Summer 2009

Classes are not held during the Summer months
replaced by a Summer Enrichment program.

Why IS Alabama . . . ?

That’s the question and theme of the Summer Enrichment Series 2009, planned for four half-days beginning July 21 and 22, and July 28 and 29, 2009 -- from 9 a.m. to 12:00 each day, with sign-in and coffee available at 8:30 a.m. The series will be held at the new Alabama Rehabilitation Center auditorium, 3000 Johnson Road, in Huntsville. Ample parking is available! The Center is located on the north side of Johnson Road, about half-way between Leeman Ferry Road to the east and Triana Boulevard to the west.

Five committees are hard at work on the Series: Program - Terry Schoper (with Bob Jones); Hospitality - Shirley Mohler; Sign In - Pat Gilliam; Refreshments - Nan Case; and, Logistics - Bill McAllister (with Dave Knepper). We welcome and need volunteers to help with these committees! Contact them directly or via Bob Jones at his email below.

The objective of the series is to educate and inform OLLI members and their invited guests about Alabama’s history, our 1901 State Constitution and its history, construction, content, relevance, effectiveness, status and possible future; and, to learn some new Alabama history along the way. The series is not open to the general public.

July 21 - Session one will provide factual background information about Alabama’s history as a land and as a state, including key dates and events. Get an overview of our state’s dual history, as written by “whites” and as relayed in narratives by “blacks.” Review our six state constitutions from 1819 to today. The impact of the post-Civil War in Alabama will be presented and the presenter will focus on its role in the 1901 Constitution’s governance framework. Speakers will include several key state historians and [invited] Douglas Blackmon, recently announced Pulitzer Prize-winning author.

July 22 - Session two will focus on Alabama’s current 1901 constitution, summarizing the document using “It’s A Thick Book” DVD, and will compare the constitution to TN, GA, MS and FL State constitutions, and discuss Alabama’s 18 Articles in 287 Sections, and address the 799 current amendments. There will be a speaker to relate the primary state companion document, the State Code of 1975, to the Constitution.

July 28 - Session three will look forward to 1 January 2012, and beyond to review possible outcomes. A representative of the Executive Branch will provide an assessment of governance under the current state constitution, and representatives of the Legislative Branch will present arguments FOR and arguments AGAINST a new constitution. Another speaker will offer a broad look at the state-of-the-state environment of 2010, and beyond.

July 29 - Session four will focus on North Alabama and Madison County and how we may be impacted by changes to the state constitution, the issue of home rule and the issue of taxes. There will be a moderated panel discussion among representatives of federal, state, county and city levels of government, and the private sector - all from local area.

Initial reaction from potential speakers so far has been favorable, and invitations are going out. Possible actions by the State Legislature, currently in session, may impact this series in a significant (hopefully positive) way. Look for the complete program of confirmed speakers in the June Newsletter.

Co-chairs Chuck Duffy and Bob Jones (robertm_jones@yahoo.com)

Submitted by Bob Jones