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OLLILife
A community of learners over 50
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November, 2024 | Vol 5, No.1 | |
FROM THE DESK OF VERONICA MAXWELL | |
Giving Thanks To All Of You | |
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In this month where we give thanks, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you. We have shown great resilience in weathering two monstrous hurricanes that have impacted our families, neighbors, and communities at large.
A huge thank you to the OLLI staff who worked tirelessly around the clock to field calls and to cancel and reschedule classes. To the fabulous OLLI instructors who graciously adjusted their schedules and considered new days and times for their courses, and to the magnificent cadre of OLLI volunteers who helped wherever and whenever needed. To each of you - the OLLI members - thank you for constantly reminding me of what sacrifice and love look like.
We are better because you choose to embrace unity and demonstrate kindness. You are always in my heart, and I hope you receive an abundance of joy and peace in return.
The photo attached is me with an OLLI sign at a Circles event. It represents me taking a picture with all of the OLLI members! Also, it's a reminder to please find your Circle and stay connected.
Finally, a separate note about the losses we have suffered:
USF President Rhea Law recently lost her husband, and just this past week, USF Men's Basketball Coach Amir Abdur-Rahim passed away. We also grieve the loss of two precious OLLI members, Neil Cosentino and Joel Fyvolent. Sweet thoughts to the families.
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OLLI-USF's Holiday Gathering will be held on Dec. 12 at 4 p.m. at the USF Embassy Suites. Please reserve the date on your calendar so we can celebrate together. Watch for your special invitaion coming your way. | |
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Circle Gatherings:
Nov. 1 - Circle Two
Nov. 2 - Circle Five
Nov. 8 - Circle Four
Nov. 15 - Circle Ten
Nov. 21 - Circle Eleven
Dec. 6 - Circles Eight, Nine, and Fourteen
Look for details in an article below.
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Nov. 15 - Volunteer Information Session
Dec. 12 - Holiday Gathering
Check out more OLLI events here:
OLLI Calendar
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A Welcome Outing After The Storm
Seven members from the Local Culture SIG met for a delicious lunch at Via Italia Woodfired Pizza and Bar in New Tampa on Oct. 20 and enjoyed a matinee performance of Little Shop of Horrors at the nearby New Tampa Performing Arts Center afterwards.
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The musical was performed by the talented New Tampa Players.
The outing was originally planned for Oct. 13 with a larger group from the SIG but had to be canceled due to Hurricane Milton. Ticket holders were given the option of an exchange for another performance, space permitting, or a refund.
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It was disappointing that seating was not available at the Oct. 20 performance for some of the SIG members with tickets for Oct. 13 who were interested in lunch with the group and the show. However, they received tickets for one of the other performances or were refunded.
All agreed it is good to be out and about and enjoying good times again.
-- Photos, Diane White
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Circle 6 Meets For Lunch
Sixty OLLI members from Circle 6 attended a fabulous lunch at The Living Room at Wiregrass on October 25. In between speeches lots of talking about OLLI and life in general was buzzing through the room. A very delightful group.
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What Could Be Better Than A “Super” Ghost Story? | |
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Super ghost orchid that is! Each year, the Outdoors SIG hosts a Halloween- themed virtual program – costumes are optional. Discovered in July 2007, the Corkscrew Swamp’s "Super" ghost orchid (Dendrophylax lindenii) has drawn attention from around the world as it is the largest ghost orchid discovered so far. Thus the name, "Super" ghost orchid.
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Five costumed pets, like Penny Noriega’s, and 26 members made the program fun, informative, and entertaining! | |
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Trick or Treat
Circle 1 members gathered to celebrate Halloween at Black Rock Grill in Carrollwood on Oct. 31. Some came decked out in their favorite costume attire. A fun time was had by all!
-- Photos, Pam Tyler
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OLLI-USF Self-Drive Day Trip To Bok Tower Gardens
1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales
Friday, Dec, 6
Meet at the Visitor Center at 9:30 a.m.
Prices:
$27 cash, which includes the entrance fee and a private tour of Bok Tower's Rare Plant Garden with Bok Tower Gardens Conservation Program Manager Cheryl Peterson.
An additional $10 for the Holiday Home tour of Pinewood Estates, paid onsite.
Parking is Free
Tell the person at the gate you are with the OLLI-USF group
Register by Nov. 22 by clicking here.
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Bok Tower Gardens is truly a place of historic beauty and serenity. Among the rolling hills of citrus in Lake Wales, Bok Tower Gardens continues to be one of the most remarkable and awe-inspiring attractions in central Florida.
