FALL 2016
ATTENTION SENIORS!
Seniors For Creative Learning (SCL) is . . .
•A membership organization of seniors dedicated to learning new things and sharing their love of learning with others;
MEETING LOCATION • Informal education designed and developed by SCL members and offered in an informal setting;
John T. O’Connor Center • A membership organization available to all seniors, 55 years of age or older;
611 Winona Street
• Offered twice yearly – spring and fall;
Knoxville, TN 37917
• Supported by the members, membership fees, The University of Tennessee’s Department of Phone 865-523-1135
Professional and Personal Development and the John T. O’Connor Senior Center.
SENIORS
F O R C R E AT I V E L E A R N I N G
Note: All sessions, unless otherwise noted, will be presented at the John T. O’Connor Center
Have you heard of a good program that you think SCL members would enjoy hearing? How about entertainment for the BBQ or a venue for a
field trip? Give one of the Curriculum Committee members a note with the specifics, and we will consider your idea for a future presentation.
Let us know about the topics and presenters you particularly liked or disliked. We need your feedback to serve you best.
UT is an EEO/AA/Title IX/Section 504/ADA Employer. Designed and published
by Outreach Marketing Services for UT Professional & Personal Development
Division of University Outreach & Continuing Education.
PA No. E01-5705-003-17
Share this copy with a friend!
c/o UT Professional
& Personal Development
313 Conference Center Building
Knoxville, TN 37996-4137
F O R C R E AT I V E L E A R N I N G
SENIORS
SENIORS
EDUCATION
FIELD TRIP
HEALTH
HISTORY
NATURE
Courses
2016
FALL
SEMI-ANNUAL “MEMBERS ONLY”
BBQ AND ENTERTAINMENT
Thursday, September 1, 2016, at 12:30 p.m.
O’Connor Center Auditorium
Entertainment provided by “The Forever Young Ensemble”
Please be sure to make your reservation no later than Friday, 26 August to guarantee your attendance at the BBQ and for us to plan
adequate food service.
You may call the UT Department of Professional and Personal Development at 865-974-0150 to register and pay by credit card,
or simply fill out the registration form on page 9 and mail as instructed to pay by check. Be sure to specify whether you will attend
the barbecue as well as the number in your party (MEMBERS ONLY). A reservation for the barbecue is not
guaranteed if you register after August 26. Late registrations are, however, accepted for the classes.
SCIENCE
SENIOR CONCERNS
Dear Present and Future Members,
When reviewing the SCL offerings for the Fall 2016 Semester, we hope that you will be as enthusiastic as we are. The
sessions are described in more detail in this brochure. Our courses are lecture-based and taught by local experts.
With the exception of the field trips, all of the classes will be held at the O’Connor Center, 611 Winona Street. Classes
meet at 1:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the semester. There are hosted refreshments
from 2:00 to 2:30 pm.
SCL is a volunteer organization supported by membership dues, The University of Tennessee Department of
Professional and Personal Development, and the John T. O’Connor Senior Center. All members must be 55 years of
age or older. Officers and the Curriculum Committee are all SCL members who volunteer their time and effort to
bring you these programs. The cost of membership is $40.00 per person or $55.00 per couple (per semester). These
fees are used to offset the costs of brochure printing, postage, registration, barbecue, speaker honorariums, supplies,
field trip subsidies, etc. Registration is through the Department of Professional and Personal Development,
via telephone using a credit card at (865) 974-0150 or mailing the registration form on page 9.
Nametags – As a registered member of SCL, a nametag will be created for you. When attending any of our SCL events,
please wear your nametag. It demonstrates that you are a paying member of SCL and also helps each of us to learn
the names of fellow members. We ask that you please return your nametag at the end of each session so that it will
be available for you at each event.
TO REGISTER,
CALL 865-974-0150
Officers and Volunteers for the Spring 2016 Semester: 0fficers: Gould Smith, President; Diane Whitaker,
Secretary; Sue Ludwig, Treasurer. Curriculum Committee: Gould Smith, Chair; Sandy Ciarrocchi, Katy and Bev
Gooch, Jeanne Haddock, Denise Schmoyer, Dick Wirtz; Hospitality: Joanne Wilson; Field Trips: Gould Smith,
Sandy Ciarrocchi, Faye Reynolds; Publicity: open. Audiovisual: Gould Smith; BBQ: Catherine Gilreath, Jack
Eschman, Joanne Wilson, Ginger Milligan; Brochure: Gould Smith and the Curriculum Committee.
