law trials, representation of minors in special courts, and various real estate, tort, contract and trust matters. He was appointed a member of the National Economics Honor Society and is a skilled poet.

Nuclear Energy: Discovery & Applications – Jay Pierson

October 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st – 1:00-2:00 PM

Georgetown Public Library Hewlett Room (In-Person Only) (125 Students Max)

This course will begin with the first fission discovery, in the basement of the University of Chicago and continue through today’s applications in energy production, medical uses, development of weaponry, and the complexities surrounding the lifespan/half-life of radio-active waste. Supporting documents and websites will be provided through emails.

Jay Pierson has over 35 years of teaching experience in the military, high school, and college (undergraduate and graduate) including staff development for educators, curriculum development and teacher evaluation. He developed and taught “America and the Vietnam Era” at both the high school and college level. He also taught weapon guidance and control systems for over 10 years of his military career, and has knowledge, now unclassified, of the successes and failures of such systems.

Exploring the Role of Race in American History – Lou Snead

October 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st – 2:15-3:30 PM

Georgetown Public Library Hewlett Room (In-Person+Zoom+OD) (125 Students Max)

The focus of this course will address issues in remembering the “troubling” parts of our nation’s history of racism as a means toward helping us become, in the words of President Abraham Lincoln, a “more perfect union”. The perspective offered in this course is based on a broad survey of academic histories and studies of racism that have shaped educational scholarship and experiences over the past twenty years or more. This historical exploration about race in America will include an examination of the contentious debates today over the historiography of “The 1619 Project” and the role of race in Civil War histories, continuing to give Confederate monuments public places of honor, issues with critical race theory, and the value of diversity, inclusion, and equity training.

Rev. Lou Snead is a retired Presbyterian minister living in Sun City who served congregations in Virginia, Dallas, Houston, and Austin over his forty years in ministry during which he had to address racial issues within white churches. As a history major in college and an activist in local racial reconciliation efforts, he is the author of the book entitled “Confessions of a Recovering Racist: What White People Must Do to Overcome Racism in America”. He believes in teaching honest history.

WEDNESDAYS

Emotional and Physical Aspects of Aging – Coordinators: Mary Ann Lish and Karl Schiller

This course will assist you with safeguarding your health, preparing for the unexpected, and having the resources to deal with the inevitable. The class will be presented by various experts related to your health and well-being.

The Worship Place at Rocky Hollow Rm J (In-Person+Zoom+OD) (75 Students Max)

5 Tips to Living Your Best, Healthiest Life – Kris Hooks

October 4th – 9:00-10:00 AM

Are you living your best, healthiest life? Most of us have struggles with aspects like managing a health condition, losing weight, eating healthier, having more energy, sleeping better, developing stronger relationships or experiencing more joy. You will learn five practical tips that you can start today to improve your health and help you live your best life.

Kris Hooks is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Health and Wellbeing Coach, and a Sun City resident.

Positive Psychology in Dealing with Illness – Kris Hooks

October 11th – 9:00-10:00 AM

Living with a chronic condition like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, cancer, depression or chronic pain can be very challenging. Beyond medication, there are things you can do to enhance the quality of your life. Learn simple strategies that actually change your brain chemistry without drugs! The practical tips offered will be helpful to caregivers, too.

Kris Hooks is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Health and Wellbeing Coach, and a Sun City resident.

Understanding Dementia – Bonnie How

October 18th – 9:00-10:00 AM

This class will introduce you to AGE of Central Texas, a nonprofit providing services to the elderly and provide critical information concerning dementia. It will describe the aging brain, what is not dementia, and then delve into the different varieties of dementia and initial symptoms. Lastly, it will describe how to best live with the illness and provide tips on promoting brain health.

Bonnie How is the Information & Resource Center Program Director for AGE of Central Texas and a former minister.

