

Schedule of SPRING 2023 Courses


*2023 GREAT DECISIONS – FOREIGN POLICY ASSOCIATION (FPA)
For over 100 years, the FPA has provided educational programs for citizens and public officials. We will meet 4 times in Spring 2023 in Catalina II. Each session begins with a 20 – 30-minute video and attendees read the relevant chapter in the Great Decisions Briefing Book beforehand. A limited number of copies are available from Prudy Abeln. You may also call the FPA at 800-477-5836 and pay by credit card $35 plus shipping or purchase an ebook version from Amazon.
CLICK THE COURSE TITLE BELOW FOR COURSE DETAILS
British Humor in the ‘70s and ‘80s - A Short Course
Dates: Feb. 6, 10:30 – 12 noon,
Catalina II
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
British Humor TV shows were popular in the U.S. in the 1970s and ‘80s. This class will explore the types of British humor and how they influenced U.S. TV shows. Many video clips will be shown as part of the discussions.
Why Attend:
Anyone enjoying humor and wanting to relive some of the highlights of the distinctive style of British humor will enjoy the class.
Presenter Biography:
John Abeln is retired and an active novelist. He has presented to LLRH over the last two years in Movie classes, with handouts and film clips.
Great Decisions - Energy Geopolitics
Dates: Monday, Feb. 6
1:30 – 3:00 pm
Catalina II
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Access to oil and gas has long held an influence over the politics of individual nations and their relations with others. But as more countries move toward sustainable energy, and supply chain shortages affect the availability of oil and gas, how will this change the way in which the United States interacts with the outside world?
Why Attend:
Build your knowledge of current international developments through open discussion with attendees.
Presenter Biography:
Carolyn Kissane. Part of the Great Decisions* program from the Foreign Policy Association. Facilitator: Clark (Buzz) Boren
Photosynthesis in the Desert
Dates: Monday, Feb. 13
10:30 – 12:00 noon
Catalina II
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
We will have hands-on experience with cacti and other succulents which perform CAM photosynthesis. We will review basic photosynthesis and discuss the adaptations that plants have developed in the extreme desert environment, and how these adaptations function in the desert food web.
Why Attend:
Come and have fun examining cacti and other succulent plants while learning how these amazing plants perform photosynthesis in the extreme environment of the Sonoran desert.
Presenter Biography:
Sue Pfeiffer is a biologist and naturalist who is interested in sharing her knowledge about the natural world with others. She is a former high school Biology teacher, Science Department Chair, and Peer Evaluator for Fairfax County Public Schools. Her major focus in teaching is to help others learn how to identify and solve problems and enjoy the natural world.
Great Decisions - Politics in Latin America
Dates: Monday, Feb. 13, 2023
1:30 – 3:00pm
Catalina II
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Electoral results in Latin America over the past four years have led many observers of the regional/political scene to discern a left-wing surge in the hemisphere, reminiscent of the so-called “Pink Tide” that swept the area some 20 years ago. But how much do these politicians actually have in common? What implication does their ascendency have for the region?
Why Attend:
Build your knowledge of current international developments through open discussion with attendees.
Presenter Biography:
Jorge Castañeda. Part of the Great Decisions* program from the Foreign Policy Association. Facilitator: Maureen Conroyd
All Aboard for Streetcar Art
Dates: MONDAY, Feb. 20, 2023
10:30 – 12:00 noon
Catalina II
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
You will be introduced to the public art created for the Tucson Streetcar Project. Discover the major theme of all the installations, the title of each work, a little background about each artist and how a lesser form of art is used at the stops with no installation.
Why Attend:
Discover this most recent type of public art available to anyone, anytime in Tucson
Presenter Biography:
Alinda Hakanson is a retired Iowa public educator of 33 years and has been a docent at the Tucson Museum of Art since 2013. During her time as a docent she has developed art talks about Mauricio Lasansky, The Harlem Renaissance, Roy Lichtenstein, and Art Deco: Automobiles and Hollywood.
