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EH Notebook #103 May 30, 2002
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Welcome to EH Notebook, the e-zine where e-friends who have
attended Elderhostel programs can compare notes.
There is an independent but cooperatively maintained index to old
issues at http://members.aol.com/ehindex
To subscribe to the e-mail publication and/or to submit reviews of
programs taken send an e-mail to the editor, Bob McAllester, at
EHnotebook@earthlink.net
Please keep all correspondence in simple e-mail text format.
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From the Editor's Notebook
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We are back from our China Elderhostel. It was exciting and
exhausting, I recommend it for the hardy souls. I hope to have a
full report for the next issue.
Now we are planning a trip to visit grandchildren, etc. So I
don^Òt expect the next issue to be out until after July 1.
Bob McAllester
EHnotebook@earthlink.net
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Comments and Queries
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I've been an Elderhosteler for many years and am looking for a
computer program near Montreal for a friend of mine. I've done
several, one at Joli Vent, Vermont Technical College and one at
Escuminac in the Gaspe area which unfortunately has closed due to
the owners' move to our West Coast.
Dorothy Daughtrey
emma16@videotron.ca
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I took an Intergenerational Elderhostel trip to Alaska with my ten
year old granddaughter last summer, and I'm planning to go on an
Elderhostel trip to Cuba with my husband next winter. I would
love to hear from anyone who has taken such a trip recently.
LOU BELL
louhbell@attbi.com
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Have you been to ALBUQUERQUE, NM hot air ballon festival in Oct.-
---------need info on this program if you have attended. Please
respond to bahamm@webtv.net with general info, (housing, program
etc) thanks--Billie
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Marine Science - Wallops Island
I'm registered for this Intergenerational program in July w/my 11
yr old grandson. Anyone who has attended have any tips/advice?
Ron Olsen
rdolsen@att.net
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Would like to get reviews on the Southwest France Elderhostel if
you have any. Planning to go in October. Thanks
Renee Schick
rs530@aol.com
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We are trying to choose between two Elderhostels in
Washington state for the week of August 4-9. Any comments on
either would be appreciated.
#1 - THE FIRS CONFERENCE CENTER - Bellingham - Programs:
Beaches, Bays Big Fish. Music of the Masters, Live. Glaciers
at Work.
#2 - OCEAN PARK RETREAT CENTER - Washington Coast - Programs:
Historic Oysterville. Ellis Island of the Pacific. Old Growth
Forests.
Grady and Virginia Singletary
gsfarm@netdot.com
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I've done several Elderhostel trips and I think that at times I
would like to see what other similar groups are offering........I
am only familiar with Eldertreks and I know that there are a few
others, can you give me a few names............thank you for your
attention in this matter
Nathalie Treonis
Ntreonis@aol.com
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Program Reviews
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Northern Arizona Univ / Mesa Verde, CO
Arrowmont Craft School, Gatlinburg, TN
Millersville University, PA
Northern Illinois U., IL
John C. Campbell Folk School, NC
Center for Coastal Studies/Provincetown, MA
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Northern Arizona Univ / Mesa Verde, CO
NORTHERN ARIZONIA UNIVERSITY
06496-0421-04/2002
MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK (Colorado)
Carl Larson
Ou8j@aol.com
A very interesting introduction to the daily life and cultural
evolution of the Pueblonian Native Americans was capped off with
visits to Chapin Mesa, where tours of Spruce Tree House, Cliff
Palace and other Anasazi sites of Mesa Verdewere conducted. Gian
Mercuno shared her vast knowledge and insights of the
archaeological preserve gained through years of working at the
Park. We were also treated to a field trip to the Anaszi Heritage
Center where we toured the archives and displays managed by the
Bureau of Land Management. Adding to the program was a
presentation by Larry Wiese, Superintendent of Mesa Verde National
Park and Linda Martin, who shared her large collection of native
pottery, baskets and rugs. A number of well informed guides gave
us their prospective of the various activities at the park while
shuttling us about.
