September - A Semester at Sea Became the semester of change that made me a better person
After three oceans, three continents, and nine countries I learned about the world while being inside a powerful shipboard community. I engaged with the technology and efficiency of Japan. I rubbed shoulders with the crowds of China, and saw the natural beauty of southwest China. I talked with humbling students of Vietnam, who lack the opportunity of Americans. I saw the pressure India puts on the natural world, with unsanitary conditions and poor environmental practices. I ate meals with the sociable people of South Africa and met people who call a one room tin shack home. I rode a bicycle through a mountain town of Ghana and talked with people hauling water from a pump to their home. I felt the squishy humidly of Brazil and found a country that is becoming a stronger economy and a stronger nation. I have smiled and learned how to use myself by going through all of these nations. Seeing all these places, meeting many people and sharing the experiences with my fellow travelers improved the way I want to live through this world. The biggest lesson I learned is that people need to look at each other as friends rather than threats.
This talk will discuss the benefits of travel, and how studying abroad can change you as a person. This talk will discuss the social issues that people face when engaging with another nation. This talk will also discuss how a semester abroad opens a person’s mind academically, environmentally, politically, and socially.
Tucker Legerski is an undergrad at Colorado State University who studies English. Tucker has volunteered in the Dominican Republic through a non-profit, and has participated in the spring 2010 Semester at Sea program. During both experiences, Tucker increased his knowledge of the world and interacted with people who hold different traditions, views, cultures, experiences, and ideas than America. He has studied the countries and learned a wide variety of subjects while living in a shipboard educational community. Tucker plans to work abroad after his degree is accomplished and intends to write about inspirational stories or subjects of travel, and hopefully give people new perspectives on how they view the world.
Please join us
On Tuesday September 14, 2010 at the Main Library from 7-9 pm
Or
On Thursday September 23, 2010 at the Harmony Library from 7-9 pm
August - Western Turkey
Turkey has some of the friendliest people on the planet, magnificent ruins, scrumptious food, the Grand Bazaar, beaches and sunshine! What more could you want for a vacation destination?
Rob and Kay will show you some of the classic sites such as the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Grand Bazaar, Spice Market and ruins at Ephesus. But you will also see some of the “off-the-beaten path” sites and towns that are easy to do when you navigate Turkey on your own - which they will explain is easier to do than you might think. You will see how the ruins at Pinara, Patara, and Priene rival the big name ruins, but without the crowds. They also explore not only the tourist towns of Kas and Selçuk, but also the non-tourist towns of Muğla and Tire.
Come see why Turkey should be part of your future travel plans, or just come to watch the beautiful photos and listen to the stories of their experiences in this rich culture.
Kay and Rob share a passion for traveling and enjoy exploring new countries and new cultures. Together they have lived in four countries, and travelled to many more. This trip was their first trip to Turkey.
Please join us
On Tuesday August 10, 2010 at the Main Library from 7-9 pm
Or
On Thursday August 26, 2010 at the Harmony Library from 7-9 pm
July – Guatemala
"Puro Utz": Mayan Community Conservation in Guatemala and the Future of the Totonicapan Forests
High in the cold green mountains of western Guatemala, north of the volcanoes of Lake Atitlan, lies the Maya Q’uiche town of Totonicapán. In a country troubled by extreme overpopulation, ongoing land battles, and the rapid conversion of forest to agricultural use, the communal forests of Totonicapán stand out as a unique example of how 1000-year old communal land management practices can successfully protect native ecosystems with no outside assistance. But will the Maya people of Totonicapán be able to uphold this system in the face of the mounting pressures of the coming decades?
This talk will describe the ecology of the forests of Totonicapán, the structure of the Maya communal authority system that protects it, and some current local/Peace Corps conservation projects.
Kate Cleary recently finished her M.Sc. in Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology at Colorado State University. She participated in the Peace Corps Masters International program, in which students enroll simultaneously in a Master’s program and the Peace Corps. After two years of course work at CSU, Kate traveled to Guatemala to complete her Peace Corps assignment. During her time in Guatemala, Kate conducted research on the birds of the little-known forests of Los Altos de Totonicapán, and learned to love and respect the Maya Q’uiche way of life. This fall, Kate will continue her conservation work in Latin America, as she begins a Ph.D. program working with connectivity of biological corridors in Costa Rica.
