Discover the magic of spontaneous expression in painting. Based on the book Life, Paint and Passion by Michele Cassou and Stewart Cubley.

FACILITATOR BIO: Rita Sherwood was born and raised in Detroit, where she studied Advertising Art in high school and received her BFA in drawing and painting from Wayne State University. She is now attending WNMU, pursuing a Masters in interdisciplinary studies. Rita has worked in the art departments of Detroit Historical Museum and Wayne State University, and taught drawing and painting classes in night school and at recreation departments for many years in the surrounding Detroit area. Before Rita came to Silver City, she taught painting and drawing to Ford Motor Co. employees, through the UAW Union, for stress release and relaxation purposes. Her work hangs in churches, homes and businesses from Windsor, Ontario (Canada) to California. Landscape painting is her passion, especially the Gila River.

Bring your favorite photos of your pet(s) and learn to draw the essence of your pet's personality by capturing an expression, or pose, or highlight that will bring it out. The class will include demonstration time and time to practice.

FACILITATOR BIO: Rebecca Rands is a child of the West. Her artistic background includes studies at Palomar College in San Marcos, CA, Western Wyoming College in Rock Springs, a BFA degree from Northern Arizona University in Sculpture and a MAIS degree in Expressive Arts and Counseling from Western New Mexico University. She believes that the purpose of her art is to recognize the sacred in ordinary life and to share that vision with others through her work.

Students will learn to weave a basic 5"x6" weaving, and we will sneak in some tapestry, Chimayo style.

FACILITATOR BIO: Hosana Eilert is a master weaver who has been weaving for the past 20 years. She weaves primarily in the Rio Grande/Chimayo tradition, and all her pieces are original creations. She engages in all aspects of the weaving process, including designing, carding, spinning, natural dyeing, and weaving.

This class is designed for those who have no mountain dulcimer experience, however, those with some experience but having a need for more beginning instruction are welcomed. We will use a book, "First Lessons Dulcimer Book/CD" for the class. The facilitator will have these in the class for $11.00. A few dulcimers will be available for rent for $20.

FACILITATOR BIO: Through the years Peggy Spofford has played many musical instruments. She was a member of the Desert Larks Recorder group here in Silver City. She has been playing mountain dulcimer since 2004. Peggy has attended numerous workshops from the east coast to the west. She started the Mogollon Mts. Dulcimers in 2005. She brought in nationally known dulcimer players in 2006 - 2008 for workshops and concerts. She taught Beginning Dulcimer at the NM Dulcimer Festival in Albuquerque in Oct. 2011 and 2012.

The only pipe organ in the mining area is at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in historic downtown Silver City. The class participants will learn the basics about a pipe organ and be given background on the recital pieces to enhance listening pleasure. The class will include a viewing of the organ chamber to see the pipe ranks and the wind chest and also a demonstration of the workings of the organ console. Adele will perform pieces that demonstrate the workings of the organ and the console along with showing the range of the sound the organ is capable of producing.

FACILITATOR BIO: Adele Giusto is a long time Silver City resident, teacher and musician. In the Fall of 2011, she presented a WILL lecture/ recital of three sessions that gave background on her WNMU Master's solo piano program. She enjoys learning both organ and piano classical repertoire and plays monthly at the Good Shepherd for a Sunday worship service.

This class will explore using a single sheet of paper in an elegant and simple way to make pocket-books. We'll make a "practice" book at the beginning of each session - before the student creates the final project. The "practice" book gives the student a model to take home for later reference. Handouts with diagrams and instructions will be included for each project. Each project can be made from large or small papers, and can be customized to hold collections such as garden seeds, mementos from a vacation, special occasion photos, recipes, wine bottle labels, business cards, or all those receipts accumulating in wallets, pockets, and purses.

FACILITATOR BIO: Patricia Bouchard has been working with fiber since she was a small child. She trained as a printmaker in mid-life, and found paper to be a fascinating and diverse medium. She has especially enjoyed bookmaking. Patricia is currently exploring "the fold": making small books, envelopes, folders, and folded-book sculptures.

This is a four-part history of the 100-plus year-old American Broadway Musical, from colonial times through last weekend. We each have our favorites, so we'll talk about the shows, the performers, the songs and of course, the business itself - it is after all Show "Business." Along with the handouts and conversation, we'll let Broadway speak for itself, with segments from Public Broadcasting's six-part series "Broadway: The American Musical." Come on along and listen to…well, you know how the rest of it goes.

FACILITATOR BIO: Jim Kelly first hit the stage at the ripe old age of six in the National Children's Theatre production of "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs." Since then, he has directed or performed leads and principal roles in more than two dozen professional musical productions, as well as leads and supporting roles in another dozen straight plays. He taught theatre for 10 years, and some of his students have gone on to establish acting schools, perform on television and write award-winning children's plays for the Manhattan Children's theatre in New York City. In his "day job," Jim toiled as an award-winning newspaper reporter and columnist for several newspapers and magazines.

Another in our series of viewing and discussing films co-starring our beautiful state of New Mexico.

FACILITATOR BIOS: Pam Bryant, Ron Groves and Jim Huse are members of WILL's Curriculum Committee and enjoy viewing and discussing these home-state produced films.

