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SOAR Courses - Spring 2010

Courses Info (including registration caps), + Places, Days, Dates, Times, Notes

Changes and additional information since the course booklet was printed are shown below in red italics.

Advanced Contract Bridge. Don Burlingame. 8 sessions, 2 hours each (Mayfield Apartments, Potsdam). This is not so much a course as it is an interest group of people who like to play bridge. The meetings offer bridge players the chance to practice their contract bridge skills and to learn new skills. Depending on the skills of the players, both rubber and duplicate bridge will be played. Don Burlingame has been a longtime bridge player. He loves bridge and is happy to share his player's knowledge gained over the years. Wednesdays: 3/17, 3/24, 3/31, 4/7, 4/14, 4/21, 4/28, 5/5. 1:30-3:30. [S-10-01]

Amish Quilts: Their History and Styles. Susan Ward. 1 session, 2 hours (Silas Wright House, Canton). After a brief history of the Amish and their quilts, the presenter will give a slide presentation illustrating various styles of Amish quilts. At the end, participants may examine some of the Amish quilts on display. Susan Ward is a retired Professor of English at SLU. She is the editor of Dear Home: The1901 and 1902 Diary of Mabel Lila Wait . Susan is herself a quilter, collector, and curator of museum shows. NOTE : Please handle the display quilts with clean hands. Tuesday: 3/23. 1:00-3:00. [S-10-02]

Art Workshop B. Leon LeBeau. 8 sessions, 2 hours each (SUNY: Satterlee 314). Art Workshop B is designed for aspiring artists who wish to learn basic drawing techniques as well as for those who wish to advance their painting skills in water media, e.g. watercolor, guache, or acrylic. A more structured approach will be taken with the former; a more independent interaction will apply to the latter. Instruction will be through both group and individual presentations and also through critiques. Leon LeBeau has been teaching drawing and watercolor to SOAR participants since the beginning of the SOAR program; he has also instructed art classes at the Remington Art Museum in Ogdensburg and at the For Art's Sake Gallery in Malone. Leon has participated in numerous exhibits in the North Country and the Adirondacks . NOTE: A list of needed supplies will be sent with your registration; it is also posted on the course web page. Fridays: 3/19, 3/26, 4/2, 4/9, 4/16, 4/23, 4/30, 5/7. 12:00-2:00. [S-10-03]

The Bald Eagle and Peregrine Falcon Return to NY State. Mary Beth Warburton. 1 session, 2 hours (SUNY: Maxcy 104). Find out about the history of the "hacking program" that is helping to bring about the return of the eagle and falcon to the skies of N. Y. State . Learn the detailed characteristics of these species with the aid of photos of the birds and their habitats. Mary Beth Warburton has worked for the N. Y. State Department of Environmental Conservation Endangered Species Unit since 1996. Her duties include monitoring bald eagles and peregrine falcons and other endangered species during the breeding season. She is a board member of Northern New York Audubon Society, and a representative for the New York Audubon Council. She enjoys many outdoor activities, including leading walks for Conservation Field Days at Indian Creek Nature Center . Wednesday: 3/31. 1:00-3:00. [S-10-04] [closed] Websites: www.norfolkbotanicalgarden.org/e-community/eagle-cam ; www.dukefarms.org/page.asp?pageId=565 ; www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7050.html

Beginning Tai-Chi. Pam March. 10 sessions, 1 hour each (SUNY: Maxcy Dance Studio). The course includes basic Chinese warm-ups (both standing and sitting), Tai-Chi meditation and an introduction to the Yang 24 movement short form. The concerns of seniors are addressed, such as balance, leg strength, endurance, taking it easy on the joints, and learning how to relax. Pam March is a certified Tai-Chi instructor from the Boston Institute of Kung Fu and Tai-Chi. NOTES: Beginning students may NOT register for Continuing Tai-Chi. Wear loose-fitting clothing. Tuesdays 3/16, 3/23, 3/30, 4/6, 4/13, 4/20, 4/27, 5/4, 5/11, 5/18. 1:00-2:00. [S-10-05] [closed]

