Celebrating Our Members 2015 - 2016
OLLI at Duke is blessed to have many highly accomplished people as members of our Lifelong Learning community. This page highlights recent accomplishments of our membership that we, the editors, think you would like to see. We solicit articles on topics of interest to our members. If you have something you would like to share or know of another member who has recently celebrated an accomplishment, please let the Communications Committee know at communications@olliatduke.org.
The more recent articles are at the top of the page, but you can find any article by clicking on the following titles:
OLLI Instructor Carol Henderson in the news.
Nasher video revealing Ruth Caccavale's love of Art and more
Wayne Cherry photo published on cover of magazine
Director, Garry Crites publishes article on Thomas Aquinas in Christian History magazine
Phil Carl wins award from MoMath for Oh, Triangle!
How Airports Work and the History of Aviation Class
Performances by the OLLI at Duke Players - From Page to Stage
News from Jo Taylor's "Funshop" Poetry class
New Horizon Chorus practicing
Bob Probert – A Trumpet Player
Book by Dr. Dorita Berger, Eurhythmics for Autism
OLLI Instructor (Dr. W. Davidshofer) uses Duke Libraries for Research
Karma Deception and a Pair of Red Ferraris by Elaine Taylor
Experiencing OLLI in UNC-Asheville by Diana Mead
Book contribution by member Ken Haslam
Article by member George Lally on Benefits of Membership
Learning from Dan Ariely in Chautauqua by Dick Chady
Commitment - a novel by member Phyllis Crabb
Singing performance by member Myra Kornbluth
Novel - Pyschic Detective Kim Stride in the Mozart Mystery - by Joanne Napoli
Book - Marxism and the Leninist Revolutionary Model - by William Davidshofer
Article - "Raks" Women's Dance/Fitness For MLK day - from an OLLI class
Walking in my Fathers Footsteps by Myron Miller
Campus Ministry Memoirs by Betsy Alden
OLLI Instructor Carol Henderson in the news.
Nasher video revealing Ruth Caccavale's love of Art and more
Wayne Cherry photo published on cover of magazine
Director, Garry Crites publishes article on Thomas Aquinas in Christian History magazine
Phil Carl wins award from MoMath for Oh, Triangle!
How Airports Work and the History of Aviation Class
Performances by the OLLI at Duke Players - From Page to Stage
News from Jo Taylor's "Funshop" Poetry class
New Horizon Chorus practicing
Bob Probert – A Trumpet Player
Book by Dr. Dorita Berger, Eurhythmics for Autism
OLLI Instructor (Dr. W. Davidshofer) uses Duke Libraries for Research
Karma Deception and a Pair of Red Ferraris by Elaine Taylor
Experiencing OLLI in UNC-Asheville by Diana Mead
Book contribution by member Ken Haslam
Article by member George Lally on Benefits of Membership
Learning from Dan Ariely in Chautauqua by Dick Chady
Commitment - a novel by member Phyllis Crabb
Singing performance by member Myra Kornbluth
Novel - Pyschic Detective Kim Stride in the Mozart Mystery - by Joanne Napoli
Book - Marxism and the Leninist Revolutionary Model - by William Davidshofer
Article - "Raks" Women's Dance/Fitness For MLK day - from an OLLI class
Walking in my Fathers Footsteps by Myron Miller
Campus Ministry Memoirs by Betsy Alden
OLLI Instructor, Carol Henderson, in News & Observer article
You can read the article here.
Nasher video revealing Ruth Caccavale's love of Art and more
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The Nasher Museum of Art celebrated a 10th anniversary in October 2015. There are several videos on YouTube for this celebrations. One in particular gives us insight into our our OLLI instructor, Ruth Caccavale. Enjoy listening to John Caccavale, executive director, Duke Financial Economics Center talk about “The Art of the Girl”. (Click on the play symbol on the YouTube image).
If you enjoy Nasher Museum of Art, or want to explore it, try other other YouTube videos. |
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Wayne Cherry photo on cover of Magazine Publication
Wayne Cherry's photograph of a baptism at Church of the Holy Family was selected for the cover photo of the January 3, 2016 issue of ‘The Living Church’ (an independent bi-weekly magazine associated with the Episcopal Church). Wayne is a member of the OLLI Photo Seminar Group course which meets monthly at the Smith Warehouse.
(Submitted by Carolyn Leith) |
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OLLI at Duke Director, Garry Crites has just published an article on Thomas Aquinas in Christian History magazine.
Congratulations, Garry, on your recent publication in Issue 116 of Christian History magazine!
Congratulations, Garry, on your recent publication in Issue 116 of Christian History magazine!
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Phil Carl Wins Mathematics Song Competition at New York City's Museum of Mathematics.
Our own Phil Carl has won a competition at the NYC MoMath for his witty entry titled, Oh, Triangle!" proving that the square root of two is an irrational number. Listen to it here. Check out more about MoMath on their website. Please join us in congratulating Phil on his irrational accomplishment. |
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How Airports Work, and the History of Aviation by Jack Gartner
On Monday, November 2, our OLLI Class-How Airports Work, and the History of Aviation-enjoyed a tour of our local Raleigh Durham Airport, arranged by Instructor Jack Gartner. Operations Staff gave a presentation on the history and development of the Airport, from the primitive Terminal A building in the 40’s to the current modern Terminals One and Two. And we discussed the various functions of how the Airport is organized and managed today. After an interesting Q&A period, the group was escorted to the Gate Management Tower, overlooking Terminal Two, then down into the Baggage make-up room for briefings and demonstrations of the coordination and computer technology involved from Gate assignments for aircraft, to the process of following a piece of luggage from check-in to loading onto an aircraft, and from unloading an arrival onto the arrival baggage belt.. Class members agreed: All in all a fascinating behind the scenes view of a working airport. |
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From Page to Stage - by the OLLI Players Nov 10, 2015
We have some great talent in OLLI ! Marv Axelrod's class in Spring 2015 titled "From Page to Stage" led to this performance by some of the students. The stars of the mini-plays were Virginia Lee, Chelley Gutin & Herb Fussman, Walter Brown, Bill Merver & Ann Deloria. The individual plays had provocative titles such as: "Between the Ages" "Sex after sixty" "Death and Life" "In an Art Gallery" Marv also introduced one of the current students in his Improv class who comes from China. Imagine doing Improv comedy in a foreign language. |
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Click to enlarge
News from Jo Taylor's "Funshop" Poetry Class.
