Letters to OLLI
Dear OLLI ... Here is what members are saying!
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Stephan Wittkowski
Dear OLLI:
For the past ten years, or so, you have been an important part of the time I spend in this part of the world, and an important part of my life. As an instructor, you have motivated me to give my best to be able to meet the expectations of the very learned and demanding class participants, and to continue broadening my knowledge with the many hours doing research and preparing my lectures. As a student, you have opened a whole new world for me in being able to learn from the fabulous wide-ranging professionals and experts that year after year share their vast knowledge at OLLI’s classrooms.
We at OLLI appreciate you. We thank you for giving us the opportunity to learn, to teach, to bond, to make friends.
For the past ten years, or so, you have been an important part of the time I spend in this part of the world, and an important part of my life. As an instructor, you have motivated me to give my best to be able to meet the expectations of the very learned and demanding class participants, and to continue broadening my knowledge with the many hours doing research and preparing my lectures. As a student, you have opened a whole new world for me in being able to learn from the fabulous wide-ranging professionals and experts that year after year share their vast knowledge at OLLI’s classrooms.
We at OLLI appreciate you. We thank you for giving us the opportunity to learn, to teach, to bond, to make friends.
Vilma Hope
Dear OLLI:
Coming from another southern state and wanting to continue my research studies, I heard about DILR from Duke and enrolled in it for the first time in 1996. Sara Craven, then the director, introduced me to the available programs. I was quickly impressed by the variety of themes of the lectures offered, as well as the various locations where the lectures were held. This led me to visit the Duke Center for Living, the NC Museum of Life and Sciences, as well as several other interesting places I had not seen before. My computer skills were not good at the time, so learning how to use the internet was part of my first interest in courses.
Then the possibility of delving more and more in the variety of subjects available from the lectures got me thoroughly involved. I went from the world of medicine (where I first learned how to do CPR) to the world of literature, philosophy, history, and, above all, to the study of the life of great composers of classical music. Since then, my appreciation for the programs has grown. When DILR became OLLI in 2004 my interests continued to evolved and I have enrolled as a class assistant in various courses.
The knowledge acquired from these lectures and the number of interesting people I met through the years have all been wonderful. It is the continuation of learning and nurturing brain development after retirement contributes to the enrichment and joy of the last years of one's life. Thank you OLLI!
Vilma Hope
Coming from another southern state and wanting to continue my research studies, I heard about DILR from Duke and enrolled in it for the first time in 1996. Sara Craven, then the director, introduced me to the available programs. I was quickly impressed by the variety of themes of the lectures offered, as well as the various locations where the lectures were held. This led me to visit the Duke Center for Living, the NC Museum of Life and Sciences, as well as several other interesting places I had not seen before. My computer skills were not good at the time, so learning how to use the internet was part of my first interest in courses.
Then the possibility of delving more and more in the variety of subjects available from the lectures got me thoroughly involved. I went from the world of medicine (where I first learned how to do CPR) to the world of literature, philosophy, history, and, above all, to the study of the life of great composers of classical music. Since then, my appreciation for the programs has grown. When DILR became OLLI in 2004 my interests continued to evolved and I have enrolled as a class assistant in various courses.
The knowledge acquired from these lectures and the number of interesting people I met through the years have all been wonderful. It is the continuation of learning and nurturing brain development after retirement contributes to the enrichment and joy of the last years of one's life. Thank you OLLI!
Vilma Hope
Myron Miller
Dear OLLI:
How OLLI has had an impact of my life and learning
On a scouting visit to this area in the summer of 1998, I happened to visit the Chamber of Commerce in Chapel Hill and came across the information on lifelong learning at the various universities. I particularly liked what I saw about what was then the DILR program.
I started classes at DILR in January 1999. Try to imagine what it was like to have a convocation inside the Bishop’s House!
Immediately I began to enjoy the stimulation and fellowship of OLLI and, of course, I was greeted ever day by the wonderful smile of our executive director, Sara Craven. To my surprise, I was asked by Bill Green, Gwen Griswold and Sara Craven to take on the role of chair of the strategic planning committee. By chance, I had developed a friendship with Ed Rose, who was the treasurer of the JRC. When I got the assignment as chair of strategic planning, I told Ed Rose about my assignment. If DILR were to rent space in that new education wing, we would meet our needs (drastic) for more space, and JRC would have a good tenant to pay for using that space several days a week. The culmination of that conversation in March 2003 was the arrangement DILR made with the JRC to use the new educational space.
So what was my favorite OLLI experience? I think it was on June 4, 2004. We had submitted the proposal to the Osher Foundation to gain their support in May, and then we waited. On the morning of June 4, 2004, I had walked into Sara’s office and started our conversation when the phone rang. When Sara answered the phone and her face lit up like a sunrise, with the best ever smile I had seen on her. She put the phone down and said “We got it!” We had been accepted, and the rest is history.
How did that affect my life? Hard to say, except that at that point, all of my DILR/OLLI experiences came into focus, and even more than ever, I realized what a treasure we have in the talents of our members, as well as the talents of our Duke faculty.
Myron Miller
These are excerpts from Myron’s many rich and deep experiences as a member and volunteer. You can read all of Myron’s letter here.
How OLLI has had an impact of my life and learning
On a scouting visit to this area in the summer of 1998, I happened to visit the Chamber of Commerce in Chapel Hill and came across the information on lifelong learning at the various universities. I particularly liked what I saw about what was then the DILR program.
I started classes at DILR in January 1999. Try to imagine what it was like to have a convocation inside the Bishop’s House!
Immediately I began to enjoy the stimulation and fellowship of OLLI and, of course, I was greeted ever day by the wonderful smile of our executive director, Sara Craven. To my surprise, I was asked by Bill Green, Gwen Griswold and Sara Craven to take on the role of chair of the strategic planning committee. By chance, I had developed a friendship with Ed Rose, who was the treasurer of the JRC. When I got the assignment as chair of strategic planning, I told Ed Rose about my assignment. If DILR were to rent space in that new education wing, we would meet our needs (drastic) for more space, and JRC would have a good tenant to pay for using that space several days a week. The culmination of that conversation in March 2003 was the arrangement DILR made with the JRC to use the new educational space.
So what was my favorite OLLI experience? I think it was on June 4, 2004. We had submitted the proposal to the Osher Foundation to gain their support in May, and then we waited. On the morning of June 4, 2004, I had walked into Sara’s office and started our conversation when the phone rang. When Sara answered the phone and her face lit up like a sunrise, with the best ever smile I had seen on her. She put the phone down and said “We got it!” We had been accepted, and the rest is history.
How did that affect my life? Hard to say, except that at that point, all of my DILR/OLLI experiences came into focus, and even more than ever, I realized what a treasure we have in the talents of our members, as well as the talents of our Duke faculty.
Myron Miller
These are excerpts from Myron’s many rich and deep experiences as a member and volunteer. You can read all of Myron’s letter here.
Walter Brown
Dear OLLI:
When I retired as Dean of the School of Education at North Carolina Central University, I wanted to continue learning in an institutional setting without the never ending administrative responsibilities. At the time, Duke Institute for Learning in Retirement (DILR) provided the desired opportunities for continual growth and fellowship. I availed myself of these new horizons and continued when DILR transitioned to OSHER LIFELONG INSTITUTE (OLLI.) Duke University has reason to be proud of OLLI as well as the communities of Durham and vicinity.
Walter M Brown
When I retired as Dean of the School of Education at North Carolina Central University, I wanted to continue learning in an institutional setting without the never ending administrative responsibilities. At the time, Duke Institute for Learning in Retirement (DILR) provided the desired opportunities for continual growth and fellowship. I availed myself of these new horizons and continued when DILR transitioned to OSHER LIFELONG INSTITUTE (OLLI.) Duke University has reason to be proud of OLLI as well as the communities of Durham and vicinity.
