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Greetings from the NRC Jul 2019
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Hello All! This month's letter is a little different than usual. Typically, you would hear Steve's thoughts on the month, articles, or any other related insights as opening remarks. Well Steve is on the road and then taking some well-deserved time off, so I'm stepping into those big shoes for July.
As I was reviewing the articles for this month, the theme that struck me is "connections". A common theme for the Osher network, forming connections is a large part of what we do on a daily basis. This month's connection stories range from the micro to the macro, showing all the ways OLLIs can connect. The story from the University of Richmond contains bonds of the interpersonal, how OLLIs make those two-people-at-a-time community connections. The article from Florida State University demonstrates OLLI members linking the past to the present, learning the history of a region and their own connections to an earlier time. The account from the University of Delaware displays OLLIs relationship to the world, connecting OLLI members to the global community. All these stories exhibit the human bonds we share from community, to region, to global - from past, to present, to future.
As I look at the connections that the Osher Network can foster, I can't help but think of the relationships that I've developed as a result of my role with the NRC. In the past year, I've connected with universities, colleagues, and members; regions, states, and cities; gained wisdom, knowledge, and information. I've made some lifetime bonds and close friendships, all thanks to the Osher Network. It's been such a rewarding year! So in my first letter to the Osher Network, I want to say thanks to you all! Life is all about connections to ourselves, to others, to the world and beyond. Your work and involvement foster those connections every day and I, for one, appreciate it greatly.
Best,
Kevin Connaughton, Manager of Adult Learning
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OLLI at Florida State University
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Rosa Parks Statue |
By her singular act of civil disobedience, Rosa Parks turned Montgomery into the epicenter of the civil rights effort in 1955. She ignited a movement that included a boycott of the Montgomery public transportation system lasting 382 days. Only after the United States Supreme Court declared the city's segregated bus service unconstitutional was the boycott called off.
A group of more than 35 OLLI at Florida State University members learned of that courage, as well as the struggle of African-Americans to enjoy the guarantees of the Declaration of Independence that "all men are created equal." This visit was especially significant in that it took place during Black History Month in February, 2019.
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Dexter Avenue Church |
OLLI's three-day journey began in Tuskegee, Alabama. The group visited the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site; the home of Booker T. Washington and the George Washington Carver Museum, located on the Tuskegee University campus. They attended the Alabama Shakespeare Festival and a play that dealt with the civil rights era through the experiences of four women, particularly that of famed singer Nina Simone. The group continued on to Montgomery, visiting the Dexter Parsonage Museum, where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. lived, and the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, where he preached. They visited the Legacy Museum, built on the site of a former warehouse where enslaved black people were imprisoned and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice - considered sacred grounds. OLLI members completed their visit by touring the Rosa Parks Museum and the Civil Rights Memorial and Museum, which is dedicated to those who were killed trying to assure compliance with civil rights laws.
Throughout the visit, the message of Coretta Scott King resonated: "Hate is too great a burden to bear. It injures the hater more than it injures the hated." Inclusivity Committee Chairman and former OLLI at FSU President Carroll Bewley said it well: "I believe all of us came away with a better understanding of the unbelievable challenges African-Americans endured and overcame in the struggle for equality. And knowing there is still work to be done, perhaps we will be more motivated to speak out and work against injustice whenever we encounter it."
Submitted by
: Debra Herman, Director, OLLI at Florida State University
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Osher Institute at University of Richmond
It's All About Connections
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The following story is featured on the front cover of the OLLI at University of Richmond summer catalog.
Every now and then, we feel a little nudge to pay more attention to what's happening every day all around us. Here in the Osher office, that's certainly true. We often realize that special friendships are made through the Osher Institute. Sometimes it seems folks have been buddies for life, when in fact their participation in Osher has brought them together.
We've experienced members holding other members up as they face health issues. We've seen the love and care shown among members when there's been sadness and loss. We've rejoiced together when children and grandchildren find happiness and success. We've celebrated in good style when our Osher staff members retire (even though we miss Debra Guild and Pat Brown!). Mutual interests discovered among members have led to traveling abroad together, attending theatre performances together, and even day-tripping to wineries together. We connect right here on campus by finding ways to give back to the university which is so generous to us.
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Painter Richard Hollands (left) and Pianist Alan Pollack with Hollands' "Rhapsody" |
It's all about connections.
This summer's cover tells the story of a special connection that translated into a beautiful work of art. As you'll read on the preceding page, an Osher class took on such meaning to a member that he, in a sense, repaid fine art with fine art. Alan Pollack's music led to Richard Hollands' art. It's a story of two people who never knew each other before their involvement with the Osher Institute, but now are fast friends and have great admiration and respect for the other's artistic talents.
Here in the Osher office, we hear about and witness these connections all the time. In truth, these are what make every Osher experience, whether as a member or as staff, so incredibly meaningful and special.