(by Raymond Conroy)
I was able to visit Jo's class and hear some of the poems written by her students. Very remarkable, even to my untutored ears. We got permission to present one of the shorter ones here. It was written by Mollie Carlin, thinking of a wedding anniversary coming up shortly. Mollie told me that "this poem was written in response to a forms assignment. I have always wanted to write a sonnet but I have a terrible time with meter. This poem was an attempt to learn." I think she succeeded.
(Thanks to Mollie for permission to reproduce it. Looking forward to publicizing more of our creative OLLI members work. )
Anniversary Sonnet
When I say I love you, you say, True.
But turn your face away and smile.
Call me a fool to love a fool like you.
I can only join this game awhile
We’ve played the cards that we’ve been dealt
We won some, lost some, some rained out.
But I’ve been sure of how I felt.
Steadfast, in your storm of doubt.
There’s nothing else to say, no more.
For ages we have watched the sun ascend
Count the ships that leave the shore
The harshest miles we’ve gone, I’d go again.
When I die, you’ll hold my hand ,
and hear me say, I love you, once again.
mollie burton carlin, 2015
(by Raymond Conroy)
I was able to visit Jo's class and hear some of the poems written by her students. Very remarkable, even to my untutored ears. We got permission to present one of the shorter ones here. It was written by Mollie Carlin, thinking of a wedding anniversary coming up shortly. Mollie told me that "this poem was written in response to a forms assignment. I have always wanted to write a sonnet but I have a terrible time with meter. This poem was an attempt to learn." I think she succeeded.
(Thanks to Mollie for permission to reproduce it. Looking forward to publicizing more of our creative OLLI members work. )
Anniversary Sonnet
When I say I love you, you say, True.
But turn your face away and smile.
Call me a fool to love a fool like you.
I can only join this game awhile
We’ve played the cards that we’ve been dealt
We won some, lost some, some rained out.
But I’ve been sure of how I felt.
Steadfast, in your storm of doubt.
There’s nothing else to say, no more.
For ages we have watched the sun ascend
Count the ships that leave the shore
The harshest miles we’ve gone, I’d go again.
When I die, you’ll hold my hand ,
and hear me say, I love you, once again.
mollie burton carlin, 2015
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New Horizon Chorus
The New Horizons Chorus class is a serious, but fun atmosphere to learn healthy singing techniques. Making music is enjoyable and it can help maintain both good mental and physical health. The chorus has experienced and novice singers in the chorus. Our focus is on learning basic concepts, good vocal technique, reading music and most of all, experience the joy of singing! Melody Zentner is the director and Carmen Ward the accompanist. |
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Bob Probert
Bob Probert – A Trumpet Player
(Written by Betty King)
They say music is a thing of the soul, and that once it wedges itself into one’s core, it rarely goes away, even though it may lie dormant for decades.….kind of like it was with Bob. Bob Probert is 83 years old and anchors the last chair of the trumpet section of the New Horizons Concert Band.
Bob had started taking piano lessons so long ago he can’t exactly remember how old he was, but thinks maybe he was six. He continued with the piano lessons through adolescence and later started playing the trumpet in high school. For three years the teenage Bob played first chair trumpet in the Valdosta (GA) High School Band and then played his first quarter of college in the Georgia Tech Band. Because of the demands college placed on the young scholar, however, he put down his trumpet in favor of his studies. The trumpet was to remain unused and closeted for the next five decades.
Life went on and time passed and Bob entered, as they say, the autumn of his life. That music thing, however, that had claimed him as a child had never really left, and it began to make itself felt again. Bob wanted to play his trumpet. So he dusted off his old student-model Conn trumpet from his high school and college days (it was still in the closet) and started trying to remember what he needed to do to make beautiful music again. He had never really forgotten the notes and fingerings, and could still play, but he nevertheless started taking lessons to help bridge the gap of his half century absence.
He says despite the lessons and practice and rehearsals, he simply cannot return to the finger dexterity and breathing power that his younger self had once mastered. Remembering his earlier high school days at the first chair, he says he’d like to move on up in the New Horizon’s trumpet section - but it isn’t happening. It doesn’t really matter. He’s playing the trumpet, and enjoying it. He belongs to a band that needs every part, including his. The music would be incomplete without the third trumpet part, so he is a necessary component, even if he is not occupying the illusive first chair.
But every now and then, when playing along with the band, something supremely extraordinary happens. In a fleeting sense of perfection, everything comes together as it should - the beat is strong, the notes are right, the harmonies are lush, and the band is in tune - and a brief moment of euphoria takes over, like being swept up by some overwhelming narcotic, and it allows Bob to transcend the impediments of age. He is part of something magical, something powerful and fulfilling, something hard to explain to the non-musician. But it’s that something that keeps Bob playing.
(Written by Betty King)
They say music is a thing of the soul, and that once it wedges itself into one’s core, it rarely goes away, even though it may lie dormant for decades.….kind of like it was with Bob. Bob Probert is 83 years old and anchors the last chair of the trumpet section of the New Horizons Concert Band.
Bob had started taking piano lessons so long ago he can’t exactly remember how old he was, but thinks maybe he was six. He continued with the piano lessons through adolescence and later started playing the trumpet in high school. For three years the teenage Bob played first chair trumpet in the Valdosta (GA) High School Band and then played his first quarter of college in the Georgia Tech Band. Because of the demands college placed on the young scholar, however, he put down his trumpet in favor of his studies. The trumpet was to remain unused and closeted for the next five decades.
