Are you part of any Osher Institute committees? If so, what is your role?
I am a 6-year member of the Track 1 Curriculum Committee (Philosophy, Arts & Humanities).
What is your most memorable Osher Institute experience?
I enjoyed the overnight Osher event to the Hagerman Valley and Twin Falls. As a former resident of Twin and a former water skier in the Hagerman-Thousand Spring area, I thought I knew the area well. But walking through one of Hagerman’s Idaho Power Dam, visiting a crocodile farm, petting a sturgeon at a fish hatchery and viewing Shoshone Falls, all with independent scholars, was an eye-opener for this former resident.
Favorite Osher presentation you have attended thus far?
I have many favorites and I appreciate all of the presenters’ time, effort, and talent in doing their presentations. Some of my favorites are Dr. Mary Rohlfing’s, “Women in American Rock & Popular Music” (dancing was optional but I did some in the safety of my kitchen after class), and then there was Dr. Shelton Woods’, “Why the Japanese Bombed Pearl Harbor.” And who could forget Walt Adams’, “The History and Culture of Hobos?”
Are you a Boise native? If not, where are you originally from?
Since 1973, I have lived in Boise. (Does this make me an ‘almost’ native? No, I didn’t think so). I was born in Medford, OR, and raised in Redding, CA, and Twin Falls.
What is your career history?
As a retired career educator from the Boise School District, I love the opportunity to continue learning. Having taught math at Boise High for 24 years, Timberline High for 2 years, I served as the District’s Math Supervisor for 10 years. My degree is in Mathematics from Idaho State University and I have a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Boise State University.
What hobbies do you enjoy?
You will find me walking the Greenbelt 3 times a week with a good friend, lunching with friends, going to movies, exercising at a gym (you’d think I’d be in better shape), volunteering at a food pantry, and spending time traveling overseas with my husband and good friends. Also, taking Osher classes enables me to take courses that I may not have had the opportunity to experience earlier.
What are you doing to occupy your time during the stay-at-home order?
A math colleague recommended Infinite Powers: How Calculus Reveals the Secrets of the Universe by Steven Strogatz, so that is my current read along with some trade journals. Also, Camino Winds by John Grisham, The Monuments Men by Robert M Edsel, and The Great Influenza by John M Barry. You’ll find me walking on the Greenbelt, doing yardwork, searching the cupboards for hidden chocolate, and watching really, really old movies with my husband.