Sarah Rosenson, who has taught a number of classes for OLLI at Pitt, will discuss her new book Fan Fiction on the Book of Genesis:  A Guide to Close Reading of and Creative Writing on the Bible.  In the book, Rosenson discusses the questions left open in the first book of the Bible, and includes questions for the characters in the stories, which can serve as prompts for conversations or creative writing.  Some chapters also describe paintings by famous artists depicting the scene, and how they seem to have answered at least one of the questions.  The book is perfect for anyone interested in reading Bible stories through a new and creative lens.

Sarah Rosenson, JD, has a bachelor's degree from Georgetown University, a master's degree in Jewish studies from the Spertus Institute, and a JD from the University of Pennsylvania.  She practiced law for a decade, and then taught classes on ethics, philosophy, the Bible, and world religions at a private high school.  She currently teaches adults both in person and online for various institutions around the country. 

Participants will enjoy a tour of the “living laboratory” for real-world interventions and best practices on how to adapt and equip a home to support individuals as they age and as their needs and abilities change at various stages of life.

We will meet at the Home Lab located at 257 Oakland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Meet at the front of the home, just past the front door. Here is more information on the Healthy Home Lab: Healthy Home Lab

Note: There is a wheelchair access ramp but the only restroom is on the second story up a steep staircase. There is a stairlift between the first and second story to for anyone in the group to use if you have difficulty with climbing stairs. The group will tour through the first story and second story.

Please Note: this tour is free but is open to members only. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes early.

There is free street parking on Oakland Ave (usually limited to 1 or 2 hours) and more likely to be available in the summer than during the regular semesters. There is also meter parking nearby and a few parking garages 2+ blocks away. 

Participants will experience a guided tour of the aviary’s outstanding exhibits featuring 500 birds, including free-flying habitats and opportunities to hand feed birds. Following the tour, everyone will experience an immersive bird show for an up-close experience with our feathered friends.

FEE: $20

The National Aviary is located at 700 Arch Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212.  Please enter through the East Entrance off Arch Street and check in at the Guest Services Desk.

Please note: travel is on your own. Members may park in the National Aviary parking lot off Arch Street on a first-come, first-serve basis for a $5 flat rate. Metered and non-metered street parking is available nearby. Accessible parking is available in the National Aviary parking lot and near the entrance on Arch Street.

All participants in the group must enter the Aviary at the same time, so we will meet outside the main entrance. Once everyone has arrived, we will walk in together.

Initially, this event is only for current OLLI at Pitt members. If spots remain open two weeks prior to the event, guests may be permitted to join.