Walter M Brown
Chelley & Bob Gutin
Dear OLLI,
In 2005, Chelley and I decided to move to the N.C. Triangle, partly because of the presence of the life-long learning institute at Duke, whose name became OLLI at Duke.
For the last 13 years, we have had a wonderful time participating in the courses, retreats, social events, book clubs, etc. Most of our best friends are fellow OLLI participants who also relocated to this region partly because of OLLI. So our advice to new retirees who want to keep their bodies and minds functioning at a high level is "Join us in this wonderful entity called OLLI at Duke."
Bernard (Bob) Gutin
In 2005, Chelley and I decided to move to the N.C. Triangle, partly because of the presence of the life-long learning institute at Duke, whose name became OLLI at Duke.
For the last 13 years, we have had a wonderful time participating in the courses, retreats, social events, book clubs, etc. Most of our best friends are fellow OLLI participants who also relocated to this region partly because of OLLI. So our advice to new retirees who want to keep their bodies and minds functioning at a high level is "Join us in this wonderful entity called OLLI at Duke."
Bernard (Bob) Gutin
A note from Lauren Tappan
Dear OLLI,
I taught an OLLI class with John Logan years ago. The title of the class was “New Glasses for
Old Eyes.” This was an experimental class teaching people with limited eyesight how to use assistive technology. Since the completion of this class, we have developed a support group and eventually a blog for people who are blind and with low-vision.
With the help of John Logan, our blog has been very successful and has gotten international
recognition.
Personally, I have found this whole experience to be extremely rewarding. The information and
contacts have been more than I could have expected.
At this point, we are now developing even more programs and projects for people with limited eyesight. If any OLLI members have cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, detached retina, etc., this might limit their independence and ability to continue to use the computer. We now have ways to continue to use the computer even with limited eyesight and stay in the game. If you are interested in following up on this story, look on my blog which is lvatug.wordpress.com.
A continual thank you to John Logan, who has been a steady companion in developing this technical resource.
Lauren Tappan
I taught an OLLI class with John Logan years ago. The title of the class was “New Glasses for
Old Eyes.” This was an experimental class teaching people with limited eyesight how to use assistive technology. Since the completion of this class, we have developed a support group and eventually a blog for people who are blind and with low-vision.
With the help of John Logan, our blog has been very successful and has gotten international
recognition.
Personally, I have found this whole experience to be extremely rewarding. The information and
contacts have been more than I could have expected.
At this point, we are now developing even more programs and projects for people with limited eyesight. If any OLLI members have cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, detached retina, etc., this might limit their independence and ability to continue to use the computer. We now have ways to continue to use the computer even with limited eyesight and stay in the game. If you are interested in following up on this story, look on my blog which is lvatug.wordpress.com.
A continual thank you to John Logan, who has been a steady companion in developing this technical resource.
Lauren Tappan
Richard Melanson
Dear OLLI,
Upon retiring in 2010 after 38 years of college and university teaching, I floundered around for a couple of years. I thought about becoming an Adjunct Professor at Georgetown but was really tired of reading student papers and grading exams and didn’t want to teach at night. Participating in book clubs and singing in a chorus proved unsatisfying.
Then one day I stumbled upon the OLLI program at George Mason University. After taking a couple of classes, I began offering courses, which proved to be both popular and personally rewarding.
In 2015 we moved into a retirement community in Durham, and one of the main reasons for coming to the Triangle was OLLI at Duke, which I knew by reputation. In little more than two years I’ve made more friends by teaching in this intellectually rich program than I did in more than twenty years of living in the D.C. area.
My OLLI students are highly educated, well read, and very interesting people who share my love of learning.
Sincerely,
Richard Melanson
Upon retiring in 2010 after 38 years of college and university teaching, I floundered around for a couple of years. I thought about becoming an Adjunct Professor at Georgetown but was really tired of reading student papers and grading exams and didn’t want to teach at night. Participating in book clubs and singing in a chorus proved unsatisfying.
Then one day I stumbled upon the OLLI program at George Mason University. After taking a couple of classes, I began offering courses, which proved to be both popular and personally rewarding.
In 2015 we moved into a retirement community in Durham, and one of the main reasons for coming to the Triangle was OLLI at Duke, which I knew by reputation. In little more than two years I’ve made more friends by teaching in this intellectually rich program than I did in more than twenty years of living in the D.C. area.
My OLLI students are highly educated, well read, and very interesting people who share my love of learning.
Sincerely,
Richard Melanson
Marvin Teer
Dear OLLI,
When I first encountered OLLI, I saw an advertisement in a state magazine for a two day seminar called “What to Do after You Retire” in 2007 presented by OLLI at Duke. If I had not attended this seminar I would not have known about OLLI.
Since becoming a member, I have participated into the life of OLLI as a facilitator at the fall retreat; class assistant; Strategic Planning Committee; Short and Long Term Space Subcommittee; Space Committee; and Vice President of the OLLI Board. I am very glad to have the opportunity to be a member of OLLI.
The experiences I have enjoyed were that I have taken all of Dr. Wendell Musser's classes and most of Billy Yeargin's classes. History courses are what I enjoy most of all and in the lecture form.
The challenges that OLLI face are space and money. Without enough money, OLLI cannot purchase additional space. It would be my hope that OLLI could purchase a building/space that is convenient for the members such that if they took a class, they would have enough time to drive to wherever the next class was being held.
It is an opportunity to form friendships, mainly with instructors and staff, and my fellow volunteers at the various committees and being able to support OLLI.
Sincerely,
Marvin Teer
When I first encountered OLLI, I saw an advertisement in a state magazine for a two day seminar called “What to Do after You Retire” in 2007 presented by OLLI at Duke. If I had not attended this seminar I would not have known about OLLI.
Since becoming a member, I have participated into the life of OLLI as a facilitator at the fall retreat; class assistant; Strategic Planning Committee; Short and Long Term Space Subcommittee; Space Committee; and Vice President of the OLLI Board. I am very glad to have the opportunity to be a member of OLLI.
The experiences I have enjoyed were that I have taken all of Dr. Wendell Musser's classes and most of Billy Yeargin's classes. History courses are what I enjoy most of all and in the lecture form.
The challenges that OLLI face are space and money. Without enough money, OLLI cannot purchase additional space. It would be my hope that OLLI could purchase a building/space that is convenient for the members such that if they took a class, they would have enough time to drive to wherever the next class was being held.
It is an opportunity to form friendships, mainly with instructors and staff, and my fellow volunteers at the various committees and being able to support OLLI.
Sincerely,
Marvin Teer
Walter Mears
Dear OLLI,
I'm called an instructor at OLLI, but I have learned much more than I have taught during my courses since 2016. I anticipate the same experience in my winter 2018 course beginning in January.
I was a reporter, editor and news executive at The Associated Press in a career spanning nearly 50 years. I retired in 2001, and my wife Fran and I moved from the Washington, D.C., area to Chapel Hill in 2005.
At the AP, my specialty was as a political reporter, covering presidential election campaigns from 1960 through and past 2000. Fran was a journalist as well, at the AP and Gannett News Service. She was a reporter and then AP bureau chief in Baltimore before joining Gannett as its Washington managing editor.
We both have taught undergraduate journalism courses and did not find them fulfilling. Most students were more interested in grades than in the realities of learning and covering the news. So OLLI has been a refreshing and inspiring experience for us. The many and varied talents of OLLI students, their dedication to learning the subjects at hand and their participation in class discussions keep the sessions informed and lively.
I was fortunate to join OLLI with campaign and election courses in 2016, thanks to my friend and neighbor Dick Isabel, an OLLI participant who knew of my background and experience and urged me to volunteer as an instructor. He said I would find it rewarding, and he was right.