One day was spent riding the narrow gauge Durango Silverton
railroad train through the mountainous mining district of
southwest Colorado.
The Far View Lodge provided comfortable lodging and a great vista.
Our coordinator, Trina Lindig was cheerful and kept the program
interesting and well on course. This program is a must for those
interested in the arts and history of the southwest.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Arrowmont Craft School, Gatlinburg, TN
Harris Lentini
hkl38@hotmail.com
A week full of fun, enthusiasm, and excellent instruction at
Arrowmont Craft School in the middle of Gatlinburg, TN. The school
has been in existence since the early 1900's and remains involved
with the local community though has broadened outreach to include
many craft classes. I took "Papermaking" and because of the
relaxed atmosphere, was able to walk through the other labs
throughout the week. Watercolor, Wood Turning, and Furniture
making were also taught the week I was there - and all
participants were very well pleased with instruction and
facilities. Papermaking was taught by a TN artist, Claudia Lee.
She had a new bag of tricks and skills each day, and the level of
instruction was appropriate for the 7 members in the class. All
members left with "lots" of handmade paper and samples of ways to
use them.
All labs were open for participants to work before/after class
hours - and usually folks were working until 10 each night. Lab
facilities were excellent, housing was adequate and clean, food
was tasty, plentiful and varied each day. The many galleries
displayed great art, the library was extensive, and the staff was
friendly and helpful. I highly recommend the Arrowmont
Elderhostel program.
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Millersville University, PA
Lancaster County and the Amish
William Oakley
bnboakley@earthlink.net
Our introductory session Sunday night, May 5, revealed that there
are 29 very interesting people in our group. The planning for our
program on the Amish country appears to be thorough.
May 7, 2002
Yesterday we had two lectures from "Dr. Bob" -a retired faculty
member-on the history of the Amish. They, like the Mennonites and
Brethren, came out of the Anabaptist movement, paralleling the
Protestant Reformation. There is a great difference in the "Old
Order" groups and the newer ones. But surprisingly, more young
people today are staying with the church than a generation ago.
My early morning walk around the campus of Millersville University
was well lighted and enjoyable-no sounds except the birds!
The Reist farm visit last night was memorable. They raise
registered Belgian horses and some crops. Nice family!
The Ville
Millersville University is a state college with about 7,500
students in a town of about the same size. It was founded as a
"Normal" (teachers) college in 1855. Today the student body is
selected from many applicants. Unlike some schools they do not
have to search with difficulty to find students-94% of the
enrollment is from Pennsylvania with a very small coterie of
international students. Minorities are less than 10%. It would
be a good place to prepare for a teaching profession, or to major
in German studies. The campus is beautiful!
May 8, 2002
Yesterday we viewed the film "Witness" starring Harrison Ford. It
is a "good cop/bad cop" story with a backdrop of the Amish
community in Lancaster County. A very good movie!
Then we went to have dinner in the home of an Amish family on a
small farm near Intercourse, PA. The meal was delicious, capped
off with a dessert of "Shoo-Fly Pie" and home made ice cream!
Elam (our host) played several numbers on his harmonica. The
dinner concluded with us all singing "Amazing Grace."
Our afternoon trip to the Amish-Mennonite farm home near
Intercourse was very informative and Emanuel Smucker answered many
questions about why he changed from Old Order Amish to
Amish/Mennonite. He was very appreciative of his Amish background
and did not criticize them harshly. His sisters are still Amish.
His primary reason for changing was so his children could pursue
education beyond 8th grade.
Tonight, a blind man named Dan Stoltzfoos answered our question in
more detail. He is still Amish-his 6 grown children have produced
42 grandchildren for him! His retirement occupation is training
pot-bellied pigs for shows. He says they are easier to train than
children.
May 9, 2002
A film on Amish customs was good in that it reviewed what we have
seen and heard about the Amish this week.
