The Quill

Quick Updates for Independent Lifelong Learners

September 25, 2022

#419

{View as Webpage}

Notes from the Board

Current Events - Friday, 9/30

Spanish Conversation Group (La Tertulia) - Monday, 10/3

Our First Symposium - Friday, 10/7

LLAIC Lit-Lovers - Friday, 10/14

Movie Mavens - Friday, 10/14

LLAIC Zoom Happy Hour - Thursday, 10/20

Let's Go: Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge - Friday, 10/21

No Geniuses on Wall Street - Monday, 10/24

French Conversation Group

Let's Go members visited Beauport, the Sleeper-McCann house in Gloucester, followed by a delightful outdoor lunch on Friday.

NOTES FROM THE BOARD

The fall semester is off to a good start. Happy to report that the feedback has been very positive thanks to our inspiring course leaders, our expert Zoom tech support, and you, our members. 

We are hoping to expand our Wednesday afternoon Special Programs; so if you, or anyone you know, have a particular field of interest or a hobby or a passion that you would like to share with us, please contact Alice Freedman, our Coordinator of Special Programs. We’re cautiously considering some in-person events at our home base, Temple Shir Tikva, starting with the October 7 Symposium (see below). The Let’s Go trips this fall have been wonderful and more are planned. 

Wishing a sweet and healthy New Year to our members who celebrate the Jewish High Holidays. There will be no classes on Tuesday, September 27, or Wednesday, October 5, in observance of those holidays. Thursday classes will continue on the regular schedule. Click here for a list of our class dates for this semester. 

CURRENT EVENTS

LED BY JERRY JACOBS

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30

@ 10:00-11:15

At last week's meeting, after a thoughtful discussion of the U.S status in the world, we weighed in on immigration, Queen Elizabeth's death, the UK's economic and healthcare problems, our own healthcare problems, the railroad strike, and the Mar-A-Lago papers.

Planned agenda items this week will include a review of judicial matters facing Mr. Trump, including the various state and federal investigations; further news on the January 6 Committee's findings; and a discussion of upcoming election predictions, locally and nationally. We look forward to our usual animated and provocative discussion under Jerry's skillful leadership. Newcomers are welcome.

Click here by noon on Thursday, September 29, to request an invitation to the September 30 meeting. You'll receive it that day.

SPANISH CONVERSATION GROUP

¡Bienvenidos a La Tertulia!

Monday, October 3

Bienvenidos a todos a la Tertulia. We look forward to seeing you at our Zoom meeting on October 3.

Our format  consists of reading and discussing articles from various Spanish language media sources of general high interest. There is no homework although everyone is invited to submit articles they might find for our agendas.

The hosts for the group are Miriam Grodberg and Larry Krakauer. Contact Miriam at [email protected] with any questions.

OUR FIRST SYMPOSIUM

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2022 @ 11:00-1:00

TEMPLE SHIR TIKVA

By popular demand LLAIC is presenting a Symposium facilitated by Jerry Jacobs. LICSW, on the current state of education in our country. Here is a link to a New York Times special about education. Reading these essays in which writers, parents and students try to make sense of the purpose of education in America will enhance our discussion.

We will meet in person at Temple Shir Tikva, 141 Boston Post Road, Wayland. Discussion will be followed by pizza, available at our usual $2/slice. We hope to follow the meeting with another Symposium on November 18th for a post-election roundup.

If you are interested in joining our October 7 discussion, please RSVP to Alice Freedman. Vaccinations are required and masks are recommended.

THE NETANYAHUS: AN ACCOUNT OF A MINOR AND ULTIMATELY EVEN NEGLIGIBLE EPISODE IN THE HISTORY OF A VERY FAMOUS FAMILY

by JOSHUA COHEN

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14 @ 10:30-12:00

DISCUSSION LED BY CAROLE LEVY

Corbin College, not-quite-upstate New York, winter 1959-1960: Ruben Blum, a Jewish historian--but not an historian of the Jews--is co-opted onto a hiring committee to review the application of an exiled Israeli scholar specializing in the Spanish Inquisition. When Benzion Netanyahu shows up for an interview, family unexpectedly in tow, Blum plays the reluctant host, to guests who proceed to lay waste to his American complacencies. Mixing fiction with non-fiction, the campus novel with the lecture, The Netanyahus is a wildly inventive, genre-bending comedy of blending, identity, and politics.

If you wish to attend the meeting, please click here by noon on Thursday, October 13^th, and you will receive a link by the end of the day. The meeting will open 15 minutes early so we can socialize before we begin the discussion. Contact Joan Chasan if you have trouble signing up. All book lovers are welcome. 