I'm flattered that my courses have been fully booked and well attended. The OLLI students have been gracious and appreciative - more applause than I deserve, because it is their preparation and participation that keeps the classes alive and exciting.
For each 90-minute session, my practice has been to prepare an outline based on the latest developments in politics and on my experience in dealing with such situations in past campaigns. Although much of what is happening now in Washington is outside the realities I covered for all those years, my stories of past politics seem relevant to my classes, and I am thankful for that.
My favorite memory is of my last 2016 class, when a group of participants took Fran and me to lunch as a thank you for my role. They gave me a bottle of Jack Daniels' (how did they know it was my favorite?) and a printed certificate of appreciation. I thanked them and all OLLI participants for making the program meaningful and rewarding to everyone who takes part.
For the future, I will be participating as long as I can, hoping that OLLI continues to deliver the experience I have come to treasure.
Walter Mears
I'm called an instructor at OLLI, but I have learned much more than I have taught during my courses since 2016. I anticipate the same experience in my winter 2018 course beginning in January.
I was a reporter, editor and news executive at The Associated Press in a career spanning nearly 50 years. I retired in 2001, and my wife Fran and I moved from the Washington, D.C., area to Chapel Hill in 2005.
At the AP, my specialty was as a political reporter, covering presidential election campaigns from 1960 through and past 2000. Fran was a journalist as well, at the AP and Gannett News Service. She was a reporter and then AP bureau chief in Baltimore before joining Gannett as its Washington managing editor.
We both have taught undergraduate journalism courses and did not find them fulfilling. Most students were more interested in grades than in the realities of learning and covering the news. So OLLI has been a refreshing and inspiring experience for us. The many and varied talents of OLLI students, their dedication to learning the subjects at hand and their participation in class discussions keep the sessions informed and lively.
I was fortunate to join OLLI with campaign and election courses in 2016, thanks to my friend and neighbor Dick Isabel, an OLLI participant who knew of my background and experience and urged me to volunteer as an instructor. He said I would find it rewarding, and he was right.
I'm flattered that my courses have been fully booked and well attended. The OLLI students have been gracious and appreciative - more applause than I deserve, because it is their preparation and participation that keeps the classes alive and exciting.
For each 90-minute session, my practice has been to prepare an outline based on the latest developments in politics and on my experience in dealing with such situations in past campaigns. Although much of what is happening now in Washington is outside the realities I covered for all those years, my stories of past politics seem relevant to my classes, and I am thankful for that.
My favorite memory is of my last 2016 class, when a group of participants took Fran and me to lunch as a thank you for my role. They gave me a bottle of Jack Daniels' (how did they know it was my favorite?) and a printed certificate of appreciation. I thanked them and all OLLI participants for making the program meaningful and rewarding to everyone who takes part.
For the future, I will be participating as long as I can, hoping that OLLI continues to deliver the experience I have come to treasure.
Walter Mears
Dear OLLI,
In my initial exploratory visit to Durham prior to moving here, I visited the OLLI office at the Bishop’s house. I was attracted to the wide range of course offerings and fine instructors, which was one key reason I moved here. I have not been disappointed.
I have been enrolled in classes since moving here about 10 years ago. I recall being invited out to lunch following a “world today” class which led to making lasting friendships. I generally take 2-3 classes many of which are outside my area of expertise. They are engaging and stimulating, and I feel fortunate to have excellent instructors and motivated, inquisitive students. The only problem I have with OLLI is too many attractive course offerings and not enough time.
It has been rewarding to serve as class assistant for many classes as well as serving on various committees. I also thoroughly enjoyed the retreats to the ocean and mountains and helped organize some of them.
I am a firm believer in lifelong learning, and OLLI certainly enriches my life regarding my intellectual, physical, emotional, and social well-being. I am delighted my partner Susan Dennison is also enthusiastic about OLLI, and we take some of the same courses.
I feel like I am a walking advertisement for OLLI and have recommended it to many people. I generally keep a few extra catalogs in my car which are readily available to share with interested people.
I feel proud to be a member of OLLI. What a pleasure it is to share in the 40th anniversary celebration. I look forward to the 80th celebration and seeing many of you there.
Tom Wolf
In my initial exploratory visit to Durham prior to moving here, I visited the OLLI office at the Bishop’s house. I was attracted to the wide range of course offerings and fine instructors, which was one key reason I moved here. I have not been disappointed.
I have been enrolled in classes since moving here about 10 years ago. I recall being invited out to lunch following a “world today” class which led to making lasting friendships. I generally take 2-3 classes many of which are outside my area of expertise. They are engaging and stimulating, and I feel fortunate to have excellent instructors and motivated, inquisitive students. The only problem I have with OLLI is too many attractive course offerings and not enough time.
It has been rewarding to serve as class assistant for many classes as well as serving on various committees. I also thoroughly enjoyed the retreats to the ocean and mountains and helped organize some of them.
I am a firm believer in lifelong learning, and OLLI certainly enriches my life regarding my intellectual, physical, emotional, and social well-being. I am delighted my partner Susan Dennison is also enthusiastic about OLLI, and we take some of the same courses.
I feel like I am a walking advertisement for OLLI and have recommended it to many people. I generally keep a few extra catalogs in my car which are readily available to share with interested people.
I feel proud to be a member of OLLI. What a pleasure it is to share in the 40th anniversary celebration. I look forward to the 80th celebration and seeing many of you there.
Tom Wolf
Phyllis K. Crabb
Dear OLLI,
Without you, OLLI, I might never have published my first novel. Thanks to writing classes taught by Polly Hillsabeck many years ago, I met talented scribes who became part of a writer’s group that critiqued and encouraged the publication of my novel - Commitment – in 2015.
Without the three genealogy classes taught by Margo Farris Brewer, I might never have undertaken the search for my ancestors. As a result of these classes, I created a 253-page document that tells the stories of my great-grandfather Kirks, his children, and grandchildren. What a joyful experience that research proved to be!
These are just two subject areas of many OLLI classes that have enhanced my knowledge, inspired my activities, and enriched my life. In each of your classes, I have met others whose love of learning has brought us together. Several cherished friendships have evolved as a result of our shared OLLI experiences.
Each time a new catalog comes out, I pour over the offerings, thinking about how much I would enjoy so many of them – if only I had the time!
Thank you, OLLI, for all that your course offerings have done to make a difference in my life!
Sincerely,
Phyllis K. Crabb
Without you, OLLI, I might never have published my first novel. Thanks to writing classes taught by Polly Hillsabeck many years ago, I met talented scribes who became part of a writer’s group that critiqued and encouraged the publication of my novel - Commitment – in 2015.
Without the three genealogy classes taught by Margo Farris Brewer, I might never have undertaken the search for my ancestors. As a result of these classes, I created a 253-page document that tells the stories of my great-grandfather Kirks, his children, and grandchildren. What a joyful experience that research proved to be!
These are just two subject areas of many OLLI classes that have enhanced my knowledge, inspired my activities, and enriched my life. In each of your classes, I have met others whose love of learning has brought us together. Several cherished friendships have evolved as a result of our shared OLLI experiences.
Each time a new catalog comes out, I pour over the offerings, thinking about how much I would enjoy so many of them – if only I had the time!
Thank you, OLLI, for all that your course offerings have done to make a difference in my life!
Sincerely,
Phyllis K. Crabb
Phil Carl
Dear OLLI,
As to what OLLI means to me and why I’ve been both a teacher and a student for these many years, I couldn’t do better than to quote what Merlin tells King Arthur in T. H. White’s The Once and Future King.
“The best thing for being sad,” replied Merlin, beginning to puff and blow, “is to learn something. That is the only thing that never fails. You may grow old and trembling in your anatomies, you may lie awake in the middle of the night listening to the disorder of your veins, you may miss your only love, you may see the world around you devastated by evil lunatics, or know your honor trampled in the sewers of baser minds. There is only one thing for it then — to learn. Learn why the world wags and what wags it. That is the only thing the mind can never exhaust, never alienate, never be tortured by, never fear or distrust, and never dream of regretting.”
