Hot Issues: Current Events Discussion Group              Hot-Issues

 Irv Kuhr

Some controversies are 'hot', others just persistent.  Participants will select those they consider timely, and discuss one at each session.  We exchange information and points of view without any intention of reaching agreement.  Insight and enlightenment are all we seek, in a congenial setting.  Our first topic will be 'The U.S. and the World Economy.'

Thurs., Sept. 25, Oct. 16, 23 & Nov.6; 12:15 - 1:45 pm

Open to ILR members only (free)

Irish Entertainers              IrshEnter

Rudolph Kresh, Jr.

This class will be a follow-up course to the video tour of Ireland's counties offered last spring.  (However, that course is not a prerequisite to this one.)  We will watch and listen to a selection of works by Cahal Dunne; The Chieftains; Riverdance; Music and Scenery of Ireland, Hal Roach and John McDermott: A Time to Remember.

Tues., Oct. 7, 21, 28, Nov. 4 & 11;  11:30 am - 1:00 pm

Open to ILR members only (free)

Japanese Brush Painting (Sumi-e)              JapBrPntg

Laurie Bloomberg

You will learn how to use the ink stick and slate stone to achieve black and grey tones.  The five lessons will be to paint strokes using bamboo, wild orchids in grass, mums, pine tree and tulips.

Wed., Oct. 22, 29, Nov. 5, 12 & 19;  2:30 - 3:30 pm

Tuition/Fees:  ILR members - $10.00

non-members - $25.00

Jazz History              Jazz

Terry Steele

The Jazz History class is an overview of jazz music from Scott Joplin to Wynton Marsalis.  Eras and styles such as ragtime, Dixieland, boogie woogie, swing, bebop, cool, free and jazz (rock and contemporary) are illuminated with stories and anecdotes about the musicians.  The class will be listening to great recordings throughout the presentation, with a 10 minute break midway through the class.  (This class is a repeat of Terry’s popular earlier class.)

Mon., Oct. 6;  Noon - 2:30 pm

Tuition/Fees:  ILR members - $0.00

non-members - $10.00

Knitting for Everyone              Knit

Sonja Barnes

This class is for all knitters from beginners to more experienced. Previous classes have done projects with the latest fashionable yarns, making boas, ponchos, hats, scarves, sweaters, and dishcloths.  Beginners will learn the basic stitches and may choose projects from numerous ideas. Gentlemen are welcome! The group also provides a lively social experience.

Mon., Sept. 15, 22, 29, Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27 & Nov. 3;  10:00 am - Noon

Tuition/Fees:  ILR members - $0.00

non-members - $35.00

Library: Bailey Library Open House              LibOpn

Christine Hogg, Catherine Rudowsky

Where's the card catalog?  What's a 'special collection'?  How do I get information about … ?  Here's your chance to get all your questions answered as the staff of SRU's  Bailey Library welcomes you.  You have no idea how much fascinating 'stuff' the library has -- just waiting for you.  You may get a free library card or update your current card. The tour will include time in the computer lab learning how to use the electronic catalog.   Prior registration is helpful, but not required.

Sat. Sept. 27;  9:00 - 11:30 am

Tuition/Fees:  ILR members - $0.00

non-members - $0.00

Lunch and Lecture Series              Lunch&Lec

Mary Alice Cobbett

Bring your brown bag lunch and join new friends for a series of stimulating presentations.  Advance registration is not required for ILR members.  The following topics will be presented:  Sept. 25, 'Mental Health Ass'n Programs in Butler Co.' by Elaine Callihan; Oct. 9, 'Austrian American Cultural Society' by Anna Kresh; Oct. 23, 'Country of Bali' by Carole & John Fruehstorfer; and Nov. 6, 'Homespun Memories' by Millie Hanna Haag.

Thur., Sept. 25, Oct. 9, 23 & Nov. 6; 11:30 am - 1:00 pm

Tuition/Fees:  ILR members - $0.00

non-members - $20.00

Luncheon Out - Group A*              Lunch-Out-A*

Teresa O'Malley, Jerome O'Malley

*Cranberry area.  Join us at area restaurants for good food and great companionship. (You'll pay for your own lunch.)  Group A tends to go to places in the general area of Wexford, Cranberry, Zeleinople.  Please:  sign up for group A or for group B, but not both!  You will be sent the location for the first restaurant after registration, and participants will provide suggestions for the next three establishments.