FALL 2016
SCL Programs
Sep. 1
Thurs
12:30 1
BBQ and The Forever Young Ensemble
Sep. 6
Tues
1:00
3
“Sleep Disorders”- Dr. Kevin Martinolich
Sep. 6
Tues
2:30
3
“Stockbrokers and Financial Advisors”- Prof. Joan Heminway, Ms. Jacki Imbrey
Sep. 8
Thurs 1:00 3
“A Pinch of the Old, A Dash of the New: A Fresh Recipe for Interpersonal Communication”
- Dr. Tonja Johnson
Sep. 8
Thurs
2:30
3
** “A Safety Guide for Over-the- Counter Medications”- Dr. Cheri Johnston
Sep. 13
Tues
1:00
4
“The New Golden Age of Radio: East Tennessee’s Own WDVX”- Ms. Linda Billman
Sep. 13
Tues
2:30
4
“Zoo Knoxville and Red Panda Conservation”- Ms. Bethany Dunn
Sep. 15
Thurs
1:00
4
“How religiosity matters (or not!) for everyday behavior” - Dr Tricia Bruce
Sep. 15
Thurs
2:30
4
“How Can You Represent All Those Guilty People”- Mr. Wade Davies
Sep. 20
Tues
1:00
4
“Waste Management 101: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle” - Ms. Rachel Butzler, Ms. Makenzie Read
Sep. 20
Tues
2:30
5
“The Role of East Tennessee in Getting the Vote for Women”- Ms. Wanda Sobieski
Sep. 22
Thurs
1:00
5
“What’s New From Space?” - Mr. Paul Lewis
Sep. 22
Thurs
2:30
5
“Power Foods”- Dr. Karen Wetherall
Sep. 27
Tues
1:00
5
“Alcoa Inc. Tennessee Operations” - Mr. David Lazar
Sep. 27
Tues
2:30
6
“Ignored Heroes of World War II: The Manhattan Project Workers of Oak Ridge” - Mr. Richard Cook
Sep. 29
Thurs
9:00
6
FIELD TRIP: Big South Fork Scenic Railway trip to Blue Heron Mining Camp - MEMBERS ONLY
Oct. 4
Tues
1:00
6
“Assisted Suicide” - Dean Dick Wirtz
Oct. 4
Tues
2:30
6
“What’s Up With Your Backyard Birds” - Mr. Morton Massey
Oct. 6
Thurs
1:00
6
“Urban Farming, Why bring the farm to the city?” – Ms. Khann Chov
Oct. 6
Thurs
2:30
7
“The Geology Behind the Three Grand Divisions of Tennessee” -Dr. Don Byerly
Oct. 11
Tues
1:00
7
“Bringing Coal Creek History to Life” – Mr. Barry Thacker
Oct. 11
Tues
2:30
7
“Threats of Terrorism Today” - Dr. Krista Wiegand
Oct. 13
Thurs
1:00
7
“The Quest for Olympic Gold” - Mr. Tim Mack
Oct. 13 Thurs 2:30 8
** “Autonomous Vehicles and Other Transportation Strategies That Will Revolutionize Mobility”
- Mr. Jeff Branham, P.E.
Oct. 14
Fri
10:00 8
FIELD TRIP: UT Planetarium and Pipe Organ Performance - MEMBERS ONLY
Oct. 18
Tues
1:00
8
“Sushi 101” - Mr. Gould Smith
Oct. 18
Tues
2:30
8
“Encaustic Painting” – Ms. Neranza Blount
**Joint Meeting with Council on Aging
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Tuesday, September 6
1:00 PM
“Sleep Disorders”
Speaker: Dr. Kevin Martinolich
How’s your sleep? A good night’s
sleep is essential to your qualify of
life, but many people cannot get
a full and restful sleep. Nearly
one in four Americans has a sleep
problem due to sleeping too much,
excessive daytime sleeping (sleeping
at inappropriate times), snoring (sleep apnea), difficulty falling or staying
asleep, or other disruptive sleep behaviors. Any of these could be a sign
that you have a sleep disorder and that you could benefit from a sleep
study. During a sleep study, your sleep patterns are monitored, analyzed,
and shared with you, resulting in possible treatments to “awaken” and
improve your health and daily life.
