top of page
 
Atascadero City  Hall, Preserving the Heart and Soul of the City

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Relive the original planning, designing, constructing and finally restoring of the Atascadero City Hall, a magnificent building that gives Atascadero its identity.  

 

A private tour led by the Atascadero Historical Society will guide you through areas of the building normally closed to the public to learn of the surprisingly diverse occupants through the years.

 

Constructed between 1914 and 1918, the city hall sustained devastating damage in the 2003 San Simeon earthquake only to be painstakingly restored to its original grandeur by a crew that proudly worked together restoring the original excellence of the structure.  

 

You will also be guided past historical garden statues to the Colony House nearby to learn more about Atascadero's unique history.

 

Your tour will be led by a docent who is a trained volunteer dedicated to preserving the history of Atascadero.

 

 

Tuesday, January 24 2017, 10:00am- 11:30am   Atascadero City Hall 

 

 

 

 
Great Decisions 2017 -- Moral Philosophy -- Paul Worsham

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Great Discussions 2017 is a highly participatory course designed for those informed and thoughtful people among us who love to engage in real discussion and respectful debate over issues of the day. This course is a forum for exchanging ideas about international and domestic public affairs and America's place in the world.

 

This one-session course is the first of three sessions of Great Discussions 2017 that will be offered in January, February and March.   LLCC offers this discussion series often. The topics discussed change during the year to coincide with world and domestic events and the interests of the participants.

 

Participants will discuss current international and domestic issues and events and geo-political trends that affect us as citizens of the world and as Americans.  Participation is limited to 28.  You may register for this course each time that it is announced during the year.

 

Great Discussions is modeled after the Foreign Policy Association's Great Decisions program that LLCC offered in the past. 

 

This course is designed to be responsive and flexible to the issues of the world.  Discussions will be active responses to changing circumstances throughout the world. The topic covered during this session of Great Discussions will be moral philosophy a branch of philosophy that involves systematizing, defending, and recommending concepts of right and wrong conduct.  The subjects will be “What Is a Moral Compass?” “The Moral Roots of Liberals and Conservatives” and “Acting On Moral Imperatives.”

 

Joining us at the first class will be Cal Poly Philosophy Professor Tal Scriven to help us discuss “What Is a Moral Compass?” Prof. Scrivien is the chairman of Cal Poly's Philosophy Department and is the author of the recent book Wrongness, Wisdom and Wilderness, Toward a Libertarian Theory of Ethics and the Environment.

 

The participants will discuss how to define and apply a Moral Compass in a philosophical way rather than a religious way.  Inevitably this discussion must include the writings of 18thCentury philosopher Immanuel Kant, who said that “the human mind creates the structure of human experience” and that “reason is the source of morality.”  One immediate and practical use for this philosophical discussion will be to start to answer the nagging question many of are asking ourselves: “What does our moral compass tell us that we should do in response to the recent election?”

 

Thursday, January 19 2017, 10:00am- 12:00pm   Union Bank SLO  

 

 

 

The U.S. Supreme Court and the Politics of Appointment -- Judge Charles Porter

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Is the present political stalemate over the President’s nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court unusual in American history? Does filling the current Supreme Court vacancy really matter?

 

This course will compare the current political battle over the President’s nomination to the Supreme Court with past presidential nominations to the Court.  

 

Throughout U.S. history, Presidents have battled with Congress to fill Supreme Court vacancies, as some Presidents have tried to pack the Court with justices that would be supportive of the President’s agenda.   This course will discuss some of the past battles between the executive and legislative branches of government, including the presidencies of John Quincy Adams, Franklin Roosevelt, and George H. W. Bush, as well as discuss the outcomes of those battles and how they affected the Supreme Court’s rulings.

 

Judge Charles Porter received his B.A. from U.C. Santa Barbara; his J.D. from U.C. Hastings; his L.L.M. from U. of San Diego; and his C.P.A. from U. of Illinois.  He is a retired Municipal Court Judge from Kern County, and a retired ex-officer from U. of San Luis Obispo School of Law, where he taught several courses, including Constitutional Law.  While he was a judge in California, he met all the members of Berger Court personally during visit to Washington, D.C.

 
Tuesday, January 10 2017, 10:00am- 12:00pm   SLO Methodist Church

 

 

The M&Ms of the Monarch Butterfly -- Suzy Will

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is an  introduction to the MIGRATION, METAMORPHASIS, MILKWEED, and MATING of the Monarch Butterfly. Why are they in Pismo Beach? What makes their life cycle so unusual? How can  the wildflower called "milkweed" be the solution to dwindling butterfly populations? Is it really Valentine's Day in the grove ? More than curiosity, this program will enable you to join us in educating the public about this amazing insect.

