5clir reporter - fiveclirom.files.wordpress.com · 12/3/2016 · enthusiastic members of the nova...

5CLIR REPORTER December 2005 VOL.XVII NO. 4

CALENDAR

DECEMBER 05

1st

Curriculum Committee meeting, Amherst, 2:30 p.m.

8th

Council meeting, Amherst, 2:30 p.m.

23rd

Office closes for Christmas holiday. Merry Christmas & Happy Hanukkah!

JANUARY 06

5th

Memorial Program, Amherst College Alumni House, 10 a.m.–noon

9th, 10th, 11th

Computer Workshop, Seelye Hall, Smith College, 9 a.m.–noon

12th,17th, 20th,

24th, 27th

The January Programs – see the orange flyer included in your membership pack!

Letter from the President

It was such a pleasure to see so many enjoying the lovely atmosphere at the Amherst College Alumni House. It was so perfect for a party. We all enjoyed the lovely refreshments served by Joice Gare and the Meetings Committee. Thanks to Sheila Klem and Eleanor Shattuck, Curriculum Chairs, for arranging this event. Let us not forget Charlie Klem, whose role was far more than just that of a helping husband. The Learning in Community Committee has come up with some very interesting volunteer projects that might satisfy your desires for community service Please take a look. The January Program Committee has really outdone itself with 6 events. The first, on January 5 is our annual Memorial program. We've lost some very special people this year and this is an opportunity to honor them and reminisce together. Some of us new computer people are really looking forward to the workshop in early January. Our Office Manager, Callie Kendall, has put together for us a very useful booklet including directions to seminar locations and maps. Seminars are winding down now and as usual it's been a stimulating time. We've learned new things, renewed old acquaintances, made new friends and even had fun. Much to be grateful for.

---- Dorothy Gorra

********

[photo by Chuck Gillies]

5CLIR Reporter December 2005

2

PINING TO SEE ANOTHER SEMINAR UP CLOSE?

TREES – A TESTIMONIAL

When a seminar concludes, most LIR participants express a mixture of feelings. There is joy over what has been gained and sadness about the end of that experience. This is my state of mind as I review photos I took during the seminar simply titled, “Trees.” One photo shows Ann Lombard leading us during an early autumn walk along trails of the Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary. What a magnificent retreat space at which to meet weekly! Linda Bissell (with her back to the camera) was our guide for the Smith College Botanic Garden tour. Our group admired the tree in the photo, identified as an

Umbrella Pine, only to learn it wasn’t a pine at all but belongs to the yew family. Several of our members discovered the phenomenon of larches, a deciduous conifer with needles which turn color and drop in the autumn. A Douglas Fir is a pine but most of the trees cut for holiday use are balsams… a fir! Each week brought new surprises and fascinating information, with Dorothy Rosenthal joining Ann in guiding the learning of our group. I now very happily say, “They were all evergreens to me; and then I took a course with 5CLIR!”

---- Ina Luadtke

Jeannine Rosen, Sally Lawton, Peg Freedman, and Kerro Knox listen to Ann Lombard’s explanation at

Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary. Ginny Christenson is hidden behind Ann.


3

TREES continued…

Ginny Christenson examines the so-called Umbrella Pine, which is actually part of the yew family. Others in the picture are, from left to right: Smith College Botanic Gardens guide Janet Bissell, Peg Freedman, Bill Williams, John Olson, Kerro Knox, Suzanne Lehman, Anne Cann, and Doris Preston.

[photos by Ina Luadtke]

A correction …

Apologies to Jerry Rosenthal…the photographs in the “Slavery and its Legacy” Picture Gallery in last month’s newsletter were wrongly attributed to Chuck Gillies, when in fact they were taken by Jerry!

Success…

Greta Marsh now has someone to converse with in Spanish, though no guitarists have surfaced (as per her advertisement in the last newsletter). Any more people interested in expanding the numbers? Call Greta on 527-8827.


4

A VISIT TO

“NOVA SCOTIA: NEW ENGLAND’S LOST SIBLING” (with apologies for the poor lighting)

Enthusiastic members of the Nova Scotia seminar recommend early booking for your trip north! From left: Charlie Klem, Marybeth Bridegam, Gail Gaustad, Susi Friedmann, Moderator David Yaukey, Marcia Holden, Jean Holden.

[photo by Sheila Klem]

Spring 2006 Seminar Schedule Change!

Please note that Serene Rubin’s seminar “Around the Jewish Table” will now be held on MONDAY afternoons (not Wednesdays), AT HER HOME, not at the Amherst Woman’s Club. If this affects your choice of seminars, please let me know immediately and I will adjust your registration for the spring semester.

----Callie (585-3756)


5

CIRCLING AROUND THOSE COMPUTER PROBLEMS?

PETER REITT HOMES IN ON EMAIL

Just a reminder… The Curriculum Committee have requested members to wear their nametags at January programs…and of course in their spring semester seminars…and at other events! (Ahem, I don’t see any nametags in the above photograph…but who’s checking?)

