Author and organic peach farmer David “Mas” Masumoto of Del Rey returns to Fresno State to kick off the fall 2013 Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) Lecture Series, 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12 in the Satellite Student Union.

He will be joined by wife Marci and daughter Nikiko Masumoto to discuss “The Perfect Peach: Recipes & Stories from the Masumoto Family Farm,” a literary cookbook that seasons recipes with stories that provide a taste of a working family farm.

Housed within the Continuing and Global Education program, OLLI provides lectures, short courses and field trips for people 50 and older who want to explore a broad spectrum of intellectual interests.

It is the second OLLI appearance for Masumoto and it’s the first of five presentations this semester.

The Masumotos will share personal insights with stories of their farm, their work and their lives that add to the flavor of their 50 favorite peach recipes. A food demonstration from their new cookbook will be part of the program.

Masumoto, whose organic farming techniques have been employed by farmers across the nation, is the winner of the 2003 UC Davis “Award of Distinction” from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences .

Also in the fall lecture series lineup:

  • Sept. 26 — Gerald Lee Tahajian, an attorney specializing inwills, trusts, taxation and probate, discussing Estate Planning in a Dynamic Environment: Coping With the Unpredictable Future.”
  • Oct. 17 — Shirley McWilliams, California licensed acupuncturist, discussing “The History & Benefits of Acupuncture.”
  • Nov.  7 — Fresno County Genealogical Society presentation onThe Study of Genealogy: America’s Hobby.”
  • Dec. 19 — Scott Barton, executive director of Fresno Chaffee Zoo,discussing Fresno Chaffee Zoo & Measure Z.”

Gerald Tahajian

Shirley McWilliams

Scott Barton

Seating is limited and available on a first come, first serve basis. Enrollment for fall general sessions is $40 per person. There are nominal additional charges for short courses and field trips, including a tour of Gold Rush Town in Columbia and of the Los Angeles Holocaust Museum.

Included with all memberships are access to the Henry Madden Library and free parking pass for all Osher classes and trips.

Fresno State’s Osher program, operated by the Division of Continuing and Global Education, is partly funded by the Bernard Osher Foundation.

For more information and to register for OLLI, visit www.fresnostate.edu/olli or contact Craig Rebello at 559.278.0008[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]