Seacoast
Bedrock Gardens Tour
Class Size: Min: 10 Max: 20
1 Monday: 5/21 10:00 AM-Noon
Bedrock Gardens, 45 High Road, Lee
Member Class Fee: $25 (includes admission) Open to members only.
This 1770s farm has been converted to 20 acres of gardens with most of the work done by its current owners. They have cut roads, thinned forests, designed and planted beds, added multiple water features and created sculpture. On a guided walking tour, learn the history of the property, hear stories of hard labor and identify plants and trees. Be prepared to walk (slowly) rain or shine for about 90 minutes with occasional stopping. For more information, go to www.bedrockgarden.com.
Jill Nooney is a sculptor, landscape designer, and horticulturist as well as a practicing clinical social worker.
Climate Change: Get the Facts
Class Size: Min: 10 Max: 25
1 Wednesday: 5/9 1:30-3:30 PM
Seacoast Science Center, 570 Ocean Blvd, Rye
Member Class Fee: $20 Open to members only.
You have heard the ongoing debates about whether or not climate change is real. Join us at the Seacoast Science Center for some current science, straight from NASA's earth science specialists, that we can all understand. Kate Leavitt has just returned from an informative Climate Science workshop at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and is ready to share the latest and greatest science, to dispel any myths and to answer your questions about our changing planet.
Kate Leavitt is the Marine Science Program Coordinator at the Seacoast Science Center. She has a background in marine science and education and has happily been teaching environmental education for 15 years.
Colonial Firefighting & The History of the Exeter Fire Department
Class Size: Min: 8 Max: 25
1 Monday: 4/16 10:00-11:30 AM
Exeter Public Library, 4 Chestnut Street, Exeter
Member Class Fee: $10 Open to members only.
Firefighting wasn't always about putting out the fire. In the Colonial Period more attention was paid to preventing a fire from spreading to other buildings. Explore the history of early American firefighting and firefighting equipment through the history of the Exeter Fire Department. Presented by the Exeter Historical Society.
Barbara Rimkunas, a former teacher, is curator of the Exeter Historical Society. She writes a bi-weekly column for the Exeter Newsletter entitled "Historically Speaking."
Commercial Shipping on the Piscataqua River
Class Size: Min: 10 Max: 22
1 Tuesday: 4/24 1:30-3:30 PM
Granite State College, Pease International Tradeport, 51 International Drive, Portsmouth
Member Class Fee: $10 Open to members only.
Get an insider's perspective of life behind the scenes of the working waterfront. Moving ocean-going vessels to their pier in a congested harbor with changing channel directions, extreme tidal currents, and narrow bridges makes Portsmouth one of New England's most challenging harbors. This program takes an in-depth look at the history, current day operations and the future of deep draft commercial shipping in our state.
Captain Peter "PJ" Johnson is a NH State Harbor and Docking Pilot with Portsmouth Pilots, Inc. He is a graduate of Maine Maritime Academy with sailing experience on ocean-going merchant ships and on tugboats in harbors throughout the east coast.
Cutting to the Chase: Archaeological Investigations at Strawbery Banke Museum
Class Size: Min: 8 Max: 20
1 Wednesday: 5/16 10:00 AM-Noon
Stawbery Banke Museum, 14 Hancock Street, Portsmouth
Member Class Fee: $20 Open to members only.
Archaeology is an important research strategy at Strawbery Banke Museum, where the use of artifacts and historic documents guide the interpretation and furnishing of the structures. The most recent excavations focused on the 1762 Chase House site, home of 19th century merchant Stephen Chase and his family. The detailed archaeological research and discoveries will have long-term impact on the interpretation and public education, as the results link the past with current issues of waste management and recycling. This program includes a presentation and a limited walking tour of archaeological sites on the museum campus.
Sheila Charles is an independent archaeologist and historian specializing in Early American history, environmental review, cultural resource management and archaeological education. She is also Chief Archaeologist for Strawbery Banke Museum.
