You'll be glad you attended our Duck Walk primer class when you don't freeze as you identify a Hooded Merganser on our 7th Annual Duck Walk. Bring your binoculars and dress for the weather.

On a Slippery Slope: The Medicalization of Grief Phyllis Silverman Thursday, January 26, 2012 at 12:30 p.m. In the U.S. today, there is a movement to transform the normal life cycle experience of “grief following a death” into a psychiatric illness. This shift is part of the larger phenomenon of the medicalization of human experience. My presentation will illustrate how grief is framed increasingly in the language of illness and will discuss the consequences of this move. The following quote by famed sociologist Elliot Friedson will be my starting point: “A pathology arises …when the only legitimate spokesperson on an issue relevant to all must be someone who is officially certified” (1970). Location: Liberman-Miller Lecture Hall, Women’s Studies Research Center, Epstein Building, Brandeis University Contact: Rosa Taormina, taormina@brandeis.edu, http://go.brandeis.edu/wsrc

Award-winning jazz guitarist Gerry Beaudoin is treating Waltham to his unique style of swinging bluesy jazz at the Waltham Public Library on Monday, January 30th at 7:00 PM. Sponsored by the Friends, this event is free but seating limited. Call to reserve, 781-314-3425 ext 2, or online under "Events Calendar" at waltham.lib.ma.us.

Visit the celebrated collection of camellias in the 1804 camellia house at the Lyman Estate Greenhouses. Many of the trees are over one hundred years old and this is the time of year they put forth a profusion of blossoms in all sizes and shapes. Other plants available during this season include orchids, citrus, and sweet olives.

One Hundred Years of Kibbutz Life: A Century of Crises and Reinvention Shulamit Reinharz Thursday, February 09, 2012 at 12:30 p.m. After offering some basic definitions, my lecture will have three parts: 1) the story of the woman who should be credited with founding the first kibbutz; 2) an overview of the principles that guided kibbutz life; and 3) the ways those principles changed so that the kibbutz could survive. Location: Liberman-Miller Lecture Hall, Women’s Studies Research Center, Epstein Building, Brandeis University Contact: Rosa Taormina, taormina@brandeis.edu, http://go.brandeis.edu/wsrc

What was it like to live in the dark with only candles to light your way? Led by a guide in period clothing, this special evening tour of the beautiful Governor Gore mansion will explore life before the electric light. Free parking. Capacity limited. Advance tickets suggested. To order, call: (781) 894-2798.

Revisit that New Year's resolution and join us for a FUN workout that benefits WLT. Euphoria Wellness Spas instructors will lead us through an hour of dance steps to international beats, followed by an hour of socializing with healthy snacks. Cost: $10. RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED. Email Sonja at swadman@walthamlandtrust.org today!

The five-piece jazz group Swing Set presents a Jazz Valentine at the Waltham Public Library. Enjoy classic love songs selected from the American songbook, played in a variety of styles by seasoned pros. This program is free but seating limited. Call to reserve at 781-314-3425 x2 or online under "Events Calendar" at waltham.lib.ma.us.

Join a guide dressed in period costume who will use the famous author's words to describe romance in the Regency era while touring the beautiful 1806 Governor Gore mansion.

Be part of this special tour just for kids and explore the folk art exhibit at Gore Place. With a costumed guide, search for the unique, handcrafted toys, signs, paintings and other surprising objects in the beautiful 1806 mansion. Reservation are required by February 17 as space is limited. To reserve, email:tamar.agulian@goreplace.org

What do trains, flutes, and clocks all have in common? Visitors can find out at the New England Model Engineering Show held at the Charles River Museum of Industry & Innovation in Waltham, Mass. This festival will feature model engineers showcasing their working creations – steam engines, gasoline engines, aircraft engines, Stirling cycle engines, clocks, locomotives, moving puzzles, mini machines, pinhole cameras, wooden vehicle modes, model boats, and much more. There will be 100+ working machines on display, as well as hands-on experiments to learn from.

Kids and accompanying adults rent snowshoes, investigate 3 trails, and participate in six easy, fun things to do on 45 acre estate. Participants will be entered into a drawing for a Family Membership to Gore Place.

Enjoy an evening tour of the beautiful 1806 governor Gore Mansion. With its spiral staircase, marble floors and oval rooms, the elegantly furnished mansion has been called “the Monticello of the North” and architectural historians consider it to be the most significant Federal period mansion in New England.

An oval room, triangle windows, and square marble tiles are just a few of the many shapes found in stories, a search game, and crafts during this special, preschool event. Ages 3 and 4. $10 per child/adult pair. Capacity limited. Reservations required by March 6. Email tamar.agulian@goreplace.org or call (781) 894-2798.

What was it like to live in the dark with only candles to light your way? Led by a guide in period clothing, this special evening tour of the beautiful Governor Gore mansion will explore life before the electric light. Free parking. Capacity limited. Advance tickets suggested. To order, call: (781) 894-2798.

Join guitarist Hayes Griffin and fiddler Rachel Panitch for an exciting performance of bluegrass, Canadian fiddling, and original American folk music. Admission is free with admission to the 3pm tour of the mansion. Mansion tour is $12 adults, $8 ages 5 to 12.