Great Decisions - Iran at a Crossroads
Dates: Monday, Feb 20, 2023
1:30– 3:00 pm
Catalina II
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
By the fall of 2022, Iran was in a state of turmoil due to widespread protests against government-enforced wearing of the hijab, a failing economy, an ineffective new president, and the looming succession of the country’s leader, Ayatollah Khamenei. Abroad, renewal of the Iran nuclear deal seemed doubtful and tensions remain high between Iran, Israel, and Arab states. Many Iranians have lost hope of a better future, and the country seems at a crossroads. How should the United States deal with it?
Why Attend:
Build your knowledge of current international developments through open discussion with attendees.
Presenter Biography:
Lawrence Potter. Part of the Great Decisions* program from the Foreign Policy Association. Facilitator: John Abeln
Look Up! What’s in the Night Sky?
Dates: Monday, Feb. 27, 2023
10:30 – 12:00 noon
Catalina II
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
A beginner’s course to let everyone understand and appreciate the joy of observing the night sky. Basic concepts, things to look at, and astronomy apps and telescope use is covered, along with an introduction to astrophotography (from using cell phones up to dedicated astrocameras). We live in a perfect area to observe here in southern Arizona!
Why Attend:
So one can go outside and look up—and understand what they are seeing!
Presenter Biography:
Dr. Bryan Shumaker is a new 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, at Oakland University, Rochester, MI, President of the Northern Michigan Astronomy Club, and astronomy director of the Dark Sky Park at the Headlands (northern MI).
Great Decisions - Economic Warfare
Dates: Monday, Feb. 27, 2023
1:30 – 3:00pm
Catalina II
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Waging economic warfare consists of a variety of measures from implementing sanctions to fomenting labor strikes. Such tools are utilized by states to hinder their enemies, and in the case of the United States have been used as far back as the early 19th century. Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, economic warfare has been the main means for the west to challenge Russia. How effective will these sanctions be at convincing Russia to cease its war?
Why Attend:
Build your knowledge of current international developments through open discussion with attendees.
Presenter Biography:
Jonathan Chanis. Part of the Great Decisions* program from the Foreign Policy Association. Facilitator: Robert Zonneveld
Art of Edward Hopper and Andrew Wyeth: Opening Windows Reflecting the Secrets and Private Lives of 20th Century America
Dates: Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023
1:30 – 3:00pm
Catalina II
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
By examining paintings by both Edward Hopper and Andrew Wyeth, art lovers will understand how these American Realists portrayed the hidden secrets and emotions of the 20th Century American experience. The magnum opuses of both artists will be analyzed to show why the work of Hopper and Wyeth has survived the test of time
Why Attend:
It is an opportunity to view fascinating art and enjoy chocolate treats!
Presenter Biography:
Susie Heintz is a native Tucsonan who has been a Tucson Museum of Art Docent for 17 years. She holds a B. A. Degree from St. Mary’s Notre Dame and two Masters Degrees from University of AZ. She has been a teacher, International Educational Consultant and volunteer. Susie has been married for 48 years to Jim Heintz, bakes the Best chocolate chip cookies and enjoys travel, learning, and reading.
English Language Development - a Short Course
Dates: Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023
10:30 – 12:00pm
Catalina II
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The class will go back to the first written language created and how that impacts the Linqua Franca, the most used language throughout the world in the 21st century today. Primarily based on European and Middle East language developments.
Why Attend:
If anyone has an interest in understanding where today’s English language came from and has been transformed over the centuries this class may be of interest.
Presenter Biography:
John Abeln is retired and an active novelist. He has presented to LLRH over the last two years on Movie classes, with handouts and short film Presentations.
Experience Arizona's National Park Service Sites
Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023
1:30 – 3:00 PM
Catalina II
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Did you know Arizona boasts 22 national park sites? Take a virtual tour through the state with Western National Parks Association’s regional program manager, Caroline Lochner. Learn more about just a few national park service sites within a short drive from Tucson.
Why Attend:
Learn about just a few of the national park service sites in Arizona within a short drive from Tucson.
Presenter Biography:
Caroline Lochner has been a Regional Program Manager with Western National Parks Association (WNPA) since 2014. She creates and implements outreach and educational programs for WNPA and its partner parks and has been a Certified Interpretive Guide since 2019.
