Join us for the Speaker Series at Mount Saint Mary College's
Desmond Campus in Balmville, NY.
March 2012
The True Irish Traditions: Celtic Spirituality and the Irish
Influence in America
Sr. Peggy Murphy, associate professor of religious studies at
MSMC, will give this encore lyrical presentation. American life and
culture have been deeply influenced by the traditions and
experience of Irish immigrants. Parochial education, in particular,
has been shaped by the values of Celtic spirituality, a richly
imaginative first millennium expression of the Christian message.
Its world view emphasizes the nearness of God and the sacredness of
ordinary life. It is a vision that can renew the Christian journey.
Sr. Peggy will explore the rich legacy of Celtic spirituality in
work, image and song. Her presentation will reveal the vitality of
these beliefs for contemporary Christian life.
Thursday, March 8, 1:30-3 pm, P. Murphy, $15
History of Baseball in the Hudson Valley
Think spring! It will soon be Opening Day! In the early 1900’s,
Kingston, NY residents took to the game of baseball, creating a
city with a baseball tradition richer than many twice its size.
This talk will discuss the presence of baseball in this area at
that time, demonstrating the solidarity of some of these baseball
clubs with the local community, and how they brought pride, worth,
and character to their neighborhoods. It will also reflect on
Harold Seymour’s Baseball: The People’s Game, reinforcing
Seymour’s notion that the foundation of major league baseball
begins in our own backyards.
Wednesday, March 14, 2-3 pm, L. Neilson, $10
Bird Migration
In the course of a single year, nearly all the Earth’s birds will
migrate some distance. Environmental cues serve as the stimulus and
the means of navigation during migration, with the reliance upon
these cues varying according to the distance traveled and the
location of the ‘vacation’ site. Join us for a look into the
fascinating field of bird migration.
Thursday, March 15, 7-8 pm, D. Robinson, Jr.,
Free
April 2012
Islam, Sharia, and Reformation: Understanding the Current
Revolution in the Muslim World
As today’s headlines make clear, the Muslim world,
especially in the Middle East but also in other areas of that
world, is undergoing significant, sometimes violent change. Some
have argued that there is an irreconcilable clash of civilizations
between the West and the Islamic world, and that the two worlds are
incompatible and destined to engage in conflict. Others have
suggested that the Muslim world is undergoing an internal
“reformation” with significant parallels to the European
Reformation that, after years of violent struggle, eventually led
to democracy, individual liberty, and the rule of law. Which
perspective is right – either, both, or neither? Or is something
else going on? This presentation offers a comparative perspective
that recognizes the important differences between Islamic and
Western history and culture. It also highlights important
similarities, centered on the law – both the Sharia and the rule of
law – that may be helpful in understanding the Islamic world and
its current revolution, and perhaps even help form a foundation for
common understanding and future dialogue. Following the
presentation there will be time for questions and answers.
Monday, April 2, 6:30-7:45 pm, M. Welton, $15
Kayaking: How to Get Started
Kayaking is the fastest growing outdoor activity. Adirondack
Mountain Club (ADK) trip leader Don Urmston will tell you how to
get started, what gear you’ll need, where to go paddling, where to
meet other paddlers and where to get instruction on your technique.
See and feel the difference in kayaks, paddles and other equipment
with this hands-on presentation. Special attention is given to
kayak safety and choosing your first kayak. Whether you just want
to paddle occasionally or you want to become an expert sea kayaker,
this program will get you started. Presented by: ADK Mid-Hudson
Chapter.
Wednesday, April 11, 7-8 pm, D. Urmston, Free
Saving Your Sight
Would you like to improve your eyesight and become less dependent
on glasses or contacts? Join optometrist, acupuncturist and author
Marc Grossman and learn simple therapeutic exercises that improve a
variety of vision problems. Dr. Grossman’s unique eye-care
philosophy incorporates an integration of the physical, emotional,
and spiritual aspects of vision. In his practice, he uses a full
range of mind-body therapies combined with conventional approaches
to help such conditions as near-sightedness, presbyopia (the
over-40 syndrome), macular degeneration, cataracts, and
glaucoma.
Thursday, April 12, 1:30-2:30 pm, M. Grossman,
$15
Constitution Marsh Revealed: Hidden Lives of the Hudson
River
Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary is a unique and
beautiful 270-acre tidal marsh located just south of the village of
Cold Spring. Learn about our region’s lesser known and
inconspicuous wild residents. In his daily work as a
conservationist, Eric Lind has had the privilege of years of study
and observation of the river’s stunning but often unseen diversity
of life. You will enjoy seeing his photographs and listening to his
observations in this interesting presentation.