 

Suzy Will grew up in San Diego county. Her family moved to Morro Bay to attend Cal Poly. She lived for 10 years on the PG&E Buchon Trail. Suzy's interests in biology began here! She taught school in San Luis Obispo for 25 years, then retired and became a State Park volunteer docent in the  Pismo Beach State Park Monarch  Butterfly  Overwintering Site .Suzy also volunteers with 3rd grade Chumash Education. She is a past grove coordinator, a frequent talker at the grove and loves going into 2nd grade classrooms.

 

Friday, January 6 2017, 10:00am- 11:30am   Butterfly Preserve, Pismo Beach
 
 

 

Verdi Does Shakespeare:  Macbeth, Othello, Falstaff -- John Frey

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At least 23 of Shakespeare's plays have been turned into operas. Among them, all three of the adaptations by Verdi - Macbetto, Otello and Falstaff - have achieved a permanent place in the international repertory. Verdi's love of Shakespeare persisted with ever-growing fervor during his life. By his bedside at his home at Sant' Agata Verdi kept a bookcase which contained two sets of Shakespeare's complete works, both translated into Italian.

 

Verdi is one of the few composers who created solid operatic masterpieces from Shakespeare plays - Macbetto and Otello are great tragedies and Falstaff ( adapted from The  Merry Wives of Windsor) is the last of two comic operas that Verdi composed during his lifetime. These operas not only succeeded at the time of their premieres but have grown in stature over the years, standing out even from Verdi's own impressive line of great works.

 

In this series of six 3-hour presentations you will explore the characteristics of the Verdi adaptations of three of Shakespeare’s plays by viewing videos of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Othello and The Merry Wives of Windsor and of Verdi’s Macbetto, Otello and Falstaff. You will view Lady Macbeth’s famous “Sleepwalking” scene, listen to Desdemona’s wistful “Willow Song” and chuckle at Falstaff’s comeuppance as he is outwitted by the Merry Wives.

 

Each session consists of a 30-minute commentary and discussion as well as a 2.5-hr video for each of the musicals. Your instructor will provide you with a 56-page syllabus that will include (1) an analysis of the plot of each of the works, (2) a synopsis and list of characters, (3) a description of the source material that inspired the works and (4) brief biographies of authors, composers and performers. You will also receive a list of recommended CDs, DVDs and books.

 

 John Frey is a retired Chemistry professor and a member of the boards of LLCC, Festival Mozaic and of Opera Lovers Meet.  He has performed in the chorus of Opera San Luis Obispo and the SLO Master Chorale.  He has had a lifelong love and passion for opera, choral music and musical theater.  He has made numerous commentaries and video presentations for SLO’s Opera Lovers, OperaSLO and LLCC.

 

Thursdays, January 5, 12, 19, , February 2 , 9, 16  2017, 1:00pm- 4:00pm Six Sessions Odd Fellows Hall SLO  No class on January 26

 

 

 

History of Science -- Dick Jackson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prior to the 17th century original thought had been discouraged, both by custom and by the authorities (churches).

 

However, beginning toward the end of the 1600's great thinkers began to ask and answer fundamental questions about the world we experience. This series of lectures covers the start of what we now call science and goes on to describe the advances made up to the end of the 19thC. If you are fascinated by ideas -- correct, incorrect or just plain wacko, you will enjoy these lectures by an acclaimed professor of history.

 

Part 1 of this series, presented here, will comprise five sessions covering 10 lectures, taking us from around 1700 to the end of the 18th century.  Along the way we will explore such things as the demise of alchemy, the beginnings of biology and medicine, theories about the Earth, and early experiments with electricity.

 

Ample time for discussion will be arranged.

 

Further classes will be arranged in the future to complete the lecture series.

 

Wednesdays, January 4, 11, 18, 25, and February 1 2017, 10:00am- 12:00pm   KCBX in SLO
 
 

 

Lecture and Virtual Tour of the Mission San Antonio de Padua -- Prof. Robert Hoover

 

 

 

 

 

Join us for a lecture and a virtual tour of the Mission San Antonio de Padua. 

Prof. Bob Hoover will share his extensive collection of slides of the misson that he has collected over the years. These slides show the exterior, interior, images of art and artifacts and the restoration efforts over the last 30 years.

 

You will learn why establishing missions in California was important to the Spanish crown learn more about the history of the mission period.

 

Your instructor will also discuss many aspects of  of the Mission San Antonio de Padua: its history: its unique architecture; the Mission’s bells; and description of what everyday life was like in the Mission’s community.

 

Finally, you will learn about the decline and abandonment of the Mission and it’s rebirth as a museum, educational facility and retreat center.

 

The Mission is located on Fort Hunter Liggett in southern Monterey County, about an hour and a half north of San Luis Obispo.  The Mission was founded in 1771, and is known for its campanario and archway bells. It has been largely restored to its original condition.

Robert L. Hoover, has a PhD in anthropology with a specialty in California archaeology from UC Berkeley.  He has taught at Stanford and is a professor emeritus at Cal Poly.  He has specialized in Spanish colonial archaeology, serving continuously as director of the Archaeological Field School at Mission San Antonio for over 30 years.  He is a recipient of the Award of Distinction from the California Council for the Promotion of History and has received the Norman Neuerburg and Fermin Lasuen Awards from the California Mission Studies Association.  Dr. Hoover was a member of the State Historical Resources Commission for 18 years.