Thur., Sept. 18, Oct. 2, 16 & 30;  11:30 am - 1:00 pm

Tuition/Fees:  ILR members - $0.00

non-members - $20.00

Luncheon Out - Group B              Lunch-Out-B

Frank Hoffman, Ruth Hoffman, 

Join us at area restaurants for good food and great companionship. (You'll pay for your own lunch.) Group B tends to go all over Western PA.  Please:  sign up for group A or for group B, but not both!  You will be sent the location for the first restaurant after registration, and participants will provide suggestions for the next three establishments.

Thur., Sept. 18, Oct. 2, 16 & 30;  11:30 am - 1:00 pm

Open to ILR members only (free)

Mystery Book Discussion              MystryBk

Sonja Barnes

"Who Done it?"  Let's discuss and share information about our favorite mystery writers.  Bring books to share with the group (we will not all read the same books).  Early 20th Century writers preferred.

Mon., Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27, Nov. 3 & 17;  1:00 - 3:00 pm

Tuition/Fees:  ILR members - $0.00

non-members - $35.00

Opera Orientation: Grapes of Wrath              OperaOrnGr

G. Warren Smith

If you'll be attending Ricky Ian Gordon's opera 'The Grapes of Wrath' (or if you simply are curious about this opera), join us for this brief orientation.  Mr. Gordon studied composition at Carnegie Mellon University and then settled in New York City, where he has emerged as a leading writer of vocal music.  Trying for a distinctive American sound in 'Grapes of Wrath', the music has everything from Coplandesque symphonic grandeur to jazz to square dance.  It premiered with the Minnesota Opera in 2007.

Wed., Nov. 19;  2:30 - 4:30 pm

Tuition/Fees:  ILR members - $0.00

non-members - $10.00

Opera Orientation: Samson & Dalila              OperaOrnSam

G. Warren Smith

If you plan to attend Saint-Saens' opera, 'Samson & Dalila' (or if you simply are curious about the opera), join us for this brief orientation.  First conceived as an oratorio, the story comes from the Old Testament.  The violence and erotic extravagance of the folk hero -- with its exotic color, reversal of patriarchal strength and catastrophic end -- provide the framework to contrast Hebrew chants against the sensuous music of the pagan Philistines, Dalila's voluptuous songs and the wildly oriental Bacchanale.

Wed., Oct. 15;  2:30 - 4:30 pm

Tuition/Fees:  ILR members - $0.00

non-members - $10.00

Painting: Mary Hogg Watercolor Class              PntgWatrc

John Campbell

The Mary Hogg watercolor class is a continuation of the ILR classes taught for several years by the late Mary Hogg.  The class is designed for beginning painters as well as proficient artists who are looking for a congenial group to participate in painting.  The class will feature presentations by class members as well as instruction by area artists.

Thurs., Sept. 25, Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, Nov. 6 & 13;  9:30 am - Noon

Open to ILR members only (free)

Panama Canal: Sail It with Us!              PanCanal

Rudolph Kresh, Jr., Anna Kresh

Experience sailing the Panama Canal by way of slides from Acapulco, Mexico to San Juan, Puerto Rico.  The major emphasis of the class will be on the transit of the Canal.

Mon., Sept. 29;  1:30 - 3:00 pm

Open to ILR members only (free)

Paper Crafts: Old and New              PaprCrft

Sonja Barnes

A little paper, a little tape or glue, a little snip, and you will have made a picture or greeting card.  Class instruction will include tea bag folding, iris folding and paper cutting.

Mon., Sept. 15, 22 & 29;  12:30 - 2:30 pm

Tuition/Fees:  ILR members - $0.00

non-members - $20.00

Pearl Harbor Attack: Was It Faulty Japanese Strategy?               PearlHbr

James Mennell

Since the Japanese must have realized that the sneak attack on Pearl Harbor would greatly anger Americans, why did they choose such an attack?  Why did it fail in its strategic aim?  Why didn't the Japanese carrier commander order a third strike?  Should the Japanese have invaded the Hawaiian Islands rather than just bombing Pearl Harbor?  These are the main questions that will be considered in this lecture.