This class will be a discussion and Q & A on the process of researching, writing, copywriting, directing and presenting a play. The focus will be on the one man play "TUCK©" which debuted in Silver City in August, 2012. The one-man show "TUCK©" is a historically accurate depiction of Silver City and Grant County in the 1870's and 80's. The author will share the challenges of gathering dry historical facts and weaving them into a monologue presented through the "voice" of Deputy Dan Tucker, the real life deputy who lived through and experienced those times. The process of taking the words on paper and transforming them into a live presentation by Tuck himself will be discussed as will the methods used to stage, direct and present the show to an audience. This course is aimed at anyone with an interest in playwriting, acting, directing, a general interest in theater or just a curiosity as to "How did they do that?"

FACILITATOR BIO: Randy Carr has a BA in acting and directing, and an MA in Human Relations. He also has 25 years of experience in legal and technical writing and lecturing.

Expressive writing happens when something triggers your imagination and you let your pen or pencil or keyboard take on a life of its own to capture the thoughts that arise-without any judgment on your part or that of others. Some people produce fiction, others memoir, and others poetry. Often what you write here will prove to be a source for your writing outside of class. Whether you've been looking for a way to begin writing or to enhance your writing, this course will offer you a safe place to do that. What is written in Expressive Writing Class Stays in Expressive Writing Class. Everything that is written in class is considered "fiction" and all feedback by members of the class is positive. The intent is to encourage writing, not discourage it. Material will be provided to whet your creative mind. All writing is done in class during 15-20 minute writing sessions. Bring a notebook and pen or pencil or, if you prefer, your laptop.

FACILITATOR BIO: Jeannie Miller facilitated Gila Writers, an expressive writing program, for 3 years. Her writing was selected three times to appear in the Desert Exposure Writing Contest issues. She writes for her own enjoyment. Jeannie is the current President of WILL.

Shakespeare's play is both charming and troubling. At the end, you don't know if you have seen a comedy or a tragedy, a love story or a tale of hate. In its infinite ambiguity, it is quintessential Shakespeare. One of his most performed plays, it tempts great actors to portray Shylock. We will view Laurence Olivier and Al Pacino among others as they try to bring to life this complex character. The recommended text is from the Folger Library, but any version will do.

FACILITATOR BIO: Frost McGahey has taught Shakespeare and other courses for WILL for the past seven years. She has also written, produced and directed two plays relating to Shakespeare. Frost is currently working on a novel, Shakespeare and the Mystery of the Hunchback King.

Haiku is an ancient form of Japanese poetry, comprised of 3 lines and being 17 syllables in total. The related forms of ranga and senyru are explored. The course starts with a look at the haiku of the masters but quickly centers on student writing and sharing of that work. The class ends with a tea session of sharing the final works of the classmates and a bonus tea bowl, hand thrown by the facilitator, and presented to each student.

FACILITATOR BIO: William Blakemore has taught English and Creative Writing for over 30 years. He has conducted numerous haiku workshops, writes a haiku blog, and is active in the Silver City Arts Community.

We will discuss the following poets: Alonzo de Ercilla, La Araucana and other selections; Sor Juana Inez de la Cruzm Hombres Necios and other poems; Andres Bello, Selections; Ruben Dario, Selected poetry;; Gabriela Mistral, Poems; Cesar Vallejo, Poems; Pablo Neruda, Poems; Octavio Paz, Poems; Joal Cabral de Mielo Neto, Poetry; Blanca Varela, Poetry; Delmiri Agustini, Poetry; Alfonsina Storni, Poetry. No book is required; facilitator will provide handouts.

FACILITATOR BIO: Dr. Ortego y Gasca has a Ph.D. in English literature, and is WNMU scholar in residence and the chair of the Chicano and hemispheric studies department.

The best science fiction films are much more than spectacles of the fantastic. Beyond entertaining us, they often reveal the aspirations, fears, and pressing social issues of the viewing generation. This is most evident when comparing several films from different eras (e.g. decades) and against the historical contexts of their audiences. In this course we will (mainly) steer clear of the "B-movies" camp, and instead collaborate in critical viewings and analyses of at least 6 influential science fiction films from 6 different decades, and from both foreign and American directors.

FACILITATOR BIO: Dr. Manda Clair Jost is Professor of Biology at WNMU Natural Sciences, and also studied film history and theory at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. In addition to her scholarly interests in science and the history of science, Dr. Jost has also worked on a number of independent documentary films, and has a short futuristic film in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, NY.

Though women have been filmmakers since the beginning of the filmmaking process (Alice Guy-Blanche who directed La Fee aux Choux in 1896) this class will deal with contemporary women filmmakers such as Nora Ephron and Deepa Mehta. We will look at 6 women filmmakers over 6 weeks (1 per week)

FACILITATOR BIO: Chris Aquino hails from Chicago, IL. He attended the Columbia College Film School from 1983-1986 where he was at the top of his class. His passion for filmmaking has served him well throughout his life. He was running a successful video production company from 1990-1995 until he and his family decided to move west. In 2001 he again started a production company in Fort Collins, CO. He successfully grew that company until 2005 when he moved to Silver City, NM where he and his partner Mary now make their home.

Billy Wilder was a filmmaker, screenwriter, producer, artist and journalist who made over 60 films; he has been described as "one of the most brilliant and versatile filmmakers of Hollywood's Golden Age." His films depict human nature and the issues that confronted ordinary people and intentionally avoided any particular political tone. Alcoholism, murder, comedy were his forte showing his diverse side of entertainment. Many of his films have been repeatedly aired on television and no doubt will be continued and will serve as models for current and future filmmakers. This class will discuss Wilder's background and some of his favorite actors and a series of comedic films and two that are not often seen. Choosing a selection of films from his vast repertoire is certainly difficult but for this class we will re-visit Sabrina, Some Like It Hot, The Apartment, Irma La Douce and The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes.