Kevin Martinolich, M.D., is the Medical Director at the UT Sleep Center.
He is board-certified in Sleep, Pulmonary, and Critical Care Medicine.
Tuesday, September 6
2:30 PM
“Stockbrokers and Financial Advisors”
Speaker: Prof. Joan Heminway, Ms. Jacki Imbrey
We all know the
difference between
a stockbroker and a
financial advisor. Or
do we? We all know
that when they act on
our behalf, they are
required by law to put
our interests first. Or
are they? We all know
that whatever the law
requires them to do, we can count on them. Or can we?
Prof. Joan Heminway – is the W.P. Toms Professor of Law at the University
of Tennessee. She practiced business law for 15 years in Boston with
a major firm before coming to U.T. She teaches, among other things,
Corporate Finance and Securities Law. She has written widely and
published two books, including Martha Stewart’s Legal Troubles (Carolina
Academic Press 2006).
Jacki Imbrey – is a financial advisor and retirement planner with the
firm of Imbrey & Associates in Knoxville. She is credentialed as a Certified
Financial Planner, a Chartered Financial Consultant, and a Retirement
Income Certified Planner. She and her husband started the firm 30+
years ago. The firm assists with investments and also advises on all aspects
of financial planning, including insurance and annuities.
Thursday, September 8
1:00 PM
“A Pinch of the Old, A Dash of the New: A Fresh Recipe for
Interpersonal Communication”
Speaker: Dr. Tonja Johnson
Social media and electronic communications technology have
dramatically changed how we interact with people, both at home and
at work. In spite of increased connectivity, individuals are now faced with
a whole new set of communications challenges as they strive to keep
effective lines of communication open with their family, friends and
colleagues. Dr. Tonjanita Johnson, Vice President for Communications
and Marketing for the University of Tennessee System, will speak to these
challenges and offer insight into creating a more effective “recipe” for
mastering interpersonal communications in today’s technology-driven
communications landscape.
Dr. Tonjanita L. Johnson currently serves as vice president for
communications and marketing for the University of Tennessee System. In
this capacity, she has responsibility for overall communications, researchbased messaging, marketing, and branding activity for the UT System.
With a career in higher education administration, communication and
teaching that spans more than 20 years, Dr. Johnson’s career has led her
to positions in Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee and New York.
Thursday, September 8
2:30 PM
“A Safety Guide for Over-the-Counter Medications”
Speaker: Dr. Cheri Johnston, M.D.
** Joint Meeting with the Council on Aging
People may believe that
all over-the- counter
(OTC) medications
are safe, but if you are
over 60 and taking both
prescription medicines
and OTC medications...
this thinking could get
you in trouble. Do you
wonder if there is any
harm in taking expired medications? Dr. Johnston will discuss mixing
OTC and prescription meds, how to properly store medications, expiration
dates, proper ways to dispose of medications, and how to protect yourself
when dealing with the complex world of medications.
Dr. Cheri Johnston is Board certified in Family Medicine. She received
her Bachelor’s degree from UT, and her Master’s and Medical degrees
from the Univ. of Louisville School of Medicine. She completed her
residency at the Univ. of Tennessee in Knoxville, and has worked in family
medicine and emergency medicine for the past twenty years. She is
currently a Family Practice Physician at Tennova Farragut.
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FALL 2016
Tuesday, September 13
1:00 PM
“The New Golden Age of Radio: East Tennessee’s Own WDVX”
Speaker: Ms. Linda Billman
WDVX recaptures the famous tradition of live radio in its signature
program the WDVX Blue Plate Special. Musicians from around the world
as well as incredibly talented and versatile local artists perform live before a
studio audience at noon every day, except Sunday. WDVX General Manager
Linda Billman takes you behind the scenes of the production for stories
about the show, the performers, and the internationally known, listenersupported radio station that started its broadcast life in a donated camping
trailer.
Linda Billman has been the general manager of WDVX since 2010;
prior to that she was a board member. Linda’s professional background
includes video production and she served as Managing Producer of The
Heartland Series for 12 years.
