Winter 2025 Samplers

“Samplers” are lectures sponsored by the Institute for Learning in Retirement (ILR) on Thursdays at 2:00 PM in the Catalina Vista. They are open to all SCOV residents and guests. No reservations or ILR membership is required. Just bring your SCOV access card to enter the building.  Attendance is limited to the fire marshal’s capacity. Thank you for understanding.

When: Thursdays in February and March at 2:00 PM

Where: Catalina Vista

February 6

So You Think You Want to be a Rodeo Cowboy.

Del Peterson, SCOV resident. 

Ever been to a rodeo?  Do you know what bare back is… or the purpose of a flank strap …or what safety measures are in place?  We will talk about the granddaddy of all US rodeos, Cheyenne Frontier Days, as well as the upcoming rodeo here in Tucson.

February 13

World War I Pilot Training: Triumph and Demise. 

Kimball Loomis

In April, 1917 America entered WWI underprepared. We promised pilots to France—but lacked training, aircraft, airfields, and recruits. Famous names persist: Rickenbacker, “Jenny,” and Arizona’s Ace, Frank Luke, but thousands never finished. Experience the story of America’s venture into military flight through the eyes of a descendant.

February 20

The Arizona Ear Worm Project.

Dan Kruse

Ever have a song stuck in your head that won’t go away?  In 2014-15, Dan Kruse led a one-year UA-funded research project into this phenomenon, often known as “ear worms”.  He will explain how he did it and show a 15-minute documentary film on the project.  Be prepared to dig into your brain for all the songs that get stuck in there!

February 27

Living with our Desert Giants

Naturalist from the West National Saguaro Park

Saguaros  are the dynamic symbol of the Sonoran Desert,  found only in this desert.  Come heard about this special cactus – why is it here and what it needs to survive? 

March 6

Mission Gardens

Chuck Graf, Docent

Archeologists have documented 4,100 years of continuous cultivation on this unique garden located on O’odham ancestral land. See how the Hohokam and O’odham lived and how the gardens changed after Europeans arrived.

March 13

Invasive Weeds, Stopping the Spread

Speaker – U of A Cooperative Extension Representative.

Plants that love Tucson’s growing conditions BUT are an unhealthy addition to our landscape are being targeted for removal. Hear about the project to halt the spread of these undesirable plants. They need your help.

March 20

WWII – American and British Air Force v. Germany

Larry Linderman

Did the bombing of civilian targets impact German civilian morale? Did the Brits and American airmen handle stress in the same way? How were captured Allied airmen treated? Come and find out more about this key campaign.

March 27

Mystical Experiences and Psychedelic Drugs 

Richard Schneirov

Richard Schneirov is a retired Professor of History from Indiana State University and has studied and used psychedelic drugs in settings geared to personal transformation. Find out more about the history of psychedelic drugs, dispel common misconceptions, and listen to his personal experiences.