The Brain: How It Works. Ginger Thomas. 2 sessions, 1½ hours each (SUNY: Kellas 101). This course introduces what recent brain research has discovered about learning and memory. Fun, interactive activities will illustrate various brain processes and explain why people have different styles of thinking and memory. Ginger Thomas is currently an educational consultant with Teacher's Desk Consultants. She worked for over 25 years as a teacher in public schools and at St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center. Ginger finds research on the brain intriguing and illuminating. Cap: 25. Fridays: 5/7, 5/14. 3:00-4:30. [S-10-06] [closed]

Brazilian Embroidery for Beginners. Alma Garner. 4 sessions, 2 hours each (Mayfield Apts. Community Room, Potsdam). Brazilian Embroidery is done with various rayon flosses using different needles for the different weights of floss. Participants will work on a floral pattern called "Simply Irresistible," using these stitches: Stem, Couching, Bullion, Blanket, French Knot, Cast-On, Detached Button Hole and the Satin Stitch. Alma Garner has been doing Brazilian Embroidery for 12 years. She has taken lessons and has attended a seminar on Brazilian Embroidery. She also has experience with cotton floss and has done some crewel. NOTES: Bring a small hoop and scissors; presenter will bring project kits and needles. Cost per kit: $15. Cap: 6. Mondays: 4/12, 4/19, 4/26, 5/3. 10:00-12:00. [S-10-07] Links: www.jdr-be.com/dk3829.htm (see: "Simply Irrisistable" pattern); www.brazilian-dimensional-embroidery.org

Cameras: Practical Uses. Francis (Red) Grandy. 1 session, 1½ hours (Silas Wright House, Canton). Learn how to use your camera for such things as taking prize-winning photos, documenting your life and your possessions, etc. Red Grandy spent 35 years as a photo journalist in Europe and the US . Cap: 40. Friday: 4/16. 1:30-3:00. [S-10-08] Links: redgrandy.com

Canada : Questions and Answers. Joseph Jockel. 1 session, 1½ hours (Silas Wright House, Canton). After a brief introductory presentation, the instructor will open the floor for you ask about everything you have wanted to know about Canada - geography, history, politics, economics, society or culture, Canada-US relations, Canada's role in world affairs, or any other topic . Joseph Jockel is a Professor and Director of Canadian Studies at SLU. NOTE: Bring your questions to class. Tuesday: 5/25. 10:00-11:30 . [S-10-09]

Collecting Antique Postcards. Fred Rollins. 3 sessions, 1½ hours each (SUNY: Van Housen Ext. SB27). Learn where to find antique postcards and find out about postcard clubs and publications. Learn how to preserve postcards and how to make presentations using them. Enjoy "A Postcard Journey around St. Lawrence County." Fred Rollins , a native of Potsdam , has a keen interest in history. He was Director of the Wayne County Historical Society ( Lyons , NY ) and the Jefferson Country Historical Society ( Watertown , NY ) for a total of 22 years before retiring. He is currently the Director of the Western NY Postcard Club. Over the course of 35 years, he has collected more than 8,000 old St. Lawrence County post cards. NOTE: You are invited to bring your own old postcards to class for identification and evaluation. Cap: 20. Thursdays: 4/29, 5/6, 5/13. 1:00-2:30. [S-10-10] Links: www.collectorsweekly.com/postcards/overview ; www.shilohpostcards.com/webdoc2.htm ; en.wikipedia.org/wiki/postcard

Compassionate Communication. Edward (Ed) Goldstein. 4 sessions, 1½ hours each (Partridge Knoll, Canton). Compassionate communication is more than a technique; it is also a spiritual path that can foster more love and kindness in a world filled with violence and domination. This course explores the idea that human behavior derives fundamentally from attempts to meet needs. Our language can either alienate us from each other with moralistic judgments (e. g. with all those adjectives we use to describe behaviors), or can help us more compassionately see the human needs we all share that drive behavior . Ed Goldstein is a part-time general practice physician (with particular interest in "Biopsychosocial" medicine), a full time homesteader, and a firm believer that replacing force (violence) with mutual consent is a utopian dream worth participating in. NOTE: Link to recommended book: Nonviolent Communication: a Language of Life by Marshall B. Rosenberg (read some of the pages online). Cap: 20. Thursdays: 3/18, 3/25, 4/1, 4/8. 1:30-3:00. [S-10-11]

