SSI WINTER TERM CLASS DESCRIPTIONS 2025
see bottom of page for Zoom information
FEBRUARY CLASSES
Week of February 3
Monday Feb. 3 - 10 - 11 am
Title: Avocation Station: Conversation with a Guitar Maker
Presenter: Eric Cain
Location: Zoom only
Class Description: Eric built his first electric guitar from assembled parts and now, two decades and 20 guitars later, he continues to try out different combinations of ingredients--body and neck woods, bridge types, bridge-saddle materials, capacitor values, etc.--in one long experiment to build the "best" guitar. He will share some of why, after all these years, he is still fascinated by this instrument.
Tuesday Feb. 4 - 1 - 3 pm
Title: Epic roots in Sumeria
Presenter: Sandy Miller, SSI Member
Location: CLIMB; in person & on Zoom
Class Description: Learn about the civilization that gave rise to written literature, in the form of epic tales, hymns and poems inscribed on clay tablets in cuneiform script. The hero's journey began here, in the cradle of Western civilization, Mesopotamia.
Wednesday Feb. 5 - 10 am - Noon
Title: Mysticism and the Mystical in Our Lives (Part 1 of 3)
Presenter: Rick Seifert
Location: NHH; in person only
Class Description: A 3-part series of on-going, in-person discussions on the mystical tradition. The class will begin with a general overview and discussion about mysticism, including various definitions and the various forms mysticism takes. Most importantly, we will share and discuss experiences that we have had, and feel are "mystical." How have they influenced us? How are our experiences similar? Different?
Bio: Rick is a retired journalist, founding editor and publisher of the SW Community Connection and on-line Hillsdale News. He was a journalism teacher at the university level (UC Berkeley, University of Montana, University of Portland and PCC.). He holds a BA in history, Stanford; MSJ Columbia University School of Journalism. He was a Peace Corps teacher in Kenya, and on the Longview (WA) Daily News team that won a Pulitzer for its coverage of the Mount St. Helens eruption and its aftermath. In retirement he has become an avid journal writer and informal student of mysticism.
Thursday Feb. 6 - 10 am - Noon
Title:The Secret Life of Birds
Presenter: Marilyn Ellis, OMN, CIG, Oregon Master Naturalist, Certified Interpretive Guide
Location: Zoom only
Class Description: In this fun, interactive and informative presentation, you will learn: How do birds build nests without hands and tools? Why do they migrate? Why does a hummingbird sparkle? This and so much more!
Bio: Marilyn is an Oregon Master Naturalist and Certified Interpretive Guide with over 25 years of experience in Wildlife Education and Wildlife Rehabilitation. She lives in Tualatin, Oregon with her 7 noisy parrots and her 2 very spoiled dogs.Title: Invasive Plants and Animals of the Great Lakes
Week of February 10
Monday Feb. 10 - 10 - 11 am
Title: Curiosity Café: Central Eastside Together
Presenter: Brianna Woods, Central Eastside Industrial Council Member
Location: Zoom only; Duration 1 hr.
Class Description: Central Eastside Together (CET) is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to foster a safer district and enhance the pedestrian experience, reinforce economic viability, and promote Central Eastside's unique identity through innovative and highly responsive programs and services supporting all who live, work, and play there.
Tuesday Feb. 11 - 1 - 3 pm
Title: Johnny Cash: The Man in Black
Presenter: Gordon Neal Herman (on Zoom)
Location: CLIMB; in person & on Zoom
Class Description: From his arrival on the music scene in the mid-50s, Johnny Cash was a major force on the popular music scene. Cash had hit records in the 50s through the 70s, a revival of his career in the 90s, and posthumous hit records as well as a hit TV show. This program will trace his career from a farm in Arkansas to an international music figure.
Bio: Gordon has taught music history since 1981 and composes and records in a variety of styles. He was a Visiting Lecturer in American Music History at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, and has taught at the University of Idaho, Portland State University, Linfield College and Marylhurst University.
