9:30-10:30

Monday Interest Groups

• Book Discussion: The Madonnas of Leningrad – Heritage Room
  Discussion Leader: Mollie Keys
  This is the story of an elderly Russian woman now living in America. She recounts the memories of her youth in Leningrad as a tour guide at the Hermitage. During the siege of the city at the time of the German invasion, many worked to protect the masterpieces in this great museum.
• Handwork/Crafts – Dining Room
  Presenter: Carrie D’Andrea
  Carrie will have an “Anatomy of a Quilt” demonstration plus a few sneaky tricks. Bring what you are working on as we love show and tell.
• Travel – Presidents’ Hall
  Topic: See Europe by Foot
  Speaker: Leslie Swenson
  Leslie will share her adventures hiking in England, Scotland, and Mont Blanc, crossing from France into Italy. Put on your walking shoes and join us to see Europe by foot.

10:45-11:45 Presidents’ Hall

Political World Landscape
Islam Hot Topics
Speaker: The Reverend Douglas Cox, Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, Excelsior, MN

We can all use some guidance on the confusing topics of Sharia law and jihad. Should we be concerned about what these topics mean for us and for America? Our speaker has degrees in both Islamic studies and divinity. Pastor Cox has lived and worked among Muslims in Egypt, Tunisia, France, Madagascar, and the United States. He often speaks with interfaith groups and brings a wealth of information and a vision for de-radicalizing relationships with our Muslim neighbors. -Barb Link

11:45-Noon

Announcements

Noon-1:15

Luncheon
Luncheon Hostess: Elaine Braun
Guest Hostess: Marlene Teien

House Management – Association Room
International Guest – Heritage Room
Nominating Committee – Porch

1:15-2:15 Presidents’ Hall

Justice for All
Access to Justice
Speakers: Kassius Benson, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Kaarin Nelson, Criminal Defense Lawyer

Access to justice, the foundation of our legal system, is a fragile principle. Learn about current problems and evolving trends in the criminal justice system from two criminal defense lawyers who face these challenges with their clients and in court every day. The unreliability of eyewitness testimony, the role of money in accessing justice, and the overuse of the felony conviction will be addressed. -Tamra Nelson