Computers: Practical Applications. Rita Goldberg. (4 topics) 5 sessions, 1½ hours each (SUNY: Flagg 162). This is a class for people who are familiar with computer basics, but would like to develop their PC skills further. Rita Goldberg is Professor Emerita of Spanish at SLU. She uses technology extensively for teaching, research and publishing as well as for personal applications. NOTES: Please fill in and return to the SOAR office the questionnaire sent with your registration confirmation. Register separately for each topic section you wish to attend. LINK to Computers Quesionnaire (.pdf). Cap: 22 (each section). [closed]
1) Computer Fundamentals. (1 session): creating folders, copying/pasting, moving files, right clicking, flash drives. Monday: 4/12. 10:00-11:30. [S-10-12] [closed]
2) E-mail. (1 session): attachments, organizing messages into folders, blocking unwanted messages. Monday: 4/19. 10:00-11:30. [S-10-13]
3) Basic Photo Editing. (1 session): downloading/organizing photos, correcting red-eye, brightening pictures, cropping, resizing, printing. Monday: 4/26. 10:00-11:30. [S-10-14] [closed]
4) Writing with Word 2007. (2 sessions): formatting, styles, margins, fonts, tables, inserting pictures. Mondays: 5/3, 5/10. 10:00-11:30. [S-10-15] [closed]

Continuing Tai-Chi. Pam March. 10 sessions, 1 hour each (SUNY: Maxcy Dance Studio). This course is intended for students who already have some familiarity with Tai-Chi. The course includes Qigong, traditional Chinese warm-up exercises, and Tai-Chi meditation. Participants will continue to learn the Yang 24 movement short form. Pam March is a certified Tai-Chi instructor from the Boston Institute of Kung Fu and Tai-Chi . NOTES: 1) Continuing participants may also register for the beginner's class (see Beginning Tai-Chi); 2) Wear loose-fitting clothing. Thursdays: 3/18, 3/25, 4/1, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29, 5/6, 5/13, 5/20. 1:00- 2:00. [S-10-16]

Current Events. John Casserly. 9 sessions, 1½ hours each (Partridge Knoll, Canton). This course is a discussion of unfolding events at the local, national and international levels. John Casserly is a retired Canton Central School social studies teacher who continues to coach cross country and track at Canton Central School . He has been facilitating the discussion of current events since 2005. John is the first winner of the Leon LeBeau SOARing Educator Award, given to someone who has had lasting impact on the lives of SOAR members. Fridays: 3/26, 4/2, 4/9, 4/16, 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14, 5/21. 10:30-12:00. [S-10-17]

Dental and Medical Chemical Research in the Public Interest. Dick Partch. 1 session, 2 hours (SUNY: Van Housen Ext. SB27). Session 1: "White Mud! What's That?" An introduction to the materials used for filling cavities - from gold and silver to state-of-the-art polymers - and to the problems they present and how those problems are being solved through chemical research. Session 2: "Biocompatible Substrates? What Can They Do?" Learn about the presenter's research on, and development of, ways to avert chemical overdoses. No previous knowledge of chemistry is required to understand these two sessions. Dick Partch is a Senior University Professor of Chemistry at Clarkson. He enjoys teaching and applying his expertise to help advance technology in areas of ceramics, electronics, imaging, medicine and polymer plastics. He has lectured to, and mentored, college and high school students. He has also delivered lectures to Elderhostel, SOAR, and advanced audiences at companies and professional meetings. Wednesdays: 5/5, 5/12. 1:00-2:00. [S-10-18] Class canceled on 5/12; and the class on 5/5 will meet for two hours (1:00-3:00) to make up for the canceled class.

Depression: An Overview. Joan Howlett. 3 sessions, 1½ hours each (Mayfield Apts. Community Room, Potsdam). This course gives you an overview of depression: types, causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention. Active discussion is encouraged as we look at where depression comes from, what it looks like, how it feels, and what helps alleviate it. Depression hardiness is emphasized. Joan Howlett , LCSW-R, spent 17 years as employee of the SLC Mental Health Clinic; her last-held post there was Supervising Psychiatric Social Worker. Tuesdays: 4/20, 4/27, 5/4. 1:00-2:30. [S-10-19]

