VISTAS Lifelong Learning - COURSE CATALOG WINTER/SPRING 2022
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VISTAS
Lifelong Learning
COURSE CATALOG
WINTER/SPRING 2022
SANTA BARBARA
2 VISTAS COURSE CATALOG WINTER/SPRING 2022
The idea of continued learning ...
VISTAS Lifelong Learning was founded in 1999 by some Santa Barbara residents who were
interested in courses that had more breadth and depth than what is normally offered in
adult education.
VISTAS is a nonprofit membership organization, providing adults in the Santa Barbara area
opportunities for continued learning through unique courses in many different areas of
human endeavor.
VISTAS seminars are for people who appreciate the relevance of our cultural heritage, like to
think creatively, want to seek knowledge for its own sake, have the time to pursue these
interests, and enjoy meeting like-minded people.
VISTAS is a self-governing, peer-led lifelong learning enterprise whose members organize
seminars, lectures, and social events. We are one of the few unaffiliated lifelong learning
organizations in the United States.
VISTAS course instructors present their own views and opinions and not those of Vistas Lifelong Learning, Inc.
JOIN VISTAS!
Your VISTAS membership will contribute to the financial stability that the organization needs
to continue to flourish and provide lifelong learning in Santa Barbara. Joining VISTAS entitles
you to exceptional benefits, including:
Members-only discounted course fees — a one-third discount
Advance notice and priority booking of courses
Invitations to members-only lectures and special events
The satisfaction of knowing that you are helping support lifelong learning in
our community
VISTAS annual membership extends from July 1 through June 30.
You can join by using the membership application form on page 15 of this catalog.
CATALOG COVER: Sevilla Tile, photograph by VISTAS member Ernie Witham. For information
on our upcoming course on “Carmen and the Consequences,” and another on “Santa Barbara
and Our Courthouse,” including its Spanish architectural heritage, see page 8. We encourage
VISTAS members and friends to submit their own art or photography for possible use as our next
catalog cover. Send images to vistas@vistaslifelonglearning.org and let us showcase your work!
VISTAS Lifelong Learning vistaslifelonglearning.org email: vistas@vistaslifelonglearning.org
VISTAS COURSE CATALOG WINTER/SPRING 2022 3
CONTENTS
The Idea of Continued Learning; Join VISTAS ! .............................................................................. 2
VISTAS Board and Curriculum Committee Members .................................................................. 4
THANK YOU to Our Contributors ............................................................................................... 4
Letter from the VISTAS Co-Presidents ............................................................................................ 5
Important COVID-19 Policies .......................................................................................................... 5
Bring a Friend! / Catalog Updates .................................................................................................. 6
Monday Nonfiction Book Club (via Zoom) (Dawn McGrew, coord.) ...................................... 6
Civil Unrest in the 1960s (Robert Benham) ................................................................................... 7
“Sounds Good! But Does It Really Work?” (Phil Sokolove) ..................................................... 7
Carmen and the Consequences (Simon Williams) ........................................................................ 8
Santa Barbara and Our Courthouse (David DeSelm) ................................................................. 8
The Mother–Daughter Relationship (Denny Klos) .................................................................... 9
God Save This Honorable Court (David Bisno) .......................................................................... 9
Why Do We Have Financial Crises? Lessons from Our Time (Peter Naylor) ...................... 10
Vincent Van Gogh: Beyond the Myth (Lori Windsor Mohr) .................................................. 10
Shakespearean Comedies (Mark Rose) ....................................................................................... 11
Annual Short Story Discussion Group (Denny Klos) .............................................................. 11
Constantine the Great and the Rise of the Christian Church (Daniel DeSelm) ..................... 12
Demonic Violinists and Duels: Instrumental Virtuosity in Early 20th C. (Derek Katz) ....... 12
Heroes and Rogues (Fourth Series) (Gerry Corrigan) ............................................................... 13
Cole Porter—A Great American Songwriter (Bob Weinman) ................................................. 13
Origins and Adventures in American Agriculture (Daniel Stone) ......................................... 14
The Frayed American Social Safety Net (Ted Anagnoson) ....................................................... 14
VISTAS Annual Membership Application ................................................................................... 15
How to Register for VISTAS Courses / My Registration List ..................................................... 16
Course Registration Form ............................................................................................................. 17
We Remember ................................................................................................................................. 18
VISTAS Bulletin Board ............................................................................................................... 18–19
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4 VISTAS COURSE CATALOG WINTER/SPRING 2022
VISTAS Board, 2021–22
Officers
Ted Anagnoson, Co-President tanagnoson@gmail.com 805-681-9994
Pat Sheppard, Co-President pat.sheppard@gmail.com 805-886-3359
Sharon Alvarado, Secretary sharon@vistaslifelonglearning.org 805-451-7491
Dawn McGrew, Treasurer dawnmcgrew1@gmail.com 805-455-3889
Robert Benham, Curriculum Co-Chair benhamra@aol.com 805-770-7484
Jill Breedon, Curriculum Co-Chair/Catalog Ed. jill@vistaslifelonglearning.org 805-895-0508
Sue Mellor, Venues sue@vistaslifelonglearning.org 805-963-5023
Ben Kehela, Audio/Visual Support kehela4836@cox.net 805-682-5184
Assisted by Ted Anagnoson tanagnoson@gmail.com 805-681-9994
Patricia Poilé, Public Relations patricia.poile@gmail.com 916-717-2082
Elaine Messier, Hospitality emessier@cox.net 805-886-2306
General Board Members
Sandy DeRousse Lois Kaplan Barbara Margerum Ernie Marx Curt Mosso
Curriculum Committee Members
Robert Benham (co-chair) Gerry Corrigan Laurie Guitteau Sue Mellor
Jill Breedon (co-chair) Jane DeSelm Lois Kaplan Patricia Poilé
Sharon Alvarado Sarah Fox Barbara Margerum Pat Sheppard
Ted Anagnoson George Frakes Dawn McGrew Mort Weisman
Vistas Business Manager
Liz Linde vistas@vistaslifelonglearning.org 805-967-6030
Thank you!
