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This content was published: January 20, 2006. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.

Famous author on 'Da Vinci Code' rebuttal comes to Sylvania

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The PCC Senior Studies Institute (SSI) is sponsoring the first in a series of lectures entitled the Sam Karr Memorial Lecture Series.Sam Karr was a member of the PCC Senior Studies Institute who loved the idea of continuing education and exploring the experiences and expertise of the senior community. The featured speaker is Sharan Newman, who’ll discuss her new book, "The Real History Behind the Da Vinci Code." The lecture will be held in the Sylvania Little Theater from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11. It is free of charge.Newman is a prolific and well known mystery writer. She wrote the acclaimed series of mysteries set in the 12th Century Europe that feature Catherine LeVandeur and her Saxon husband Edgar. The first novel in that series was, "Death Comes as Epiphany." Other works include, "Devil’s Door," "Wandering Arm," and "Strong as Death." She was the winner of the Macavity Award for the best first mystery as well as the Herodotus Award for the best U.S. historical mystery. Karr enjoyed the lectures given by other members and the give-and-take of the current events sessions. He enjoyed the writing classes that were offered by SSI, and the discussions that ensued from reading great books and tackling issues of the day. He left a legacy to the Senior Studies Institute to insure that the members had access to important members of the literary community. It is in his memory that they have dedicated these lectures. SSI would like to invite PCC staff, faculty and students, but due to the limited space, they have suggested that the invitation be primarily for those involved in literature, writing or journalism.

About James Hill

James G. Hill, an award-winning journalist and public relations writer, is the Director of Public Relations at Portland Community College. A graduate of Portland State University, James has worked as a section editor for the Newberg Graphic... more »