Etiquette: Manners Matter. Christine Lancaster. 1 session, 1½ hours (SUNY: Thatcher Dining Hall). Ever wonder how royalty dines? Join the instructor for lunch and find out the following: proper way to enter a room, proper handshake and eye contact, continental style of dining, silent service code, and much more. Christine Lancaster graduated from the "Protocol School of Washington, DC" and studied etiquette with Dorothea Johnson. Organizations use Christine's services to help individuals address business etiquette and fine dining skills. NOTES: Lunch will be served upstairs in the dining hall at Thatcher Hall (where SOAR luncheons are held). Lunch cost: $15 (choice of vegetarian or non-vegetarian lunch) Send payment, along with lunch choice, to SOAR, 389 Van Housen Ext. SUNY Potsdam, 44 Pierrepont Ave., Potsdam, NY 13676 (make check out to PACES 235). Cap: 25. Tuesday: 5/4. 11:00-12:30. [S-10-20] [closed]

Fair Trade: Enriching Our Lives and the World Every Day. Robin Crowell and Barbara Tiel. 1 session, 1½ hours ( Potsdam Civic Center). Learn the differences between "fair trade" and "free trade." Learn about the origins of Fair Trade and how this movement encourages environmentally sound practices that result in many high quality products while at the same time it helps provide people with a decent living wage in developing countries (such as Nepal, Guatemala and Rwanda). Discuss ways each of us can make fair trade part of our daily lives. Participants get a chance to view and sample varied goods now found in the North Country . Robin Crowell , M. S. Ed., is owner of Asian World Imports - a Fair Trade Global Marketplace. She has a strong background of working with disadvantaged people; currently she is working with low income families in Head Start. After working as a public health nurse in Philadelphia , PA , Barbara Tiel earned a Master's from SLU which led to her many rewarding years as a county mental health therapist. Fair trade has become an area of increasing interest and inspiration to her. Tuesday: 3/23. 10:00-11:30. [S-10-21]

Financial Planning: Selected Issues. Eleanor Menz. 5 sessions, 1 hour each (SUNY: Van Housen Ext. SB27). Issues covered depend upon the interests and composition of the class. Some possibilities: understanding your Social Security and retirement benefits; planning for long-term care; considerations in selecting an appropriate asset allocation and the rebalancing process; the ins and outs of reverse mortgages; getting your affairs in order (documents that we should all have and how to organize them); tax considerations for seniors. Eleanor Menz has been a practicing Certified Public Accountant and educator in the North Country for over 25 years. She is also a Certified Financial Planner TM and Registered Investment Advisor, providing tax-based comprehensive planning services. Cap: 20. Wednesdays 4/14, 4/21, 4/28, 5/5, 5/12. 11:00-12:00. [S-10-22] [closed] No class session on 4/21; class instead will meet on 5/19 at 11:30-12:30 (time will be 1/2 hour later because there is a another class in the room until 11:30)

First Ladies: Children, Inlaws and Outlaws. Fran Van Horne. 4 sessions, 1½ hours each (Partridge Knoll, Canton). Come explore the lives and family relationships of the Presidents and First Ladies, including their children and their parents, as well as some of the "black sheep" of their extended families. The only First Lady of the Confederate States of America is also someone we will discuss. Fran Van Horne is a retired nursing instructor who prefers reading biography to reading fiction. She has taught courses for SOAR on the British Royal Family as well as on the wives of American Presidents . Fridays: 4/9, 4/16, 4/23, 4/30. 2:00-3:30. [S-10-23] [closed]

The Fiscal Crisis of 2008. Robert (Bob) Wells. 3 sessions, 1½ hours each (Silas Wright House, Canton). The deep recession of 2008 is the most serious economic downturn in 50 years. Reckless financial operations, extensive debt leverage, lack of government regulation and outright fraud created an environment which shattered the economic system and the economic security of Americans. How did it happen? What were its consequences? What initiatives were undertaken to stem the economic collapse? Emeritus Munsil Professor of Government at SLU, Bob Wells was also once the Mayor of the Village of Canton . NOTE: Course may include one class session with SLU students. Cap: 30. Tuesdays: 4/13, 4/20, 4/27. 1:30-3:00. [S-10-24]

Fun with Math: Puzzles and Pastimes. Chanchal Singh. 2 sessions, 1½ hours each (Silas Wright House, Canton). The course uses nothing harder than a simple basic level of arithmetic (adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing) to explore some fascinating mathematical puzzles and pastimes. We also look at some entertaining human activities that involve interesting relations with numbers. Chanchal Singh is a retired Professor of Mathematics from SLU. NOTE: Please bring a simple inexpensive calculator (if you have one) to use in class. Cap: 25. Tuesdays: 5/11, 5/18. 10:00-11:30. [S-10-25]

