Weekly Presentations

Join us for Monday presentations at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. with a social break in between sessions. We meet at Park Circle in the:

  • Charleston Atlantic Presbytery (CAP) building
    4701 Park Place W
    North Charleston, SC 29405
    View Map

Be Our Guest

Come to any Monday afternoon meeting as our guest to see if CCR is for you. Just check in for free at the front registration desk.

Spring Weekly Presentations

January 12

1 p.m.

Professional portrait of a smiling man wearing a coral shirt and tie, set against a natural outdoor background.Chris Starr
Solution Architect for AI Governance, Rocket Mortgage

Artificial Intelligence: The Next Renaissance or the Last Revolution?
Chris Starr will explore how artificial intelligence today is reshaping knowledge, creativity, and power, then ask whether AI opens a new age of exponential progress or ends the human experience as we know it.

2:30 p.m.

Smiling man with red hair and a blue striped shirt standing outdoors with greenery in the background.Calvin Blackwell
Professor, College of Charleston  

Crypto Chronicles: From Novelty to Mania
Calvin Blackwell will delve into the origins of digital currency, tracing its evolution from an obscure concept to an international mania. He’ll demystify the technology underpinning cryptocurrency and examine its dual role as both an investment and a medium of exchange. 

January 19

MLK Jr. Day - No CCR

January 26

1 p.m.

Portrait of a bearded man dressed as a pirate, wearing a large black hat and surrounded by palm trees.Adam Morrow (Captain Marrow)
Pirate Historian & Author

Charleston and the Golden Age of Piracy
Adam Morrow (Captain Marrow) will discuss the early history of Charles Towne and its evolving relationship with piracy into the early 18th century.

2:30 p.m.

A group of engaged attendees listens attentively during a presentation in a classroom setting.CCR’s C.A.L.L. Teachers

C.A.L.L. Winter/Spring 2026 classes
The C.A.L.L. teachers will preview their Winter/Spring 2026 classes

February 2

1 p.m.

Professional portrait of a smiling man in a business suit seated at a desk.James Nauck
Attorney, Partner Nauck and Kerr Law Firm, LLC

Yearning to Breathe Free: Immigration Law Past and Present
The United States has long been labeled as "the nation of immigrants." James Nauck will discuss the immigration laws of the United States from the time of the nation's founding until present. He will include how the immigration laws have changed throughout the years, and how the United States' immigration system functions today.

2:30 p.m.

A smiling man with glasses and brown hair, wearing a red shirt.Karl Haisch Jr.
Professor of Astronomy, Horry-Georgetown Technical College

Astronomy in the Ancient World
Since the beginning of civilization, mankind has watched the night sky and attempted to relate the rhythms of the visible universe to those of their daily lives. Karl Haisch Jr. will discuss the role of astronomy in the ancient world, from the oldest civilizations to 200 AD.

February 9

1 p.m.

Portrait of a distinguished older man with glasses and white hair, dressed in a dark suit, against a backdrop of bookshelves.Solomon D. Stevens
Educator, Post and Courier Columnist

Social Trust and Democracy
Social Trust is essential in a democracy but has declined significantly in America. Is there anything we can do to rebuild it? Solomon D. Stevens explores the causes of the decline in social trust and offers some suggestions for how we might revive it.

2:30 p.m.

Portrait of a smiling man with glasses and a patterned shirt, standing in front of a colorful digital background.Norm Levine
Professor of Geology and Environmental Geosciences, CofC

Climate Disruption and Flooding in the Charleston Region
Norm Levine will discuss climate disruption and how it is affecting the Greater Charleston Region. He will focus on how the climate is shifting, types of flooding in the Lowcountry, what can be done and what is being done to help mitigate the flooding issues.

February 16

President's Day - No CCR

February 23

1 p.m.

Professional portrait of a man with long hair wearing a dark blazer and a bolo tie, set against a dark background.Joshua Shumak
Tribal Liaison
This program is supported by South Carolina Humanities

Discovering Native Americans of the Lowcountry
Joshua Shumak will explore the rich history, culture, and contemporary contributions of recognized tribes and Indian groups in South Carolina's Lowcountry. He will highlight their traditions, governance, resilience as well as their ongoing efforts in cultural preservation and community development.


2:30 p.m.