Engage Young Children in the World of Nature
Class Size: Min: 10 Max: 20
1 Tuesday: 5/15 1:30-3:30 PM
Seacoast Science Center, 570 Ocean Blvd, Rye
Member Class Fee: $20 Open to members only.
Time spent with younger generations is precious and memorable for all. Come to the Seacoast Science Center and hear from our senior naturalist ways you can encourage children to explore and reconnect to the natural world. You can help them avoid suffering a "nature deficit disorder" and become young stewards of the world in which we all live. Child development discussions will be complimented with sharing activities on how to get kids outside, away from technology and loving nature. You will leave the program with songs to sing, games to play and facts to share with your favorite little people.
Marilyn Gilmour has been the Senior Program Naturalist at the Seacoast Science Center since 1993. In March of 2003 Marilyn was named the Non-Formal Environmental Educator of the Year.
Family Love Letter
Class Size: Min: 8 Max: 25
1 Tuesday: 3/20 1:30-3:00 PM
Granite State College, Pease International Tradeport, 51 International Drive, Portsmouth
Member Class Fee: Free Open to members only.
The Family Love Letter is a document designed to provide information during a time of grief and confusion, so your loved ones can live with the results of your planning and not your failure to plan. There are everyday tasks and obligations in our lives that we deal with out of habit. When unexpected tragedy strikes, wouldn't it be comforting knowing we have an emergency plan in effect to make it less of a burden for the ones we love and care about most? We have faith that once you view the Family Love Letter, you will agree it is the tool to use to implement that plan!
Denise Petrin is a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones and has over 30 experience in the Financial Service Industry. Most recently Denise was chosen for Leadership Manchester. She is co-founder of therainbownetwork.com, an advocate for supporting the GLBT community.
Films: Focus on Family
Class Size: Min: 6 Max: 20
4 Tuesdays: 4/10 -5/1 1:00-4:00 PM
Granite State College, Pease International Tradeport, 51 International Drive, Portsmouth
Member Class Fee: $25 Open to members only.
Experience the lives, loves and losses expressed in three foreign and one American film, with "family" as their common theme. Explore the subliminal and cultural messages and observe the stark contrast with mainstream Hollywood productions in style, pace and message. Films include: Tokyo Story (Japanese), After the Wedding (Danish), Another Year (British), and Things We Lost in the Fire (American). Discussion will follow each film.
Carol Glaser has been teaching about film for more than 30 years. She was film critic for The Music Hall in Portsmouth from 1991-1994. Carol has also conducted many film discussion groups on the Seacoast.
Gundalows: Cruise into the Past
Class Size: Min: 20 Max: 30
1 Thursday: 6/21 1:00-3:30 PM
Gundalow - Prescott Park, Marcy Street, Portsmouth
Member Class Fee: $40 Open to members only.
OLLI holds the honor of being the first trip booked for a Piscataqua River cruise on the new US Coast Guard certified gundalow built in 2011. You will board a replica of the traditional wooden vessels that carried cargo throughout the Piscataqua Region from 1650 to 1900. Participants will help set the sail, steer the vessel and get their hands wet when sampling water quality or towing for plankton. Learn about gundalows, Portsmouth and the Great Bay region during this hands-on experience. Participants will board from a floating dock and seating will be atop deck boxes, with some standing at presentation stations. A toilet below deck is accessed via a ladder.
The non-profit Gundalow Company works to protect the Piscataqua Region's maritime heritage and environment through education and action. Experienced crew will provide leadership and education during this unique trip that will connect local maritime heritage with contemporary coastal issues.
Haiti, Update 2012
Class Size: Min: 8 Max: 25
1 Friday: 4/13 1:30-3:00 PM
Hobbs House Community Center, 200 High Street, Hampton
Member Class Fee: $10 Open to members only.
