Rutland OLLI

David Burns – Railroad Consultant and Author

Join David Burns as he shares the story of a career that started testing diesel engines in Switzerland. David finds himself in Chicago working for the Illinois Central Railroad, then taking an uncharted path he became a self-employed railroad consultant, and over the next 45 years, his journey took him to the railways of 46 different countries.

Taylor Picard – Staff Archaeologist and Archaeological Diver

Join Lake Champlain Maritime Museum Archaeologist Taylor Picard for an introduction of maritime archaeology. Taylor will discuss the field of maritime archaeology through the lens of work being conducted by the Museum. Topics will include a brief history of Lake Champlain, methods in underwater archaeology, the Vermont Historic Dive Preserve, and Key Shipwrecks of Lake Champlain.

John W. Lugar M.D. – Physician and Filmmaker

The American Film Institute has ranked Singin’ in the Rain, starring Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, and Donald O’Connor as the number one musical in their list of the 25 musicals. Sight and Sound Magazine of the British Film Institute ranks it as number 10 in their recent ranking of the greatest films of all time. The class will explore selected musical sequences from the film to appreciated what makes SINGIN’ swing!

Peggy Shin – Freelance Writer

Take a journey through the past eight Olympic Games as sports journalist and author Peggy Shinn describes what it’s like to cover the world’s largest sporting event. From Michael Phelps winning his last Olympic medal to Mikaela Shiffrin earning her first, Peggy will give a glimpse behind the podium, showing the best (and worst!) of the Games, from 2010-2024. In an age of social media, she will also discuss how coverage has changed since she first started working with TeamUSA.com in 2008.

Joe Carroll – Feature Reporter WCAX

Super Seniors on WCAX-TV is a 3-time regional Emmy winner. Started in 2011, Joe Carroll has interviewed over 650 people for the weekly series. It’s their story, the highs and heartaches. What they have in common – a positive outlook on life.

Dr. Cynthia Moulton – Biologist and Professor

It has been over 60 years since the publication of Rachel Carson’s seminal book, Silent Spring. Yet, while pesticides have become invaluable in modern agriculture, many are toxic to the environment and to public health. Have we become complacent in our understanding of the risks from pesticides? Learn how these chemicals are regulated and how to assess the risks and benefits of their use.