Perspectives on the 2008 Presidential Election
Introduction to Mushroom Identification
Dean Mullen
Fee: $89, 4 classes
WED: 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
August 20 and August 27 (lectures)
SAT: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm,
August 23 and August 30 (field trips)
This is an introductory course on how to identify wild mushrooms. Students will learn about the delicious, gourmet mushrooms that grow wild in the San Juan Mountains, and the inedible mushrooms that should be avoided. Wednesday classes will view the mushrooms being hunted and Saturday field trips will take you to locations in the San Juan’s where Dean knows many of the good spots for collection. Discussion will include how to best preserve and cook the bounty! Dean Mullen is a Fort Lewis College graduate with a degree in Environmental Biology and a special interest in the use of fungi in bioremediation. He is an avid mushroom hunter and will share knowledge from other generous ‘fungiphiles’.
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Historic Durango Walking Tour
Ann Butler
Fee: $24, 1 tour
SAT, 9:00 am – 11:00 am
September 13
*[Please Note: This tour is identical to the walking tour being offered as part of Durango 101, which occurs on September 27.]
Take a relaxed and fun walking tour of downtown and East Third Avenue visiting landmarks and hearing about Durango history from lifelong resident and journalist, Ann Butler. Learn more about the town we all share, and fascinating facts about some of the places you pass every day. Ann Butler, who grew up in Durango, has a personal and professional interest in many historic sites in Durango. She presently writes the Neighbors column for The Durango Herald.
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Durango 101
Ann Butler
Fee: $49, 2 classes
SAT, 10:00 am – 12:00 Noon
September 20, lecture + September 27, walking tour
*[Please Note: the walking tour that is part of Durango 101 is identical to the walking tours being offered under the title Historic Durango Walking Tour on Saturday, September 13. The walking tours are identical in content and location, and only vary in the dates being offered.]
Whether you're new to La Plata County or have been here for a while, this is a chance to learn more about the history of the community, key issues that confront us and “how things work.” Learn about vital organizations and activities that will deepen your connections, aid in building a social life and friendship network here and help you make more educated choices about how you spend your time and money. The second class will include a walking tour of downtown and East Third Avenue to visit early landmarks. Ann Butler, who grew up in Durango, is involved with many diverse populations in La Plata County through her work as the Neighbors columnist for The Durango Herald.
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Durango Gallery Walking Tour
Leanne Goebel
$24, 1 tour each
SAT, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
September 20 or October 18
Discover the hidden art treasures Durango has to offer. Whether you are an avid collector or new to the art scene, join local arts journalist and critic Leanne Goebel on a walking tour of Durango galleries. Learn about the artists, the mediums and what you need to know about buying art. The tour will include galleries specializing in Western, Southwestern, Contemporary, and Native American art and photography. Leanne is an arts journalist for the Durango Herald, a member of the International Art Critics Association and the recipient of a 2007 Creative Capital | Andy Warhol Arts Writers Grant.
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Become Your Own Astrologer
Francis Xavier Caulfield
Fee: $79, 1 class
SAT, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
September 20
Discover the full meaning and purpose of your life by learning how to interpret your own unique natal horoscope in a lively, fun, personal and educational class. Designed for students of all levels, this transformational class will guide you in becoming your own personal astrologer. You will learn to use ancient and modern techniques to interpret your chart in-depth and activate your highest potential. Week I: The basic astrological worldview and key principles of astrology are presented, i.e. houses, planets, signs, aspects, so that you will understand your unique life purpose and destination. Week II: Discover how the transformational and archetypal energies of the four outer planets and the asteroid goddesses affect your personal identity, life path and the evolution of planetary consciousness. Week III: Forecasting the chart through transits, time lords, solar arc and secondary progressions to understand your present circumstances and maximize your opportunities for growth and transformation. Week IV: Advanced modern and ancient techniques, midpoints, harmonics, planetary lots, are presented to allow you to go into your chart in depth. Each participant will receive a course packet including Whole Sign, Degree, Solar, Part of Fortune, and Sect charts, along with solar arc, secondary progressed, transit and other support material, included in the cost of the course. Francis ‘Xavier’ Caulfield is a self-taught expert in modern and ancient astrology, in professional practice for over fifteen years. He is a popular astrologer locally and nationally. His readings show depth, wisdom, humor and deep insight. Xavier also has a private practice in the healing arts with 20 years experience in both energetic and somatic therapies. His Shamanic Sound Ceremonies are offered throughout the year in the Durango area. Xavier is the author of the highly praised Spirit Boat Journey CD. For more information, visit franciscaulfield.com
