Welcome & Welcome Back: OLLI's Fall Term Begins / Zoom Training for OLLI Students / Con-Cons Calendar

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OLLI at SOU NEWSFLASH

September 21, 2020

Welcome And Welcome Back!

Many OLLI courses begin this week, with more coming as the term progresses. Thank you for your patience. We are looking forward to an innovative and robust fall term. We are happy to welcome back returning members, and extend a warm welcome to our many new members, some of whom would not be able to join us were it not for the OLLI 2U program. With so many courses accommodating an unlimited number of students, there are still plenty of open courses to choose if you have time for another. Download the Course Registration Report (PDF) on the OLLI Catalog page to see what's available.

Another Zoom Training for OLLI Students Offered!

The first Zoom training for OLLI students was so popular that the class filled completely and some members were not able to attend. In order to make sure that everyone has chance to learn Zoom basics, volunteer instructor Lorraine Vail and Member Services Chair Andrea Gay have teamed up to offer a second session for those who were unable to attend the previous training.

This session will take place on Monday, September 21 at 3:30 PM (Pacific Time). This is a basic instructional session to help members sign on to Zoom and participate in OLLI classes. No need to register in advance or to download Zoom prior to the training. On Monday, September 21, at a few minutes before 3:30 pm, just click this link to join the training session: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81905153857?pwd=dzhZQlFZRDVWOVZXYVJTZTRGbXYyZz09

If you would like to sign in 15 minutes early, you will have an opportunity to meet and greet other OLLI members. Otherwise, if there are any questions, please contact Member Services Committee Chair Andrea Gay at [email protected].

OLLI is hosting a series of Conversation Connections this fall. They will be Zoom-based conversations on a variety of topics and are designed to encourage OLLI members to meet other members in a small group setting. 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.

Here's the fall line-up. Registration will open about two weeks before each Con-Con on a first come/first served basis, and will be announced in the NewsFlash. Spaces are limited in order to allow participation by all attendees. Registration for the first gathering on October 1 is now open (see below).

Thursday, October 1, 7:00-8:30 PM – "Volunteering Perspective: Impact of Physical Distancing Precautions on Community Nonprofits," facilitated by Anne Bellegia.
Tuesday, October 20, 3:00-4:30 PM – "Only Hope: My Mother and the Holocaust Brought to Life," facilitated by Irv Lubliner.
Thursday, October 22, 3:00-4:30 PM – "Serendipity - Providential Discoveries by Accident," facilitated by Sam Elliot and Camille Korsmo.
Thursday, October 29, 3:00-4:30 PM – "The Power of One - What’s My Power?," facilitated by Katherine Sloan.
Thursday, November, 5 3:00-4:30 PM – "Can Dramatizations (Movies, Plays, TV) Humanize the 'Different,'" facilitated by Sue Sorem.
Thursday, November 12, 3:00-4:30 PM – "Lasting Lifestyle Changes Resulting from Stay-At-Home Orders," facilitated by Colet Allen.
Thursday, November 19, 3:30-5:00 PM – "A Conversation about O, Oregon Shakespeare Festival’s New Digital Platform," facilitated by Paul Christy.

Thanks to MOLLI (Medford OLLI), the Member Services and Communications & Community Outreach Committees, and volunteer facilitators, for this engaging line-up.

First Conversation Connection of Fall Term

Topic: Volunteering Perspective: Impact of Physical Distancing Precautions on Community Nonprofits
A bit of background: The pandemic has had profound impacts on the workplace. What is less well-recognized is how it has affected a different kind of work—volunteerism. Literally thousands of contributors to the local quality of life were left “jobless” overnight. Other volunteers experienced significant changes in their roles and still others saw unplanned increases in responsibilities. The recent fires have added to these shifts. Come share what organization(s) you’ve supported with your time and talent, how physical distancing requirements and now the fires have impacted your nonprofit and your involvement, and how your identity, purpose and connections may have been altered as a result.
Date: Thursday, October 1
Time: 7:00-8:30 PM
Facilitator: Anne Bellegia
RSVP: Reservations are required, and honored on a first response basis. The maximum number of participants for this event is 12, OLLI members only. Click here to RSVP.
Other Questions? Contact Anne Bellegia at [email protected] or 541-944-7095.

If this timely topic interests you, RSVP today. If not, wait for the next one….or better yet, step up to facilitate one yourself.

If you think you would like to set up your own Conversation Connection with other OLLI members, or have other questions, contact Rob Joseph, Social Team Lead, at [email protected]. There is no end to the possible topics, and Rob can send you facilitator guidelines for ideas and more information.

Potential Instructors: Sample a Fall Course

If reservations about teaching via Zoom are making you hesitate, take advantage of the proposal extension to participate in a fall class as a student. See for yourself how successful and enjoyable online courses can be, and get tech support with any technical challenges you face.

And please keep in mind that online teaching is not a leap without a parachute: there’s plenty of assistance available to help instructors adapt to new methods. Click here to submit a winter course proposal by September 27.

OLLI students are the most motivated to learn.

Member-to-Member Remote Tech Support

Member-to-member tech support is again available thanks to OLLI volunteers. We know many members are learning to connect remotely to take OLLI courses or to meet up with friends and family online while we stay safe and save lives at home. Some of OLLI’s tech savvy members have volunteered to provide some tech support to help members get connected. If you would like help with getting up to speed online, click here to submit a request for tech support. and we will connect you with a Tech Support volunteer.

Please note: While volunteers will offer support to the best of their ability remotely, we cannot guarantee that every issue will be solved successfully. Please keep in mind that this process can require time and patience, too.