Tuesday, September 13
2:30 PM
“Zoo Knoxville and Red Panda Conservation”
Speaker: Ms. Bethany Dunn
The presentation
will focus on Red
Pandas and Zoo
Knoxville’s role
in Red Panda
Conservation.
Zoo Knoxville is
the leading Zoo in the world for Red Panda conservation. There is a team
of experts behind this program to help ensure the survival of the species.
Bethany Dunn works in the education department at Zoo Knoxville as
the Community Partnership Coordinator. She has traveled the country
working as an environmental educator and is happy to be in East
Tennessee where she grew up. She enjoys hiking in the Smoky Mountains
with her siblings and teaching others about wildlife conservation.
Thursday, September 15
1:00 PM
“How religiosity matters (or not!) for everyday behavior”
Speaker: Dr. Tricia Bruce
A third of Americans are “highly religious,” as measured by daily prayer
and weekly attendance at religious services. What difference does this
make in Americans’ everyday behavior? For example, do the highly
religious engage in different family, health, or environmental practices?
This presentation will consider these questions along with the sociological
patterns that underlie them, drawing from a 2016 report of the PEW
Research Center.
Dr. Tricia C. Bruce is an Associate Professor of Sociology at Maryville
College and author/editor of several books in the sociology of religion. She
has acted as a consultant for the PEW Research Center as well as for the
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U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Dr. Bruce is a Texas native with a PhD
from the University of California Santa Barbara, and has called Knoxville
home (with her spouse and two children) since 2007.
Thursday, September 15
2:30 PM
“How Can You Represent All Those Guilty People”
Speaker: Mr. Wade Davies
How can a person with
a conscience devote a
career to defending
people who have been
charged with terrible
crimes? Suppose you
were a lawyer. Could
you do it if you were
pretty sure your client
was innocent? (Would
you have to hold your
nose?) Could you do it if you were pretty sure she was guilty?
Wade Davies – is the managing partner in the Knoxville firm of Ritchie,
Dillard, Davies & Johnson. He joined the firm after graduating first in
his class at the U.T. College of Law in 1993. He represents individuals,
including doctors and other health care professionals, in criminal,
civil and administrative cases. He was recently elected President of the
Knoxville Bar Association.
Tuesday, September 20
1:00 PM
“Waste Management 101: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle”
Speaker: Ms. Rachel Butzler, Ms. Makenzie Read
Have you ever wondered what
happens to your trash or
recyclables once you take them
to the curb? Or why recycling is so
important? Or what can you do at
home, at work, or on the go to be
more responsible in terms of your
environmental impact? In this
session we will discuss where your
trash goes, and other alternatives
to throwing your refuse into the
trash can, such as reducing, recycling, and composting. We will also
discuss the economics of recycling, which materials can be recycled, and
places to take hard-to-recycle commodities.
Rachel Butzler, the City of Knoxville Solid Waste Manager will be joined
by Makenzie Read, the City of Knoxville Public Service Coordinator, and
they will describe the details of their solid waste program as well as general
trends and innovations to look forward to regionally and nationally.
FALL 2016
Tuesday, September 20
2:30 PM
“The Role of East Tennessee in Getting the Vote for Women”
Speaker: Ms. Wanda Sobieski
People before 1920 did not talk
about the “Women’s Vote.” Women
were not allowed to vote. Women
were trying to get to vote and this
effort began in the mid 1800.
Women were treated unfairly for
decades. East Tennessee played a
significant role in getting the vote
for all American women. There is a
statue on Market Square of three Tennessee women leaders.
Wanda Sobieski, a women’s attorney in Knoxville, is eminently qualified
to tell us the full story with many humorous happening of the decades.
She will discuss many of the setbacks and disappointments, but the
women were determined and continued in their efforts until success.
Thursday, September 22
1:00 PM
“What’s New From Space?”
Speaker: Mr. Paul Lewis
As vast as the
solar system is,
it seems to be
shrinking. Not
physically of
course but due
to our space
agencies tireless
efforts to navigate
and discover this
wondrous place.
We have finally
sailed the sea of space to complete the first mission to the last planet
Pluto. The surprises there seem endless. We are discovering exoplanets
almost everywhere we look. Are any of them habitable? We have a new
spacecraft called JUNO orbiting Jupiter. What mysteries will be solved
there in the coming months? We will talk about these stories and other
news in our solar system.
