OLLI Observer
February 4, 2018   
 
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In This Issue
  .
Peter Blau
  
"I love volunteering as an instructor at OLLI because I make new friends, share my interests with them, and learn a lot from their rich and varied backgrounds."            
 Peter t eaches "The Amazing World of Sand: Art, Nature and Technology" and "Measuring Up: The Science of Metrology."
 
Are you interested in teaching with College for Seniors--but you just don't know where to start?

Start Here
An
Orientation to Teaching
 Thursday, Feb 15
4:15-5 p.m.
Room 206

Also
SAVE THE DATE
College for Seniors Committee will hold SkillTalks
Thursday, March 8, 9 a.m.- 3 p.m.


A team of OLLI hiking enthusiasts has been hard at work developing the systems and processes to support a new Hiking Special Interest Group (SIG) and we are ready to launch! 

If you wish to join, please visit our website: OLLIHikingSIG,org

You will see some documents on the home page that describe how things work.  Many thanks to our IT guru Glenn Peterson. Our first hike will be in late February.

In addition we will have an
 Open Hiking SIG Meeting 
Tuesday, February 13, 4:15 p.m.
Reuter Center Manheimer Room

SIG members will demonstrate the website, answer your questions and provide assistance as needed. You might want to bring a tablet or laptop if you have one.

If you have questions or need assistance, contact [email protected] or
Marcia Markowitz at 631.987.7451

See you on the trail!
STEM Lecture
Tuesday, February 6,  4:30p.m.
Reuter Center's Manheimer Room

"Women in Physics"
Speakers: Dr. Judy Beck, Lecturer, Physics & Astronomy, Dr. Ted McIrvine, OLLI

Judy Beck
Physics remains one of the fields in higher education and the workforce in which women are significantly underrepresented.  This talk will present historical and current trends and statistics, and discuss possible causes for the low numbers of women entering physics and the barriers they
Ted McIrvine
may face. Achievements and stories of some remarkable women in physics will be highlighted to provide examples of some of the significant contributions women have made in the field.  Finally, the current status of efforts to change the culture and to increase the diversity in physics will be discussed.

This event is free and open to everyone.
Hearing Loss Association
of America (HLAA)
Meeting


Red Flags: When and Why to Consult the Hearing Professional 
Wednesday, February 7,
10:15 a.m.
(Note new time and day)
Location: Seymour Auditorium, 
Care Partners Campus Top of the Hill, (Building 22, at the Covered Walkway)
 68 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville

Katharine Milnes

by Katharine Milnes, Au.D. Director of Audiology Asheville Head Neck and Ear Surgeons

The mission of HLAA: 1) Self-help for people with hearing loss.
2) Access to information. 3) Building community solutions.

 In the event of inclement weather we will follow Asheville City Schools protocols.
For more information, please call Ann Karson. 828-665-8699 Or email - [email protected] 
HLAA is a 501 ( c ) (3) organization

Meditation 
Special Interest Group
Monday, February 12 and 26, 
4:15 - 5:45 p.m.
Reuter Center

The Meditation SIG meets t he 2nd and 4th  Monday of the monthFebruary programs will be:  Feb. 12 : Becca Demers will present a program on Somatic Breathwork Therapy 
Feb. 26 : Daniel Kane will orchestrate a "Sound Healing and Acutonics Vibrational Medicine Atunement"

Becca Demers ( www.thejoyfulbreath.com ) offers a method of breathing called Somatic Breathwork Therapy.  We all breathe every day, but learning to pay attention and breathe on purpose unlocks access to all levels of your health and gets your mind on the same team as your body.  In this hour and a half intro, you'll not only learn the importance and benefits of better breathing, you'll also get to practice several techniques and see for yourself how good proper oxygenation feels! 