Man wearing sunglasses and a green jacket, standing outdoors with a rocky landscape in the background.Joe Looby
Author

Trail Marks of Courage: The True Story Behind The Tenth Trail Mark
Joe Looby will discuss the history of the legendary 10th Mountain Division, the famed ski soldiers of WWII. Drawing on his late father's firsthand experience, Looby shares the incredible true story of the division's pivotal, often-overlooked assault on the brutal Gothic Line in Italy, which inspired his novel, The Tenth Trail Mark.

March 2

1 p.m.


A smiling man wearing an orange cap and a blue checkered shirt stands outdoors in front of a building.Jeff Neale
Retired Curator of Research and Collections, Middleton Place Plantation

In the Course of Human Events: The Story and Myths of the Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence is a cornerstone of American history and its adoption marked the birth of a new nation. However, like many historical events, the Declaration is surrounded by myths and misconceptions. Jeff Neale will focus on the truth behind these myths.  

2:30 p.m.

A smiling older woman with gray hair, wearing a light blue shirt and yellow earrings.Rosemary Hossenlopp
Project Management Perspectives Founder/Principal Consultant

Understanding AI: A Friendly Guide for Curious Minds
Rosemary Hossenlopp will discuss artificial intelligence, showing how it's already part of everyday life—from voice assistants to healthcare tools. She will explore both the opportunities and concerns around AI and focus on how it can support aging, independence, and lifelong learning. She will demystify AI and empower seniors to engage with new technology on their own terms.
 

March 9

1 p.m.

Professional headshot of a woman with long brown hair, smiling against a neutral background.Alaine Mills
Registered Sports Dietitian, MUSC Health & Wellness Institute

Nutrition for Lifelong Health
Alaine Mills will provide an overview of how nutrition influences healthy aging, digestive health, and metabolism. Topics will include nutrient needs later in life, the role of the gut in overall wellness, and evidence-based strategies for maintaining muscle and vitality through diet. 

2:30 p.m.

A smiling couple stands together outdoors, dressed in casual green attire with a natural background.Lynn & Cele (pronounced Seal) Seldon 
Travel Journalists

Travel Journalism and 100 Things to Do in the South Carolina Lowcountry Before You Die
Lynn and Cele Seldon will talk about how they became travel journalists, what kinds of travel writing they do, who they write for, their relationship with Pat Conroy, and their latest book, 100 Things to Do in the South Carolina Lowcountry Before You Die.

March 16

1 p.m.

A smiling woman in a navy blouse standing by the water with a bridge in the background.Cheri Yates, Executive Director
Friends of Charleston National Parks

Preserving the Past, Inspiring the Future: Friends of Charleston National Parks
Friends of Charleston National Parks support Fort Sumter, Fort Moultrie, the Charles Pinckney National Historic Site, and the Charleston Light. Their programs and events help preserve these important landmarks and connect the community to their stories. Cheri Yates will highlight Carolina Day 2026 activities and show the new 18-minute film The Battle of Sullivan’s Island.

2:30 p.m.

A smiling man with a thoughtful expression, resting his chin on his hand.Julian Gooding
Documentary Filmmaker, Storyteller, Food-ways Historian, CCPL

Voices Unheard: The Whole Story of the American Revolution
As we approach the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, Julian Gooding invites us to tell the whole story—one that includes the often-overlooked roles of enslaved Africans, Indigenous peoples, and women. He will explore the true meaning of “all men are created equal” through the lens of those denied equality.

 

March 23

1 p.m.

Portrait of a smiling man in a suit with a natural background.Captain John Cameron

Executive Director of the Maritime Association

Harbor Pilot Operations
As Executive Director of the Charleston Branch Pilots since 2009, Captain John Cameron directs harbor pilot operations serving all trade through the Port of Charleston and manages government and industry affairs. 

2:30 p.m.

A woman holding a document in a storage room filled with boxes. She is smiling and wearing glasses and a black shirt.Jodi A. Barnes

Heritage Trust Archaeologist, SC Department of Natural Resources

Archaeology of Gullah Geechee Foodways from Slave Trade to the Great Migration
Foodways are the shared ways that people think about, procure, distribute, preserve, and consume foods. Jodi Barnes will talk about ongoing archaeological research in the South Carolina lowcountry and what it tells us about the origins of Gullah Geechee foodways.