Paul Lewis is Director of Space Science Outreach and The University
of Tennessee Earth and Space Sciences Theatre in the Department of
Physics and Astronomy. Paul originally came to UT in 1987 to start an
observing program for undergraduate students in astronomy. He has
been conducting a popular outreach program including visits to public
schools, civic groups, churches, state and national parks as well as hosting
public schools and groups in the planetarium.
Thursday, September 22
2:30 PM
“Power Foods”
Speaker: Dr. Karen Wetherall
Learn about which fats and oils are best for mental and physical health.
This talk will identify foods with special health promoting properties. Get
your questions answered about how to eat for disease prevention, health
and energy.
Karen Wetherall, MS, RDN, LDN is a Senior Lecturer and the Dietetic
Internship Director at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She is the
owner of Tranquil Eating Associates, a private practice working with clients
with eating disorders and weight management issues. Karen has worked
at UT for over 20 years. From 1994-2005 she was the Sports Nutritionist
for the Vols and Lady Vols. Prior to moving to Tennessee Karen worked at
Mass General Hospital directing the cardiac rehab nutrition program, and
teaching nutrition at Harvard Medical School. Karen’s passion is to support
individuals in fueling their bodies for good health and performance. In her
spare time she enjoys hiking and photographing the Smoky Mountains,
traveling, cooking and spoiling her cats.
Tuesday, September 27
1:00 PM
“Alcoa Inc. Tennessee Operations”
Speaker: Mr. David Lazar
Since 1913, Alcoa’s Tennessee Operations has produced thousands of
different products for the construction, aerospace, military, industrial and
consumer markets. During that time, Tennessee Operations has evolved
into one of the most modern aluminum fabricating facilities in the world.
Today, Tennessee Operations is dedicated to the production of high quality
aluminum sheet for the automotive and packaging markets. Known
as one the most modern aluminum fabricating facilities in the world,
Tennessee Operations is part of Alcoa’s Global Rolled Products business,
but will transform into a new company – Arconic – as part of Alcoa Inc.’s
planned separation in 2016.
Learn more about Alcoa Inc.’s Tennessee Operations, including its rich
history and heritage, the process of producing aluminum sheet used
in the packaging and automotive business, as well as more about the
transformation into a new company.
Seniors for Creative Learning
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FALL 2016
Tuesday, September 27
2:30 PM
“Ignored Heroes of World War II: The Manhattan Project Workers
of Oak Ridge”
Speaker: Mr. Richard Cook
In the fall of
1942 the federal
government
quietly bought
59,000
acres
of farmland 25
miles northwest of
Knoxville. In record
time, they built, in
Oak Ridge, the
largest scientific/
industrial complex
in the world. Over
75,000 employees worked around the clock on The Manhattan Project. In
less than three years these workers helped end the deadliest conflict ever
seen by mankind. The bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki changed
the world forever. Little is known about this secret colony, but 72 years
later, curiosity has grown and the national media has begun reporting on
one of the great, epic stories of American history. The establishment of a
Manhattan Project National Historical Park in the fall of 2015 insures that
interest in this subject will only grow in the coming years.
Richard Cook is the author of Ignored Heroes of World War II: The
Manhattan Project workers of Oak Ridge, Tennessee. An oral history,
it tells, in their own words, the stories of these amazing Americans who
selflessly came to East Tennessee to help end World War II. Mr. Cook will
talk about the Oak Ridge story and compliment his talk with the photos
of world famous photographer Ed Wescott.
as he asks. She has committed a crime. What could happen to her? What
probably will happen to her?
Dick Wirtz was the Elvin E. Overton Professor at the U.T. College of Law.
He served as dean of the law school from 1991 to 1998. He became
interested in assisted suicide when the U.S. Supreme Court decided in
1997 that nobody has a Constitutionally protected right to the help of a
physician in hastening their death.
Tuesday, October 4
2:30 PM
“What’s Up With Your Backyard Birds”
Speaker: Mr. Morton Massey
Morton will give us
interesting facts about our
common backyard birds.
Everything from what the
birds eat, where they nest,
where they go in the winter
and other little known facts.
