Discover New Friends & Develop a Network of Gifted People

Dates: Monday, oct. 25, 2021
Time: 11:00 am  – 12:00 pm
ZOOM MTGS.

COURSE DESCRIPTION: The Mayor will talk about Marana’s housing market. Present circumstances for small businesses and locally owned restaurants and the help provided to them during the COVID pandemic. Safety measures the town has developed to keep our residents and contractors working with our Town employees to keep projects moving along. Town of Marana’s most powerful tool is the ability to rely on our strong ties in our community.

 WHY ATTEND: Come learn about what is going on in the Town of Marana from our Mayor.

 PRESENTER BIOGRAPHY: Mayor Honea is the third generation of a five-generation Marana family and has served three times on the town council. He worked for the U.S. Postal Service and as a contractor for 29 years before retiring in 2007. He is a member of the Pima Association of Governments, including serving as chair in 2014, and the chair of the Regional Transportation Authority. He serves on the executive boards of many Arizona civic and not-for-profit organizations.

Date:  Mon., nov. 1, 2021                  11:00 – 12:00 pm                                    ZOOM

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Infants first experience language as pure sound, devoid of any concrete meaning but full of interesting and varied acoustic information. Music is often treated as a secondary ability and matures more slowly than language. This talk will demonstrate that, to the contrary, not only do music and language abilities develop in parallel, but musical hearing and ability are essential for successful language acquisition.

WHY ATTEND: Learn how to think about music and language in new ways and challenge widely-held assumptions about both.

PRESENTER BIOGRAPHY: Dr. Molly Gebrian, University of Arizona faculty, has distinguished herself as an outstanding violist performer, teacher, and scholar. She holds degrees from Rice University, New England Conservatory, and Oberlin College, where she studied viola performance and neuroscience. She has published many papers on music and the brain and is a frequent presenter on the topic.

Date:  Mon., Nov.8 , 2021                  11:00 – 12:00 pm                               ZOOM

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Spanish speakers and their cultural heritage now constitute the largest minority group in the United States. Historian Dr. Michael Brescia examines the broad impact of Spain's empire on the United States. He will share his research and experience as an expert witness in old Spanish colonial law and how it still fashions property rights, particularly water rights, in places such as Arizona and New Mexico.

WHY ATTEND: Gain a broader understanding of the large historical forces that shaped the peoples, landscapes, and cultures of this region we all call home.

PRESENTER BIOGRAPHY: Dr. Michael Brescia is Curator of Ethnohistory at the Arizona State Museum and affiliated Professor of History and Law at the University of Arizona. He teaches Mexican history, comparative history of North America, world history, and Southwest land and society and has published books and articles on these topics.

Date:  Monday, NOV. 8, 2021           1:30 – 2:30 pm                    ZOOM

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This Road Scholar (RS) program will show how to utilize the RS website. It will also provide information regarding the travel philosophy and what to expect on a RS adventure with outstanding guides. The virtual travel programs were developed during the pandemic, and, as we all age, this will also allow people to travel the world from their armchair. As a photographer, he will also present his RS trips to National Parks and Signature Cities. As we turn the corner, are you itching to get back on the road in a safe environment? With RS’s travel you can be sure RS has your safety in mind.

WHY ATTEND: If you enjoy traveling, discovering new places, meeting new friends then invite your friends to join you to watch this presentation of how you can take part in a RS adventure.

PRESENTER BIOGRAPHY: Perne “Bob” Maynard, RS Ambassador, sold Integrated Life Safety Systems in the construction industry. He HAD to be a doer. If you are a doer, you will LOVE RS travel. He has enjoyed awakening at 4:30 AM at Bryce Canyon for a spectacular sun rise, a glorious sunset at the Grand Canyon, breathtaking Alaskan vistas, and the great cuisine of New Orleans.

Date:  Monday, Nov. 15, 2021                        11:00 – 12:00 pm                                       ZOOM

COURSE DESCRIPTION: “There are only two types of women: goddesses and doormats.” Love Picasso or hate him? Get to know the rebel cubist artist and the influence eight great lovers had on his life and work. An analysis of Picasso's art will give insights into his stature as the most acclaimed art genius of the 20th Century.

WHY ATTEND: This is an opportunity for life-long learning, fun, and a view into the life and art of one of the most fascinating and controversial giants in art history.