Life went on and time passed and Bob entered, as they say, the autumn of his life. That music thing, however, that had claimed him as a child had never really left, and it began to make itself felt again. Bob wanted to play his trumpet. So he dusted off his old student-model Conn trumpet from his high school and college days (it was still in the closet) and started trying to remember what he needed to do to make beautiful music again. He had never really forgotten the notes and fingerings, and could still play, but he nevertheless started taking lessons to help bridge the gap of his half century absence.
He says despite the lessons and practice and rehearsals, he simply cannot return to the finger dexterity and breathing power that his younger self had once mastered. Remembering his earlier high school days at the first chair, he says he’d like to move on up in the New Horizon’s trumpet section - but it isn’t happening. It doesn’t really matter. He’s playing the trumpet, and enjoying it. He belongs to a band that needs every part, including his. The music would be incomplete without the third trumpet part, so he is a necessary component, even if he is not occupying the illusive first chair.
But every now and then, when playing along with the band, something supremely extraordinary happens. In a fleeting sense of perfection, everything comes together as it should - the beat is strong, the notes are right, the harmonies are lush, and the band is in tune - and a brief moment of euphoria takes over, like being swept up by some overwhelming narcotic, and it allows Bob to transcend the impediments of age. He is part of something magical, something powerful and fulfilling, something hard to explain to the non-musician. But it’s that something that keeps Bob playing.
Eurhythmics for Autism by Dr. Dorita Berger. Oct 18, 2015
In a book like no other, Dr. Berger masterfully introduces the science behind the power of music and movement, followed by artistically presented, easy-to-implement, and practical intervention solutions for the clinician, parent, or other person to connect with individuals with autism and other neurophysiological diagnoses. (Stephen M. Shore, Clinical Assistant Professor of Special Education, Adelphi University)
Dorita Berger's book is a gift to all individuals on the autism spectrum. As a music therapist and scientist, Dr. Berger combines cutting-edge research with a healthy dose of practical advice to show how eurhythmics in a music therapy-based clinical environment can be used to support a wide range of neurophysiologic diagnoses. This book is an outstanding resource for therapists, neuroscientists, and families. (Frances H. Rauscher, Professor Emerita, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, and co-author of 'Neurosciences in Music Pedagogy')
Dori Berger is that rare combination of musician, scientist and clinician. Based on her extensive research experience, she unfolds a detailed prescription of protocols, culled from Eurhythmics and the most recent science, that can lead to dramatically improved results. In doing so, she makes a clear argument for how music moves from a passive therapy to a potent intervention! (Dr. Patricia Gray, Director of The BioMusic Program, University of North Carolina, Greensboro, USA)
A professional musician and practitioner in sensorimotor treatment of autism and related diagnoses, Dorita Berger writes brilliantly to inspire therapists who help persons with disorders of intention and awareness share life with self-confidence and joy. With up-to-date brain science of intentions and feelings, this book will also be a resource for students of psychology, medicine and education. Born musical, our sense of others' rhythms and melodies of affection, invention and discovery can be enhanced to overcome confusion and anxiety. (Colwyn Trevarthen, PhD, FRSE, Professor (Emeritus) of Child Psychology and Psychobiology, Department of Psychology, The University of Edinburgh, UK)
In a book like no other, Dr. Berger masterfully introduces the science behind the power of music and movement, followed by artistically presented, easy-to-implement, and practical intervention solutions for the clinician, parent, or other person to connect with individuals with autism and other neurophysiological diagnoses. (Stephen M. Shore, Clinical Assistant Professor of Special Education, Adelphi University)
Dorita Berger's book is a gift to all individuals on the autism spectrum. As a music therapist and scientist, Dr. Berger combines cutting-edge research with a healthy dose of practical advice to show how eurhythmics in a music therapy-based clinical environment can be used to support a wide range of neurophysiologic diagnoses. This book is an outstanding resource for therapists, neuroscientists, and families. (Frances H. Rauscher, Professor Emerita, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, and co-author of 'Neurosciences in Music Pedagogy')
Dori Berger is that rare combination of musician, scientist and clinician. Based on her extensive research experience, she unfolds a detailed prescription of protocols, culled from Eurhythmics and the most recent science, that can lead to dramatically improved results. In doing so, she makes a clear argument for how music moves from a passive therapy to a potent intervention! (Dr. Patricia Gray, Director of The BioMusic Program, University of North Carolina, Greensboro, USA)
A professional musician and practitioner in sensorimotor treatment of autism and related diagnoses, Dorita Berger writes brilliantly to inspire therapists who help persons with disorders of intention and awareness share life with self-confidence and joy. With up-to-date brain science of intentions and feelings, this book will also be a resource for students of psychology, medicine and education. Born musical, our sense of others' rhythms and melodies of affection, invention and discovery can be enhanced to overcome confusion and anxiety. (Colwyn Trevarthen, PhD, FRSE, Professor (Emeritus) of Child Psychology and Psychobiology, Department of Psychology, The University of Edinburgh, UK)
William Davidshofer finds research home at Duke Library. By Jo Taylor, OLLI volunteer writer & instructor. September 15, 2015
Dr. William Davidshofer planned to write his book (titled "Marxism and the Leninist Revolutionary Model") about Marxist-Leninist theory after retiring as full professor of political science from the University of Maine at Presque Isle. The important question was, where would he do it? He had to find a university location with one of the best collections of material on Marxist theory. As a participant in an NEH summer seminar, "The History of Socialism" conducted by Professor Warren Lerner at Duke in 1977, Dr. Davidshofer knew the research resources available to him there. Because of those sources and the expert assistance from the Duke Library staff, he finished his research and writing in four years.
Dr. Davidshofer holds a Ph.D. in political science with a certificate in Soviet Studies from University of Notre Dame. As a professor, his work dealt with the philosophy, economics, and politics of Marxist Communist theory. He coordinated the Russian and East European Studies Program. One reason he decided to write his own text is students' repeated praise for his ability to make his subjects interesting and understandable.
Now living in Durham, William Davidshofer enjoys teaching classes in the OLLI at Duke program, which he finds innovative, diverse, and well administered. He currently instructs "Comparative West European Parliamentary Governments." Mrs. Claire Davidshofer also teaches for OLLI using her native French background to teach us "Les Nouvelles en Francais".