Morton Massey is a native
Knoxvillian. Birded since he
was 19 and has been to all
50 states bird watching but he loves backyard birds the most. President of
Friends of Seven Islands State Birding Park. Hobby: Bird watching of course.
Thursday, October 6
1:00 PM
“Urban Farming, Why bring the farm to the city?”
Speaker: Ms. Khann Chov
Thursday, September 29
FIELD TRIP: Big South Fork Scenic Railway trip to Blue Heron
Mining Camp – MEMBERS ONLY
Organizers: Faye Reynolds and Gould Smith
Depart O’Connor Center approx 9:00 am and return about 4:30 pm
RESERVATIONS AND ADDITIONAL FEES REQUIRED – SEE FIELD
TRIP RULES ON PAGE 9
Bus trip to Sterns, KY where we board the Kentucky and Tennessee Consumer concerns about food safety and a growing interest in locally
Railway for a 3 hour round trip. Eat a “coal miner’s lunch” at the camp sourced foods are leading to a boom in urban agriculture. Knoxville has
and then return rail trip and bus back to Knoxville.
several urban farms including the CAC Beardsley Community Farm. Since
1998, Beardsley Farm has worked to increase access to fresh produce
Tuesday, October 4
in Knoxville’s food deserts through produce donations, educational
1:00 PM
programs, and community gardening. Beardsley Farm grows over 100
“Assisted Suicide”
varieties of fruits and vegetables on about four-acres of productive land
Speaker: Dean Dick Wirtz
with the help of over 1,000 annual volunteers. Khann Chov will discuss
Jennifer’s Uncle Harry, who suffers from Lou Gehrig’s disease, asks her to the history, mission, and goals of CAC Beardsley Community Farm. She
provide help in ending his life, which he cannot do by himself. She does will cover basic sustainable agriculture methods practiced at the farm and
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FALL 2016
explain how they can be incorporated in a home garden. Come learn
how this urban farm began and why their work is so important for the
community.
Khann Chov has dedicated the past twelve years to teaching communities
to be responsible stewards of the planet. Through experiential learning
and service, she has taught students of all ages about sustainable urban
agriculture, recycling and composting, water quality, and environmental
ethics. She managed CAC Beardsley Community Farm for six years and
now serves as the Director of Urban Agriculture at the Knoxville-Knox
County Community Action Committee.
Thursday, October 6
2:30 PM
“The Geology Behind the Three Grand Divisions of Tennessee”
Speaker: Dr. Don Byerly
Some say the three Grand Divisions of Tennessee are based upon politics
or culture, but the underlying (no pun intended) reason is the geology.
According to James Safford, state geologist in 1869, “Owing, for the most
part, to the extent and varied nature of the country traversed by the
State, one of its most prominent characteristics with reference to natural
features, is great variety.” The land and supporting foundation that we
know as Tennessee has a long history, as much as a billion years. Much of
the geologic history that we can observe dates back 800 million years. This
will be an interesting, informative and easily understood presentation of
the land forms that comprise the three divisions of our great state.
Dr. Byerly is a Fellow of the Geological Society of America and currently
Professor Emeritus in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences
at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He received degrees from
the College of Wooster in Ohio and the University of Tennessee. He is
the recipient of many honors and awards, and has a long list of peerreviewed publications including a UT Press book on the geologic history
of Tennessee.
Tuesday, October 11
1:00 PM
“Bringing Coal Creek History to Life”
Speaker: Mr. Barry Thacker
In the early 1890’s
Coal Creek in
Anderson County was
the site of a major
coal miner labor
struggle. Coal Creek
miners left a legacy—
they fueled the
Industrial Revolution
in Tennessee, fought
the Coal Creek War
to abolish convict
leasing, preserved
Welsh literature for posterity, and made working conditions safer for
miners worldwide. In the process, hundreds of them died in one of
Tennessee’s worst disasters. The story will be told by a living historian
in the form of Welsh miner/engineer David R. Thomas, who helped
make that history before donating his library of Welsh language books to
Harvard University in 1915.