Participants in the November 18th Computer Circle pay close attention to the big screen (not shown in the picture), while Pete Reitt, Chair of the 5CLIR Technology Committee, demonstrates the intricacies of email and the Internet.



6

INTERVIEW WITH ELAINE BARKIN

In spite of being dependent on a walker with wheels, this does not stop Elaine Barkin from getting places: the PVTA transporter (Northern Tier) brings her from her home in Leverett to Leo Sartori’s bridge workshop (she’s a killer player), and also to the “Food and Film” seminar, where she is an equally lively participant. She has been in LIR for 7 years. Elaine has lived in Leverett since 1968, and used to work as a therapist at UMASS mental health, retiring about 4 years ago. “I do it for nothing, now,” she says with her typical deadpan humor. She has long ties to this area, having entered Smith in 1929 – where, according to her, “I played four years of bridge.” “I’m interested in eating,” she said. “I’ve done it for a long time now, but I don’t think about it very deeply. That’s why I’m the size I am.” (She exaggerates.) Her initial interest in food came from her long residence in New York City, where she had access to many good restaurants, and from 5 years in France (1963–68) with her diplomat husband. Elaine spent a good deal of time at the famous Cordon Bleu cooking school while in Paris. “The courses were very expensive,” she

observed, “so I went as an auditor at $2 per class, two or three times a month for 5 years. By that time the chefs knew me well, and invited me to tour some of the top restaurants with them. It was really fun.” After their tour in France, Elaine and her husband Solomon came directly to Leverett, as he taught in the Economics Department at UMASS. They had three children, who now live quite far away: in Mexico, Denver, and Maryland. Solomon died 5 years ago. They established the Solomon Barkin Fund to help graduate students in Economics. Elaine joined the University Women’s Gourmet Club early on, and has participated in many of their international dinners, in which one country is chosen, and everyone cooks something from that country. Elaine endeared herself to the members of the “Food and Film” seminar by making them some really delicious ginger shortbread, walker or no walker. When asked for the recipe, Elaine said, “Send it to the newsletter!” And here it is – a gift from her to you all.

----Nina Scott


7

Elaine Barkin…

…and her

Ginger Shortbread

½ c. butter, softened ¼ c. light brown sugar 1 c. unsifted flour ¾ tsp. powdered ginger 1 Tblsp. cornstarch

Preheat oven to 325° F. Cream butter and sugar. In another bowl, mix flour, ginger, and cornstarch. Work this into the butter/sugar mixture. Knead the dough until smooth. Chill it one hour; cut into thirds and roll each third into a log. Cut into ¼“ slices. Place on greased cookie sheet and flatten with a glass. Bake 30–35 minutes, or until lightly browned.



8

FALL 2005 SEMESTER WORKSHOPS…

The previous issue of the newsletter contained lists of seminar participants, but thanks to your prolific output of material to include in that edition, I was not able to squeeze in the names of those attending our two workshops: Duplicate Bridge and Opera: Rossini’s The Barber of Seville. Here they are, with the moderators in italics:

WORKSHOPS

Duplicate Bridge __ Elaine Barkin Charles Gillies Diane Liebert James Scott Shirley Brodigan Pat Goldsher Cecilia Martyn Nina Scott Shlomit Cheyette Jean Holden Francis Millette Helen Seyfert Gail Collins Amy Johnson Richard Mudgett Eleanor Shattuck Esther Crystal Betsey Johnson Jane Price Lora Simon Jean Curran Kerro Knox Eleanor Quint Sara Wright Helen Dysinger Carol Lee Leo Sartori

Opera: Rossini’s The Barber of Seville __ Connie Anderson Mary Franks Patricia Keating Dorothy Rosenthal Bertram Bandman Margola Freedman Lynne Knudsen Jerome Rosenthal Elsie Bandman Sam Freedman Joan Land Eva Sartori Elaine Barkin Arnold Friedmann Ann Levinger Leo Sartori Florence Barondes Joice Gare Ina Luadtke Nina Scott Marguerite Bedell Gail Gaustad Joyce Mazur Alice Shearer Laura Belsky John Gaustad James McReynolds Barbara Snoek Ted Belsky Sarah Hanke Philippe Meyer Mona Sprecker Elaine Boettcher Katharine Hazen Syma Meyer Dorothy Swanson Virginia Christenson Doris Holden Brenda Millette Charles Weinstein Gail Collins Jean Holden Gillian Morbey Charlotte Winston Edward Conrad Marcia Holden Laurence Pappademas Sara Wright Laura Cranshaw Ruth Hooke Shirley Pransky Naomi Yanis Esther Crystal Betsey Johnson Eleanor Quint Marilyn Dahl Kathleen Jones Lola Reid Miriam Fishbaine Joanne Kayser Barbara Reitt

Contributions to the newsletter…

…will be gratefully received! Please email me (an attachment makes the whole process easier for me, but is not absolutely necessary), write to me, or come into the office to discuss any ideas you may have, or articles and pictures you would like to send in. Thanks! ----Callie 585-3756

[email protected]


9

…AND ONWARD TO THE SPRING 2006 SEMESTER…

At Amherst College Alumni House on Sunday, November 20th, 5CLIR held its semi-annual “Meet the Moderators” event. Members turned up early and stayed late. Ideas flew, talk and drinks (from champagne on down) flowed, and the food was delicious and

plentiful. Several people arrived in the reception area having followed the din all the way across the parking lot! Enthusiasm was everywhere, and if it is anything to go by, the coming spring semester will be another 5CLIR success.

