Local artist hobbyists present Goshen College Afternoon Sabbatical Oct. 14

GOSHEN, Ind. -- During the Oct. 14 Afternoon Sabbatical, "The Artists Among Us," Goshen residents Linea Reimer Geiser (1957 graduate), LaRayne Siegmann (1971 graduate), Lee Hochstetler (1976 graduate) and Grace Hershberger will share hobbies and gifts including literary art, musical talent, unique craftsmanship and an interesting collection. This feast of local artist offerings takes place at 1 p.m. in Sauder Concert Hall, Music Center.

Geiser will read from her recently published book of poetry, "Caught in the Light," a collection of reflections on family, nature, self and God. "Poetry is the way I tell a story, paint an image, weave connections, deliberately mining the riches of my own history and traditions," she said. Copies of the book will be for sale after the program.

Siegmann will share her gifts as a vocalist. She brings more than 30 years of experience singing in choirs, ensembles and other musical groups. "Music has been part of my life from the very beginning since my father was a songleader in our local Mennonite church for many years," she said. "I am one of seven children and all of us have continued our music through the years."

Hochstetler will discuss and display his stained glass creations. He first was introduced to leaded glass art in Chicago, and he has taken it up as a hobby. Hochstetler is also member of the Goshen Woodworker's Guild and he also does minor china restoration. "I do these things because I find them relaxing after working in my office," said Hochstetler. "Doing these things is therapy."

Hershberger will talk about and show her extensive rare button collection. A button collector most of her life, she has been a member of the national and state button societies for about 20 years. "It has been a very satisfactory hobby," she said. "I find buttons to be miniature pieces of fine art." Hershberger has thousands of special buttons, specifically antique specialty buttons.

"We usually have had college professors, but the idea came up to have hobbies or talents shared," said Mary Ann Roth, a member of the Afternoon Sabbatical committee. "And I think this is going to be a very interesting hour together."

A tea will be held following the presentations. There is no admission charge to this event and it is open to the public.

The Afternoon Sabbatical series was established 25 years ago by a group of persons who felt the community should have access to the wealth of knowledge and talent offered by Goshen College faculty members. For more information, or to be placed on the college relations mailing list, call the Welcome Center at (574) 535-7566.

--Tim Nafziger


Upcoming Afternoon Sabbatical lectures include:

Oct. 17-19 -- Stratford Theater Bus Trip, with Janette Yoder, director of special events and Mary Ann Roth, chair of the Afternoon Sabbatical Committee. Cost: $450.

Nov. 11 -- "On the National Desk at The New York Times," with Duane Stoltzfus, associate professor of communication, 1 p.m., Sauder Concert Hall.

Nov. 15 -- Chicago bus trip to The Lion King. Cost: $118 -- Full.

Dec. 9 -- "Christmas with Stegmann and Friends" with Mathias Stegmann, instructor of music, 1 p.m., Sauder Concert Hall.

Jan. 10 -- Chicago bus trip to The Lion King. Cost: $118.

Feb. 7 -- Bus trip to Chicago to see Oliver. Cost: $95.

Feb. 10 -- "Hills' Harmony," with Matthew Hill, associate professor of music, and Sandy Hill, voice teacher, 1 p.m., Sauder Concert Hall.

March 16 -- "Music in My Life -- A Retrospect," with Mary Oyer, professor emerita of music, 1 p.m., Sauder Concert Hall.

April 13 -- International Lunch -- Cuba, with Kathy Meyer Reimer, professor of education, and Paul Meyer Reimer, associate professor of physics, 12 p.m., Church Fellowship Hall. Cost: $15.

May 11 -- Day trip to Sauder Village, Cost: TBA.

Goshen College is a national liberal arts college known for leadership in international education, service-learning and peace and justice issues in the Anabaptist-Mennonite tradition. Recognized for its unique Study-Service Term program and exceptional educational value, GC serves about 1,000 students in both traditional and nontraditional programs. The college earned citations of excellence in U.S. News & World Report and Barron's Best Buys in Higher Education. For more information, visit www.goshen.edu.

Editors: For information, contact Jodi H. Beyeler at jodihb@goshen.edu or (574) 535-7572.

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