We gratefully acknowledge the following VISTAS members and friends who have contributed
financially to our organization from July through Nov. 2021. We appreciate EVERY contribution.
Ted & Louise Anagnoson Donald & Gail Gillies George & Dona McCauley Cheryl Rogers
Robert & Ann Benham Josie Gonzales Dawn McGrew Elizabeth Ross
George Bernard Barbara & Jon Greenleaf Amanda McIntyre Doris & Bob Schaffer
Jorgia Bordofsky Allison Grosfield Patrick & Esther McKinley Maryan Schall
Jill Breedon Jim & Francine Hemmer David & Patty Medina Pat Sheppard &
Bill & Peggy Callahan Jack & Janice Hewett Sue Mellor Ernie Witham
Margaret Casey Tara Holbrook Elaine Messier Bob & Linda Short
James Conger Dennis Holst Brigid Mills Phillip Sokolove
Pam Dame Henning & Grethe Jensen David & Barbara Mizes Carol Thompson
Maureen Donnelly Lois Kaplan Curt Mosso Barbara & Sam Toumayan,
Gun Dukes Jean Keely David & Agnes Murdoch Bill Vollero and Barbara Hill
Louise Dunn Ben & Elaine Kehela Dick & Anne Norwood Judy Weirick
George Eskin Joop Koornwinder Jean Parry Judy & Mort Weisman
Sarah Fox & Denny Klos Barbara Krahn John & Ellen Pillsbury Diane & Tom Wolf
George Frakes Fima & Jere Lifshitz Judith Rice Mike and Lani Wolff
Carol Geer Liz Linde Robin Rickershauser
VISTAS Lifelong Learning, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation.
VISTAS Lifelong Learning vistaslifelonglearning.org email: vistas@vistaslifelonglearning.org
VISTAS COURSE CATALOG WINTER/SPRING 2022 5
Letter from the VISTAS Co-Presidents
Dear Friends,
Our Curriculum Committee has been hard at work organizing courses for the VISTAS
Lifelong Learning Winter/Spring program. We think you’ll be pleased to see the range of
courses offered; there’s something to pique every interest. While our fall program had a mix
of in-person courses and those offered via Zoom, the Winter/ Spring program will be mainly
in-person. The few classes offered via Zoom, however, can be viewed from anywhere in the
world and also will be recorded for those who wish to view them at a later time. We look
forward to seeing you during the breaks for coffee, cookies, and conversation that go along
with all of our in-person sessions.
This catalog covers courses held from January through May 2022. We are pleased to offer a
robust program of 16 courses of varying lengths, in addition to two book clubs that run all
year. Keep in mind that the content of this catalog, while accurate at the time of publication, is
subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please check our website frequently.
We offer our sincere thanks to all of the people who make VISTAS the vibrant organization it
is today—our outstanding presenters, our hard-working
volunteers and staff, and you, our members and friends.
Sincerely,
Ted Anagnoson and Pat Sheppard
Co-Presidents, 2021–22
IMPORTANT COVID-19 POLICIES
With most VISTAS courses again being held in person, we wish to emphasize that the health
and safety of our attendees, as well as their entire families, are of paramount importance to
us. Accordingly, we are limiting attendance at all in-person VISTAS events to those who are
fully vaccinated. Proof of vaccination (either a digital COVID-19 Vaccination Card or a picture
of your printed card) must be sent in advance to Ted Anagnoson via text (805-636-6056) or
email (tanagnoson@gmail.com). All personal information will of course be kept strictly
confidential. This needs to be done only once—your proof of vaccination will remain valid for
all VISTAS events. Also, in response to any changes in local public health conditions, it is our
intention to comply with applicable federal, state, county, and local directives and recommen-
dations, including mask mandates, room size limits, and prohibitions of indoor gatherings. If
indoor events must be canceled, VISTAS intends to continue the presentation of all programs
via Zoom, to the extent practicable. Any programs for which that is not possible will be
deferred until the restrictions have ended. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
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6 VISTAS COURSE CATALOG WINTER/SPRING 2022
Bring a Friend!
DID YOU KNOW that VISTAS members are permitted to bring a guest to one session of a
regularly scheduled course in which they are enrolled? If you know someone who might be
interested in becoming a new member of VISTAS, and you would like to introduce that
person to our organization, you may invite him or her to sit in on one session, free of
charge. Please note that our Business Manager must be notified in advance to determine
if space is available. You can contact Liz Line by phone (805-967-6030) or email
(vistas@vistaslifelonglearning.org). Also, please note that this policy excludes special events
such as our two popular catered events, the annual Fall Picnic and Winter Social, although
non-members may attend those events at the same cost as members.