 

Wednesday, December 7 2016, 10:00am- 12:00pm   SLO Art Museum Gray Wing.  

register for this course: Virtual Mission Tour

READ MORE0 COMMENTS

FINDING BULGARIA -- PROF. JOHN MCKINSTRY

28 Oct 2016

 

Relatively small, geopolitically insignificant, with an underperforming economy, Bulgaria is one of the “sad sacks” of European nations. 

 

But your instructor, John McKinstry, knows something of these people: they live in a beautiful place and they deserve better. Proud, comparatively well educated, Bulgarians through some bad leadership and bad luck weave a 1000-year tapestry of frustration and disappointment.

 

Join Prof. McKinstry for a short encounter with the history, the scenery and  present-day life of this interesting society.

 

John McKinstry is Professor of sociology and Asian Studies at Cal Poly 1968-2014. Recipient of three teaching Fulbright awards. Staff of universities in Tokyo, Fukuoka, Harbin and Sofia, Bulgaria. Author and co-author of several books about Asian societies.

 

Tuesday, December 13. 2016, 10:00am- 12:00pm   Adult School, Room B3 in SLO.  

register for this course: Finding Bulgaria

 

READ MORE0 COMMENTS

READING THE DECEMBER 5, 2016 NEW YORKER -- JERRY BREAKSSTONE

27 Oct 2016

 

Due to popular demand, Jerry Breakstone has agreed to host another session of Reading the New Yorker.  This time participants will be discussing articles from the December 5, 2016 issue of the New Yorker, so the class will be different from the class held in September.

 

For nearly a century The New Yorker has been treating its readers to a weekly feast of cartoons, poetry,  short fiction, and hard-hitting investigative journalism. 

 

Join other LLCC members as we read and discuss the most current issue of The New Yorker, starting with the cartoons.  We’ll then break into small groups to focus on pieces of shared interest, and finally come back together to address the most compelling questions that have emerged.  In the process we’ll have fun getting to know The New Yorker, each other, and ourselves.

 

Jerry Breakstone has participated in numerous Reading the New Yorker classes in the Lifelong Learning Institute program at Washington University in St. Louis, MO.  Previously he was a practicing architect and taught in the Schools of Architecture at Cal Poly and Washington University.  Currently he is a practicing psychotherapist.

 

Thursday, December 15. 2016, 1:00pm- 3:00pm   KCBX in SLO.  

register for this course: Reading the New Yorker

READ MORE0 COMMENTS

EASY HOLIDAY DINING -- DEBBIE DUGGAN

27 Oct 2016

 

 

Famous local chef, Debbie Dugan, invites serious and casual cooks to enter her kitchen, a little bit of Tuscany on the Central Coast, to learn about quick cooking for holiday entertaining.  This class is designed for those alone who need a gentle push to embark on holiday entertaining using fresh, local healthy ingredients to prepare delicious, easy meals.   

 

 

You can relax and enjoy socializing and eating a gourmet meal prepared by an expert chef.  During the class, Debbie will share lots of advice involving nutrition, cooking tips, shopping, where to buy, where to dine and how to get organized to cook and entertain.  Printed recipes are provided.

 

     The menu will include:

 

*Home made marinated variety of olives

 

*Salad of winter pear, pomegranate, organic baby greens and toasted sunflower seeds with honey mustard vinaigrette

 

*Debbie’s  favorite healthy EASY  Chicken Marsala over creamy soft polenta

 

*Coastal Saute of sugar snaps peas, and cherry tomato with fresh basil, garlic, herbs and olive oil

 

*Artisan warm breads with butter

 

*Gooey, sticky toffee warm pudding bars with orange Toffee Sause and a hint of orange

 

 

Recipes are printed in a packet, guests can watch or participate and they enjoy the food that is prepared in front of them.  Questions are answered and guests always have a great time!

 

The cost of this course to members and non-members is $40 for the lunch and lecture.

 

Debbie Duggan has trained in Europe's most prestigious culinary schools, including the Cordon Bleu in Paris and London, La Varenne in Burgundy, France and Avignonesi Culinary Center and Tenuta de Capezzana in the Tuscany region of Italy, the Emilia-Romangna region of Northern Italy, and most recently Southern Italy.

 

Locally, Debbie has guest lectured at Cal Poly Food Science and Nutrition Department, teaching Customs and Cultures in Food, and taught at Allen Hancock Junior College. 

 

Thursday, December 1, 2016, 11:30am - 1:30pm  San Luis Obispo 

The cost of this course is $40, price includes course and lunch.