Dr. William Davidshofer planned to write his book (titled "Marxism and the Leninist Revolutionary Model") about Marxist-Leninist theory after retiring as full professor of political science from the University of Maine at Presque Isle. The important question was, where would he do it? He had to find a university location with one of the best collections of material on Marxist theory. As a participant in an NEH summer seminar, "The History of Socialism" conducted by Professor Warren Lerner at Duke in 1977, Dr. Davidshofer knew the research resources available to him there. Because of those sources and the expert assistance from the Duke Library staff, he finished his research and writing in four years.
Dr. Davidshofer holds a Ph.D. in political science with a certificate in Soviet Studies from University of Notre Dame. As a professor, his work dealt with the philosophy, economics, and politics of Marxist Communist theory. He coordinated the Russian and East European Studies Program. One reason he decided to write his own text is students' repeated praise for his ability to make his subjects interesting and understandable.
Now living in Durham, William Davidshofer enjoys teaching classes in the OLLI at Duke program, which he finds innovative, diverse, and well administered. He currently instructs "Comparative West European Parliamentary Governments." Mrs. Claire Davidshofer also teaches for OLLI using her native French background to teach us "Les Nouvelles en Francais".
Writing Curriculum instructor, Elaine Taylor’s memoir, KARMA, DECEPTION And a Pair of Red FERRARIS, was published in May 2015.
The publisher’s description: Elaine Taylor’s love-life was one long trail of relationship roadkill. Alli B, astrologer/psychic, told Elaine if she wanted deep and long-lasting love, she had to heal the wounds of the past; and find the courage to give the kind of love for which she so yearned, to a man who had previously broken her heart. KARMA, DECEPTION And a Pair of Red FERRARIS: A Memoir, recounts the transformational journey that led Elaine to her love-of-a-lifetime; and taught her one of life’s most important truths: We cannot find love until we believe ourselves worthy of it.
The memoir continues to receive media attention, including NPR, where Elaine was recently interviewed. A full summary, opening chapters, and reviews can be found at KarmaDeception.com.
[NOTE: Elaine’s love-of-a-lifetime is OLLI Current Affairs & History instructor, Russell Leiman]
The publisher’s description: Elaine Taylor’s love-life was one long trail of relationship roadkill. Alli B, astrologer/psychic, told Elaine if she wanted deep and long-lasting love, she had to heal the wounds of the past; and find the courage to give the kind of love for which she so yearned, to a man who had previously broken her heart. KARMA, DECEPTION And a Pair of Red FERRARIS: A Memoir, recounts the transformational journey that led Elaine to her love-of-a-lifetime; and taught her one of life’s most important truths: We cannot find love until we believe ourselves worthy of it.
The memoir continues to receive media attention, including NPR, where Elaine was recently interviewed. A full summary, opening chapters, and reviews can be found at KarmaDeception.com.
[NOTE: Elaine’s love-of-a-lifetime is OLLI Current Affairs & History instructor, Russell Leiman]
Experiencing OLLI in UNC-Asheville by Diana Mead, Member of OLLI at Duke
I was in Asheville for seven weeks this summer (where it was generally 10° cooler than Durham!) taking OLLI courses: Meryl Streep Onscreen, Be Your Own Handy-Person, and Asheville on the Cheap. The green mountainous region is so full of interesting activities, but here specifically is the lowdown on OLLI at UNC Asheville.
All classes are held in one building which has two levels with multiple entrances and plenty of UNC Asheville parking. The downstairs entrance is impressive, with a wide 2-story glass façade brightening up the open room filled with sofas, chairs and small tables which are often occupied by card players. This is truly a social hangout. There is a slide show of interesting photos in this article.
The largest classroom is downstairs. While usually used for classes of 90 or fewer people, it is sometimes enlarged for the maximum class size of 125, or for special events with 200 attendees. Another room with a capacity of 25 is on this level.
Between these classrooms is a small university café (closed in the summer) which serves drinks, sandwiches and Au Bon Pain soups that the OLLI members rave about.
I was in Asheville for seven weeks this summer (where it was generally 10° cooler than Durham!) taking OLLI courses: Meryl Streep Onscreen, Be Your Own Handy-Person, and Asheville on the Cheap. The green mountainous region is so full of interesting activities, but here specifically is the lowdown on OLLI at UNC Asheville.
All classes are held in one building which has two levels with multiple entrances and plenty of UNC Asheville parking. The downstairs entrance is impressive, with a wide 2-story glass façade brightening up the open room filled with sofas, chairs and small tables which are often occupied by card players. This is truly a social hangout. There is a slide show of interesting photos in this article.
The largest classroom is downstairs. While usually used for classes of 90 or fewer people, it is sometimes enlarged for the maximum class size of 125, or for special events with 200 attendees. Another room with a capacity of 25 is on this level.
Between these classrooms is a small university café (closed in the summer) which serves drinks, sandwiches and Au Bon Pain soups that the OLLI members rave about.
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Going upstairs via a wide central staircase (or elevator) leads to the back entrance filled with informative wall hangings. One professionally done panel depicts the history of OLLI and Bernard Osher's involvement; another
tells the story of Jeannette and Irving Reuter and the Janirve
Foundation that provided a generous gift to fund construction of the
Reuter Center, the building where OLLI classes are housed. Plaques also recognize other donors who gave towards the $4.5 million goal for the building and its furnishings.
On this level are classrooms with capacities ranging from 30 to 55. There are several nooks with sofas and chairs. A PC is available, but you can opt to use the Wi-Fi. One tall bookshelf with used books stands near the side door for a simple "take one, leave one" philosophy; one can only leave what fits on the shelf. On a counter there is a pot of hot water with teabags and instant coffee- you must bring your own cup, which you can store in the cupboard after rinsing it in the sink. |
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The heart of the administration is on this level, with a helpful friendly person at the front desk. Further inside is the dynamic director, Dr. Catherine Frank, who actually was the OLLI at Duke director for 3½ years before moving to Asheville in 2010. Our OLLI at Duke director Gary Crites describes her as “Astonishingly brilliant, well-respected and well-loved.” As with Duke, she has focused on building the OLLI-University relationship.