Catalog Updates
PLEASE NOTE that changes to our course schedule may occur after the printing date of this
catalog. To verify the dates, times, and venues for the courses listed here, please check our
website (https://www.VistasLifelongLearning.org) frequently. The course flyers available
online will provide the most up-to-date information about all of our courses.
Monday Nonfiction Book Club (via Zoom)
Fourth Monday of each month, from September through July, 1:30 p.m.
First Winter/Spring meeting: Monday, January 24, 2022
This group will meet online via Zoom.
Members will receive a link via email before each meeting. Coordinated by:
VISTAS members only: $25 for the year Dawn McGrew
VISTAS now offers two nonfiction book clubs, Each discussion is led by a different group
focusing on a wide range of topics, including member, who comes in with suggested
(but not limited to) history and public affairs. questions (which we are all free to supplement).
Please note that our Thursday Book Club, which
meets in person, is full and not accepting new The book selected for the January is:
members at this time. The Last Kings of Shanghai: The Rival Jewish
Dynasties That Helped Create Modern China,
Our Monday Nonfiction Book Club meets by Jonathan Kaufman.
online via Zoom. Membership is limited to 20;
in case of over-enrollment, prospective partici- Other books recently read include:
pants will be placed on a wait-list. Books are The Code Breaker: Jennifer Doudna, Gene Editing,
proposed and selected at the September and the Future of the Human Race, by Walter
meeting. The selection list for the 2021–22 year Isaacson; and The Death and Life of the Great
can be found on the VISTAS website. Lakes, by Dan Egan.
VISTAS Lifelong Learning vistaslifelonglearning.org email: vistas@vistaslifelonglearning.org
VISTAS COURSE CATALOG WINTER/SPRING 2022 7
Civil Unrest in the 1960s
Six Mondays: Jan. 10, 17, 24, 31, Feb. 7, 14
9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
Bethany Congregational Church
556 N. Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara Presented by:
VISTAS member price: $50; non-member price: $75 Robert Benham
This course emphasizes the beginnings of the is still an issue today. The course will cover
Civil Rights movement in the South starting with what it was really like to live in a dual society.
the 1955 abduction and killing of Emmett Till in
rural Mississippi and ending with the 1968 assass- Robert Benham received his undergraduate and law
ination of Martin Luther King. The presenter grew degrees from Vanderbilt University in Nashville,
up in the South and paints a picture of the chal- Tenn. at the pivotal time when John Lewis and Diane
lenges that faced Black people within our lifetimes. Nash were, schooled by Jim Lawson, at the forefront of
Much of the course centers around desegregation peaceful protest as the road to civil rights. Benham
and voting rights and involves numerous first- later practiced law in Memphis for over thirty years
hand accounts of pivotal, and now historical, and was an eyewitness to the ambulance carrying
events. Many of the events may be unknown to Martin Luther King from the Lorraine Motel to St.
some participants while others have faded from Joseph hospital. He served as Judge in Division I of
memory. The audience will be exposed to the fight the Probate Court of Shelby County, TN for fifteen
for the vote that then existed and, unfortunately, years before retiring to Santa Barbara.
“Sounds Good! But Does It Really Work?”
The Pleasure of Finding Things Out, Series II: A VISTAS Study Group
Three Wednesdays: January 12, 19, and 26
9:30 a.m. – 12 noon This course was originally scheduled for Nov. 2021
Venue to be determined. but was postponed. Those who enrolled previously Presented by:
VISTAS members only: $40 will automatically be enrolled in this course.
Phil Sokolove
Do you take vitamins? Are you on a pill that special diets, and more (maybe even CBD oil).
promises not only to help you lose weight, but What evidence do we find that these products
also to improve your eyesight, make your hair work as advertised? Dr. Sokolove agrees with
grow, and help you remember where you left Mark Twain, who said, “Supposing is good, but
your keys? This interactive seminar will be finding out is better.”
limited to 15 participants interested in finding
things out about non-prescription items that are Prior to his retirement in 2016, Dr. Phillip Sokolove
supposed to make us feel better, think more was a Biology professor at the University of Maryland,
clearly, or function without pain; to help our Baltimore County (UMBC). He holds a Ph.D. in
digestive system work, or even make our skin Biophysics from Harvard and a B.A. in Physics from
spots fade. Participants will work individually or UC Berkeley. In 1972, after five years as a post-
in pairs with fellow VISTAS members to explore doctoral research fellow at Stanford University, he
advertising claims made in various media about joined the UMBC faculty. Dr. Sokolove was named
the benefits of dietary supplements, vitamins, UMBC Presidential Teaching Professor in 2006–2009.
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8 VISTAS COURSE CATALOG WINTER/SPRING 2022
Carmen and the Consequences
Four Thursdays: January 20, 27, February 3, 10
9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
Music Academy of the West
1070 Fairway Road, Santa Barbara Presented by:
VISTAS member price: $50; non-member price: $75 Simon Williams
Few operas have had such a discouraging start in impact of Carmen on Italian , German, and Czech
life as Bizet’s Carmen. Its first night at the Opéra- opera (particularly, Mascagni, Leoncavallo,
Comique in Paris on March 3, 1875, is now Strauss, and Janacek).
legendary, as many in the audience left halfway
through in droves, scandalized by what they had Simon Williams, now retired, was a Professor in the
heard and seen on the stage. And yet, 10 years Department of Theater and Dance at UCSB for over
later, Carmen was the most popular opera in the 30 years. He has published widely in the fields of
world and has remained so ever since. We will European continental theatre, the history of acting,
examine what happened and see why the score Shakespearean performance, and operatic history. In
and the action horrified audiences. But Carmen, addition, he has contributed numerous articles in his
one of the great harbingers of modernity in fields of specialty and is also an active reviewer for
operatic history, opened up the whole field of opera publications. Professor Williams is on the boards
human sexuality for exploration by composers, of Opera Santa Barbara and The Ensemble Theatre. He
librettists, and performers. We will evaluate the has presented several truly memorable VISTAS courses.
