MICL “C” Session, April 4 – April 8, 2016
Monday, April 4 10:00 AM-noon: TRAVELS AROUND THE WORLD
Gary Moore, Coordinator
This week we will travel to Argentina and Chile with Leonard and Cece Olives. Argentina and Chile
are bordered by the Andes; the highest peak in the Western Hemisphere, Aconcagua, dominates the
Andes at 22,834 feet. In the Northeastern part of Argentina, rain forests and Iguazú Falls are two of
the highlights. Chile extends like a ribbon down the west coast of South America for over 2500 miles—
but averages only 93 miles wide. This elongated country, wedged between the deepest ocean and the
longest mountain chain, straddles a tectonically unstable region. Mountains cover 80 percent of Chile.
Sounds like another exciting trip at MICL!
Monday, April 4, 1:00-3:00 P.M: PLAY READING
Carole Stark, Coordinator
We will continue our play reading or reader's theatre of Tennessee Williams' The Night of the Iguana.
Williams was a brilliant and prolific writer, who breathed passion and life into his characters. He was,
however, troubled and self-destructive, an abuser of drugs and alcohol. It was during a low point in his
life that he wrote Iguana in 1961. Thought provoking and gritty, this will sharpen your budding actor,
actress skills. Hope to see many of you at the class. It should be fun.
Tuesday and Thursday, 8:30-9:30 AM: YOUNG AT HEART/TAI CHI
Arline Wortner, Lila Huff, Doc Wait, Leonard Olives, Jim McCabe, Rudy Serrato Coordinators
This is a strength training program designed for older adults followed by Tai Chi. You may sit or stand
depending on your physical ability. The program follows the guideline of the “Presidential Fitness
Award.” Participants with problems should have their doctor’s approval.
Tuesday, April 5, 10:00 AM-noon: BIRDING
Dave Froba, Coordinator
We will learn to identify and appreciate the birds of our local area. We’ll use our field guide, photos,
videos, and audio. We’ll work both mind and soul, since to know nature is to love it. In addition, each
weekend we will take a non-MICL field trip to parts of the county, near and wide, to hone our skills and
deepen our appreciation. David Sibley’s “Field Guide to the Birds of Western North America” is
recommended but not required. In preparation for the class it would be good to watch the movie “Wings
Over Our Two Counties” on YouTube.
Tuesday, April 5, 1:00 PM-3:00PM: MICL MEET YOUR PAST
Hugh Brereton, Coordinator.
This is an opportunity to meet selected MICL members whose histories should prove to be of interest to
you. A message from the past describes this class very well. “Autobiographies are stranger than fiction
and just as engaging. MICL members share the rich tapestry of their lives.”
1st Hour: Marianne Mayerle
2nd Hour: Richard Cato
Wednesday, April 6, 10:00 AM-noon: GREAT DECISIONS
Jerry Jackman, Coordinator
The United Nations: On the eve of the international organization’s 70th birthday, the United Nations
stands at a crossroads. This year marks a halfway point in the organization’s global effort to eradicate
poverty, hunger and discrimination, as well as ensure justice and dignity for all peoples. But as the UN’s
193 member states look back at the success of the millennium development goals, they also must assess
their needs for its sustainable development goals—a new series of benchmarks, which are set to expire in
2030. With the appointment of the ninth Secretary-General in the near future as well, the next U.S.
President is bound to have quite a lot on his or her plate going into office.
Wednesday, April 6, 1:00 PM-3:00 PM: WRITING IT DOWN
Millie Starr, Coordinator
Be inspired to share your writing efforts in an encouraging and supportive classroom setting. Class
members write at home about anything they want, and share what they write in class. Come and join our
writing community as a writer or listener.
Thursday, April 7, 10:00 AM – noon: WHAT IN THE WORLD
Carol Quinlan, Coordinator
Have you ever watched TV or read a newspaper article, opinion, or letter to the editor and really wanted
to discuss or react to what you read? “What in the World” is just the class for you.
Thursday, April 7, 1-3 PM: BRIDGE FOR BEGINNERS
Gene Richards, Coordinator
Beginner’s Bridge has enjoyed an increase of eight new beginning members. Add these to our twenty
regulars and we have an exciting group of card players. There is room for plenty more. Join us.
Friday, April 8, 10:00 AM – end of film: FRIDAY AT THE MOVIES, “The 400 Blows”
Susan Wiltse Coordinator
1959
French (subtitles)
B/W
99 mins.
This is the story of a 13-year-old boy whose adventures were based on director Francois Truffaut's own
adolescence. After young Antoine runs away from home, life on the streets becomes very
difficult. Though he turns to petty crime to survive, Antoine’s remorse often leads him to try to return the
things he has stolen---with disastrous results. The film was nominated for a Best Screenplay Oscar and
the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival.
MICL BOOK CLUB – Thursday, April 28th, 1-3 PM
Coordinator: Carol Sullivan Discussion Leader: Joanne Midboe
O Pioneers! By Willa Cather. Cather’s sentimental and somewhat controversial novel tells the story of
the Bergsons, a family of Swedish pioneers that settles for life in the American prairie. While Alexandra,
the family matriarch, is able to turn the family farm into a financial success, her brother Emil must
grapple with the tragedy of solace and forbidden love. A novel surprisingly ahead of its time, this protofeminist work touches upon a wide range of themes, including love, marriage, temptation, and isolation.
MICL Trip: April 30, ANGEL ISLAND
Coordinator: Colleen Crosthwaite
MICL Trip Saturday, April 30. Angel Island State Park, the largest natural island in the San Francisco
Bay, offers some of the best views of the surrounding Bay Area. From 1910 to 1940, the U.S. Immigration
Station processed hundreds of thousands of immigrants, the majority from China. During World War II,
Japanese and German POWs were detained at the Station before being sent to facilities farther inland. We
will take a bus to Tiburon and then take the ferry to Angel Island. Upon arrival, we will take a shuttle to
the immigration museum. A box lunch is included in the trip cost. In the afternoon, we will take a tram
ride around the island. Following the tram tour, we will take the ferry back to Tiburon and then board the
bus back to Modesto. The trip cost is $71, checks made out to MICL. MICL members can sign up on
Monday, April 4 in the red folder. Family and friends can sign up on Monday, April 11. Signups
must be complete by April 20. Check-in time on April 30 is 7:15 AM in the MICL break room; bus leaves
at 7:30 AM and will return at approximately 5:30 PM.