UCONN Adult Learning Program (ALP)

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Programs are given at:
Seabury Retirement Community
200 Seabury Drive
Bloomfield, CT 06002

Duncaster
40 Loeffler Road
Bloomfield, CT 06002

Office:
85 Lawler Road,
West Hartford, CT
06117
Coordinator:
Bertina Williams
(860) 380 5038
Email: alp@uconn.edu


Single Sessions Spring 2012


SSS-01 EXPLORING CONNECTICUT'S NATURAL WONDERS
Brendan Hanrahan, Presenter * March 7th, 2012. * 9:00 AM- Noon

Geologists and paleontologists marvel at the incredible diversity of earth history recorded in the state’s rocks, especially the brownstones of the Connecticut River. Geologists and paleontologists marvel at the incredible diversity of earth history recorded in the state’s rocks, especially the brownstones of the Connecticut River Valley. This program, presented by publisher Brendan Hanrahan, explores highlights of our state’s natural history from land mass collisions, vast volcanic eruptions, to the Dawn of the Age of Dinosaurs. Enriched by animations, video, maps and illustrations, this 3-hour session tells astonishing tales of the discoveries of strange bones and odd footprints made here, of the Real Jurassic Park of Rocky Hill, and much more!
SSS-02 METROPOLITAN HARTFORD REGION: PRESENT AND FUTURE
Lyle D. Wray, Executive Director, CRCOG, * March 15th, 2012. * 10:00 AM-Noon

The Capitol Region of Governments serves 30 cities and towns in the metropolitan Hartford region. This presentation will cover past work, where we are, and hot issues going forward.
SSS-03 THE LATEST NEWS FROM THE HUMAN FOSSIL RECORD
Prof. Michael Park, Presenter * March 19th, 2012. * 1:00 PM-3:00 PM

Since Dr. Park's last ALP presentation summarizing the human evolution story, a lot has happened, from new fossils to new technology and discoveries in genetics to reevaluation of theoretical models. He will bring us up-to-date on all this in the context of a new recounting of the story of our species.
SSS-04 MEET HARTFORD STAGE'S NEW ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Darko Tresnjak, Hartford Stage Artistic Director, Presenter * March 26th, 2012. * 1:15 PM-2:45 PM

Darko says: "I want to bring great theatre artists from within our shores - and beyond - to Hartford Stage. And I hope that every premiere and revival will remind our audiences of why they fell in love with theatre in the first place." This season will end in April, May and June 2012 with van Druten's "Bell, Book and Candle" and Shakespeare's "The Tempest," both directed by Tresnjak. He will speak of these productions, and tell us about his plans for the future of Hartford Stage.
SSS-05 THE ART OF ANDREW WYETH
Myra Panitch and Hennie Stargardter * March 29th, 2012. * 1:00 PM-3:00 PM

Primarily a realist painter working in a regional style, Wyeth is among the best known artists in the U.S. from the mid-twentieth century. His painting Christina's World is one of the most recognized images of twentieth century art. This presentation is in preparation for The Wadsworth Atheneum's exhibit March 24 –July 22, Andrew Wyeth: Looking Beyond.
SSS-06 VIRGINIA THRALL SMITH
Linda Smith Cohen, Presenter * April 3rd, 2012. * 10:45 AM-12:15 PM

The presenter will discuss women’s position in the nineteenth century, as seen through the life of Virginia Thrall Smith, the first full-time missionary of the City Missionary Society, and compare it with that of today, as seen in our own lives.
SSS-07 VENTURE SMITH
Marta Daniels, Presenter * April 3rd, 2012. * 1:15 PM-2:45 PM

The presenter will describe the life of Venture Smith, a Connecticut slave who bought his freedom and went into business with his former owner.
SSS-08 THE TRANSFORMATION OF CHINA AND IMPLICATIONS
Prof. Michael Lestz, Chair, Trinity College Department of History, Presenter * April 10th, 2012. * 10:00 AM-Noon

This talk will explore China's rapid growth since the era of Deng Xiaoping and the pattern of its political and economic relations with the United States. Professor Lestz will provide some background for the present relationship and evaluate the prospects for the future.
SSS-09 A VISIT TO THE REBUILT HARTFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY
Jerome Myers, Librarian, Presenter * April 11th, 2012. * 10:00 AM-Noon

