Watercolor Painting Workshop

Date/Time: Thursday, June 7, 9:00am-3:00pm
Cost: $21.00
Location: Village Hall, Virginia Mennonite Retirement Center, Limited to 10 participants

Description: The day begins with a painting demo. Each participant will have free time to paint. A critique will be held at the end of the class. Allen Berkshire, is a self-taught artist who has developed his painting tech-niques and artistic vision through hard work and years of practice. Additionally, fellow artists Ray Yoder, Frank Webb and Tony van Hasselt have each served to enrich the depth and character of Allen's artwork through the sharing of their time and techniques.

Observing the Shenandoah Valley Night Sky

Date/Time: Thursday, June 14, 2:00-4:00pm
Cost: $10.00
Location: John C. Wells Planetarium on the JMU campus

Description: Astrophysics is an academic enterprise in which we have learned our universe is filled with billions of galaxies, each of which can have billions of stars. We are now learning that planets around these stars are common. Is the discovery of life next? Join us for an afternoon at the John C. Wells Planetarium on the JMU campus to learn more about these discoveries and how you can use the constellations to find your way around the night sky. If weather permits, there will be a telescope observing session in the evening. Your instructor, Shanil Virani, is the Director of the John C. Wells Planetarium and an Assistant Professor of Physics & Astronomy at JMU.

East European Orthodox Iconography

Date/Time: Wednesday, June 20, 10:00am-12:00noon
Cost: $7.00
Location: Hiner Room, Memorial Hall

Description: Icons express in images the spiritual realities that are inexpressible in words. We will undertake a close examination of the historical, cultural, theological and spiritual elements, paying close attention to technical detail. We will discuss history and styles of Iconography, traditional and modern techniques, meaning and symbolism in Orthodox Iconography. We will analyze different painting and finishing techniques, gold leafing, and egg-tempera technique. Anca Schmittou has been involved in exhibitions in United States, Romania, Hungary and Japan. She is a permanent artist at the CoArtGallery in Staunton.

Treasures of Shenandoah Mountain

Date/Time: Thursday, June 28, 8:30 -3:30
Cost: $21.00 Limited to 12 participants

Description: Located west of Harrisonburg in the George Washington National Forest, Shenandoah Mountain is a popular recreation area, offering scenic views, cascading cold-water native trout streams, hiking trails, and biodiversity in abundance. It is a haven for black bear and home to 250 species of birds. Beginning in Harrisonburg, the group will caravan to Hone Quarry Picnic Area and then continue on to Reddish Knob, the highest point. We will stop a second time at Hone Quarry on our return to enjoy a bag lunch. Participants will learn about the history and ecology of the area with particular attention to wildflowers and birds. Leaders: Naturalist Diane Holsinger and Friends of Shenandoah Mountain Co-chair Lynn Cameron. Participants should be able to walk at least ¼ mile over uneven ground without assistance. Bring water, a bag lunch, wear sturdy shoes and bring a jacket and binoculars.

Architecture of Staunton

Date/Time: early July
Cost: $21.00.

Description: Further information forthcoming During a five block walk on Beverly St. in downtown Staunton, we'll revel in the Revival architecture. Beginning at the synagogue, we'll walk and talk about the various buildings down to the Trinity Episcopal Church with its magnificent Tiffany windows. In the church, we'll be treated to a special event. Lunch will be on your own downtown.

Heads Up for this Trip! The Best of Great Britain

Date: June 11 – June 19, 2013 (yes, that's next year!)
Approximate cost: $3500.

Description: This nine day trip to Great Britain will begin in Glasgow, Stirling and Edinburgh, Scotland and then travel to York, Oxford and London, England. The tour will include a cross-cultural experience, a Thames River cruise and two evenings at London theater performances. Visits will be made to museums, churches, medieval abbeys and castles.

Informational Meeting: A representative from Casterbridge Tours and LLI member Anna Rose Geary will meet with interested potential travelers on Wednesday, July 11, 2012 (yes, that's this year) at 11:00 am, in Blue Ridge Hall, room to be announced.