Branch Program

Monday, November 27, 2017

9:30 – 10:30 MONDAY INTEREST GROUPS Please see Bulletin page 18.

BOOK DISCUSSION Heritage Room News of the World by Paulette Jiles

Discussion Leader: Elaine Kirk

Captain Kidd travels from one town to another in post- Civil War Texas to read world news to local audiences. He agrees to deliver 10-year-old Johanna, who had been kidnapped by Indians, to her relatives near San Antonio, an arduous and dangerous journey. Therein lies the tale!

GREAT DECISIONS Presidents’ Hall Topic: Nuclear Security
Leader: Joyce Prudden and Barb Taft

Countries like North Korea, Russia, and India and Pakistan challenge United States’ nonproliferation efforts. The possibility that terrorists will carry out an attack using a “dirty bomb,” made from captured nuclear materials, looks increasing real. In a fractious world, what is the way forward for United States nuclear security policy?

HANDWORK/CRAFTS Dining Room Topic: Quilting
Leader: Carrie D’Andrea

Continue quilting lessons with clever techniques. Show and tell and questions are always welcome.

KNOW YOUR DEVICE Minnesota Room Leader: Esther Fabes

This users group will answer each other’s questions about smart phones, iPads, and technology mysteries.

WRITERS’ GROUP Library Leader: Bev Erickson and Sue Peterson

Join fellow members who enjoy writing of all kinds. No 48experience is necessary.

10:45 – 11:45 HEALTH

Adventures Underground: Searching for Cures to Save the Bats

Speaker: Christine Salomon, PhD, Associate Professor, Center for Drug Design, University of Minnesota

Since 2007, bat populations in the United States have been declining precipitously due to a devastating fungal disease called White Nose Syndrome (WNS). Salomon leads a research program to harness microbes from nature to develop possible treatments. Learn why bats are so important for humans and the environment, the challenges to fighting WNS, and how you can help.

11:45 – Noon ANNOUNCEMENTS
12:00 – 1:15 LUNCHEON

1:15 – 2:15 WRITERS AND READERS

Writing and Resistance

Speaker: Sun Yung Shin, Writer, Editor, and Author

In discussing her work, Sun Yung Shin will talk about how her origins as an orphan from Korea and her upbringing in the Chicago area influenced her passion for justice and writing as a form of resistance as well as necessary beauty.