Global Science Fiction: Around the World in 80 Microseconds? Daniel Koon. 3 sessions, 1½ hours each (SLU: Bewkes 232, Canton). From Jules Verne to Japanese anime and manga to Soviet utopias and Cuban cyberpunk, there's a lot of good science fiction written by human "aliens". This course shows you how this science fiction is similar to, or how it differs from, the science fiction we've grown up with. Daniel Koon is a tireless translator and documenter of Cuban and other Spanish language science fiction. Several of his dozens of translations have been published (and even translated into Greek) both online and in print . Daniel has been teaching physics and science fiction courses at SLU for over 20 years. NOTE: Suggested online and in-class readings will be made available. Cap: 21. Mondays: 3/15, 3/22, 3/29. 1:30-3:00. [S-10-26] Link: http://it.stlawu.edu/~koon/classes/SOAR/

The Great War: The Western Front (1914-1917). Lou Ann Lange. 5 sessions, 1½ hours each (SUNY: Maxcy 104). Historians consider WWI to be the first "total" war. We examine what that means, as well as the effects that a war of this sort had on combatants and the combatant nations of Europe . We also look at the effects of the peace process that ended the war, and its implications for WWII (and for contemporary global trouble spots). Reading handouts include short essays, war poetry, and snippets from war memoirs; also included are some film clips. Lou Ann Lange became interested in WWI after visiting Verdun and the Verdun Ossuary 10 years ago. She has been reading widely on this subject ever since. Periodically she teaches a course on this subject. (Note: class meets twice a week) Tuesdays: 5/11, 5/18, 5/25. 2:00-3:30 and Thursdays: 5/13, 5/20. 2:00-3:30. [S-10-27]

Iran and Contemporary International Relations. Karl Schonberg. 1 session, 1½ hours ( Canton Free Library). This course is an introduction to the history of U.S. - Iranian relations in the 20 th century; it also addresses the current issues between the two countries, focusing on Iranian politics and culture, Iran's relationships with its regional neighbors, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and Iran's nuclear program. Karl Schonberg holds a PhD in Foreign Affairs from the University of Virginia . He teaches courses on international politics at SLU. His most recent publication is a book on U.S. foreign policy after 9/11, entitled Constructing 21 st Century U. S. Foreign Policy: Identity, Ideology , and America 's World Role in a New Era (Palgrave Macmillan, 2009). (Note this is an evening class) Monday: 5/3. 6:30-8:00pm. [S-10-28]

Lincoln : The Springfield Years (1837-1861). Terry Niles. 3 sessions, 1½ hours each (Silas Wright House, Canton). This course focuses on the years that Abraham Lincoln lived in Springfield , Illinois . It includes discussions of his experiences in the state legislature and the U. S. Congress, his marriage to Mary Todd and their family life, his years practicing law in Illinois , the Lincoln-Douglas debates, and finally the 1850 nomination of Lincoln as the Republican candidate for President of the U.S. Terry Niles was a history/government major at SLU. He is on the Board of Directors for the St. Lawrence Country Historical Society. He is also an active member of the Civil War Round Table. Wednesdays: 4/14, 4/21, 4/28. 10:00-11:30. [S-10-29]

Mah Jongg. Brenda Francey and Kathleen (Kay) Russell. 4 sessions, 2 hours each (Partridge Knoll, Canton). Learn how to play Mah Jongg or, if you are not a newcomer to the game, hone your skills. This is an opportunity for people of differing skill levels to play Mah Jongg. Newcomers are welcome! Brenda Francey and Kathleen Russell both have over 30 years of experience in playing and teaching Mah Jongg. Brenda is a retired teacher; Kay is a retired Department of Social Services supervisor. Cap: 16. Thursdays: 4/22, 4/29, 5/6, 5/13. 10:00-12:00. [S-10-30]

Medical Ethics. David Hornung. 4 sessions, 1½ hours each (Silas Wright House, Canton). In this seminar we examine topics such as cloning, transplants, assisted suicide, genetic engineering, informed consent, elective surgery, reproductive ethics, and the physician/patient relationship. We also consider alternative approaches to healing, approaches that for many people in the world are traditional. The goal is for participants to examine the principles that guide individuals as they struggle with these increasingly complex issues. David Hornung is the Dana Professor of Biology at SLU and Professor at the College of Medicine , SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse . NOTE: This is an intergenerational course shared with first-year students from SLU. Cap: 30. Tuesdays: 3/23, 3/30, 4/6, 4/13. 10:30-12:00. [S-10-31]

