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OLLILife
A community of learners over 50
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January, 2024 | Vol 4, No.3 | |
FROM THE DESK OF VERONICA MAXWELL | |
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Wishing You The Best For The New Year
As we bid farewell to the chapters of the past, let us warmly welcome the blank pages of the New Year with open hearts and eager minds. Happy New Year 2024!
I am still feasting off our holiday gathering, which gave us a chance to celebrate the season together. The gathering also presented the opportunity to honor retired director Ara Rogers for her 21 years of service to OLLI. The picture shows me presenting Ara with a lifetime membership to OLLI.
A Full Year With OLLI-USF
I am thrilled to have seen a full calendar year with OLLI-USF! With every class, activity, event, or member I engage with, it is apparent that our OLLI is rich in kindness.
In this season of renewal, let us celebrate the richness of experiences that each passing year brings. Our shared journey of continuous learning has not only strengthened our minds but has also woven a tapestry of friendships, laughter, and growth within our community.
As we step into 2024, let us embrace the coming months as an opportunity to delve deeper into the vast ocean of knowledge, curiosity, and the joy of discovery. May the New Year bring forth exciting lessons, inspiring discussions, and moments of enlightenment that add color to the canvas of our lives.
In the spirit of the New Year, let's continue to foster an environment of encouragement and support, uplifting one another in our pursuit of knowledge and personal development. Together, we shall navigate this educational voyage, savoring the beauty of learning at every turn. I look forward to seeing you at our next Open House this month.
A Special Thanks!
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In an effort to start our new year off with gratitude, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the unsung heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes to bring you our monthly newsletter.
Their dedication and passion infuse every word, design, and detail, transforming a simple collection of information into a vibrant and engaging publication.
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From the editors who meticulously craft each article to the designers who bring creativity to life, and the coordinators who ensure everything falls into place seamlessly – our heartfelt thanks go out to these remarkable individuals.
Their collective efforts breathe life into our newsletter, making it a reflection of the incredible teamwork that defines our community.
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Join us in recognizing and celebrating these wonderful people whose commitment makes our newsletter possible, and whose contributions make it a source of inspiration for us all.
Wishing you a Happy New Year filled with joy, good health, and the fulfillment that comes from a yearning for wisdom and understanding.
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Jan. 10 - OLLI Open House
Jan. 26 - Volunteer Information Session
Jan. 31 - Membership Drive Competition ends.
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It's The Winter-Spring Open House!
A new Open House is coming up, and you and your friends are heartily invited to attend.
Mark your calendar for the OLLI-USF Winter-Spring Open House on Wednesday, Jan. 10, at the Shanna and Bryan Glazer JCC, 522 N. Howard Ave., in Tampa. The program will run 10-11:30 a.m. Newcomers will gather at 9 a.m. on the second floor of the JCC.
A Special Guest Speaker
Our keynote speaker will be USF President Rhea Law, who will share her vision for the university's future. Law will discuss USF's unwavering commitment to promoting lifelong learning.
The Winter-Spring Open House is the perfect event to introduce you and your friends to OLLI-USF. And it's free.
To register, click here.
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OLLI Celebrates The Holidays And A Special Anniversary
It was an evening filled with food, music, getting together with old friends and meeting new friends at the OLLI Holiday Party on Dec. 12 at the Temple Terrace Golf and Country Club.
More than 200 OLLI members, staff, and guests filled the elegantly decorated ballroom as they dined at cloth-covered tables, gathered at the buffet, or mingled around the room, all while listening to background music provided by OLLI member Mark Simo.
The celebration also marked an important anniversary - 30 years of lifelong learning at USF, first as the Division of Senior Programs and later, in 2009, as the Osher Lifelong learning Institute at USF. Ara Rogers, who retired as OLLI-USF's director in 2022, led the organization for 21 of those years and oversaw the development of our thriving organization.
The program included toasts to the program's 30 years and to OLLI's volunteers, leadership, staff, and members. Also, in honor of Ara's contributions to OLLI, Director Veronica Maxwell presented Ara with a lifetime membership to OLLI as well as flowers and a gift bag.
