Presidential Primaries, Ireland and More to be Subjects of Spring Senior Forum Sessions
Spring sessions of the University of Findlay’s Senior Forum, a flexible learning experience for people age 50 and older, will begin in March.
Every Wednesday for four weeks, three informative and entertaining sessions will be offered. Participants may choose their level of involvement by attending single sessions or all of them. The sessions will be held at the University’s Alumni Memorial Union on Frazer Street, with the exception of the April 13 session, which will be held at 50 North, formerly known as the Hancock County Agency on Aging, or Senior Center, at 339 E. Melrose Ave.
Forum dates are March 30, and April 6, 13 and 27.
Costs are as follows: if paid by March 18, single (all sessions), $48; couple (all sessions), $90; single per session, $4. After March 18, the costs are single (all sessions), $55; couple, $100; and single per session, $5.
A buffet lunch is available for an additional $6 per day. Notification to Nancy Leatherman must be made 5-7 days in advance by calling her at (419) 434-4672.
There is no cap on registrations. Call Nancy Leatherman at (419) 434-4626 or Doris Salis at (419) 422-3560 for a brochure and registration form. Return the completed form to Nancy Leatherman, University Advancement, The University of Findlay, 1000 N. Main St., Findlay, OH 45840.
Sessions details are as follows:
Wednesday, March 30
10:15-11:30 a.m.
Mark Donaldson, Hancock County Historical Museum
“Military Order of the Cootie”
Mark Donaldson of the Hancock County Historical Museum returns to the forum to enlighten us on a military order which was formed in Columbus, Ohio in 1919 by the veterans of the Mexican War, the Philippine Insurrection and the Spanish American War. The group is now part of the VFW. Fostoria, Ohio had a large membership in their pup tent and held encampments for many years.
12:15-1:15 p.m.
Jeremy Cripps, Ph.D., The University of Findlay
“Great Decisions: The Rise of ISIS”
Dr. Cripps, a UF accounting professor, has a keen interest in the ISIS phenomenon. Born out of the umbrella organization of al-Qaeda in Iraq, the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) burst onto the international stage after it conquered Fallujah in December 2013. The group has seized control of number of critical strongholds in both countries and declared itself a caliphate. What is ISIS? What danger does it pose to the U.S.?
1:30-2:30 p.m.
The Dulcimer Gatherin’
“Joys of the Dulcimer”
This accomplished Findlay music ensemble just recently celebrated over 20 years of making music and recorded a CD called “Twenty Years of Gatherin’” to commemorate the occasion. The group uses the mountain dulcimer, the hammer dulcimer and occasionally other folk instruments. The program will include historical information connected with the dulcimer and the music played.
Wednesday, April 6
10:15-11:30 a.m.
Kim LaComba, UF instructor of equine business management
“Experiencing Ireland”
Kimberly LaComba is an instructor of equine business management at UF. In 2013 she and her family spent three weeks in Ireland to research motivation as a key to academic success. While there she visited several universities, built a study abroad partnership and was immersed in the culture. She will provide some results of her research and how the research has evolved, along with general impressions of Ireland.
12:15-1:15 p.m.
Song Chong-Lee, Ph.D., UF associate professor of religious studies and philosophy
“Great Decisions: Korean Choices”
Dr. Lee, a UF associate professor of religious studies and philosophy, makes his second appearance at the forum to shed some light on events in Korea. At the end of World War II, Korea was divided, with the northern half occupied by the Soviet Union and the southern by the United States. Today, North Korea is underdeveloped, impoverished and ruled by a corrupt, authoritarian regime, while South Korea has become one of the most developed countries in the world. With such a wide gap, some are asking if unification is possible or desirable.
1:30-2:30 p.m.
Fred Schmidt
“Paragon Barbershop Quartet”
It has been a number of years since the Paragon Quartet sang for us and they are happy to return to the forum! Paragon’s ever-expanding repertoire includes barbershop standards, modern harmonies, comic numbers and many gospel melodies. They have performed for President and Mrs. George H.W. Bush and for President Bill Clinton and daughter Chelsea during their respective campaign trips through the area.
Wednesday, April 13 (Sessions at 50 North)
Robert Postic, Ph.D., UF associate professor of political science
“Presidential Primaries: Past and Present”
Dr. Postic has led several Senior Forum sessions in the past. He is an associate professor of political science and chair of the social, behavioral and justice sciences at UF. Here he has fun delving into the timely topic of presidential primaries. When and why did they start? How do they work? Are there any alternatives?
12:15-1:15 p.m.
Dr. Donald Scherer, Bowling Green State University philosophy professor, emeritus
“International Migration”
As a record number of migrants cross the Mediterranean Sea seeking refuge in Europe, the continent is struggling to come up with an adequate response. Europe’s refugees are largely fleeing conflicts in Syria, Iraq and parts of Africa. A number of world powers face difficult questions: How can they balance border security with humanitarian concerns? Can they resolve these crises and limit the number displaced?
1:30-2:30 p.m.
Harry Stockton
“So you want to be an Actor?”
Harry Stockton has a long list of credits as a performer and director, including work with the Findlay Light Opera. He is now a program coordinator for 50 North and has just begun an acting class there. Just what does it take to be an actor? This afternoon, Harry leads us in some activities from his class. Come prepared to participate, or just watch if you like!
Wednesday, April 27
10:15-11:30 a.m.
Sharon Milligan, M.Ed., UF retired professor of health and physical education
“Experiencing the Peace Corps in Africa”
Dr. Milligan is retired from UF as a professor of health and physical education. In 2013 she began a lifelong dream of serving in the Peace Corps. Follow her as she relates her experiences with a grueling application and training process. Share her frustrations and joys teaching English in a small village called Tafelkop in Limpopo province in South Africa, and of her befriending a small brown dog and a young chimpanzee!
12-12:50 p.m.
Marc Simon, Ph.D., Bowling Green State University, associate professor of political science
“Shifting Alliances in the Middle East”
From a proxy war in Yemen to an ongoing civil war in Syria, a number of conflicts have shaken the traditional alignments in the Middle East to their core. Alliances between state and non-state actors in the region are constantly shifting. The U.S. has found itself between a rock and a hard place. What can it do to secure its interests in the region without causing further damage and disruption? Dr. Simon is a frequent speaker at the forum.
1:30-2:30 p.m.
Wenda Quanrud, Marathon Center for the Performing Arts administrative director
“Tour of the Marathon Center”
Put on your walking shoes and get a first-hand look at Findlay’s new Marathon Center for the Performing Arts! Combined with the auditorium of the former middle school on West Main Cross, the old and the new buildings blend together for a functional and beautiful edifice. There will be an opportunity to sit and rest during the tour. Park in the center’s convenient lot.