Their registration process is not yet online, although they anticipate this within a year. Basically a flat fee (between $75 and 115, depending on the season, plus a $75 yearly membership fee that includes UNC Asheville parking) gets you into as many classes as you can schedule. You first choose 3 classes, top priority first, and 3 alternates. Two weeks later you can add to/drop/modify the three classes you actually got into. Their future online system will not be first-come, first-serve, which lessens the time pressure during sign-up.
Being an OLLI at UNC Asheville member gives you a "OneCard”, a student photo ID which gives access to the university's library, events (live summer concerts on the Quad!), eateries, and gym+pool (for a fee); the card can be used like a debit card on campus. A sticker from the campus police allows you to use the card for free public transportation in town. The OneCard also gives student discounts at selected Asheville businesses.
During classes, each person is first required to sign their initials on the attendance list. Seats take advantage of long thin tables for note-taking. A/V equipment allows instructors to display video or text from their computer or the OLLI class webpage. In the larger classes, the instructors use head microphones, and people with questions are often given a handheld mike. It seems to be standard that the classes applaud at the end of each class.
The OLLI classes constitute the College for Seniors, which is only one of four sections of life at OLLI at Asheville. The others are:
Of course there are also the special interest groups(SIGs), a senior health information program(SHIIP), and tons of special events.
It seems that I only got a tiny taste of all they have to offer, but would highly recommend it to my OLLI at Duke classmates. I know where I may be again next summer!
-Diana Mead
Their registration process is not yet online, although they anticipate this within a year. Basically a flat fee (between $75 and 115, depending on the season, plus a $75 yearly membership fee that includes UNC Asheville parking) gets you into as many classes as you can schedule. You first choose 3 classes, top priority first, and 3 alternates. Two weeks later you can add to/drop/modify the three classes you actually got into. Their future online system will not be first-come, first-serve, which lessens the time pressure during sign-up.
Being an OLLI at UNC Asheville member gives you a "OneCard”, a student photo ID which gives access to the university's library, events (live summer concerts on the Quad!), eateries, and gym+pool (for a fee); the card can be used like a debit card on campus. A sticker from the campus police allows you to use the card for free public transportation in town. The OneCard also gives student discounts at selected Asheville businesses.
During classes, each person is first required to sign their initials on the attendance list. Seats take advantage of long thin tables for note-taking. A/V equipment allows instructors to display video or text from their computer or the OLLI class webpage. In the larger classes, the instructors use head microphones, and people with questions are often given a handheld mike. It seems to be standard that the classes applaud at the end of each class.
The OLLI classes constitute the College for Seniors, which is only one of four sections of life at OLLI at Asheville. The others are:
- Life Transitions Programs, seminars and workshops exploring how one can move into retirement gracefully e.g. Creative Retirement, CCRC’s, etc.
- Leadership Asheville, opening the door to civic engagement
- Workshops
Of course there are also the special interest groups(SIGs), a senior health information program(SHIIP), and tons of special events.
It seems that I only got a tiny taste of all they have to offer, but would highly recommend it to my OLLI at Duke classmates. I know where I may be again next summer!
-Diana Mead
New Book with forward by OLLI member Ken Haslam
Ken Haslam has taught two courses at OLLI on human sexuality over the past two years. One of his interests since retirement some 22 years ago has been in social change as manifested by the growing Polyamorous community which has now reached the mainstream and appeared in recent Supreme Court decisions. He has lectured on this topic for many years and often used the term "Designer Relationships" to describe the many forms families may now take that differ from conventional and compulsory sexual and emotional monogamy.
A couple of years ago he was approached by two published authors who proposed they write a book with the title "Designer Relationships" and asked him to consult and to write the forward. The finished book will be out in September, entitled Designer Relationships: A Guide to Happy Monogamy, Positive Polyamory, and Optimistic Open Relationships. Goodreads has reviewed the book and also it is on Amazon.
Ken will be proposing to teach another OLLI course on consensual non monogamy this next winter or spring and will use this book for optional reading as it explains the topic very well. If you think this is of interest to the OLLI community he would be most pleased to chat with you by phone or email.
Submitted by : Kenneth R. Haslam MD
2701 Pickett Rd #2021, The Forest at Duke, Durham, NC 27705
phone: 919 401 2295 email: haslamk@gmail.com
Ken Haslam has taught two courses at OLLI on human sexuality over the past two years. One of his interests since retirement some 22 years ago has been in social change as manifested by the growing Polyamorous community which has now reached the mainstream and appeared in recent Supreme Court decisions. He has lectured on this topic for many years and often used the term "Designer Relationships" to describe the many forms families may now take that differ from conventional and compulsory sexual and emotional monogamy.
A couple of years ago he was approached by two published authors who proposed they write a book with the title "Designer Relationships" and asked him to consult and to write the forward. The finished book will be out in September, entitled Designer Relationships: A Guide to Happy Monogamy, Positive Polyamory, and Optimistic Open Relationships. Goodreads has reviewed the book and also it is on Amazon.
Ken will be proposing to teach another OLLI course on consensual non monogamy this next winter or spring and will use this book for optional reading as it explains the topic very well. If you think this is of interest to the OLLI community he would be most pleased to chat with you by phone or email.
Submitted by : Kenneth R. Haslam MD
2701 Pickett Rd #2021, The Forest at Duke, Durham, NC 27705
phone: 919 401 2295 email: haslamk@gmail.com
Benefits of your OLLI Membership
Are you into song and dance? Would you like to improve your health or your mind? Explore these opportunities and many more at Duke. Click on links below for more information.
Since you are a member of OLLI at Duke you can look into some of the things that are available to you at Duke. For openers, the Duke Lilly library is worth taking a tour to see, even if you don't want to check out a book. To me the library is a work of art; of course I am a lover of most things made of wood. If you don’t like finely carved wood - check out a book.
