Date: Monday, February 12, 2024
10:30 am – 12 Noon
Catalina II

 COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course will be a review of Mel Brooks’ history as a comedy writer, director,
and producer of comedy TV sit-coms and movies. Short clips from Mel’s TV
programs and movies will be shown.

Presenter Biography:
During college John Abeln worked at a Los Angeles Country Club catered to the Hollywood elite: directors, producers, and actors. He fell in love with the creators of humor and comedy. In his corporate life he wrote movie reviews in his spare time. Retired, John spends time writing fiction.

Date:  Monday, February 12, 2024
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Catalina II

Course Description:

U.S. Consumers lost over $3.5 billion to online fraud in the first half of 2022, most of them over 60 years of age. This class explores how your information is being mined and used in the digital age. Fraudulent practices that riminals are using will be presented and strategies for making your digital life more secure are outlined. Learn to distinguish between real and imaginary cyber threats. Cybersecurity is everyone’s business. Learn how to fight back and become digitally resilient.

Presenter Biography:
Hello! My name is Peg Bushong. I have degrees in education with additional credits in business. I have lived in Sun City Oro Valley for 16 years, have been actively involved, putting much energy into teaching for our Technology club. My first tech presentation was in 2010 and since then have continued to give classes and presentations. I enjoy helping others learn about new technological advancements and have expertise in all devices with special emphasis in the Apple environment. I love the teaching experience and believe the classes I
give are great learning experiences!

Date:  Tuesday, February  13, 2024
11:00 am – 12 noon
Catalina II

Course Description:
An interactive performance from the University of Arizona’s Fred Fox Graduate Wind Quintet. Exciting performances of eclectic musical selections from the Romantic era to present. Discussions about the composers, the instruments, the power of collaboration, and more!

Presenter Biography:
The Fred Fox Graduate Wind Quintet is one of the
University of Arizona’s premiere ensembles encompassing five graduate students. The ensemble collectively aims to engage with the community by presenting performances tailored for various age groups in diverse venues. They are eager to broaden their impact and connect with anyone willing to listen and
benefit from the transformative power of music.

Date:  Tuesday, February 13, 2024
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Catalina II

 COURSE DESCRIPTION:

The United States and Middle East are at a crossroads. In spite of a reduced presence in the Middle East, the U.S. still has significant national interests there and the area is a key arena for global power politics. Can the U.S. continue to defend its interests in the Middle East and globally with a lower level of military
and political involvement, or should it recommit to a leading role in the region?

Presenter Biography:
Marc Lynch. Part of the Great Decisions* program from the Foreign Policy Association. Facilitator: John Abeln

Date:  Wednesday, February 14, 2024
10:30 am – 12:00 noon
Catalina II

 COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Is the past a real place you can visit? Can you change what happened there? If not, why not? If so, what happens to the present? Do you have free will to change the future? And what about alternate timelines? Scientists aren’t sure, but we can all have opinions. This will be a guided class discussion of some of those issues, and everyone will get a chance to talk. If you have a favorite book/movie/series/podcast/theory about time travel, come prepared to share your excitement with the rest of us.

Presenter Biography:
Alan Jones was a professional mathematician in a previous life, and has been an amateur astronomer and a science fiction fan for longer than he can remember. He’s enjoyed diving into the many time travel shows and movies streaming on Amazon Prime, Hulu, Netflix, etc. Check them out!

Date: Wednesday, February 14, 2024
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Catalina II

COURSE DESCRIPTION: 

Birds migrate in order to sustain their populations, a marvel going on for eons. Learn, why, when, how, and the many secrets of this annual movement

Presenter Biography:
Cynthia Pruett is a retired IBM executive, environmental advocate, and long time birder. She sits on both local and National Audubon boards. She is a chemical engineer by profession with an MBA.

