OLÉ! Fall 2008 Course List

The Fall 2008 Schedule is also posted as a single-page grid.

 

Current Affairs

The Middle East, Continued

Facilitator:  Kee Miner

Join a group of inquiring minds interested in the history, politics and religions of the Middle East.  Includes selected readings (fiction and nonfiction), guest lectures and conversations, films (documentaries and dramas) and discussions.  Participants’ interests shape the direction of the course. Notes on Colonialism in the Middle East by Nelta Edwards

Fridays / 9:00 - 10:45 AM / October 3 - November 21 / UAA Eugene Short Hall

 

Masterpiece Literature

The Charles Dickens Book Club

Teacher:  Wayne Mergler

Wayne Mergler, booklover, editor, author and teacher of English literature, returns to OLÉ! to tackle two of Charles Dickens most complex and satisfying novels, Bleak House and Our Mutual Friend.  Enjoy unforgettable characters, harrowing plot twists, rocky romances and plenty of skullduggery.

Fridays / 1:30 - 3:00 PM / October 3 - November 21 / UAA Eugene Short Hall

 

Big Wild Opera

Carmen

Teacher:  John Rolston

Why is Carmen the greatest of all French operas and the most requested opera in history?  Lifelong opera lover, John Rolston, will, once again, be our guide.  Learn about Georges Bizet’s tragic life, his unforgettable music and the significance of this passionate love story between a taunting factory girl and the poor soldier who can’t live without her.  Further Information

Wednesdays / 1:00 - 3:00 PM / October 22, 29 and November 5, 19 / BP Energy Center

 

Tools for Life

Elder Care and Health, Part I

Facilitator: Dr. Rosellen Rosich

Focuses on issues and resources related to health, aging, and caring for aging or ill family members.  Covers the nature of aging, health literacy, what to think about with aging parents, how to deal with the medical community, and how to modify behavior to avoid the chronic diseases commonly associated with aging.

Fridays / 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM / Oct. 10, 17, 24, 31 / UAA Eugene Short Hall

 

Tools for Life

Elder Care and Health, Part II

Facilitator: Sandra Knight

More about meeting the challenges facing older Americans. Attorney Glenn Cravez will discuss Wills and Powers of Attorney. Lisa Merrill, Assistant Long Term Care Ombudsman, presents materials on promoting and protecting the rights, interests, and well-being of Alaskans 60 and older, as well as concerns related to assisted living and long term care. Alzheimers of Alaska will present "Healthy Body Healthy Brain".

Fridays / 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM / Nov. 7, 14, 21 / UAA Eugene Short Hall

 

Reading Between the Lines

It’s a Mystery

Teacher: Sue Henry

Sue Henry, whose award-winning Alaska mysteries have received the highest praise from readers and critics alike, will lead discussions about plot, setting, character and pacing that keep fans reading – and rereading mysteries.  Bring along a book or two by a favorite mystery writer.

Fridays / 3:00 - 4:30 PM / October 3 - 24 / UAA Eugene Short Hall

 

Living History

The Alaska Constitution Then and Now

Facilitator: Bob Hicks

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of statehood by getting to know the Alaska Constitution. Learn about the motivation and thinking behind the constitution as well as some of the post-statehood controversies in interpretation and application.  This course brings in lecturers, panelists and experts – people who were there as well as people who wish they had been – to share their insights on the Alaska Constitution. Further Information

Wednesdays / 5:00 - 7:00 PM / October 1 - November 19 / Anchorage Senior Center

 

Secondhand Sightseeing

Travel Club

Facilitator:

Walk the famous Santiago de Compostela Camino across northern Spain, drive the Alcan and Cassiar Highways, tour the United Arab Emirates and explore Antarctica.  It doesn’t cost a thing and no restrictions apply.  A forum for participants to share their favorite travel experiences and shake off the hangover of a dreary and disappointing summer. 

Fridays / 3:00 - 4:30 PM / October 31 - November 21/ UAA Eugene Short Hall

 

Ice Capades at Byron Glacier

Roadside Geology of Cook Inlet

Teacher: Dr. Dick Reger

Last May Geologist Dick Reger led two van-loads of intrepid OLÉ! members on a geology excursion around Cook Inlet – a highly successful field trip in all respects except one: six feet of snow on the trail made the planned hike out to the terminus of Byron Glacier impossible!  All agreed that a fall hike would be an excellent alternative.  Everyone is invited; you need not have been on the May field trip to participate.

Go to OleAnchorage.org for information on the nature of the hike, required and recommended gear, how to find the Byron Glacier parking lot, and optional activities in the area. Further Information

 

DATE:  Saturday, September 6, 2008

DEPARTS: 10:00 AM from the Byron Glacier parking lot near the Begich-Boggs Visitors’ Center

RETURNS:  to the Visitors’ Center by 4:00 PM

COST:  None

 

Tidewater Glaciers and Crab Cakes

Wilderness Explorer Glacier Cruise

Teachers: Captain and Crew of Prince William Sound Glacier Cruises; Ron and Deb Crawford

Summer isn’t over just because most of the tourists have left!  Picture this: a crowd of OLÉ! members in cruise mode scanning for orcas and catching up with friends on an unseasonably warm September afternoon (we can always hope.)  The boat, operated by Prince William Sound Glacier Cruises, goes from Whittier into Passage Canal and around Ester Island through Ester Passage.  View marine animals and birds and the spectacular tidewater glaciers in Harriman Fjord and Barry Arm. Dress in layers, but bring your sunglasses.  And don’t forget your binoculars! Further Information

 

DATE:  Sunday, September 14, 2008

DEPARTS:  from Whittier Dock at 11:00 AM (take the 9:30 AM tunnel opening to Whittier)

RETURNS:  in time to catch the 5:00 PM tunnel

COST:  on-line, $108.20.  Go to http://www.princewilliamsound.com/490.cfm?opid=VO105817

             by phone, $114.65.  Call 800-992-1297

             Use discount code OLEGROUP91420


Forms are posted (as of 9/6/08)

Registration form for Fall 2008 (pdf file; print, fill out, mail in)
If you wish, there are 'low tech' instructions for e-mailing the registration form
(everything by computer)


General Instructions