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Greetings from the NRC Mar 2018
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Experienced teachers who present to an Osher Institute often comment on the intense focus, thoughtful questioning, and lack of distraction they see in OLLI members. It's true. One of the attributes of OLLI members is a deep level of participation put into their studies and activities. Of course, it helps that the retired members have more control of their time to focus on these learning endeavors. But for most members, that deep engagement is rarely passive and often highly active. Their intellectual (and sometimes physical) workouts keep them sharp and in tune with the world and their local communities.
This month's newsletter has examples of impressive engagement from OLLIs all across the country: OLLI athletes at University of California, Santa Cruz; strengthening voices of expression at North Carolina State University; and sports literature enthusiasts at Florida Atlantic University. We also share a warm invitation from OLLI at the University of Alabama-Huntsville for lifelong learning leaders to join them as they host this summer's Southern Regional Conference for Learning in Retirement.
It takes impressive commitment from each of these programs to bring this variety and quality programming to their Institutes. And this is just a few of the thousands of other engaging offerings from throughout the Osher Institute Network.
Enjoy this month's stories and allow them to inspire your own Osher Institute engagement back home.
Our best wishes for the beginning of spring,
Steve Thaxton, Executive Director
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OLLI at University of California Santa Cruz
Alley-oops for the OLLI Hoops
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The OLLI Hoops
Photos Courtesy of Carolyn Lagattuta |
The OLLI Hoops are a group of women in their 60s and 70s who met through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at University of California Santa Cruz, and have taken to the basketball court as a way to get exercise, enjoy the camaraderie of other energetic women, and for many, learn a new skill.
"A lot of them (the women) weren't even encouraged to do any sports when they were young," says Mathilde Rand, a retired elementary school principal and former PE teacher who serves as the team's unofficial coach. "But now, they've decided this is the right time. Time is up. We can do anything."
The group began last October when Mary Caravalho, 68, a retired educator whose two sons played basketball, saw a YouTube video about a group of 80- and 90-year-old women in San Diego's senior women's basketball league.
As one of 700 members of the UC Santa Cruz Osher lifelong learners group, she posted a notice saying she wanted to start a senior women's basketball team. Eleven women signed up. 
"This gives me a lot of joy," says Lillian Miranda, 72, as she took a break between drills on a recent Monday. The retired Massachusetts juvenile court judge says she likes being part of a team and meeting new friends. But basketball also feeds her lifetime hunger for learning new skills, she says. It's a passion shared by many on the team.
The women talk of playing recreational sports like soccer or basketball in junior high or high school but none competed on a high school or college team. Most grew up during the time before Title IX, part of the Education Amendments of 1972, which required that any educational program that received federal money could not discriminate on the basis of sex. A study published in 2008 in the The Sport Journal reported that athletic participation by girls in high school increased from 295,000 in 1971 to 2.8 million in 2003-2004, a jump of more than 840 percent.
"This is fulfilling a youthful wanting," says Caravalho, who described herself as a tomboy who liked to play softball and army games as a kid. One of five children, Caravalho remembers her father telling her at the age of 13: "Mary, I have three sons, I don't need another."
"Luckily, that didn't really crush me," says Caravalho, who adds this team "has really changed my thinking about what I can do and what I want to do." That kind of gutsy resourcefulness seems to be a characteristic of the group.
Members of the group also have bonded with the UC Santa Cruz women's basketball team. The OLLI Hoops team got to join a practice with the Slug squad, and its members have become regular attendees at the UC Santa Cruz team's home games.
Todd Kent, coach for the successful UC Santa Cruz women's basketball team, says his players love looking up in the stands and seeing the older players, adding he has plans to work with the squad in the future. "I think it's a really cool connection," he says of the old and young players. "I see a potential for not only having the OLLI members mentor our players but our players mentoring the OLLI group in basketball. It's an awesome partnership."
This article was adapted from the UCSC Newscenter article by Peggy Townsend, writer, University Relations. The full article can be read here.