OK, what about the singing and dancing? Well Duke has concerts scheduled on Wednesday and Thursday evenings from now through February. These concerts cover all manner of music (in the garden in July - indoors after that) from blues through rock and on to the classics. For information look HERE.
Did I mention tours? Duke has tours of the gardens and many of the buildings. For the nostalgia fans - Duke has a collection of Depression Era films. Keep in mind they may not be depressing, many are about such things as comedies and musicals.
Duke has on-line learning (many are free) in the Massive Open Online Classes (MOOC). For example, there is a free on-line writing course and there are courses like “Bioelectricity: A Quantitative Approach.”
If you are interested, the above events are described in depth in the Duke Events Calendar. You can put in search words like "movies" , "seminars", "soccer", "lectures", "france" and get information on the events in which you are most interested.
And check out Duke Today, the website for information on everything related to Duke.
By George Lally, volunteer writer.
Since you are a member of OLLI at Duke you can look into some of the things that are available to you at Duke. For openers, the Duke Lilly library is worth taking a tour to see, even if you don't want to check out a book. To me the library is a work of art; of course I am a lover of most things made of wood. If you don’t like finely carved wood - check out a book.
OK, what about the singing and dancing? Well Duke has concerts scheduled on Wednesday and Thursday evenings from now through February. These concerts cover all manner of music (in the garden in July - indoors after that) from blues through rock and on to the classics. For information look HERE.
Did I mention tours? Duke has tours of the gardens and many of the buildings. For the nostalgia fans - Duke has a collection of Depression Era films. Keep in mind they may not be depressing, many are about such things as comedies and musicals.
Duke has on-line learning (many are free) in the Massive Open Online Classes (MOOC). For example, there is a free on-line writing course and there are courses like “Bioelectricity: A Quantitative Approach.”
If you are interested, the above events are described in depth in the Duke Events Calendar. You can put in search words like "movies" , "seminars", "soccer", "lectures", "france" and get information on the events in which you are most interested.
And check out Duke Today, the website for information on everything related to Duke.
By George Lally, volunteer writer.
Dan Ariely speaking to the main audience.
Learning from Dan Ariely in Chautauqua.
July 24, 2015 Dick Chady
During OLLI's summer break, I joined a few thousand other lifelong learners at the Chautauqua Institution, an intellectual Woodstock at a cool, idyllic setting on a lake in upstate New York.
With a different theme for each of nine weeks, the visitors hear world-class speakers, attend book talks, classes and church services, exercise and enjoy the performing arts. It's an "edification vacation."
This year, Duke Psychology Prof. Dan Ariely delighted capacity crowds by organizing a week entitled 'Irrrationality" for his fourth appearance at Chautauqua Institution. (Ariely keynoted OLLI's Convocation last fall.)
Chautauqua Institution is a 750-acre leafy enclave of homes, guesthouses, restaurants and venues for programs running from dawn to late night. Some families have been attending the 141-year-old institution (10 hours from Durham) for generations. It's featured Mark Twain, Franklin Roosevelt, Bill Clinton and now Jim Lehrer and Roger Rosenblatt.
Another member of the Duke community who transfers his love of learning to CI in the summer is Richard P. Heitzenrater of the Divinity School.
Heitzenrater, a native of Western New York who has been visiting Chautauqua since 1947, teaches intergenerational classes that entail art history, opera, ballet, music, painting and other topics, such as code-breaking and mystery-writing.
"I don’t know of any place in the world like Chautauqua, which is not only an American utopia (as the book title puts it) but is also a place of civil discourse on important topics—in the morning lectures, public devotions, afternoon events, afternoon music events, evening performances, and casual conversation all over the place," he says. "We take in as many events as we can and try to learn as much as possible. There is no place where you can be exposed to new, disturbing, and exciting ideas as frequently as there."
Sue Kister of Durham, a retired librarian and OLLI member who grew up nearby, said, "Not for me a beach or a boat, I prefer lectures, the performing arts and the serendipitous experiences offered at Chautauqua. It's the perfect learning vacation! "
Each spring, Triangle Friends of Chautauqua hosts a luncheon in the Triangle with a speaker from the institute. If you'd like to be invited next year, contact Sue Kister at ksuzon@hotmail.com
For information, see www.ciweb.org.
(A version of this article was also published in Duke Today on July 24, 2015 )
July 24, 2015 Dick Chady
During OLLI's summer break, I joined a few thousand other lifelong learners at the Chautauqua Institution, an intellectual Woodstock at a cool, idyllic setting on a lake in upstate New York.
With a different theme for each of nine weeks, the visitors hear world-class speakers, attend book talks, classes and church services, exercise and enjoy the performing arts. It's an "edification vacation."
This year, Duke Psychology Prof. Dan Ariely delighted capacity crowds by organizing a week entitled 'Irrrationality" for his fourth appearance at Chautauqua Institution. (Ariely keynoted OLLI's Convocation last fall.)
Chautauqua Institution is a 750-acre leafy enclave of homes, guesthouses, restaurants and venues for programs running from dawn to late night. Some families have been attending the 141-year-old institution (10 hours from Durham) for generations. It's featured Mark Twain, Franklin Roosevelt, Bill Clinton and now Jim Lehrer and Roger Rosenblatt.
Another member of the Duke community who transfers his love of learning to CI in the summer is Richard P. Heitzenrater of the Divinity School.
Heitzenrater, a native of Western New York who has been visiting Chautauqua since 1947, teaches intergenerational classes that entail art history, opera, ballet, music, painting and other topics, such as code-breaking and mystery-writing.
"I don’t know of any place in the world like Chautauqua, which is not only an American utopia (as the book title puts it) but is also a place of civil discourse on important topics—in the morning lectures, public devotions, afternoon events, afternoon music events, evening performances, and casual conversation all over the place," he says. "We take in as many events as we can and try to learn as much as possible. There is no place where you can be exposed to new, disturbing, and exciting ideas as frequently as there."