Ernestine L. Rose (1810-1892): Reclaiming Her Place in History Paula Doress-Worters Tuesday, March 13, 2012 at 12:30 p.m. Rose was the first person to petition a state legislature in the U.S. for women's rights; the first to say, "Women's rights are human rights." In the 1830s before there was an organized women's movement, Rose became a mentor and colleague to Stanton and Anthony. As an immigrant, a Jew, and a freethinker, she was outside the predominantly American-born Protestants mainstream of reform movements. Nevertheless her eloquence, logic, and humor made her a valued leader. I will share initial successes of the Ernestine Rose Society and her increasing recognition following publication of my collection of her speeches and letters. Location: Liberman-Miller Lecture Hall, Women’s Studies Research Center, Epstein Building, Brandeis University Contact: Rosa Taormina, taormina@brandeis.edu, http://go.brandeis.edu/wsrc

From Manuscript to Performance Laury Gutierrez Thursday, March 15, 2012 at 12:30 p.m. A preview performance of selections from Camilla de Rossi’s oratorio The Prodigal Son, with a glance at the research process and the challenges of transforming the original manuscript from archival piece to vibrant music. Location: Liberman-Miller Lecture Hall, Women’s Studies Research Center, Epstein Building, Brandeis University Contact: Rosa Taormina, taormina@brandeis.edu, http://go.brandeis.edu/wsrc

Stop in to More Than Words on Friday, March 16th for Open Mic Night. Our feature is poet and author Richard Hoffman. Anybody can participate and share their poetry or music. Or just enjoy the performances and grab a slice of pizza. Signups: 7:30pm Performances begin: 8:00pm

Memoir as Process WSRC Scholars Thursday, March 29, 2012 at 12:30 p.m. Using examples from our own work, we will explore the process of memoir writing, discussing choices of focus, where and how to start, and what to include or omit. Audience participation is welcome. Panelists include Nancer Ballard, Mei-Mei Ellerman, Frinde Maher and Mary Mason. Location: Liberman-Miller Lecture Hall, Women’s Studies Research Center, Epstein Building, Brandeis University Contact: Rosa Taormina, taormina@brandeis.edu, http://go.brandeis.edu/wsrc

Hundreds of orchid plants are for sale, including cattleyas, laelias, paphiopedilums, and phalaenopsis. Species and hybrid plants that are budded and blooming are available. Let our gardening experts help you choose the right plants for your garden.

Creating Poems, Creating Community: Building Social-Emotional and Literacy Skills in Schools Georgia Sassen Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at 12:30 p.m. This multi media presentation will describe Sassen's Drums and Poems program, currently in use in the Waltham schools. Children's and parents' comments on the program will accompany videos of the children in action, and explanation of the relational theory behind the program. Audience participation will be encouraged. Two Brandeis students will be part of the presentation. Location: Liberman-Miller Lecture Hall, Women’s Studies Research Center, Epstein Building, Brandeis University Contact: Rosa Taormina, taormina@brandeis.edu, http://go.brandeis.edu/wsrc

Art and Angst: Is Pain Necessary? WSRC Scholars Thursday, April 26, 2012 at 12:30 p.m. Stereotypically, artists are characterized as “suffering.” This year’s panel will delve into the layers of this model, and why suffering may or may not be necessary to the process of creating. The 14th Annual Panel on Creativity held as part of Brandeis University’s Leonard Bernstein Festival of the Arts presents the following panelists: Rosie Rosenzweig, writer and founder; Dana Maiben, composer; Diana Durham, writer; Laury Gutierrez, musician; Michele L’Heureux, artist and curator; and Vivian Montgomery, musician. A Musical Interlude by Emily Corbato will precede the event at 12 noon. Location: Liberman-Miller Lecture Hall, Women’s Studies Research Center, Epstein Building, Brandeis University Contact: Rosa Taormina, taormina@brandeis.edu, http://go.brandeis.edu/wsrc

25th annual! Demonstrations of sheep-shearing, herding dogs, spinning, weaving, and more. Large crafts fair, live entertainment, wagon rides, historic demonstrators, games and farm animals. Food vendors on site, free parking, no dogs allowed, children must be accompanied by an adult. $14, ages 12 and under free.

Join us for a morning of removing invasive species that are crowding out our native plants and are not supportive of wildlife. Your efforts will help preserve the historic character of the newly restored grounds and mansion. Enjoy guided tours of the landscape and ancient greenhouses in appreciation of your generous service. Volunteers are encouraged to bring gloves and dress comfortably.

Come join us for the 2nd Annual Moody Street 5K Road Race. Race begins on Moody St by The Skellig and runs the length of Moody St, down Crescent, around the Island and back along the DCR Landry Park River Walk to a finish on the Moody Street Bridge. Walk or run, fun for the whole family as well as serious runners. We will have chip timing. Sign up online at RaceWire.com. We are still looking for additional sponsors, donations and volunteers...email us and we will be in touch!

Fear of Success Revisited: First Findings, Further Questions Phoebe Schnitzer Tuesday, May 22, 2012 at 12:30 p.m. How do today's young women and men view success? Is the 1970's concept, "fear of success," still meaningful? Initial data analyses of contemporary narratives about achievement offer a first look at current gender similarities and differences and stimulate questions about different explanations. Location: Liberman-Miller Lecture Hall, Women’s Studies Research Center, Epstein Building, Brandeis University Contact: Rosa Taormina, taormina@brandeis.edu, http://go.brandeis.edu/wsrc

Neurological Curiosities: Implications for Research, Art, and Activism Stephanie Wasserman Tuesday, May 29, 2012 at 12:30 p.m. Art: Does color exist in the objects around us? Contrary to intuitive experience, it does not! Research: Startling neurological evidence indicates that the cerebral cortex actively constructs our private, inner world of perception. Activism: Surprising brain mechanisms for rapid judgments and misattributions will be explored. Even therapeutic strategies for healing phantom pain in nonexistent limbs will have implications for those involved in activism. Location: Liberman-Miller Lecture Hall, Women’s Studies Research Center, Epstein Building, Brandeis University Contact: Rosa Taormina, taormina@brandeis.edu, http://go.brandeis.edu/wsrc