Coming up:

• Friday, November 11: Norwegian by Night by Derek B. Miller.
• Friday, December 9: When Heaven and Earth Changed Places by Ly Hayslip.

MOVIE MAVENS

HELLO MY NAME IS DORIS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14 @ 2:00 P.M.

The Movie Mavens choice for October is a 2016 dramatic comedy, Hello My Name is Doris, starring Sally Field. In her first leading role in twenty years, Field delivers a stellar performance in this coming-of-age film about an older woman’s life choices and romantic desires. One critic wrote, “her presence...is like a beacon of beckoning human warmth just waiting to be cherished.”

Field was nominated for a Critics Choice award for her performance in this heartwarming film. It is available on Netflix, Amazon Prime and YouTube.

Click here by noon on Thursday, October 13, to request a Zoom invitation. You’ll receive it that day.

LLAIC ZOOM HAPPY HOUR

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20

4:00-5:00

At our September Happy Hour we talked about the new boosters, cruises and other European trips, museums, stolen art, women's very recent ascendancy in medicine and law and computer science, the immigrants who just landed in Martha's Vineyard, the British monarchy, and the pizza and lunch speakers we used to have and hope to have again.

We hope you'll all join us on Thursday, October 20, from 4 to 5 p.m. Bring your drinks, snacks, and conversation. New members are especially welcome.

Click here to request a Zoom invitation before noon on Wednesday, October 19. You'll receive it that day.

RESCHEDULED GUIDED WALK

MT. AUBURN CEMETERY, CAMBRIDGE

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21 @ 11 A.M.

This walk, limited to 20 people, was fully subscribed when originally scheduled in July. DON'T WAIT! RESERVE NOW!

Within a forested landscape nestled between Cambridge and Watertown, Mount Auburn Cemetery was established in 1831 by founders who created an extraordinary place, one where mourners would come to find solace and where the public could enjoy the beauty and wonder in nature. Whether you’ve never visited Mount Auburn Cemetery, or perhaps visited on your own, getting lost along its winding paths amidst the lush plantings, you’ll enjoy the 90-minute guided walk through this Registered National Landmark and nationally accredited arboretum, a national treasure located in our own backyard. Our guide will focus on the stories, the history, and the lives of those buried here, as you take in the stunning landscaping. 

We’ll meet at 10:45 AM in front of the Administration Building, just inside the main entrance on Mt. Auburn Street, where you will find restrooms. Parking is available in the circular drive to the right of the Administration Building. Carpooling is encouraged as parking may be limited, depending on visitor volume on a given day. The paths are fully accessible. 

Sharing a meal and socializing with friends has always been an important part of Let’s Go outings. However, these are not usual times. We are aware that many of our members are not comfortable dining indoors, and it was impossible for us to make an outdoor reservation for our group at any restaurant close by. We can offer a few suggestions for nearby restaurants with patio seating. Not all will guarantee an outdoor table, but will note your request when you reserve. Most are located on Arsenal Street in Watertown, less than a ten minute drive from Mount Auburn Cemetery. Of course you are free to make your own arrangements.

Branch Line in the Arsenal on the Charles complex

Buttermilk and Bourbon in Arsenal Yards

City Works in Arsenal Yards

Sofra Bakery and Cafe, 1 Belmont St, Watertown

Registration is limited to 20 people. To reserve your place and indicate car pooling preference, please complete the attached registration form. Mail it and a check for $15 per person made out to Linda Brooks to

Linda Brooks

21 River Rock Way

Wayland, MA 01778

NOTE: Your check must be received by October 14th. No refunds will be issued after that date except as noted below. 

MOUNT AUBURN CANCELLATION POLICY: If our walk is canceled due to severe weather and cannot be rescheduled, a full refund will be given.

THERE ARE NO GENIUSES ON WALL STREET

MONDAY, OCTOBER 24 @ 10:30-12:00

Are you an experienced investor, or are you new to "the market" and want to know more? We are an easygoing discussion group that deals with all market-related topics. Bring your opinions, insights, and questions. Or just listen.

Click here before noon on Sunday, October 23, to request a Zoom invitation. If you have any questions about the group, contact Richard Lewis: [email protected] or 617-448-4439.



The French Conversation Group is reading Le Chateau de ma Mere by Marcel Pagnol.

We are a group of intermediate to advanced level speakers. We read books aloud, taking turns, and stopping often to discuss any interesting aspects of what we are reading. If you are interested in this group, please contact Betty Salzberg at [email protected].