Santa Barbara and Our Courthouse:
A Distinctive City and a One-of-a-Kind Building
Two Fridays: January 21 and 28, 10–11:30 am.
This course will be presented online via Zoom.
Members will receive a link via email before each session. Presented by:
VISTAS member price: $30; non-member price: $45 David DeSelm
We all know that Santa Barbara is a beautiful city focus on two innovative architects whose talents
… and we all know that our Courthouse is a were unexpectedly brought together, and on how
unique and dramatic expression of the character the building got its “National Historic Landmark”
of our community. When completed in 1929, the form. Finally, we’ll look at how the City became a
Courthouse became the symbol of a new identity pioneer for urban design in America.
for the city of Santa Barbara. It took a history of
ingenuity and design to invent our city’s famous After serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in Tunisia
image. During this two-session seminar, we’ll and working as an architect for the Tunisian Direc-
look at how the design of the city and the design torate of Historic Monuments, David followed a career
of the Courthouse influenced each other to create in planning and design, with major international
the special place we know today. We’ll review development projects in North Africa, the Middle East,
key events and people who shaped the Spanish Asia, Latin America, California, and Hawaii. David
image of Santa Barbara and its historic colonial and his wife, Jane, have lived in SB since 2008 and are
and architectural relationships to Spain. We’ll active VISTAS members as well as course presenters.
VISTAS Lifelong Learning vistaslifelonglearning.org email: vistas@vistaslifelonglearning.org
VISTAS COURSE CATALOG WINTER/SPRING 2022 9
The Mother–Daughter Relationship
Two Tuesdays: February 1 and 8
9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
Montecito Covenant Church
671 Cold Spring Road, Santa Barbara Presented by:
VISTAS member price: $30; non-member price: $45 Denny Klos
These two classes offer a life-span perspective on Denny Klos is a retired clinical and forensic
the development of the mother–daughter psychologist. He has a BS in Electrical Engineering
relationship—when the daughter is an infant, a from Purdue, an MBA and PhD from Harvard
child, an adolescent, or an adult. Mother– University, and a postdoctoral fellowship from Yale
daughter relationships vary from “wonderful” University. He was a professor at Williams College,
to “terrible”—and everything in between. the University of Michigan, and the California School
Besides doing research and providing of Professional Psychology. He has been a clinic
counseling, psychologists have conducted director, an academic dean, a clinical practitioner,
relationship-enhancement workshops for and an expert witness. His research, teaching, and
mothers and daughters who want to improve or practice have focused on interpersonal relationships.
invigorate their relationships. Psychological He has been the presenter of several successful VISTAS
concepts will be illustrated with many vignettes courses, most recently the deeply insightful “James
from published studies, symposia, workshops, Baldwin: In His Own Words.” He also coordinates
and clips from feature films. our annual Short Story Discussion Group.
God Save This Honorable Court
Four Wednesdays: February 9, 16, 23, March 2
9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
Music Academy of the West
1070 Fairway Road, Santa Barbara Presented by:
VISTAS member price: $50; non-member price: $75 David Bisno
David will lead us through an exciting four-part action, guns, voting rights, abortion, the right to
series, an updated look at our Supreme Court discriminate, and equal protection of the laws.
over the past 18 months and how it has redirected
our country. We will consider the reinterpreta- David Bisno, MD, a retired ophthalmologist with
tions of our Bill of Rights and appreciate the degrees from Harvard, Dartmouth, and the Washing-
competing interests of individual liberties and ton University School of Medicine, has been an
governmental power. Profound changes have enthusiastic discussion leader on myriad topics for 28
occurred in our society and on the Court, includ- years within institutes for lifelong learning across our
ing how the newly appointed justices have influ- country and overseas. He has studied constitutional
enced the protection of the former and the restraint law at Harvard Law School with Laurence Tribe and at
of the latter. We will consider the fundamental the College of William and Mary School of Law. With
American values found in the vision of individual his wife Fay, he was one of the founders of VISTAS in
liberty and will concern ourselves with free 1999 and has kept our attention with one fascinating
speech, separation of church and state, affirmative topic after another ever since.
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10 VISTAS COURSE CATALOG WINTER/SPRING 2022
Why Do We Have Financial Crises?
Lessons From Our Time (1980–2020)
Two Tuesdays: Feb. 22 and March 1
9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
Venue to be determined. The site will be announced at a later date. Presented by:
VISTAS member price: $30; non-member price: $45 Peter Naylor
Session One: When greed, arrogance, and Lesson 6: What can we learn from these
lack of accountability take over. financial system crises to prevent recurrence?