Date:  Monday, February 19, 2024
10:30 am – 12:00 noon
Catalina II

Course Description:

see above – Feb 12

Date:  Monday, February 19, 2024
1:30 pm– 3:00 pm
Catalina II

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

see above – Feb 12

DATE: Tuesday, February 20, 2024
10:30 am – 12:00 noon
Catalina II

Course Description:

These classes will build upon the basics presented in Dr. Shumaker’s Spring, 2023 class. There will be 3 sessions:
Parts 1 & 2: “Look up! What you can see in the night sky and a basic understanding of the sky and solar system” Anything current of real interest at the time of presentation will be added in as well.

Presenter Biography:
Dr. Bryan Shumaker is a member of the Highlands community and is an avid semi-amateur astronomer. As a NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador, he does space education outreach on all things astronomical, including observing, astrophotography and showing people the beauty and wonder of the heavens.
He is an Adjunct Professor, Dept. of Physics, Oakland University, Rochester, MI, President of the Northern Michigan Astronomy Club, and astronomy director of the Dark Sky Park at the Headlands (northern MI).

Date:  Tuesday, February 20, 2024
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Catalina II

 COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Scientific advances benefit from collaboration between researchers, but what happens when material, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) is controversial and important to a nation’s national security? Is there a middle ground between sharing information and denying access? How can we regulate cooperation?

Presenter Biography:
Myla Rosenthal. Part of the Great Decisions* program from the Foreign Policy Association. Facilitator: Sue Pfeiffer

Date:  Wednesday, February 21, 2024
10:30 am – 12:00 Noon
Catalina II

 COURSE DESCRIPTION:

see above – Feb 14

Date: Wednesday, February 21, 2024
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Ballroom

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

General Washington lost more battles during the Revolutionary War than he won. So, what was Washington’s leadership most recognized for so that historians through the 19th century, including British historians, credit him with
the American victory over the British? As we looked at the contradictions in Jefferson’s behavior in the first History Bytes, we will now begin to examine the contradictions and private opinions of George Washington that have been left out of the history books. This may be followed by more History Bytes on Washington as an entrepreneur and plantation owner, his marriage to Martha and his activities as President Washington.

Presenter Biography:
John Lenzi worked for universities for 30 years after stints on Park Avenue and Wall Street. His academic credentials are in psychology, but he was a history buff from childhood on and still reads a great deal mostly ancient and US history.

Date:  Monday, February 26, 2024
10:30 am – 12:00 Noon
Catalina II

Course Description:
These classes will build upon the basics presented in Dr. Shumaker’s Spring, 2023 class. There will be 3 sessions:
Parts 1 & 2: “Look up! What you can see in the night sky and a basic understanding of the sky and solar system” Anything current of real interest at the time of presentation will be added in as well.

Presenter Biography:
see above, Feb 20

DATE: Monday, February 26, 2024
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Catalina II

Course Description:

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February, 2022, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), has come under increased scrutiny, not because NATO troops are involved in the conflict, but because of its role in relations between Russia and its neighbors. Will expanding membership in NATO protect countries, or will it further provoke Russia?

Presenter Biography:
Sarwar Kashmeri. Part of the Great Decisions* program from the Foreign Policy Association. Facilitator: Ed Laake

Date:  Tuesday, February 27, 2024
10:00 am – 11:30 am

 COURSE DESCRIPTION:

The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures’ collection  of miniatures includes over 500 antique and contemporary dollhouses and
roomboxes, while special exhibitions highlight the breadth and diversity of the art of miniatures. Our tour will include the special exhibit ‘The Captain’s Quarters’ which recreates a 17th century sea captain’s quarters.
We will gather at the museum at 9:45. Address: 4455 E Camp Lowell Dr, Tucson, AZ 85712. Admission price $10. Docent led tour.
Those who wish will gather for lunch at a nearby restaurant after the tour.

Date: Wednesday, February 28, 2024
9:00 Am – 11:00 am
Tortolita Preserve

Course Description:

We will take a short loop hike into the Tortolita Preserve via the Buckhorn Cholla Drive access gate. We will speak about the history of the Preserve, its purpose, and the ongoing efforts to protect it. We will also touch upon basic hiking
preparation and safety, as well as discuss flora and fauna we encounter. There will be both a one-mile and a three-mile option. We’ll all start together, but there will be a choice to turn off for the short loop or walk farther along the trail.
We will exit the Buckhorn Cholla Dr gate from the Highlands. Parking at the gate is limited to streetside format, so either walking to the gate or carpooling would be recommended. The trail is soft, with limited rocks, and moderately level.
Hiking boots or trail shoes are recommended. Hikers should have water, a hat, sunglasses, and enough layered clothing to remain comfortable during wide temperature swings. A salty snack and or an electrolyte drink is always wise. Our chances of encountering herps (snakes) this time of year is not likely.