Tuesday, April 17, 6:30-7:30 pm, E. Lind, $15
How to Stop Allergies
Ever wonder why you get allergies? Do you understand what an
allergy really means? Come listen to Dr. Huntoon discuss answers to
both of these questions and answer any other questions you may
have. Join us for a fascinating discussion and a wealth of
information.
Wednesday, April 18, 1-2 pm or 6:30-7:30 pm, R. Huntoon,
Free
Writing a Memoir: Ting and I
Ting and I – A Memoir of Love, Courage and Devotion was
written by Douglas Winslow Cooper for his wife and presented to her
on her 67th birthday. The story starts with Tina’s determination to
live on, despite great handicaps, explores their pasts to
understand their present and perhaps predict their future. This
memoir reflects on love and marriage, faith, professional ethics,
at-home intensive nursing care, medical insurance, finances, and
the exceptional character of a brave woman, written by the man who
loves her.
Wednesday, April 25, 1-2:30 pm, D. Winslow Cooper,
Free
Increase Your Sales — A Seminar for Artists and
Photographers
Sell more of your art and photography with this one-day seminar.
Learn how to create, present, reproduce, and market your work.
You’ll benefit from the experience and expertise of three
recognized professionals. Paul Gould will share his knowledge and
years of experience as a professional artist, art instructor and
gallery owner. Topics will include choosing a subject and media,
finding buyers for your work, pricing considerations, and the
importance of maintaining a positive attitude. William Gould, a
master picture framer and photographer, will discuss choosing the
right frame, great framing on a budget, protecting your work by
choosing the right materials making your artwork or photography
stand out, and framing for sales success. Robert Gould will share
his knowledge and creative approach from his years as marketing
director of Bethlehem Art Gallery. Increase your sales with press
releases and paid advertising; reproduce your work in a variety of
unusual and creative ways; consignments; direct sales; where to
display your work for free, and some unusual, but effective places
to show and sell your work.
Sunday, April 29, 1-4 pm, $95
May 2012
Offspring of the Hudson River School: A Lineage of Artists
Responding to the River
This lively, funny and fast-paced conversation, presented
by artists Carol Flaitz and Cabot Parsons, is about the
international influence of the famed Hudson River School of Art and
its progeny on contemporary artists responding to the legacy of the
school or to the Hudson River and valley itself.
Tuesday, May 1, 1-2 pm, C. Flaitz and C. Parsons,
$15
The Hudson: America’s River
Fran Dunwell, conservationist and author, will lecture about how
the Hudson River, with its unique geography, scenic beauty, and
culture of entrepreneurship, transformed history, politics, and
culture and inspired people to innovate in the fields of
engineering, conservation, art, and architecture. Followed by a
book signing.
Tuesday, May 8, 6:30-7:30 pm, F. Dunwell, $5
From Petticoats to Breeches: Unveiling 18th Century
Clothing
Explore a variety of clothing to see how style was defined in the
18th century. Period reproductions including men’s, women’s, and
children’s clothing will add a hands-on touch.
Wednesday, May 16, 10-11 am, K. Monti, $10
Sculpture and Landscape at Storm King Art
Center
Widely celebrated as one of the world’s leading sculpture parks,
Storm King Art Center has welcomed visitors from across the globe
for fifty years. Its pristine 500-acre landscape provides the
setting for a collection of more than 100 carefully-sited
sculptures, created by some of the most acclaimed artists of our
time. This powerpoint presentation will show you its beauty!
Wednesday, May 23, 1:30-2:30 pm, B. Perry, $5
June 2012
First Ladies Name Game
This interactive game features official portraits and photographs
helping to discover the contributions, achievements, and the
remarkable women who were the First Ladies.
Wednesday, June 13, 10-11 am, K. Monti, $10
Water: How Much is Healthy and Why
Have you ever heard “them” say to drink “8 - eight ounce glasses
of water a day?” Have you ever wondered why that is? Come listen to
an informative discussion led by Dr. Richard Huntoon and learn how
to determine if you are dehydrated and what is the correct amount
of water for you to drink and why drinking the 8 – eight-ounce
glasses will slow your metabolism down and cause you to gain
weight.
Wednesday, June 13, 1-2 pm or 6:30-7:30 pm, R. Huntoon,
Free
Meet the Authors
We look forward to having the following authors visit Desmond
Campus to read from their works and follow with a book signing:
Laurence Carr – Pancake Hollow Primer, A Hudson Valley
Story and Jan Zlotnik Schmidt – The Earth Was Still.
The Earth Was Still is a book about coping with loss and
aging parents, as well as about relishing moments of joy, beauty,
and fulfillment — moments of grace — in life.
Wednesday, June 20, 7-8:30 pm, L. Carr and J. Zlotnik
Schmidt, $5