Poetry, history, travels near and far, music and nature are part of this spring’s series of free lunch lectures sponsored by the Cochise College Center for Lifelong Learning. The series is presented each semester at the college’s campuses and centers, and it offers participants a free opportunity to hear fascinating stories and learn about a wide array of topics in a no-pressure environment.

Each lecture features a new topic and presenter. All lectures are free and open to the public. Just bring your lunch and stop by. Click here or see below for a full schedule of lectures to be held at the Sierra Vista, Douglas and Benson campuses through the end of the semester.

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Lunch Lecture Wednesdays at the Sierra Vista Campus in room 702 from 12:10 to 1 p.m.

• Jan. 25: Cowboy Poetry — Bud Strom
Strom, a renowned Cowboy Poet, will recite one of his well-known poems about a horse race along the Douglas/Mexican Border. Strom retired from a life in the U.S. Army and performs to audiences around the country. To help ensure the legacy of Cowboy Poetry, Strom teaches, in grades 3 through 12, how to research and write Western poetry, carrying the hard times, romance and lore of the West to the printed page.

• Feb. 1: Geology in Southeast Arizona for Birders, Gardeners and Anyone Who Drinks Water — Sandy Kunzer
Kunzer will share the basic concepts of geology in Southeast Arizona and how this impacts our everyday lives. This multi-media program will engage the listener and renew appreciation for our unique surroundings. Questions and comments are encouraged.

• Feb. 8: A Glorious Victory: The Battle at Santa Cruz de Gaybanipitea — Demi Seymore
One of the most consequential and colorful events in the history of Arizona occurred on the San Pedro River on Easter day in 1698. Here, the Sobaípuri O’odham village of Santa Cruz de Gaybanipitea was attacked by Apache, Jocome, Jano, Manso and Suma. Learn about the new finding from this historic event and period.

• Feb. 15: From the River to the Peaks: Flowers and a Few Other Things — Betsy Kunzer
Join Betsy Kunzer in a multi-media journey through changing climate zones. From the San Pedro River up to Miller and Carr peaks in the Huachuca Mountains, you won’t want to miss this beautiful journey. The emphasis will be on flowers but a lot of other things will creep in along the way.

• Feb. 22: Our Safari Adventure — Sheila DeVoe Heidman and Rebecca Orozco
The Serengeti and Ngorogoro migration of millions of wildebeest, zebra and gazelles is considered one of the world’s greatest wonders. Sheila and Becky witnessed the spectacle, visited mountain gorillas and enjoyed learning about the cultures of Southeast Africa. Join these two world travelers for a wildlife arm- chair adventure through the great Serengeti.

• Feb. 29: Green Infrastructure Grant for Sierra Vista — James DeRoussel, ASLA and James MacAdam
Our future depends on the preservation of our earth’s natural resources. This presentation will cover Green Infrastructure (GI). GI refers to constructed features that use living, natural systems to provide environmental services, such as capturing, cleaning and infiltrating storm water; creating wildlife habitat; shading and cooling streets and buildings; and calming traffic.

• March 7: The Rich History of My German Hometown — Kay Rogge, SGM German Army
Sergeant Major Kay Rogge, a member of the German Army, is assigned from the German Liaison Office to the U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence. He will share images and stories about his hometown in Germany, Luebeck, not found in history books. Luebeck is the former Queen of the Hanse, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is famous for marzipan and a special red wine.

• March 14 — No program, Spring Break

• March 21: Identity Theft — Robert Garcia
Identity theft cannot be prevented, but you can be ready if it happens to you. Robert Garcia, retired Tucson police officer and identity theft expert, will help prepare you in the event your identity is stolen and educate you on identity theft programs available.

• March 28: Celtic Music — Maggie McQuaid
Time and location change for this lecture only: 12:15 – 1:30, Horace Steele Room
Come, relax and listen while Maggie McQuaid takes you on a brief tour of Irish musical traditions, ranging from the bare, unaccompanied sean-nós singing style to The Chieftains and The Pogues. Although it’s impossible to condense centuries of beloved popular music into a single lecture, Maggie will leave you wanting to hear more and give you recommendations of where to hear it.

• April 4: Buffalo Soldiers — Dave Perryman
The Buffalo Soldiers served in the Indian Wars on the Plains and in the Southwest and were stationed at Arizona’s Fort Huachuca for more than 50 years. These soldiers played an important part in history for this area. Dave Perryman, Founder of SWABS and Preservation Coordinator for the Mountain View Officers Club Preservation Project, will relate many interesting and entertaining tales about the Buffalo Soldier.

