March 2025 Osher Network Newsletter from the Osher NRC

Greetings from the NRC........................... March 2025

Aren’t we lucky? With more than 183,000 participants nationwide — including over 22,000 dedicated volunteers — we are a formidable group of engaged learners, colleagues, and friends. We combat the much-publicized epidemic of loneliness and social isolation in older adults with our courses, events, tours, trips, and small group activities. We refute the idea that it’s hard to make new friends at this point in life. And with every discussion, lecture, and shared experience, we strengthen our minds and enrich our lives.

So, how can we share our good luck? By spreading the word to the growing mass of people who are retiring each day —or to those who’ve realized that endless relaxation isn’t quite as fulfilling as they imagined. This very newsletter offers ideas on how to do just that. But really, it’s as simple as sharing your own OLLI experience. Just yesterday, I mentioned OLLI to my ophthalmologist, who’s contemplating retirement while also keeping an eye on—pun intended—his father who is struggling with boredom.

Keep your eye out for people you meet or know who could benefit from your OLLI. Staff directors universally say their best marketing comes from word of mouth. So, get talking!

With all best wishes in the lucky month of March,

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OLLI AT UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, RENO

Reno Knitters Donate Over 1,000 Hand-Crafted Items in 2024

An interest group of OLLI members knit and crochet items for local organizations.

The Warm Hats for Cool Heads is a knitting and crochet group at OLLI at University of Nevada, Reno. Group members donate their time and expertise to create one-of-a-kind items to benefit the community. In 2024, these OLLI members donated 1,028 handmade items including hats, scarves, baby blankets, pet blankets, washcloths, and mittens.

Carol Purroy had been making hats to give to the homeless and decided the need was too great to continue this effort just on her own. So, she and Leslie David initiated The Warm Hats for Cool Heads interest group in the fall of 2019 with close to 30 members. The group continued to meet virtually during COVID and produced items that were delivered during the pandemic. Currently, there are 17 members with some working behind the scenes and donating items they complete on their own.

“I would recommend this group to anyone who enjoys knitting or crocheting or who wants to learn how,” said Gila DeKay, an OLLI member and participant in the knitting and crocheting group. “We have talented members who are happy to share their knowledge. This group is a lighthearted and caring bunch.”

The unique items were given to local organizations throughout the year such as Volunteers of America, the Women and Children’s Center of the Sierra, SPCA of Northern Nevada, and the Nevada Humane Society.

“We choose organizations that members of our group suggest,” said DeKay. “We are always open to helping any other organizations who may also be in need.”

Submitted by: Krystal Pyatt, Marketing & Communications Specialist, OLLI at University of Nevada, Reno

OLLI AT UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE

Local Podcast Features Member/Instructor/Volunteer Extraordinaire

With the loss of many local community news sources, online podcasts have become increasingly popular. In the beautiful beach community of Lewes, Delaware, the “We in Lewes” podcast began in 2023. The show’s aim is to celebrate remarkable people in Lewes with stories in their own words.

The Osher Institute at University of Delaware’s downstate Lewes site was prominently featured during a recent episode featuring Dr. Kathy Henn. Kathy is a stellar Osher instructor, member, and volunteer. With endless intellectual curiosity, she brings her considerable teaching experience as a professor along with a love of people to OLLI. Dr. Henn has taught courses in everything from philosophy, religion, medical ethics, and history to mahjong. She centers much of her volunteer and community life on OLLI, along with the Lewes Historical Society.

Kathy is also an enthusiastic advocate for her OLLI. In the podcast, she reflects on her remarkable life and career while promoting the benefits of lifelong learning at the Institute. Kathy’s interview is an excellent example of how OLLI members can spread the word about Osher Institutes – in a forum that is growing in importance.

Listen to the full podcast featuring Dr. Kathy Henn.

Submitted by: Karen Asenavage Loptes, Director, OLLI at University of Delaware

INNOVATIVE COURSES AND CONTENT DELIVERY

Curriculum Corner

Osher Institute at Louisiana State University

Understanding the Unique Burial Customs of New Orleans

Course Length: Two Weeks (two sessions)

Course Instructor: Jeanne Keene (Coordinator: Mary Fiser)

Course Delivery: Discussion and Lecture, in-person at Satellite location, Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries

Course Description:

New Orleans is unique in many ways and one of them is its funeral rituals and burial customs. Join us as we uncover what makes us unique and “The How & Why” behind preplanning.

Of Note:

This class is hosted at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries. The 127-acre Lake Lawn Metairie Cemetery dates back to the 1800s and is situated on the site of the old Metairie Racecourse (its circular track can still be seen today). The Lake Lawn Metairie Cemetery is known for opulent memorials, standing marble tombs and stained-glass statues. It is the final resting place of many high-society New Orleanians from the past.

Instructor Jeane Keene started in the death industry in 1985. She was truly a pioneer as a woman in the deathcare industry. She has supported the industry in marketing, training, and supporting initiatives in pre-sales across the country. Jeane prides herself on being a problem solver and strives to be a team player, coach, and cheerleader for her field.

QUICK TIPS FOR HELPING OPERATE AN OSHER INSTITUTE

Quick Tip - Ideas for Growing Membership

The following are a few membership growth ideas from an Idea Jam session at the 2023 Osher Institutes National Conference.

Partner with your university and other large employers in your area to reference OLLI in their materials for retiring employees. Consider offering a first-year discounted membership to newly retired individuals.
Work with your university medical center to encourage practitioners to prescribe an OLLI class for those individuals battling social isolation.
Have members march with an OLLI banner at the university's homecoming parade or community-based parade.
Place informational flyers or OLLI brochures into hair salons, coffee shops, markets, and libraries.
Make sure the Institute's pricing structure offers multiple levels of entry for those who may want to try OLLI before investing fully.

CAREER OPENINGS IN THE OLLI NETWORK

Job Board

Executive Director, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

George Mason University

Lifelong Learning Program Specialist

University of North Texas

Program Administrator - Osher Lifelong Learning Institute - Hilton Head Campus

University of South Carolina Beaufort

Is there a staff opening at your Osher Institute? Please send it to us at oshernrc@northwestern.edu

National Resource Center for Osher Institutes, Northwestern University

Wieboldt Hall, Sixth Floor, 339 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611