The greatest question of life is what good will I do with it? - Benjamin Franklin

2008 Seminars

January 17th—It's An Interesting World

Boyd and Barbara Norton, author of Safari Journal and numerous other books, will take us on a world-wide tour. Starting in Africa we will visit Siberia, and look at the rain forests of Borneo and Peru. Boyd, who has published widely on photography and has led many tours and classes, will close with a discussion on learning to see and record, via camera, your trip to special places.

February 21—Wilderness and Mankind

Vance Martin, President of The WILD Foundation and Dr. Mark Serreze, of the National Snow and Ice Center will talk about the importance of wilderness, integrating human needs with wilderness conservation, the preservation of species, the nine World Wilderness Congresses, Global Warming, and getting involved in environmental and conservation issues.

March 20—On Leadership

Bob Baron and Bruce Paton, M.D. will discuss what is that special something that makes, or gives, a person the ability to lead, take the risks of an entrepreneur, or have a thirst for the unknown so as to set out and explore. Baron has authored several books, among them Pioneers and Plodders: The American Entrepreneurial Spirit. Dr. Paton has written Adventuring with Boldness: The Triumph of the Explorers and Lewis and Clark: Doctors in the Wilderness. Join them for a riveting session on leadership in business, medicine, exploration, sports, and politics.

April 17—Women and History

Craig Barnes, author of Growing Up True and In Search of the Lost Feminine, will provide a major reinterpretation of western culture and the role of women in society. A native Coloradan, Barnes has had an eclectic career ranging from trial lawyer, horse trainer and rancher, international negotiator to playwright. His most recent play, Queen Elizabeth I, was produced in Santa Fe to stand-up acclaim. We are privileged to have Craig share his views with us.

May 20—Politics Today

Gary Hart, former United States Senator and author of God and Caesar in America: An Essay on Religion and Politics and Under the Eagle's Wing: A National Security Strategy of the United States for 2009, will join us for a lively and informed discussion of the 2008 election. This is your opportunity to enhance your view of today's political scene. Gary Hart was a candidate for his party's nomination for president in 1984 and 1988. He represented the state of Colorado in the U.S. Senate from 1975 until 1987.

May 29—A Writers' and Readers' Day

Alan Geoffrion, author of the award winning book and movie, Broken Trail talks about the writing of novels and screenplays. For those of you who have always wanted to be a writer, and those who saw the movie and/or read the book, this is your opportunity to meet this talented author. Alan will share with us the ins and outs of writing. This is sure to be an inspiring day.

June 12—American Health Care

Former Governor Dick Lamm, author of Condition Critical: A New Moral Vision for Health Care discusses health care in America—it's status and future. Don't miss this stimulating and informative session on this high priority subject! You will come away with a new concept of, and the provoking solutions to, this vexing problem as it affects those of us in the "third/third" of life, as well as the thought of passing large amounts of debt onto our children and grandchildren.

Thursday, July 17—The Western Past

Kirk Johnson, author of Cruisin' the Fossil Freeway and Gas, Trees, and Car Turds, will lead a day on geology and paleontology. Vice president and chief curator at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, Kirk also works with artists to create the prehistoric displays at the museum. This will be a truly fascinating journey that will stimulate your interest in the little noticed world of fossils.

Thursday, August 21—Twentieth Century American Literature

John Callahan, author of A Man You Could Love and executor of Ralph Ellison's literary estate, will lead a day on twentieth century American literature. Callahan, who teaches at Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon, is known nationally for his work in American literature. He has also been active in politics, running for U.S. Congress, and as Senator Eugene McCarthy's vice presidential candidate in Oregon. Please join us.

Thursday, September 25—Moving Ahead

Carol Batrus, author of When Elephants Fly: One Woman's Journey from Wall Street to Zululand, and Charlotte Baron, author of The Widow's Handbook: A Guide for Living, will spend a day talking about life changes and how you move ahead in a new situation.

Thursday, November 20—A Special Time

Ellie Greenberg and Fay Whitney, authors of A Time of Our Own: In Celebration of Women over Sixty, will spend time sharing research and ideas for the mature woman. Greenberg has devoted her career and community life to expanding access to opportunity for adults. Fay Whitney, who teaches at the University of Wyoming, joins her co-author in speaking about the results of their research into the new life available for women entering their "third trimester" of life. This will be an eye-opener for both men and women.