UA Fred Fox Graduate Woodwind Quintet Performance
Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023
11:00 – 12 Noon
Catalina II
Course Description:
Concert featuring music from the wind quintet repertoire performed by the University of Arizona Fred Fox Graduate Woodwind Quintet.
Why Attend:
This concert will feature the 8th cohort of the University of Arizona Fred Fox Graduate Wind Quintet.
Presenter Biography:
The Fred Fox Graduate Wind Quintet is the premiere student performing ensemble 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. These students engage in graduate studies with the faculty of the Arizona Wind Quintet and are encouraged to embark upon competitions and auditions during their tenure at UA.
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.
The Nuclear Threat
Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023
1:30 – 3:00 PM
Catalina II
Course Description:
How might a nuclear war happen? What would it be like? How do strategists and leaders in the United States, Russia and other nuclear nations try to manage these risks? I will aim for a seminar atmosphere with plenty of back-and-forth discussion.
Why Attend:
To better understand the heightened dangers of the history we’re all living through.
Presenter Biography:
David Baker (PhD Princeton) is an associate professor of philosophy at the University of Michigan. He has taught a course on nuclear ethics at UM since 2018.
Hospice 101
Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023
10:30 – 12 Noon
Catalina II
Course Description:
Hospice 101 reviews the Medicare hospice benefit. Complete review of the team members and details the benefits included. Also reviews how the hospice benefit is paid for. In depth review of the hospice team involved in the care of the patient and families. Also will be reviewing options of locations of care: ie inpatient hospice care, adult care home, and in the private home of the patient.
Why Attend:
To gain knowledge about the free hospice benefit that is available through Medicare so when the services are needed the family can take action.
Presenter Biography:
Jennifer Vanden Eykel MSN, RN clinical nurse educator for Casa de la Luz Hospice. She has been an RN for 20+ years and has worked in hospice for 7+ years. She has a MSN in nursing education and thrives in teaching groups and facilitating open discussions. She has been working with families and helping them navigate the challenging topic of death and dying. She is the one that can ask the questions about death that no one wants to ask!
Surgery in Rural NE Wisconsin 1920’s: Ropemaker, Typhoid Fever, and Medical Legacy
Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023
1:30 – 3:00 PM
Catalina II
Course Description:
This lecture will combine three elements; 1. What surgery looked like 100 years ago in rural NE Wisconsin. 2. What was going on at a national and international role in the field of surgery. 3. Impact on a family legacy.
Why Attend:
This was a very interesting time in American medicine and surgery. It was the pre antibiotic and post war era at a time of rapid change in medical education in the United States.
Presenter Biography:
Clark (Buzz) Boren is a retired surgeon who grew up and practiced surgery in NE Wisconsin and was part of a family legacy in the area.
Hands on Archaeology, building pithouses using experimental archaeology
Wednesday, Feb. 8th, 2023
10:30 – 12 NOON
Catalina II
Course Description:
Using a PowerPoint presentation Allen will show some of the recent pithouse reconstructions he has worked on in the Tucson area. He will show how we use data from the excavation of prehistoric pithouses to build our new reconstructions.
Why Attend:
There will be lots of pictures of mud.
Presenter Biography:
Allen Denoyer is a Preservation Archaeologist who works for Archaeology Southwest in Tucson Arizona. Allen has been a Contract Archaeologist for many years and has worked throughout the Southern Southwest and in the Rocky mountain region. His specialty is working with stone tools and replicating artifacts from the past.
Gardening in the Sonoran Desert & Plant Exchange
Wednesday, Feb. 8th, 2023
1:30 – 3:00 PM
Catalina II
Course Description:
After the class, we will have a Plant Exchange. Bring cuttings and pups from your garden and exchange them for something new.
Why Attend:
To learn tips and tricks to become a successful gardener.
Presenter Biography:
Bruce Evans has degrees in Microbiology and Virology with a minor in Ethnobotany. He was the Horticulturist at Tohono Chul Park from 1994 until 2003. He then became a full time parent to a wonderful daughter. During her school years at Green Fields, he ran the school greenhouse program.