 

  

register for this course: Easy Holiday Dining

READ MORE0 COMMENTS

TEN MINUTE UNIVERSITY IN ATASCADERO -- ASTA HAMANN

27 Oct 2016

 

Here's a fun challenge - join with seven other Lifelong Learners to teach each other any topic in 10 minutes or less.  What's your passion, interest, love, etc.?  Baseball cards?  Cell phones?  Succulents? the Civil War?  Airline travel?  Fossils? Japanese paper folding?  Topics may range from step-by-step procedures, to academic, cultural or even humorous subjects. 

 

Can you distill your favorite topic into 10 minutes?  Then the Ten-Minute University is for you!  The class is limited to the first eight people who register. 

 

We hope the Ten-Minute University will serve as a great way to become acquainted with and learn from fellow LLCC members.  It's also a great brain exercise.  In that spirit, we ask you not to read your presentation, but take time to prepare your lesson.  And no PowerPoint presentations, videos, etc.  - that's way too formal.  Your own props, handouts or notes are O.K.

 

Two hours.  Eight people.  Are you up for it?  This is always loads of fun, whenever we do it. Who knows what we'll learn about - that's the adventure. 

 

This course is free to all.

 

Tuesday, December 6, 2016, 10am-12pm   Atascadero

 

  register for this course: 10 Minute University

 

READ MORE0 COMMENTS

HOW HUMANS LEARNED TO FLY -- BRUCE WRIGHT

23 Sep 2016

 

 

Orville and Wilbur Wright (my distant cousins) usually get the credit for inventing and flying the first successful  powered and controlled heavier-than-air airplane in 1903. 

 

Most accounts give the impression that they alone had the idea and easily made it a reality. The truth is that their success was built on more than  400 years of research, trial and error, and failed attempts.  

 

People have dreamed of flying since ancient times. About six thousand years ago drawings on tombs in Egypt showed gods that could fly. Leonardo da Vinci, who lived five hundred years ago, was very interested in flight and believed the way to do it was to flap wings as birds do. He drew numerous pictures of flying machines, but never tried to build any.

 

The invention of the steam engine changed everything and contributed to the development of flight. Machines could make products such as new kinds of steel, cloth and metal wire. Inventors used these materials to try and build flying machines. 

 

This course will trace the path from Leonardo de Vinci to Kitty Hawk.

 

Bruce Wright spent over 50 years in the Aerospace Industry, 34 with the Skunk Works (the official alias for Lockheed Martin's Advanced Development Programs/Projects). During that time he participated in the design and development of   31 aircraft and spacecraft. He led the development teams in 19 of those. He is the "father" of the F-22 Raptor, USA's front line stealth fighter. He has taught aircraft design and history of air and space at Cal Poly for the last eight years.  

 

Friday, November 18 2016, 9:30am-12pm   SLO Library Community Rm

register for this course: How Humans Learned to Fly

READ MORE0 COMMENTS

A DAY WITH SIBELIUS, ELGAR & CHADWICK -- SANDY EASTMAN

23 Sep 2016

 

Sandy Eastman is providing LLCC members with yet another opportunity to attend his pre-concert class and the symphony "No Ties Allowed" dress rehearsal for the San Luis Obispo Symphony concert coming up in October.

 

There is a cost now to attend the Symphony rehearsals. This cost to attend the rehearsal is not included in the price of the course on Brown Paper Tickets. At the PAC, adults  pay $15 and seniors (age 65 and older)  pay $10. The rehearsal is free to children. The tickets for the dress rehearsal will available about a week before the performance   and may be purchased by calling (805) 756-4849 or by visiting the PAC Box office Tuesday-Saturday 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

 

On Saturday, October 8, the Symphony will bring Maestro Jose-Lius Novo and Grammy Award winning cellist Sara Saint' Ambrogio to the Performing Arts Center.  The program begins with Jubillee from Symphonic Sketches by G. W. Chadwick.  Jubilee is the first of four movements inspired by a scene description, much like snapshots in an album, drawings or vignettes.  Maestro Novo collaborates with Sant' Ambrogio on Elgar's Cello Concerto, a contemplative piece written after World War I. The evening's finale is J. Sibelius' Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op. 43, a full melodic piece and the composer's best-known work that premiered in 1902.  

 

Music Director and conductor of the Binghamton Philharmonic in New York and Annapolis Symphony Orchestra in Maryland, José-Luis Novo began his musical studies at the conservatory of Valladolid—his hometown in Spain, obtaining the degree of Profesor Superior de Violín. He continued his studies at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Brussels, where he earned a First Prize in violin. In 1988, he came to the United States as a Fulbright Scholar, obtaining both Master of Music and Master of Musical Arts Degrees from Yale University

 

Guest Artist Cellist Sara Sant'Ambrogio first leapt to international attention when she was a winner at the Eighth International Tchaikovsky Violoncello Competition in Moscow. Ms. Sant'Ambrogio has appeared as a soloist with such orchestras as Atlanta, the Beijing Philharmonic, Boston Pops, Budapest, Chicago, Dallas, Moscow State Philharmonic, the Prague Chamber Orchestra, the Osaka Century Orchestra (Japan), ), The Royal Philharmonic, St. Louis, San Francisco and Seattle.