With a vision of creating a beautiful place to inspire others and touch hearts, Edward Bok worked alongside landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. to produce a Singing Tower, the gardens, a reflection pool and more. In 1929, he presented these gifts to America as a way of expressing his gratitude for the many opportunities this country had presented him.
One of Bok Tower Gardens' most exceptional attributes can be found right at its core – a 60-bell, 205-foot Singing Tower Carillon. This majestic Carillon plays 30-minute bell concerts each day at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. It's a brief but fulfilling bit of your visit that would be a shame to miss.
Additionally, nestled in the heart of 7 1/2 lush acres of Bok Tower Gardens is the enchanting 20-room Mediterranean-style mansion that transports visitors back in time to the 1930s.
The Schedule
The drive is approximately 1½ hours from Tampa.
9:30 a.m. Meet OLLI-USF members at the Visitor Center to pay and learn the history of Bok Tower. Then spend the morning on a leisurely walk through the botanical garden on your own.
11:30 a.m. Gather at the Cafe for Dutch lunch, or bring your own lunch
Noon-2 p.m. Wander the gardens and enjoy the Singing Tower Carillon concert at 1 p.m.
2 p.m. A behind-the-scenes tour of the Rare Plant Garden
3 p.m. Singing Tower Carillon concert
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The Rare Plant Conservation Program is an expression of Bok Tower Gardens’ conservation mission and works to conserve and enhance our understanding of Florida’s rarest native plants.
Here is a link to a YouTube video called Digging Deeper with Cheryl Peterson.
Here is a link to an article about the Rare Plant Garden from Central Florida AGNews .
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Check Off Your Bucket List:
These Exciting Tours Coming Up In 2025
Presented By The OLLI-USF Travel Opportunities Committee
Just Added - Collette: Explore Tuscany Nov. 4-12, 2025
To register, call Collette (800)581-8942 Booking # 1275120
Here is a link to the flyer.
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Now’s the time to register for these Collette Tours before the seat reduction dates:
Collette: Sunny Portugal, May 8-17, 2025
Nine more seats held until Nov 9
To register, call Collette (800)581-8942; Booking # 1256894
Here is a link to the flyer.
Collette: California Dreaming, June 16-23, 2025
Seven more seats held until Dec 16
To register, call Collette (800)581-8942; Booking # 1256828
Here is a link to the flyer.
Mayflower: The Red Rocks to the Rockies, Sept. 15, 2025
Free Airfare extended to Nov 30
Visit four National Parks and spend two days on the Rocky Mountaineer Train viewing the spectacular mountains of western Colorado.
To register, call Mayflower Cruises and Tours (800)728-0724; Group # 1218348
Here is a link to the flyer.
Travel with Premier World Discovery in 2025 to Coastal Maine in August or Iceland in October 2025:
PWD: Landscapes and Lighthouses of Coastal Maine, Aug. 9-15, 2025
16 seats held until Feb 9, 2025
To register, call Premier World Discovery (877)953-8687; Booking # 191205
Here is a link to the flyer.
PWD: Iceland Explorer, Oct. 1-7, 2025
12 seats available until April 1, 2025
To register, call Premier World Discovery (877)953-8687; Booking #188722
Here is a link to the flyer.
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The Results Are In
The Summer Olympics in Paris a couple of months ago engaged viewers with outstanding competitions in various sports.
Last month OLLI members were asked to pick their favorite Summer Olympic game that they enjoyed watching the most from a compiled list of seven choices.
Sixty-one percent of the those who responded to the poll, picked Gymnastics as top pick with Track & Field coming in second. No matter what your pick was, the excitement of the Olympic competition brought thrilling and enjoyable viewing.
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Circle Gatherings in November and December
November
Fri., Nov. 1
Circle Two: Yummy House, 302 N. Dale Mabry Hwy, at noon.
This event is full.
Sat., Nov. 2
Circle Five: Chicken Salad Chick, 2790 E. Fowler Ave, at noon.
This event is full.
Fri., Nov. 8
Circle Four: Michael's Grill, 11720 N. Dale Mabry Hwy, at noon.
This event is full.
Fri., Nov. 15
Circle Ten: Raining Berries, 10633 Sheldon Rd, Westchase, at noon.
This event is full.
Thurs., Nov. 21
Circle Eleven: Tarpon Turtle, 1513 Lake Tarpon Ave, Tarpon Springs, at noon. RSVP by Nov. 15, Evite
December
Fri., Dec. 6
Circles Eight, Nine, and Fourteen: Wright's Gourmet House,
1200 S. Dale Mabry Hwy, at 11 a.m. RSVP by Nov. 29, Evite
Note: All OLLI members are welcome at any Circle gathering but must RSVP ahead of the deadline by emailing Pam Tyler.