Meditation SIG contact: Sally Ekaireb [email protected]
 
OLLI VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Donation Drive
You can help homeless students in Asheville City Schools by donating to the barrel in the Reuter Center

MusicWorks!
Using music to teach social skills, boost academics and build confidence

ROOTS Foundation
The garden is the classroom

 
VOLUNTEER NOW ... You can make a difference!
More Than a Month Lecture
Friday, February 16, 2 p.m.
Reuter Center's Manheimer Room

"I am a Recovering Racist"
by Bruce Mulkey, essayist & author 

Bruce Mulkey
Bruce writes "In an earlier incarnation, I was a hyper-masculine, self-indulgent, beer-swilling  rebel (without much of a cause). Having miraculously survived that era, I am now an open-minded, relentlessly inquisitive, politically progressive essayist and author. I live with my wife Shonnie Lavender and our daughter Gracelyn (largely outside the dominant cultural paradigm) in the eclectic little city of Asheville, North Carolina.

"I've dealt with topics ranging from racism (and my ongoing recovery from it), my brief encounter with Norman Mailer ('Are you still stabbing your wife?'), opposition to the Iraq War ('A few illogical arguments for the elimination of Saddam Hussein'published before the war began), Al Gore (not the stuffed shirt you might imagine) and the perils of climate change, my seventieth birthday (It's not that I mind growing old; I just don't want to be there when it happens.), spanking (and its unintended consequences), why I gave up my last handgun (after my wife asked me the simple question: 'What are you afraid of, Bruce?'), trail running in the southern Appalachians, and fatherhood at sixty-seven.
 
This presentation is a part of the More Than A Month series created by members of OLLI's Inclusion Committee who have come together to promote and celebrate inclusion at OLLI, develop partnerships with people of all backgrounds and raise awareness among fellow OLLI members and the greater Asheville community of issues of concern to all of our communities.  
 
This event is free and open to everyone.
OLLI Craft Swap Meet
Saturday, March 10, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Reuter Center Manheimer Room

This is a new endeavor designed for OLLI members ONLY.  A free craft swap meet where you can swap/sell/buy craft supplies and "stuff'" from other OLLI members.  It is recommended you register for a table by emailing [email protected]. Tables will be assigned in order of registration - first come, first served.

Suggested items to bring to swap/sell/buy include paint supplies, beads & jewelry making supplies, buttons, polymar sculpy clay, fiber arts & yarn, weaving supplies, paper goods, colored pencils, pastels, photography, marbles, mosiac items, fabric, ribbon and sewing notions....almost any craft and art supplies!

This is a closed event for OLLI members ONLY - - to have tables of craft supplies to swap/buy/sell and other OLLI members to attend and see what's on offer.  There is no cost to participate, and we suggest you pack a lunch!  It will be a fun time for all and you may need a bite to eat before it's all said and done.

For more information or if you have questions, email [email protected]
Volunteer Opportunity

Pairing Events Coordinator
 
Are you good at planning?  Do you love cheese and want to support small, local cheese makers?  Are you a hands-on kind of person who works well with others?  If so, we'd love you be part of the 2018 Carolina Mountain Cheese Fest!
 
We are presently looking for a volunteer for our Pairing Events Coordinator position.  This is a current need that will last through the festival (April 29, 2018).
Dear OLLI Members,
OLLI at UNC Asheville has a varied program of special interest groups that range from art to wine tasting.  We are excited to announce a new Hiking SIG. We admire the thoughtful way that the group's leaders have organized this group to provide a new way for OLLI members to learn and socialize.  Be sure to check out the website and plan to attend the organizational meeting.  We also want to highlight the ongoing groups that invite new members, including the Meditation SIG, the Forum, and the Apple Users that all announce events in this newsletter. SIGs represent a unique way to continue learning outside the classroom.

Take some time to read the Volunteer Spotlight and Judy LaMee's article on the College for Seniors theme term on race in black and white. Note that in addition to courses that College for Seniors will supplement their course offerings with "Hot Topics" that offer everyone a chance to explore challenging subjects. The Civic Engagement Committee offers chances to give back to the community, whether through donations to homeless children in the Asheville City Schools or Asheville Terraces Apartments or through serving in the MusicWorks or Roots Foundation programs. OLLI members organize learning opportunities through lecture series like the STEM lectures, the More Than a Month series and Fab Fridays. Our members and community experts come together to offer programs like the March Madness lecture scheduled for the end of the month. Community partners like the World Affairs Council or the Asheville Symphony Orchestra offer varied programs that help us see the world in new ways.  Finally, our university offers rich learning opportunities and invites members of the community to attend.

