February 5, 2010

By Carol McCracken (Post # 386)

The 201st anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin is Friday, February 12th. In observation of that, two videos will be shown at the Wishcamper Center, Room 205, Bedford Street, on the USM Campus. The celebration is hosted by the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (”OLLI”). The event runs from 1:00 – 5:00 – pm.

The first video to be shown is a BBC production, “Darwin’s Dangerous Idea.” It puts the theory of evoluation in a contemporary context. The second video is a new feature length movie, “Creation.” It’s adapted from the book Annie’s Box, written by Darwin’s great, great nephew, Randal Keynes. The movie portrays Darwin’s family life, highlighting the conflicting attitudes toward religion between Darwin and his wife, and in the society at large, according to a press release issued today from the OLLI office. The movie had limited distribution in the US cause of its perceived controversial nature.

OLLI instructor Bill Jose will host the afternoon and lead an optional discussion following the videos for those who wish to participate. The event is free of charge and open to all.

Please email Rob at: rhyssong@usm.maine.edu for more information. OLLI is an academically stimulating program for those over 50 years old. The classes are held at the Wishcamper Buildihg at USM. For more information about the program, please visit Events on the Hill.

By Carol McCracken (Post # 385)

The Department of the Navy has invited the “JFK for ME” Museum Committee to enter Phase ll of the Naval Sea Systems Command ship donation program to bring the ex-USS John F. Kennedy aircraft carrier to Portland Harbor.

“As a ship museum, the JFK’s mooring will serve to enhance Portland Harbor as a destination for Maine families and tourists alike. Should the carrier be donated to our organization, we intend to use it to immerse visitors in maritime history. Displays and attractions will be created that will educate visitors on Maine’s maritime and shipbuilding legacy. Visitors will also learn about the history of the carrier itself, its role in the United States Armed Forces, the types of aircraft it housed and the types of operations that were carried out by the crew of the JFK,” wrote Dana W. Slipp, president of the USS John F. Kennedy Museum, in a recent press release.

Early last month, the City Council voted to support relocating the USS John F. Kennedy to Portland Harbor. The vote authorized the Mayor to send a letter to the U.S. Navy on behalf of “JFK for ME” to obtain ownership of the ship and bring it to Portland Harbor. At that public meeting, one individual testified (in jest) that the air craft carrier could be anchored off the Eastern Promenade and that the area could be transformed into a massive parking lot for visitors to the ship.