November/December, 2015 Learning Club Council Contact Information Chair Ann Kohner kohnerad@charter.net Vice Chairs and Program Committee Chairs: Walt Carroll wandm@usfamily.net Secretary: Dick Dahl richard.dahl580@gmail.com Membership/Hospitality Chair: Mary Jane Sobeck 454-2094 Publicity Chair: Carole Stever carolestever@charter.net WSU Learning Club Learning in Retirement WSU Liaison: Jess Kauphusman, Director, Retiree Center jkauphusman@winona.edu Nancy Amann, Office Mgr, Retiree Center namann@winona.edu The Learning Club Mailing Address: Winona State University WSU Retiree Center P.O. Box 5838 Winona MN 55987 Location: 1 st floor/ WSU Alumni House 227 West Seventh Street Corner of Winona & Wabasha Streets retiree@winona.edu http://www.winona.edu/retiree Learning Club Memberships $20/person annually Contact: 507-457-2331 for details The Learning Club invites all members to share ideas for programs and attend programming meetings. The next meeting is 10/26/15 10:00 am History Center Go green - The Learning Club Newsletter is available online the 15th of even months www.winona.edu/retiree (click The Learning Club on the left navigation bar) You may print a copy or read online Save trees - receive an email copy Sign up 457-2331 How to Register for Classes and Events: 1. Phone: call 507-457-2331 2. Email: retiree@winona.edu 3. By Mail: The Learning Club, c/o WSU Retiree Center, PO Box 5838, Winona, MN 55987 4. In Person: WSU Retiree Center located on the 1 st floor of the WSU Alumni House, 227 West 7th Street (Corner of Winona & Wabasha Streets). Parking is available in the back. All programs/events requiring an additional fee must be paid in advance of the deadline indicated (by mail or in person as indicated above). Reservation for the program/event is not secured until payment is received.
Changing Community Norms: Preventing Sexual & Domestic Violence Sexual Violence is not inevitable it s preventable - Prevention is more than locking up offenders It s preventing sexual violence before it happens. This presentation by Helen Bagshaw and Sue Roehrich will be a lively and interesting slide show with plenty of discussion points for the audience to debate. Don t be a bystander! Come and learn about what is happening in Winona and Minnesota and the ways you can help prevent sexual and domestic violence for your family, friends, and neighbors in the work place and within our community. Over sixty thousand Minnesotans were sexually assaulted in 2005. That number would nearly populate the cities of Winona (27,741) and Moorhead (39,091) MDH Minnesota Dept. of Health. Helen Bagshaw qualified as a Registered Nurse and Clinical Teacher in England and worked in teaching hospitals in London, Birmingham and Leeds. Helen relocated to Winona from Leeds, Yorkshire in 2001 and joined Winona Health in 2002 as a Registered and Critical Care nurse in the Intensive Care Unit. Helen has also been a CPR, First Aid and Non Violent Crisis Prevention instructor for staff at Winona Health since 2005. She has trained over 1500 Winona community members in Hands-Only CPR since 2013. She is Chair of the Winona County Primary Prevention Project: Stop Sexual and Domestic Violence, and an advocate at Bluff Country Family Resource Center in Hokah, MN. Her passion is to talk to Community groups on Primary Prevention of Sexual and Domestic Violence and what we can do together to change the norms that allow violence to happen. Sue Roehrich retired in 2008 after forty years in public education as a curriculum director, school principal and classroom teacher. Sue continues to be connected to children through her adjunct work with student teachers at Winona State University and as a member of the Winona Public Schools Foundation Board. She is also active in the community through her work on the Vestry at St. Paul s Episcopal Church and as a member of the Winona Public Schools Foundation Board. Sue is co-president of the Winona Unit of the Retired Educators of Minnesota and membership chair of the Winona Unit of the League of Women Voters. She is also a CERT [Community Emergency Response Team] volunteer. Her passion for helping others includes her membership on the steering committee for the Winona County Primary Prevention Project: Stop Sexual and Domestic Violence. Keeping Winona a safe and welcoming community continues to be a priority for Sue. Date: Monday, November 2, 2015 Time: 10:00 a.m. Location: Winona County History Center 2
