Date: Monday, October 28
10:30 am – 12 Noon
Catalina II

 COURSE DESCRIPTION:

The mythology of American history admits there is no honest storytelling without shame and dishonor. Clint Eastwood’s movies, as one of its prime examples, encompasses works that examine bald prejudice and crime against humanity with little conscience of outcome. My 2-part class on Clint Eastwood presents short clips from his TV days and his cinema eras. His western movies prove the mythology is alive and well. Nearly 94, his Twenty- First Century movies, as director as well as primary actor, continue to focus on elements of violence, shame and dishonor. Come watch and comment on clips from 20 Clint Eastwood movies.

Presenter Biography: John Abeln has retired from the International world of creating businesses in different countries. When he first decided to give up his seat in the 747s he and his wife, Prudence, ran a B&B in Taos, NM for 9 years, then quit working entirely and moved to Tucson Arizona. Now he is happy doing only fun things like teaching classes for the Lifelong Learning program.

Date:  Monday, October 28, 2024
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Catalina II

Course Description:

Will the United States and China, with other powerful countries following suit, approach current and future climate initiatives with an increased commitment to trade protectionism and nationalism, by various measures including trade restrictions? Or could a growing spirit of international accord develop to confront the “common enemy” of climate change?

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

Date:  Tuesday, October 29, 2024
10:30 am – 12 noon
Catalina II

Course Description:
For most of history, humans conceptualized the cosmos as calm and orderly. When the first racks in this viewpoint emerged in the early 20th century, nobody could imagine the wild extremes that would be discovered over the next hundred years. Join Dr. Gralla as he tells the story of black holes: bizarre objects just barely conceivable – and still challenging physics today – which nevertheless populate our universe in untold numbers, underlying some of
the most spectacular astronomical displays.

Presenter Biography:
Dr. Sam Gralla

Date:  Tuesday, October 29, 2024
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Catalina II

 COURSE DESCRIPTION:

It really seems to us like time moves. It’s natural to say that it “flows” or “passes.” But in light of Einstein’s relativity, it’s natural to think
of time as being much more like space, and space doesn’t flow or pass. Does this mean our sense of time’s passage is an illusion? As with my course last year, I will present some key ideas and then I look forward to some good questions and discussion.

Presenter Biography:
David Baker (PhD Princeton) is associate professor of philosophy at the University of Michigan. He joined us for a thought-provoking
discussion of The Nuclear Threat in Fall of 2023. Dr. Baker will join us by Zoom from Ann Arbor.

Date:  Wednesday, October 30, 2024
9:00 – 11:00 AM
Catalina II

 COURSE DESCRIPTION:

We will take a short hike into the Tortolita Preserve via the newly constructed Moore Trailhead. 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.

We will start this adventure from the Moore Parking Trailhead. Carpooling would be recommended, but not required. The trail can be both soft and sandy, or relatively rocky, although consistently 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 possible. A map with our trailhead meet-up spot will be sent to participants.

Presenter Biography:
David Barker is a retired elementary school teacher, and destination resort manager. Residing at the Highlands since 2014, Dave has been involved in public lands advocacy for two local non-profit organizations, the  Tortolita Alliance and Friends of Ironwood Forest. He also participates with a new group, the Desert Fence Busters, a coalition of organizations that removes wildlife-unfriendly old barbed wire – including an event in the Tortolita Preserve
this last spring.

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

COURSE DESCRIPTION: 

History Bytes explores events and surprises that tend not to appear in our history textbooks. The Shays’s Rebellion was an armed
insurrection that took place in Western Massachusetts while the Constitution was still being written. The causes and resolution of the insurrection are pretty straightforward, but the authors of the Constitution used it to create the Federal
government we live with today. We will review what the Virginia Dynasty (Washington, Madison, Monroe) thought and Jefferson, too, who was now an outlier of the dynasty, but still destined to be our third president.

Presenter Biography:
John Lenzi worked for universities for 30 years after brief 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, november 4, 2024
10:30 am – 12:00 noon
Catalina II

Course Description:

see above – Oct. 28

Date:  Monday, November 4, 2024
1:30 pm– 3:00 pm
Catalina II

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Cézanne is best known for his paintings of apples! However, this talk will help us understand much more, and why he is considered the Father of Modern Art. We will explore his still lifes as well as his landscapes,
and portraits. Finally, we will examine his impact on 20th and 21rst Century modern artists such as Picasso and Matisse. Obviously, Paul Cézanne is much more than just apples!

Presenter Biographer

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.

DATE: Tuesday, November 5, 2024
All Day

Date:  Wednesday, November 6, 2024
10:30 Am – 11:30 Am

 COURSE DESCRIPTION:

The Center for Creative Photography, University of Arizona, is recognized as one of the world’s finest academic art museums and
study centers for the history of photography. The Center opened in 1975, following a meeting between the University President John Schaefer and Ansel Adams.

We will tour the CCP, focusing on the current exhibition of the works of photographer Louis Carlos Bernal. Bernal (1941–1993) was born in Douglas, Arizona, and grew up in Phoenix. After completing his M.F.A. at Arizona State University in 1972, he joined the faculty of Pima Community College in Tucson, where he remained for the duration of his career, developing and heading its photography program. Bernal’s work centered on the family and the home,
believing these two elements combined to form the most significant structure within the Mexican-American community

Admission to the Center is free of charge.
Here are some things to know before the visit:
– Backpacks, bags, drinks, and food are not allowed in CCP galleries.
Please use our free lockers in the CCP lobby.
– Pencils, paper, and phones (without flash) are welcomed in the galleries.
– The closest parking garage is Park Avenue Garage.