Haiti continues to be the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere. Far too many people take the Haitian plight for granted as they live with unemployment in the range of 75% with the greater part of the population living on a dollar a day. Dirty water accounts for 54% of all of the patients that can make it to a hospital, while the vast majority simply die from the effects of dysentery. It is not pleasant to conjure up the facts of Haiti's plight, but the more of us that know of it, the sooner Haiti may join the world of civilized nations with jobs available. Hear first-hand accounts of the plight of Haiti, the land of the poor.
Mike Spinelli operates Global Tourism Consultants. He devotes much of his free time to helping the people of Haiti and has met personally with both the Prime Minister and the President of Haiti.
Humanity and the Long Journey
Class Size: Min: 8 Max: 20
1 Wednesday: 4/4 1:30-3:30 PM
Granite State College, Pease International Tradeport, 51 International Drive, Portsmouth
Member Class Fee: $10 Non-member Class Fee: $30
Human culture has organized itself around stories that serve as a foundation for meanings and values. During the 20th century, scientists have learned more about the dynamic processes of the universe, Earth, life and human evolution than in the previous 100,000 years. We will view and discuss the ideas offered by a documentary titled "Journey of the Universe," revealing insights into the changes that are possible in the human journey that is yet before us.
Richard Ohlrogge is a retired engineer. Since 9/11 he has researched the writings of modern and ancient scholars and philosophers with regard to the Human Journey and is excited about telling the story of the evolution of human cultures in the past as well as the future.
Inside the Walls: Phillips Exeter Academy
Class Size: Min: 8 Max: 15
3 Wednesdays: 4/25-5/9 1:30-3:00 PM
Phillips Exeter Academy Library, Front Street, Exeter
Member Class Fee: $20 Open to members only.
What you've heard, read and observed about PEA may be true, or not! Here's an opportunity to get behind the scenes and to learn some of the history and reality of one of America's most well-known secondary schools. The first two sessions of this three-part course will feature presentations about the school's history and brief walking tours of some of the Academy's most interesting facilities; the third session will allow for interaction with current students and participation in a full Harkness class.
Edouard Desrochers is the current Academy Archivist and Assistant Librarian. Jack Herney is an emeritus history instructor and former Dean of Faculty and Director of Admissions. Rick Mahoney is an Exeter graduate and an emeritus member of the faculty after 42 years in a variety of administrative, dorm and coaching positions.
Is Anybody Out There?
Class Size: Min: 8 Max: 25
1 Wednesday: 4/18 1:30-3:30 PM
Granite State College, Pease International Tradeport, 51 International Drive, Portsmouth
Member Class Fee: $10 Open to members only.
Have you ever looked up at the stars and wondered if there was anyone out there looking back at you? Answering this question definitively and scientifically is one of the most important drivers and motivators of astronomers, biologists and astrobiologists. This presentation and discussion will touch upon the following related topics: extrasolar planet discoveries, the prospects for life elsewhere in our solar system, and the Fermi Paradox. No science education or background is needed to enjoy, learn and participate in discussions.
John Gianforte by day is an electrical engineer and a Granite State College astronomy instructor. By night, he is an active astronomer observing comets, extrasolar planets and exploding stars. He co-founded the Astronomical Society of Northern New England.
Music of World War II and Swing Bands
Class Size: Min: 8 Max: 25
1 Wednesday: 4/11 1:30-3:00 PM
Exeter Public Library, 4 Chestnut Street, Exeter
Member Class Fee: $10 Open to members only.
Tap your feet as you learn about swing, how it rose in popularity and how the bands contributed to the war. Enjoy hearing your favorite singers and songs and maybe sing along yourself!
Pamela Gore has lectured on the history of American popular song for Elderhostel since 1987. She has had a distinguished career as a concert and opera singer. Pamela, who currently teaches at Phillips Exeter Academy, has performed at Boston's Symphony Hall, Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center.