GENETICS III: NATURE VERSUS NURTURE - AN ENDLESS ARGUMENT The debate over nature (genetics) versus nurture (environment) has been waged for well over a hundred years. This power point presentation with an accompanying discussion will define the methods used by scientists to separate the roles of genetics and environment concerning complex human traits. Additional discussion will focus on specific traits such as I.Q., criminality, alcoholism, mental conditions, and other behavioral conditions. Richard Kowles is Distinguished Professor Emeritus in Biology at Saint Mary s University of Minnesota in Winona, MN. His undergraduate degree was obtained from Winona State University and after completing two master degrees, one in biology and one in education, he earned a Ph.D. in genetics at the University of Minnesota. He has taught for the past 58 years at various levels, the last 40 years as a geneticist and cell biologist at Saint Mary s University. Kowles is the author of two college textbooks, Genetics, Society, and Decisions and Problem Solving in Genetics, and more recently a trade book, The Wonder of Genetics. His latest book, A Passion to Teach. Fifty-eight Years of Humorous, Weird, and Engaging Tales, was published in 2013. Date: Thursday, November 12, 2015 Time: 1:00 p.m. Location: Winona County History Center Costa Rica Travels David Schultz and his wife, Connie Miller travelled to Costa Rica in March 2015. Please join us as David recounts highlights from the trip, particularly focusing on the plants and animals he saw there. Date: Wednesday, November 18, 2015 Time: 10:00 a.m. Location: Winona County History Center 3
My Favorite Physics Demonstrations Part 2: Electricity and Magnetism In Richard Shields forty years as a physics teacher, he has done many demonstration shows for students of all ages. These demonstrations have always delighted and amazed people of any age. Richard is sure you will find demonstration in electricity shocking and the demonstrations in magnetism attractive. This area of physics is filled with interesting scientists with interesting stories. The demonstration show will be held in Pasteur Hall 133 on the WSU campus at 1:00 p.m. on December 14 th. Final exams are over by this date so parking on campus should not pose a problem. Dr. Richard Shields taught Physics at WSU for over 40 years before retiring in 2014. Date: Monday, December 14, 2015 Time: 1:00 p.m. Location: Pasteur Hall, Room 133 WSU Campus MYSTERY READERS BOOK CLUB The Mystery Readers Book Club meets on the 4th Tuesday of every month at Callista Court. Members read any work by the author chosen for the month. To begin discussion one member gives a biographic summary of the author and information about his/her work. Date: Time: Location: Tuesday, November 24, 2015 - Author: Margery Allingham No Meeting in December due to the Christmas holiday 10:30 a.m. Callista Court - 1455 West Broadway STORYTELLING GROUP September to May - Meeting Date: 3 rd Wednesday of the Month Location: WSU Retiree Center, WSU Alumni House, 227 West Wabasha. Dates: Wednesday, November 18, 2015 Wednesday, December 16, 2015 Time: 1:00 p.m. Location: WSU Retiree Center, WSU Alumni House, 227 West 7 TH St. 4
Learning Club Calendar of Events November/December, 2015 Date Event Location Time November 2 Monday Preventing Sexual Violence Winona County History Center 10:00 AM 12 Thursday Genetics lll: Nature vs. Nurture Winona County History Center 10:00 AM 18 Wednesday Costa Rica Travels Winona County History Center 10:00 AM 18 Wednesday Storytellers Group WSU Retiree Center 227 W. 7 th St. 1:00 PM 24 Tuesday Mystery Readers Book Club Callista Court 1455 W. Broadway 10:30 AM 30 Monday Learning Club Council Meeting Winona County History Center 10:00 AM December 14 Monday Physics Demonstrations Part 2 Pasteur Hall 133 WSU Campus 1:00 PM 16 Wednesday Storytellers Group WSU Retiree Center 227 W. 7 th St. 1:00 PM 28 Monday Learning Club Council Meeting Winona County History Center 10:00 AM Stay Curious Keep Learning! 5