The graduation meal this evening was outstanding! I enjoyed
hearing and seeing our fellow classmates give their feedback on
the week. Tomorrow we leave a good program, well situated here at
Millersville University. We will remember this week with
fondness.
May 10, 2002
Our last morning of the Elderhostel was spent mostly in Lancaster
at the center of the city -Market Center, Heritage Museum and
visiting over lunch with our class mates. Some left early, but we
partook of the last meal of our program at Gordinier Hall. It was
a very good program.
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Northern Illinois U., IL
May 5-10, 2002
Leonard Rogus
lmjr34@yahoo.com
Site:
Large college campus with many parking areas (somewhat confusing
accessibility since many are reserved spaces by permit only); good
walking areas; pleasant landscaping (with many blossoming and
budding trees and bushes); many dormitories and student orientated
centers; outstanding library building (with easy access to
internet for all) open during finals week to 2:00am; many fast
food and miscellaneous shops.
Accommodations:
Very well furnished rooms (with complete private bathroom coffee
pot, shampoo, lotion, clock/ radio, cable tv, daily maid service,
free daily choice of Chicago/Dekalb/USA Today newspapers) in a 16
story high rise in the center of the campus. All facilities
(sleeping, dining, classrooms) are in this building, consequently,
this is an excellent site for handicapped/disabled persons.
Classrooms:
All in the same building; very spacious with good desk space for
note-taking; good audio/visual set up; pitchers of cold water (and
cups) always available; some rooms are somewhat cool and it is
advisable to always have a sweater or jacket to stay comfortable.
Food:
All meals are buffet with good reasonable starting times viz.
Breakfast at 7:00am; lunch (main meal) 12:15; supper (limited
amount of choices) at 5:30pm. The only exception was the field
trip meal on ship viz. Cocktails (you pay) at 6:30pm and buffet
meal starting after 7:00pm. All food at all meals was very senior
adaptable and the desserts (especially at noon lunch) were
extraordinary
Classes:
Mark Twain presented by David Barrow, a most capable Twain
scholar with a great Texas accent and great sense of humor;
music presented by Ron Modell, a senior citizen popular professor,
who is a very accomplished trumpet player (he accompanied many
famous performers on stages throughout the country); he is the
university's organizer of the outstanding jazz program; he is
also a walking encyclopedia of jokes and humorous stories;
geology presented by Jay Stravers whose extreme technical detail
of the North American geological data is very impressive (jay was
also a most gracious host on our Mississippi river cruise); the
cruise was preceded by a tour of the notable sites of the quad
cities viz. Rock Island arsenal, John Deere showroom/museum, Iowa
visitors' center located on a panoramic bluff, an active lock--we
saw barges going through.
Directors:
Steven Johnson and Anne who were ever present to assist us with
all needs; they have many years of experience with
elderhostelers and do anticipate all details.
Field trip (by university shuttle):
To Dekalb's pride and joy-----the Barbwire Museum and fantastic
mansion close to the campus. This is definitely a site for all
Elderhostelers and very favorable for handicapped/disabled
persons. There was a convention of blind people with us that week
who were very comfortable with everything on campus. cost:
double ----about $100.00 a day single----about $125.00 a day
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
John C. Campbell Folk School, NC
Don Marty Scearce
scearcedg@kconline.com
It is said that once you attend classes at the John C. Cambell
Folk School in Brasstown, NC, you'll be back. Well, it worked for
us. We were there four years ago and had such fond memories of
our experience that we returned April 20-27 for another week in
the foothills of the Appalachians. There are about ten to twelve
courses of study offered any one week, and you do your one course
or craft for the entire week. There are several classes each week
which are not offered through EH, so if you and a partner cannot
find something to interest each of you through the EH catalog, you
need to contact the folk school for their catalog. Our week
offered woodturning, woodcarving, hammered dulcimer, English
cottage gardens, blacksmithing, making teddy bears, jewelry,
collecting and cooking wild foods, and clay tiles. Teachers are
brought in from around the U.S. and are excellent. My husband
carved a 16" swashbuckling swordsman, and I spent six hours a day
improving my self-taught skills on the dulcimer.