North Country Authors III. Jim Barry, Coordinator. 2 sessions, 1½ hours each (Partridge Knoll, Canton). This course offers an opportunity to become acquainted with the work of two local writers. Dana Barry will talk about her latest book, The Power of Prayer: A Science Educator's Experience . The book is dedicated to everyone on the journey of life, and it is full of amazing examples of extraordinary responses to prayer. Dana is a science educator, an author, and the senior technical writer at Clarkson's Center for Advanced Materials Processing (CAMP); she is a member of St. Mary's Parish in Canton . Diane Dockum will talk about her first book, Just Beyond the Hill, a book of poetry and short prose pieces. She will also share how she published it, answering any questions about the publishing process. Diane has been a writer for most of her life. Her main interest is writing poetry. She also likes helping others to write and publish. Tuesdays: 4/13, 4/20. 10:30-12:00. [S-10-32] Link: www.xlibris.com

Painting. Anita Stoffel. 5 sessions, 2 hours each (Gouverneur Library). Paint in your chosen medium. This informal class is about getting together to paint together. Anita Stoffel is a retired art teacher and an active painter and weaver. NOTE: Bring your own supplies each time. Cap: 12 . Fridays: 3/19, 3/26, 4/2, 4/9, 4/16. 1:00-3:00. [S-10-33]

Radio's Golden Days. Neil Garner. 2 sessions, 1½ hours each (SUNY: Van Housen Ext. SB27). Step back in time to when, after dinner, the entire family would gather around the radio for entertainment and companionship. Revisit the days when Jack Benny and the Lone Ranger filled the airways. Neil Garner is a retired science and technology teacher with a lifelong interest in electronics and the history of radio. Wednesdays: 4/7 and 4/28 (Note gap in class dates!). 1:30-3:00 . [S-10-34] [closed]

Religion in the North Country: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Rev. Ted Linn. 5 sessions, 1½ hours each (Partridge Knoll, Canton and other places). LINK to full schedule (.pdf). Visit the faith communities of Judaism, Christianity and Islam in our local area. Rev. Ted Linn is a former University Chaplain and Professor of Religious Studies at SLU. He is very interested in the world's religious diversity and the related challenges, possibilities and tensions it poses for the current and future well-being of society. Mondays: 4/12 Partridge Knoll (Canton), 4/19 Beth El (Potsdam), 4/26 First Baptist (Canton), 5/3 Mosque (Potsdam), 5/10 (Partridge Knoll). 1:30-3:00. [S-10-35] Link: pluralism.org/

Rocks and Minerals. Christopher Kelson. 4 sessions, 2 hours each (SUNY: Timerman 121). Learn about how rocks and minerals form, and learn how to identify them. Christopher Kelson is an Assistant Professor of Geology at SUNY Potsdam. He teaches Physical Geology, Mineralogy, Geochemistry, Hydrology, and Geologic Resources. His research interest is the genesis and geology of precious- and base-metal deposits. Over the past 17 years he has worked as an exploration geologist for various mining companies. Cap: 24 . Fridays: 3/19, 3/26, 4/2, 4/9. 2:00-4:00. [S-10-36]

St. Lawrence County Court House: An Inside View. Pat Roda, Coordinator. 5 sessions, 1½ hours each ( St. Lawrence County Court House, Canton). (As possible) we will meet with these court officials: Supreme Court Judge, David Demarest ; Surrogate Court Judge, Kathleen Rogers ; County Court Judge, Jerome Richards ; Family Court Judge, Barbara Potter ; and St. Lawrence County District Attorney, Nicole Duvé . Each one will provide us with an overview of what his/her particular position involves. As court scheduling allows, we will hold our class sessions in one or more of the beautiful courtrooms in the County Court building. Pat Roda is a retired chief clerk of the St. Lawrence County surrogate court. In her years in that position, she had the privilege of working with all of these people. LINK to full schedule (.pdf). Cap: 20. Fridays: 4/9, 4/16, 4/23, 4/30, 5/7. 1:00-2:30. [S-10-37] NO CLASS on Friday 4/30; that class has been re-scheduled for 5/7 at 10:00am and meets in Room 226A/226B. NOTE: the class originally scheduled for 5/7 will still meet as planned (i.e. you have two classes at the courthouse on Friday 5/7). [closed]