Living with Parkinson’s Disease – Mary Jane Berry

October 25th – 9:00-10:00 AM

Living with Parkinson’s disease (PD) can be challenging…but there is HOPE!  
HOPE in the fact that there are things you can do to maintain your quality of life and live well. You’ll be introduced to GAPS (Georgetown Area Parkinson’s Support Group), its mission to educate, support, and serve those with Parkinson’s disease, movement disorders, and their caregivers, and its motto: We never give up our hope and remain “incurably optimistic”!  

Mary Jane Berry is the Executive Director for GAPS, Georgetown Area Parkinson’s Support Group, an RN, BSN and past Project Manager for implementing HIPAA for the State of Texas.

Stirring Memories: Camille’s Café, Talking Baseball and Respite Care – Reg Rowe

November 1st – 9:00-10:00 AM

This class will introduce you to the many benefits of Camille’s Café, Talking Baseball and Respite Care, three programs providing dynamic, interactive ways for our community of loved ones living with dementia, caregivers, family, and friends to connect. All are offered under the auspices of A Gift of Time Georgetown, a local organization dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of those with mild to moderate memory loss, their caregivers, and the community at large.

Reg Rowe is a volunteer with A Gift in Time Georgetown

Beyond the Golden Age of Hollywood Musicals – Vic Figurelli

October 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th and November 1st – 9:00-10:00 AM

The Worship Place at Rocky Hollow Rm I (In-Person+Zoom) (60 Students Max)

The Golden Age of Hollywood Musicals is considered to have ended in 1959. However, Hollywood continued to produce quality musicals, many of which were adaptations of hit stage musicals. This course will extend the journey from last fall’s course in popular Hollywood musicals from the Golden Age and will feature video clips from some of the best movie musicals from the 1960s to the present.

Vic has been a member of Senior University since 1998. He served on the first operating Board as vice-president and facilities coordinator. He served a total of five years as president in three separate terms. Vic has conducted well over 100 workshops in his professional career and post-retirement as a consultant to nonprofit organizations. Vic also provides music-based programs for Camille’s Memory Cafe, designed for people and their caregivers living with dementia.

**Johann Sebastian Bach’s Magnificat BWV 243 and Antonio Vivaldi’s Gloria RV 589 – Dr. Barry Williamson** 

October 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th and November 1st – 10:30-11:30 AM

The Worship Place at Rocky Hollow Room J (In-Person+Zoom+OD) (75 Students Max)

Led by Dr. Barry Scott Williamson, Founder/Artistic Director of the Texas Bach Festival, this class will review the fascinating history and relationship of Johann Sebastian Bach’s famous Magnificat BWV 243 and Antonio Vivaldi’s equally renowned Gloria RV 589. Both sacred choral masterworks of the Baroque era, these settings in D Major by Bach and Vivaldi will be discussed and compared from a conductor’s point of view – with the Gloria to be the centerpiece of Senior U’s travel project with Dr. Williamson to NYC’s Carnegie Hall May 28-June 2, 2024. Additional insights will be offered from Dr. Williamson’s weekly “Bach to the Future” TBF radio broadcasts and YouTube performances of both works.

Dr Barry Scott Williamson has a long and revered international career of conducting and teaching innovation and accomplishment. He made his conducting debut at the European Music Festival in Stuttgart, where he finished as one of three finalist winners out of 63 conductors. Having led 5 international performance tours, Dr Williamson made his Carnegie Hall conducting debut in 2018. He has envisioned and led the Texas Bach Festival since it started in 2017.

Maps as Powerful Imagery – Dr. Peter Dana

October 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th and November 1st – 10:30-11:30 AM

The Worship Place at Rocky Hollow Rm I (In-Person) (60 Students Max)

We usually simply take them at face value, but maps have regularly been used to acquire, consolidate, and maintain power, or to strip others of power. Who has created them? Why?

Drawing from Geography, Anthropology, and History, this course will consider graphic representations of landscapes and their interrelationship with power within a variety of contexts. Case studies from science, technology, advertising, and persuasion will demonstrate the use of maps in situations ranging from control of colonial empires to the land and human rights claims of indigenous groups.