Space is limited, so reserve early.
-- Pam Tyler
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Correction: Dianne Borovies' name was misspelled in the previous edition. We apologize for the error. | |
Meet Shirley Herring
Normally, I interview a new-ish OLLI member about where they’re from, their pre-OLLI life, what they like to do in their “me time,” and what OLLI activities they have enjoyed. This month, I didn’t feel it was reasonable to ask anyone for an interview while they were worried about hurricanes.
I was fortunate to have only a power outage and one uprooted lemon tree. I know some of you are hurting. I hope this newsletter brings you some distraction. Rather than skip the column, I interviewed myself.
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I moved from Louisiana to Summit, New Jersey, before I turned 2. I remained there through high school. I moved to Knoxville to attend the University of Tennessee. After my freshman year, I drifted around a bit. I finally graduated with a master's degree nine years later and came to work as a tax CPA in St Petersburg, then Tampa. After 10 years of tax seasons that never seemed to end, it was time for a career change.
I began zoology studies at USF. I had a part-time job at the USF Bookstore, and after another change of heart, went full-time, and stayed there 15 years until my dad needed help. I took care of him for seven years.
I joined OLLI in 2014. I particularly enjoy the literature classes, including Great Books, Up for Discussion, and Spiritual Questions in a Secular World. I also like the day trips and the Games SIG (both online and in person at various libraries).
In my spare time, I like to cook, bake, read, and travel (all 50 states). I am currently enjoying my favorite season, College Football Season. I volunteer on OLLI’s Membership Committee.
--Shirley Herring
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Volunteering With OLLI Lets You Follow Your Passion!
Attend a free, no-obligation volunteer information session to learn more about how your knowledge, skills or experience can help OLLI!
The next session will be held Fri., Nov. 15, at 1 p.m. Click here to register.
Have a question? Ask Us Anything about volunteering by emailing
the Ask Team.
--Diane Russell
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Welcome to our Newest Volunteer
Welcome and congratulations to Nakao Munoz, our newest volunteer who attended the Volunteer Information Session on Oct. 25.
Pictured: top row from left, Diane Russell and Kathy Palmer of the Volunteer Engagement Committee; bottom row, new volunteer Nakao Munoz
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For more information on OLLI SIGs, see the full list here. Several of the SIGs meet on Zoom; others are meeting in person and are organizing group outings and events. To visit a SIG, email the contact(s) below. | |
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Community of Readers and Writers
We meet via Zoom for discussion, special events, and our interest in novels, nonfiction, short stories, flash fiction, memoirs, and essays. We encourage feedback partners through group conversation and one-on-one with experienced readers. Our private Facebook site is a resource for developing your storytelling and literary skills. Contact Liesse Chable, facilitator for Readers and Writers at readersandwriters.too@gmail.com.
China SIG
The China SIG fosters an appreciation for and understanding of the Chinese people and their cultures. Our group meets at least quarterly, either virtually or in person. We celebrate Chinese traditional holidays and enjoy presentations and videos by a variety of speakers and musicians. For more information about the China SIG, please contact Kun Shi or Nancy Stuart.
Florida Gardening SIG
Gardeners, unite. The Florida Gardening SIG has members of all levels of experience to learn and share more about gardening in Florida. We discuss house plants, balcony/patio gardening, food and butterfly gardening as well as specialized gardening such as orchids, roses or native plants, pesticide and fertilizer use. We have guest speakers, tour public and private gardens, and more. Seasonal weather will impact how and where meetings are conducted (on-line, in person, etc.) Contact us at olliusfgardens@gmail.com for more information and to be placed on the mailing list.
Food, Glorious Food!
Wed., Nov. 13 - Abby's Organic Farm and Apiary. The deadline to sign up is Nov. 2. Contact Anne Haywood to sign up or for more information.
To learn more about FGF or to join the SIG, contact Sandy Buckley.
Games SIGs
Online Games:
Thurs., Nov. 14, at 3:30 p.m. To play Scattergories, email Kathy Palmer for the Zoom link and more information.
Board Games:
Thurs., Nov. 21, at 11 a.m., at Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library, 3910 S. Manhattan Ave., Tampa. Email Robyn Cheung, or text her at 215-880-9212.
German Conversation
Tues., Nov. 12 and 26, at 1 p.m. For more information, contact Christine Basch.
Hablemos! Spanish Conversation SIG
All levels of Spanish speakers welcome. Zoom meeting Tues., Nov. 5 and 19, at 3 p.m. Email olli.hablemos@gmail.com for more information.
Ici on parle français!
Mon., Nov. 4 and 18, at 1 p.m. For an invitation, contact Lise Bérubé.