• April 11: AZ Greyhounds — Dave Breen
Every year, hundreds of young, healthy purebred Greyhounds are in need of adoption after their time on the track is through. Calm, gentle and eager to please, these graceful pets are quite comfortable giving up life in the fast lane. AZ Greyhounds is dedicated to the rescue and adoption of these beautiful animals. Several fine examples of the breed will be on hand to pet and admire.

• April 18: Africa Orphanage — Elmer Kuball, PE & Linn Wagner
Elmer and Linn will share their thoughts, observations and slides formed during a three-week service engagement at an orphanage in Nairobi, Kenya during the summer of 2011. Also included in the trip was a short Safari into the Masai Mara National Reserve at Serengeti National Park, located on the Serengeti Plain.

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Brown Bag Tuesdays at the Douglas Campus in the Student Union, room 521, from 12:10 to 1 p.m.

• Jan. 24: Cowboy Poetry — Bud Strom
Strom, a renowned Cowboy Poet, will recite one of his well-known poems about a horse race along the Douglas/Mexican Border. Strom retired from a life in the U.S. Army and performs to audiences around the country. To help ensure the legacy of Cowboy Poetry, Strom teaches, in grades 3 through 12, how to research and write Western poetry, carrying the hard times, romance and lore of the West to the printed page.

• Jan. 31: Geology in Southeast Arizona for Birders, Gardeners and Anyone Who Drinks Water — Sandy Kunzer
Kunzer will share the basic concepts of geology in Southeast Arizona and how this impacts our everyday lives. This multi-media program will engage the listener and renew appreciation for our unique surroundings. Questions and comments are encouraged.

• Feb. 7: San Pedro River Valley Archaeology — Jacquie Dale
Originating in Sonora and flowing north 160 miles to merge with the Gila River, the San Pedro is one of the very few living desert rivers remaining in Arizona. People have been living and traveling along this river for the last 12,000 years. Jacquie Dale, archaeologist, will talk about the history in the San Pedro River Valley and present a visual tour of some of the more important and unique archaeological sites.

• Feb. 14: From the River to the Peaks: Flowers and a Few Other Things — Betsy Kunzer
Join Betsy Kunzer in a multi-media journey through changing climate zones. From the San Pedro River up to Miller and Carr peaks in the Huachuca Mountains, you won’t want to miss this beautiful journey. The emphasis will be on flowers but a lot of other things will creep in along the way.

• Feb. 21: Our Safari Adventure — Sheila DeVoe Heidman and Rebecca Orozco
The Serengeti and Ngorogoro migration of millions of wildebeest, zebra and gazelles is considered one of the world’s greatest wonders. Sheila and Becky witnessed the spectacle, visited mountain gorillas and enjoyed learning about the cultures of Southeast Africa. Join these two world travelers for a wildlife arm- chair adventure through the great Serengeti.

• Feb. 28: Ethnobotany: A World of Useful Plants — Vince Pinto
Whether you are a hiker, hunter, bird-watcher or outdoor enthusiast, you’ll be amazed at the botanical bounty that nature provides. Vince will guide you in how to find, identify, collect and cook a wide variety of wild plants. A new world full of mysterious and useful wild plants awaits.

• March 6: The History of the Sheriff’s Office — Bill Cavaliere
Historian and former sheriff Bill Cavaliere will discuss the history of the sheriff’s office, the highest-ranking law enforcement position within the county. Former sheriff Cavaliere will give a historical account beginning with the creation of the position, on through the days of the Wild West, and up to modern day. Cases noteworthy to Hidalgo County, New Mexico are examined, as well as crimes common to our area.

• March 13 — No program, Spring Break

• March 20: Connecting Through Understanding Yourself and Others — Carol Loy
Explore how you connect with others by their personality. Understanding personal styles and personalities is one of the most important skills that a person can possess. It is essential in building productive relationships and being successful with people.

• March 27: Celtic Music — Maggie McQuaid
Come, relax and listen while Maggie McQuaid takes you on a brief tour of Irish musical traditions, ranging from the bare, unaccompanied sean-nós singing style to The Chieftains and The Pogues. Although it’s impossible to condense centuries of beloved popular music into a single lecture, Maggie will leave you wanting to hear more and give you recommendations of where to hear it.