 

This course will be in two parts.  In the morning, there will be a lecture about the composers, about the pieces that are to be played in the rehearsal, and about the soloists.   In the afternoon, the class, as a group, attends the dress rehearsal of the performance.  At the dress rehearsal SLO Symphony guest conductor Mr.Novo will speak as he conducts, giving background information, musicology, and notes on harmony.  With his broad knowledge and stage presence, the dress rehearsal should be fairly comprehensive.

 

Saturday, November 12, 2016.  8:30 - 10:30 am. for course, followed by symphony dress rehearsal 11:00 - 1:00 pm.

 

The morning class will be in Senior Center in SLO.  The concert rehearsal will be in the Christopher Cohan Center in the PAC at Cal Poly.

 

Silsby Eastman (Sandy) grew up and spent his working life in the Los Angeles area before moving to Pismo Beach.  He has taught at Cuesta and Allan Hancock Colleges and has been playing bassoon, baritone saxophone, and bridge as often as possible.  After graduating from Occidental College and Indiana University, he studied conducting bassoon with Walter Ritchie and conducting with Lauris Jones and Richard Lert.  He served as a bandsman in the Air Force and taught in San Bernardino, La Canada, Paramount and Agoura Hills.  He is also a former member of the Long Beach Coterie Sinfonique, the Pasadena Community Orchestra and the Topanga Symphony.

 

Saturday, November 12 2016, 8:30am-1pm   SLO Senior Center & the PAC at Cal Poly

register for this course: A Day With Sibelius

READ MORE0 COMMENTS

WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO MY STUFF -- JANET L. WALLACE

23 Sep 2016

 

This course will answer these questions (and others like them): 

 

Who needs an estate plan and what is involved? 

 

What documents are needed? 

 

What are the pitfalls of not having an estate plan?

 

What are the benefits of having a revocable trust in addition to a Will? 

 

Does having a trust help me avoid estate taxes?

 

What is probate and why should it be avoided? 

 

Who takes over if I can no longer manage my assets? 

 

How do I provide for my grandchildren, particularly when I have a spendthrift child?  

 

Can someone change my estate plan without my wishes? 

 

And, what are the dangers of giving my child too much?

 

Janet L. Wallace is an attorney at Adamski Moroski Madden Cumberland & Green LLP, specializing in estate planning and administration. Ms. Wallace also teaches Estate Planning and Administration at Cuesta Community College.  A graduate of UC Davis School of Law, Ms. Wallace was named one of the County’s “Top 20 Under 40” by the San Luis Tribune and received the inaugural “Rising Star” award from the Women Lawyers Association of San Luis Obispo.

 

Wednesday, November 9,  10am-12pm  San Luis Obispo United Methodist Church

register for this course:  What Will Happen to My Stuff

 

READ MORE0 COMMENTS

RETURN OF THE AMATEUR PHILOSOPHER -- DICK JACKSON

23 Sep 2016

 

 

Twice in the past LLCC members have met to ratiocinate** on matters relating to our “shared Western values”. Now you are cordially invited to attend yet another discussion in this series to discuss two questions tangential to these values.

 

** It is possible that this is not actually a real word.

 

1. Should all laws be enforced? We hold the rule of law to be one of our tenets. It follows that we should accept that the law should be applied free of the whims of officialdom. Yet some laws are routinely flouted in the U. S. Can we find justification for this?

 

2. What controls, if any, should society/government put on genetic engineering? Recent advances in genetics have made gene splicing much easier. Future progress in this field may allow “designer babies” – that is, tinkering with an offspring's makeup to, say, remove genetic disease, introduce healthy characteristics such as low LDL, make the child tall and strong, and even highly intelligent. How far should we go?

 

This is a discussion class. Thought priming materials will be circulated prior to the meeting.

 

Dick Jackson is English by birth, American by naturalization, and Scotch by absorption. He is, at least in his own mind, a prince among men. Handsome, generous, witty and, of course, modest to a fault. He is no more qualified to lead a philosophical discussion than anyone else but does so out of a sense of duty to the Lifelong Learners and to alleviate boredom.

 

Thursday, November 3,  10am-12pm  Adult School B3 in San Luis Obispo

register for this course:  Amateur Philosopher

READ MORE0 COMMENTS

DISCOVER THE GODDESS IN YOU -- BERTA PARRISH

25 Aug 2016

 

 

In our everyday lives we forget that there are goddesses, manifestations of the divine feminine, in all of us.  Once accessed, these deep archetypal sources of insight, authenticity, and spirituality can energize us and provide a sense of meaning and self-acceptance. Discover which of the major Western and Eastern goddesses wants to be expressed through you.  Do you need Hecate’s guidance, Kuan Yin’s compassion, Baubo’s humor, or Saraswati’s creativity?

