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Greetings from the NRC Aug 2016
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Thank you to those who responded to our survey toward improving this newsletter. Your many positive comments were greatly appreciated and I am confident your suggestions will make it even better. Some changes are already included in this edition.
Besides a few spiffy new graphics, we made a change to our masthead. Many Institutes use the OLLI acronym but some prefer the more formal Osher Institute title. To respect everyone and relieve occasional confusion in those who aren't quite sure what an OLLI is, this newsletter will officially be known as the "Osher Institute Newsletter". Further, we've renamed the "OLLIs in the News" section to "OLLI News" because some articles from your colleagues occasionally originate in this newsletter and haven't previously appeared in other media. Finally, we added a "Quick Tip" feature - an idea that works well in another institute. We'll be looking for easily executed tips and tricks in future months. If you have something that's effective in improving your OLLI in any which way, please send it in.
One of the advantages of the Osher Network is the willingness to share ideas, achievements and practices between Institutes. Borrowing and adapting from one another is celebrated. It's really the core purpose of this newsletter. We thank you for helping us celebrate that spirit each month.
Best wishes during these dog days of summer,
Steve Thaxton, Executive Director
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OLLI at California State University, Dominguez Hills
Celebrating Juneteenth
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The Osher Institute at California State University, Dominguez Hills recently held its fifth Juneteenth celebration. What is that?
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OLLI Players Re-enactment of June 19, 1865 |
Juneteenth is a portmanteau combining 'June' and 'nineteenth'. June 19, 1865 is the day when the slaves in Texas first heard about the Emancipation Proclamation. Do you remember the date of the Emancipation Proclamation? September 22, 1862. Why the delay?
Part of the reason is that Texas was at the western edge of the Confederacy. After the fall of New Orleans in 1862, slaveholders in Mississippi, Louisiana, and other confederate states moved themselves, and more than 150,000 slaves, to Texas in order to escape the Union Army. By 1865, there were more than 250,000 slaves in Texas.
The Civil War officially ended on May 9, 1865, but the Army of the Trans-Mississippi did not surrender until June 2. Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Texas on June 18, and on June 19, in Galveston, read aloud General Order #3, emancipating the slaves.
Despite the announcement, many slaveholders decided to wait until after the harvest to free their slaves. Others just waited until the army arrived to enforce the Order.
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OLLI Members and Guests Singing Traditional Hymns |
In June 1866, some freed slaves decided to hold a celebration to commemorate the day General Order #3 was announced. However, that celebration was not without problems because several cities had segregation laws barring blacks from using the parks. Some freedmen, however, pooled their money and bought land for their own parks, such as the Emancipation Park in Austin, which still exists, today.
OLLI's Juneteenth celebration included a traditional Juneteenth lunch (fried chicken, greens, mac'n'cheese, watermelon, red drink, and more), singing traditional spirituals, skits, speeches, and prizes.
See more photos and videos from the OLLI Juneteenth Celebration at the OLLI at Cal State University Dominguez Hills
Facebook Page
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Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Dartmouth
Award-Winning Summer Lecture Series
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For the 19th consecutive year, the Osher Institute at Dartmouth is presenting its award-winning Summer Lecture Series on consecutive Wednesday mornings in July and August. Held in Spaulding Auditorium in the Dartmouth College Hopkins Center, the annual Summer Lecture Series presents world-renown speakers. This year's theme is "The New Medical Frontier."
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Attendance is High at the Popular Series |
Osher at Dartmouth, formerly known as ILEAD (Institute for Lifelong Education at Dartmouth) until it joined the Osher family three years ago, recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. Several years ago, forward-thinking leaders of the organization developed the Summer Lecture Series to present a summer educational program with a series of lectures addressing one overarching theme.
Each session typically has one speaker covering a specific topic within the overall theme of that year's series, followed by a question and answer session. Attendees write their questions on 3"x5" cards and turn them in to the session moderator during the break. The moderator organizes the questions so the Q&A session runs smoothly and avoids having attendees taking over the microphone to make "speeches."
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Presenter Rod Hochman |
This year's speakers come from Seattle, Santa Barbara, New York City, and Washington, DC. As usual, the first session covers the "big picture" of the series' topic, in this case, what's changing in the world of healthcare today. Other lectures this year include advances in human genomics, innovative technologies in treating cardiovascular disease, findings from research on the effect of concussions on the brain, and providing healthcare to populations facing emergencies like military conflict, natural disasters, and epidemics.
