OLLI at SOU NEWSFLASH
February 8, 2021

Conversation Connections (Con-Cons) are one-time meetings on a specific topic of discussion. No preparation or teacher is required, just someone to facilitate the conversation so everyone has a chance to talk.

New Conversation Connection:
  • Topic: American Musical Theatre since the 1970s
  • Description: This lecture and conversation is designed to provide an overview of the history and aesthetics of the American musical theatre since the innovations to the form in the last half-century. Beginning with the works of Stephen Sondheim and advancing through the 1980s “megamusical,” rock operas, to contemporary hits that engage with crucial questions of gender, sexuality, race, and ethnicity that are central to American cultural identity and society today, we will discuss a broad range of works created by leading artists in the American musical theatre.
  • Date: Wednesday, February 24
  • Time: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
  • Facilitator: Dan Venning. Dan is Assistant Professor of Theatre and English at Union College in Schenectady, NY. He holds a Ph.D. in Theatre from the CUNY Graduate Center, a M.Litt. in Shakespeare Studies from the University of St Andrews, Scotland, and a BA in English and Theater Studies from Yale.
  • RSVP: Reservations are required, and honored on a first response basis. The maximum number of participants for this event is 15, OLLI members only. RSVP by 3:30 on Tuesday, February 23. Click here to RSVP.

There are still a couple of spots open for:
  • Topic: "Optimism is informed hope"
  • Description: I would like to have a discussion of what unites the American people, because we have been inundated with discussion about what divides us. I have created a list of what I believe at least 80% of the American public believes about our country and ourselves, but would love to hear from everyone else. I want to be clear, this is not a political or personality discussion. I would appreciate not mentioning the names of politicians or political parties.
  • Let me start the conversation. We clearly believe in the 1st amendment, and we clearly love to vote. I believe there is more than just these two items. I would like the conversation to discuss the present situation and then evolve into what might change into even greater unity, as the future unfolds post covid.
  • I love the expression that is the title of this discussion. So that you know, my informed hope comes from The New York times, Politico Magazine, the Wall Street Journal and the Atlantic magazine. For those of you don't know the Politico Magazine is simply a clearinghouse for many points of view and is published every Friday. I will not tell you how I vote and I will don't want to know how you voted. I want to know what you think and feel. Thanks for joining me...
  • Date: Tuesday, February 9
  • Time: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
  • Facilitator: Jane Ballback
  • RSVP: Reservations are required, and honored on a first response basis. The maximum number of participants for this event is 15, OLLI members only. RSVP by 3:30 on Monday, February 8. Click here to RSVP.
  • Other Questions? Contact Jane Ballback at [email protected] or call her at 949 230-5855.
If this topic doesn't resonate with you for fit your schedule, stay tuned for other options, or host one yourself. It's easy to hold a Conversation Connection on on a topic of your choice. To find out more, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Pauline Black at [email protected]
Gals N' Wine Day This Friday
OLLI's Member Services Committee would like to invite all OLLI ladies to a “Gals N’ Wine Day” social event on Friday, February 12th from 5:00–6:00pm. Grab a glass of wine or another beverage, and join us for a “girl’s night out.” This is a fun get-together to share a “Happy Hour,” and get to know each other a little better.
No need to RSVP, just join the Zoom meeting:

Hope to see you on February 12!
Andrea Gay
Chair, Member Services Committee

Not a gal or not your cup of tea? Stay tuned, more social opportunities are coming soon.
Black History is American History
A wealth of opportunities to learn more about Black history are offered by SOU and other organizations this month. Watch this space for more events as they are announced.

Harvard University is making available free recordings of lectures on Black history:
Click here to listen to "A Catalyst for Humanity," a conversation with Pulitzer Prize winning author Isabel Wilkerson who wrote Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents.
Click here for a panel discussion on the "Enduring Legacy of Slavery and Racism in the North."

Poets.org presents a collection of poetry by Black poets, along with a selection of essays on being Black in America. Click here to explore.

Playhouse Square is hosting a virtual performance of Stono by Step Afrika! from February 1 – 14. The 35 minute show originates from the story of 20 enslaved Africans who began an insurrection in 1739 on the banks of the Stono River in Africa. Stono celebrates that spirit of resistance and activism. Tickets are free, but registration is required.
The Ashland Radio Show
Reminder: Join us on Thursday, February 18, at 6:30 p.m. for a new Zoom play created by OLLI's Players of 2018-19 "Cafe Noir" fame. It's free and all are welcome to watch or listen in on this Zoom link:
Meeting ID: 885 7025 8343 with Passcode: 615785
One tap mobile +13462487799,,88570258343# US (Houston)

If you can't make February 18, you may want to consider the public performance offered via Ashland Parks and Recreation on February 10, 1:00 pm. It's free, too, but be sure to register by February 9 at noon. Click here to download the flier (PDF).
Mushrooms and other fungi are on the menu for a virtual field trip with John Villella, Senior Lichenologist from Siskiyou Biosurvey on Thursday, February 11, 6:00–7:00 pm, hosted by the Klamath-Siskiyou Wildlands Center. Sign up here.

Friends of the Hannon Library invite you to an online presentation by SOU professors Magaret Perrow and Amber Reed on Shifting Landscapes of Learning in Post-Apartheid South Africa, Thursday, February 11, 7:00 pm. Click here for more information and to register.

Celebrate the Lunar New Year and the historical and cultural presence of Chinese people in the Rogue Valley with virtual events throughout the day on Saturday, February 13, hosted by the Southern Oregon Chinese Cultural Association. Click here to learn more or sign up.

Learn more about Rogue Valley history with Windows in Time: The Land Remembers series presented by the Jackson County Library System. Click here to access future events or recordings of earlier presentations.

The Aspen Institute hosts free lectures and panel discussions on a wide range of topics from personal to global issues. Click here to see what's coming up this week.