Please join us
On Tuesday July 13, 2010 at the Main Library from 7-9 pm
June - Balkan Republics --Croatia, Bosnia, Slovenia
Join Klaus Lorenz for a presentation on his recent trip to three Balkan Republics. From the sun-drenched Croatian Riviera to the Alps in Slovenia natural beauty will unfold on this tour through some of Central Europe`s most magnificent landscapes. Starting in the Croatian town of Dubrovnik, an extraordinarily well preserved old walled city, we stroll atop the city walls for terrific views of the churches, palaces and the harbor of the city. In the city of Split, we find the greatest Roman ruins in Central Europe --a palace built in 305 AD by the Emperor Diocletian. In Opatija, we will walk along the seaside promenade that runs for 7 miles along the waterfront. On the Istrian Peninsula, we tour the hillside town of Rovinj, which overlooks an island dotted seascape and pine forests on the mainland. Crossing into Bosnia & Herzegovina, we will visit the town of Mostar. This town is known all over the world for its bridge. The central part of the old town with its forts, towers, and gates developed around this magnificent bridge built by Turks in the 16th century. Damaged in the last war in the 1990s, it was restored in 2004 under UNESCO supervision.
Slovenia is one of the less known countries of Central Europe. Many of its cities and towns bear the imprint of its long history, Austrian Empire, and Venetian neighbors. While up in the Alps one appears to be in Bavaria or in Tirol. We will visit the resort of Bled, nestled in the Julian Alps, with its castle, the lake, and the island in the middle of the lake. We will tour the Slovenian capital city of Ljubljana, a university town known for its unique architecture.
Klaus is well known to those of you who regularly attend INL. He has traveled to over 70 countries and shared many of these adventures with us at the Library Program. He is retired from CSU and enjoys traveling the world.
Join us
Tuesday June 8, 2010 at the Main Library
or
Thursday June 24, 2010 at the Harmony Library
Maps – Are They a Guide or a Perspective?
When the Peters Projection map was first published in 1973, it caused a storm of reactions. Join Karen Smith and the Fort Collins International Center and the Poudre River Library District for a screening of “Many Ways to See the World”, followed by a discussion of this thought-provoking movie. Howard Zinn, author of A People’s History of the United States says “Many Ways to See the World is more than a fascinating lesson about maps. It opens the mind of the viewer to profound perspectives on the interconnectedness of human beings everywhere”. Karen’s collection of different maps will also be displayed for you to examine.
Karen is a long time member of FCIC and is active in the local community.
Join us
Tuesday May 11, 2010 at the Main Library
or
Thursday May 27, 2010 at the Harmony Library
Australia – more than just the land down under
Join Jason Battista for a presentation about his native Australia. Australia is a country of similar geographic size to the United States, but with a population of only 20 million. What defines an Australian and the lifestyle they enjoy? What are the natural beauties of the country? How does America and Australia differ? These are only a sample of the topics Jason Battista will cover in his presentation. There will be time for questions afterwards. Please bring family and friends, all age groups will find this presentation insightful and thought provoking.
Jason Battista, an exchange student from Australia, has enjoyed exploring over 12 countries. Although he calls Adelaide, Australia home, his interest in travel has provoked an exchange to CSU for spring 2010. Nearing the completion of two university degrees, management and marketing, Jason also spends his time operating his own small business. At the age of 22, Jason's other interests involve social entrepreneurship, water sports, and spending time with friends.
Join us
Tuesday April 9, 2010 at the Main Library
or
Thursday April 22, 2010 at the Harmony Library
Struggles in Haiti 1997 Until Today
Join Richard "Dick" Life, Captain US Navy (Ret), for a color slide presentation about his January 1997 two+ week experience in the mountains of Haiti some 20 miles southeast of Port au Prince. He was the only non-medical member of a 20 person ecumenical surgical team (one MD, three RNs & Dick were from Ft Collins & Greeley) that conducted numerous surgeries in the rural "Baptist Haiti Mission" hospital. When the RNs became overwhelmed with post op patients Dick "scrubbed in" & assisted the surgeons by holding body parts open with retractors, & performing other tasks in the sterile ORs. One weekend the team conducted cleft pallet surgeries on four children in a makeshift operating room in downtown Port au Prince. Visiting the home of illiterate peasants in the very remote countryside, he met a four-year-old child and her family. Dick & his wife Sandra "adopted" her financially with monthly donations for her education, & two years ago, she graduated from the 8th grade, the typical maximum level for Haitians.