The Folk School is made up of maybe 20% Elderhostelers and the
rest register directly with the school. The accommodations are
comfortable, but most come with a shared bath, and you make up
your own beds when you arrive. The food is served family style
and is excellent and abundant. There is always a vegetarian
entree also, and lots of fresh fruit. Tables of eight allow you
to meet most of the staff and students during the week. There is
no television and only one local newspaper, so it is truly a time
to forget the outside world and become immersed in your
surroundings and hobby.
An optional 7:15 a.m. hike is followed by Morningsong, a very
special time of day with local storytellers and musicians
entertaining for a half hour. Breakfast is 8:15, classes from
9:00 to 12:00, lunch 12:15, classes 1:30 to 4:30 or later if you
are really into your hobby, dinner at 6:00, and a program from
7:00 to 8:00. On Friday evening there is a "Show and Tell" by
all the classes to show what has been accomplished.
The campus covers over 300 acres and there is a lot of walking
on pine needle paths and up and down some hills. There is a
limited amount of handicapped parking available. They offer a
two-hour ride to and from the airport.
We are already discussing the classes we will take when we go
again.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Center for Coastal Studies/Provincetown, MA
Helen Sternheim
helen@k12s.phast.umass.edu
21209-0512-01 (Song Birds, Whales and Mammals and the Geology of
Cape Cod) May 12-17 2002
We just returned from a delightful Elderhostel on Cape Cod. The
Provincetown Inn was very comfortable with participants either
having a king sized bed or 2 double beds. All rooms had private
baths, TVs and telephones.
The meals were all prepared and served by the Inn. We had a good
hot breakfast or cold cereal. Lunches were mostly box lunches or
sandwiches. Dinners always had a large salad, well cooked fresh
vegetables, a nice main course, a starch and a good dessert. All
meals were served buffet style, and there was plenty of food.
The program was changed once we arrived due to heavy rain all day
Monday through noon on Tuesday. Sunday night we had a lecture on
the Geology of the Cape. Monday morning we had an extremely
interesting lecture and slides on horseshoe crabs. Monday
afternoon we went by bus to the Provincelands Visitors Center
(part of the National Seashore) and then to the Pilgrim Monument
and Museum. Both places were very interesting and we were able to
keep dry. Monday night we had a talk by the Cape Cod Commercial
Hook Fishermens association on "Cape Cod Fisheries". The talk
generated a lot of interest and questions.
Tuesday morning we had a lecture and slide show on Whales and
Marine mammals of Cape Cod. Then when the sun came out we could
either go on a walk looking for shore birds near our Inn, which is
on the bay or take a free afternoon. We chose to go looking at
nearby Light Houses.
Wednesday was a day for outings or field trips. In the morning we
did a birding field walk with two experts at Beech Forest. Many
song birds were sighted by all. In the afternoon we visited the
Eastham Aquaculture Technology Field Center and saw how the staff
was growing shell fish. There was also an afternoon bird walk at
Fort Hill.
Thursday was a highlight of the week with a whale watch trip in
the morning. Our group of 30 elderhostlers had a private tour
aboard the Dolphin VIII. In the afternoon we had our geology field
walk over the dunes at High Head.
Friday morning there was a talk on Salt water Invertebrates
followed by a mud flats walk.
We had evening programs every night, poetry readings, avian
photography and a lecture on whale rescue operations by the Center
for Coastal Studies.
Our Coordinators were JoAnna and Pat and one or both of them were
with us all the time. They did a super job of keeping us on the
go. All the talks were by experts in each of the topics. We
really enjoyed this program.
Mort will be posting photos at: www.umassk12.net/~mort Look under
photo gallery on that page.