 

The first session will provide an overview of the three mythological phases of a woman’s life as well as information on selected goddesses who inspire and encourage our internal wisdom and external accomplishments. At the second session participants will select a particular goddess to research and share her attributes and the myth/story orally or by showing a statute or poster.  This class will focus on the feminine side of both men and women and, of course, both sexes are welcome to attend.

 

Berta Parrish, Ed.D.,  is a former college professor and frequent OLLI instructor.  Berta  has a strong background in Jungian and Archetypal Psychology.  In addition to writing, she conducts Dream Questing, Elder Tales, Practical Jung, and Conscious Agingworkshops.  She is also author of Wise Woman’s Way: A Guide to Growing Older with Purpose and Passion.

 

Tuesdays, October 18 & 25,  10am-12pm  San Luis Obispo United Methodist Church.  Two Sessions

register for this course:  Goddess in You

 

READ MORE0 COMMENTS

TOUR OF THE MISSION SAN LUIS OBISPO DE TOLOSA -- JOE CAROTENUTI

25 Aug 2016

 

 

Join us for a lecture and a tour of the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa in downtown San Luis Obispo.  The Mission was founded on September 1, 1772, and continues to serve as a parish church for the many Catholics in the area.

 

 We will learn why establishing missions along the California coastline was important to the Spanish crown, the history of the mission period, and the effect the missions had upon the local Chumash population. Our instructor will also discuss the history of the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, its unique architecture, the Mission’s bells, and the roles of significant church figures, including Father Junipero Serra.

 

The tour will include all of the major areas of the Mission complex, including the garden in which the three original mission bells are displayed. Particular attention will be paid to the paintings and statuary and their symbolism. We will also visit the extraordinary mission museum which contains an extensive collection of early photographs which presents a vivid picture of life in early California.   We will end the tour in the bell tower at 11:45-55.  The stairwell is very low and steep with no handicap access. There are about a dozen or so steps  and the ceiling is quite low.  Those who want to stay beyond the time can then see the ringing of the bells. It is quite loud but this is a rare opportunity so everyone can put their fingers in their ears!!

 

Joe Carotenuti is the City Historian/Archivist for the City of San Luis Obispo. He is a regular contributor to Journal Plus magazine and has written over 125 articles on local history.

 

You can select either October 17 or October 21 to take this tour

 

Pick Either Monday, October 17 or Friday, October 21,  9:30am-11:45am  Mission San Luis Obispo

register for this course:  Tour of the SLO Mission 10/17

register for this course:  Tour of the SLO Mission 10/21

READ MORE0 COMMENTS

WHO NEEDS RAIN WHEN WE’VE GOT DESALINATION? -- JEFF SZYTEL AND THOMAS P. JONES

25 Aug 2016

 

 

Desalination has been receiving a lot of attention as California’s drought conditions continue.  If you are curious about the desalination process and how it is being employed to ease water shortages in California and in other parts of the world, you will enjoy this class.

 

You will learn how the reverse osmosis process is used to reclaim brackish fresh water and to remove salt from seawater.  You’ll learn about desalination economics, recent advances in desalination technology, environmental concerns, andThe  political obstacles that stand in the way of building new desalination plants in California.

  

Your instructors will also take you on a tour of the world-wide use of desalination and show you some of the major projects in Australia, Israel and Dubai.  You will also enjoy a detailed overview of the Huntington Beach, Carlsbad and Santa Barbara projects in California.

 

Finally, you will learn about the status of desalination projects planned or underway in Pismo Beach, Morro Bay and Cambria.

 

Jeff Szytel is the founder and principal of Water Systems Consulting Inc. located in San Luis Obispo.  He is a professional engineer with more than sixteen years of experience in civil and environmental engineering, specializing in water, wastewater and recycled water systems.  His company is involved in some of the major desalination projects on the Central Coast.

 

Thomas P. Jones is the director of Strategic Initiatives at the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant.

 

Tuesday, October 4,  1pm-3pm  PG&E in San Luis Obispo

register for this course:  Desalination

READ MORE0 COMMENTS

KSBY – EXPLORING A TV NEWS STATION -- KATHLEEN CHOAL

22 Jul 2016

 

 

Are you curious about how a TV station works?   What it takes to get a newscast on the air?     How a news anchor’s scripts are prepared?    How news stories are chosen for airing?    How a weatherperson uses a “green screen” to report the weather?    How social media is impacting TV journalism? How technology has changed and is used today?   

 

You will meet Kathleen Choal, KSBY President and General Manager of the station, who will share  the answers to these questions and share many stories with you.   There will also be a Q&A session where all  participants will have a chance to ask about other subjects of interest.. 

 

After the class, we will be treated to a tour of the station and have a first-hand experience of how it operates.