FACILITATOR BIO: Ted Presler is a member of WILL's Curriculum Committee and a resident film enthusiast.

Participants will be provided with a once-in-a-lifetime, Director and scholar-led, VIP experience with WNMU Museum's prehistoric Mimbres pottery collections, including its newest acquisition, the NAN Ranch Collection. A brief presentation on Mimbres pottery and culture will be followed by a hands-on session with selected pottery from the NAN Ranch and Eisele Collections. Participants will learn firsthand how to identify the different types of Mimbres pottery made between A.D. 200 and 1150 in the Mimbres Valley and surrounding areas.

FACILITATOR BIO: Dr. Cynthia Ann Bettison has been the Director of the Western New Mexico University Museum since 1991. As an archaeologist for the past 32years, Dr. Bettison has conducted research in the American Southwest, Southern California, Peru, and Nevada. She has published articles in a number of professional journals and presented hundreds of professional papers, lectures and tours to a wide range of audiences. Her research interests for the past fifteen years have focused on the development of prehistoric ethnic group identity formation and interaction in west-central and southwest New Mexico and east-central Arizona, Mimbres Mogollon archaeology and pottery, and prehistoric pottery of the Southwest. She has a BA in Anthropology/Biology from Pitzer College, an MA in Anthropology with specialization in Southwest Archaeology and Geo-archaeology from Eastern New Mexico University; a PhD in Anthropology with specialization in the Archaeology of Arid Environments from University of California, Santa Barbara and is a Registered Professional Archaeologist.

Since its invention, photography has documented important world events. In the twentieth century a number of women photojournalists came to the fore through their reporting of the Great Depression, World War II and Viet Nam. This course explores some of these significant world events by reviewing the lives and work of three of these women: Dickey Chapelle, Margaret Bourke White and Dorothea Lange.

FACILITATOR BIO: Doc Campbell has been involved in photography and history since a young age.

We will look at images of women on Mimbres pottery and what those images and other data from Mimbres sites tell us about the role of women in Mimbres society.

FACILITATOR BIO: A native New Mexican, Marilyn Markel has long had an interest in the history and archaeology of the Southwest. Marilyn is a graduate of the University of New Mexico and has 30 plus graduate hours at WNMU in history and archaeology, with a focus on southwest N.M. Marilyn, an early childhood educator, taught preschool and kindergarten for many years, worked in the education outreach program at the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology at UNM, and has taught archaeology at Aldo Leopold High School for the last 2 years. She has been a volunteer at the Silver City Museum since 1993 and was the site manager and education director of the Mimbres Culture Heritage Site for 5 years.

The review of the world of Ancient Egypt continues with Part IV where we will begin with the 23rd Dynasty of the 3rd Intermediate Period where a major civil war takes place in Thebes, the Kushite take over Thebes and eventually all of Egypt, the Assyrians invade. We will then go to the Late Period of 664-332 when the Persians invade. In 332 Alexander comes to Egypt and the Siwa Oracle; Alexander dies and the throne of Egypt passes to his so called heirs and the Ptolemaic Period begins and ends with the fall of Cleopatra and Marc Anthony. We will explore these events through Powerpoint lectures and film with a little taste of the Middle East.

FACILITATOR BIO: Ted Presler is continuing his Ancient Egypt series for WILL. In retirement Ted received an Associate Degree in Anthropology, spent several summers in Belize and Ecuador on archaeological digs and spent 6 weeks in Egypt studying the history of Ancient Egypt.

This presentation will cover some aspects of the culture of Comanche and Apache tribes, including warfare, food, marriage, religion, weapons, and captives.

FACILITATOR BIO: Dale Geise is a retired professor emeritus from WNMU (1969-99) and he served in the National Park Service 1958-65.

In the spirit of celebrating the Centennial of American Independence, Grant Countians mounted a rebellion of their own in 1876. Dissatisfied with treatment by Territorial politicians in Santa Fe, leaders in Grant County tried to secede from New Mexico and join the Territory of Arizona. This class will examine the situations that spurred Grant County residents to embark on the path of rebellion and why the movement failed. We'll also examine how the movement benefitted Grant County and Silver City, leaving lasting effects that affect the present.

FACILITATOR BIO: Liz Mikols has a BA in biology, University of California, Berkeley (1972); MFS, School of Forestry & Environmental Studies, Yale University (1974). She is a hobbyist in New Mexico History since 1994. Liz has been a member of Historical Society of New Mexico since 1995, a member of Silver City Museum Society since 1995 and a volunteer Researcher at the Silver City Museum. She is the President of the Silver City Museum Society (since January, 2011). Although her background is in science with degrees from Berkeley and Yale, Liz Mikols, has come to love New Mexican history. Besides investigating New Mexico history subjects, she is currently president of the Silver City Museum Society and an exercise instructor at Billy Casper's Wellness Center.

This course is a comprehensive over view of THE LAND OF ENCHANTMENT from early Folsom man to modern day- with emphasis on the 3 main cultures and their contributions.

FACILITATOR BIO: One of the founders of WILL, Ardene Rickman led the Tuesday morning book readers and facilitated WILL's very popular New Mexico history survey course. She has lived in Eastern, Northern and Southwestern New Mexico and taught New Mexico history to Silver City public school students before her retirement. Her passion now is the recording of the stories of Silver City's older Hispanic citizens.