Presenter Biography:
Dave Barker is a retired elementary school teacher, and destination resort manager. In his ten years living at the Highlands, he has been involved in two local non-profit organizations, the Tortolita Alliance, and Friends of Ironwood
Forest to advocate for public lands.

Date: Wednesday, February 28, 2024
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Catalina II

Course Description:

Tucson was the art home for seven of the southwest’s most acclaimed artists in the 20th century, including Harley Brown, Duane
Bryers, and Howard Terpning. Get to know them and their artwork, why they came to Tucson and how they got along. But mostly, just come to enjoy their artwork and prepare to adopt bragging rights for our own Tucson 7.

Presenter Biography:
Kit Kimball is a docent at the Tucson Museum of Art and serves on its Board of Trustees. Kit’s career was in Natural Resource Public Policy both in the western states and in Washington D.C. Having grown up in the mountains of Idaho, she chose to return to the West 10 years ago. Today, she loves Tucson’s unique western flair and its art scene… and believes TMA is
the perfect place for her to indulge in these passions.

Date:  Monday, March 4, 2024
10:30 am – 12:00 Noon
Catalina II

 COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Since George Washington was a British soldier and the first president of the United States, his portraits have been a favorite subject of artists. They reveal as much about the eras and the artists as they do about this significant figure in American history.

Presenter Biography:
Chuck Tampio began his career in education as a Peace Corps volunteer in Africa. He led several civic and environmental educational
nonprofits in Washington, DC. He became the first anchor for C-SPAN and is president of the Leveler Foundation, a national charity. He retired to his ranch on Tucson’s east side and gives jeep and horseback tours in the Sonoran Desert he loves. He developed his love of art as a student at the University of Florence and
as a visiting professor at the University of Parma in Italy. Chuck’s presentations are often interactive, because he says that the wonderful perspectives of our audiences in Tucson are too important to leave unexpressed

DATE: Monday, March 4, 2024
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Catalina II

Course Description:

see above, Feb 12

DATE: Tuesday, March 5, 2024
10:30 am- 12:00 Noon
Catalina II

Course Description:

These classes will build upon the basics presented in Dr. Shumaker’s Spring, 2023 class. There will be 3 sessions:
Part 3: “The best viewing aids and how to observe the cosmos” Anything current of real interest at the time of presentation will be added in as well.

Presenter Biography:
see above, Feb 20

Date:  Tuesday, March 5, 2024
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm 
Catalina II

Course Description:

Despite its large size, Indonesia remains virtually invisible to most Americans.
But as one of the world’s largest democracies, the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, and as an economic driver of ASEAN, why does it fly
below the radar? What are current issues in U.S.-Indonesian relations, and what role can the country play in Asia?

Presenter Biography:
Charles Sullivan. Part of the Great Decisions* program from the Foreign Policy
Association. Facilitator: Clark (Buzz) Boren

Date:  Monday, March 6, 2024
8:30 am – 11:00 am
Catalina II

Course Description:

El Rio park was created when a dike along the Santa Cruz broke and a lake formed. It has been enhanced to a lovely park with good habitat for birds. We will explore the area for ducks and water birds as well as perhaps some early
migrants. There is seating and easy walking. We will meet there at 8:30 AM.

Please wear good walking shoes, hats, sunscreen and whatever else the weather suggests.

We will adjourn to a nearby restaurant for our traditional end-of-the-semester
luncheon after the walk. Please join us.

Presenter Biography:

Cynthia Pruett is a retired IBM executive, environmental advocate, and long time birder. She sits on both local and National Audubon boards. She is a chemical engineer by profession with an MBA.