 

Kathleen Choal is currently the President and General Manager of KSBY-TV (NBC/CW affiliate) in San Luis Obispo. She has held significant positions in TV journalism for over 20 years, most recently as Station Manager of KVOA-TV (NBC affiliate) in Tucson, Arizona, and Managing Editor and Assistant News Director of WGCL-TV (CBS affiliate) in Atlanta, Georgia.

 

Thursday, September 15,  10am-12 noon  KSBY in San Luis Obispo

register for this course:  KSBY -- Exploring a TV News Station

READ MORE0 COMMENTS

LEARNING TO LOVE OPERA FOUR PUCCINI HEROINES: MIMI, TOSCA, BUTTERFLY, TURANDOT -- JOHN FREY

22 Jul 2016

 

 

In this series of four presentations you will view video segments of Giacomo Puccini’s (1858-1924)  four most popular operas: La Bohéme, Tosca, Madama Butterfly and Turandot   This course will appeal to those of you who have never experienced opera, but wish to learn what it is all about, and to those seasoned opera goers who want to deepen their understanding of the basics of opera performance and drama.

 

Puccini is the last of a line of great Italian opera composers including Monteverdi, Rossini, Bellini, Donizetti and Verdi.  He composed ten operas of which four are among the twelve operas most often performed in the U. S. There are no heroines in all opera that captivate audiences of every generation more than Mimi, Tosca, Cio-Cio-San and Turandot.  The beauty of Puccini's melodies, especially in expressions of love and pathos are second to none, and when our hearts are touched by them, it is an authentic emotion at work.

 

Each session will include a 30-minute commentary and a one-hour video segment from one of the operas.  You will listen to some of Puccini’s most famous melodies such as “Musetta’s Waltz,” “Vissi d’arte,” “Un bel di” and “Nessun dorma.”  The operas will be presented in the original Italian with English subtitles. Course handouts will include an analysis of each opera as well as a description of its story and characters. You will also receive a list of recommended CDs, DVDs and books.

 

John Frey taught chemistry and engaged in chemical research for 40 years and is now retired.  He has served on various boards including OperaSLO, LLCC, Opera Lovers Meet, SLO Master Chorale and Festival Mozaic. He participated in numerous musical events as a member of several choral groups and in 12 productions of Pacific Repertory Opera and OperaSLO. He has organized and taught numerous courses on opera and musical theater. 

 

Fridays, September 9, 23, 30 & October 7 2016, 10:00am- 1:00pm   Congregation Beth David in SLO.  Four Sessions

register for this course: Learning to Love Opera: Puccini

 

 

READ MORE0 COMMENTS

NUTRITION AND PHYSICAL DEGENERATION -- NANCY REINSTEIN, PHD

22 Jul 2016

 

 

In this course, registered Dietician Nancy Reinstein will provide an overview of Dr. Weston Price’s observations found in his 1939 book Nutrition and Physical Degeneration.   In the book, Price claims that various diseases endemic to Western cultures of the 1920s and 1930s – from dental caries to tuberculosis – are rarely present in non-Western cultures.  He argues that as non-Western groups abandoned indigenous diets and adopted Western patterns of living, they showed increases in typical Western diseases. He concludes that Western methods of commercially preparing and storing foods strip away vitamins and minerals necessary to prevent these diseases.

 

Your instructor will elaborate on the ideas put forth by Price--and other groups of researchers that followed him-- showing that modern degenerative disease can be caused by a modern diet.

 

You will not come away from this course thinking that there is one best diet;  rather, we will discuss the characteristics of diets that help us avoid cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and other problems.  Your instructor will use Dr. Weston Price’s observations to demonstrate the principles.  In addition, we’ll explore alternative healing techniques  by using essential natural oils-- that have few side effects-- to improve health and reverse physical, mental and emotional problems.  

 

Nancy Reinstein, PhD ,BA Chemistry, Cornell University; PhD Nutrition Science UC Davis; Registered Dietitian; taught nutrition full-time at Cal Poly for 3 years; worked as the clinical dietitian at FHMC for 4 years; worked for WIC for 3 years; worked for Tri-Counties Regional Center counseling developmentally disabled individuals and group homes; was a full-time Clinical Dietitan at Atascadero State Hospital for 16 years.

 

Thursday, September 22,  10:30am-12 noon  United Methodist Church, Atascadero

register for this course:  Nutrition

READ MORE0 COMMENTS

GREAT DISCUSSIONS 2016 -- IS HEALTH CARE A RIGHT OR A PRIVILEGE? -- PAUL WORSHAM

22 Jul 2016

 

 

Great Discussions 2016 is a highly participatory course designed for those informed and thoughtful people among us who love to engage in real discussion and respectful debate over issues of the day. This course is a forum for exchanging ideas about international and domestic public affairs and America's place in the world.

 

This one-session course is the second of three sessions of Great Discussions 2016 that will be offered in August, September and October.   LLCC offers this discussion series often. The topics discussed change during the year to coincide with world and domestic events and the interests of the participants.

 

Participants will discuss current international and domestic issues and events and geo-political trends that affect us as citizens of the world and as Americans.  Participation is limited to 28.  You may register for this course each time that it is announced during the year.

