Special Programs

Most events are free and open to the public • Call 828.251.6140 for additional details

Appalachian Studies Authors Series

Great Southern authors are coming to speak at the Reuter Center this summer! The Appalachian Studies Program of the College for Seniors is sponsoring the Summer Authors Speakers Series. The Series will be held on Sunday afternoons in July from 3 – 4:30 p.m. in the Manheimer Room. This series is free and open to the public.  For more information, contact Susan Poole at spoole@unca.edu  or Doug Agor at agrdgl@aol.com.

• Speaking on July 1, 2012, Tommy Hays is executive director of the Great Smokies Writing Program and a lecturer in the Master of Liberal Arts Program at UNC Asheville. His latest book, The Pleasure Was Mine, was published in 2006 and deals with a man’s journey in caring for his wife as she declines due to Alzheimer’s.  It was a 2006 Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance Fiction Finalist and was read on National Public Radio's "Radio Reader”
• Speaking on July 8, 2012, a native of Asheville, Charles Frazier won the National Book Award in 1997 for Cold Mountain, which was later adapted to the screen in 2003.  The idea for the novel came from stories Frazier’s father handed down to him about his great-great uncle during the Civil War. His last two novels, Thirteen Moons (2006) and Nightwoods (2011), also use the Appalachian Mountains as a backdrop.
• Speaking on July 15, 2012, Wayne Caldwell is noted for his novel Cataloochee, a post-Civil War saga of three generations of families, their dreams, their downfalls, and their faith.  His follow- up novel, Requiem by Fire, deals with efforts of a close-knit mountain village's fight to keep the land its inhabitants have spent their lives cultivating
• Speaking on July 22, 2012, Ron Rash is the Parris Distinguished Professor in Appalachian Cultural Studies at Western Carolina University.  A poet and short story author, his 2008 novel Serena was a 2009 PEN/Faulkner Award Finalist.  Twice the recipient of the O. Henry Prize, his short story collection Burning Bright won the 2010 Frank O’Connor International Short Story Award.  His latest novel The Cove takes place during World War I in Western North Carolina. 
• Speaking on July 29, 2012, Erica Abrams Locklear, author of Negotiating a Perilous Empowerment: Appalachian Women’s Literacies, is an assistant professor of literature and language at UNC Asheville.  Her book explores how mountain writers portray the identity conflicts literacy attainment can cause for Appalachian women.  Her interests are Appalachia, literacy, the South, and gendered issues within each of these categories.              

Asheville Community Theatre’s Readers Theater

The Autumn Players is a troupe of seasoned actors dedicated to taking the theatre experience into the community. Readings of great literature by experienced performers can spark deep understanding and kindle lasting interest. As words jump from the page with conviction and emotion, stories come to life.  The performance starts at 2:30 p.m. and tickets are $5 at the door. Click here to learn more about the Autumn Players

• On June 24, 2012, 2:30 p.m., they present THE PRICE by Arthur Miller, directed by RoseLynn Katz. What price would you pay for respect and love? By one of our finest playwrights, THE PRICE is a deeply moving drama that reunites two, estranged middle-aged brothers. Nostalgia and recrimination erupt as they must sell off an attic full of furniture, their last links to parents and a world that no longer exists. This focuses on difficult family dynamics, the price of material goods and the price to be paid for the choices we make in life.
• On August 26, 2012, 2:30 p.m., they present THE DEVIL'S DISCIPLE by George Bernard Shaw, directed by Hal Hogstrom. Set in Revolutionary-era New England, this is the story of Richard Dudgeon, local outcast and free-thinker who represents the "devil's disciple". When he's mistaken for a local minister and arrested by the British, he finds himself incapable of passing his pain on to someone else. The surprise ending, with British General Burgoyne in charge of the trial, raises questions about religious faith and who, in fact, can be said to side with the devil.

