SSI SPRING TERM CLASS DESCRIPTIONS 2022
APRIL CLASSES
Note
Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday classes start at 10 a.m.
Tuesday classes start at 1 p.m.
Monday, April 4: Poetry Reading Fun!
Moderator: Trina Gaynon, SSI member
Tuesday, April 5: Piet Mondrian and You
Presenter: Alice Cotton, SSI member
Description: Come learn about famous artists, starting with Piet Mondrian, and have fun with your own creativity. You do not have to be an artist to enjoy this class. All you need is a pencil, eraser, paper, and colors. For this class you can use markers, crayons, one pencil, or whatever you have around. Come have fun!
Wednesday, April 6: Media in America, Part 1
Presenter: George Davidson, SSI member
Description: “Political broadcasting: the accidental force that redefined America.” This One-Day University lecture by Professor Brian Rosenwald on the development of far-right-wing media beginning in the 1980’s. George Davidson, who worked in television broadcasting for 36 years, will add his perspective.
Thursday, April 7: The James Webb Space Telescope
Presenter: Duane Ray, SSI member
Description: The Hubble was a start: the James Webb space telescope is the next big step! The JWST was recently launched toward a location far beyond our moon, where it will orbit for the next 20 years collecting data about our universe—data that cannot be obtained from low earth orbit. Duane will describe the construction, orbital location, and capabilities of the JWST, as well as the information we expect to obtain.
Monday, April 11: Curiosity Cafe
Our new, member-driven event. During the first hour, Betty Woods will explore the mystique of a trendy food additive, kosher salt. For the second hour, bring a thought, idea, or opinion you want to share with the group.
Tuesday, April 12: Warning Signs of Ukraine
Presenter: Art LaFlamme, US Army (ret.)
Description: The Orange Revolution and the Yushenko poisoning in 2004. The Maiden revolution in 2014. Russian annexation of Crimea and Donbas. Intelligence saying Russia would invade on a specific date. With so many warning signs, why couldn't the Russian invasion of Ukraine have been prevented?
Wednesday, April 13: Media in America, Part 2
Presenter: George Davidson, SSI member
Description: “What happened to the news? From Walter Cronkite to Sean Hannity,” is a One-Day University lecture from Dr. Brian Rosenwald. How did the right wing take over mainstream media, and what did it plan in creating an opening for the campaign and presidency of Donald Trump? George will add comments based on his own long career in TV broadcasting.
Thursday, April 14: Money Laundering Best Practices
Presenter: Murray Gordon, CPA
Description: How do real estate developers stay afloat when the banks stop lending? Russian and possibly Saudi oligarchs keep some real estate developers in cash sufficient to support lavish lifestyles, despite a borrower’s history of bankruptcies and unsuccessful ventures.
Monday, April 18: Poetry Reading Fun!
Moderator: Trina Gaynon, SSI member
Tuesday, April 19: Epigenetics: the gene-environment connection
Presenter: Charles Klein, PhD
Description: Since the discovery of DNA in 1953, scientists have faced the mystery of why some individuals genetically predisposed to an inherited illness become ill, and others do not. Many are turning to epigenetics, the study of how genes express themselves in particular situations and environments. Dr. Klein will present an overview of epigenetics and several case studies.
Wednesday, April 20: Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and Mexican Modernism
Presenters: Lee Gray and Connie Bushnell, Portland Art Museum docents
Description: We will learn about the lives and art of this quintessential power couple, as well as other artists who were part of the modernist movement in Mexico between 1920 and 1940. This session will deepen your understanding of and appreciation for the current exhibit at the Portland Art Museum, which is on view through early June.
Thursday, April 21: A Good Humor Day
Moderator: David Gaynon, SSI member
Description: We could all use a laugh these days! Share a joke or an amusing story with fellow SSI members.
Monday, April 25: Curiosity Cafe
Our new, member-driven event. During the first hour, Sandy Miller will introduce and lead a group discussion about toxic masculinity. For the second hour, bring a question, idea, or opinion you want to share with the group.
Tuesday, April 26: Climate Change and Geopolitics, Part 1 of 4
Presenter: Steven Browning, US Ambassador (ret.)
Description: Climate change is a global threat requiring an unprecedented, coordinated global response. Are we up to the task? How do the nations of the world respond when one nation, acting in its own interests, builds dams and blocks water flows to its neighbors? How will the world respond to millions of climate refugees? To global food shortages? We will take a closer look at these and other security threats heading our way and how we and the international community might address them
Wednesday, April 27: Show and Photo Tell
Moderator: George Davidson, SSI member
Description: We’ve all led long and interesting lives, and we may have the photos to prove it! Share one or more of your favorite photos, from babyhood and/or any other significant moment in your life. Take a close-up shot of the the photo(s) with your smart device, and email the image(s) to georgedavidson@comcast.net. Be sure to put "SSI Photo Show" and your name in the subject line. Then attend the class prepared to tell the backstory behind your photo(s) while George screen-shares. Let’s make SSI’s Show & Photo Tell a fun event where we all get to know one another a little bit better—and perhaps even have a laugh or two!
Thursday, April 28: A Writer’s Life: Past, present and future
Presenter: Bettie Denny
Description: Bettie, a New York native who has lived in Portland since 2006, will discuss her novels, stories on her website and future projects. Questions, comments, and interactive audience participation are strongly encouraged.