The final session, "Bringing it Home," focuses on the exciting innovations underway at Dartmouth-Hitchcock, a leading academic health system. The topics covered in the session include "Telehealth," and "ImagineCare," customer-focused, proactive, and integrated mobile health solutions.
Prior years' Summer Lecture Series themes have included "A Dangerously Divided America," "Perilous Triangle: Afghanistan, Pakistan, & Iran," "Corruption: Pervasive, Persistent & Virulent," "The Future of American Power and Influence," "The Middle East: Cauldron of Crisis and Change," and "The Digital Revolution: Promise and Change."
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OLLI at Granite State College
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The Osher Institute at Granite State College recently offered a special course with presenters - Nancy Vawter and JerriAnne Boggis - who had worked on a collaborative documentary film about slaves in New Hampshire. Their documentary features intriguing stories about the first black female novelist who lived in NH, a group of male slaves who wrote and presented a black Declaration of Independence in 1779 (which was ignored) and discovery of a large African Burying Ground under city streets and buildings.
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Celebration of the Opening of the Portsmouth African Burying Ground Memorial Park
Photo Credit: Atlantic Media Productions, NH |
Incredible details about slavery in North America and New Hampshire were revealed during this OLLI class. Of the estimated 10.7 million Africans shipped to the new world between 1525 and 1866, only 388,000 arrived directly in North America. The majority went to the Caribbean and South America. Another 60,000 to 70,000 from the Caribbean eventually were routed to the United States.
Portsmouth was one of the ports that received slaves in the northeast. Colonial newspapers contained articles about slave auctions, bounties for run-aways, and abolitionist rallies. Many wealthy Seacoast residents had slaves for both hard labor and domestic use. Enslaved African captives and their dependents were subject to segregation in housing and public places.
One of this country's oldest black communities was rediscovered through the efforts of dedicated researchers. Did you know that one of George Washington's slaves escaped and was protected in Portsmouth despite his threats to come and get her?
The documentary film also premiered at the Music Hall in Portsmouth in May 2016.
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OLLI at University of North Florida
Celebrating OLLI Artists and Their Instructor
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On July 11, a University of North Florida OLLI classroom was transformed into an art gallery. All of the distinctive elements were present. The lively buzz and hum of a vibrant social scene paired with buffet tables creaking under the weight of bountiful platters filled with cheese and crackers, fruit and crudité. There was wine, of course.
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OLLI Art Instructor Maureen Kirschhofer with Student Jay Bitner and two of his Paintings
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In a note of appreciation sent after the event, OLLI art student Jay Bitner expressed his gratitude to instructor Maureen Kirschhofer for her ideas, guidance, instruction and encouragement. "You are not only a very knowledgeable artist in your own right but also a talented educator in so many dimensions of the creative painting experience. You did a splendid job with this class. You have inspired me so much to get back to painting after 50 years of only taking photos as a 'picture' outlet while we were so busy working full-time and raising five kids."
While Jay is enjoying the opportunity to connect with his passion for the visual arts, he may be receiving a myriad of health benefits, too. An increasing body of research literature asserts that seasoned adults engaged in creative arts derive physiological and psychological value from their pursuits. Sure, making art is fun, but it may also be good for you!
Submitted by: Jeanette M. Toohey, director,
OLLI at University of North Florida
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Osher NRC 2016 Webinar Series
Understanding the Dynamics of Dementia
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Mark your calendar for the next webinar on August 17, 2016 beginning at 2:00pm Eastern/1:00pm Central/noon Mountain/11:00am Pacific/10:00am in Alaska and 8:00am in Hawaii.
 The likelihood of Osher members suffering from dementia, either personally or as a caregiver, is high. Prevalence rises with age. While dementia encompasses a broad range of brain impairment conditions, Alzheimer's disease makes up more than 50% of cases on the dementia spectrum.
This webinar will examine the complexities of dementia from two specific perspectives. First, an overview from a medical and social work point of view from a practicing clinical social worker and therapist; then,
a programmatic perspective from a local OLLI director with deep background in gerontology and strong connections in a community of senior health services.
