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A message from the

new Site Manager of

OLLI West -

Dara Hughes

I hope you are all having a

wonderful summer!

As my first, official communication as the OLLI West Site Manager, I just want to start by saying, "WOW!" The overwhelming congratulatory messages and warm words of encouragement I've received, since taking over for Susan last May, has filled my heart to overflowing!

And, those words were much needed as, not only do I have big shoes to fill (only figuratively, Susan, in case you are reading this...hee, hee) but, I have the important role of leading the OLLI West community into our "new normal." I'm really quite tired of hearing that term as we've heard it so often these past 14 months. However, I really cannot think of a better term to describe the multifarious, permanent changes — both good and not-so-good — that OLLI West is undergoing.

So what are these changes and what will OLLI West, as well as OLLI at DU, look like in the next academic year (Fall thru Spring)? In no particular order of importance, as they are all important, are the main changes that are defining OLLI West's "new normal" —

The silent, unpaid heroes behind the success of OLLI West are the committees. The two main committees are the Curriculum Committee and the Member Relations Committee. Each are made up of multiple subcommittees.

Several members have needed to step down from these committees either due to life changing events or merely because they had been on the committee for several years and would like someone else to take "the reigns" from them.

Some roles only require a couple of hours a month, others can require 10 hours or more a month. If you or someone you know would like to get more involved with OLLI, please contact me and I'll be glad to give you more information. Contact information is at the bottom of this email.

As previously communicated, Fall Term 2021 will remain fully online but the Winter Term plans are looking much different.

In-Person Classes

We are still moving forward with plans for returning to in-person classes for Winter Term 2022 (Jan - March). Details of mask and social distancing requirements won't be fully understood until we get closer to the new year but will be communicated via email.

Many members have asked if Jefferson Unitarian Church (JUC) is still moving locations. The current information is, yes, they are still planning on moving. However, all work on the move is still on hold so there are no definite dates or plans to communicate yet.

Online Classes via Zoom

OLLI West will continue to work with the other OLLI at DU sites to provide an offering of online classes EVERY term (alongside the in-person classes starting in January). This is a permanent change to the overall OLLI at DU curriculum process and line-up and is a result of the overwhelming success we experienced bringing our community online.

Hybrid Classes

Most people's first reaction is, "What is it?" A hybrid class is one that is held in-person, with the facilitator and attendees in the classroom, as well as online, with people watching and interacting with the facilitator and class online via Zoom. OLLI West will be the test site in January for OLLI at DU's venture into this new method of class style. The equipment required for this is being acquired and tested at JUC as we plan and prepare to hold a few of these hybrid classes at West during Winter Term. More information will be coming as we, the OLLI staff and volunteers working on it, put it all into place.

Barbe Ratcliffe - OLLI DU Executive Director

Barbe announced her resignation in May. She will be moving out of state the end of this month but will work remotely to transition her replacement until mid-September. The committee to hire Barbe's replacement is in full swing and many fantastic candidates are currently being vetted by them.

OLLI West Site Manager

As you may recall from earlier communications, our long time OLLI West Site Manager, Susan Schmetzer retired the end of May. As long time OLLI West Assistant, I was excited to be offered the promotion to the position of OLLI West Site Manager.

OLLI West Assistant

We are now in search for an assistant for the OLLI West site, reporting to me. We posted this job previously through DU but it didn't seem to get in front of those who live in the OLLI West area.

I am asking for the OLLI West community's assistance in getting the word out on this part-time position — looking for someone who lives in the Golden, Evergreen, Wheat Ridge, Arvada or Lakewood area.

This position includes everything from clerical responsibilities to member ambassador. A successful candidate needs good communication, time management and people skills. This job is for an average of 20-hours per week.

If you or someone you know are interested and would like more information, please email me (contact information found below).