It was altogether a festive and fun evening as reflected in these photos.
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Photos by Mike Hayes and Sandy Buckley | |
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Helping Feed-a-Bull
During the Holidays
OLLI members were brimming with kindness and generosity at this year's holiday party when it came to bringing donations for the USF Feed-a-Bull food pantry.
OLLI Director Veronica Maxwell asked members to bring one or two non-perishable food items to the party to be collected for the food pantry.
The Feed-a-Bull pantry project began in the fall with SIG members bringing food donations to their in-person meetings.
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Former OLLI director Ara Rogers delivered the donations, which filled the trunk of her car. She said it took four cartloads for the student volunteers to get the donations inside. Ara said she also handed them an envelope with cash/check/gift cards totaling $655.
Thank you for your heartwarming generosity and for making the holidays brighter for USF students who rely on the Feed-a-Bull pantry for help.
--Kathy Palmer
--Photos by Ara Rogers
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Cape Cod & the Islands - Departing June 8, 2024 | |
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Join OLLI travelers as you watch America's colonial history, seafaring traditions, and foremost families come to life before your eyes.
Walk the same streets as Paul Revere and John Hancock; see the sights that inspired Melville and Emerson; and enjoy the summer getaways of the Kennedys and Rockefellers.
This seven-day tour features pristine beaches, scenic drives, cultural landscapes, historical architecture, and art galleries. Highlights include tours of the city of Boston; Faneuil Hall Marketplace; Plymouth Plantation; Plymouth Rock; Provincetown; Martha's Vineyard; Cape Cod National Seashore; Newport, Rhode Island; and Nantucket Island.
Click here to read the entire itinerary of the trip.
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A free Zoom presentation describing the tour will take place Jan. 16 at 10 a.m. There will be time to answer any questions you may have regarding the trip. You can register here for the free presentation.
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Another Amazing OLLI Trip: A Visit To The Emerald Isle
Of all the amazing destinations around the globe, Ireland always falls right there near the top. There are those vivid green landscapes dotted with sheep, welcoming locals who speak with a charming Irish brogue, and pubs filled with live music—and pints of Guinness galore.
You’ll understand why Ireland is called the Emerald Isle when you first see its verdant countryside, unfurling like a lush green carpet, from the window of your plane. But you’ll really understand the poetic name once you’re on the ground, exploring the hidden gems that make Ireland a magical jewel of a destination.
Many travelers don’t go beyond Dublin, and while the city is absolutely a must-visit, Ireland offers so much more. It’s a country whose cultural heritage and traditions are as rich as its landscapes are diverse. From visiting rolling sheep-dotted hills to lively centuries-old towns, sunny beaches to vertigo-inducing cliffs, ancient castles and churches to, well, more castles and churches, there’s so much to do and see on this
OLLI USF Ireland Trip!
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Holiday Cookie Exchange
Food, Glorious Food SIG members enjoyed a holiday cookie exchange on Dec. 13 at the home of Denise Tiller (right front in photo).
December 13 is Santa Lucia Day in Sweden, the official beginning of their Christmas Season, and a holiday tradition in Denise’s family.
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The group of cookie aficionados brought their favorite confectionary creations to the brunch to share. They dined on quiche, casserole, Santa Lucia buns and pepparkakor (crisp ginger cookies), the traditional Santa Lucia breakfast.
They had an opportunity to exchange recipes and share holiday traditions and left with a generous assortment of delicious cookies and some new recipes.
--Photos by Arlene Zimney
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Holiday Lunch at Jesse's
OLLI members and guests from Conviviality and Celebrations recently enjoyed sumptuous luncheon delights to celebrate the holidays at Jesse’s Steak and Seafood in Brandon.
The Conviviality and Celebrations group meets once a month at various restaurants in the Tampa area to celebrate and recognize birthdays and other special occasions.
The next luncheon is scheduled for Fri., Jan. 19, at 1 p.m., at Maggiano’s Little Italy, 203 Westshore Plaza, Tampa.
All OLLI members and guests are welcome to join in the fun. Email Kat Hanscom for further information.