Walk back in time to the nineteenth century by joining pioneering businesswoman Elizabeth Warren for a tour of part of historic downtown Silver City. We will explore Gospel Hill and an area near the Big Ditch on this hour and a half walking tour. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, bring water (and any snacks you may want) and a hat!

FACILITATOR BIO: Doc Campbell has been studying various forms of history for many years and is particularly interested in the history of women in Silver City.

This is a first course in learning how to identify the local flora and becoming familiar with the major woody plants that surround us. Using the Trees and Shrubs of NM the participants will be prepared to make better decisions as to what plants they want in their lawns and gardens. The program is especially designed to assist the students to become familiar with 20 to 30 trees, shrubs and woody vines that occur in the Gila Nation Forest and the ecosystem in which we live.

FACILITATOR BIO: Jack Carter has been a student of the plant ecology and evolution for over 50 years. Science has been a way of life for over 60 years. There is ample evidence that the green plant is the most important organism on earth. He has been married to Martha for 61 years and they have lived in Silver City for 21 years. He enjoys producing floristic books for the educated layperson. He enjoys students who ask questions and want to expand their concepts of the living world.

Effective soil preparation for produce and ornamental gardens. If you want healthy plants, start with healthy soil.

FACILITATOR BIO: Lois Fuller has a master's degree in Landscape Architecture. She operated a landscape design and installation business for over 20 years where she kept her clients' plants healthy through good soil biology.

We will cover Interpretation of USGS Topographic Maps, Mathematics of mapmaking, field triangulation with a compass, field triangulation with a handheld GPS, basic ins & outs of field navigation without instruments. Possible 4-hour field trip (students provide own day pack, appropriate clothing, water bottle & lunch)

FACILITATOR BIO: Joe Kenneally has a BS degree in Civil Engineering from Washington St. Univ. He was a US Forest Service Engineer and is currently a Licensed & bonded outdoor guide (Yellowstone National Park '91-93, Gila National Forest 2011-present). He is the owner/operator of Great West Trail.

An overview of introductory astronomy will be provided with focus on the structure of the Universe and the primary objects in it, ancient astronomers and how they recorded the Universe, and modern astronomers in recorded history. Attendees will learn the motions of the night sky and the basics of observation. Attendees will be invited to a field trip star party hosted by the Silver City Astronomical Society and the Bear Mountain Lodge.

FACILITATOR BIOS: Kathy Anderson retired to Silver City in 2006 and is co-founder of the Silver City Astronomical Society. Her background includes a 27 year history in Alaska serving as a mediator, hearing officer, and adjunct faculty at the University of Alaska Anchorage and the National Judicial College. In her spare time, she founded the Silver City Neighborhood Alliance, plays music, and starts new gardens. Kathy's 8th-grade science project on the solar system won best of show in, ah, 19..... She studied her first thunderstorm at age 3, got her first telescope at age 20, and saw her first aurora borealis at 29. She and her husband built their first astronomical observatory this past year and are still working on the bugs.

Warren Litsinger first learned the basics of astronomy from books, age 7. He first looked through a telescope (his older brother's department store refractor), age 11-and was wowed by Saturn, Jupiter and the moon, and used the scope to observe sunspots and a partial eclipse of the sun. He bought his own first astronomical telescope in 1996 and he currently use three refractors and a 14.5" dobsonian. Joined SCAS October 2009, elected first VP 2012.

According to The Farmer's Almanac, the month of February is the time to do your pruning, and in Silver City, NM you can certainly feel that spring is near. Most homeowners spend a great deal of time taking care of what they feel are the most important plants and trees in their landscapes: rosebushes and fruit trees. This course will introduce the participant to the techniques of pruning your roses and fruit trees that will help them live longer, produce better and provide lasting beauty to their yards.

FACILITATOR BIO: John Snedeker is the owner of Snedeker Enterprises, LLC established in 1979. His primary focus is grounds maintenance (lawn, trees, shrubs, irrigation repair and landscape install). He is a member of Grant County Chamber of Commerce, Accredited by the Better Business Bureau, and was the featured business for High Desert Tree Care by Tree Services Magazine in 2006.

During the summer of 2012, the Whitewater-Baldy Fire burned nearly 300,000 acres in the Gila National Forest including substantial portions of the Gila Wilderness. Numerous questions linger about firefighting strategy, impacts to the forests and species in the Gila, post-fire activities, and impacts to communities. Presentation of maps, recent fire science, and a historical perspective of fire in the Gila will inform a robust discussion about whether or not the Whitewater-Baldy Fire was a good fire or bad.

FACILITATOR BIO: Todd Shulke is a cofounder and senior staff member of the Center for Biological Diversity. He has been working to protect and restore forests and rivers in the Southwest for over 20 years. He is on the board of directors of the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance, Gila WoodNet, a community-based forestry group advocating ecologically sound forest restoration, and the Center for Biological Diversity. He is also deeply involved in the Gila Conservation Coalition - dedicated to protecting the Gila River and. He sits on the Western Governor's Forest Health Advisory Committee and the Arizona Governor's Forest Health Council. He also served on Senator Bingaman's Collaborative Forest Restoration Program Advisory Panel and the Roadless Area Conservation National Advisory Committee, the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program federal advisory committee and the New Mexico Forest and Watershed Health Planning Committee.

This course is bird identification for novice birders, focusing on birds in and around Silver City. The course will start with an overview of the birding tools such as field guides, binoculars, and web sites. The majority of the time will be Power Point Presentations on the local birds. The last day will be an outing to look for birds. (optional).