Barry Thacker is principal engineer with Schnabel Engineering Company
and founder of the not-for-profit Coal Creek Watershed Foundation. He is
the recipient of the prestigious Hoover Medal bestowed by an international
consortium of engineering societies and the Governor’s Outstanding
Tennessean Award. McGraw-Hill’s Engineering News-Record magazine
named Barry one of construction’s top newsmakers in 2013.
Tuesday, October 11
2:30 PM
“Threats of Terrorism Today”
Speaker: Dr. Krista Wiegand
How threatening is terrorism in the US today? With terrorist events
happening more regularly in Europe and all over the Middle East and
Asia, it seems that terrorism is becoming more frequent than ever.
Islamic terrorism by member and affiliates of al-Qaeda and ISIS effectively
terrorize populations in Syria and Iraq, recruiting members from the
US and Europe. This program explores the recent developments in
Islamic terrorism and provides an assessment of terrorism in the US.
Dr. Krista Wiegand is Associate Professor of Political Science and the
Director of the Conflict Process research program at the Howard H. Baker
Jr. Center for Public Policy at the University of Tennessee. She specializes in
research on political violence, war, ethnic conflict, and territorial disputes.
Thursday, October 13
1:00 PM
“The Quest for Olympic Gold”
Speaker: Mr. Tim Mack
The audience will discover that
Tim Mack never went to state
high school championships
in track and field and he was
never recruited during his high
school career. They will learn
how he struggled and endured
through injury and while
working menial jobs, then
failing to make the 1996 and
2000 Olympic teams, then how
he changed his training and
revamped his body and mind
in a 4-year programme that made his email, goldnathens@aol.com a
self-fulfilling prophecy.
Tim Mack is the 2004 Olympic pole-vault gold medalist and former
Olympic record holder. Tim is also the 2004 USA Olympic Track and Field
Seniors for Creative Learning
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Trials champion and current record holder. Tim was also the 2002 and
2010 USA Indoor Track and field championships Champion.
Eat lunch and then attend a pipe organ performance at the Central
Methodist Church by Charles Parham.
Thursday, October 13
2:30 PM
“Autonomous Vehicles and Other Transportation Strategies That
Will Revolutionize Mobility”
Speaker: Mr. Jeff Branham, P.E.
**Joint Meeting with Council on Aging
Have you heard about
vehicles that drive
themselves and wondered
if that could actually
be safe and practical?
Transportation Systems are
evolving very quickly and
will be accommodating
technology advancements
that will change how we
utilize transportation. We
will explore where these
technologies might take
us in the near future and
how they will expand
transportation opportunities for many who can’t take full advantage of our
current transportation system. We will also look at some of the obstacles
that might be slowing down the availability of these opportunities such as
regulatory, legal, and engineering issues.
Jeff graduated from Virginia Tech and has 25 years of experience in
the transportation engineering industry. His professional experience
includes over 12 years as a design engineer and project manager, two
years managing the Cumberland Gap Tunnel, and two years as Traffic
Engineering Chief for the City of Knoxville. He is responsible for traffic
systems mgt. of nearly 400 traffic signals, signage on over 1,200 miles
of roads, and of the “on street” parking system in Knoxville. He has
been active in the development of Intelligent Transportation Systems for
over 10 years and is overseeing the development of an Advanced Traffic
Management System (ATMS) in Knoxville that will likely accommodate
many technologies such as self‐driving and driver assist technologies.
Tuesday, October 18
1:00 PM
“Sushi 101”
Speaker: Mr. Gould Smith
Friday, October 14
FIELD TRIP: UT Planetarium and Organ Performance -- MEMBERS
ONLY
Organizers: Gould Smith and Sandy Ciarrocchi
Depart O’Connor at 9:30 a.m. and return approximately 2:30 p.m.
RESERVATIONS AND ADDITIONAL FEES REQUIRED -- SEE FIELD
TRIP RULES ON PAGE 9
Maximum 32 people, so sign up early.
We will visit the new University of Tennessee Planetarium in the Physics
building for a 1.5 hour presentation.
8
Seniors for Creative Learning
Sushi is much
more than raw
fish or ‘bait’ as
some refer to it.
You will learn
some history
of this Oriental
delicacy and
how many of
the different
types of Sushi
are prepared.
There are many
vegetable based
Sushis that offer a good introduction to this wonderful dish. The talk will
transition to the between talk snacks where many of the types of Sushi
discussed will be available for you to sample.