PRESENTER BIOGRAPHY: Susie Heintz is a native Tucsonan with a B. A. from St. Mary’s Notre Dame and two Masters Degrees from University of Arizona. International Educational Consultant for 25 years. Tucson Museum of Art Docent for 15 years and volunteer at the Presidio Museum.

Date:  Tuesday, oct.26, 2021                           11:00 – 12:00 pm                               ZOOM

COURSE DESCRIPTION: What is Biosphere 2? How can we use this incredible model to understand our planet in a deeper, more meaningful way? Deputy Director John Adams will discuss how we take big questions and turn them into valuable answers, providing insight and solutions for the environmental challenges our world faces today.

WHY ATTEND: Expand your knowledge of geology, water conservation, greenhouse gases and global climate change.

PRESENTER BIOGRAPHY: John Adams has led the terrestrial research initiatives exploring the effect of elevated CO2 on the complex mesocosms of Biosphere 2 since 1995. He became Biosphere 2's Media Coordinator and Public Spokesperson in 1999. In 2014, he became Biosphere 2 Deputy Director responsible for all research and activities in Biosphere 2 and the surrounding campus.

Dates:  Tuesdays, Feb. 9, 16, 23, Mar. 2, 2021             1:30 – 3:00 pm                                   ZOOM

COURSE DESCRIPTION:  Build your knowledge of current international developments with civil discussions.  One person talks and everyone listens.  Members are invited to share their thoughts, insights, and opinions with civility. Our discussion group is registered with the Foreign Policy Association in NYC.  For over 100 years, the FPA has provided programs for community members, business professionals, and public officials. The LLRH Great Decisions group meets four times in the spring and four times in October and November. A DVD will be shown at the beginning of each meeting. Reading the 2021 Great Decisions Briefing Book prepares the participants with information about the topic and to participate fully in the hour discussion after viewing the 30 minute DVD on the topic.

IN THIS PANDEMIC YEAR, ORDER YOUR 2021 BRIEFING BOOK BY CALLING THE FPA AT 212-481-8100.  YOUR BOOK WILL BE MAILED TO YOUR HOME IN DECEMBER, 2020.  PAY $32.00 BY CREDIT CARD.

GREAT DECISIONS 2021 TOPICS & MODERATORS – SPRING, 2021

                    2-9-21    GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS AND NATIONAL SECURITY – MICHAEL BOHON

                    2-16-21  PERSIAN GULF SECURITY ISSUES – JOAN DRUCKER

                    2-23-21  BREXIT AND THE EUROPEAN UNION - JOHN LENZI

                    3-2-21    STRUGGLES OVER THE MELTING ARCTIC - CLARK BOREN

WHY ATTEND? Be an informed citizen about global issues.

Date:  Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021           11:00 – 12:00 pm                                   ZOOM

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Dramatic, powerful, birds of prey.  We see them soaring, languishing on utility poles and present in a variety of habitats from the Arctic to the tropics. Why do we have such a strong affinity to them, in some cases own them and use them to hunt? Discover more about their lives, their prey, their families and how they hunt.

WHY ATTEND?  They represent the wildness of nature in the highest degree.

PRESENTER BIOGRAPHY:  Cynthia Pruett is a retired executive, who is a bird and nature enthusiast and concerned about the protection of our planet and its biodiversity.

Date:  Wednesday, Mar 3, 2021           1:30 – 2:30 pm                                         ZOOM

COURSE DESCRIPTION: The members of the Fred Fox Graduate Wind Quintet are excited to present a program representing the instruments of the wind quintet in different settings and share the ways they have adapted to making music in the current pandemic climate.

WHY ATTEND?  Performers and audiences all over the world have been stripped from enjoying live music. However, technology has made it possible to still connect with each other. Please join the young professionals of the Fred Fox Graduate Wind Quintet for an afternoon of wind music.

PRESENTER BIOGRAPHY:  The Fred Fox Graduate Wind Quintet is one of the premiere student performing ensembles at The University of Arizona. Its members have come to the Fred Fox School of Music from some of the world’s leading music schools to perform and compete internationally. Sponsored by a generous donation on behalf of renowned horn player Fred Fox, the students benefit from studio instruction and coaching by each member of the Arizona Wind Quintet.

The ensemble has performed in China, Mexico, and throughout the southwest. The ensemble’s accolades include prizes in the MTNA, Coleman, and Plowman chamber music competitions. Its members have won solo competitions at all levels and several alumni hold positions in orchestras and professional service bands.