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Landscape Geology of the Greater Durango Area
Jeff Brame
Fee: $169, 5 classes
THURS/TUES, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm (lecture)
September 25 – October 7,
SAT, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (field trip)
October 4
The Durango, Colorado area exhibits a fascinating variety of landscape scenery which is largely a function of the area’s underlying geology and geologic history. These scenic wonders have been created by the interaction of earth materials and earth processes over hundreds of millions of years. The objective of this course is to enhance your appreciation of the area’s landscapes by providing a basic knowledge of the geology behind the scenery. The course includes eight hours of classroom instruction and a one day geological field trip. Classroom handout materials and a field trip guide are included in the cost. Jeff Brame is owner and chief geologist of Brame GeoScience, LLC, in Durango. He has BS and MS degrees in geology and has been a working geologist for 32 years. Jeff has taught several courses on the geology of the Four Corners area, conducts La Plata County geological hazard surveys, consults to various oil companies, and leads geological seminars and field trips.
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Casual Geology of the Four Corners Area: Understanding Your Landscapes
Jeff Brame
Fee: $169, 8 classes
TUES/THURS, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
October 14 – November 6, 8 classes
The Four Corners area of Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona exhibits some of the most diverse landscape scenery in all of North America. This scenery derives most of its splendor from the underlying geology. In this course, you will acquire a new level of understanding, appreciation and exhilaration about this natural beauty by learning of the basic geology and earth processes responsible for creating the landscapes. The knowledge gained here will provide an enhanced experience in all of your future exploration of our spectacular Four Corners region. The course will be interactive and will involve extensive projected visual content. Comprehensive handout materials are provided so that class participants can take their own guided field trips later. Jeff Brame is owner and chief geologist of Brame GeoScience, LLC, in Durango. He has BS and MS degrees in geology and has been a working geologist for 32 years. Jeff has taught several courses on the geology of the Four Corners area, conducts La Plata County geological hazard surveys, consults to various oil companies, and leads geological seminars and field trips.
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Perspectives on the 2008 Presidential Election
John Culver, PhD
Fee: $59, 3 classes
TUES, 6:00 pm – 8pm
October 14 – October 28
This class examines the candidates’ campaigns, the process of elections, and voting behavior in this year’s historic presidential contest. A rich exchange of ideas and comments will be encouraged. Among other topics, we will discuss the influence of money in campaigns, the role of the Internet, why third-party candidates are at such a disadvantage in elections, and who votes. Is this unique election a one-time only contest or does it portend permanent changes in how we will go about selecting presidential candidates in the future? We will also discuss the media’s influence on the electoral process, public cynicism about elections, and proposals for reforming the way we choose candidates. John Culver relocated to Durango in 2002 after taking early retirement from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, California, where he taught for 28 years. He received his BS (1968) and MS (1970) in Political Science from the University of Oregon and his PhD in 1975 from the University of New Mexico. John has co-authored four textbooks and written a number of articles for scholarly journals on American Politics, Judicial Politics, and State Politics. He continues to be active in political campaigns.
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Introduction to Orienteering with Garmin GPS
Lynn Wickersham, MS
Fee: $59, 2 classes
WED, 4:00 pm – 6:30 pm
October 22 (lecture)
SAT, 8:00 am – 12:00 noon
October 25 (field trip)
Bring your Garmin GPS and compasses to class and learn orienteering skills for traveling or the backcountry. This introductory class will give you an overview of how to utilize Garmin GPS with an application to orienteering with map and compass. The lecture class will be followed by a hands-on field trip that will give you the skills to use your GPS in combination with a compass and map with more confidence. Lynn Wickersham is a wildlife ecologist and has been using GPS for orienteering as part of her work on a daily basis for over 10 years. Participants should provide their own GPS and handheld compass.
