Fascinating Potpourri I
Wednesdays, 1:00 – 2:00 PM
The Oscar at Georgetown, Theater
In Person
October 1: Solving Cold Cases with DNA and Genealogy – Rhonda Kevorkian
Uncover how DNA and genealogical research are bringing closure to long-standing cold cases. At the DNA Doe Project, we focus on the humanitarian mission of identifying previously unknown human remains. Learn how our dedicated work provides resolution to families, transforming fragmented clues into definitive answers. We give a voice back to those silenced, diligently piecing together their stories to restore names to the forgotten. Discover how we connect the unidentified with their loved ones, bringing peace through identification.
Rhonda Kevorkian brings over five years of direct experience with the DNA Doe Project, a leader in identifying unknown human remains. As an Investigative Genetic Genealogist and Team Leader, she actively resolves complex cases. Rhonda holds a certificate in American Genealogical Studies from the National Genealogical Society, underpinning her expertise in the genealogical methods vital to this work. Her practical experience and specialized education make her uniquely qualified.
October 8: Let’s Talk Tissue – S. Lemuel Bradshaw
Tissue donation suffers from an identity crisis. How else can it be explained that an action positively affecting 2.7 million people annually remains a mystery to so many, including tissue recipients themselves? In this class, we will focus on how patients are chosen for tissue donation, the differences in evaluating potential tissue, organ, and eye donations, and how tissue is prepared for transplant. We will conclude the class with a call to action for attendees.
Lemuel Bradshaw is a two-time heart transplant recipient whose career in donation began as a volunteer for Donate Life Texas. The decision of a family of heroes allowed Lemuel to raise three daughters, attend the University of Texas, and welcome ten grandchildren. Now, as the Director of Communications for United Tissue Resources, Lemuel works to give others the second chance that he was given.
October 15: Medieval Irish Iconography – Dr. Jennifer Cochran Anderson
In 1538, Protestant reformers burned a miraculous wooden Madonna, only to witness their commander’s death that night, believed to be divine retribution. This is one of many stories about Ireland’s wooden devotional sculptures—humble carvings that became highly sought-after. Targeted during the Reformation, these “idols” were hidden in bogs, granaries, and under floorboards. Each attempt to destroy them only increased their power, leading to elaborate local mythologies. This talk traces the journey of these sacred objects from medieval devotion through iconoclastic fury to their modern revival, revealing how they became symbols of Irish cultural memory and spiritual resistance.
Dr. Jennifer Cochran Anderson is an art historian specializing in late medieval Ireland. She is the first woman in Texas to earn national certification as an Artist-Blacksmith. Dr. Anderson is the author and editor of several publications on medieval Ireland and medieval and early modern Europe.
October 22: How to Develop a Mural from Paper to Wall – Cindy Martin
Learn how to develop a mural by gathering information from the client. We will demonstrate how to use a grid pattern to transfer your mural from paper to the wall and discuss the types of paints used. A slideshow of murals will illustrate the techniques and final products.
Cindy Martin holds a degree in drafting and worked in the engineering field for 17 years before starting her mural business in 1991. She began with residential murals and expanded to commercial projects. After 18 successful years, Cindy retired from her mural business in 2009.
October 29: Practicing Medicine in Williamson County in the 1950’s – Dr. Stephen Benold
This course will explore the state of medical technology, medical practice, and economics in the 1950s, using Georgetown, Texas (population 5,000) as a case study. We will focus on the work of the town’s only physicians, general practitioners. While much has changed since then, mostly for the better, we will also consider some of the losses that have occurred over time.
Dr. Stephen Benold has been teaching economics and various other courses at Senior University for 18 years. He earned his undergraduate degree in economics from Rice University, where he was honored as the Hayden Honor Scholar in Economics. As the Medical Director of Williamson County EMS, he significantly improved emergency medical services in the region. Currently, he maintains a private financial practice. Dr. Benold is passionate about teaching and enjoys sharing his knowledge and experience with his students, fostering a dynamic and engaging learning environment.
November 5: TBA
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