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OLLI at University of Alabama in Huntsville
Registration Now Open for the Southern Regional Conference for Learning in Retirement
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 OLLI at the University of Alabama in Huntsville is excited to announce that registration for the Southern Regional Conference is now open! Join us August 1-3, 2018 for a jam-packed learning opportunity featuring 25 concurrent sessions, keynote speaker and aging expert, Richard Ambrosius, and several pre- and post-conference activities including
Space Camp at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center designed specifically for Lifelong Learners!
Lodging accommodations are available at the host hotel, the
Element, located at one of the south's premier shopping and entertainment destinations, the
Bridge Street Town Center
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Take advantage of the early bird registration rate of $199 until June 20th. For more information about the conference and registration details visit the
conference website.
We look forward to seeing you in August!
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OLLI at Florida Atlantic University
John Feinstein: Award-Winning Columnist, Sports Commentator and Author
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Ken Hassan, John Feinstein and Felice Hassan |
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Florida Atlantic University in Jupiter presented a lecture by award-winning columnist, sports commentator and author John Feinstein on Tuesday, Feb. 20th.
The lecture was based on his book, "The First Major: The Inside Story of the 2016 Ryder Cup." Feinstein gave the audience a behind-the-scenes look at the 2016 Ryder Cup tournament, providing an inside view of the dramatic stories that unfolded during the competition. He also included a discussion about other current topics in sports. "John does a remarkable job as a storyteller," said Ken Hassan, a longtime OLLI member and sponsor. "I felt as though I was right there with him during the 2016 Ryder Cup. Sports, especially golf, is a hobby that many of our members enjoy. Learning about the different aspects and history of sports is just as enjoyable
as playing the sport itself."
 Feinstein is the author of 35 books, including two No. 1 New York Times bestsellers: "A Good Walk Spoiled" and "A Season on the Brink." His first children's mystery, "Last Shot," won the Edgar Allen Poe Award for mystery writing in the young adult category. He currently works as a columnist for The Washington Post, Golf Digest and Golf World. He is a regular contributor to the Golf Channel and hosts a college basketball show and a golf show for SiriusXM.
Ken and Felice Hassan, long-time members and supporters of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at FAU in Jupiter, sponsored the event.
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OLLI at North Carolina State University
"OLLI Voices" - Our Blog
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OLLI Member Mary and Line Dancing Class Members
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The Osher Institute at North Carolina State University started a blog about three years ago. The intention was to post articles from members on a variety of topics. While initially it was a struggle to find enough content to post regularly, in 2017 staff enlisted the help of a group of volunteers to promote and boost the blog. One of their first initiatives was to come up with a new name. "OLLI Voices" perfectly conveys what we had been trying to achieve through the blog. The old name was "Reflections from a well-lived life" which some found a bit intimidating!
Since engaging volunteers in the process, submissions have increased, allowing for more frequent postings. The group of volunteers solicits blogs from fellow members, including those in the writers group. They write articles themselves, such as an interview with an OLLI instructor or an account of a recent popular class. Members write about their travels, interesting life stories, book and movie reviews - anything they think will be of interest. We just ask that they limit the piece to 500 words or less.
The blog is linked to the Facebook and Twitter accounts for OLLI at NC State so that members can be reached on multiple platforms. It is promoted in class announcements, with occasional emails to members, including a link to the latest blog post so they can see what they have been missing!
It is still a work in progress, but it is now much healthier thanks to our team of volunteers.
Check out a recent post from OLLI member, Mary King on how she has a new love for line dancing as a great way to get to know others from different cultures, and as an excellent form of exercise.
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Osher NRC 2017-18 Webinar Series
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Mark your calendar for the next webinar on March 21, 2018 beginning at 2pm Eastern/1pm Central/noon Mountain/11am Pacific/10am in Alaska and 9am in Hawaii.
Register for the webinar here.
 Codes of Conduct
Osher Institutes thrive in an atmosphere of mutual courtesy, respectful discourse, and intellectual integrity. Occasionally, members behave inappropriately or disruptively causing the overwhelming positive goodwill to erode for the Institute. Carefully crafted Codes of Conduct, often established using host University/College student codes and in collaboration with OLLI volunteer leaders have proven effective both in prevention and enforcement. What factors should be considered in establishing these Codes? What are some of the situations other Institutes have encountered in establishing them? Two experienced OLLI directors will share their diverse experiences and stories of developing Codes of Conduct that help improve and protect their programs.