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Local Culture SIG
Do you enjoy attending plays and concerts, historical tours, art museums and the like? Do that and more with fellow OLLI members while you discover what our local culture has to offer. For more information, contact Nancy Baily-Williamson.
Let’s have more fun together!
NOTE: This SIG is currently looking for new leadership. If interested, contact Nancy Baily-Williamson.
OLLI Outdoors
The Outdoor SIG is about getting outdoors, making connections, and having FUN!
Wed., November 13. Bee Experience and Organic Farm Tour
Thurs., November 14. Hike at a local park
Fri., November 22. Zoom social and program, Tampa's Vibrant Walls
Visit our website to learn more about us. Ready to have outdoors fun? Sign up here today!
Still have questions, email the SIG Leaders at OLLIOutdoors@gmail.com.
Operatunity
New to opera or an aficionado? Join OLLI's opera SIG as we explore ways to expand our knowledge and appreciation of opera. We meet in-person monthly on the fourth Monday of each month at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa, 11400 Morris Bridge Road, Tampa, from 10 a.m. to noon. We enjoy lively presentations and discussions about opera that focus on Met in HD Broadcasts. An optional lunch at a local restaurant to follow. For more information about this SIG, contact Kathryn Alyson.
Politics SIG
The Politics SIG provides a forum for discussion and informal debate on topics related to U.S. domestic and foreign policy. The P-SIG complements and promotes OLLI-USF classes on political science and history and is an adjunct to our weekly Saturday Social, which covers current events of political interest. For more information, please contact Rich Kennedy.
Self-Hypnotherapy SIG
Explore and share many approaches that can be utilized and practiced dealing with stress, unwanted emotions and feelings, and the many challenges that everyday life presents. If interested, please email Anne Haywood for more information.
Prerequisite: Self-Hypnotherapy Class
Shutterbugs
Do you like to take photos of people, places, and things? Join the OLLI Shutterbugs on photo outings to places like farmers' markets, craft fairs, and many other venues in and around Tampa Bay. For more information email Rich Edwards or Jean Nixon.
Talking Movies
Fri., Nov. 15, at 1:30 p.m. Watch a movie and then get together on Zoom to talk about it. Movie to be determined. For more information, contact Arlene Zimney.
Write Time for Poets
Thurs., Nov. 14, at 2 p.m. For more information about this SIG, email Cath Mason.
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Farewell to Neil Cosentino
Cornelius (Neil) Cosentino passed away on October 9 in Tampa.
Neil wanted to be a pilot from an early age. His dream came true when he joined the U.S. Air Force at the age of 18 and flew the B47, KC135, and the F4 Phantom.
Neil loved to write short stories. He contributed several articles to OLLI Connects about his flying experiences during his military career. He was a guest lecturer for the OLLI Friday Lecture series and was instrumental in starting a Shared Interest Group.
Neil was active in local civic groups and was a creative thinker who believed in honesty, integrity, and faith in God and humanity.
Neil was born to Adelaide and Salvatore Cosentino in New York City on August 4, 1937, in a happy home with four brothers and three sisters. In 1961, in London, he met Maria, who was from Germany. She would become his wife. They were married in 1962 in New York City.
Neil is survived by Maria, his large family in the USA and Germany, and friends in many parts of the world.
Funeral services were held on Oct. 29 in Tampa, concluding with a committal service with full Air Force honors at Florida National Cemetery.
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A Sad Goodbye To Joel Fyvolent
We are sad to announce the passing of longtime OLLI member Joel Fyvolent, who died Oct. 27 at the age of 95.
Joel was a valued member of our organization. In 2023, OLLI presented him with a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his many contributions. Over the course of 14 years, Joel taught a total of 15 classes on a wide range of subjects - everything from Shakespeare to medical issues, from music and art to food and history. He was also an active participant in the Great Books program and a beloved member of OLLI's Live Poets poetry group.
Joel also was a pioneer in medical education in Tampa, helping to launch a medical training program at Tampa General Hospital before the medical school at USF was established. Once the medical school opened, Joel joined its faculty as a clinical professor.
In July 2023, OLLILife ran a profile of Joel. Click here to read more about this remarkable man.
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Carolyn Clark is our Goodwill Ambassador, sending notes of support, congratulations and comfort on our behalf. If you or another OLLI member have a significant personal event, please let Carolyn know. | |
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Send Us Your News
OLLILife wants to share topics of interest that pertain to OLLI-USF and other OLLIs in the country.
Send your article to ollinewsusf@gmail.com to reach your editors Sandy Buckley, Pat Dodge, Veronica Maxwell, and Kathy Palmer. If possible, please send a picture along with the article as pictures help tell the story.
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