We know it's tempting when you get your catalog (which will be available in print and online on Wednesday, February 14) to turn right to the College for Seniors course listings. You can preview the spring term by following the sneak peek link and can read descriptions of the 23 courses in the theme term through Judy LaMee's article. Once you have registered (and initial registration will take place online from Tuesday, February 20, 10 a.m. - Tuesday, February 27, noon), we urge you to go back to the catalog and review all of the great learning opportunities and special interest groups that enrich our community of teachers and learners. We also add events all the time, so this newsletter is the best way to keep up. Don't forget that we rely on all of our members to make our programs run, so check out volunteer opportunities online or through the job board in the upper lobby of the Reuter Center.

Thank you for taking part in the many opportunities in our  community of teachers and learners,
Catherine Frank
Executive Director


 Check the links here to see OLLI and UNC Asheville current events:
 
 Around the Center
January 26, 2018,
More Than a Month event
The More Than a Month event "Confederate Monuments - Their History and Their Future" was a well attended panel that considered monuments, building and street names, and memorials of all kinds in public spaces in light of contemporary ideas about slavery and racism. Panelists included Sasha Mitchell, Deborah Miles, Sheneika Smith and Dan Pierce, with moderator Darin Waters. Click here to see more photos and watch the newsletter for news of upcoming More Than a Month events. 
 Upcoming UNCA Athletic Events UNCA Bulldog  
February 2018
  • Sunday, February 4, 1:30 p.m.   Men's Tennis UNC Asheville vs. Tennessee Tech, Asheville Racquet Club Downtown
  • Tuesday, February 6, 7 p.m., Women's Basketball  UNC Asheville vs. Radford, Kimmel Arena
  • Friday, February 9, 12:15 p.m. Women's Tennis  UNC Asheville vs. Lenoir-Rhyne, Asheville Racquet Club Downtown
  • Saturday, February 10, 2 p.m.  Men's Basketball  UNC Asheville vs. Radford, Kimmel Arena
  • Sunday, February 11, 3 p.m. Women's Tennis  UNC Asheville vs. Kennesaw State, Asheville Racquet Club Downtown
  • Tuesday, February 13, 7 p.m. Women's Basketball  UNC Asheville vs. Charleston Southern, Kimmel Arena
  • Thursday, February 15, 7 p.m.  Men's Basketball  UNC Asheville vs. Liberty, Kimmel Arena

Click here to visit the UNC Asheville Athletics website.  Go Bulldogs! 

Race in Black and White Theme for Spring term
by Judy LaMée
 
OLLI at UNC Asheville has established a proud reputation for innovative programming over its 30-year history, and we're at it again. A careful look at the Spring 2018 OLLI catalog will reveal something we haven't done here before. Out of 113 courses offered, 23 of them point to a central theme: Race in Black and White.

Our members, our staff, our campus and our community have held earnest discussions on this topic for many years. What can we do? What do we need to know to help us take steps that could lead to better understanding, to help improve race relations here? Can we listen better? Can we learn better?

Carol Taylor 
To that end, then-chair of the Performing Arts Committee Carol Taylor challenged the 11 College for Seniors curriculum committees to explore ways each could address the theme on race in their topic areas.

Much discussion ensued, with an impressive outcome, resulting in these 23 courses that will be offered across multiple disciplines next term. Among other topics, spring courses will spotlight contemporary African American art, blues, jazz, literature by recent African immigrants, early black filmmakers, black protest, and experiential discussions of current issues on race. Click here for a description of those courses.
 