Sue Kister of Durham, a retired librarian and OLLI member who grew up nearby, said, "Not for me a beach or a boat, I prefer lectures, the performing arts and the serendipitous experiences offered at Chautauqua. It's the perfect learning vacation! "
Each spring, Triangle Friends of Chautauqua hosts a luncheon in the Triangle with a speaker from the institute. If you'd like to be invited next year, contact Sue Kister at ksuzon@hotmail.com
For information, see www.ciweb.org.
(A version of this article was also published in Duke Today on July 24, 2015 )
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May 22, 2015
A Novel from OLLI at Duke member Phyllis K. Crabb
We want to bring to your attention the recently self-published novel entitled, Commitment, by OLLI at Duke member Phyllis K. Crabb. Phyllis writes us that this is a “story of faith, family, friendship, and fears told from the perspective of Darla Mae Deacons, a precocious but naive young girl.”
Phyllis goes on to write, “Some members of a Polly Hillsabeck memoir writing class formed a writers group that critiqued portions of this book over an extended period of time. My book may have stayed in my bottom file drawer forever without their willingness to provide constructive feedback, as we had all learned to do in Polly's class. Without OLLI, we wouldn't have been a group!”
Copies of Commitment are available from Regulator Bookshop on 9th Street in Durham and from Amazon and Barnes and Nobel on line.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Phyllis at 919-401-5261.
A Novel from OLLI at Duke member Phyllis K. Crabb
We want to bring to your attention the recently self-published novel entitled, Commitment, by OLLI at Duke member Phyllis K. Crabb. Phyllis writes us that this is a “story of faith, family, friendship, and fears told from the perspective of Darla Mae Deacons, a precocious but naive young girl.”
Phyllis goes on to write, “Some members of a Polly Hillsabeck memoir writing class formed a writers group that critiqued portions of this book over an extended period of time. My book may have stayed in my bottom file drawer forever without their willingness to provide constructive feedback, as we had all learned to do in Polly's class. Without OLLI, we wouldn't have been a group!”
Copies of Commitment are available from Regulator Bookshop on 9th Street in Durham and from Amazon and Barnes and Nobel on line.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Phyllis at 919-401-5261.
March 3, 2015
Marisa Galvany Sings To Rave Reviews
OLLI member, Myra Kornbluth who sings under her professional name of Marisa Galvany recently gave a local performance to rave reviews in the Classical Voice of North Carolina (CVNC) Online Arts Journal. To quote from their article:
"That her name has been emblazoned at the tops of operatic broadsides, those big posters outside the great European and South American houses of vocal art, is a given. And her relocation to the Triangle, where she and her husband retired a number of years ago, gave many connoisseurs of superior singing hope that we would once again experience her vocalism... [Her recent concert] turned out to be a newsworthy cabaret-style event with a supremely exalted and generous program of songs and arias that even seasoned reporters from the largest metropoli [sic] would have had to agree was presented with commanding artistry and authority."
This performance was dedicated to the Duke Cancer Patient Support Program in the name of her late husband, George Kornbluth.
You can read the entire article at the CVNC site here.
Please join us in congratulating Myra Kornbluth on another stunning performance!
Marisa Galvany Sings To Rave Reviews
OLLI member, Myra Kornbluth who sings under her professional name of Marisa Galvany recently gave a local performance to rave reviews in the Classical Voice of North Carolina (CVNC) Online Arts Journal. To quote from their article:
"That her name has been emblazoned at the tops of operatic broadsides, those big posters outside the great European and South American houses of vocal art, is a given. And her relocation to the Triangle, where she and her husband retired a number of years ago, gave many connoisseurs of superior singing hope that we would once again experience her vocalism... [Her recent concert] turned out to be a newsworthy cabaret-style event with a supremely exalted and generous program of songs and arias that even seasoned reporters from the largest metropoli [sic] would have had to agree was presented with commanding artistry and authority."
This performance was dedicated to the Duke Cancer Patient Support Program in the name of her late husband, George Kornbluth.
You can read the entire article at the CVNC site here.
Please join us in congratulating Myra Kornbluth on another stunning performance!
March 3, 2015
Congratulations to OLLI member, Joanne L. Napoli, on the publication of her book young adult novel entitled, Pyschic Detective Kim Stride in the Mozart Mystery.
Having lived and studied in Salzburg, Austria at the Mozarteum, as well as in Switzerland, Joanne used her experiences as an inspiration for this young adult novel. Joanne lives in Durham, NC where she has been teaching piano, reading and writing, as well as leading international students at Duke University. She has also written children’s books and co-authored a book on Clara and Robert Schumann.
Please join us in congratulating Joanne on her publication!
Congratulations to OLLI member, Joanne L. Napoli, on the publication of her book young adult novel entitled, Pyschic Detective Kim Stride in the Mozart Mystery.
Having lived and studied in Salzburg, Austria at the Mozarteum, as well as in Switzerland, Joanne used her experiences as an inspiration for this young adult novel. Joanne lives in Durham, NC where she has been teaching piano, reading and writing, as well as leading international students at Duke University. She has also written children’s books and co-authored a book on Clara and Robert Schumann.
Please join us in congratulating Joanne on her publication!
February 27, 2015
Congratulations to OLLI’s own Dr. William J. Davidshofer on the recent publication of his book titled Marxism and the Leninist Revolutionary Model. The book was published by Palgrave Macmillan, a leading academic publisher, last autumn. The publisher summarized his book as follows:
"In this volume, William Davidshofer sets forth an insightful comparative analysis of Marxist and Leninist revolutionary theory. Beginning with the influence of the Hegel's dialectic and the political propositions of historical materialism on Communist cadre rule in the socialist state, the study goes on to explore Lenin's interpretation of the Marxist texts that led to his new and distinct theory of socialist revolution. Paying special attention to Marx's theory of the overaccumulation of capital and that theory's impact on Leninist Russia's struggle for national self-determination, the text comprises an invaluable contribution to existing scholarship in the field."
Prof. Davidshofer has taught multiple OLLI at Duke courses including histories of Russia and France, political philosophy, and most recently a fascinating course on the European Union. Please join us in congratulating William on his achievement.