Sandpaper, Toothpaste and Silicon Wafers. Dick Partch. 1 session, 1 hour (SUNY: Van Housen Ext. SB27). What do sandpaper, toothpaste and silicon wafers have in common? Find out in this course, and learn how polishing concepts and different types of abrasive particles have allowed modern electronic devices to evolve. Dick Partch is a Senior University Professor of Chemistry at Clarkson. He enjoys teaching and applying his expertise to help advance technology in areas of ceramics, electronics, imaging, medicine and polymer plastics. He has lectured to, and mentored, college and high school students. He has also delivered lectures to Elderhostel, Soar, and advanced audiences at companies and professional meetings. Wednesday: 5/19. 1:00-2:00. [S-10-38] [closed]

Scrabble. Pat Sabir and Barbara Tiel. 4 sessions, 2 hours each (Partridge Knoll, Canton). Review the rules of Scrabble; get some tips for increasing your score. Each class session has time for both instruction and play. Any level of player is welcome. Pat Sabir worked for the county for 25 years and now works part time as a technical support agent for an internet service provider. Pat usually plays Scrabble against her computer and she wins a little more than half the time. Barb Tiel enjoyed 26 years as a therapist at the St. Lawrence County Mental Health Clinic, retiring in 2001. The ice storm of ‘98 inspired Barb to haul out her Scrabble game, and she has been playing addictively ever since. Cap: 24. Mondays: 3/15, 3/22, 3/29, 4/5. 2:00-4:00. [S-10-39] Link: www.scrabble.com

Seismicity: Global and Local. Frank Revetta. 4 sessions, 1½ hours each (SUNY: Timerman 120). Learn about local earthquakes, the Potsdam seismic network, the geophysics laboratory, and distant earthquakes or teleseisms. Frank Revetta is a long-time geology professor at SUNY Potsdam. He is known locally as the expert who keeps tabs on the seismic activity of our region. Cap: 20 . Mondays: 4/5, 4/12, 4/19, 4/26. 10:00-11:30. [S-10-40]

Small Wind Turbine Technology. Ken Visser. 1 session, 1½ hours (SUNY: Van Housen Ext. SB27). The aerodynamic design of a wind turbine is a complex process. Learn about: 1) fundamentals of wind energy, including power and energy in the wind, factors affecting turbine performance and behavior, and various turbine concepts, 2) current technologies for the consumer, such as what is available and what to look out for and be aware of, costs, and expectations, and 3) ongoing wind research at Clarkson. Ken Visser is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering at Clarkson University , teaching senior aircraft design and performance courses. He has done post-doctoral work at the NASA Langley Basic Aerodynamic Research Tunnel (BART), and has worked at the Boeing Company. Wednesday: 5/19. 10:00-11:30. [S-10-41] [closed]

Spring Constellations. Bruce McClure. 4 sessions, 1½ hours each (SUNY: Stowell - Planetarium). Enjoy viewing and learning about the science and sky lore of the spring night sky. Bruce McClure , a sundial aficionado and a certified celestial navigator, writes about stargazing and astronomy for the internationally syndicated radio program "Earth and Sky." He also presents shows using his portable starlab planetarium. NOTE: Recommended: a Planisphere. Cap: 50. (Note: class meets twice a week) Mondays: 3/15, 3/22. 10:00-11:30 and Wednesdays: 3/17, 3/24. 10:00-11:30. [S-10-42]

Tatting. Betty Mauk. 5 sessions, 1½ hours each (Partridge Knoll - West Wing Sun Room, Canton). In this course participants practice the basic tatting stitch, make a simple motif, and learn to read patterns for tatting. Betty Mauk is a retired Reading/English teacher, who has done tatting for many years. NOTE: Participants may either purchase or borrow the instructor's supplies, or bring in their own shuttles and thread for evaluation and possible use in class. Cap: 10. Thursdays: 4/22, 4/29, 5/6, 5/13, 5/20. 1:30-3:00. [S-10-43]