Lesson 1: The Ponzi schemes of David
Dominelli and Bernie Madoff. A graduate of Williams College and Stanford, Peter
Lesson 2: The junk bond craze and the S&L Naylor was a Professor of Economics & Finance at
crisis (Mike Milken, The Keating Five). SBCC for 30 years. His business experience includes
Lesson 3: Sub-prime mortgages and banking, international travel management, and real
Greenspan’s Puts (1999–2009) estate development. His publications include papers
on macroeconomics in Namibia, tax policy, inter-
Session Two: When foreign exchange systems national energy markets, and financial development.
are incompatible with economic realities. His awards include a Fulbright, a Carnegie Founda-
Lesson 4: International foreign exchange crises tion, and a Brookings Institution fellowship. He is the
in Mexico (1994) and Asia (1997). author of the book Methods and Observations of a
Lesson 5: The Euro crisis (2007–2015). Practical Economist, published in 2017.
Vincent Van Gogh: Beyond the Myth
Two Fridays: February 25 and March 4
9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
Venue to be determined.
The site for this course will be announced at a later date. Presented by:
VISTAS member price: $30; non-member price: $45 Lori Windsor Mohr
Vincent van Gogh created a body of work and his sphere as well as the life experiences and
lived a life that fascinated audiences everywhere. spiritual crises that led him toward his unique
Despite bouts of mental illness, he produced 900 style; and see that his illness was neither the key
canvases in less than ten years, becoming famous to his inspiration nor the path to his grave,
after his death at 37 for the expressive power of despite the myth that Van Gogh’s work was
his pictures, capturing emotions through color that of a divine madman.
and transferring them onto canvas. His distinc-
tive and unique style influenced the 20th century Lori Windsor Mohr has been a docent at the Santa
schools of Expressionism, Fauvism, and Modern- Barbara Museum of Art for fifteen years, guiding
ism. Yet often his genius is overshadowed by the visitors through dozens of exhibitions. As part of the
perception of him as the deranged artist who cut Community Speakers Program, Lori draws from those
off his own ear. In these talks, we will discover years of art history study to create talks inspired by
how rational, purposeful, and hardworking the culture-rich opportunities at the Santa Barbara
Vincent van Gogh was; explore other artists in Museum of Art.
VISTAS Lifelong Learning vistaslifelonglearning.org email: vistas@vistaslifelonglearning.orgVISTAS COURSE CATALOG WINTER/SPRING 2022 11
Shakespearean Comedies
Four Mondays: March 7, 14, 21, and 28
9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
Venue to be determined.
The site for this course will be announced at a later date. Presented by:
VISTAS member price: $50; non-member price: $75 Mark Rose
A Midsummer Night’s Dream, As You Like It, romantic comedies and to its distinctive
Twelfth Night, and The Merchant of Venice— qualities.
these four plays are considered to be amongst
the greatest comedies in English. In this course Mark Rose is Distinguished Professor Emeritus at
we will study each of these plays, considering UCSB, where he taught popular Shakespeare courses
how they may have been performed and for many years. He is the author of Shakespearean
understood in Shakespeare’s time as well as Design and many essays on Shakespearean topics
how they have been understood since. All are as well as the editor of several collections of Shakes-
romantic comedies, plays that revolve around pearean criticism. In addition, he has published books
love as a theme. The Merchant of Venice, on Elizabethan poetry, science fiction, and the history
however, stands apart from the others because of copyright. He was educated at Princeton, Oxford,
of the remarkable figure of Shylock. We will and Harvard and has taught at Yale and the Univer-
therefore discuss this play last, paying attention sity of Illinois as well as UCSB. In 2021 he presented
both to the elements it shares with other a popular VISTAS course on Shakespearean tragedies.
.
Annual Short Story Discussion Group
Four Wednesdays: March 9, 16, 23, and 30
1:00 – 3:00 pm.
Venue to be determined.
The site for this course will be announced at a later date. Presented by:
VISTAS members only: $50 Denny Klos
Short stories written by acclaimed authors will Denny Klos is a retired clinical and forensic psychol-
be the focus for group discussion. Prior to each ogist. He has a BS in Electrical Engineering from
meeting, participants will read two stories Purdue, an MBA and PhD from Harvard
chosen from The Scribner Anthology of Contempo- University, and a postdoctoral fellowship from Yale
rary Short Fiction: 50 North American Short Stories University. He was a professor at Williams College,
Since 1970, Second Edition, 2007 (ISBN 978-1- the University of Michigan, and the California
4165-3227-9). The group will be limited to 16 School of Professional Psychology. He was a clinic
VISTAS members. In case of over-enrollment, a director, an academic dean, a clinical practitioner,
second section may be held, with dates to be and an expert witness. In addition to the Short Story
announced later. Discussion Group, Denny has presented VISTAS
courses titled “Intimacy Across the Lifespan” and
“Short stories are targeted, hand grenades of “James Baldwin: In His Own Words.” Please also
ideas. When they work, they hit, they explode, note the new course on “The Mother–Daughter
and you never forget them.” —Paulo Bacigalupi Relationship,” shown on page 9.
805-967-6030 P.O. Box 23228, Santa Barbara, CA 93121 https://www.facebook.com12 VISTAS COURSE CATALOG WINTER/SPRING 2022
Constantine the Great and the Rise of the Christian Church
One Friday: April 1
9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
Venue to be determined.