Gould Smith has been a Sushi devotee since the early 1980’s and has
given numerous talks about Sushi as well as introducing many new
people to this delightful food.
Tuesday, October 18
2:30 PM
“Encaustic Painting”
Speaker: Ms. Narenza Blount
Artist Neranza Noel Blount paints with encaustic (beeswax & resin) using
dental tools, natural hair brushes, a heat gun and a torch to manipulate
the molten wax mixture onto surfaces. She uses beeswax collected from
her family’s hives to make her own medium and will also include her
photography and found objects into her work. She received her Bachelor
of Fine Arts degree with honors from the University of Tennessee with a
concentration in drawing and has received top awards for her works of art
nationally and internationally.
Encaustic is a durable process widely used in ancient times. It preserves
colors, and will not melt until the temperature reaches 150 degrees. It can
be buffed to shine and eventually will cure keeping the shine. Including
environmental and social concerns, with her art she wants to build
awareness of the importance of honeybees to mankind, their current
plight and what can be done to help them. More of her paintings can be
found at www.Neranza.com.
FALL 2016
ITEMS FOR YOUR ATTENTION:
• Attracting New Members – As in all organizations, it is imperative that we attract new members. If you would be willing to distribute brochures to
locations such as your local grocery store, doctor’s office, church, garden, bridge or health clubs, etc., please call Gould at (865) 691-2718 to request the
number of brochures you can distribute. Brochures may be picked up at the O’Connor Center. If you know of anyone who should be on our mailing list,
please call the UT Department of Professional and Personal Development at (865) 974-0150 and request that they be sent a brochure. Reminder: SCL
is a program for those 55 years of age or older.
• Volunteers – We especially need individuals to serve with Publicity, the Curriculum Committee, to help with the barbecue and refreshments at
meetings, and to assist with nametags. If you are interested in volunteering but can’t attend every session, partner with someone so you will both have
flexibility. Whatever you can do would be greatly appreciated. Without additional volunteers—especially on the curriculum committee—we
cannot continue to operate SCL as it is currently structured. Please contact Gould Smith at (865) 691-2718 or wa4sxm@gmail.com if you can
help in any way.
• Refreshments at Meetings – We depend on volunteers to furnish fresh fruit and vegetables, cookies, crackers, and other snacks during the break
between the 1:00 and 2:30 sessions. Please sign up with Joanne Wilson to make your contribution.
• BBQ and Field Trips – While we welcome visitors on a one-time basis, especially prospective members or out-of-town houseguests of members, in the
interest of fairness to all of our members, it is required that those who wish to attend must register and pay membership fees. Reminder: BBQ and SCL
field trips are for MEMBERS ONLY. Specific information, signup and times for field trips are available only at the lectures. Additional
fees are required for all field trips. Many trips have a maximum number of participants, so please sign up early at the meetings.
On field trips where a large bus must be engaged, at least ¾ of the seats must be filled or the trip will be cancelled. At or after the time that ¾ of the seats
are filled, no refunds will be given. If one bus is filled, those wishing to take the trip may put their names on a waiting list. However, at least ¾ of the second
bus must be filled before it will be engaged.
Inclement Weather Policy – If metro Knoxville schools are closed, SCL is cancelled for that day.
REGISTRATION FORM
The SENIORS FOR CREATIVE LEARNING membership fees ($40/person, $55/couple per semester) is due at registration
and entitles you to attend one or all of the classes being offered during the current semester. You may enroll at any time
during the semester.
You may call the UT Department of Professional and Personal Development at (865) 974-0150 to register by phone using a
credit card and giving the information requested, or you may complete the form below and send it to the address indicated.
Name(s): (please print)___________________________________________________________________
Address: (please print)____________________________________________________________________
City:_________________________________________ State:____________________Zip: _____________
Phone: ______________________________________ E-mail:___________________________________
Enclosed is a check payable to the University of Tennessee in the amount of _______ ($40 for a single membership
or $55 for a couple.) Please enroll me/us in the FALL 2016 semester.
Mail or call:
UT Professional & Personal Development
313 Conference Center Building
Knoxville, Tennessee 37996-4137
865 974-0150
Number of members attending the BBQ on September 1 _____
Seniors for Creative Learning
9