Protect Yourself: Older Adult Safety

Tuesday, February 7         
11:30 AM – 12:45 PM
Gilkerson Activity Center

Join Officer Rachel Hammer of the Harrisonburg Police Department and learn how to keep yourself and loved ones safe from issues directly affecting older adults.  Topics such as financial exploitation, identity theft, and residence safety will be discussed.  Officer Hammer has extensive experience in law enforcement and investigating crimes against older adults.     

Introduction to Sweeney Todd 

Tuesday, February 21 
11:30 AM – 12:45 PM
Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 660 S. Main St., Harrisonburg

Linell Gray Moss will introduce you to the characters, plot, and music of Sondheim’s musical, Sweeney Todd.  Learn more about Sondheim, the genre of musical theatre and about this darkly comic musical, and enhance your experience as you attend the performance at the Forbes Center.  This presentation is open to all, whether attending Sweeney Todd or not.

Virginia Master Gardener Program

Tuesday, March 6
11:30 AM – 12:45 PM
Gilkerson Activity Center

The Virginia Master Gardener Association, Inc. is a state-wide association of Master Gardeners and Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) employees whose mission is to foster communication, education and fellowship among Master Gardeners.  Ed Comer, a retired pediatrician, has been a Master Gardener for three years.  Join him as he discusses the Master Gardener Program, how it was developed and what’s involved in the program’s training.  Ed will include pictures of the gardens he has created around his home.          

Treasures from the Attic, by Charles Welsh       

Tuesday, March 20   
11:30 AM – 12:45 PM
Gilkerson Activity Center

Charles Welsh will present his book, Treasures from the Attic, which chronicles his father’s 19-month Navy career during World War II as told by the nearly 500 letters that he wrote home. A career journalist, he was 32 years old and married with three children when he enlisted in the Navy in early 1944. The letters showcase his writing ability in the form of love letters, travelogues and battle depictions. 

So you have a new iPad, now what?

Tuesday, April 3
11:30 AM – 12:45 PM
Gilkerson Activity Center

At this workshop participants will learn the ins and outs of getting your iPad up and running. This workshop will cover tips and tricks for using the iPad. Bring your own iPad along and we'll help you get more acquainted with your new device and answer any questions.

Grover Saunders and Jamie Calcagno-Roach both work at JMU's Center for Instructional Technology helping faculty integrate technology into their teaching.

Arboretum Tour 

Tuesday, April 17
11:30 AM – 12:45 PM
Edith J. Carrier Arboretum

Discover how living and non-living organisms coexist and thrive in the forest ecology. Learn to identify a variety of native plants and trees and explore how the Native Americans of Virginia used these plants for food, tools, and medicine.

Virginia Master Naturalist Program 

Tuesday, May 1
11:30 AM – 12:45 PM
Gilkerson Activity Center

The Virginia Master Naturalist program is a statewide corps of well-informed volunteers who provide education, outreach and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities.  The newly formed Headwaters Chapter, which includes Rockingham and Augusta counties, will conduct training in August.  Sandy Greene, membership chairperson for the Headwaters Chapter, will present an overview of the program, upcoming training opportunity, and a 'field guide' to our local natural resource agencies.

Growing Grapes & Creating Wine

Tuesday, May 15
11:30 AM – 12:45 PM
Bluestone Vineyard

Bluestone Vineyard president Curt Hartman will speak at their state of the art winery on the subject of raising grapes and turning these grapes into wonderful wines.   Enjoy a wine tasting where you can overlook the vine covered hills.  The vineyard is located south of Bridgewater, just take US 42, after crossing North River turn right onto Spring Creek Road.  There is a $5 fee to participate in the tasting.

Preview of Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival 2012

Tuesday, May 29
11:30 AM – 12:45 PM
Gilkerson Activity Center

Find out what is happening at this year's Bach Festival. Mary Kay Adams, executive director and principal flutist, will give details of the concerts slated for June 10-17. Information about featured artists, repertoire, the commissioned work, and events will be discussed. Brief audio clips of some of the works will be played. This overview will be of interest to veteran Festival attendees and also to those who have never attended before.