No one has ever said it better. You can quote me--or T. H. White.
Phil
As to what OLLI means to me and why I’ve been both a teacher and a student for these many years, I couldn’t do better than to quote what Merlin tells King Arthur in T. H. White’s The Once and Future King.
“The best thing for being sad,” replied Merlin, beginning to puff and blow, “is to learn something. That is the only thing that never fails. You may grow old and trembling in your anatomies, you may lie awake in the middle of the night listening to the disorder of your veins, you may miss your only love, you may see the world around you devastated by evil lunatics, or know your honor trampled in the sewers of baser minds. There is only one thing for it then — to learn. Learn why the world wags and what wags it. That is the only thing the mind can never exhaust, never alienate, never be tortured by, never fear or distrust, and never dream of regretting.”
No one has ever said it better. You can quote me--or T. H. White.
Phil
Marjorie Satinsky
Dear OLLI,
OLLI has had a remarkable impact on my life since I began taking classes in 2006. The opportunity to learn more about subjects in which I always had an interest is outstanding. The interaction with other OLLI students, too, has been very rewarding, and I have made some very good friends through the many classes that I’ve taken.
Inspired by all that I was learning, five years ago I decided to offer my own courses in opera appreciation. As a faculty member, the chance to learn more about a subject that I enjoy and to share my insights with students has become an essential part of my life.
Many thanks for all the effort that goes into making this program as outstanding as it is.
Margie Satinsky
OLLI has had a remarkable impact on my life since I began taking classes in 2006. The opportunity to learn more about subjects in which I always had an interest is outstanding. The interaction with other OLLI students, too, has been very rewarding, and I have made some very good friends through the many classes that I’ve taken.
Inspired by all that I was learning, five years ago I decided to offer my own courses in opera appreciation. As a faculty member, the chance to learn more about a subject that I enjoy and to share my insights with students has become an essential part of my life.
Many thanks for all the effort that goes into making this program as outstanding as it is.
Margie Satinsky
Sue McMurray
Dear OLLI,
I was struck by the contagious enthusiasm for OLLI which always surrounded ROZ WOLBARSHT. She convinced me to teach a class and I learned about the fantastic spirit and EXTREMELY high quality of all things OLLI, which continue to draw us all in, enriching each and every one.
Sue McMurray
I was struck by the contagious enthusiasm for OLLI which always surrounded ROZ WOLBARSHT. She convinced me to teach a class and I learned about the fantastic spirit and EXTREMELY high quality of all things OLLI, which continue to draw us all in, enriching each and every one.
Sue McMurray
Betty & Phil Hopkins
Dear OLLI,
We moved to Durham from Connecticut in the spring of 1998. A neighbor told
us about the Duke Lifelong Learning Institute (DILR) and said we might be
interested in taking classes designed for retirees. Our first class was called
"Tar Heel Geography" taught by Bill Wright and was the beginning of a very
long and wonderful experience for us! Bill had traveled to all 100 counties in
North Carolina and gave the class copies of the welcome documents from
each one. He also warned us that if we had moved here because of our kids
we should not trust them. He had moved here to be close to his kids but they
moved to Dallas!
We soon signed up for classes to learn new things, registered for retreats and other social events and developed many friendships. It was so nice to know people who remembered the same historical experiences that we did, from serious matters such as civil rights and politics to music and dance and other pastimes. We made instant connections with classmates and soon found ourselves volunteering for many committees. Phil worked on quite a few projects including Membership, Communications, Strategic Planning, and served two years as President of the Board of Advisers of what has become the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Duke. Betty worked on the Membership and Communications Committees and chaired the Beach Retreat for four years. After nearly sixteen years of active duty, we "retired" to return to just being students.
OLLI has been a major part of our lives, expanding our horizons with new ideas and offering us the chance to meet interesting people. OLLI has kept us young. We sincerely believe that you don't stop playing or learning or laughing
because you get old. You get old because you stop playing and learning and laughing!
We think the future of this organization is in good hands now and will continue to be a viable and important experience for lifelong learners. After forty amazing years, OLLI just keeps getting better!
Betty and Phil Hopkins
We moved to Durham from Connecticut in the spring of 1998. A neighbor told
us about the Duke Lifelong Learning Institute (DILR) and said we might be
interested in taking classes designed for retirees. Our first class was called
"Tar Heel Geography" taught by Bill Wright and was the beginning of a very
long and wonderful experience for us! Bill had traveled to all 100 counties in
North Carolina and gave the class copies of the welcome documents from
each one. He also warned us that if we had moved here because of our kids
we should not trust them. He had moved here to be close to his kids but they
moved to Dallas!
We soon signed up for classes to learn new things, registered for retreats and other social events and developed many friendships. It was so nice to know people who remembered the same historical experiences that we did, from serious matters such as civil rights and politics to music and dance and other pastimes. We made instant connections with classmates and soon found ourselves volunteering for many committees. Phil worked on quite a few projects including Membership, Communications, Strategic Planning, and served two years as President of the Board of Advisers of what has become the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Duke. Betty worked on the Membership and Communications Committees and chaired the Beach Retreat for four years. After nearly sixteen years of active duty, we "retired" to return to just being students.
OLLI has been a major part of our lives, expanding our horizons with new ideas and offering us the chance to meet interesting people. OLLI has kept us young. We sincerely believe that you don't stop playing or learning or laughing
because you get old. You get old because you stop playing and learning and laughing!
We think the future of this organization is in good hands now and will continue to be a viable and important experience for lifelong learners. After forty amazing years, OLLI just keeps getting better!
Betty and Phil Hopkins
Joanne Napoli
Dear OLLI,
Since I joined DILR and then OLLI almost 20 years ago, I have loved the diversity of course offerings. For me, I have loved writing memoirs, stories, and poetry in various classes over the years and sharing them with classmates.
I also enjoyed the various art classes and learned painting in watercolor and collage. Right now I am in the harp ensemble, something I never dreamed I would play. I enjoy our small group and excellent teacher. I love all these participation classes.
I also love getting to meet the folks in my classes who have similar interests. I am never alone in finding new interests and sharing them with new friends.
When I was younger, I used to teach in the DILR program, but now am involved in volunteer activities at
Duke. However, I retain many old and new friends and enjoy looking at the catalog to see what there is that
is new that I can learn. Thank you for being the mainstay of my social and learning life.
Joanne Napoli
Since I joined DILR and then OLLI almost 20 years ago, I have loved the diversity of course offerings. For me, I have loved writing memoirs, stories, and poetry in various classes over the years and sharing them with classmates.
I also enjoyed the various art classes and learned painting in watercolor and collage. Right now I am in the harp ensemble, something I never dreamed I would play. I enjoy our small group and excellent teacher. I love all these participation classes.
I also love getting to meet the folks in my classes who have similar interests. I am never alone in finding new interests and sharing them with new friends.
When I was younger, I used to teach in the DILR program, but now am involved in volunteer activities at
Duke. However, I retain many old and new friends and enjoy looking at the catalog to see what there is that
is new that I can learn. Thank you for being the mainstay of my social and learning life.
Joanne Napoli
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Dear OLLI,
When I moved to Durham over 10 years ago I wanted to improve my golf game so I took some classes from OLLI and it helped me very much. After those classes I have taken other classes, and sometimes there is just too much to choose from; but as my friends say “Isn’t that a good problem to have” and I agree with them. Happy 40th Anniversary and looking forward to many more classes with OLLI. Dale Briggs |
|
Dear OLLI,
Happy 40th Anniversary OLLI and thanks to the OLLI Staff and IT department and all who make OLLI the success it is. When I retired five years ago I wanted to learn about and art and music. OLLI has given me that chance not only with the great instructors but also the variety of topics given on art and music. I look forward to seeing the offerings each semester and the quotes they have on the catalog. Thanks. Kayla Briggs |
Oliver Ferguson
Dear OLLI,
This letter expresses my gratitude to you and your forebear DILR.