--Photo by Kat Hanscom
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In Step with OLLI Outdoors | |
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Hikers from the OLLI Outdoors SIG finished the Dec. 14 Lower Green Swamp Preserve hike with a smile, as pictured above.
Resolve to get outdoors in 2024! Join the happy, friendly folks in the Outdoors SIG for the new year. With everything from nature walks and hikes to kayaking and biking, there is something for everyone looking for ways to stay healthy and happy in the new year.
For the latest events, click here to contact Outdoors SIG leaders Diane and Donna.
--Diane White
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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 Friday, Jan. 26, 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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With the passing of 2023, the subject of new year resolutions comes up. Some people poof them off, while others either continue a resolution from the previous year or prepare to start a journey with a new one. While deciding on a resolution, it helps to create an outline of how you plan to achieve the results and how you'll get back on track if you fall off course. It will aid in completing the goal. | |  |
This month's “just for fun” poll will concentrate on the types of resolutions our OLLI members are interested in creating. |
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If by chance you are going to make an Other Type of Resolution and would like to share it with our members, please send your resolution to the editors of OLLILife. It will be listed in the next edition. The list is sure to be very interesting.
--Pat Dodge
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Happy New Year Everyone!
Hope to see you at the Open House on Jan. 10. Please see the article in this issue for details about the event.
Members living in Lutz or Odessa (Circle 3) or Temple Terrace (Circle 5), please contact Pam Tyler at 575-779-1382 regarding creation of a circle in your area.
Newcomers in the last six months are invited to the Newcomer Lunch at Brunchies at 14366 North Dale Mabry on Thursday, Feb. 1 at 12:30 p.m. Please RSVP to Sally Ordway or text her at 813-351-0974.
--Pam Tyler
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The Membership Committee has an article each month introducing a new OLLI member. Congratulations and welcome to OLLI’s newest members.
Introducing Phyllis Smith
Phyllis was born in Schenectady, New York, and lived in Newtonvillle, New York, and Newport News, Virginia, before arriving in the Tampa Bay area.
She has lived here since 1964, except for a brief stint in the Fort Monmouth area of New Jersey.
Phyllis recently retired after 25 years with the USF bookstore where she oversaw special events - everything from book signings to football games.
At the age of 50, Phyllis decided to make a serious effort toward becoming active, getting in shape for whitewater rafting and hiking in the Grand Canyon. She loves to travel, and, since retiring, has taken magnificent trips to Jordan and to Kenya.
The above picture shows Phyllis feeding a rhinoceros named Baraka. Baraka was born in the wild in Ol Pejeta but lost sight in both eyes due to a fight and then a cataract. Baraka now lives in an enclosure there and has taken to his new role as Rhino Ambassador.
Besides travel, Phyllis enjoys reading, visiting with friends, and everything related to cats. Since joining OLLI, Phyllis has gone to the horse racing event and the Holiday Party. This winter, she is taking Couples Dancing and Tai Chi. For the spring, she is considering Ancient Greek and Introduction to Shakespeare.
--Shirley Herring
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Friendships
Friendships have many benefits. They can have a positive impact on our physical and mental health and improve our well-being.
Friends listen to each other, lend support and enjoy time together. Understanding the benefits of friendship can help you focus on maintaining the relationships that make you feel good. It may also help you work on forming new friendships with people you enjoy spending time with. And that opportunity is available here at OLLI.
In the last few months, OLLILIfe has featured many articles under the section Why We Love OLLI. These articles contained information on several Shared Interest Groups and how to join or start up a new SIG; one focused on being a volunteer at OLLI and the many opportunities to spend time servicing OLLI; classes were discussed along with some of the dedicated teachers who donate their time and knowledge to us; a focus on OLLI Connects described how this weekly online publication began and developed; and we learned about the Saturday Social and how it came about. And there are still many topics yet to come in this section of OLLILife.
All these areas of OLLI have one thing in common - the opportunity to create friendships.
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Yes, we all have friends, some for many years and from around the world. And at times it’s okay to want to be alone and enjoy your personal space, but social interactions and friendships are beneficial. Fortunately, here at OLLI, you have tons of ways to meet more individuals and to learn from them.