The site will be announced at a later date. Presented by:
VISTAS member price: $20; non-member price: $30 Daniel DeSelm
The Roman Emperor Constantine I’s impact on decision has had such a profound and
the history of the Christian church is incalcu- reverberating effect on the history of the West.
lable. Constantine’s innovations completely
redefined Christianity and singlehandedly Daniel DeSelm earned his BA from UC Berkeley and
transformed it from an obscure Jewish mystery his PhD in History from the University of Michigan.
cult into a world religion. Constantine’s shotgun He also studied at Trinity College, Oxford, and at the
marriage between the Roman state and the École nationale des chartes at the Sorbonne, Paris. His
religious sect it once persecuted is one of published work has focused on Christian relic cults in
history’s great turnabouts. Why did he do it? Western Europe. Dan has served on the faculty at the
What was the political, religious, and personal University of Michigan, Marymount University, and
context for Constantine’s conversion? What did George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, where
he think he was converting to? What did he hope he taught graduate and undergraduate courses in
to achieve? Could he have foreseen the conse- Roman and Medieval History. Dan has also served as
quences of his actions? Perhaps no other single a diplomat for the US Department of State.
Demonic Violinists and Duels:
Instrumental Virtuosity in the Early 19th Century
Three Wednesdays: April 6, 13, and 20
9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
Venue to be determined.
The site for this course will be announced at a later date. Presented by:
VISTAS member price: $40; non-member price: $60 Derek Katz
From Paganini to Lang Lang, virtuoso and concluding with the virtuosa Clara Wieck
instrumental performance has had an uneasy Schumann and the tours of European virtuosi to
position in European and American concert the New World.
life. Astonishing feats of technical brilliance
have always been fascinating and popular, but Derek Katz is Associate Professor of Music History
also regarded as inferior to more “serious” at UCSB. He holds a BA in Music from Harvard and
approaches and repertoires. This seminar will a PhD in Musicology from UCSB; he also studied at
discuss the origins of this phenomenon in the the Free University of Berlin. He specializes in
second quarter of the 19th century, starting with Czech music and also teaches courses in opera, string
the violinist Nicolò Paganini, rumored to have quartet, nationalism, and modernism. Derek’s
gained his powers through a deal with the popular VISTAS presentations on a wide variety of
devil, moving to the 1837 Paris “duel” between subjects over nearly two decades have been celebrated
the pianists Franz Liszt and Sigismond Thalberg, for their clarity and wit.
VISTAS Lifelong Learning vistaslifelonglearning.org email: vistas@vistaslifelonglearning.orgVISTAS COURSE CATALOG WINTER/SPRING 2022 13
Heroes and Rogues: Fourth Series
Three Mondays: April 18 and 25, May 2
9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
Venue to be determined.
The site will be announced at a later date. Presented by:
VISTAS member price: $40; non-member price: $60 Gerry Corrigan
This the fourth year of our H&R series. Thus far Owens Valley in 1919. Primary reference:
we have covered 12 individuals—seven men and Thirsty, by Marc Weingarten (2019). Next,
five women — and, not too surprisingly, we Laurie Guitteau will talk about Eleanor of
have found no perfect hero and no absolutely Aquitaine (1122–1204), an extraordinary woman
awful rogue. It seems all of us blend good points who was Queen of France at an early age,
with some malign ones. This course will participated in the Crusades, and later married
introduce a new trio of interesting character the man who became King Henry II of England.
studies. Our hope is that you will follow up on Primary reference: Eleanor of Aquitaine: A Life,
your own on any subject that intrigues you. by Alison Weir (1999). Lastly, Ted Anagnoson
Gerry Corrigan will lead with a talk titled will talk about James Jesus Angleton of the CIA
“William Mulholland and the LA Aqueduct.” and Kim Philby of MI6, the British intelligence
The focus will be on the immigrant who went on agency, and the shadowy world of spying at
to be Superintendent of the LADWP and was the highest levels. Primary reference: Spies and
responsible for bringing water to LA from the Traitors, by Michael Hoffman (2021).
Cole Porter—A Great American Songwriter
Two Tuesdays: April 19 and 26
9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
This course will be presented online via Zoom.
Members will receive a link via email before each session. Presented by:
VISTAS member price: $30; non-member price: $45 Bob Weinman
Night and Day! Bob Weinman received a B.S. degree from Cornell
I Get a Kick Out of You! University in 1960, and a Ph.D. in Nuclear Physics
I’ve Got You Under My Skin! from the California Institute of Technology in 1966.
Begin the Beguine! He worked as a rocket scientist for the Northrop
You’re the Top! Grumman Corporation until he retired in 1993.
Anything Goes! He currently volunteers as a videographer and
With dozens more song hits like these, Cole music lecturer at the Music Academy of the West.
Porter was one of our greatest songwriters, He is also a member of the board of directors of
along with Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, and Opera Santa Barbara and the Santa Barbara
Jerome Kern. Symphony. In addition, Bob is one of our most
popular presenters; his previous Vistas courses
Fortunately for all of us, Bob Weinman, a VISTAS include presentations on operatic subjects as well as
favorite, is back with another of his delightful highly entertaining programs on Broadway and
musical presentations. Hollywood musicals.
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Origins and Adventures in American Agriculture
Two Tuesdays: May 3 and 10
9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
Venue to be determined.