FACILITATOR BIO: Karen Beckenbach has a BS in Zoology from Colorado State Univ. She has belonged to various naturalists organizations and she enjoys talking about and sharing knowledge about birds as well as taking people birding.

Water harvesting is a graceful solution to our water supply problem in the desert southwest. Local rainwater harvesting practitioner Van Clothier of Stream Dynamics will present a slide show on water harvesting principles, and then lead a tour of successful water harvesting projects in Silver City. Homeowners can make basic inexpensive modifications to existing infrastructure that will convert nuisance stormwater runoff and domestic greywater into a free water resource that can be used to grow food and landscaping. You will learn the basic principles of rainwater harvesting and how rainwater harvesting benefits the homeowner, our community, and the environment. After the classroom presentation, we will carpool for a 2 hour field trip to local project sites within the city limits so you can see firsthand how these principles were applied and how the environment was improved. Bring photographs of your yard and any water runon/runoff or erosion issues you have. There will be plenty of time to ask questions.

FACILITATOR BIO: Van Clothier graduated from the University of California in 1982 with a bachelor degree in physics and a math minor. He started his watershed restoration business Stream Dynamics, Inc. in 2002 after various careers including computer modeling of infrared sensor performance, and managing recycling programs in California, Hawaii, and New Mexico.

We will begin by studying the healthy heart, looking at the various parts of the heart and how they work together. Next we will go over the various kinds of heart disease and the epidemiology of heart disease in the USA as well as in other parts of the world. Then we will discuss the treatment of heart disease. We will finish by looking at ways to prevent heart disease, both individually and in society at large.

FACILITATOR BIO: John Lawson began his medical work in the laboratory of the dept. of surgery of the University of Utah where he eventually became a faculty member of the University. John ended his academic career as an adjunct research assistant professor of surgery and continued to work in medical research at a variety of medical research institutions and companies. He ended his medical career as the European manager of several companies and supervised the training of cardiovascular surgical teams in Europe and Asia with responsibilities for clinical support and clinical trials.

Learn about diabetes via group discussion over large table sized "conversation maps" that focus on the aspects of diabetes as a physical process, followed up with ideas about management with lifestyle change ideas.

FACILITATOR BIO: Melvyn Gelb RN, CDE (certified diabetes educator) now retired but most recently employed by the NM Dept. of Health as a diabetes public health nurse. Mary Ann Finn RN, now retired but most recently employed by the NM Dept. of Health as a diabetes public health nurse. Melvyn and Mary Ann worked on producing TV shows, radio programs, newsletters, and live skits to help people become more knowledgeable about diabetes during their working careers. Entertainment education helped folks learn better by having fun while doing it.

Beginning Hiking is designed to introduce participants to hiking for exercise and enjoyment. Topics included are trail safety, equipment, and the Silver City area trail system. Each class period will include a hike, the length of which will be determined by the abilities of the participants.

FACILITATOR BIO: June Decker has been involved in teaching and leading outdoor activities for over 30 years. She is a Continental Divide Trail addict, having hiked approximately 150 miles of the Trail in southwestern New Mexico. Her philosophy is that hiking should be safe and fun and should not resemble a forced march activity! She is a retired Movement Science professor from WNMU.

We were, perhaps from the beginning, opportunists within (products of) our environment. Taking what we needed from our environment, fitting parts together as best we could from (at that time) a quickly changing turbulent, and for the most part hostile environment; walling ourselves off for protection from the environment but still requiring many of those elements, on the outside, from which we came...this is the story of life on earth: the birth of the cell, the basic unit of life. We will trace solitary to multicellular organisms; follow their evolution within their environment; examine how they make a living for themselves, how they reproduce, how they diversify, and every time I say 'they', think 'we', for this is the story of us. We can now look back upon ourselves with our continual curiosity and ask "who are we"? This story is ongoing and continually changing; it is undoubtedly still in its infancy.

FACILITATOR BIO: Bonnie Burleson, besides a lifelong interest in literature and the arts, has a BA and MA in Biology with a thesis in Cell Biology.

It's out there! The Great Outdoors is calling. If you are interested in any type of outdoors activity, sign up for this course. WILL is scheduling different levels of hikes, birding trips, and other activities for members on an ongoing basis. Monthly informational & sign-up meetings for each activity will take place on the 2nd Tuesday of the month prior to a scheduled event. We are looking for reliable trip leaders for all kinds of activities. Can you take a group on your favorite hike? Can you canoe? Do you dance with the stars, or are you down and dirty in caves? Contact WILL to set up dates!

FACILITATOR BIO: Jeff Boyd has been the facilitator for Outdoor Experience since 2010. He moved to Silver City from Arizona, where he enjoyed hiking and backpacking. Several visits to the Gila and Aldo Leopold Wilderness Areas while living in the Phoenix area were a motivating factor in his move to Silver City.

Many people experience one or more episodes of back pain or back injury in their lives. Back injuries and/or back pain can be traumatic, both physically and emotionally. Physically, scar tissue can create rigidity. Emotionally, fear is the biggest hindrance. A gentle and compassionate approach, incorporating safe yoga positions with breath work can help regain stability and mobility of the back and abdominal muscles. Yoga for back care can help people living with chronic back pain, as well as individuals who are interested in preventing back pain issues by learning a simple, yet effective sequence of postures for a home-based practice.

FACILITATOR BIO: Lori Zitzmann is a certified yoga instructor and a licensed Advanced Nurse Practitioner specializing in Integrative medicine.