Pete Reitt and Hy Edelstein were on hand to demonstrate some of the 5CLIR Technology Committee’s new audio/visual purchases for use in seminars. The Committee has run several workshops to help members learn how to use the versatile new equipment during their seminar presentations. Here, Pete shows Robert Grant a quick way to make your own “slides” for use in a presentation.



10

“Meet the Moderators” Picture Gallery

The spring semester moderators explain what is in store for those who sign up. Above: Here you see lively conversation over books from a couple of reading lists. Below: Peg Bedell and Bobbie Reitt, no doubt glowing after their successful offerings in the fall semester, display their wares and smiles.


11

“Meet the Moderators” continued…

Gail Gaustad (standing, right) sported a handsome ALASKA T-shirt to advertise her forthcoming seminar on our 49th state. Sitting to her right, Paul Rothery hums jazz tunes, while Mary O’Brien-Irons (foreground) ponders on women of the 20th century, her spring semester offering.

[all photos by Chuck Gillies]

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

[THIS SPACE IS LONELY: PLEASE SEND]


12

ELLEN STORY PICTURE GALLERY

Our State Representative, Ellen Story, spoke to 5CLIR members in the Faculty Lounge at Hampshire College on Friday, November 11th. Her theme was “What’s Happening in Boston.”

Janet Brongers, Chair of the Special Programs Committee, talks to Julie Firman over lunch at the Faculty Club, following Ellen Story’s lecture. Arnold Friedmann and June Guild stand in the background. The first email or phone call identifying the person talking to them gets a mention in the next newsletter. (Note: June did not actually sport a moustache at the event: it is a shadow from the photograph!) Below: Charles Weinstein and Shirley Pransky savor the moment.


13

Ellen Story continued…

Above: Arnold Friedmann, Vice-President of 5CLIR, makes Ellen Story blush. Below: Representative Story tells 5CLIR members what is happening in their state capital.

[all photos by Chuck Gillies]


14

ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION ON WAL-MART

And the Proposed Hadley Superstore

Five College Learning in Retirement member Norman Winston moderated the roundtable discussion held at the Smith College Field House on Thursday, November 17th. Frank Heston, another 5CLIR member, agreed to take the position in favor of the proposed WAL-MART expansion, while David Elvin of Hadley Neighbors for Sensible Development and Alan Eccleston, a Hadley resident, represented the opposition.

Above: Norm Winston and Frank Heston. Below, left to right: Alan Eccleston (Hadley resident), David Elvin (Hadley Neighbors for Sensible Development), Norm Winston, Frank Heston (both of 5CLIR). [photos by Chuck Gillies]


15

****************************

Notes from the Office…

Barbara Southworth

Some of you may not have heard yet that our friend and fellow-LIR-member Barbara Southworth passed away on November 24th at her daughter's home in North Andover. Barbara, one of the original LIR members, was President in the early years, and was one of the most dedicated and hard working members, making countless contributions to our organization. We hope to mourn her and celebrate her life on January 5th at our Annual Memorial Service in the Amherst College Alumni House at 10 o'clock.

---- Arnold Friedmann [Editor’s note: 5CLIR has a Memorial Fund, which members may contribute to at any time, if they so wish. ]

…otherwise known as Callie Kendall…

[photo by Hy Edelstein]

I hope all of you had a wonderful and thankful Thanksgiving. I was thankful that my attempts to get home from Atlanta airport finally ended in success after 5 hours of traipsing from gate to gate…and that my wonderful sister was at Bradley International Airport in the middle of the night to rescue me at the end of it. I can report, however, that Hartsfield-Jackson’s TGI Friday does a nice line in frozen Margaritas. I hope you all enjoyed the “Meet the Moderators” event as much as I did. It was wonderful seeing so many 5CLIR members – a great chance to meet new people and also to renew old acquaintances. Of course I loved being waited on hand and foot…I never did eat any dinner when I got home! Thanks, also, for much needed help in the office. Becky Sullivan (whose name I omitted from the October newsletter) is a highly efficient mailing champion. Although Becky was unable to participate in the spring catalog packet-stuffing, I was lucky enough to have Jim Scott, Diana Coccoluto, Gail Gaustad, and Joan Hastings here to do all the work while I put my feet up on the desk and had a snooze – as if! I hope you all have a peaceful and very happy Christmas–Hanukkah–Holiday Season, and a riotous New Year’s celebration! ----Callie

5clir reporter - fiveclirom.files.wordpress.com · 12/3/2016 · enthusiastic members of the nova...

Documents