NEWSFLASH
March 30, 2020
Spring Term Cancellation Update
As most members already know, OLLI has had to cancel our in-person Spring Term classes and events due to the coronavirus. In the wake of this disappointing news, the OLLI staff has received several inquiries from members who registered for the $75 Spring Special reduced membership fee. The Finance Committee recommended to the Council, which unanimously concurred, a policy to address this specific issue. The Council also approved guidelines concerning other membership issues. Members who enrolled for only the Spring Term have been sent an email regarding that membership. If members have other questions concerning their membership, please call the OLLI office at 541-552-6048 or email olli@sou.edu .
Lifelong Learning Resources
We are working with OLLI instructors and leadership to make some OLLI courses available online this spring, and to create opportunities to engage and connect online as well. We will also share links to lifelong learning opportunities offered by other organizations. As much as possible, we will focus on free resources. If a fee is required, we will note that point if known.

Virtual Travel: Click here to virtually visit National Parks while you stay at home to "flatten the curve."

Visit the Newport Aquarium via their webcams at this link: https://aquarium.org/otter-cam/

Geography: T his site drops you somewhere in the world (via satellite maps) and your challenge is to figure out where you have landed: https://www.geoguessr.com/

Gardening: If you're thinking about starting a vegetable garden, you may find this blog on the 100 square foot garden helpful: https://www.siskiyouseeds.com/blogs/news/the-100-square-foot-garden

Brain Health: Shared by OLLI at CSU, Chico. Following an introduction to brain structure and function, Dr. Len Matheson will present one of the five key ingredients to brain health and fitness based on the latest scientific research. Dr. Matheson is a psychologist with graduate degrees in Gerontology. Click here to view. Presentation time: 44 minutes.

Yoga: Guided yoga videos all levels, including a playlist of videos for beginners: Yoga with Adriene

Fitness: Staying home doesn't have to mean sitting still.
More YMCA Exercise Videos released. Free and you do not need to be a Y member to access these classes.
Low Impact/Keeping Fit w/Mary:  https://youtu.be/mp38ESK6II4
Yoga/Pilates Blend w/Lin:   https://youtu.be/23k4JoIMnOQ
Rolling with Lincoln:  https://youtu.be/0Wng01QruxE
All Genders with Weights:   https://youtu.be/dSWxE3FWZlg

Search over 500 free workouts by length, difficulty, training type, muscles used, calorie burn & more: Fitness Blender

The National Institute on Aging also offers a wide range of exercise videos for home fitness: https://go4life.nia.nih.gov/workout-videos/

Hundreds of free workouts: POPSUGAR Fitness

Caregiving:
Community webinars about Alzheimer's & Dementia are available at this link: Alzheimer's Association

Coronavirus Health News:
Weekly live Tele-Town Hall presented by AARP on Thursdays at 1:00 pm. Click here to tune on Thursdays, or catch up on prior events.

Medicare has expanded its coverage of telehealth services to respond to the current public health emergency. Click here for more information.
Community Resources
While we are staying home to protect our individual and community health, OLLI will share information about local resources that members may find useful. Please note that this information may change without notice and many of these lists are compiled and maintained by private individuals. OLLI makes no guarantees as to their accuracy.

Groceries, where and when to shop in the "North of Talent" area:
  • The Fred Meyer stores offer special hours for seniors & high risk individuals Monday–Thursday from 7:00-8:00 a.m.
  • Food 4 Less & Sherm's Thunderbird offer special hours daily from 6:00-7:00 a.m.
  • The various Albertson's and Safeway markets offer special hours on Tuesday and Thursday from 7:00-9:00 a.m.
  • Ray's Food Place markets offer special hours on uesday and Thursday from 7:00-8:00 a.m.
  • Natural Grocers has the hour from 9:00-10:00 a.m. on Sundays reserved for vulnerable individuals.
  • The Medford Food Co-Op suggests that vulnerable individuals shop between 7:00-8:00 a.m.

Free meals and groceries for those in need:
ACCESS supports 24 emergency food pantries throughout Jackson County. There is a NEW free mobile market offered in Ashland in the Snowberry Brook Housing area at 2261 Villard St, open Thursdays 4-6pm. UPDATE: As of 3/30/20, all Medford pantries will move to one temporary pantry distribution location located on Lear Way and Grumman Way (behind Lithia Dodge). All other food pantries in the network are open their usual hours. This may change, check the website for updates: https://www.accesshelps.org/

Uncle Food’s Diner : The Peace House-sponsored Uncle Food’s Diner’s Tuesday hot meal will be operating four days a week, serving food to go for our food-insecure population until further notice. To-go meals are served in the parking area adjacent to Ashland United Methodist Church, 175 N. Main Street, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday from 4-5pm. Check the website for updates: https://peacehouse.net/
Avoiding Scams
Scammers are seeing the pandemic as an opportunity. The public is less likely to be deceived when we are aware of and can anticipate scammers' tactics.

Oregon's Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum offers this advice on avoiding scams related to the $1,200 stimulus payment: https://www.doj.state.or.us/media-home/news-media-releases/scammers-may-try-to-steal-direct-payments-to-americans-for-covid-19-relief/

Click here for the Federal Trade Commission's tips for avoiding other coronavirus-inspired scams.

And while we are socially distancing, it's even more important to be aware of and avoid scams that target computers. The FTC provides information on what to know at this link: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-spot-avoid-and-report-tech-support-scams

If you have been scammed, you're not alone. Click here for Consumer Reports' recommendations on actions you can take to respond.