Astronomy Club of Asheville

The Astronomy Club of Asheville meets the 1st Thursday of each month at 7-9 p.m.,June 7, July 5, and Aug. 2, 2012,  and welcomes Reuter Center members into the club to advise and assist them in the basics of Astronomy and techniques of observing celestial phenomena. Club membership is free.  Click here to visit the Astronomy Club of Asheville website   Upcoming programs include: 

• June 7, 2012,  Dan Reichart, PH.D. of UNC-Chapel Hill, speaking on "The Drake Equation"
• July 5, 2012,   Chris Mullis, Ph.D., retired European Space Agency Astronomer, speaking on "X-Ray Astronomy"
• August 2, 2012, Joshua Emery, Ph.D., University of Tennessee, Knoxville, will speak on "Water and Organics on Asteroids"

Celebrating Life in the Mountains

This fascinating series continues on June 26, 2012,  with “Wild Things!”  This program will focus on wildlife in our region - a captivating reason to Celebrate Life in the Mountains.   The Western NC Nature Center houses animals indigenous these mountains. Dan Clere, WNC Nature Center Education Specialist, will showcase the mission of the Nature Center and some of the animals who are resident there in a talk he calls Fur, Feathers, and Scales. An animal from the center will likely accompany him.  And following Dan, Mike Carraway, Mountain Regional Supervisor of the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, will educate us about living with bears in Asheville. Mike will discuss the increasing frequency of human-bear encounters in and around Asheville, the steps we can take to keep bears wild, and what we should (and should not) do if we find ourselves face to face with a bear. Enjoy an informative evening with the experts, a Q&A session will follow.

Civil War Lecture

Dante Lecture

A special lecture by noted Dante scholar, Richard Lansing will be held on July 18, 2012, 9:30-11:00 a.m., titled "Dante and the Crisis of Class Warfare."  Dante was beset by many of the same political problems in the Florence of his day that we face in our society today. Hoping to bring about change, he ran for office and was elected to the Council of Priors in 1300. Would he succeed in quelling partisan discord, outmaneuver his enemies, defend Florence against the Pope’s military aggression, provide support to a weakened Emperor, and bring peace to his homeland? His Divine Comedy tells the story. What can we learn from it?

Richard Lansing received a B.A. in Italian from Columbia University, and a M.A. and Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from the Unversity of California, Berkeley. He had a long career as a faculty member at Brandeis University, including serving as Chair of the School of Humanities. He is the author of numerous publications, and edited the Dante Encyclopedia, a Choice Outstanding Book, 2000. In 2010 he was elected an Honorary Member of the Società Dantesca Italiana.

Elisha Mitchell Audubon Society

The mission of the Elisha Mitchell Audubon Society(EMAS) is to promote an awareness and appreciation of nature, to preserve and protect wildlife and natural ecosystems, and to encourage responsible environmental stewardship.   EMAS next general meetings at the Reuter Center are on the Cerulean Warbler on May 15, 2012, and on Chimney Swifts on June 19, 2012, at 7 p.m.  For more information,  click here to visit their website and learn more 

Fab Fridays Lunch & Learn Lectures

On  Fridays, 11:30 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. during the term, this series of lunch and learn lectures continues to delight and inform.   Held in the Manheimer Room, Fab Fridays are free and open to the public.   Members and guests are invited to socialize while they enjoy stimulating presentations and dynamic questions/answer sessions. Purchase lunch in our Reuter Café or bring your own brown bag. End your week and start your weekend with Fab Fridays. Don’t miss these great programs.  Fab Fridays Lunch & Learn Lectures are on hiatus during the summer but watch for an exciting line-up for Fall 2012.

f/32 Photography

f/32 is a diverse group that shares an appreciation and love of photography.  Members range from the amateur to the advanced, from those that like to just take pictures to professional photographers.  At monthly meetings, they share their work learn new methods, and keep abreast of the latest industry news and equipment.  NCCCR members are offered free membership in f/32.  Attend on Wednesdays,  May 9, June 13, July 11, and August 8, 2012; all meetings begin at 7 p.m.  For more information, you may click here to visit the f/32 Photography  website.

Medicare Choices Made Easy!

Are you new to Medicare? Are you confused by the many choices? Unbiased and accurate information is available from trained volunteers from the North Carolina Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program. In partnership with the Community Education and Outreach Committee of NCCCR, free classes (on hiatus in the summer) will be held on successive Fridays, September 21 and 28, 2012, from 2-4 p.m. in the Reuter Center. The first session will be an overview (plans, parts and policies) of Medicare. The second session will be in the computer lab learning how to use the resources on the internet to compare benefits, answer questions and enroll when you are ready. Spaces are limited so reserve your place by calling Sybil French at the Council on Aging, 828.277.8288.