• April 3: Buffalo Soldiers — Dave Perryman
The Buffalo Soldiers served in the Indian Wars on the Plains and in the Southwest and were stationed at Arizona’s Fort Huachuca for more than 50 years. These soldiers played an important part in history for this area. Dave Perryman, Founder of SWABS and Preservation Coordinator for the Mountain View Officers Club Preservation Project, will relate many interesting and entertaining tales about the Buffalo Soldier.

• April 10: AZ Greyhounds — Dave Breen
Every year, hundreds of young, healthy purebred Greyhounds are in need of adoption after their time on the track is through. Calm, gentle and eager to please, these graceful pets are quite comfortable giving up life in the fast lane. AZ Greyhounds is dedicated to the rescue and adoption of these beautiful animals. Several fine examples of the breed will be on hand to pet and admire.

• April 17: The Rich History of My German Hometown — Kay Rogge, SGM German Army
Sergeant Major Kay Rogge, a member of the German Army, is assigned from the German Liaison Office to the U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence. He will share images and stories about his hometown in Germany, Luebeck, not found in history books. Luebeck is the former Queen of the Hanse, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is famous for marzipan and a special red wine.

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Lunch Lecture Mondays at the Benson Center from 12:10 to 1 p.m.

• Feb. 6: Dave Breen — AZ Greyhounds
Every year, hundreds of young, healthy purebred Greyhounds are in need of adoption after their time on the track is through. Calm, gentle and eager to please, these graceful pets are quite comfortable giving up life in the fast lane. AZ Greyhounds is dedicated to the rescue and adoption of these beautiful animals. Several fine examples of the breed will be on hand to pet and admire.

• Feb. 13: The Flight of the Vin Fiz — Kathy Klump
Kathy Klump, president of the Sulphur Springs Valley Historical Society, will narrate the amazing story of the first airplane to arrive in Willcox, The Vin Fiz. In 1911, William Randolph Hearst offered $50,000 to any aviator who could fly across the United States in 30 days. After only 90 minutes of flight training, Calbraith Perry Rodgers took flight from Sheepshead Bay, Long Island, on Sept. 17, 1911. The flight took 49 days filled with humorous events, triumphs and 19 crash landings!

• Feb. 20: No program — Presidents’ Day

• Feb. 27: Quilting Applique and Beading — Laura Mucci
Local business owner Laura Mucci will share her talents in quilting applique and beading. Applique is the process of applying patterns to quilt fabric, and beading enhances the appearance. Examples will be displayed and the basic technique will be demonstrated.

• March 5: San Pedro Riparian Project — Ryan Pitts
The National Riparian Service Team (NRST) is a federal-level, interagency group of specialists who work to foster cooperative riparian restoration and management through Creeks and Communities. In 2010, the Bureau of Land Management partnered with NRST to bring together stakeholders and create a common vision for managing riparian resources within the San Pedro. This presentation will provide an overview of the Creeks and Communities approach, outline the specific activities planned for 2012 and describe how interested individuals can be involved in this effort.

• March 12: No program — Spring Break

• March 19: Surrenders of Geronimo — Bill Cavaliere
Geronimo surrendered not once, but twice, in 1886. Only one surrender resulted in incarceration – first in Florida, and ultimately at Fort Sill Oklahoma, where Geronimo is buried. Renowned historian Bill Cavaliere will bring to life the events of the Indian Nation when Great Warrior Geronimo lived in his beloved West and Tribal Chief Cochise ruled.

• March 26: Celtic Music — Maggie McQuaid
Come, relax and listen while Maggie McQuaid takes you on a brief tour of Irish musical traditions, ranging from the bare, unaccompanied sean-nós singing style to The Chieftains and The Pogues. Although it’s impossible to condense centuries of beloved popular music into a single lecture, Maggie will leave you wanting to hear more and give you recommendations of where to hear it.

• April 2: Buffalo Soldiers — Dave Perryman
The Buffalo Soldiers served in the Indian Wars on the Plains and in the Southwest and were stationed at Arizona’s Fort Huachuca for more than 50 years. These soldiers played an important part in history for this area. Dave Perryman, Founder of SWABS and Preservation Coordinator for the Mountain View Officers Club Preservation Project, will relate many interesting and entertaining tales about the Buffalo Soldier.

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Anyone needing an accommodation in order to attend should contact the Disability Services Office at (520) 515-5337 or (520) 417-4023 at least 72 hours in advance.