Negro Baseball League: History and Memorabilia
Class Size: Min: 8 Max: 25
1 Thursday: 4/26 1:30-3:30 PM
Christ Church Annex, 43 Pine Street, Exeter
Member Class Fee: $10 Non-member Fee: $ 30
Delve into the role baseball played in the African-American Community from the Civil War to the end of segregated baseball. Observe the segregation of the Baseball Hall of Fame. The exhibit is the largest collection of Negro League memorabilia in New England. Over 400 items will be displayed, including 48 autographed baseballs. Autographs include 9 Hall of Famers and the only 3 women to ever play professional baseball.
Joe Caliro served as an instructor in the USAF for 26 years. After his discharge, Joe was employed as a college counselor and instructor and as a consultant to many national companies including Nike, Ford and General Motors.
OLLI Goes to Seabrook Station
Class Size: Min: 15 Max: 30
1 Tuesday: 5/8 10:00 AM-Noon
Science & Nature Center, Seabrook Station, Intersection of Routes 1 and 107, Seabrook
Member Class Fee: $10 Open to members only.
Learn more about nuclear power and the generation of electricity. With your government-issued picture ID you'll be passed through by the guards and directed to the Science and Nature Center. Our host will guide us through an interesting and enlightening power point presentation. Questions and discussion are encouraged. Following the presentation, take the self-guided tour in the Center. It will help you understand the magnitude of the building process, how energy is made and makes it way to your home. If it's a nice day, bring a sandwich and walk the one-mile nature trail which overlooks Seabrook marshes and wildlife
David Barr is a former public school science educator and is now education manager of the Science and Nature Center at Seabrook Station.
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and Museum Tour
Class Size: Min: 8 Max: 10
1 Thursday: 5/10 12:15-3:00 PM
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Portsmouth
Member Class Fee: $10 Open to members only.
For more than 200 years, Yankee ingenuity and craftsmanship have been the keys to the success of the "Yard." Learn about its role and achievements in times of war and peace and from "sails to atoms." Note: a government-issued picture ID is required. Participants will be transported by van from St. Raphael Parish parking lot, 8 Whipple Road, Kittery, ME to stops in the "Yard." Participants must be able to use the van. A step and an assistant will be provided. Plan to arrive at St. Raphael at 12:15. The van will leave promptly at 12:30 PM. Neither the van nor comfort facilities are handicapped accessible.
Gary Hildreth is a retired submariner from New York state, who fell in love with the "Yard" and the New England coastline. After 20 years in the Navy, Gary began his second career in the Public Affairs Office at the "Yard." Gary's knowledge and enthusiasm make history and the fact and folklore of the "Yard" come alive.
Rolling Green Nursery: Create and Carry It Home
Class Size: Min: 10 Max: 15
1 Tuesday:5/1 10:00 AM-Noon
Rolling Green Nursery, 64 Breakfast Hill Road, Greenland
Member Class Fee: $40 incl. materials Open to members only.
Roll up your sleeves, put on your gardening gloves and get ready to create your own custom 24" window box or 12" patio pot or hanging basket filled with herbs or flowers. Staff members from Rolling Green Nursery and Pleasant View Gardens (Growers of Proven Winners) will help you with plant selections. It's yours to create. Materials fee covers 5 plants, soil and container.
Rick and Beth Simpson have been in the nursery business for over 30 years. Rolling Green Nursery is committed to providing quality plant material, sound information and good services to people seeking to enhance their home and life with beautiful plants and accessories.
Roosevelt Funeral Train
Class Size: Min: 8 Max: 25
1 Thursday: 5/3 1:30-3:00 PM
Granite State College, Pease International Tradeport, 51 International Drive, Portsmouth
Member Class Fee: $10 Open to members only.
See description for Roosevelt Funeral Train at the Conway site.
Also see Roosevelt Funeral Train at the Conway site for Carl Linblade bio.
Storytelling for Fun
Class Size: Min: 6 Max: 10
2 Thursdays: 3/29-4/5 1:00-3:00 PM
Granite State College, Pease International Tradeport, 51 International Drive, Portsmouth
Member Class Fee: $15 Open to members only.