Senior University - Fall 2015 WE STILL HAVE TWO FABULOUS CLASSES TAKING REGISTRATIONS FOR FALL!! Fitness and Wellness for Active Adults with Justin Geijer & Kent Hansen Fridays, 1:00-2:30 p.m., October 30; November 6, 13, 20; December 4, 11 It s never too late to get fit! This course will give you the tools to maintain a fitness and wellness plan to enhance your overall health. Instructors and exercise science students will customize a wellness plan for each participant by performing a baseline fitness assessment, help set and implement individual nutrition and physical fitness goals, and educate participants on the benefits of exercise and proper nutrition for overall health and disease prevention. Don t miss this great opportunity to take charge of your fitness and overall wellness. (A physician s clearance and signed release form will be required prior to the first class period. The Retiree Center will email this form to you). A History of Religious Intolerance with Tim Forester Tuesdays, 2:15-4:00 p.m., November 10, 17, 24; December 1, 8, 15 Religious intolerance dominates many of today s headlines. This class will examine recurring themes in the history of religious intolerance in western societies, from early pre-monotheistic religions through Judaism, Christianity, Islam and the emergence of western secularism. The rise of modern religious toleration and examples from the distant past will also be presented, as well as ways to engage in interfaith dialogue as a part of an informed discussion of this challenging topic. Senior University is open to ALL persons of retirement age you DO NOT have to be a WSU retiree. Please contact the Retiree Center if you have any questions about Senior University. Senior U Spring Birding Class, May 14, 2015, Latsch Island, off Cement Road
WSU Retiree Center presents Canadian Rockies VIA Rail featuring Victoria & the Canadian Train 8 Days July 20, 2016 Highlights Three Canadian National Parks Banff, Jasper & Yoho Rail Experience - The Canadian Train Sleeper Cabin on Train Vancouver City Tour Victoria & Vancouver Island Butchart Gardens 2 Nights in Jasper Lake Louise Valley of the Ten Peaks Icefields Parkway Athabasca Glacier Ice Explorer Peyto Lake Banff Area Tour 2 Nights in Banff Maligne Lake Inclusions Roundtrip Airfare - MSP 2 Days VIA Rail The Canadian Sleeper Plus Class - Sleeper Cabin 12 Meals: 7 - B, 1 - L & 4 - D Daily Sightseeing Professional Tour Director Deluxe Motorcoach Baggage Handling Hotel Transfers Tour Rates Booking Discount*: $3799 pp double Regular Rate: $3899 pp double Single Supplement: +$950 *See Reservation Info for Booking Discount details Contact Information WSU Retiree Center Attn: Jessica Kauphusman PO Box 5838 Winona, MN 55987 (507) 457-5565 jkauphusman@winona.edu Booking #93401 Booking Discount - Save $200 per couple!*
Canadian Rockies VIA Rail Itinerary Day 1: Arrive Vancouver Arrive in Vancouver and meet your Tour Director. One of the most beautiful and cosmopolitan cities in North America, Vancouver dazzles with views of the Pacific Ocean, majestic mountains and a glittering skyline. Tonight enjoy a Welcome Dinner. Meal: (D) Overnight: Vancouver Day 2: Vancouver Island - Victoria Today ferry through the scenic Gulf Islands to Vancouver Island. Upon arrival visit the world famous Butchart Gardens to stroll among fifty acres of floral gardens, fountains and meandering paths. Then visit Victoria, British Columbia s beautiful capital. Enjoy a Victoria City Tour featuring the Inner Harbor, the imposing Parliament Building constructed in 1897 and views of the famous Empress Hotel. Enjoy a bit of leisure time to take in city s turn of the century Victorian charm or shop in the downtown heritage district. Later return to Vancouver by ferry. Meal: (B) Overnight: Vancouver Day 3: Vancouver - Board VIA Rail - Overnight on Train This morning enjoy a bit of leisure time. Later enjoy a Vancouver City Tour including Stanley Park, famous for its colorful Indian totem poles, Chinatown & Gastown, Vancouver s turn of the century pedestrian mall lined with shops and restaurants along cobblestone streets. Dinner is included before heading to the train station. Later board VIA Rail s gleaming refurbished train, The Canadian, for a classic and memorable 2 Day & overnight rail excursion into the awe-inspiring Canadian Rockies. Explore the train before settling into your comfortable cabin in the Sleeper Touring Class (Sleeper Cabin) for the evening. The cabin features chairs converted to upper and lower beds for sleeping, private toilet, sink/vanity and a closet. Breakfast and lunch are included with this class along with exclusive access to the Park Car for panoramic views. Meals: (B,D) Overnight: VIA Rail - Sleeper Car Day 4: Canadian Rockies By VIA Rail - Jasper The Canadian winds along the North Thompson River passing towering peaks and glacial valleys in a vast wilderness once only accessible by rail. Enjoy the views of the incredible passing scenery like Mt. Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Cross the Continental Divide into Alberta, arriving in Jasper in the late afternoon for a two-night stay. Meals: (B,L) Overnight: Jasper Day 5: Jasper National Park - Maligne Lake Today discover Jasper National Park, whose incredible scenery is comprised of carefully protected ecosystems, and is a photographer s paradise. The day begins with a visit to Maligne Canyon, a Jasper landmark. Next watch for wildlife as you drive to see the crystal blue waters of Maligne Lake, the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax or explore Jasper. An optional cruise to Spirit Island will be available. Meal: (B) Overnight: Jasper Reservation Information CANCELLATION WAIVER & Post Departure PLAN Payment of the per person Cancellation Waiver (waiver fee) guarantees full refund on all payments (including deposit), except the waiver fee itself, made for tour rates in case of cancellation up to the time & date of departure due to the passenger s personal illness (medical documentation required) or death of a member of the immediate family (official documentation required). If the passenger must return early due to the passenger s personal illness or death of a member of the immediate family, payment of the waiver fee guarantees a refund for the unused services. Payment of the waiver fee guarantees your return air transportation utilizing your original airlines tickets with no additional supplement. The waiver does not cover return transportation costs other than return air transportation utilizing original airline tickets. The waiver fee is fully refundable until 180 days prior to departure. The waiver fee does not cover any single supplement charges which arise from an individual s traveling companion electing to cancel for any reason prior to departure. The waiver is non-transferable and valid for each applicant only. The waiver does not cover any services such as airline tickets not purchased through Premier World Discovery. Post Departure coverage (Accident/Medical) is included. Brief description of coverage/benefits: Part A - Cancellation Waiver (Up to Trip Cost) Part B - Post Departure Plan: Trip Delay ($100/Day-Max $500), Baggage & Personal Effects ($2,000), Baggage Delay ($100/Day-Max $500), Emergency Accident/Sickness Medical Expense ($30,000), Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation ($50,000), Accidental Death & Dismemberment ($25,000), Emergency Travel Assistance (24/7-Included). All Cancellations, Claims & Inquiries under Part A will be handled by Premier World Discovery. All Claims & Inquiries under Part B will be handled by the Plan B Administrator. Full policy details available. Please note that your cancelled check or credit card statement will serve as your receipt for the policy. Cancellation Waiver & Post Departure Plan - $250 per person Day 6: Jasper - Icefields Parkway - Banff Today travel south along the Icefields Parkway, linking Jasper and Lake Louise, one of North America s most spectacular drives. Travel the road as it winds between snow-domed peaks and immense hanging glaciers; you may see elk, deer, bighorn sheep or bear. Stop to see the raw power of the Athabasca Falls. Later ride in a specially designed Ice Explorer on the 1000-foot thick Athabasca Glacier part of the Columbia Icefield, one of the largest ice masses outside of the Arctic Circle. Later scale Bow Pass and stop to see turquoise blue Peyto Lake. Next travel into Banff National Park & enjoy a brief Banff Area Tour including Mt. Rundle, Bow Falls, Tunnel Mountain & the Hoodoos. Then arrive at your hotel in the quaint town of Banff for a two-night stay. Meals: (B,D) Overnight: Banff Day 7: Banff - Yoho National Park - Lake Louise Today view two of the crown jewels of the Canadian Rockies. Stop to view spectacular Moraine Lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks before visiting the Chateau Lake Louise, located within a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Capture spectacular views and photos of Lake Louise and Victoria Glacier. Then travel through Kicking Horse Pass into Yoho National Park to see the Natural Bridge, the remarkable Spiral Tunnels and cross the Continental Divide before returning to Banff. This evening enjoy a Farewell Dinner with your fellow travelers. Meals: (B,D) Overnight: Banff Day 8: Banff - Calgary - Flight Home Transfer to Calgary and fly home filled with wonderful memories of your Canadian Rockies Via Rail Tour. Meal: (B) Accommodations 7 Nights Accommodations 2 - Vancouver 1 - VIA Rail - The Canadian Train 2 - Sawridge Hotel, Jasper 