As a cultural geographer, Peter H. Dana taught a variety of courses in the Department of Geography and the Environment at the University of Texas in Austin from 1995 to 2020. A retired Research Fellow and Lecturer, Dr. Dana taught Environmental GIS, Maps and Map Interpretation, Spatial Data and Analysis, The Geography of Mexico and Central America, The Power of Maps, Landscape Narratives, and others at UT-Austin, Middlebury College, and Southwestern University. From 1997 to 2005 Dr. Dana served as the cartographer/geographer for participatory mapping projects on the Atlantic Coast of Nicaragua and on the North Coast and the Mosquitia of Honduras.

WEDNESDAY / THURSDAY AFTERNOONS

Jug Art – Juanita Towery

October 4th and 5th – 1:00-2:30 PM

Georgetown Public Library Classroom (In-Person Only) (10 Students Max)

Jug Art is the process of turning ordinary glass jugs or any glass container into a work of art in two 90-minute sessions. Come have fun while using your imagination and creativity to make your very own version of Jug Art. The instructor will provide guidance and techniques through demonstrations and training videos. Jugs, brushes, acrylic paints, glue, and finishing spray will be provided. Students are encouraged to bring additional decorative items (glass beads, regular beads, fabric swatches, appliques, etc.)

Juanita Towery is a published professional artist whose paintings have been exhibited in Los Angeles, CA, Houston, TX, Austin, TX, New Orleans, LA. Her paintings have been sold throughout the U.S and abroad.

THURSDAYS

Worldwide Travel – Coordinator: Barb Larson

9:00-10:00 AM

Grand Living Forum Theater (In-Person+Zoom+OD) (100 Students Max)

The Worldwide Travel Class has different speakers each week sharing their adventures along with their photos in unique locations around the world including many wonderful UNESCO World Heritage sites.

October 5: GREENLAND & ARCTIC WONDERLAND – Andy & Michelle Goerdel

Andy and Michelle visit Greenland via an Expedition Cruise ship. Topics include the 9 locations visited, the people and their island, a comparison between the Arctic & Antarctic, and much more.

October 12: LEBANON – Donna McJunken 

  Lebanon is a small country almost half a world away that many people would have a hard time finding on a map. It is a fascinating place to visit, with a long and interesting history. It’s also a place that can be rather unstable to visit, but fascinating and beautiful to go to if you ever get the opportunity.                          

October 19:  ICELAND – Terri & Denny Boroczk

Iceland is situated on a land mass the size of Kentucky with only 374,000 residents. The history of this island nation is colorful with Viking influence and it boasts one of the oldest democratic parliaments dating to 930 AD. We will discover why Iceland has its nickname “fire and Ice”. Highlights included sampling 50-year-old shark meat, touring a town that was buried by a massive volcano in 1973, hiking to several waterfalls, and seeing the plentiful bird life, especially the lively Puffins that nest on the cliff sides in the Arctic Circle portion of the country. 

October 26: NORTHERN GREECE – Mark Nissen

Mark will tell us about his travels through Northern Greece including Delphi where we visit the Theater and the ancient Temple of Apollo, tour Kalabaka to see Meteora, the home of six remaining operating monasteries, and we will visit the Acropolis and many other places in Athens. His tour will also take us to Thessaloniki, and the islands of Mykonos and Delos. 

November 2:   TASMANIA & NEW ZEALAND – Sally Grossman  

The highlights of Sally’s trip include visiting a wildlife sanctuary in Tasmania; a Maori museum, a boat ride on the oldest working steamship in the Southern Hemisphere, visiting the Wanaka Tree, hiking, and scenic drives in New Zealand. Come prepared to see some of the most spectacular scenery in the world, all in a country the size of the state of Colorado. 

Finding Your Voice Through Spoken Word Poetry – Brigid Cooley

October 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th and November 2nd – 9:00-10:00 AM

Grand Living Studio 1 (In-Person Only) (20 Students Max)

For centuries, poetry has served as one of the most impactful and effective forms of storytelling, yet the art form can sometimes seem inaccessible. However, I believe every person has a place in poetry…they simply have to find it. During this interactive workshop series, participants will find their own poetic voice through watching modern spoken word poets, analyzing classic poems and writing their own works while using focused creative writing prompts. A share-out component in which writers read their work a la open mic style will finish out the workshop. No previous writing experience is necessary to participate, only a willingness to try something new.