Following the tour, those who wish will gather for lunch and conversation.

 Date:  Monday, November 11, 2024
10:30 am – 12:00 Noon
Catalina II

 COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Apparently serious people say the reality we experience may be just a gigantic computer simulation. What does that mean? If it’s true, how could we tell? Should we even care? Those are among the questions we’ll share our thoughts and opinions about in Week 1.

Presenter Biography:

Alan Jones is a retired applied mathematician, a longtime amateur astronomer, and an enthusiastic convert to flight simulator
computer gaming. He spends his summers in a convincing simulation of the Pacific Northwest, which he shares with a very smart and very loud little granddog.

Date: Monday, November 11, 2024
1:30 PM- 3:00 pm
Catalina ii

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

China’s economic rise and its current policies of increasing the role of the state in the economy have led some U.S. policymakers
to seek to deny China access to U.S. technology and investment. This is seen as a necessary corrective to decades of predatory Chinese economic policies. Is this a wise strategy, and how effective can it be?

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

Date:  Tuesday 12, 2024
10:30 am – 12:00 Noon
Catalina II

Course Description:
Areas of the seas beyond national jurisdiction comprise the high seas, which are facing a degradation of ecosystems due to climate change and the increase in human activities, such as shipping, overfishing,  pollution, and deep-sea mining. The recently negotiated High Seas Treaty, also known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction treaty, will attempt to address these issues. How difficult will it be to convince nations to participate?

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

DATE: Tuesday, November 12, 2024
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Catalina II

Course Description:

A review of sky objects and basic Astronomy. Great for beginners. Updates for the more advanced viewers, too!

Presenter Biography:
Dr. Bryan Shumaker is a lifelong ‘astro-nut.’ Besides being a NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador, he is adjunct professor of physics
(Astronomy), Oakland University, Rochester, MI.

Date:  Wednesday, November 13, 2024
11:00 am – 12:00 Noon

 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: Wednesday, November 13, 2024
1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Catalina II

Course Description:

Since the first discovery of extrasolar planets in the 1990s, we have learned that the eight worlds of our solar system are just a few drops in a vast ocean of thousands of planets. Dr. Moran will discuss some of the strangest worlds out in the galaxy, and the bizarre materials that make up their atmospheres. With over a year of James Webb Space Telescope observations, we now know more than ever before about what makes these planets tick.

Presenter Biography:
Dr. Sarah Moran

Date: Monday, November 18, 2024
10:30 AM- 12:00 NOON
Catalina II

Course Description:

Apparently serious people say the reality we experience may be just a gigantic computer simulation. What does that mean? If it’s true, how could we tell? Should we even care? In Week 2, we’ll imagine you could choose to upload your mind to a computer and live inside a simulation of your choice for as long as you like. Maybe even forever, in a digital afterlife. How cool would that be? What could possibly go wrong? Discuss.

Presenter Biography:
see above, Nov 11.

Date:  Monday, November 18, 2024
1:30 pm – 3:00 PM

Catalina II

 COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Looking back at the covid-19 pandemic, there are many lessons to take away in terms of domestic and international policies. Although this pandemic seems to have waned, how can we apply these lessons to future pandemics? Will countries cooperate, and will a consensus emerge on how to manage global health challenges?

Presenter Biography:
Part of the Great Decisions* program from the Foreign Policy Association. Facilitator: Clark ‘Buzz’ Boren

DATE: Tuesday, November 19, 2024
10:30 AM – 12:00 Noon
Catalina II

Course Description:

Will we ever change the way we make plastics? While plastics are ubiquitous in everyday life, nearly a century has passed with the
same processes and materials, which are now accumulating and polluting the world around us. In this talk, Dr. Pyun will discuss his recent invention utilizing alternative waste feed stocks from the petroleum refining industry to create a transformative new class of advanced plastics. This process was invented at the University of Arizona and has quickly changed the way companies and academics think about plastic production.

Presenter Biography:

Dr. Jeff Pyun

DATE: Tuesday, November 19, 2024
1:30 Pm- 3:00 pm
Catalina II

Course Description:

An overview of tools for viewing the night sky. Great for beginners. Updates for the more advanced viewers, too!

Presenter Biography:
see above, Nov 12.

Will Clodfelder is the lead instructional specialist for the
Richard F. Caris Mirror Lab.Date:  Wednesday, November 10, 2024
10:30 am – 12:00 Noon

Course Description:

This 90 minute tour provides a unique opportunity to learn how innovative engineering and applied technology melds with
manufacturing techniques to produce the largest and most advanced giant (8.4 meter, 27 ft) telescope mirrors in the world.
Cost of the tour is $20/ person. Class size is limited to 15 participants. PLEASE NOTE: We will walk a total of about a half mile and navigate up and down approximately 5 flights of stairs.

Please arrive 15 minutes before the start of the tour to check-in with our tour leaders at Steward Observatory, 933 Cherry Ave., Tucson, AZ. Parking: Cherry Avenue (closest) or South Stadium Garage

Presenter Biography:
Will Clodfelder is the lead instructional specialist for the Richard F. Caris Mirror Lab.