After a long and rewarding career teaching college students, I was ready to retire but not to abandon teaching. You two provided that opportunity, with the added attraction of allowing me to offer courses in any topic or area I chose. In a word, I was free to roam. My roaming covered offerings from Swift to Wodehouse and in courses as diverse as Wuthering Heights and Lucky Jim, and poems by Billy Collins and Paul Zimmer.
And there was the cardinal advantage of discovery. Without exception, every poem, novel, drama, or essay I taught brought me a new or revised insight and a renewed and heightened appreciation.
For all this, please accept my thanks.
Sincerely,
Oliver Ferguson
This letter expresses my gratitude to you and your forebear DILR.
After a long and rewarding career teaching college students, I was ready to retire but not to abandon teaching. You two provided that opportunity, with the added attraction of allowing me to offer courses in any topic or area I chose. In a word, I was free to roam. My roaming covered offerings from Swift to Wodehouse and in courses as diverse as Wuthering Heights and Lucky Jim, and poems by Billy Collins and Paul Zimmer.
And there was the cardinal advantage of discovery. Without exception, every poem, novel, drama, or essay I taught brought me a new or revised insight and a renewed and heightened appreciation.
For all this, please accept my thanks.
Sincerely,
Oliver Ferguson
Dr. Martin Kagan
Dear OLLI,
Not fond of writing letters. I welcome this opportunity to comment.
We arrived in NC 5 years ago and were encouraged by neighbors to check out OLLI.
The classes offered were numerous, varied, well presented and therapeutic for this senior.
My wife agrees that by attending courses we have expanded our interests and truly enjoyed
learning.
Thank you OLLI for enriching our lives.
Dr. Martin B. Kagan
Not fond of writing letters. I welcome this opportunity to comment.
We arrived in NC 5 years ago and were encouraged by neighbors to check out OLLI.
The classes offered were numerous, varied, well presented and therapeutic for this senior.
My wife agrees that by attending courses we have expanded our interests and truly enjoyed
learning.
Thank you OLLI for enriching our lives.
Dr. Martin B. Kagan
Margot Kagan
Dear OLLI,
The classes I took have been fantastic and most enjoyable. The teachers were well informed with clear presentations.
I will continue to join classes in the future. Thank you for making them possible.
Margot Kagan
The classes I took have been fantastic and most enjoyable. The teachers were well informed with clear presentations.
I will continue to join classes in the future. Thank you for making them possible.
Margot Kagan
Becky Russell
Dear OLLI,
Congratulations on your (our) 40 years of successfully educating each other! This organization keeps us all thinking and doing, which, I believe, is extraordinarily beneficial in a great many ways. This approach to our later years of life is precisely what brought me to OLLI. I first came as a teacher. I have always been a teacher and love doing that work. Furthermore, my hobby is painting with watercolors. OLLI provides me the opportunity to both teach and paint. There is no better combination of activities for me.
However, I must say that OLLI gives me another fantastic benefit – meeting wonderful people. My students regularly bolster my confidence and improve my mood. They generally are very energetic and committed to learning. There is no better type of student. I get thrills when they succeed at controlling those feisty watercolors!
OLLI, simply put, keeps me going; gives me purpose. I hope OLLI continues to grow because we definitely add to the health and well-being of our community. I look forward to celebrating our 50th anniversary.
Gratefully,
Becky Raye Russell
Congratulations on your (our) 40 years of successfully educating each other! This organization keeps us all thinking and doing, which, I believe, is extraordinarily beneficial in a great many ways. This approach to our later years of life is precisely what brought me to OLLI. I first came as a teacher. I have always been a teacher and love doing that work. Furthermore, my hobby is painting with watercolors. OLLI provides me the opportunity to both teach and paint. There is no better combination of activities for me.
However, I must say that OLLI gives me another fantastic benefit – meeting wonderful people. My students regularly bolster my confidence and improve my mood. They generally are very energetic and committed to learning. There is no better type of student. I get thrills when they succeed at controlling those feisty watercolors!
OLLI, simply put, keeps me going; gives me purpose. I hope OLLI continues to grow because we definitely add to the health and well-being of our community. I look forward to celebrating our 50th anniversary.
Gratefully,
Becky Raye Russell
Claudia & Steven Markey
Dear OLLI,
I am writing in response to your request for testimonials about the positive impact OLLI has had on individual lives. My story is as follows:
In October of 2014, I retired and relocated from London, England, where I had been employed for the final 4 years of my long career, to Durham with my wife. We have a daughter and 2 grandchildren in Durham, which served as our motivation to move here. As with most retirees, there is initially a big gap of time to fill when the demands of full employment are no longer there. I was told about OLLI by a friend of our daughter’s, who knew that my wife and I might be interested in formal learning opportunities. So, we obtained a copy of the Winter 2015 course offerings to peruse.
I have for some time been keenly interested in learning about the earlier generations of the Markey family, specifically, from where and when did they settle in North America. I had a good family tree write up that covered our history in Ohio, going back to 1839, but the details of our antecedents in Maryland, from which my great great great grandfather moved to Ohio, were a mystery. Therefore, a course in genealogy offered by OLLI gained immediate interest on my part.
The introductory genealogy course taught by Margo Fariss Brewer proved to be the gateway to my past that I had long sought after. She is a true professional, and taught me how to search and document family history in a very disciplined and thorough manner. As a result of taking this course, I eventually learned the Markey history back to my great great great great great grandparents who immigrated from Switzerland in 1749. In addition to the research process, I also made contacts with relatives who I didn’t know existed. Today, I have a fabulous treasure trove of information about my ancestry, have been to grave sites of my ancestors in Maryland and Pennsylvania, and have a great sense of satisfaction in knowing more about my family history in North America than I ever thought possible.
The illumination of my 18th century family story, made possible using the tools and instruction provided by Margo through an OLLI genealogy course, represents a priceless gift for which I will be ever grateful. Subsequently, my wife and I have taken courses in almost every class term, and have thoroughly enjoyed the knowledge and insights gained on a variety of subjects. But beyond the studies, we have also made some wonderful acquaintances and enjoyed several delightful evenings sponsored by the OLLI wine society. To say that OLLI has provided a great source of enrichment to our retired lives is not an exaggeration.
We will continue to support OLLI going forward, and look forward to more opportunities for enlightenment and entertainment provided by the wonderful, knowledgeable, and capable instructors and class leaders.
Sincerely,
Steven and Claudia Markey
I am writing in response to your request for testimonials about the positive impact OLLI has had on individual lives. My story is as follows:
In October of 2014, I retired and relocated from London, England, where I had been employed for the final 4 years of my long career, to Durham with my wife. We have a daughter and 2 grandchildren in Durham, which served as our motivation to move here. As with most retirees, there is initially a big gap of time to fill when the demands of full employment are no longer there. I was told about OLLI by a friend of our daughter’s, who knew that my wife and I might be interested in formal learning opportunities. So, we obtained a copy of the Winter 2015 course offerings to peruse.
I have for some time been keenly interested in learning about the earlier generations of the Markey family, specifically, from where and when did they settle in North America. I had a good family tree write up that covered our history in Ohio, going back to 1839, but the details of our antecedents in Maryland, from which my great great great grandfather moved to Ohio, were a mystery. Therefore, a course in genealogy offered by OLLI gained immediate interest on my part.