 

March 30

1 p.m.

Professional headshot of a smiling woman with long, dark hair and eyeglasses, against a backdrop of greenery.Marvella Ford
Department of Public Health Sciences, MUSC, Hollings Cancer Center

Colorectal Cancer in South Carolina
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Marvella Ford will describe colorectal cancer incidence and mortality rates in South Carolina, highlighting rates in specific population groups. She will describe lifestyle factors that are associated with colorectal cancer risks. She will also describe different methods for colorectal cancer screening.

2:30 p.m.

A woman reading a book with a thoughtful expression in a library setting.Margaret Seidler

Accidental Historian and Author

“Payne-ful” Business: Charleston’s Journey to Truth
DNA testing revealed cousins of African descent; genealogical research uncovered a Charleston family history that shook me to my core. My family hails from nearly 100 years of slave trade. My ancestor was William Payne. I faced only one choice, share the truth. “Payne-ful” Business: Charleston’s Journey to Truth, is a collaboration with another SC native, African American artist John W. Jones.

April 6

Easter Break - No CCR

April 13

1 p.m.

A young woman with curly hair smiles joyfully by the ocean, with rocky cliffs and a bright blue sky in the background.Meagan McMahon
Patron Experience and Marketing Manager, PURE Theatre

Performing Knowledge: Theatre as a Tool for Education and Empathy
In performing knowledge, theater is a tool for education and empathy, both for students in the classroom and students of life. Meagan McMahon will explore how theater is an accessible tool for empathy, communication, and developing independence through all walks of life.

2:30 p.m.

Professional headshot of a smiling woman with glasses, wearing a blue blazer over a patterned shirt, standing in a well-lit indoor environment.Katherine Regan Sterba
Professor of Public Health Sciences, MUSC

Caring for a Loved One with Cancer: Research Highlights and Future DirectionsOver 6 million adults care for a family member or friend with cancer. They provide uncompensated care at home and perform complex symptom management, medical and nursing tasks, and report limited training in how to complete these tasks. Katherine Sterba will highlight the challenges experienced by cancer caregivers and new directions for supportive care services for caregivers.

April 20

1 p.m.

Gregory Frohnsdorff
Independent researcher; retired librarian, CCPL, The Citadel

The Charleston Journal of Captain Henry Byam Martin, R.N.
Henry Byam Martin, a British naval officer, visited Charleston in 1833, at the height of the Nullification Crisis. Martin saw both the best and the worst the city had to offer. Gregory Frohnsdorff shares details from Martin's journal, providing a glimpse into the social and political scene of a city under tension.

2:30 p.m.

A professional portrait of a man in a navy suit sitting in a well-furnished office setting.Eric S. Bland
Attorney, Author

Anything But Bland Book—Living Life on Your Own Terms and the Alex Murdaugh Cases
His work in the Murdaugh case, one of the most infamous legal scandals in modern history, helped expose the extent of Alex Murdaugh’s financial crimes. Eric Bland played a pivotal role in recovering millions for victims, obtaining a $4.3 million judgment against Murdaugh, and securing the largest legal malpractice jury verdict in South Carolina history.

April 27

1 p.m.

Portrait of Tom Blomquist, a smiling man with gray hair wearing a black shirt.Tom Blomquist
Screenwriter, Producer, Director, Novelist, and Professor Emeritus

Making the Scene: The Considerations That Go into Shooting TV or Movie Scenes
What makes a movie or television program artistically successful involves a lot more than the script or who the actors are. Filmmakers use subtle techniques to manipulate audience emotions. Tom Blomquist will let us in on the array of powerful tools used to make sure that people feel what they are supposed to feel throughout.

2:30 p.m.
A smiling man with glasses and a beard, wearing a brown suit jacket and a colorful tie.Brandon L. Joyner
Creator, Writer, and Director,
From Radio Waves to Podcasts: Reviving the Golden Age of Audio Drama
Join Brandon L. Joyner for a behind-the-scenes look at how vintage-style radio plays are being reinvented for modern audiences. From noir mysteries to Old West comedies, Shortwave Kitsch blends nostalgia with sharp writing and sound design. Discover how these productions come to life and why audio storytelling still captures the imagination. 

May 4

Noon
Members Meeting and Luncheon

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