You'll be reminded of the basic storytelling techniques we all know (but may not know we know), discuss what makes a good story, come up with ideas for stories you'd like to tell, shape a story and tell it. This could be a true story, a true-ish story, or a big fat lie -- a big fat lie, well told, sounds just like the truth. We'll also laugh, a lot.
Rebecca Rule gathers and tells the stories of New England. She is a much published author and hosts the NH Authors Series on NHPTV. You can always catch up with her and hear about her adventures through her blog, Travels With Becky, at livefreeandeatpie.com.
Toni Morrison: Literary Descendant of William Faulkner?
Class Size: Min: 6 Max: 12
6 Wednesday: 4/11-5/16 10:30 AM-Noon
The Woods at RiverWoods, 7 RiverWoods Drive, Exeter
Member Class Fee: $35 Open to members only.
"I am not like Faulkner," Morrison said, but she has also said that "William Faulkner had an enormous effect on me (as a reader)." We will first study Faulkner's "The Unvanquished," then focus on Morrison's "Beloved." Each work is a good representation of its author's style and structural tendencies and both rest on the platform of the Civil War which should make comparisons easier. Hopefully we will be able to answer the titular question by the end of the course. Required text: the Vintage edition of each book "The Unvanquished," ISBN 978-0-679-73652-3 and "Beloved," ISBN 978-1-4000-3341-6.
Peter Greer taught English at Phillips Exeter Academy for 40 years. Faulkner and Morrison are two of his favorite authors.
Underbelly Tour of Portsmouth
Class Size: Min: 8 Max: 15
1 Thursday: 5/24 5:00-6:30 PM
In front of the Rusty Hammer, Corner of Pleasant and State Streets, Portsmouth
Member Class Fee: $10 Open to members only.
Join us for a totally factual but somewhat off-color walking tour of Portsmouth. Rather than historic buildings, museum collections and stories of famous men, you will hear tales of murders, brothels and scandals of the city's past. This hilarious "adults-only" tour will keep you interested and blushing. Meet at the corner of Pleasant and State Streets (in front of the Rusty Hammer).
George Hosker-Bouley, former Artistic and Executive Director of Portsmouth's Prescott Park Arts Festival, currently produces original theater, teaches acting and improvisation and is the writer, director and performer of the Underbelly Tour.
Waterways to the West: An Armchair Cruise
Class Size: Min: 10 Max: 25
1 Thursday: 4/12 1:30-3:30 PM
The Ridge at RiverWoods, 10 White Oak Drive, Exeter
Member Class Fee: $10 Open to members only.
Explore the Hudson River, the Erie and Oswego Canals and the St. Lawrence Seaway - the pathways that opened the way to the west in the early 19th century and later. They had a tremendous impact on the local and regional economies. This presentation was developed from a small ship cruise that traversed them. We will also explore the Erie Canal's construction, development, the region's history and treasures, and enjoy the widely varying scenic countryside as seen from the water.
Nate Hazen is a retired engineer who after moving to the seacoast was trained as a Marine Docent under the UNH Sea Grant Program. A sailor, his special interests are maritime and regional history.
Why Did It Take 400 Years to Discover Earth-Like Planets?
Class Size: Min: 8 Max: 50
1 Thursday: 4/19 10:00 AM-Noon
Granite State College, Pease International Tradeport, 51 International Drive, Portsmouth
Member Class Fee: $10 Open to members only.
It took 400 years for Copernicus, Galileo, Newton, Bradley, and Foucault to develop modern cosmology and for telescope technology to advance. This culminated in today's astrophysics with digital imaging and processing providing images far beyond the power of optical observation. Here is your opportunity to learn how progress has been made by astronomers, physicists and engineers, each building on the work of their predecessors, toward discovering an earth-like planet with the possibility of intelligent life.
See Religion & Science: Pathways to Truth for bio of Paul Carr.