Presenters
Nancy Kennedy, Director
OLLI @ Furman University
Jane Fletcher, Program Director
OLLI @ Granite State College
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The Osher National Resource Center has an opening for a Manager of Adult Learning. The position can be found listed on the
Northwestern University website.
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An Advice Column for Osher Institute Staff and Volunteers
Dear Olli
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 Dear Olli,
As an Osher director, I'm the staff person who deals with member or instructor behavior issues. A private and respectful conversation usually brings an end to problems. But lately, it hasn't been that easy. We have a member who continues to behave inappropriately and make others uncomfortable. Any advice for me?
~Behavior Monitor
Dear Monitor,
Prevention is important in dealing with these behavior issues. The best time to work on it is when there are no active problems. Most Osher Institutes have established or adapted their university or college's "Student Code of Conduct" for their own program. OLLI members are university students too, and it is important that the Institute's conduct policy be carefully considered, documented, and widely communicated to members. Newsletters, new member communications, and handbooks are perfect places to repeatedly post these Codes. The policy should describe unacceptable behaviors and the processes the program will follow if those behaviors are observed. This is especially important regarding behaviors that could be considered as harassing. This policy work is an important deterrent to what could become a serious threat to your OLLI and can be informed by your Advisory Committee as you develop it so the ideas are shared and collaboratively established.
With problems that might be nearing a boiling point, you should look for university resources to help you deal with an offensive individual. The appropriate university authorities can assist you in stepping up the action. Be aware that the individual you are dealing with may have personal problems effecting their behavior, perhaps even health related ones. You can learn about management of these types of issues in the NRC's webinar this month on March 21st.
~Olli
Have a question for Olli? Please send it in care of Stacey Hart at the NRC:Stacey.Hart@Northwestern.edu
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Educational Travel Ideas from the OLLI Network
The OLLI Traveler
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 OLLI at San Francisco State University
Oregon Shakespeare Festival Trip
Members will be traveling to Ashland together! This four-day/three-night trip includes round-trip motor coach transportation to Ashland, Oregon, three nights at the Plaza Inn and Suites, four theater performances, pre-performance seminars, breakfast daily, two lunches and one dinner.
Learn more about this trip to Ashland.
Dates:
October 16 - 20, 2018
OLLI at University of North Texas
Spotlight on South Dakota
Take a walk through the history of the majestic Black Hills diving deep into its rich past. Start your journey at the internationally acclaimed Journey Museum and Learning Center. Via interactive displays, find out why this land is sacred to the Sioux, learn about its complex geology, and hear the stories of the early pioneers. Then it's on to Rapid City, often called America's most patriotic city for its streets lined with sculptures representing every American president. As we drive along, hear a bit of trivia about each one as we explore the city together. Cap off your experience that gives you a true appreciation of Native American culture and this historic city with dinner at one of Rapid City's charming restaurants, a favorite of people who call this place home.
Learn more about this trip to South Dakota.
 OLLI at Arizona State University
Iceland's Magical Northern Lights
Discover Iceland, a land and culture forged by fire and ice. Steaming lava fields and massive glaciers sculpt mountains and valleys, leaving thundering waterfalls and plunging fjords. In this land of many natural wonders, enjoy the rare opportunity to see the aurora borealis - one of nature's most dazzling light displays, also known as the northern lights. Offered in partnership with Collette.
Learn more about this trip to Iceland.
Dates: December 5 - 11, 2018
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Quick Tips for Helping Operate an Osher Institute
Quick Tip - Creative SWAG
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Looking for a new idea for fresh and affordable SWAG? The Osher Institute at Colorado State University had eyeglass cleaner cloths made with their Institute name and logo. What better way to allow your current and potential members to clearly see your latest catalog? Not only are these items handy, but they fold down to a small size for easy transport or shipping.
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Career Openings in the OLLI Network
Job Board
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Part-Time Administrative Assistant II, Osher Institute
Program Manager, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
Manager, Adult Learning - Osher National Resource Center
Budget Officer, University of North Texas
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