BRIEFLY.

Byline: The Register-Guard

Professor to give keynote at Middle East forum

Stephen Zunes, professor of politics and chairman of the Peace and Justice Studies Program at the University of San Francisco, will be the keynote speaker at a "Creating Peace in Israel and Palestine" forum in Eugene on Wednesday.

The forum will be from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 1376 Olive St. The event includes a panel discussion with Rabbi Maurice Harris, Ibrahim Hamide, Diane Baxter and Chris Barghout.

Zunes has written multiple articles on Middle Eastern politics, U.S. foreign policy, international terrorism, social movements and human rights. He is the principal editor of "Nonviolent Social Movements" and author of "Tinderbox: U.S. Middle East Policy and the Roots of Terrorism."

The forum is sponsored by Progressive Responses, a program of Community Alliance of Lane County. For more information, call 485-1755.

Genealogical group to hold annual spring seminar

The Oregon Genealogical Society will hold its annual spring seminar on Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The theme is "Tracing Our Ancestors' Routes and Roots." The seminar will be held at the Invitrogen office, 29851 Willow Creek Road.

Joan Hunter, certified genealogist, will speak on "Muddy Roads, Sick Babies, and Poor Accommodations" and "Ready. Set. Go: Getting the Most Out of Your Research Trip."

Emily Aulicino, regional coordinator and speaker for the International Society of Genetic Genealogists, will speak on "Introduction of Genetic Genealogy: What is Genetic Genealogy?" and "Writing Your Childhood and Family Memories: A Simple Technique."

The cost is $40, which includes lunch and materials. Early registration is recommended.

For registration information, call 686-1421 or e-mail [e-mail].

Housing seminar helps

first-time homebuyers

Would-be homeowners who want more information about buying a home can find answers to many of their questions at an all-day "ABCs of Homebuying" class in Cottage Grove on Saturday.

Sponsored by the Homeownership Center of Lane County, an arm of the Neighborhood Economic Development Corporation, the class covers financial preparation for home ownership, shopping for a home and finding a good mortgage. The class also offers information about special programs for first-time and rural homebuyers, including the low-interest Oregon State Bond Loan and the PAL down payment assistance program.

Completion of the ABCs of Homebuying class is necessary to qualify for these special programs.

Advance registration for the class is required. It can be done online at www.nedcocdc.org or by calling the Homeownership Center at 345-7106.

Saturday's class will be at the Cottage Grove branch of Lane Community College at 1275 South River Road, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The materials fee will be $40 for an individual or $45 for two people purchasing a home together and sharing the workbook. The fee includes lunch. Day care is not provided.

South Eugene class of 1962 to celebrate 45th reunion

South Eugene High School's class of 1962 will hold its 45th reunion Aug. 10 -11. The weekend's events include a tour of the high school at 4 p.m. and a no-host cocktail party at the Vets' Club, 1626 Willamette St., at 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 10.

On Aug. 11, there will be a catered barbecue at noon at Jasper Park.

The cost is $45 per person and $80 per couple before June 1, $50 per person and $85 per couple after June 1. For information, call Dixie (Merrell) Maurer-Clemons at 343-3028 or Fred Hamlin at 543-5410 or visit www.sehs62.org.

Support group to meet

for parents of soldiers

A support group for parents of military personnel will meet Tuesday at the Veterans' Memorial Building, 1626 Willamette St.

The meeting takes place from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on the building's second floor.

For more information, call 228-5393 or e-mail pompsgrp@ aol.com.

Send announcements to: Briefly News at The Register-Guard, P.O. Box 10188, Eugene, OR 97440, fax [phone] or e-mail [e-mail].