Spring Term

Week of March 30

This page shows classes for the current week. The information below is taken from the weekly email that is sent to ALL members. However, here we do not here provide the credentials needed for attending via Zoom. If you are not a member, contact our Program Coordinator to obtain credentials. Each classes uses different credentials.

Tuesday, March 31, 2026 – HYBRID
1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

The Constitution Then and Now
Presented by Robert Leff, Play Director

When Heidi Schreck was 15 years old, she traveled the country giving speeches about the Constitution at American Legion halls for prize money. In her 40s, she wondered what her 15-year-old self-loved so much about it. In “What the Constitution Means to Me,” she resurrects Heidi at 15 and the speech she gave while telling stories about the women in her family as well as the document’s impact on their lives. Director Robert Leff will share his insights about the Constitution and the challenges directing the play.

Wednesday April 1, 2026 – HYBRID
1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

The Changing Landscape of Public Education in 2026
Presented by Dr. Ryan Noss, Superintendent, Corvallis School District

In what ways does public education continue to serve a diverse society? What limitations have been created by a system designed for the Industrial Revolution? Superintendent Noss will share his views on the current strengths and challenges for public education. He will highlight the current status and future projections at the local, state, and national levels.

Thursday, May 7, 2026 – Hybrid
9:30 a.m. –11:30 a.m.
This is being posted now so that you will have time to read the book.

Book discussion: Michael Pollan’s “A World Appears”
Hosted by Kurt Swenson, ALL member

Michael Pollan was featured in the OSU Provost lecture on April 2, 2024. He announced that his next book would be about consciousness. It was released this year at the end of February and is titled ‘A World Appears’. In his typical style, Pollan has interviewed numerous researchers and has explored the philosophical and linguistic literature concerning what consciousness is, and its basis.  Just reading or listening to the book may not be enough for some of us to fully appreciate all of the interesting ideas that he covers, so I propose we get together and discuss our takeaways.  The discussion will be most fruitful if people have read the book first, but it might be interesting for some to listen to what those of us that have read it have to say to decide whether they would want to read it as well.  I will provide a summary as a starting point and then moderate a discussion with the attendees. I look forward to a discussion with you.