Wednesday Feb. 12 - 10 am - Noon
Title: Mysticism and the Mystical in Our Lives (Part 2 of 3)
Presenter: Rick Seifert
Location: NHH; in person only
Class Description: A 3-part series of on-going, in-person discussions on the mystical tradition. The class will begin with a general overview and discussion about mysticism, including various definitions and the various forms mysticism takes. Most importantly, we will share and discuss experiences that we have had, and feel are "mystical." How have they influenced us? How are our experiences similar? Different?
Bio: Rick is a retired journalist, founding editor and publisher of the SW Community Connection and on-line Hillsdale News. He was a journalism teacher at the university level (UC Berkeley, University of Montana, University of Portland and PCC.). He holds a BA in history, Stanford; MSJ Columbia University School of Journalism. He was a Peace Corps teacher in Kenya, and on the Longview (WA) Daily News team that won a Pulitzer for its coverage of the Mount St. Helens eruption and its aftermath. In retirement he has become an avid journal writer and informal student of mysticism.
Thursday Feb. 13 - 10 am - Noon
Title: Part 1 - Science in Our Lives! Good or Bad? Part 2 - Global Climate Change & The Oceans
Presenter: David D. Lonsdale
Location: Zoom only
Class Description: A Look at the Evolution of Scientific Method and consideration of the once proud, but some now consider tainted, scientific legacy of the USA. The OCEAN is getting a little toasty. Increasing ocean temperatures create numerous related highly disruptive environmental impacts. And much, much more information will be imparted.
Bio: David has been a leader in public aquariums for over 32 years. He directed aquarium operations, developed exhibits and oversaw educational programs at the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo; Chicago's Shedd Aquarium and Duluth (MN) Great Lakes Aquarium. David has taught college level courses in ecology, aquatic biology and marine biology.
Week of February 17
Monday Feb. 17 - No Class
Tuesday Feb. 18 - 1 - 3 pm
Title: Computer and Telephone Scam Protection
Presenter: Lori Vanderpool
Location: CLIMB; in person & on Zoom
Class Description: Criminals using various scams to rob and deceive us have become an all too common threat. The speaker will review the various types of scams from those using artificial intelligence to the phony police call and many more scams.
Bio: Lori recently retired from her career as a senior-level Regulatory Compliance professional with 30 plus years of experience in the finance and telecommunication industries.
Wednesday Feb. 19 - 10 am - Noon
Title: Mysticism and the Mystical in Our Lives (Part 3 of 3)
Presenter: Rick Seifert
Location: NHH; in person only
Class Description: A 3-part series of on-going, in-person discussions on the mystical tradition. The class will begin with a general overview and discussion about mysticism, including various definitions and the various forms mysticism takes. Most importantly, we will share and discuss experiences that we have had, and feel are "mystical." How have they influenced us? How are our experiences similar? Different?
Bio: Rick is a retired journalist, founding editor and publisher of the SW Community Connection and on-line Hillsdale News. He was a journalism teacher at the university level (UC Berkeley, University of Montana, University of Portland and PCC.). He holds a BA in history, Stanford; MSJ Columbia University School of Journalism. He was a Peace Corps teacher in Kenya, and on the Longview (WA) Daily News team that won a Pulitzer for its coverage of the Mount St. Helens eruption and its aftermath. In retirement he has become an avid journal writer and informal student of mysticism.
Thursday Feb. 20 - 10 am - Noon
Title: Invasive Plants and Animals of the Great Lakes
Presenter: Howard Shuster
Location: Zoom only
Class Description: How did invasive plants take root in this region? How have they affected the ecology? What are we doing to control them? Learn the answers to these questions and much more.
Bio: Howard is a Toronto area attorney, active in Liberal Party politics, who also works as a lecturer on a Great Lakes cruise line.Title:
Week of February 24
Monday Feb. 24 - 10 - 11 am
Title: Curiosity Café: Experiences Teaching Marketing in Communist Countries
Presenter: Bruce Stern, PhD Professor Emeritus PSU
Location: Zoom only
Class Description: How do you help business managers understand marketing and publicity after operating in a Communist based command economy for up to 70 years? That was the challenge that Prof. Bruce Stern faced as he traveled in Russia, Eastern Europe and the Far East in the 1990's. Interesting and heartwarming stories of his experiences during this historically unique period will be shared.