Are you concerned about the health of your bones? Bones for Life benefits include: better posture, improved equilibrium and vitality, freedom from back and joint problems, and stronger bones. Gentle weight-bearing movements challenge your bones to be strong and sturdy while improving overall balance and coordination. (This is the continuing level of Bones for Life although ALL students are welcome!)

FACILITATOR BIO: Dixie Dexter has been involved with the Feldenkrais Method since 1988. She became a certified practitioner in l996 and has been in practice since then in a physical therapy setting, Mercy Hospital's Integrative Services, and private practice. She became certified in Bones for Life in 2005 which is based on the Feldenkrais Method. Her enthusiasm for both modalities has remained consistently high since her first exposure to them.

Want to feel better and move better? Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement (ATM) lessons consist of verbally directed, sophisticated movement sequences designed to create the conditions for improved functioning. Sensory-motor activity is used to free us from habitual patterns and allow for new patterns of thinking, moving, and feeling. The lessons involve tremendous variety, helping to make the learning intriguing and enjoyable.

FACILITATOR BIO: Dixie has been involved with the Feldenkrais Method since 1988. She became a certified practitioner in l996 and has been in practice since then in a physical therapy setting, Mercy Hospital's Integrative Services, and private practice. She became certified in Bones for Life in 2005 which is based on the Feldenkrais Method. Her enthusiasm for both modalities has remained consistently high since her first exposure to them.

Be part of a joint pilot project between WILL and Get Fit Western/WNMU Kinesiology Department! Participants will have an initial evaluation session, a work-out program will be designed specifically for each person to meet their goals, and there will be regular follow-up to evaluate how it is working. You will be given free admission to the new facility at the WNMU gym during the six-week period.

Be part of a joint pilot project between WILL and Get Fit Western/WNMU Kinesiology Department! Participants will have an initial evaluation session, a work-out program will be designed specifically for each person to meet their goals, and there will be regular follow-up to evaluate how it is working. You will be given free admission to the new facility at the WNMU gym during the six-week period.

Dances similar to those found on cruise ships or parties will be featured. Stomps, simple waltzes, cha-chas, and contras will be included. Dances may include the Macarena, Electric Slide and Cowgirl Twist. No previous dance experience necessary. A $2.00 fee will be charged to those that wish to receive the step sheets and music.

FACILITATOR BIOS: Carolyn Havens and Lucinda Maddox have been Line Dancing for over six years. They are members of the Silver Stompers and the New Mexico Line Dance Assoc. and teach the beginning classes for the Silver Stompers. Both are retired teachers from the public sector.

Let's get together and dance to our favorite tunes. Dress up or down, see old friends and meet new. Bring your favorite CD, a non-alcoholic drink, and a snack. Plan to have an evening of movement and fun.

FACILITATOR BIO: Barbara Smith and her partner, Dr. John Wilson love to dance but find few opportunities available in SC. We are not experts but enjoy the fun and exercise dancing offers.

Tour the Amerind Museum. Founded in 1937 by William Shirley Fulton, the Amerind Foundation is a private anthropological and archaeological museum and research center dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of Native American cultures and their histories. Located in spectacular Texas Canyon in the Little Dragoon Mountains of southeastern Arizona, the Amerind houses one of the finest private collections of Native American art and artifacts in the country. An adjacent art museum is also included. After the museum tour we will stop at the nearby Triangle T Historic Guest Ranch for lunch. This ranch, one of the oldest guest ranches in Arizona, is steeped in history. We will car-pool in private vehicles.

FACILITATOR BIO: Don Pyle is a member of WILL's Curriculum Committee.

It is important to challenge your brain to learn new and novel tasks, especially activities you've never done before. The games you will learn to play during this two-session, two-hour class will activate underused nerve pathways and connections, helping participants achieve a fit and flexible mind. The more we think, the better our brains function.

FACILITATOR BIO: Vicki Johnson has been living in Grant County for 15 years. She is an experienced hiker and player of games.

Mah Jongg may have been around since before the time of Confucius. It has always been a game that brings people together in a unique way. The game originated in China and was played solely by the ruling classes; the Mandarins refused to permit other inhabitants of the country to enjoy the pleasure of this aristocratic pastime. Perhaps it's the click of the tiles and the lively pace of the game, or maybe it's because Mah Jongg is so much fun. In any event, Vicki Johnson and Sam Redford have been playing Mah Jongg together for 16 years, and they want to teach more of you how to play. They will be teaching American Mah Jongg, a variety of the ancient Chinese Mah Jongg.

FACILITATOR BIOS: Vicki Johnson has been living in Grant County for 15 years. She is an experienced hiker and player of games.

Sam Redford and her husband Jim moved to Silver City in 1989 and started their architectural business. She learned to play Mah Jongg shortly after arriving in Silver City, and the game has become a weekly indulgence ever since. Sam and Vicki have taught two beginning Mah Jongg classes and one advanced class for WILL since 2009. The joy of playing Mah Jongg is infectious, and Sam loves having the opportunity to share her enthusiasm with others.

Most major food crops are now genetically modified to withstand the effects of chemicals sprayed on weeds and to produce their own pesticide against insects. Over 30,000 genetically modified food products now are on grocery store shelves. What impact is this technology having on our health? Livestock? Soils? The environment? What role do the big chemical and food companies play in determining what we eat? Join Carolyn Smith and Monica Rude as they explore the history of biotechnology, how genetic modification is actually done, research findings on GM foods and what the consumer can do to avoid these foods.