 

Great Discussions is modeled after the Foreign Policy Association's Great Decisions program that LLCC offered in the past.  

 

This course is designed to be responsive and flexible to the issues of the world.  Discussions will be active responses to changing circumstances throughout the world. The topic covered during this session of Great Discussions will be:

 

SEPTEMBER 15:  “Is Health Care a Right or a Privilege?”

 

While Paul Worsham's education and career focused on consumer electronics marketing, he has a deep and active interest in world affairs and America's place in the world. 

 

Thursday, September 15,  10am-12 noon  Union Bank  SLO

register for this course: Great Discussions-- Health Care

READ MORE0 COMMENTS

READING THE NEW YORKER -- JERRY BREAKSTONE

22 Jul 2016

 

 

For nearly a century The New Yorker has been treating its readers to a weekly feast of cartoons, poetry,  short fiction, and hard-hitting investigative journalism. 

 

Join other LLCC members as we read and discuss the most current issue of The New Yorker, starting with the cartoons.  We’ll then break into small groups to focus on pieces of shared interest, and finally come back together to address the most compelling questions that have emerged.  In the process we’ll have fun getting to know The New Yorker, each other, and ourselves.

 

Jerry Breakstone has participated in numerous Reading the New Yorker classes in the Lifelong Learning Institute program at Washington University in St. Louis, MO.  Previously he was a practicing architect and taught in the Schools of Architecture at Cal Poly and Washington University.  Currently he is a practicing psychotherapist.

 

Thursday, September 8 2016, 1:00pm- 33:00pm   KCBX in SLO.  

register for this course: Reading the New Yorker

READ MORE0 COMMENTS

APPRECIATING SIXTY YEARS OF VISUAL ARTS ON THE CENTRAL COAST -- CRISSA HEWITT

21 Jul 2016

 

Enjoy learning the story of the rich and varied Central Coast visual arts community that has grown here from its grassroots.

 

In the 1950s, a number of arts-minded residents, mostly amateur painters, discovered their mutual needs for community, inspiration, and opportunity to display their work. 

 

Retired Cal Poly Art Professor Chrissa Hewitt will explain how this network of art associations, galleries and festivals began, and how this infrastructure has grown to provide educational and display/sales opportunities throughout the area. There are over 300 local artists here now, representing a large array of disciplines.

.

You will see a slide show preview of the upcoming (October 8-9, 15-16) 18th annual Open Studios Art Tour sponsored by ARTS Obispo.  You’ll be able to see the vast variety of their styles, media, and talent that will be on display in October.   

 

And you will receive a catalog and get tips on how to your personal tour. This year 191 local artists are inviting you to visit their studios and appreciate their work.

 

Crissa Hewitt is a retired Cal Poly Professor of Art and Design. She holds a BA in art (CSU Northridge), specializing in 3D disciplines, and an MFA in Silversmithing (Cranbrook Academy of Art), and has studied marble carving in Italy. For 40 years she has been an active participant in several local arts organizations, has installed many art exhibits, and has exhibited her work locally and nationally. This is her eighth year as an Open Studios participant.

 

Thursday, September 29 2016, 2:00pm- 4:00pm   Steinberg Gallery in SLO.  

register for this course: Visual Arts on the Central Coast

READ MORE0 COMMENTS

POETRY READING AND WORKSHOP -- DAVID KANN

21 Jul 2016

 

 

 

There is something about thinking through metaphor and image, sound and rhythm that makes both poetry appreciation and poetry writing so appealing.  Good news then that we have David Kann, Cal Poly English Professor and published poet willing to speak to us about both these subjects. In the first session of this two session course, David will give a reading from his recently published chapbook, The Language of the Farm and speak about appreciating poetry and about the creative process with regard to writing poetry.

 

After you have been exposed to David’s poetry, you may be inspired to try writing for yourself.  In the second session David will do a poetry workshop where he will help you to turn your words and ideas into descriptive and powerful poems. The author will also share writing tips that he uses, and ideas for revising your work.

 

David Kann teaches English and creative writing at Cal Poly.  His daughter is a superb poet.  Attending her readings, Prof. Kann found a lot of the other poets' poetry not very good and said so.  A poet friend of his dared him to do better, so Kann returned to poetry after a long hiatus and found that he felt more like himself when writing than he did most other times. Kann got an MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts so that he could get better at poetry.  The time spent working on his MFA  at VCFA was one of the finest experiences of his life.

 

Tuesdays, September 6 & 20 2016, 1:00pm- 3:00pm   KCBX in SLO.  Two Sessions

register for this course: Poetry Reading and Workshop

READ MORE0 COMMENTS

NEXT

FEATURED

  • how to register for llcc courses on brown paper tickets

    10 Jul 2012

BLOG STATS

  • TOTAL POSTS(119)

  • TOTAL COMMENTS(2)

 

bottom of page