Medication-Related Problems in the Elderly Discussed by UM Clinical Associate Professor of Pharmacy Dr. Manju T. Beier

Tuesday October 14, 2008: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm -- Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room

The over-65 age group is the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. population. While medications are an important factor in improving the quality of life for older Americans, the nation’s seniors are especially at risk for medication-related problems. Dr. Beier will discuss and answer questions on drug/drug, drug/herb, and adverse medication-related effects in this age group.

The elderly are at risk for medication-related problems due to the physiological changes of aging, higher incidence of multiple chronic diseases and conditions, and greater consumption of prescription and over-the-counter medications. Dr. Beier's clinical practice involves older adults in long-term care and ambulatory care settings. She authors a regular, invited column on Pharmacovigilance for the Journal of the American Medical Directors Association.

Holocaust Survivor Gisèle Naichouler Feldman Discusses Her Experiences and Her Book 'Saved By the Spirit of Lafayette: The French Righteous & The Hidden Children''

Wednesday October 15, 2008: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm -- Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room

At the start of World War II, Gisèle Naichouler Feldman was separated from her family. Although this was not the first time, this separation would prove to be life saving. Through the help of many people, now known as the Righteous, Gisèle found herself at the steps of a great castle once owned by French freedom fighter General Lafayette. As a hidden child, instructed to forget her Jewish heritage and pretend to be Catholic, Gisèle spent two and a half years in the castle.

"Saved By the Spirit of Lafayette" tells of many hidden children – hidden from the outside terrors of the Nazi regime - and takes the opportunity to thank all of those who earned the right to be called the Righteous. This event includes a book signing with books available for purchase.

Toddler Biting & Conflict Resolution

Saturday October 18, 2008: 10:00 am to 10:45 am -- Pittsfield Branch: Program Room

Why do infants and toddlers continue to bite, no matter how much we discourage them? Teething? Sensory exploration? Frustration? Early Childhood Consultant Kathy Sims presents this program to parents and caregivers. Bring the children (infants up to 2 years old) to play in our play area while Kathy discusses how to deal with biting and other issues of conflict.

Local Education Experts Discuss Learning Differences In Youth & Young Adults

Monday October 20, 2008: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm -- Malletts Creek Branch: Program Room AB

In recognition of Investing in Ability Week, a panel of experts in the educational and health care fields will discuss the possibilities and potentials of learning differences, particularly in youth and young adults and including those with Asperger’s Syndrome. Panelists include UM Prof. of Education Dr. Yvonne Goddard; Dr. Virginia Grubaugh, UM Services for Students with Disabilities; physician Dr. Nikhil Pare; and Sandee Koski and Kelly Orginski, co-founders of Michigan Alliance for Families.

Topics will include societal attitudes toward learning differences, methods of coping with uncomfortable situations in school and at home, as well as both general and specific solutions to individual learning differences. The program is intended for parents, teachers, and other interested members of the public. Although the primary focus is on youth and college-aged students, questions about other aspects of learning differences will be addressed after the presentation.

A Pageant of Pattern: Embroidery Expert Ann Strite-Kurz Discusses Innovative Styles of Geometric Patterns

Monday October 20, 2008: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm -- Traverwood Branch: Program Room

Ann Strite-Kurz' embroidery pattern designs are adapted from a rich heritage of historical ornament as opposed to traditional stitches. She specializes in innovative styles of geometric patterns and has published five books on different pattern styles. The latest one on Diaper Patterns was released in 2007. Ann will be displaying a number of her embroideries at this program. The event will include a booksigning with Ann’s embroidery books available for purchase. Cosponsored by the Ann Arbor Chapter of the Embroiderers' Guild of America

Ann Strite-Kurz is a NAN certified teacher who has been an active designer and traveling teacher for twenty-six years. She earned a Master Craftsman in Canvas from the Connecticut River Valley Chapter of the Embroidery Guild of America in 1980 and she has written three group correspondence courses for the Guild.

Find Funding for A College Education: An Overview with UM Grants Expert Karen Downing

Wednesday October 22, 2008: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm -- Pittsfield Branch: Program Room

Karen Downing, Foundation and Grants Librarian at the University of Michigan, will again offer a special program for parents of high schoolers and anyone seeking funding for higher education. The session will serve as an introduction to a variety of Web resources. It will cover how to formulate a cohesive strategy, and will introduce several key Internet tools, including the Foundation Center website, Foundation Directory Online, and other online and library resources.

Ms. Downing has been teaching faculty, students, and community non-profits about grant-getting resources since 2000. She coordinates the Foundation Center's satellite library in the Hatcher Graduate Library. The collection, including access to Web-based databases is open to the public M-Th 8am-2am, F 8am-6pm, Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 1pm-2am.