FACILITATOR BIOS: Carolyn Smith is currently the Community Outreach Coordinator at the Silver City Food Co-op. Her work involves education on food related topics: food preparation, nutrition, gardening and sustainable agriculture. She serves on the Grant County Food Policy Council, the Green Chamber of Commerce's Local Food Committee, the board of the Silver City Farmers' Market, and as one of the food pantry managers.

Monica Rude, owner of Desert Woman Botanicals, studied herbs with Michael Moore, Matthew Wood and others; she is particularly is interested in growing herbs and food and creating herbal remedies to help deal with the stress in our busy, fast-paced lives; an important aspect of her work is educating others on the value of home cooked food, growing your own herbs and food and remembering to smell the flowers along the way.

I'll present identity theft information: types, scope of the problem, deterrence, detection, defense, and victim response.

FACILITATOR BIO: Joe Wlosinski has taken a course in identity theft and has been collecting information on the topic for the last five years.

An informal conversation class for getting the rust out of our French speaking abilities. Have fun, make new friends, prepare for a trip to France, Quebec, Belgium, Tahiti, or ???. The class is meant for French speakers who want to improve their skills, or get back to a level of competence they once had. This is a conversation class with no instructor, participants must have some French speaking ability! The facilitator has spoken French in childhood, but rarely since, so he is looking to recover and sharpen skills. If the class is successful, it is hoped the group can be continued beyond the scheduled classes. Any level of fluency above beginner will be accepted.

This class is another basic introduction to Astrology and its meaning and use for the purpose of understanding relationships. We will go over the duality of the Signs and the Houses and how the natal charts under which we are born attract to us partners, family members, and experiences - all of which move us forward in our quest towards wholeness. The interplay of the Sun and Moon, Mars and Venus, and the broader male /female themes of students charts will be discussed - and then the use of Synastry and Composite charts for insight into relationships will be introduced and discussed. Some computer experience will be helpful. Students will need to supply accurate birth info for themselves and one other person upon registration. Please include day, month, and year, exact time AM or PM and the place of birth.

FACILITATOR BIO: Don Musser has studied astrology for 20 + years. His studies have included work with an advanced professional astrologer - Dawn Bodrogi - on the progressed chart and synastry and relationship issues. He also hosts a biweekly discussion group where they delve into themselves using astrological symbolism to facilitate awareness.

Following Psychologist Eric Erickson's "Eight Stages of Human Development (birth through retirement), this course will propose an additional "Ninth Stage: Post-Retirement /Elder years". In this two-day course, participants will focus on the dynamics of this stage of life, as well as share what it means for us who have entered it, are on the threshold of entering it, or have loved ones who are in it.

FACILITATOR BIO: Kelduyn Garland has a Master Degree in Social Work and a double PhD in Psychology and Marriage & Family Therapy.

How well do you address the role of emotions and the spirit in making hard decisions? This is called 'discernment'. Students will participate in group discernment for important decisions in the second half of life: living arrangements, health care, relationships, activities, and ethical wills.

A beginning Spanish class for those who want to learn some basic Spanish or don't feel confident enough to take the Intermediate Spanish class.

FACILITATOR BIO: Juanita Mann has taught Spanish and has done extended visits to Spanish speaking countries for Spanish immersion classes.

This course is for those with some Spanish background. It is not an advanced Spanish course.

FACILITATOR BIO: Pilar Gascón-Rus is a native of Madrid, and has lived in United States for twenty years. She has taught Spanish at San Diego State University and Palomar College in California, Furman University, in South Carolina, and Texas A&M University. This is her third year at Western New Mexico University. She has published a book about a Galician writer, Eduardo Blanco Amor, and articles about film and literature.

We will explore the common myths associated with hospice, while providing a comprehensive overview of all that hospice entails. This will include a specific look at the Gila Regional Hospice Program, and the Interdisciplinary Team which takes care of our community members in need of hospice services.

FACILITATOR BIO: Siri Dharma KhalsaI is the Volunteer Coordinator for Gila Regional Hospice Program. Siri trains volunteers and provide community education on our hospice program. She has personally experienced many deaths in her family, including long, slow dying and 'here one moment, gone the next' deaths.

Silver City is known for its historic architecture, but many of its older buildings are in need of repair. Come learn a little about efforts to save Silver City's historic 1887 Waterworks building -- the only remaining stone building from its era - and take part in its restoration. Participants will learn to mix traditional lime-based mortar and "repoint" the stone masonry. Tools and safety equipment (gloves, goggles, hard hats) will be provided, but all participants must have an approved Town of Silver City volunteer form before the class starts.

FACILITATOR BIO: Nancy Gordon is a semi-retired hydrologist/engineer. She has been involved with restoration of the Waterworks building since 2010, including leading two community service projects in masonry repair, funded by a Freeport McMoRan Foundation grant.

Silver City has an amazing history to consider which includes three former movie palaces that you walk and drive by on a regular basis yet never have the opportunity to really visit. Nick Seibel, Silver City's very own head of the Main Street Project, has offered his time to allow WILL members to actually see the inside of the Silco, Gila and El Sol Theaters, learn about their history and provide an overall view of the future of these facilities. The Silco was built in 1923 as part of the Silco Theater chain owned by Edward W. Ward and operated as a performance and movie theater; El Sol was built in 1934 also as a dedicated movie house and featured Art Deco murals that "emphasize the vertical columns..."; The Gila was built during the 1950's and features "two story high murals of stylized dancing Indians." All three saw the decline of movie attendance with the rise of television and newer theaters and were converted into warehouses, mini malls, and in the case of the Silco, a furniture store. The Silco now is an active part of the rehabilitation plan for downtown Silver City with the Main Street Project hoping to acquire and renovate. Following the tour, the class will then have lunch at Tre Rosat, our newest restaurant on Bullard (Lunch is on your own). An exciting class to join and learn about our fascinating history!