Bio: Bruce received his PhD in 1974 from Arizona State University in Marketing and Social Psychology. He has taught at Portland State University (1975-2003) retiring as Professor Emeritus. Bruce's teaching emphasis was in the areas of consumer behavior and marketing research. During his career he has conducted marketing research for several national and international firms including banks, fast food restaurants, medical schools, city governments, technology firms, and professional sports franchises. He has also lectured on various business topics in Russia, Poland, and China.
Tuesday Feb. 25 - 1 - 3 pm
Title: Fact, Fiction and Fear: Covering Homelessness in Portland
Presenter: K. Rambo (on Zoom)
Location: CLIMB; in person & on Zoom; Duration 1.5 hrs.
Class Description: A brief history and overview of the Street Roots organization and the newspaper's print distribution model, which provides low-barrier employment for homeless and impoverished Portlanders, will be presented. Rambo will also delve into the newspaper's unique approach to covering homelessness, which centers homeless Portlanders' experiences, evidence-based approaches to addressing homelessness, accountability for public officials and separating fact from fiction.
Bio: K. Rambo has served as Street Roots' editor in chief since November 2021, first joining the newspaper as an editing fellow in July 2021. Rambo previously covered OSU and public safety for the Albany Democrat-Herald and Corvallis Gazette-Times after completing internships focused on police accountability and government transparency at lowaWatch in 2019 and The Oregonian in 2020. Rambo was elected president of the Greater Oregon Society of Professional Journalists by her peers in 2023.
Wednesday Feb. 26 - 10 am - Noon
Title: Hilma af Klint: Mystic Painting
Presenter: Alice Cotton, SSI Member, former Musician & House Artist
Location: Zoom only
Class Description: A Swedish artist whose mystic paintings were considered to be an abstract visual representation of spiritual ideas. She belonged to a group called "The Five" who tried to contact the "High Masters" by way of seances. Bring your colors, paper and spiritual ideas to this art class.
Thursday Feb. 27 - 10 am - Noon
Title: Estate Planning Basics
Presenter: Garvin Reiter
Location: Zoom only
Class Description: This presentation will cover the basics of estate planning for older adults as well as for younger people to make sure their children are protected, to minimize inheritance taxes and plan for incapacity. This includes blended families and same sex couples to help achieve their planning goals.
Bio: Garvin is a partner at the Law Offices of Nay & Friedenberg, a pioneer law firm in the area of elder law established in 1984. He has been practicing for over 27 years and has been recognized by the National Elder Law Foundation as a Certified Elder Law Attorney. He has extensive knowledge of all options available to elders, including how to pay for long-term care without depleting all assets.
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To attend one of SSI’s online ZOOM classes ....
Step 1: Take a look at the Class Descriptions posted on the SSI website https://www.ssipdx.org/class-
schedule.html to preview what classes are being offered - Mark your calendar for the ones you want to
participate in.
Step 2: Check the weekly Newsletter for the link to the class you want to participate in and click on it.
If the link to a Zoom event doesn't take you to the class you want (This is a Zoom issue, not the Newsletter's),
USE THE CLASS ID AND PASSCODE INSTEAD.
● Log in to your free Zoom app (https://zoom.us/)
● Click on “Join Meeting”
● Use the Class ID and Passcode from the Zoom invitation in the Newsletter to join the class meeting.
Step 3: In the 15 minutes before the class is scheduled to start, click on the link to the class that you found in
the Newsletter.
Step 4: If you already have the Zoom application (app) installed, you will go directly to the Zoom Waiting
Room and wait to be admitted to the class. (Be sure your app is the latest version of Zoom.)
Notes:
● If you do NOT have the Zoom application (app) already installed you will be asked to download the FREE
Zoom app before joining the class. (It is not necessary to have the Zoom app to participate in an SSI class -
however, you will have better tools to make the most of your class experience if you have the Zoom app.)
● Zoom customers are now required to keep their Zoom software no more than three months behind the
current version. If you are running an older version of Zoom, you will be prompted to perform an update.
This takes a little time--so if you suspect that your Zoom software is out of date, you may wish to log into
an SSI activity a few minutes early to ensure that you are admitted on time.