2 - Caribou Lodge or Ptarmigan Inn, Banff Train Accommodations...Sleeper Plus Class - Sleeper Cabin doubles are accommodated in a bedroom with a window and two armchairs, which are replaced by upper and lower beds for sleeping. Amenities include a small closet, mirror, sink/ vanity and private toilet. Breakfast & lunch are included along with exclusive access to the Park Car with it s lounges and 360-degree panoramic views. Singles are accommodated in smaller single bedrooms with a window seat that converts into a bed. Amenities include sink/vanity, mirror and toilet; single bedroom toilet is not accessible when bed is lowered. There are restrooms, and one (1) public shower in each sleeping car; each sleeping car accommodates 20 guests. Small overnight bag required. The Canadian Train departs Vancouver at 8:30 PM on Day 3 and arrives in Jasper at 4:00 PM on Day 4. The train schedule is subject to change & local rail traffic conditions. The Canadian Train is owned an operated by VIA Rail Canada. Tour Activity Level Easy 1 2 3 4 Active CANCELLATION FEES Cancellations not covered by the waiver or if the waiver is not purchased, are subject to the following per person fees: - Cancel more than 180 days prior to departure: Full Refund - Cancel 179-75 days prior to departure: Deposit or Waiver is Retained - Cancel 74-45 days prior to departure: 25% of total price - Cancel 44-15 days prior to departure: 50% of total price - Cancel 14 days or less prior to departure/no shows: No refunds IMPORTANT CONDITIONS/NOTES A valid US passport is required for this tour and is the responsibility of each passenger. Passports should be valid for up to six (6) months beyond the travel dates. All names must be submitted to Premier exactly as they appear on passenger passports. Tour rates are subject to increase until you are paid in full. Itinerary and hotels are subject to change. Responsibility Statement available on Reservation Form Page Reservation Form Page available as attached page 3, from your group organizer or by visiting premierworlddiscovery.com/reservations CST #2048841-40 DEPOSIT, FINAL PAYMENT & BOOKING DISCOUNT Deposit of $500 per person is due with Reservation Form to secure reservations. Final Payment is due 75 days prior to departure. *BOOKING DISCOUNT - Deposit by May 31, 2016 by check or credit card and make your Final Payment by check & receive $200 per couple/$100 per person Booking Discount!
Premier World Discovery Reservation Form (Canada) CANCELLATION WAIVER & Post Departure PLAN Payment of the per person Cancellation Waiver (waiver fee) guarantees full refund on all payments (including deposit), except the waiver fee itself, made for tour rates in case of cancellation up to the time & date of departure due to the passenger s personal illness (medical documentation required) or death of a member of the immediate family (official documentation required). If the passenger must return early due to the passenger s personal illness or death of a member of the immediate family, payment of the waiver fee guarantees a refund for the unused services. Payment of the waiver fee guarantees your return air transportation utilizing your original airlines tickets with no additional supplement. The waiver does not cover return transportation costs other than return air transportation utilizing original airline tickets. The waiver fee is fully refundable until 180 days prior to departure. The waiver fee does not cover any single supplement charges which arise from an individual s traveling companion electing to cancel for any reason prior to departure. The waiver is non-transferable and valid for each applicant only. The waiver does not cover any services such as airline tickets not purchased through Premier World Discovery. Post Departure coverage (Accident/Medical) is included. Brief description of coverage/benefits: Part A - Cancellation Waiver (Up to Trip Cost) Part B - Post Departure Plan: Trip Delay ($100/Day-Max $500), Baggage & Personal Effects ($2,000), Baggage Delay ($100/Day-Max $500), Emergency Accident/Sickness Medical Expense ($30,000), Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation ($50,000), Accidental Death & Dismemberment ($25,000), Emergency Travel Assistance (24/7-Included). All Cancellations, Claims & Inquiries under Part A will be handled by Premier World Discovery. All Claims & Inquiries under Part B will be handled by the Plan B Administrator. Full policy details available. Please note that your cancelled check or credit card statement