Mon., Sept. 29;  11:30 am - 1:00 pm

Open to ILR members only (free)

Photography:  Using a Digital Camera              Photog

Audrey Pollock

The workshop will include a brief discussion on the different types of digital cameras and what might be right for you.  We will learn how to handle difficult photographic situations including low light, full sun and action photos.  We will have both indoor and outdoor picture taking opportunities followed by a demonstration on how to use a card reader and download your photos onto a hard drive.  Please bring your camera and card, extra batteries and a tripod if available.

Tues., Sept 23;  Noon - 3:00 pm

Open to ILR members only (free)

Piano:  Applied Piano I              PianoI

Christine Hogg

This class is for participants who have no, or little, experience reading music: nor translating it to the piano keyboard in simple melody line with alternating hands.

Mondays, 10:00 - 11:00 am.  Dates to be arranged.

Tuition/Fees:  ILR members - $0.00

non-members - $20.00

Piano:  Applied Piano II              PianoII

Christine Hogg

This class is for participants who are able to read music but would like to learn chords and learn to play with two hands together.

Wed., 10:00 - 11:00 am.  Dates to be arranged

Tuition/Fees:  ILR members - $0.00

non-members - $20.00

Piano:  Applied Piano/Theory III              PianoIII

Christine Hogg

This class will concentrate on how composers put their ideas down on staff paper by arranging a simple Christmas Carol in melody and harmony.

Wednesdays concurrent with II and IV.  Dates to be arranged.

Tuition/Fees:  ILR members - $0.00

non-members - $20.00

Piano: Applied Piano IV              PianoIV

Christine Hogg

Members will bring their own music of sacred, pop or simple classics and learn how to work it out in class.  The number of classes will be decided at the first class.

Wednesdays concurrent with II and III.  Dates to be arranged.

Tuition/Fees:  ILR members - $0.00

non-members - $20.00

Plants: Identifying Local Plant Species              PlantID

Ellen Shultzabarger, Rebecca Bowen, 

This class will be a workshop on plant identification.  During the workshop, we will review basic botanical terms and become comfortable using dichotomous keys to identify local plant species.  NOTE: You will need a copy of Newcomb's Wildflower Guide by Lawrence Newcomb, which can be purchased in most book stores.

Wed., Sept. 17;  2:00 - 4:00 pm

Tuition/Fees:  ILR members - $0.00

non-members - $15.00

Prairie Workshop & Tour              Prairiewksp

Wilbur Taylor

This class will feature an outdoor tour/workshop in the prairie at Jennings Environmental Education Center.  We will discuss the prairie habitat, which is very rare in Pennsylvania, and learn more about the diverse mix of species living there.  Participants will have the option for guided, hands-on experience using the Newcomb's Wildflower Guide in the field.  Please bring your own copy or be prepared to watch and listen as others in the group work through the key.  Also see Plant Identification Workshop.

Thurs., Sept 18; 10:00 am - Noon

Tuition/Fees:  ILR members - $0.00

non-members - $10.00

Quilt Guild ala ILR              QuiltGld

Jean Wanchick

Here's your chance to learn new skills and meet other quilters!  You can help decide what the Guild's program will include:  guest speakers, demonstrations of new techniques or patterns, sewing for charity, visiting quilt shops, etc.  Bring your suggestions!   We share our work, get assistance with problems, learn from each other and socialize.  (Note:  the group will decide what fees - if any - are charged.)

Mon., Sept. 22, Oct. 20 & Nov. 17;  1:00 - 4:00 pm

Tuition/Fees:  ILR members - $0.00

non-members - $15.00

Radio: History of Radio Broadcasting              RadioHistry

Larry Berg

This class will study the beginnings of commercial radio broadcasting in America in 1920.  We will look at the early years featuring live music, audience participation programs and sports events.  We will also examine radio networks, programs of the 1930' and 1940's, soap operas, live big band broadcasts, quiz programs, the World War II years and on-the-scene reporting.  Finally, we will explore the changes in radio with the advent of television, local programming, FM radio, radio today and the future of radio in American life.

Wed., Oct. 1;  10:30 am - 12:30 pm

Open to ILR members only (free)