FACILITATOR BIO: Nick Seibel was raised in Silver City, graduated from the University of Arizona with an advanced degree in Geography and Regional Development Architecture specializing in community development; while at the UA, he was Editor-In-Chief of the UA Wildcat student newspaper. He has also been a disc jockey, talk show host and planning and zoning commissioner here in Silver City. Nick is well known for his contributions to our city. As manager of the Main Street Project, he has re-activated the quest to revitalize the downtown area and has been diligently working with local merchants, other main street committees from other urban areas as well as WNMU, and other businesses in the area. He was responsible for bringing back the 1920's clock on Bullard and Broadway, the acorn shaped light fixtures and led the charge to establish the downtown welcome arch on Broadway near the Big Ditch. The Silver City Small Town video won first prize nationally for small town main street associations. And the list goes on.

Silver City has an amazing history to consider which includes three former movie palaces that you walk and drive by on a regular basis yet never have the opportunity to really visit. Nick Seibel, Silver City's very own head of the Main Street Project, has offered his time to allow WILL members to actually see the inside of the Silco, Gila and El Sol Theaters, learn about their history and provide an overall view of the future of these facilities. The Silco was built in 1923 as part of the Silco Theater chain owned by Edward W. Ward and operated as a performance and movie theater; El Sol was built in 1934 also as a dedicated movie house and featured Art Deco murals that "emphasize the vertical columns..."; The Gila was built during the 1950's and features "two story high murals of stylized dancing Indians." All three saw the decline of movie attendance with the rise of television and newer theaters and were converted into warehouses, mini malls, and in the case of the Silco, a furniture store. The Silco now is an active part of the rehabilitation plan for downtown Silver City with the Main Street Project hoping to acquire and renovate. Following the tour, the class will then have lunch at Tre Rosat, our newest restaurant on Bullard (Lunch is on your own). An exciting class to join and learn about our fascinating history!

FACILITATOR BIO: Nick Seibel was raised in Silver City, graduated from the University of Arizona with an advanced degree in Geography and Regional Development Architecture specializing in community development; while at the UA, he was Editor-In-Chief of the UA Wildcat student newspaper. He has also been a disc jockey, talk show host and planning and zoning commissioner here in Silver City. Nick is well known for his contributions to our city. As manager of the Main Street Project, he has re-activated the quest to revitalize the downtown area and has been diligently working with local merchants, other main street committees from other urban areas as well as WNMU, and other businesses in the area. He was responsible for bringing back the 1920's clock on Bullard and Broadway, the acorn shaped light fixtures and led the charge to establish the downtown welcome arch on Broadway near the Big Ditch. The Silver City Small Town video won first prize nationally for small town main street associations. And the list goes on.

Join us on an all-day excursion to visit a few of the highlights of our neighbor town, Deming. A Corre Camino bus will pick us up at the Silver City Visitor Center at 8:30am and take us to the Deming Museum by 10:00am. The museum staff will take us on a 2 hour tour of their wonderful museum. After the tour, we will walk a few blocks to the Mimbres Valley Brew Pub for lunch. In the afternoon, we will be taken by bus to the St. Clair winery for a tour of their winery operation and an optional wine tasting. Note: closed toe shoes and layered clothing essential for this tour! The tour will take about one hour. The bus will take us back to Silver City to finish our day at about 5:00pm. The museum web site: http://www.deminglunamimbresmuseum.com/index.html. The winery website: www.stclairwinery.com

The chef or chef's representative will discuss the significance, ingredients and preparation of each dish with the diners. The dinners will be fixed price at $30.00 per person. Drinks will be extra.
Curious Kumquat: Ethopian;
Shevek & Co: West African;
Tre Rosat: Moroccan

Visit the Macho Springs Wind Farm for a presentation and tour, given by the wind farm Project Manager. The recently completed wind farm is a great example of renewable energy generation in SW New Mexico. The visit will last about 2 hours, with plenty of time for questions and answers. Carpool to the site, located about half-way between Deming and Hatch on NM-26. The trip will take about 1 1/2 hours each way. Optional lunch after the visit in either Hatch or Deming.

Join Mexican staff and US volunteers from Border Partners for a tour of their projects in Pto. Palomas, Chihuahua, MX. The tour will include visits to year-round gardens at several family homes (which have systems to use graywater from the washing machine on the garden), the Border Partners' greenhouse and their community compost site. Visit the new community education classroom - built out of papercrete! - at the public library. We'll also drive by several parks where neighbors have built children's play equipment. Lunch will be served by local women.

The Silver City Enterprise, in a moment of exuberance, referred to the new Murray Hotel as Silver City's answer to the Waldorf Astoria. The owners of the Murray Hotel, Kurt and Julianna Albershardt, have agreed to offer a tour of the Murray Hotel followed by an English-style Afternoon Tea. Afternoon tea includes a variety of teas and snacks. The Murray was built in 1937 with some 52 rooms and in 1949 was expanded to 100 rooms. Due to economic hard times, the Murray was closed for a number of years. Kurt and Julianna are restoring the hotel to its former Art Deco glory with many of its features apparent in the restored lobby. Afternoon Tea was introduced in England in the 1840's and has been a mainstay in England since then. Come join this fascinating class for a delightful time in Silver City.