For the past two years, our Inclusion Committee has expanded the focus on Black history beyond a single month, broadening discussions and activities past February .  Thus they have planned "More Than a Month" programs over the next three months to address issues of race and inclusion locally and nationally. Please watch the OLLI newsletter for more details about individual programs, including:
  • Friday, February 16, 2-5 p.m., Bruce Mulkey, "I Am a Recovering Racist"
  • Friday, March 16, 1-2:30 p.m.,  Michael Carter, "Beyond Privilege" workshop (registration is required)
  • Friday, April 6, 4:30 - 6 p.m., A Screening of the film "Rosenwald" and a panel discussion of Rosenwald schools
  • Friday, May 4, 2-5 p.m.,  A Screening of "Beneath the Veneer"
 
There you have it: another robust spring offering to anticipate - these programs and much more are on our near horizon, thanks to so many of our members who volunteer their time and talents.
 
World Affairs Council
Tuesday, February 6, 2018, 7:30 p.m., Reuter Center Manheimer Room
 
"Turkey, a Partner in Crisis" 
presenter
Thomas Sanders, retired Brown University professor of religious studies
 
Of all NATO allies, Turkey represents the most daunting challenge
Tom Sanders 
for the Trump administration. In the wake of a failed military coup in July 2016, the autocratic trend in Ankara took a turn for the worse. One year on, an overwhelming majority of the population considers the United States to be their country's greatest security threat. In this age of a worsening "clash of civilizations" between Islam and the West, even more important than its place on the map is what Turkey symbolically represents as the most institutionally Westernized Muslim country in the world.
 
Tom Sanders holds a PhD from Columbia University and is a retired professor of religious studies and of international studies. He has taught for over 20 years at OLLI's College for Seniors, including courses on Turkey, the Kurds, political development in the Arab World, and religion, ethnicity, and politics in the Middle East. He has visited Turkey many times, chiefly to practice Turkish with all kinds of ordinary Turks.

Come to the Reuter Center for these fascinating lectures and discussions that aim to advance international awareness and foster Western North Carolina's global ties. OLLI members receive a discount on WAC annual membership fee.  The World Affairs Council meetings offer a lively line up of topics and compelling presenters.  
 
All lectures are scheduled in the Reuter Center's Manheimer Room, free to WAC members and students, all others $10 at the door. For more details about programs, consult the WAC website. http://www.main.nc.us/wac
Fab Friday Lunch and Learn Lecture
Friday, February 9,  11:30 a.m. - 1:15 p.m., Manheimer Room
 Purchase lunch in our Reuter Café or bring your own brown bag. Don't miss these great programs.  Free and open to everyone.
 
Keeping Your Skin Healthy: An Overview of Skin Cancer and Common Skin Lesions
by Mark Hutchin, M.D. 

Mark Hutchin
Dr. Hutchin  will offer a review of the more common forms of skin cancer and benign growths that we experience as we age, with a special focus on physiological and environmental threats to our skin. He will help you understand the most common types of lesions and why they occur more frequently in older adults. Of special interest will be a focus on skin cancers and what you can do to prevent or reduce their impact. Attention will be given to when you should consult with your dermatologist and what to expect when seeking such medical care. Dr. Hutchin is a board-certified dermatologist and practices at Dermatology of North Asheville. This lecture is part of the Health Education Series.
 
Special Interest Group The Forum
Friday, February 9, 1 p.m., Room 205  
 
Meeting Topic: "Am I My Brother's Keeper?: 
The Government vs. The Private Sector"  
 
Mark your calendar to attend this free-flowing dialogue designed to enrich and expand participants' thinking on topics ranging from changing demographics of retirees to nuclear disarmament.  All OLLI members are invited and welcome!
SIG contact: Beth Johnson, [email protected] 
Apple Special Interest Group  
Friday, February 9, 1:30 p.m., Room 206

 
Apple Computer The topic will be  "Podcasts to Entertain, Educate, Recreate or just Waste ...oh, wow! Look at this!"
We will have the Q&A session after the program and will have members on hand to assist with any Apple device, hardware, application or other related problems.