Brigid Cooley is a Texas-based poet, journalist and storyteller. She is passionate about teaching poetry workshops to students and fellow writers from all age ranges and has been published in both local and international poetry collections and anthologies. She previously served as co-host of the San Antonio Sun Poets Society weekly poetry reads and now hosts the Little Things Poetry Read on Facebook. Her first poetry collection, “family recipes” will be published this fall by Kelsay Books.

Fascinating Potpourri

Grand Living Forum Theater (100 Students Max)

The Holocaust Through the Eyes of Descendants – Claudia Loewenstein

October 5th – 10:30-11:30 AM (In-Person Only)

The lecture is based on one family’s journey as they escape Nazi Germany in 1939 and relocate to Latin America and will cover historical events and themes relevant for seniors. Through stories passed down to a daughter and authentic documentation of family members who survived the concentration camps (and some who did not), the lecture will provide a unique and informative perspective- designed to educate and inspire.

Claudia Loewenstein was born in Santiago, Chile. She is the daughter of German Jews who narrowly escaped Nazi Germany and fled to Chile in 1939. Before retiring, for 25 years, she taught Spanish and French at the Greenhill School located in Addison, TX. She is a published free-lance journalist.

Pandemic in the Library! Books on outbreaks, epidemics, and beyond found in the Georgetown Public – Adam Samuels

October 12th – 10:30-11:30 AM (In-Person+Zoom+OD)

This one-hour class will introduce two of the moderator’s favorite books from the award-winning Georgetown Public Library on the history and science of man’s fight with our oldest enemy, infectious disease. Through highlights from each, we will peer into the microscope. Using anecdotes of well-known diseases outbreaks (Cholera, 1918 Spanish Flu) and lesser-known outbreaks (Plague in Los Angeles in the 1920’s, Great Parrot Fever), we will better understand how society, science, and city or national leaders interpreted what was going on and responded (which sometimes made it worse.)

Adam Samuels is a former US Navy officer. From 2011-2015, Adam was assigned to the Defense Threat Reduction Agency’s (DTRA) Cooperative Biological Engagement Program (CBEP), partnering with CDC, USDA, and the State Department to improve the biosafety, biosecurity, and bio-surveillance of host country partners around the glove. Adam earned a BS from Texas A&M University and MA from the US Naval War College. He currently works as a Strategic Planner with the Texas Office of Homeland Security in Austin TX.

Writing your Life Story for Legacy or Publication – Laurie Woodford

October 19th – 10:30-11:30 AM (In-Person Only)

You have a unique story to tell. Whether you want to preserve your story for family and future generations or publish a memoir, this class will jumpstart your journey as we delve into meaningful approaches to writing about one’s life experiences. We will look at effective ways to organize your life story through the use of timelines, themes, and poignant questions as prompts. We’ll also examine the issue of memory, “truth,” and the essential role you, as writer, play in being a reliable narrator in the telling of your story. This class will include lecture, brief writing exercises and a list of resources for further learning.

For over twenty years, Laurie Woodford taught English to college students in the U.S., China, and South Korea. Her travel memoir, Unsettled, will be published this January (Unsolicited Press) and her novel, a romantic comedy, is forthcoming (Boroughs Publishing Group). Her short stories and essays have appeared in The Antioch Review, The Chattahoochee Review, The Minnesota Review, Little Patuxent Review and Catamaran. Originally from upstate New York, Laurie now lives in Georgetown with her amazing husband, Bruce, and wonder dog, Journey. She holds an MFA from Queens University of Charlotte.

Sinkholes: When the Earth Bites Back – Dr. Dave Weinberg

October 26th – 10:30-11:30 AM (In-Person+Zoom+OD)

This presentation addresses four questions about sinkholes:

1) What is a sinkhole?

2) What causes sinkholes?