The site for this course will be announced at a later date. Presented by:
VISTAS member price: $30; non-member price: $45 Daniel Stone
Session 1—The strange and mysterious origins At the turn of the 20th century, David Fairchild
of America’s food system. “Dull, brown and and his team of USDA botanists circled the world
bland.” That’s how early 20th century food in search of novel plants—and in turn, they
historian Clementine Paddleford—the Julia Child transformed the American diet.
of her era—described the food of North America
before our country’s founding. What was Daniel Stone is a writer on science, history, and
American food like before there was an America? adventure. He is a former senior correspondent for
What did Native American tribes eat, and what National Geographic and a former White House
perished when European colonialists arrived? correspondent for Newsweek. He has written for
This first session will cover the curious and at Time, The Washington Post, Vice, and Literary
times distasteful origins of American food up to Hub, and has presented at the National Academy of
the Civil War. Session 2—America’s botanical Sciences. He teaches environmental policy at Johns
adventurers. American supermarkets were not Hopkins Univ. He lives in Santa Barbara with his wife,
always abundant and diverse as they are today. Alanna, and their two sons, one of whom is a dog.
The Frayed American Social Safety Net This course was originally scheduled for
Nov. 2021 but was postponed. Those
Four Wednesdays, May 4, 11, 18, and 25 who enrolled previously will auto-
1:00 – 3:30 p.m. matically be enrolled in this course.
Venue to be determined.
The site for this course will be announced at a later date. Presented by:
VISTAS member price: $50; non-member price: $75 Ted Anagnoson
We won’t be making history in this course by How does it accomplish the goal? (3) To what
stating that the American safety net, the group of extent are the funds of the program targeted and
programs intended to help people when they on what group? What impact does the targeting
lose their jobs or otherwise come upon hard have on the politics of each program?
times, is full of holes. People who don’t need
help, by most definitions, get it, and those who Ted Anagnoson is a professor emeritus of political
need it most sometimes get very little. Is it a science at Cal State LA and a former visiting professor
result of Reaganism or does the phenomenon at UCSB. He worked for the federal government in
predate Reagan, and if so, what do we trace it Washington in the policy office of the Dept. of Health
back to? In this course we will look at several and Human Services, and he has taught a variety of
programs and consider several questions: (1) courses in American government and public policy
How important is each program in alleviating both in the U.S. and in New Zealand. He is currently
poverty and keeping people from falling into serving as co-president of VISTAS and formerly chaired
poverty? (2) What is the goal of each program? the curriculum committee.
VISTAS Lifelong Learning vistaslifelonglearning.org email: vistas@vistaslifelonglearning.orgVISTAS COURSE CATALOG WINTER/SPRING 2022 15
VISTAS ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022
Name ___________________________________________________________________
Name ___________________________________________________________________
Address _______________________________________________________________________________
City / State / Zip ________________________________________________________________________
Phone ___________________ Email ____________________________________
Phone ___________________ Email ____________________________________
INDIVIDUAL ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP: $50 $ ___________________
HOUSEHOLD ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP: $75 $ ___________________
VISTAS is also delighted to accept your tax-deductible 501(c)(3)
donation in any amount. A receipt will be sent to you for tax purposes. $ ___________________
TOTAL $ ___________________
TO PAY, YOU MAY:
➢ EITHER pay online by secure credit card through PayPal: https://www.vistaslifelonglearning.org
(This is the quickest and most efficient way to apply for membership.)
➢ OR mail this completed form along with your check to:
VISTAS Lifelong Learning, P.O. Box 23228, Santa Barbara CA 93121 Check # ______________
Check date ______________
IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS: Please remember to sign your check, and in the memo space indicate what it is for
(e.g., annual membership, or name(s) of course(s)). Also, please write your check number on this form. And finally,
please submit the membership forms at their full original printed size; do not cut them down to a smaller size.
It’s fun, it’s rewarding, and you’ll meet the nicest people.
_____ Join our HOSPITALITY team (bring cookies to classes or substitute for the person
responsible for coffee urn pick-up and return)
_____ Join our TECH SUPPORT team (assist presenters with PowerPoint, audio/visual
requirements, or other technical issues)
_____ Become a PRESENTER (share your expertise or interests); for more info, visit
https://www.vistaslifelonglearning.org/become-a-presenter ).
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HOW TO REGISTER FOR VISTAS EVENTS MY REGISTRATION
AND COURSES LIST
You can use this space to keep track of
Applicants may register for VISTAS courses and activities
the courses you’ve signed up for.
in any ONE of the following three ways.
Paid by Paid
1. The quickest and most efficient way to enroll in check online
VISTAS classes is to register online using PayPal or a Mon. Nonfiction
credit or debit card. Here’s how: Book Club (Zoom) _______ ______
Go to www.vistaslifelonglearning.org. Click on the Civil Unrest in
“Courses” tab. When you have chosen a course, use the 1960s _______ ______
the small dropdown menu below the name of the “Sounds Good!
course to select “Member” or “Nonmember.” Then Does It Work?” _______ ______
click on the “Add to cart” button. Carmen and the
On the window that appears, you can edit your Consequences _______ ______
selection (change number of registrants, or delete the Santa Barbara and
selection), then click on either “Continue shopping” or Our Courthouse _______ ______
“PayPal Check out” or “Check out” (pay with a credit Mother–Daughter
or debit card without a PayPal account). Relationship _______ ______
If you select “PayPal Check out,” a new window will God Save This
Honorable Court _______ ______
open in which you can enter your PayPal member ID
and password. Why Do We Have
Financial Crises? _______ ______
When entering your information in PayPal, if you see
Van Gogh: Beyond
a line that reads “Instructions to Merchant” or the Myth _______ ______
“Instructions from Buyer,” enter your phone number
Shakespearean
and, if appropriate, the name(s) of any other person(s)
Comedies _______ ______
you are enrolling. If you don’t see a place to enter that
Short Story
information, please send a list with the names of other
Discussion Grp. _______ ______
people you are enrolling, along with your name and
number, to our Business Manager via email Constantine the
Great _______ ______
(vistas@vistaslifelonglearning.org).