Congratulations to OLLI’s own Dr. William J. Davidshofer on the recent publication of his book titled Marxism and the Leninist Revolutionary Model. The book was published by Palgrave Macmillan, a leading academic publisher, last autumn. The publisher summarized his book as follows:
"In this volume, William Davidshofer sets forth an insightful comparative analysis of Marxist and Leninist revolutionary theory. Beginning with the influence of the Hegel's dialectic and the political propositions of historical materialism on Communist cadre rule in the socialist state, the study goes on to explore Lenin's interpretation of the Marxist texts that led to his new and distinct theory of socialist revolution. Paying special attention to Marx's theory of the overaccumulation of capital and that theory's impact on Leninist Russia's struggle for national self-determination, the text comprises an invaluable contribution to existing scholarship in the field."
Prof. Davidshofer has taught multiple OLLI at Duke courses including histories of Russia and France, political philosophy, and most recently a fascinating course on the European Union. Please join us in congratulating William on his achievement.
February 13, 2015
The "Raks" Women's Dance/Fitness For MLK day (National Service Day) our OLLI class managed to collect 88 pounds of food, the equivalent of 74 meals! We also gathered other essential items such as baby diapers, paper goods and toiletries. The case of stew and the case of baby diapers were especially appreciated! We also raised $110, the equivalent of 550 meals! Altogether we provided 624 meals and other provisions! These were greatly appreciated by the Food Bank. Congratulations!
The "Raks" Women's Dance/Fitness For MLK day (National Service Day) our OLLI class managed to collect 88 pounds of food, the equivalent of 74 meals! We also gathered other essential items such as baby diapers, paper goods and toiletries. The case of stew and the case of baby diapers were especially appreciated! We also raised $110, the equivalent of 550 meals! Altogether we provided 624 meals and other provisions! These were greatly appreciated by the Food Bank. Congratulations!
January 30, 2015
One of our long-time OLLI members, Myron M. Miller, has just published a book entitled Walking in My Father’s Footsteps: Rediscovering His WWI Service and the Remarkable Hospitality of the Citizens of Redon, France.
Myron has all the letters that his dad wrote during his time in that conflict as a member of the 314th Field Artillery Regiment. While taking Pete Selleck’s course on WWI during the winter term of 2010, he decided to write a short story of his dad’s experience. That story found its way to France via the Internet, and then found by a man in France whose grandparents had hosted some officers in his dad’s unit during the summer of 1918. That led to Myron going to France in April 2012 to “walk in his father’s footsteps” in and near the city of Redon, in Brittany, where his regiment was trained for two months before participating in the Battle of the Argonne Forest.
The book has three themes. First, the amazing connection with two men in France who found an early short version of his dad’s experience and eventually invited him to join them in France in 2012 to walk his dad’s journey with him. The second theme deals with his dad’s experience in the 314th Field Artillery Regiment as a forward artillery observer, his injury and recovery. The third theme deals with the engagement between the citizens of Redon, a city of 9,500 in Brittany, and his dad's regiment during the summer of 1918 as it prepared for the final major battle of WWI: the Battle of the Argonne Forest.
The impetus for his writing the book was Margo Farris Brewer’s Genealogy IV course during the winter term of 2014, where each member was to write a story about an ancestor. With his father’s letters, and having taken the trip to France, Myron wrote the book. Myron’s book is available on Amazon.com. There is also an excellent Kindle version of the book. If you have questions about his book, contact Myron at myronmiller94@gmail.com.
Congratulations to Myron, as well as to Pete Selleck and Margo Fariss Brewer for their inspired teaching!
One of our long-time OLLI members, Myron M. Miller, has just published a book entitled Walking in My Father’s Footsteps: Rediscovering His WWI Service and the Remarkable Hospitality of the Citizens of Redon, France.
Myron has all the letters that his dad wrote during his time in that conflict as a member of the 314th Field Artillery Regiment. While taking Pete Selleck’s course on WWI during the winter term of 2010, he decided to write a short story of his dad’s experience. That story found its way to France via the Internet, and then found by a man in France whose grandparents had hosted some officers in his dad’s unit during the summer of 1918. That led to Myron going to France in April 2012 to “walk in his father’s footsteps” in and near the city of Redon, in Brittany, where his regiment was trained for two months before participating in the Battle of the Argonne Forest.
The book has three themes. First, the amazing connection with two men in France who found an early short version of his dad’s experience and eventually invited him to join them in France in 2012 to walk his dad’s journey with him. The second theme deals with his dad’s experience in the 314th Field Artillery Regiment as a forward artillery observer, his injury and recovery. The third theme deals with the engagement between the citizens of Redon, a city of 9,500 in Brittany, and his dad's regiment during the summer of 1918 as it prepared for the final major battle of WWI: the Battle of the Argonne Forest.
The impetus for his writing the book was Margo Farris Brewer’s Genealogy IV course during the winter term of 2014, where each member was to write a story about an ancestor. With his father’s letters, and having taken the trip to France, Myron wrote the book. Myron’s book is available on Amazon.com. There is also an excellent Kindle version of the book. If you have questions about his book, contact Myron at myronmiller94@gmail.com.
Congratulations to Myron, as well as to Pete Selleck and Margo Fariss Brewer for their inspired teaching!
January 16, 2015
Congratulations to long-time OLLI instructor Betsy Alden on the publication of her book, Campus Ministry Memoirs: The Way It Was, 1964-2104, which tells the stories of 55 ecumenical campus ministers on 100 campuses all over the country, documenting the turbulent times of social justice issues on campuses, from civil rights to the Dream Act. Her husband, OLLI instructor Mark Rutledge, contributed a chapter and provided "support services."
Congratulations to long-time OLLI instructor Betsy Alden on the publication of her book, Campus Ministry Memoirs: The Way It Was, 1964-2104, which tells the stories of 55 ecumenical campus ministers on 100 campuses all over the country, documenting the turbulent times of social justice issues on campuses, from civil rights to the Dream Act. Her husband, OLLI instructor Mark Rutledge, contributed a chapter and provided "support services."