Organizing Your Critical Information with Mal Hillman, Information Organizer

Wednesday October 22, 2008: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm -- Traverwood Branch: Program Room

It is not unusual for one spouse to handle family financial affairs and business issues, and the other to handle home, car, and maintenance issues, leaving the other spouse generally uninformed of many details in the event of a health crisis. At this program, organization expert Mal Hillman will explain how to create a Critical Information Inventory that will position you to deal with such situations.

The Critical Information Inventory may be used by your caregivers, family, estate advisors, executors, et al. The Inventory typically identifies biographical (includes medical) and key contact information, assets and liabilities, retirement plans, insurance policies, estate and healthcare documents, funeral instructions, and other crucial information.

Dr. Rick Solomon Discusses Autism: The Brain-Mind Connection

Thursday October 23, 2008: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm -- Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room

In partnership with the University of Michigan Investing in Ability Week, Dr. Solomon will present an update on the most recent scientific evidence related to Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Dr. Solomon will cover the brain science and genetics of ASD; demonstrate the diagnostic criteria with video examples; discuss possible causes for the large increase in prevalence, including the controversial relationship between ASD and immunizations/mercury; and overview the evidence for behavioral, developmental, educational and dietary/alternative interventions. His PowerPoint and a list of scientific references will be provided.

Richard Solomon, MD, has nearly 20 years of experience working with children with autistic spectrum disorders as a developmental and behavioral pediatrician. He is an adjunct associate professor at the University of Michigan and the Medical Director and founder of The Ann Arbor Center for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics and The P.L.A.Y.™ Project (Play and Language for Autistic Youngsters).

Hula Soundings! A Lecture & Performance with Dr. Amy Ku’uleialoha Stillman

Sunday October 26, 2008: 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm -- Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room

The hula is a dance form developed in the Hawaiian Islands by the Polynesians who originally settled there. Dr. Stillman's presentation includes performances with rarely-seen instruments such as ‘uli’uli, ‘ili’ili, ipu heke, and the most sacred instrument, the pahu drum. This event was organized with the help of the University of Michigan Stearns Collection of Musical Instruments.

Dr. Amy Ku’uleialoha Stillman is Assoc. Professor of American Culture and Music at the University of Michigan. Born and raised in Hawai’i, she is a dedicated scholar of Hawaiian music and culture, and the author of "Sacred Hula" (1998), as well as numerous articles in international academic journals. Dr. Stillman is also Director of Great Lakes Hula Academy based in Ann Arbor.

Poet, Writer and Human Rights Activist Yazir Henri Discusses The Challenge of Freedom after Apartheid in South Africa

Monday October 27, 2008: 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm -- Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room

This program is held in conjunction with the upcoming UM Wallenberg lecture by Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu. Yazir Henri has written and published on the politics of memory, trauma, identity, sustainable peace and Truth Commissions. He is the founding Director of the Direct Action Centre for Peace and Memory in Cape Town, S. Africa, and works on social reintegration programs with former combatants, political prisoners, and torture survivors. Henri currently lectures at the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy at the UM.

For more information on Dr. Tutu’s lecture, visit http://wallenberg.umich.edu.

Dr. Harry Eiss, of Eastern Michigan University, Discusses Four Views of Children Through History - and the Resulting Literature

Tuesday October 28, 2008: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm -- Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room

Dr. Eiss will cover the four major views of children through European and American history, using slides to demonstrate the resulting works of children's literature. Important theorists, authors, and illustrators will be highlighted. This event is held in collaboration with the UM Special Collections Library and in conjunction with A Century of Popular Children’s Literature: Decade By Decade, the October-November exhibit at the Downtown Library.

Dr. Harry Eiss currently teaches numerous courses in children's literature in the English Dept. at Eastern Michigan University. He has written and edited several books, including Literature on War and Peace for Youth, Metaesthetics, Children's Literature and Culture, and Insanity and Genius (due out this fall). He received national recognition for his innovative teaching.

Ghost Hunting & Paranormal Investigations with The SouthEast Michigan Ghost Hunters Society

Thursday October 30, 2008: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm -- Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room

The SouthEast Michigan Ghost Hunters Society is an award-winning professional research group based in Lansing, with years of experience helping those who might be experiencing, or have questions about, possible paranormal activity in their homes or businesses. Director Brad Mikulka will discuss ghostly investigations, demonstrate equipment, share some actual investigation stories of ghostly encounters, and bring samples of evidence captured (sound recordings, photos, videos).

Since 1996, The SouthEast Michigan Ghost Hunters Society has assisted individuals with hauntings. They conduct investigations utilizing state-of-the-art equipment, as well as psychic investigators.

Attorney Susan Kornfield Discusses Copyright and Culture Wars: How Federal Courts Have Become The Arena For Fights Over Music, Parody, Fan Fiction, Art And Fantasy Sports

Wednesday November 12, 2008: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm -- Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room

Public talk by Susan Kornfield. Full title of talk: "Copyright and Culture Wars: How Federal Courts have become the arena for fights over music, parody, fan fiction, art, and fantasy sports".