will serve as your receipt for the policy. Cancellation Waiver & Post Departure Plan - $250 per person CANCELLATION FEES Cancellations not covered by the waiver or if the waiver is not purchased, are subject to the following per person fees: - Cancel more than 180 days prior to departure: Full Refund - Cancel 179-75 days prior to departure: Deposit or Waiver is Retained - Cancel 74-45 days prior to departure: 25% of total price - Cancel 44-15 days prior to departure: 50% of total price - Cancel 14 days or less prior to departure/no shows: No refunds RESPONSIBILITY Premier World Tours LLC dba Premier World Discovery (hereafter PWD), whose vouchers are used by respective agents for the passenger in all matters pertaining to hotel accommodations, sightseeing tours and transportation, hold themselves free of responsibility for any damages occasioned from any cause whatsoever. PWD will not be responsible for any damages or inconvenience caused by late arrivals, departures and change of schedule or other conditions nor will they be responsible for any act, omission, or event during the time the passenger is not on board their conveyance. The passage contract in use by the airline concerned, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the airline and the purchaser of this tour/cruise, and/or passenger. PWD does not hold any responsibility for the conduct of any of its members, hotel, motorcoach, cruiseline, train, airline or other personnel. PWD reserves the right to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of a tour/cruise at its discretion. PWD &/or its Tour Director retain the right to require any participant to withdraw from a tour/cruise at any time, if determined to be in the best interests of health, safety & general welfare of the tour/cruise group or of the individual participant. Arbitration - I/We agree, any and all disputes concerning this contract or any other material concerning the trip, or the trip itself must be resolved exclusively pursuant to binding arbitration in the state of California, pursuant to the then current rules of the American Arbitration Association. Payment of the deposit for this tour/cruise constitutes acceptance of these terms and conditions. CST #2048841-40 PASSPORT INFORMATION A valid US passport is required for this tour and is the responsibility of each passenger. Passports should be valid for up to six (6) months beyond the travel dates. All names must be submitted to Premier exactly as they appear on passenger passports. IMPORTANT CONDITIONS/NOTES Tour rates are subject to increase until you are paid in full. Itinerary and hotels are subject to change. DEPOSIT, FINAL PAYMENT & BOOKING DISCOUNT Deposit of $300 per person is due with Reservation Form to secure reservations. Final Payment is due 75 days prior to departure. *BOOKING DISCOUNT - Deposit by May 31, 2016 by check or credit card and make your Final Payment by check & receive $200 per couple/$100 per person Booking Discount! Reservation Form Canadian Rockies VIA Rail July 20, 2016 Booking #93401 Make Checks Payable to: Premier World Discovery Contact Information/Mail Reservation Form to: WSU Retiree Center Attn: Jessica Kauphusman PO Box 5838 Winona, MN 55987 (507) 457-5565 jkauphusman@winona.edu Enclosed please find a deposit in the amount of $ ($300 per person) to secure reservations for # of people. I (We) wish to purchase Cancellation Waiver & Post Departure Plan at this time Yes No Enclosed please find payment in the amount of $ ($250 per person) to secure the Cancellation Waiver & Post Departure Plan. Total Payment $ RT AIR GATEWAY ROOMMATE S RT AIR GATEWAY see flyer page 1 for included group RT air gateway/departure city, additional charges apply for other RT air gateways To avoid change fees, submit full Passport names (first/mid/last) exactly as they appear on Passports Passport Name DOB (MM/DD/YY) Gender M F Roommate s Passport Name DOB (MM/DD/YY) Gender M F Passport #: Exp Date (MM/DD/YY) Country of Issuance Roommate s Passport #: Exp Date (MM/DD/YY) Country of Issuance Your Address Check if Roommate s address is the same City State ZIP Tel # Email Address Mbl # Cardholder Name (if paying by credit card) Amount to be charged $ Credit card #: Exp. Date: Cardholder Billing Address: Check if address is the same as above Signature Required (for credit card use & acceptance of terms*): Today s Date: *I (We) agree to pay according to the credit card issuer agreement. I understand and accept the cancellation fees/policy and other terms.