The introductory genealogy course taught by Margo Fariss Brewer proved to be the gateway to my past that I had long sought after. She is a true professional, and taught me how to search and document family history in a very disciplined and thorough manner. As a result of taking this course, I eventually learned the Markey history back to my great great great great great grandparents who immigrated from Switzerland in 1749. In addition to the research process, I also made contacts with relatives who I didn’t know existed. Today, I have a fabulous treasure trove of information about my ancestry, have been to grave sites of my ancestors in Maryland and Pennsylvania, and have a great sense of satisfaction in knowing more about my family history in North America than I ever thought possible.
The illumination of my 18th century family story, made possible using the tools and instruction provided by Margo through an OLLI genealogy course, represents a priceless gift for which I will be ever grateful. Subsequently, my wife and I have taken courses in almost every class term, and have thoroughly enjoyed the knowledge and insights gained on a variety of subjects. But beyond the studies, we have also made some wonderful acquaintances and enjoyed several delightful evenings sponsored by the OLLI wine society. To say that OLLI has provided a great source of enrichment to our retired lives is not an exaggeration.
We will continue to support OLLI going forward, and look forward to more opportunities for enlightenment and entertainment provided by the wonderful, knowledgeable, and capable instructors and class leaders.
Sincerely,
Steven and Claudia Markey
Nancy Truitt
Dear OLLI,
When I retired several years ago I was unsure of my path forward. I knew I wanted to continue to travel, and I had personal projects to do, but there was still a void I wanted to fill. Finding OLLI has helped fill that void. I love learning and it is exhilarating to continue to learn at my age.
I have learned something from every OLLI class I have taken, and I have even renewed an interest in a subject that I said one day long ago I wanted to pursue - Shakespeare. Unlike taking some classes during my youth, I look forward to each of my OLLI classes. They make me think, sometimes help me with dilemmas, and have never disappointed!
The teachers are wonderful and inspirational - the class participation is constructive. I love the exchange of ideas (especially when writing an “Ethical Will”), and have enjoyed meeting some wonderful classmates as well. I drive from Raleigh and have just taken a class offered closer to home in Brier Creek - perhaps this might be the next avenue for OLLI in order to branch out
and embrace more “students” from all parts of the Triangle. Or perhaps to partner with NC States’ OLLI program. Nevertheless I would never let traveling to Durham deter me from ever taking an OLLI class.
Nancy Truitt
When I retired several years ago I was unsure of my path forward. I knew I wanted to continue to travel, and I had personal projects to do, but there was still a void I wanted to fill. Finding OLLI has helped fill that void. I love learning and it is exhilarating to continue to learn at my age.
I have learned something from every OLLI class I have taken, and I have even renewed an interest in a subject that I said one day long ago I wanted to pursue - Shakespeare. Unlike taking some classes during my youth, I look forward to each of my OLLI classes. They make me think, sometimes help me with dilemmas, and have never disappointed!
The teachers are wonderful and inspirational - the class participation is constructive. I love the exchange of ideas (especially when writing an “Ethical Will”), and have enjoyed meeting some wonderful classmates as well. I drive from Raleigh and have just taken a class offered closer to home in Brier Creek - perhaps this might be the next avenue for OLLI in order to branch out
and embrace more “students” from all parts of the Triangle. Or perhaps to partner with NC States’ OLLI program. Nevertheless I would never let traveling to Durham deter me from ever taking an OLLI class.
Nancy Truitt
Nancy Forer
Dear OLLI,
Thank you!
When I moved to North Carolina, I left behind northern family roots and friendships that ran deep. I felt like a displaced alien. To tap into a new place and culture felt foreign to me for a long time.
Over the years, I saw OLLI brochures at our neighborhood book-swap stall and I loved the varied
offerings listed. So many piqued my interest but I didn’t feel brave enough to sign up for any. Finally, I
mustered the courage to take a couple of classes and braved the drive along busy 15/501 to get to them.
I was scared for a lot of reasons. I didn’t know the roads well; where I was going and the traffic seemed overwhelming. I didn’t know anyone. I had not been in a classroom setting for years. I was uncertain of the expectations and my abilities to meet them. But once I entered the classrooms, the relaxed atmosphere eased my anxiety. The instructors were very approachable, knowledgeable, helpful, and humorous.
A whole new world opened up for me as new skills unfolded. I learned to knit a warm winter hat, wrote a short story, and made a new friend.
But the most important discovery of all was the new-found self-confidence I gained by stretching myself beyond the feelings of self-doubt and the limitations that I imposed on me. At this stage in my life, that is pretty darn awesome!
Nancy Forer
Thank you!
When I moved to North Carolina, I left behind northern family roots and friendships that ran deep. I felt like a displaced alien. To tap into a new place and culture felt foreign to me for a long time.
Over the years, I saw OLLI brochures at our neighborhood book-swap stall and I loved the varied
offerings listed. So many piqued my interest but I didn’t feel brave enough to sign up for any. Finally, I
mustered the courage to take a couple of classes and braved the drive along busy 15/501 to get to them.
I was scared for a lot of reasons. I didn’t know the roads well; where I was going and the traffic seemed overwhelming. I didn’t know anyone. I had not been in a classroom setting for years. I was uncertain of the expectations and my abilities to meet them. But once I entered the classrooms, the relaxed atmosphere eased my anxiety. The instructors were very approachable, knowledgeable, helpful, and humorous.
A whole new world opened up for me as new skills unfolded. I learned to knit a warm winter hat, wrote a short story, and made a new friend.
But the most important discovery of all was the new-found self-confidence I gained by stretching myself beyond the feelings of self-doubt and the limitations that I imposed on me. At this stage in my life, that is pretty darn awesome!
Nancy Forer
Jaunita Johnson
Dear OLLI,
Arriving in Durham thirteen years ago from Upstate NY, one of the first things I did was enroll at DILR for a class at the Bishop House. I was standing alone in the hallway after class one day when a seasoned member, Maurita Paprocki, approached me and invited me to go with her to the Duke East Campus Student Union so I would know where it was. I was deeply appreciative of her kindness. As we shared sodas together at the Union, she told me there was a DILR women’s group that met once a month at a local restaurant for lunch. Any woman enrolled in a class at DILR was welcome to attend.
The next time the women’s group met, I joined them. The group provided me with my first picture of what living in Durham would be like. Everyone was welcoming and I looked forward to the monthly gathering. It was at one of these luncheons that I met Sara Craven. I was a recently retired mental health counselor and college instructor. I had loved teaching, and sorely missed not finding a way to continue teaching in retirement. In conversation with Sara, who was Director of the Duke Institute for Learning in Retirement at the time, she encouraged me to submit a proposal for a class.
Consequently, I’ve taught twenty-seven classes at OLLI over the past twelve years. The people I have been privileged to teach have enriched my life in countless ways. The interactions I’ve had with my students, and the intellectual stimulation I so enjoy in preparing and teaching classes, have inspired me to keep on learning, exploring, and growing.
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!
Juanita Johnson
Arriving in Durham thirteen years ago from Upstate NY, one of the first things I did was enroll at DILR for a class at the Bishop House. I was standing alone in the hallway after class one day when a seasoned member, Maurita Paprocki, approached me and invited me to go with her to the Duke East Campus Student Union so I would know where it was. I was deeply appreciative of her kindness. As we shared sodas together at the Union, she told me there was a DILR women’s group that met once a month at a local restaurant for lunch. Any woman enrolled in a class at DILR was welcome to attend.
The next time the women’s group met, I joined them. The group provided me with my first picture of what living in Durham would be like. Everyone was welcoming and I looked forward to the monthly gathering. It was at one of these luncheons that I met Sara Craven. I was a recently retired mental health counselor and college instructor. I had loved teaching, and sorely missed not finding a way to continue teaching in retirement. In conversation with Sara, who was Director of the Duke Institute for Learning in Retirement at the time, she encouraged me to submit a proposal for a class.