TOUR - Tucson Museum of Art
Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023
10:00 – 11:15 AM
Tucson Museum of Art
140 N. Main Ave.
Tucson, AZ
Course Description:
This overview tour will include 4 Art Galleries with a theme that embraces Art of the American Experience with emphasis on cultural diversity.
- More Than Art of the American West
- Contemporary Art
- Indigenous/Native American Art
- Monica Martinez: Nothing is in Stasis
We will meet in the Lobby at the Tucson Museum of Art at 10:00 am
- masks are optional
- Comfortable shoes are recommended. Stools are available.
- Entrance fee is $12 for Adults/$10 for seniors 65+
Those who wish will stay afterward for lunch at the museum.
Why Attend:
Interpret together (with a docent) a variety of art from different American cultures. Have fun together in viewing interesting art.
Presenter Biography:
Susie Heintz is a native Tucsonan who has been a Tucson Museum of Art Docent for 17 years. She holds a B. A. Degree from St. Mary’s Notre Dame and two Masters Degrees from University of AZ. She has been a teacher, International Educational Consultant and volunteer. Susie has been married for 48 years to Jim Heintz, bakes the Best chocolate chip cookies and enjoys travel, learning, and reading.
Historic Preservation and Archaeology
Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023
10:30 – 12:00 Noon
Catalina II
Course Description:
On September 20,, 2022 Linda and Gordon Hanson received the 2023 Governor’s Heritage Preservation Honor Awards in the category of Archaeology. This award recognizes our commitment to the preservation, conservation and protection of a specific type of archaeology, ancient Native American Rock Art called “petroglyphs and pictographs.” We manage the Arizona Site Steward Program at Saguaro National Park West and are members of the professional rock art research group “The Rock Band.”
We will discuss our activities as members of these two groups and illustrate the process of recording and photographing these archaeological artifacts.
Why Attend:
You will develop an appreciation for the Rock Art available throughout the southwest and will have an opportunity to try your hand at recording a petroglyph just like we do in the field.
Presenter Biography:
Linda spent 35 years in Public Broadcasting. She volunteers at Saguaro NP as an Environmental Education Ranger and co–director of the Park’s Site Steward program. Gordon spent 34 years as an Education Consultant for the State of Wisconsin.. He co-directs the Site Steward program with Linda.. Linda is a petroglyph recorder. Gordon is a photographer on the “Rock Band” professional research group.
Be Here Now - Discover Meditation
Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023
1:30 – 3:00 PM
Catalina II
Course Description:
“Our appointment with life takes place in the present moment” Thich Nhat Hanh. Meditation is a practice that allows us to see ourselves and others with clarity. To find our authentic self, live an authentic life and diminish our clinging to habits and thoughts that no longer serve us. In doing this you benefit not only yourself, but those you love and everyone you connect with. There are many techniques and you need to find the one that suits who you are and enables you to live mindfully. We do not need to go anywhere to find a life worth living. We just need to know ourselves.
Why Attend:
Desire to live an authentic life through the practice of meditation and contemplation.
Presenter Biography:
Camille Sensale has led many retreats and always begins by saying, “My name is Camille Sensale and I am a recovering perfectionist.” She is a yoga instructor with a background in nursing and reiki, but most of all she is a seeker.
TOUR - Presidio San Agustin del Tucson
Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023
10:30 – 12:00 Noon
Presidio San Agustin
196 N. Court Ave.
Tucson, AZ 85701
Phone: 520-622-0594
Course Description:
Presidio San Agustín del Tucson was founded in 1775 by the Spanish military. The fort was located along the banks of the Santa Cruz River across from the Native American village of “Chuk-shon.” It covered 11 acres, surrounded by a thick adobe wall. The museum is now located on the site of the northeast corner of the original Presidio, where it has been reconstructed to provide a glimpse of Tucson’s origins.
We will meet at the Presidio gift shop at 11:00 am. This will be an outdoor walking tour. Entrance fee is $5 per person.
Those who wish will be crossing the street to La Cocina for lunch afterward.
Why Attend:
Attendees will learn what it was like to live in the presidio during its height of occupation and hear some fascinating historical stories.
Presenter Biography:
docent-led tour
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575-613-3337