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An Introduction to Nation Building
Ed Villmoare, JD
Fee: $89, 4 classes
WED, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
October 29 – November 19
What is “nation building?” Is it the creation of new nations? The reconstruction of existing nations? Does it occur only after military intervention? Is it a pacification program? Is it colonialism by other means? Is it the imposition of western values and institutions on failed states? Does it (ever) work? If it does work, when and why? What is its connection of nation building to aid for economic development? Why did President George W. Bush say in 2000 that “I don’t think nation-building missions are worthwhile” only to make nation building the core of the US mission in Iraq? To answer these questions, the course will look briefly at the successful reconstruction of Germany and Japan after World War II and then explore in greater detail nation-building efforts in South Korea, East Timor, Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Special attention will be paid to nation building in Kosovo, the most documented and comprehensive effort at nation-building to date. Edwin Villmoare grew up in Washington, DC He received his undergraduate degree from Harvard and his M.A. and JD from the University of Virginia. He worked at the US Office of Economic Opportunity, the lead federal agency in the War on Poverty, and later for Governor Jerry Brown in California. He has been a corporate attorney, a civil rights attorney, a mediator, a chief hearing officer and a law professor. He spent eight months in Kosovo a year after the war as a representative of the American Bar Association working to construct a new legal system. He subsequently visited Kosovo on numerous occasions to consult and teach. He has taught professors, attorneys, and judges from Kosovo, Russia, Nigeria, Benin, Ghana, Senegal, Chile, and Armenia. He has consulted on an array of issues dealing with nation-building. He recently retired from McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific, in Sacramento. He is currently Distinguished Visiting Professor at the American University of Armenia in Yerevan.
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Instant Guitar for Busy Teens and Adults
Craig Coffman
Fee: $39 + materials, 1 class
FRI, 4:00 pm – 6:30 pm
November 7
Have you ever wanted to learn the guitar but simply find it difficult to find the time? In just a few hours you can learn enough about playing the guitar to give you years of musical enjoyment, and you won’t have to take private lessons to do it. This crash course will teach you some basic chords and get you playing along with your favorite songs right away. Bring your acoustic guitar. Class limited to 15 students. Topics include how chords work in a song, how to form the three main types of chords, how to tune your guitar, basic strumming patterns, how to buy a good guitar (things to avoid), and how to play along with simple tunes. Required materials fee of $25 will be collected in class by the instructor for workbook and practice DVD. Craig Coffman has been teaching music lessons to students all over the world for thirty years. He also teaches Instant Piano for Hopelessly Busy People.
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Instant Piano for Hopelessly Busy People
Craig Coffman
Fee: $39 + materials, 1 class
Pre-requisite: Ability to Read the Treble Clef
FRI, 6:40 pm – 9:40 pm
November 7
Some music teachers may not want you to know this, but you don’t need years of weekly lessons to learn piano. In just a few hours, you can learn enough secrets of the trade to give you years of musical enjoyment. How do we do it? While regular piano teachers teach note reading, piano professionals use chords, and you can learn all the chords you’ll need to play any song in this one session. Any song. Any style. Any key. If you can find middle C and know the meaning of Every Good Boy Does Fine, you already know enough to enroll in this workshop. Total beginners can request a free pamphlet by sending a SASE to Innovative Keyboard Instruction, 2841 S. Southwind Dr., Gilbert, AZ 85296. Required materials fee of $26 for workbook and practice CD will be collected in class by the instructor. Craig Coffman has been teaching private piano lessons and operating a piano studio for thirty years. He has successfully taught Instant Piano to over 18,000 students in 15 states and also overseas.
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History and Geology of Uranium Mining in Western Colorado
Jeff Brame
Fee: $39, 1 class
WED, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
December 3
Uranium and other radioactive elements have been mined in western Colorado for over 100 years. In fact, this area was the birthplace of the U. S. uranium raw materials industry. Uranium ore production here peaked in the early 1960’s and decreased to little or no activity in the 1990’s. Mining efforts have surged recently due to a sharp rise in uranium prices. This lecture presents the geology of uranium deposits and the history of mining activities in western Colorado. Jeff Brame is owner and chief geologist of Brame GeoScience, LLC, in Durango. He has BS and MS degrees in geology and has been a working geologist for 32 years. Jeff has taught several courses on the geology of the Four Corners area, conducts La Plata County geological hazard surveys, consults to various oil companies, and leads geological seminars and field trips.
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