The U. S. Coast Guard: Its Changing Face. James Bartlett. 1 session, 1½ hours (SUNY: Maxcy 104). Explore the cyclical progression of the many faces of the U. S. Coast Guard, from its inception in 1790 to its present day missions: law enforcement and intelligence, maritime safety and security, life saving, aids to navigation, and environmental protection. James Bartlett retired from the U. S. Coast Guard, having served on active duty for 21 years as a Lieutenant Commander. He served in Alaska , California , Florida , Maine , New York , North Carolina , Virginia , Europe, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean . Wednesday: 3/17. 1:30-3:00. [S-10-44] Link: www.uscg.mil

Vegetarian Cooking. Juanita Babcock. 3 sessions, 2 hours each ( Community Church , Knapps Station). Vegetarian meals can be a healthful and flavorful option for any age. This course concentrates on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, soy and dairy products in cooking and baking to provide protein-rich meal combinations. At each session, enjoy a (non-vegan) vegetarian lunch (including beverage and dessert). Juanita Babcock has been a vegetarian for over 25 years. She enjoys baking and cooking recipes from domestic and international cuisines. Juanita is skilled in baking with whole grains and in cooking versatile vegetarian dishes. NOTES: Vegetarian meals include eggs, dairy, soy, and nuts. Cost for 3 lunches: $35 (includes food, supplies and kitchen use). Cap: 12. Mondays: 4/19, 4/26, 5/3. 11:00-1:00. [S-10-45] [closed]

Vicarious Voyagers VI. Ruth Kreuzer, Coordinator. 4 sessions, 1½ hours each ( Potsdam Civic Center). Voyage vicariously to exotic places with our world-traveling presenters via their slide shows. Four adventures await you (in this order):
"Tunisia, a Mix of Many Cultures" - Lora and Richard Lunt. Richard and Lora were Peace Corps Volunteers in Tunisia . At SUNY Potsdam, Richard taught anthropology, folklore and literature, and Lora teaches French and Arabic. They have team-taught a Learning Community course titled "The Middle East."
"Beautiful Malaysia" - Dana Barry. Dana is a science educator, an author, and the senior technical writer at Clarkson's Center for Advanced Materials Processing (CAMP). She served in Malaysia as a Visiting Professor three times.
"The Silk Road ( Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan , Uzbekistan , Tajikistan , Turkmenistan )" - Cynthia and Mark Coleman. Mark taught English and Cynthia was in chemistry at SUNY Potsdam. Mark also taught at the American University in Bulgaria where some of his students were from Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan The couple's travels off the beaten path began with ten weeks behind the Iron Curtain in 1970 and have continued to their most recent trip: a visit to the "Stans" last fall.
"Tulips and Much More: Holland and Belgium in Springtime" - Lynn and Nils Ekfelt. Now that Lynn and Nils have retired from SLU where Nils taught German and Lynn was University Archivist and Special Collections Librarian, they have more time to enjoy their favorite hobbies, canoeing and TRAVEL. NOTE: Participants may come to any or all the presentations. Mondays: 3/22, 3/29, 4/5, 4/12. 2:00-3:30. [S-10-46]

Who's Who in Hell: A Report. Ina Brockriede. 1 session, 1½ hours ( Potsdam Civic Center). The title describes what this course is about. NOTE: No later than two weeks before the class date, submit to the SOAR office (either by phone or by email) up to 5 names of people you believe have "who's who" status for entrance to Hell. Ina Brockriede will then research the whereabouts of some of those deceased and share her findings in class. The here and hereafter are abiding interests of Ina's. Monday: 3/15. 2:00-3:30. [S-10-47]

Women's Place. Ina Brockriede. (Course canceled)

Writing and Performing a Murder Mystery. Arthur (Art) Johnson. 4 sessions, 1½ hours each (SUNY: Van Housen Ext. SB27). The presenter and the participants will construct, and hopefully perform, a dinner or dessert participatory mystery - part play and part parlor game. Art Johnson was a longtime history professor at SUNY Potsdam. He has been associated with the Grasse River Players for 22 years, acting in several plays and helping to direct two. Art has also acted with "Murder for Hire," a local professional group no longer active. He himself has written and performed 15 mysteries as director of the "Dinner Murder Company" (an offshoot of Grasse River Players) which performs now and then, most recently in February, 2009. Thursdays: 3/18, 3/25, 4/1, 4/8 (no class sessions 4/8). 10:00-11:30. [S-10-49]

Last update: 04/27/10
Send comments to R. Kreuzer, SOAR web site manager