Membership Roundup Barbeque Social

Join your NC Center for Creative Retirement friends for our third annual summer barbecue on Thursday, July 19, 2012,  4:30 – 6:30 p.m.  Bandanas and cowboy hats are optional.  Take this opportunity to socialize, enjoy great food, and sign up for your 2012-13 NCCCR membership.  Center membership is required to attend this event.

Pan Harmonia

Embracing diverse world music from Baroque times to the 21st century, Pan Harmonia often mixes genres, styles and flavors in a single performance. This Asheville-based group received national recognition for its work with an NEA grant for Artistic Excellence. Come enjoy their creative, energetic music! www.pan-harmonia.org The next Pan Harmonia's event scheduled at the Reuter Center, free and open to the public, is on Thursday, May 31, 2012 at noon, in the Manheimer Room, Pan Harmonia offers "A Delicious Musical Lunch Break!"  Experience a free open rehearsal with flutist/artistic director Kate Steinbeck, violinist Amy Lovinger and pianist Kimberly Cann as they prepare for June concerts, Musique de la Belle Epoque.

Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)

Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), is a national program of the Corporation of National and Community Service, to assist our membership in finding volunteer opportunities in the greater community. Locally sponsored by the Land-of-Sky Regional Council, RSVP assists our 55+ population with finding meaningful and rewarding volunteer opportunities in Buncombe, Madison, Henderson and Transylvania Counties. Come join us Wednesday mornings for an informative session spotlighting a particular volunteer possibility in the area. To reserve your spot call Patti Cameron at 828-251-6622 or rsvp@landofsky.org  Upcoming sessions are planned for June 1, July 6, and August 3, 2012; all at 9-11 a.m.

STEM Lectures

INTERDISCIPLINARY STEM SEMINAR SERIES (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics) at the Reuter Center.  Plan to attend these interesting seminars, September 2012, dates TBA.  Free and open to the public.  4:30-6 p.m.

Symphony Talk with Daniel Meyer

The best way to enjoy the Asheville Symphony Orchestra’s masterworks concerts is to come to the Symphony Talk for the inside scoop on the music, composers and soloists. On Friday, May 11, 2012, at 3 p.m. Asheville Symphony Orchestra’s music director and conductor Daniel Meyer will speak about  Schumann's Symphony No. 1 "Spring"; Mendelssohn Concerto for Violin and Piano with pianist Benjamin Hochman, and Jennifer Koh, violin

The Director is In

Please join NCCCR Executive Director Catherine Frank for informal open discussions in the atrium, held monthly; next session scheduled for June 21, 2012, 11 a.m.   Please take this opportunity to talk about your questions and hopes for the work of the Center in 2012 and beyond.

Thoughtful Thursdays

Lecture Series:  Today's Politics —Left and Right or right and wrong? Conservatives and Liberals both claim their positions are best for people in a political society. Since these two doctrines are radically opposed to one another, both claims cannot possibly be true. But what is the truth and is it out there to be found? Using real life examples, these three lectures, will explore this question. Their conclusions could totally change your thinking.

• Thursday, June 21, 11:30 a.m. The Philosophic Origins of Liberalism and Conservatism.
• Thursday, June 28, 11:30 a.m., The Impact of the Two Doctrines on Government and People.
• Thursday, July 12, 11:30 a.m., Our Founding Fathers -Whose Side Were They Really On?

Holding an advanced degree from the University of Chicago, series presenter Bob Wiley has been an adjunct professor at Northwestern University, a board member of the Chicago Area Great Books Council and on the faculties of Blue Ridge Community College and here at the College for Seniors. He was asked by both Blue Ridge’s Lifetime Learning and the Road Scholar Program at Montreat College to develop these lectures after they became familiar with his CFS discussion course called, “Is Liberalism a Dirty Word?” However, lecture attendees will find the content covered significantly different than that of the course.