Consequently, I’ve taught twenty-seven classes at OLLI over the past twelve years. The people I have been privileged to teach have enriched my life in countless ways. The interactions I’ve had with my students, and the intellectual stimulation I so enjoy in preparing and teaching classes, have inspired me to keep on learning, exploring, and growing.
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!
Juanita Johnson
Leigh & Sandy Vaughn
Dear OLLI,
I met you, OLLI, on your 34th birthday, when I retired and joined your Science Book Club---a continuing delight. Then you introduced me to the fun and antics of Conversational Spanish (trabajo facil y tapas delicioso). This semester I am also amazing my spouse and grandkids with Magic for Grandparents. I don't think either of us looks a day older than 39!
Leigh Vaughan
I met you, OLLI, on your 34th birthday, when I retired and joined your Science Book Club---a continuing delight. Then you introduced me to the fun and antics of Conversational Spanish (trabajo facil y tapas delicioso). This semester I am also amazing my spouse and grandkids with Magic for Grandparents. I don't think either of us looks a day older than 39!
Leigh Vaughan
Dudley Schwartz (fifth from left)
Dear OLLI,
I can't resist the call to respond to your "Dear OLLI" message/request - so here goes. Please bear with my message's moderate length - it's all true and a great true-life story:
My wife and I moved to Raleigh in the Spring of 2014 - and once we were sort of settled in our house here in Raleigh, I was casting about for a way to continue my almost life-long involvement in music, as a very enthusiastic amateur trombonist.
Well, here's a quick overview of my background at that point, to explain what happened and how it happened, to turn me into a very enthusiastic OLLI student:
Looking back to me when I was entering the 5th grade in a small town (Paxton) in Illinois, I "fell under the spell" of playing the trombone as part of the school band program. Why did I settle on the trombone? I've tried to figure that out but haven't come up with a good answer. But I sure am glad that my choice was indeed the golden slide trombone! Part of the answer, probably, is that Paxton was - and still is - a living, breathing version of the fabled town of River City, Iowa (as brought to life in my favorite Broadway show, "The Music Man" - remember the great song "76 Trombones" from that show ??).
In the 60 + music-filled years since then, I've been playing the 'bone, in many types of bands (including junior high, high school, college, summer rec department bands, and 30 years in the Rockville (Maryland - a suburb of Washington, DC) Brass Band, an authentic British Brass Band. And our school band director in Paxton was himself a fine trombonist - and (you've just got to believe this!) our school band director had once studied trombone with a true trombone virtuoso, named Jarslov "Jerry" Cimera - who was so talented that HE had spent some years in the trombone section of a very famous band, led by a very very famous gentleman named - now what was his name? Oh yeah, he was JOHN PHILIP SOUSA !! The original Music Man indeed !! My parents had seen and heard the Goldman Band, directed by Edwin Franko Goldman himself, on stage in Prospect Park in Brooklyn, New York - and they may well have seen Maestro Sousa himself there, too. So in a way, I was continuing my family love for music.
Now move the clock and the calendar forward until 2014, when my wife and I moved here to Raleigh. We were settling in, trying to get used to a very different part of the country. Well, one night I had fallen asleep in front of the TV set, and woke-up somewhere near 12:30 AM, only to find that the TV set was tuned to a public TV channel and was showing information about the New Horizon Band program!! My instant reaction was "Hey!! What a great idea! I've got to see if there's a New Horizon Band around the Triangle!" So off I went to the computer and found that there was and is indeed a New Horizon's Band based in Durham, as part of the OLLI program.
I fired off an e-mail message the next morning to the POC for the band, and rapidly became a member. That was going into the 2015-2016 band season, and I'm still a proud and very enthusiastic member of the band! I'm having a great time, have found a new musical home and friends (who have similar backgrounds in band music), and am (as all of us in the band are) in particular an enthusiastic follower of our Director and Maestro, Jeff Zentner, band director at the Durham Academy Middle School in Durham.
What more can I say, but to quote again "Professor" Harold Hill (from The Music Man), when he shouted "TAN TA-RAAA!!!" Now I've got to sign-off, and get ready to drive to Durham for this afternoon's New Horizon's band rehearsal. Wait - I guess I can quote another great musical Maestro (Irving Berlin), who wrote "C'mon Along - C'mon Along - let me take you by the hand - Up to the Man, up to the Man, who's the leader of the band" as part of his hit song "Alexander's Rag Time Band."
Dudley "SLIDE" Schwartz
Please feel free to write back for any further information - and 'cmon out and see/hear the band!!
I can't resist the call to respond to your "Dear OLLI" message/request - so here goes. Please bear with my message's moderate length - it's all true and a great true-life story:
My wife and I moved to Raleigh in the Spring of 2014 - and once we were sort of settled in our house here in Raleigh, I was casting about for a way to continue my almost life-long involvement in music, as a very enthusiastic amateur trombonist.
Well, here's a quick overview of my background at that point, to explain what happened and how it happened, to turn me into a very enthusiastic OLLI student:
Looking back to me when I was entering the 5th grade in a small town (Paxton) in Illinois, I "fell under the spell" of playing the trombone as part of the school band program. Why did I settle on the trombone? I've tried to figure that out but haven't come up with a good answer. But I sure am glad that my choice was indeed the golden slide trombone! Part of the answer, probably, is that Paxton was - and still is - a living, breathing version of the fabled town of River City, Iowa (as brought to life in my favorite Broadway show, "The Music Man" - remember the great song "76 Trombones" from that show ??).
In the 60 + music-filled years since then, I've been playing the 'bone, in many types of bands (including junior high, high school, college, summer rec department bands, and 30 years in the Rockville (Maryland - a suburb of Washington, DC) Brass Band, an authentic British Brass Band. And our school band director in Paxton was himself a fine trombonist - and (you've just got to believe this!) our school band director had once studied trombone with a true trombone virtuoso, named Jarslov "Jerry" Cimera - who was so talented that HE had spent some years in the trombone section of a very famous band, led by a very very famous gentleman named - now what was his name? Oh yeah, he was JOHN PHILIP SOUSA !! The original Music Man indeed !! My parents had seen and heard the Goldman Band, directed by Edwin Franko Goldman himself, on stage in Prospect Park in Brooklyn, New York - and they may well have seen Maestro Sousa himself there, too. So in a way, I was continuing my family love for music.
Now move the clock and the calendar forward until 2014, when my wife and I moved here to Raleigh. We were settling in, trying to get used to a very different part of the country. Well, one night I had fallen asleep in front of the TV set, and woke-up somewhere near 12:30 AM, only to find that the TV set was tuned to a public TV channel and was showing information about the New Horizon Band program!! My instant reaction was "Hey!! What a great idea! I've got to see if there's a New Horizon Band around the Triangle!" So off I went to the computer and found that there was and is indeed a New Horizon's Band based in Durham, as part of the OLLI program.
I fired off an e-mail message the next morning to the POC for the band, and rapidly became a member. That was going into the 2015-2016 band season, and I'm still a proud and very enthusiastic member of the band! I'm having a great time, have found a new musical home and friends (who have similar backgrounds in band music), and am (as all of us in the band are) in particular an enthusiastic follower of our Director and Maestro, Jeff Zentner, band director at the Durham Academy Middle School in Durham.
What more can I say, but to quote again "Professor" Harold Hill (from The Music Man), when he shouted "TAN TA-RAAA!!!" Now I've got to sign-off, and get ready to drive to Durham for this afternoon's New Horizon's band rehearsal. Wait - I guess I can quote another great musical Maestro (Irving Berlin), who wrote "C'mon Along - C'mon Along - let me take you by the hand - Up to the Man, up to the Man, who's the leader of the band" as part of his hit song "Alexander's Rag Time Band."
Dudley "SLIDE" Schwartz
Please feel free to write back for any further information - and 'cmon out and see/hear the band!!