Their distinctive views on dementia will inform and help prepare you to better serve Osher Institute members and perhaps your own families in dealing with this significant life challenge.
If you have interest in being a presenter, or have ideas for other topics, please contact Diane Venzera ([email protected]).
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An Advice Column for Osher Institute Staff and Volunteers
Dear Olli
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 Dear Olli,
As an Osher director, I've encountered occasional member or instru
ct
or misbehavior issues. In all past situations, a private and respectful
conversation quickly resulted in an end to the problem. But recently, it hasn't d
one the trick. We have a member who continues to behave inappropriately and make others uncomfortable. Any advice for me?
~Flummoxed
Dear Flummoxed,
Preventative action is key. The best time to work on behavior issues is when there are no current problems to address. Most Osher Institutes ha
ve established or adapted their university or college's "Student Code of Conduct" for their own program policies. Your OLLI members are university students too, and it is important that the Institute's conduct policy be carefully considered, documented, and widely communicated to members. The policy should describe unacceptable behaviors and the processes the program will follow if those behaviors are observed. This is especially important regarding behaviors that could be considered as harassing. This policy work is an important deterrent to what could become a serious threat to your OLLI.
Now, with your problem nearing a boiling point, you should look for university resources to help you deal with this individual. The appropriate university authorities can assist you in stepping up the action. Be aware that the individual you are dealing with may have personal issues effecting their behavior, perhaps even health related ones. You can learn about some of the signs and management of dementia related issues in the NRC's webinar this month on August 17th.
~Olli
Have a question for Olli? Please send it in care of Stacey Hart at the NRC:[email protected]
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Educational Travel Ideas from In and Outside the OLLI Network
The OLLI Traveler
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OLLI at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Behind the Scenes in London and Paris
Join Robert Greenstreet, dean of the UWM School of Architecture and Urban Planning, and Gil Snyder, associate dean, on a unique tour of London and Paris. Bob grew up in London and Gil spent many of his teenage years in Paris, which means you'll have a true insider's view of these magnificent cities. See the sights and sounds of Trafalgar Square and the West End. Visit the Tate Modern and the New Globe Theatre and experience the beauty of London at nighttime from the London Eye. Discover legal London and the Inns of Court and then journey down the Thames to Greenwich to see the National Maritime Museum and the Royal Observatory, where you can straddle the Prime Meridian. In Paris, experience the traditional sights of the City of Light including Montmartre, the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triumph. Visit the heart of city including Île de la Cité, take a Seine River cruise, explore the new Louis Vuitton Foundation Museum brilliantly designed by Frank Gehry, and enjoy wonderful meals at noted restaurants like La Grand Colbert and Bofinger.
Click here for more information.
Dates: March 9-19, 2017
OLLI at University of Nebraska Lincoln
Visions of Nebraska: The Panhandle Tour
Join us for this OLLI special tour of Nebraska's Panhandle, the first of three in-depth tours to complement our state's 150th anniversary of statehood. Travel the route of the pioneer wagon trains through Ash Hollow and Windlass Hill. Salute Chimney Rock and marvel at the rugged beauty of the area. There's so much more! Click here for more information.
Dates: August 22-27, 2016
OLLI at Berkshire Community College
OLLI Bus Trip to The New Britain Museum of American Art and the
Hill-Stead Museum
 At Connecticut's New Britain Museum of American Art see unique and exceptional aspects of The Sanford B.D. Low Illustration Collection which provides a veritable history of American illustration, an art genre that impacts our everyday lives, reflecting our diverse national identity! Founded in 1903, the collection houses over 5000 works; Colonial Period, Hudson River School, American Impressionists, Ash Can School, contemporary artists. At the Hill-Stead Museum see impressionist paintings, Chinese porcelains, Japanese woodblock prints, decorative arts, original antique furnishings set in this exquisite family home designed by Theodate Pope Riddle, first American female architect. Sunken Gardens designed by Beatrice Farrand. Click here for more information.
Date: September 6, 2016
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Career Openings in the OLLI Network
Job Board
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Temporary Program Administrator, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Hilton Head Location
Classroom and Facilities Coordinator, OLLI
Office Assistant for OLLI
Is there a staff opening at your Osher Institute? Please send it to us at [email protected]
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