Fascinating Potpourri II
Thursdays, 2:15 – 3:15 PM
The Oscar at Georgetown, Theater
In Person
January 29: Popular Music: Yours, Mine, and Ours – Dr. David Gaines
Listen to and discuss a wide range of popular American musical performers—from Louis Armstrong, Bing Crosby, and Frank Sinatra to Sam Cooke, Bob Dylan, Taylor Swift, and Jon Batiste. Along the way, we’ll explore the cultural significance of these artists and share our personal favorites. Expect lively conversation—think dancing and singing under a big tent.
David Gaines graduated from Stanford with a degree in English and earned his PhD in American Studies from The University of Texas at Austin. He has taught in Harlem, at The University of Texas, and for thirty-five years at Southwestern University. Currently Professor Emeritus of English, David Gaines writes occasional freelance articles. His book, In Dylan Town: A Fan’s Life, was published by University of Iowa Press, and his writing has appeared in Texas Monthly, The Wall Street Journal, and elsewhere.
February 5: Georgetown: Frontier Town to Flourishing Community – Ann Evans
Georgetown has been inhabited for thousands of years, evolving from a Texas frontier town into one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. This course explores Georgetown’s history through the lens of “then and now,” revealing the stories behind popular spots around town. Discover the origins of local landmarks, nightlife on the Square, life at Lake Georgetown before the lake, and the Wolf family whose name graces a shopping center.
Ann Evans is the Adult Services Librarian at the Georgetown Public Library and a longtime resident of Georgetown. She previously served as Curator at the Williamson Museum, though her passion for local history began long before when she took a walking tour of downtown in third grade. Ann Evans currently lives in Georgetown with her husband, two dogs, and a kitten named Ginger.
February 12: Life on a Nuclear Submarine During the Cold War – Rolland Weibley (90 Minutes)
Life on a nuclear submarine is surrounded by mysteries, myths, and questions. This presentation focuses on the crew’s experiences during extended deployments, covering submarine basics, daily operations, underwater endurance, navigation, staffing, living quarters, food, air, water, communication with family, schedules, special operations, dangers, and other fascinating aspects.
Rolland Weibley is a 1971 graduate of the US Naval Academy and was accepted into the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program by Admiral Rickover. After a year of nuclear training, he was assigned to the USS Pogy (SSN 647) in Pearl Harbor. Rolland Weibley participated in two Western Pacific deployments, earning both his submarine qualifications (“dolphins”) and his ship’s Nuclear Engineering Officer qualification.
February 19: The Changing Nature of Texas – Martin Byhower
Enjoy photographic highlights of Central Texas Wildlife alongside slides illustrating the challenges these species face. Learn what can be done—individually, locally, and statewide—to improve their chances of recovery.
Martin Byhower taught science, led birding tours, and advocated for environmental causes in Southern California before moving to Sun City in 2015. There, he started a native plant landscaping business while continuing his work as a birding guide. Martin Byhower is a Master Naturalist who remains active in protecting nature and wildlife in Central Texas, leading bird walks for the Sun City Nature Club twice a month and participating in the Sun City Garden Club and Sun City Recycles.
February 26: Aldo Leopold and the Wilderness Act of 1964 – Ellen Davis
This class serves as an epilogue to the Winter 2026 course on “Early Conservationists and the Fight to Protect Nature,” but can also be taken independently. It highlights Aldo Leopold and others responsible for the passage of the Wilderness Act of 1964, a landmark law that established a framework for preserving natural landscapes for future generations. Today, nearly 110 million acres remain protected thanks to this legislation.
Ellen Davis retired in 2021 after a long career in public relations and marketing for a variety of colleges and universities across Texas. Her interest in the environmental movement began in 1989 when she joined the Sierra Club. Ellen Davis is now teaching her fourth class for Lifelong Learners GTX.
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