Dr. Gordon will present an overview of the brief life of Flannery O'Connor, insights into her fiction, and commentary on her life in Milledgeville, with special focus on Andalusia, where the writer spent her most productive years.

We will take a ferry from Scrabster on the northeast coast of Scotland, passing the famous Old Man of Hoy on our way to the village of Stromness, on the western end of the Main Island. We will explore both the famous neolithic sites, as well as some that are not easy to get to. The most famous Orkadian is John Rea, well known as an intrepid explorer and friend of the native people in the Northwest Territories of Canada, where I canoed on the Keele River - but that is another story and maybe another OLLI program!

Thurmond invites guests to immerse themselves in dialogue along with questions and answers. He encourages exploration into James Oglethorpe's transformation, sparking reflections on the intricate dynamics of history and human evolution. By delving into Oglethorpe's journey from privilege to advocacy, Thurmond ignites discussions on the complexities of societal change and the power of individual enlightenment. Through Thurmond's meticulous research and compelling storytelling, guests are invited to dissect Georgia's historical intricacies, while celebrating Oglethorpe's role in the fledgling abolitionist movement. The luncheon becomes a platform for shared insights, fostering a deeper understanding of the past and its implications for the present.