So, thank you. Thank you to every member of the University of Richmond Osher Institute. You touch lives and make a difference in so many ways. You inspire. You give. You care. You connect.
Submitted by: Peggy Watson, Director, Osher Institute at University of Richmond
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OLLI at University of Delaware
OLLI Foreign Policy Class Hosts Noted Speakers
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The "Issues in U.S. Foreign Policy" class at the OLLI at University of Delaware Lewes recently hosted an exciting series of guest speakers. They presented on numerous topics from terrorism, chemical weapons, to U.S.-Russia relations. The lecture series included notable presenters: A former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a former U.S. ambassador, a former CIA senior analyst, and, a former CNN world affairs correspondent were among the who's who of guest experts.
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OLLI members Michael Burkhart, Leland Stanford, Admiral Mullen, Sergei Boboshko |
When asked about assembling such an impressive speaker roster, instructors Sergei Boboshko and Lee Stanford explained, "Some of our speakers are already members of our OLLI community, whereas others have been referred to us by our students. We consistently ask our students to look at their personal rolodexes to see if any of their neighbors, former colleagues, college friends, etc., might serve as an interesting speaker on a foreign policy topic."
One notable invitation grew out of a college friendship. OLLI member Michael Burkhart, a physician and former Marine and Army National Guard helicopter pilot, nominated his friend and U.S. Naval Academy roommate, Admiral Michael Mullen (retired). Admiral Mullen served as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under two presidential administrations, and discussed with the OLLI class his insights about the decline of U.S. influence abroad.
"This is a great example of our ability at OLLI of 'using the network' to attract great speakers who might not otherwise be as readily available to us," commented Boboshko. The series has been very well attended with extensive Q&A after the presentations. Boboshko added, "Attendance has been between 65-70 for each class this semester, and we never seem to have enough time for all the questions, despite the fact that we run for 90 minutes without a break."
OLLI members Peggy and Don Lewis commented, "We both really enjoyed the class. The speakers were exceptional, and all the topics were timely. Whatever the subjects, we are looking forward to attending the next session." Read the full article, including the complete list of featured speakers, on the
University of Delaware website.
Submitted by
: Anna Moshier, Manager, OLLI at the University of Delaware
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Osher NRC 2019 Webinar Series
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Mark your calendar for the next webinar on July 17, 2019 beginning at 2pm Eastern/1pm Central/noon Mountain/11am Pacific/10am in Alaska and 9am in Hawaii. Register for the webinar here.
 Teaching and Learning to Address Cognitive Performance
As research into the brain and cognition advances, cognitive performance has become a feature of teaching and learning at many Osher Institutes. Neuroscience developments have informed education techniques for the adult learner. As a result, many OLLI educators use the findings of Neuroscience to formulate learning tools, pedagogy, and classes to address cognitive needs and provide mental benefits to the adult learner. This webinar will discuss the neuroscience behind cognitive performance in older adults, pedagogical structures for incorporating cognition techniques, and review classes on cognitive performance effectiveness.
Presenters
Dr. BJ Fan, Member/Volunteer
OLLI @ California State University Channel Islands
Jeanette Toohey,
Director
OLLI @
University of North Florida
If you have interest in being a presenter or have ideas for future webinars, please contact Kevin Connaughton ([email protected]
).
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Spaces and Places of OLLI
OLLI at George Mason University
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 OLLI at George Mason University maintains three campuses in the Washington, DC suburbs of Reston, Loudoun and Fairfax. The Reston campus is at a church where they rent three classrooms and a social area for coffee and cookies. Additional classrooms are available through joint programing with the Reston Community Center. In Loudoun, two classrooms are reserved for OLLI Mason at the George Mason University facility that is shared with the Northern Virginia Community College. OLLI Mason's Fairfax campus ("Tallwood") abuts the university with free private parking and three large classrooms, social space, and an administrative cottage.
 "The first classes at OLLI Mason in Fairfax were held in 1991 in one classroom donated by the university, until 1994 when the Tallwood site became available. Instrumental in the agreement were our President Lilyan Spero; Abe Spero, a member of the Mason Board of Visitors; and Joseph Heastie, rector of the Board of Visitors. After extensive negotiation, Mason signed an agreement for a five-year lease of the Tallwood Annex at 4210 Roberts Road in Fairfax. Tallwood House, built in 1922 and used as a private school in 1960s, included seven wooded acres, an annex and a cottage, and became a Mason property in 1970. It was used for various purposes until leased (for 1$ per year) to Learning in Retirement, LRI (now OLLI Mason). As early as 1996, the Tallwood Annex needed repairs for drainage problems. In 1996 a modular classroom was purchased with a $25,000 one-time donation from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. A second modular unit was installed in June 1999." (excerpted from, The Story of OLLI, 25th anniversary commemorative book)
 According to Executive Director Jennifer Disano, "upkeep of our grounds is made easy through the generous support of George Mason's facilities management crew, who diligently keep our properties operational, safe and clean. We are also blessed with a dedicated team of volunteers called the Dirty Knee Club, who have transformed the barren Tallwood landscape into a series of beautiful gardens and terraces for socializing."