After briefly addressing the rich yet extremely sad history of Haiti, he will focus on the people, their quality of life dominated by unbelievable poverty, & the exceptional needs faced by them prior to & now after the earthquake. Quarterly for 12 years Dick has received updates from the Mission staff re their progress & challenges.
There have been very few positive changes in that country in the 13 years since he visited. With slides, he will graphically demonstrate & discuss in detail the realities of life for peasants as well as some of the wealthiest Haitian families who the American team met. Dick is closely following this current disaster & will update the lecture he created after his 1997 trip, incorporating the effects of this earthquake.
A highly successful US Navy overt human intelligence collector & all-source analyst during his 29-year career that took him from assignments in Vietnam & the USSR to Germany, today Dick is a recognized specialist & lecturer on foreign affairs and national security issues. Volunteering domestically & internationally, in 2004 he & his wife Sandra lived & worked on the Navajo Reservation in NM for three weeks. He also participates in a US State Department program supporting democratization in former communist countries & has served as an observer of elections in Belarus, Macedonia, Ukraine (Christmas 2004 during the "Orange Revolution"), & the Russian presidential elections in 2004 and 2000.
Dick & Sandra live in Fort Collins & have five adult children & ten grandchildren.
Join us
Tuesday March 9, 2010 at the Main Library
or
Thursday March 25, 2010 at the Harmony Library
Iran
Join Jean Nash for a presentation on her trip to Iran. This past May Jeanne Nash and her daughter Heidi took advantage of an opportunity to join the Seattle United Nations Association for a trip to Iran a few weeks before the now infamous election. The trip was lead by Abdi Sami, an Iranian-American and retired film company CEO who had organized a trip to Iran the year before for Rick Steves, the travel film producer. Twenty-five intrepid peacemakers from across the country spent two weeks traveling up and down the central valley of Persia in their intrepid Volvo bus named 'Only God'. They met educators, religious leaders, carpet purveyors, shepherds, and everyday people in malls, parks, museums, and cemeteries. They enjoyed the famous Iranian hospitality and cuisine at a time when no one seemed aware that the coming election would bring to the surface such discontent, opposition and violence. Heidi and Jeanne will share their insights and beautiful photography of a country few have had a chance to experience at this time of change.
Jeanne is a local artist-craftsman and Heidi is a retired police officer.
Join us
Tuesday February 9, 2010 at the Main Library
or
Thursday February 18, 2010 at the Harmony Library
My Adventures on the Information Highway:
Building Bridges for International Science
Join Wendy White for a thought provoking journey on the information highway as it relates to sharing scientific information across political and cultural lines. All nations, whether industrialized or developing, face a broad array of challenges that require the application of up-to-date scientific knowledge and technology. No nation can afford to be without access to a credible, independent science and technology research capacity. Ms. White will discuss the importance of helping citizens and public officials understand the scientific aspects of critical global issues. Using examples from her own travels, she will explain how information networks help assure that advances in science and technology are shared by all. She will show how her own programs identified opportunities for and barriers against international collaboration in scientific research. She will also discuss the principles of the “universality of science” and the codes of conduct under which science is practiced on an international basis.
Wendy White has come full circle. She grew up in Fort Collins, went to school and graduate school in Minnesota, had a 30-year career at the National Academy of Sciences, and returned to Fort Collins three years ago. During her 30 years at the NAS, Ms. White developed scientific networks in almost 50 countries in Europe, Asia, Latin America, and Africa. She studied the impact of information and communication technologies on the traditional scientific methods for obtaining, organizing, and archiving the scientific record and examined the ways in which information and communication technologies could improve scientific collaboration around the world.
She has served on the Information Services Advisory Board for Macalester College, on the Board of Trustees for the International Network for the Availability of Scientific Publications, and on the Board of Trustees for the International Foundation for Science. She is currently on the Board of Ten Thousand Villages. She has degrees in French and History (Macalester College, 1975); a Master's degree in library science (University of Minnesota, 1979); and a post-graduate certificate in publishing (George Washington University, 1989). Since “retiring” early to Fort Collins, she and her husband volunteer their time at Ten Thousand Villages, Habitat for Humanity, the Fort Collins International Center, and several other non-profit, service organizations.
Join us
Tuesday January 12, 2010 from 7-9 PM at the Main Library
or
Thursday January 28, 2010 from 7-9 PM at the Harmony Library
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