Demonic Violinists
OR and Duels _______ ______
2. Print out and fill in the registration form included on Heroes & Rogues
each course flyer, which will be emailed to all VISTAS Fourth Series _______ ______
members in advance of each course. Cole Porter—Great
Amer. Songwriter _______ ______
OR
Origins, Adventures
3. Send in the form on p. 17, with your check (please in Amer. Ag. _______ ______
don’t forget to sign your check, and in the memo Frayed Social
space of your check please note which course(s) you Safety Net _______ ______
are registering for).
VISTAS Lifelong Learning vistaslifelonglearning.org email: vistas@vistaslifelonglearning.orgVISTAS COURSE CATALOG WINTER/SPRING 2022 17
REGISTRATION FORM
Name(s) ________________________________________________________________________________
Mailing address _________________________________________________________________________
City _____________________________________________ State ____________ Zip _____________
Telephone ___________________________ Email ________________________________________
No. of Member No. of Non-memb.
COURSES/ACTIVITIES registrants rate registrants rate Subtotal
Monday Nonfiction Book Club (Zoom) ______ @ $25 ______to members
(available @ $30only) = _________
Civil Unrest in the 1960s ______ @ $50 + ______ @ $75 = _________
“Sounds Good! But Does It Really Work?” ______ @ $40 ______to members
(available @ $30only) = _________
Carmen and the Consequences ______ @ $50 + ______ @ $75 = _________
Santa Barbara and Our Courthouse ______ @ $30 + ______ @ $45 = _________
The Mother–Daughter Relationship ______ @ $30 + ______ @ $45 = _________
God Save This Honorable Court ______ @ $50 + ______ @ $75 = _________
Why Do We Have Financial Crises? ______ @ $30 + ______ @ $45 = _________
Vincent Van Gogh: Beyond the Myth ______ @ $30 + ______ @ $45 = _________
Shakespearean Comedies ______ @ $50 + ______ @ $75 = _________
Short Story Discussion Group ______ @ $50 ______to members only) =
(available _________
Constantine the Great ______ @ $20 + ______ @ $30 = _________
Demonic Violinists and Duels ______ @ $40 + ______ @ $60 = _________
Heroes and Rogues (Fourth Series) ______ @ $40 + ______ @ $60 = _________
Cole Porter—A Great Amer. Songwriter ______ @ $30 + ______ @ $45 = _________
Origins and Adventures, American Ag. ______ @ $30 + ______ @ $45 = _________
The Frayed American Social Safety Net ______ @ $50 + ______ @ $75 = _________
GRAND TOTAL $ _________
Please mail this form and your check (payable to Vistas Lifelong Learning) to:
VISTAS Lifelong Learning, P.O. Box 23228, Santa Barbara, CA 93121
Note: When enrolling more than one person, please include a list of the names of those enrolling in each course.
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VISTAS Bulletin Board
A highlight from our Fall calendar: John
Ummel’s presentation on “The Story Behind
Bellosguardo,” held at the colorful Santa
Barbara Carriage and Western Art Museum.
In November, Denny Klos presented a
timely and perceptive course on James
Baldwin—“In His Own Words.”
We Remember
Nick DiNapoli (d. 11/8/2021)
After earning a BA from the CA College of the Arts and an MA from Stanford, Nick came to Goleta
and worked on the lunar rover program with General Motors Research. Other career highlights
included designing safety cars for the U.S. DOT, designing the DiNapoli automobile, and building
an air boat that flew on Lake Cachuma. He also designed high-tech military components as well as
skateboards, the SB downtown shuttle buses, and several monorail systems around the U.S. He
worked on the initial design of the Maritime Museum and all of their original exhibits. Nick also was a lecturer at
UCSB, teaching design in the Mechanical Engineering Dept. Among the VISTAS courses he presented were seminars
on the Spanish Civil War and Great Sea Battles. Nick’s wife, Meg, has long been an active member of VISTAS.
VISTAS Lifelong Learning vistaslifelonglearning.org email: vistas@vistaslifelonglearning.orgVISTAS COURSE CATALOG WINTER/SPRING 2022 19
VISTAS Bulletin Board
Our Annual Fall Picnic in September—our first in-person event in a year and a half!
We enjoyed a delicious catered lunch and lots of good fellowship under the oaks and
sycamores at Tuckers Grove.
Above left: We bid a fond farewell to our outgoing business manager,
Lynn Shively, and warmly welcome our new one, Liz Linde.
Above right: Barbara Margerum, Patricia Poilé, and Sharon Alvarado.
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U.S. POSTAGE PAID
SANTA BARBARA CA
PERMIT NO 465
P.O. Box 23228
Santa Barbara, CA 93121
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Santa Barbara Courthouse, photo by VISTAS member Ernie WithamYou can also read