OLLI Mason is a 501c3, guided by an 18-member board of directors and operated by the Executive Director. OLLI charges $435.00 per year for unlimited enrollment in over 625 educational offerings annually to nearly 1200 members. Member-volunteers organize the extensive program with the assistance of 15-part time staffers. OLLI Mason is an affiliate of George Mason University, a public university serving 36,000 students.
Want to see your own distinctive "Space or Place" in this newsletter? Please send it to [email protected].
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An Advice Column for Osher Institute Staff and Volunteers
Dear Olli
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 Dear Olli,
My Osher Institute does not currently offer summer programming, but we are looking into offering a few classes or lectures in August. What do other OLLI's do for summer programming?
-Summer Fun
Dear Summer Fun,
As the saying goes, "To know one OLLI, is to know one OLLI". Summer programming is no different. Some Institutes offer a full schedule of courses, some offer lectures only, some offer condensed classes, and everything in between. Here are a few examples to possibly spark your summer programming: Osher at Dartmouth offers a themed weekly summer lecture series (in addition to summer classes) from July through August. This summer's theme is "Critical Thinking for The Preservation of Our Democracy". OLLI at Ringling College offers a short 4-week class schedule in May. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee offers classes, lectures, trips, and special interest groups. So, it's business as usual for UWM during these summer months! From just these three examples you can see how varied the offerings are at each Institute. Do some research and take a look at some Institute websites to see what they offer over the summer months, it is sure to spark some ideas. Happy Planning!
~Olli
Have a question for Olli? Please send it in care of Kevin Connaughton ([email protected]).
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Educational Travel Ideas from the OLLI Network
The OLLI Traveler
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 OLLI at University of Minnesota
Exploring Globalization in Historic San Miguel de Allende
Come and see why Travel & Leisure Magazine named the magical, brightly colored, colonial city of San Miguel de Allende, "The Best City in the World" in both 2017 and 2018. And expand your understanding of globalization during this 10-day program! On the first weekend, discover the beautiful city of Guanajuato, and journey into Mexico's past with a full-day excursion to the striking Pyramids of Teotihuacán. During the week, learn about and practice Hector's theory of Cultural Complementarity during 2-hour morning lectures and activities. Enjoy afternoon visits to the Artisans' Market, a culinary experience with a local chef, the Escondido hot springs, and time on your own. This city of "Eternal Spring" has also become one of the top destinations for retired American expats (artists, writers, academics), and you'll have opportunities to meet some of these folks during the program. Activity level: Lots of walking around this hilly town and on excursions; optional climbing. This trip is open to members of all OLLIs. Learn more about this trip to Mexico.
Dates: January 10-19, 2020
OLLI at University of California, Irvine
LA's Hidden Gardens
Journey south into the heart of the civil rights movement to gain a deeper understanding of the historic and continued struggle for racial equality in the United States. Follow in the footsteps of the venerable Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his legendary marches, and hear the moving story of Rosa Parks and the Montgomery bus boycott. Walk across the Selma Bridge with an activist who took part in the peaceful protest that devolved into unforgivable violence known as "Bloody Sunday." Pay homage at the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church as you learn the story of the victims of the 1963 KKK bombing. Study how these catalysts ignited a movement that would define this pivotal moment in American history, and discuss how they echo through the racial climate in America today. Activity level - walking up to 2 miles a day. This trip is open to members of all OLLIs. Learn more about this trip to the South.
Dates: March 15-22, 2020
 OLLI at Saginaw Valley State University
Charity Island Boat Cruise
We'll cruise to the island on a 50-foot passenger ferry, the Northstar, that leaves from Au Gres. On the island we'll hear a lecture about the history of the island and enjoy dinner (your choice of lightly breaded lake perch or sirloin tips) with dessert served on the return trip to Au Gres. Learn more about this trip to Charity Island.
Date: August 27, 2019
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Quick Tips for Helping Operate an Osher Institute
Quick Tip - Photo of the Month!
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 Does your Osher Institute have a Photography Club, SIG or even a course in photography? The OLLI at George Mason University has found a creative and fun way to share the talents of the members of their photography club in their monthly newsletter. Each month, the newsletter features a compelling photo to honor their member's talents!
The May 2019 Photo of the Month theme was Emotion. We selected Tom Simpson's photo "Glee," which may also be viewed at this page. To view other photos by members of the Photography Club, visit the club's photo website.
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Career Openings in the OLLI Network
Job Board
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OLLI Program Manager
Director - Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
Enrollment Management Specialist
Program Coordinator, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
Web, Marketing and Outreach Coordinator, OLLI
Is there a staff opening at your Osher Institute? Please send it to us at
[email protected]
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