Join the Library's public services director, Jerome Myers, on a walk-through of the completely refurbished library facility. Learn about the many programs and services that are now available. Visit the Hartford History Center and its extensive collection of local historical documents and publications. A limited number of parking places are available at the library, on a first come first served basis. Carpooling is strongly advised or take a bus to the Old State House and walk on Main Street 3 blocks south.
SSS-10 GLOBAL ETHICS
Heidi Hadsell, Presenter * April 17th, 2012. * 9:00 AM-10:30 AM

The presenter, who is President of the Hartford Seminary and Professor of Social Ethics, will lead a discussion of the ethical questions that arise when one considers the global economy from the point of view of different countries with varying values. Examples include China, eager to develop at the expense of the environment, and the developed countries of Northern Europe whose first priority is the environment. How do such countries work together toward a shared goal?
SSS-11 REGIONAL EDUCATION INITIATIVES
Brad Noel, Presenter * April 17th, 2012. * 10:45 AM-12:15 PM

The presenter will discuss school choice (magnet schools, charter schools, private and religious schools, staying in one’s own town or being transported to other towns), its impact on families and their cities and towns, and the role of The Capitol Regional Education Council in these choices.
SSS-12 HARTFORD'S IQUILT PROPOSALS
David Fay, President and CEO, The Bushnell, Presenter * April 17th, 2012. * 1:15 PM-2:45 PM

PURPOSE, DESIGN, AND IMPLEMENTATION UPDATE The IQuilt is proposed to unite downtown's cultural attractions and make it easy for visitors to find their way from one to another. The second and final phase of design is nearing completion, so come to hear more about it.
SSS-13 BLACKS IN CONNECTICUT
Barbara Beeching, Presenter * April 24th, 2012. * 9:00 AM-10:30 AM

A collection of personal letters written in the 1860's,now in the Connecticut Historical Society Collections, inspired this study of African Americans in Hartford, Connecticut, roughly between1820 and 1880. The letters provide close-up views of the everyday lives of a school teacher, an artist, and a working-class young woman, as well as their families and community.
SSS-14 APPRECIATIVE LIVING
Nancy Fightlin, Presenter * May 8th, 2012. * 10:00 AM-Noon

Learn appreciative living principles and exercises that teach you a positive attitude and tools to use on a daily basis to shape your thinking and focus, and empower you to act toward the future you want. Also learn to respond to adversity in ways to make you happier and more alive.
SSS-15 METAL SCULPTURE - Duncaster
Hans Stargardter, Presenter * May 9th, 2012. * 1:00 PM-3:00 PM

The presenter turns sheet metal into representational and abstract sculptures, including anti-classic shapes. He has studied with masters of pewter Frances Felton and Heikki Seppa, and his sculptures are in silver, pewter, and some jewelry in gold.
SSS-16 HARTFORD CITY BALLET
Dartanion and Keiko, Presenters * May 15th, 2012. * 10:00 AM-Noon

The newest ballet company in Hartford, the Hartford City Ballet, began two years ago and is blossoming into a multifaceted arts center. It's principals, Dartanion and Keiko, will perform for us and explain the background and ambitions of this young company.
SSS-17 RENEE FLEMING AND BRYN TERFEL SING
Peter Cruikshank, Coordinator * May 15th, 2012. * 1:00 PM-3:00 PM

Renee Fleming joins her host, Bryn Terfel, with the orchestra of the Welsh National Opera under the stars in the summer of 2003 in Wales singing a "Night at the Opera" and "An evening on Broadway". A DVD of this concert will be played in two 50 minute segments, separated by a break and discussion.
SSS-18 CONNECTICUT INVESTMENTS AND THE GLOBAL MARKETS
Ivan Backer * April 19th, 2012. * 1:00 PM-3:00 PM

Denise Napier or her deputy, Jonathan Harris, will speak about the effect of the current global uncertainties in the markets on Connecticut investments and the financial future of the state. Her presentation will be followed by questions and answers.