All OLLI members are invited to attend. 
Confident Caregiver 
Friday, February 9, 2 p.m., Room 206

Offered through the Alzheimer's Association Western Carolina Chapter, the Confident Caregiver is a series of three presentations that provide  answers to the questions that arise in the middle stages of the disease. Hear from those directly affected and learn what you need to know, what you need to plan and what you can do at each point along the way to maintain quality of life for both the caregiver and the person with the disease. The topic for this presentation will be:  
 

Mid Stages II -Behavior Changes, Medications, Home Safety, Driving, Living Alone and Wandering


 

This event is free and open to everyone. 

Symphony Talk
Friday, February 9, 3 p.m., Reuter Center Manheimer Room

Guest Conductor Garry Walker
previews "A Musical Tour of Scotland"
During this Symphony Talk, Garry Walker, one of six candidates for the position of music director for the Asheville Symphony Orchestra, will present a program of Scotland-themed classical works to be performed on Saturday, February 10 at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium in downtown Asheville. The program includes Malcolm Arnold's  Four Scottish Dances , Debussy's  Marche écossaise  (Scottish March), Bruch's Violin Concerto No. 1 with guest violinist Elena Urioste, and Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 3, known as "the Scottish."

The best way to enjoy the Asheville Symphony Orchestra's Masterworks concerts is to come to the Symphony Talk for the inside scoop on the music, composers and soloists. Asheville Symphony Orchestra conductor candidates will introduce themselves and the upcoming concerts, and local music aficionado Chip Kaufmann will speak about the composers. Free and open to everyone, seating is always at a premium for this popular series!  For more information about the Asheville Symphony Orchestra, visit   ashevillesymphony.org 

 
Many OLLI members are gifted poets and writers.  Their published books are clear evidence of the success of OLLI's mission in promoting lifelong creativity and learning.
 
The following link will connect you a compilation of books written by OLLI at UNC Asheville members - click here to view list. The list does not include books published during their active careers but only those works published while they were OLLI members. It includes poetry and prose, fiction and non-fiction books. A printed copy of this list is included in the poetry notebook on the display case on the second floor.
 
If you have published a book while an OLLI member please send the following information to [email protected] . It will be added to the list. Please include the author(s), title, publisher, ISBN, date of publication and where it is available for purchase should others wish to buy a copy.

March Madness Lecture
Tuesday, February 27, 3 p.m.
Reuter Center Manheimer Room

Bubble teams and brackets. Upsets and Cinderellas. Blocks, dunks, layups and buzzer beaters. Bitter defeats, thrilling wins and "one shining moment." They're all elements of the "big dance" we call March Madness, the NCAA Basketball Tournament.  

Learn more about this annual college sports ritual from a couple of UNC Asheville experts.  Larry Griswold, popular instructor for sports history courses at College for Seniors, will offer an overview of the history of college basketball championship tournaments and the evolution and growth of the NCAA tournament.  Janet Cone, UNC Asheville's athletics director and the only woman currently serving on the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball committee, will give us an insider's view of the selection and seeding process. Feel free to wear your college colors, if you remember that here at UNC Asheville we are all Bulldogs!
Storytelling Performance
Friday, March 2, 7 p.m. 
Southside Center, 285 Livingstone Street, Asheville
 
On the Row by Dr. Wesley Grant, Sr.   

The Northwest Arkansas Prison Story Project is a storytelling/creative writing project benefiting incarcerated women and men in Arkansas since 2012. Inmates share their stories, inspired through the use of poetry, creative writing, literature and songwriting. Their work is edited into a staged reading, initially performed by professional actors inside the prison and then outside for the community.
 
The Asheville performance features local actors, including three current UNC Asheville students. It will be only the second performance of this piece ever outside of Arkansas. 
 
The performance is free and open to everyone. Donations are accepted and will benefit the Wesley Grant Center. Seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute | 828-251-6140 | [email protected] | http://www.olliasheville.com
Reuter Center, CPO #5000
UNC Asheville
One University Heights
Asheville, NC 28804