Valuing other people and forming friendships benefits both of you, no matter what value you offer one another. You might have hobbies in common, share similar views, or help one another when necessary.
Also, developing friendship within OLLI helps further our organization’s functionality. Friends working smoothly together help to complete various tasks for small, large and ongoing projects. If there weren’t strong friendships among our members, OLLI wouldn’t survive as powerfully as it does now.
So for all our members, especially our newcomers, look out - you never know when an OLLI friendship will come your way (and don't count out our staff members as among your friends).
Friendship is the greatest gift we can ever receive.
--Pat Dodge
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SIGnificant EVENTS FOR JANUARY 2024
Nancy Baily-Williamson, SIG Liaison
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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
Free offer by OLLI's Readers and Writers SIG: Gather three good friends to form a writing support pod. Work as a group on Zoom learning how to draft, edit, and revise your writing to make it the best it can be. Develop the writing at home and over three online sessions. Each member of the support pod will create a 500-word vivid piece of writing based on a treasured photo, artwork, or memory. Consider inviting guests who might enjoy this type of teamwork and become eager to join OLLI. Contact: readersandwriters.too@gmail.com.
China SIG
For more information about the China SIG and upcoming plans, email Nancy Stuart.
Food, Glorious Food!
Tuesday, Jan. 16, at noon. The group will meet at Meals on Wheels, 5320 N. Boulevard, Tampa, for a Nourish at Noon Lunch and Tour. Contact Kathy Palmer for information or to sign up. For more information about FGF or to join the SIG, contact Sandy Buckley.
Hablemos! Spanish Conversation SIG
Zoom meeting: Tues., Jan. 16, 3-4:30 p.m. All levels of Spanish speakers welcome. Email olli.hablemos@gmail.com for more information.
Games SIG
Online Games:
Thurs., Jan. 11, at 3:30 p.m. To play Scattergories, email Kathy Palmer for more information.
Board Games:
Thurs., Jan. 18, at 11 a.m., at Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave., Tampa. To RSVP, please email Robyn Cheung.
German Conversation
Tues., Jan. 9 and 23, at 1 p.m. For more information, contact Christine Basch.
Ici on parle français!
Mon., Jan. 15, at 1 p.m. For an invitation, contact Theresa Sokol.
Self-Hypnotherapy SIG
Wed., Jan. 10 and 24, at 10 a.m., on Zoom. Email Anne Haywood for more information.
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OLLI Outdoors
Happy New Year! The Outdoors SIG will help you get your steps in, and more, in 2024.
Thurs., Jan. 11 - Hiking at Withlacoochee River Park (Dade City)
Sat., Jan. 13 - Nature walk and hike at Alderman Ford
Thurs., Jan. 25 - Nature walk and hike at Hillsborough River State Park, Over the Bridge. Options for everyone. Picnic lunch at the park. Bring a guest. Fri., Jan. 26 - Virtual presentation about the Orlando Wetlands Park with Wetlands Manager Mark Sees.
Email Donna and Diane at OLLIOutdoors@gmail.com for details about how to join these events.
Operatunity
Mon., Jan. 22, at 10 a.m., at Unitarian Universalist Church (UUCT) Tampa. Guest speaker will be opera singer Theresa Sokol. Operatunity meets the fourth Monday of each month at UCCT. All OLLI members are welcome to attend. For details and 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. The next P-SIG meeting is scheduled for Wed., Jan. 10, at 1 p.m., at Compton Park in Tampa Palms in a hybrid setting (in-person and on Zoom). For more information and to be included on our mailing list, please contact Rich Kennedy.
Shutterbugs
Please email Rich Edwards or Jean Nixon for more information about this SIG.
Write Time for Poets
Thurs., Jan. 11, at 1 p.m. For more information about this SIG, email Cath Mason.
Talking Movies
Fri., Jan. 19, at 1:30 p.m. Watch NYAD, available on Netflix, and then get together on Zoom to talk about it. For more information, contact Arlene Zimney.
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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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