3) Where are sinkholes?

4) What can be done about them?

Following his geology PhD from Texas A&M University, Dave worked in the oil business for 20+ years. In 1995, he went to DOE’s Idaho National Laboratory working on various energy-related projects. Starting in 2002, Dave spent 14 years in and consulting with the Department of Homeland Security on projects related to critical infrastructure protection and terrorism risk analysis. He has been teaching adult education classes here and elsewhere since 2009.

Eyes in the Sky—My US Navy life as an Airborne Electronic Spy – Les Wollam

November 2nd – 10:30-11:30 AM (In-Person+Zoom+OD)

From 1962-1966, Les Wollam worked as an ECM (electronic countermeasures) operator in the U.S. Navy. After a year in aviation electronics school, he reported to Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron One (VQ1) based at Atsugi Naval Air Station, Japan and soon found himself flying 14-16 hours long missions. He’ll recall his experiences along the Russian coast from the Sea of Japan as well as flights over Viet Nam locating mobile SAM sites and provide insight into many incidents involving VQ1—some that he witnessed firsthand, others that he did not, e.g., one unarmed VQ1 plane was shot down by North Korea with 31 lives lost and another time a Chinese fighter plane and a VQ1 plane crashed in mid-air.

Les Wollam was born and raised in Portland, Oregon, is a U.S. Navy veteran, and has lived in both Spain and Japan. He has a BFA degree in photography from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California and enjoyed a nearly 50-year career as a professional photographer, 9 years in NYC and 36 years in Dallas working mostly in the corporate photography field. Clients included Halliburton, IBM & American Airlines and magazines Fortune, Forbes and Business Week. He has lived in Georgetown since January 2015.

FRIDAYS

Toothless Bear: The Rise and Fall of the Russian Military – Anthony Triola

October 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th and November 3rd – 9:00-10:00 AM

San Gabriel Presbyterian Church Sanctuary (In-Person+OD) (200 Students Max)

This course will track the current state of the Russian military and what has gone so wrong for them in the Ukraine.  The course will backtrack through Russian and Soviet military history to attempt to identify what went wrong and identify when and why the breakdown occurred.  The course will provide an in-depth look at Russian operations in the 2014 War in the Ukraine and the “Little Green Men”, the 2008 Invasion of Georgia, and the Russian Campaigns in Chechnya. The course will also review the Soviet campaign in Afghanistan and their participation in World War II.

Chief Warrant Officer Four (CW4) Anthony Triola retired on January 31, 2014, after serving 24 years, 7 months on active duty. The highlight of his career was when Anthony served as the Russia Ground Officer for the European Command from 2009 to 2012. For the past four years Anthony has been teaching Russian History at Senior University. Additionally, Anthony is an American Red Cross volunteer, and serves as the Mass Care Lead for Central Texas. He is married and has one daughter, Madeleine.

Revolutions in Military Affairs – Fred Stein

October 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th and November 3rd – 10:30-11:45 AM

San Gabriel Presbyterian Church Sanctuary (In-Person+OD) (200 Students Max)

Throughout history there have been discoveries and innovations in warfare just as there have been in other areas of civilization. This course will cover changes in weapons, tactics, and organizations from the Greeks to modern day to the future. We’ll discuss what is meant by ‘Revoutions in Military Affairs’, what are their components, and why do they matter. We’ll take a look at Ancient Warfare used by the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans and Mongols; at Modern Warfare implemented in the American Civil War, World Wars I & II, the Gulf War, and Ukraine; and finally at the future including Networked Forces, Space Forces, and Cyber Forces. As time permits and events occur, we’ll begin each session with an update on the Ukrainian Russian War.

Fred Stein served in the US Army for 27 years retiring as a Colonel having commanded at all levels to Brigade. Supported combat and relief operations from Vietnam to Rwanda and Bosnia. Served as a Distinguished NetCentic engineer with MITRE Corps in the Digitization of the Army and introduction of Network Centric Warfare into the Department of Defense. Fred holds a BS from GA Tech and an MS from Boston University, Army War College.