Brenda Strobel
Dear OLLI,
Nearly 9 years ago, I took a course with you in writing. It was love at first write!
Some of the backstory: I had written a couple of books before I knew anything about OLLI, but hadn't had them published, just printed them out and sent them to family members as presents.
On a trip to Morehead City, I met a published author from the Midwest and had a lovely conversation with her. When she heard me say I'd written a book titled "The Adventures of Wanda and Willy Worm" after I'd left the convent, she said, "Whoa! forget the worms! Write about being in the convent! Everyone wants to hear about that."
I couldn't imagine why anyone would want to read such a book.
I related the above encounter to the friends I made at OLLI, Shirley B, Mary M, Carl E. We had decided when the class was over that we wanted to continue meeting. They said they wondered when I'd get around to writing about my life in the convent!
So, we met once a week and we'd read what we'd written for critiques from each other. 300,000 plus words later I have a TOME that I don't have the energy to edit. But I'm ever grateful to OLLI for offering the writing course that got my ball rolling. :)
You have great teachers, and the relaxed atmosphere makes for a wonderful learning experience.
Gratefully,
Brenda A. Strobel
Nearly 9 years ago, I took a course with you in writing. It was love at first write!
Some of the backstory: I had written a couple of books before I knew anything about OLLI, but hadn't had them published, just printed them out and sent them to family members as presents.
On a trip to Morehead City, I met a published author from the Midwest and had a lovely conversation with her. When she heard me say I'd written a book titled "The Adventures of Wanda and Willy Worm" after I'd left the convent, she said, "Whoa! forget the worms! Write about being in the convent! Everyone wants to hear about that."
I couldn't imagine why anyone would want to read such a book.
I related the above encounter to the friends I made at OLLI, Shirley B, Mary M, Carl E. We had decided when the class was over that we wanted to continue meeting. They said they wondered when I'd get around to writing about my life in the convent!
So, we met once a week and we'd read what we'd written for critiques from each other. 300,000 plus words later I have a TOME that I don't have the energy to edit. But I'm ever grateful to OLLI for offering the writing course that got my ball rolling. :)
You have great teachers, and the relaxed atmosphere makes for a wonderful learning experience.
Gratefully,
Brenda A. Strobel
Gary Childers
Dear OLLI,
When we retired here in 2001, we moved to Durham without knowing anyone. In looking for ways to meet new people, one of the first things we found was OLLI (then DILR).
My wife, Karen, and I started taking courses our first semester here. Through OLLI we made many terrific friends. In the past 16 years, I have taken over 110 OLLI courses. OLLI is a mentally stimulating environment that has allowed me to continue to learn.
I have contributed back to OLLI over the years serving on the Board of Advisors, as member of the Curriculum Committee, a member of the Strategic Planning Committee, and a member of the Diversity Task Force. Through OLLI I have become more involved in Duke and the Durham community. It has helped me learn the wonderful things both have to offer.
In summary, OLLI has been a critical and rewarding part of my retirement life. As OLLI celebrates its 40th Anniversary, I am thankful for the 16 of those years that have been shared with me!
Gary Childers
When we retired here in 2001, we moved to Durham without knowing anyone. In looking for ways to meet new people, one of the first things we found was OLLI (then DILR).
My wife, Karen, and I started taking courses our first semester here. Through OLLI we made many terrific friends. In the past 16 years, I have taken over 110 OLLI courses. OLLI is a mentally stimulating environment that has allowed me to continue to learn.
I have contributed back to OLLI over the years serving on the Board of Advisors, as member of the Curriculum Committee, a member of the Strategic Planning Committee, and a member of the Diversity Task Force. Through OLLI I have become more involved in Duke and the Durham community. It has helped me learn the wonderful things both have to offer.
In summary, OLLI has been a critical and rewarding part of my retirement life. As OLLI celebrates its 40th Anniversary, I am thankful for the 16 of those years that have been shared with me!
Gary Childers
Dear OLLI,
It has been a pleasure for me to have provided Chinese brush painting class for OLLI over the past years. My long time class assistant, Lu Howard, introduced me to OLLI and I am very grateful to her, not only because she led me into this great community, but also she has been helping me with my class ever since.
I enjoy teaching and working with countless wonderful OLLI members who are kind, talented, and supportive. And I am often impressed by their hard work, perseverance, and talents in learning this traditional Chinese art form. Their beautiful art works are amazing, while their spirit of learning and refining their skills inspired me and moved me. Teaching for OLLI has been a important part of my life, and it riches my life and make it more interesting.
The OLLI leaders have been very supportive and I appreciate that very much as well! So it is a joyful and meaningful experience for me and my gratitude to everyone who has participated to make this happen.
Thank you, OLLI!
Jinxiu Zhao (Alice)
It has been a pleasure for me to have provided Chinese brush painting class for OLLI over the past years. My long time class assistant, Lu Howard, introduced me to OLLI and I am very grateful to her, not only because she led me into this great community, but also she has been helping me with my class ever since.
I enjoy teaching and working with countless wonderful OLLI members who are kind, talented, and supportive. And I am often impressed by their hard work, perseverance, and talents in learning this traditional Chinese art form. Their beautiful art works are amazing, while their spirit of learning and refining their skills inspired me and moved me. Teaching for OLLI has been a important part of my life, and it riches my life and make it more interesting.
The OLLI leaders have been very supportive and I appreciate that very much as well! So it is a joyful and meaningful experience for me and my gratitude to everyone who has participated to make this happen.
Thank you, OLLI!
Jinxiu Zhao (Alice)
Patti Reiser
Dear OLLI,
We first met so many years ago, I’m not sure what year it was! I’m pretty sure New Horizons Chorus brought us together. I love to sing, hadn’t sung for years, and wanted a chorus that was low-key, didn’t require an audition, and met during the day: bingo! I haven’t missed many sessions of chorus since.
I’ve enjoyed learning about areas and issues I’ve been curious about and never had a chance to explore. I’ve stretched my creativity with scene work in a drama class and creating fused glass, and cared for my physical self with Feldenkrais and movement classes.
Volunteering with the Conscious Aging Committee has also been fun, working with a great group of people to come up with interesting speakers each session.
I look forward to many years of friendship. I wonder: ‘What we’ll do next?”
Patti Rieser
We first met so many years ago, I’m not sure what year it was! I’m pretty sure New Horizons Chorus brought us together. I love to sing, hadn’t sung for years, and wanted a chorus that was low-key, didn’t require an audition, and met during the day: bingo! I haven’t missed many sessions of chorus since.
I’ve enjoyed learning about areas and issues I’ve been curious about and never had a chance to explore. I’ve stretched my creativity with scene work in a drama class and creating fused glass, and cared for my physical self with Feldenkrais and movement classes.
Volunteering with the Conscious Aging Committee has also been fun, working with a great group of people to come up with interesting speakers each session.
I look forward to many years of friendship. I wonder: ‘What we’ll do next?”
Patti Rieser
Carey Parker
Dear OLLI,
In 2014, I wrote a book on cybersecurity for the layman, responding to the Snowden revelations and checking off a life-long bucket list goal. Through a happy stroke of luck, Anthony Waraksa came across a two-sentence blurb on my book in the News & Observer in early 2015. He reached out and asked me if I would be willing to give a talk at the OLLI Symposia later that Fall. I nervously agreed... and the rest, as they say, is history! The lecture led to teaching a class, and I'm currently teaching my third installment of Cyber-Security 101!
I come from a family of teachers and I've always had the desire to teach myself. I had seriously considered becoming a professor when I went to Purdue, but during my masters I saw that my sponsoring professor spent most of his time researching, not teaching. So I left academia and launched my career in software engineering. Twenty-five years later, I have finally found a way to satisfy my lifelong desire to teach; and I'm truly loving every minute of it. Thank you, OLLI, for giving me this wonderful opportunity! I hope to continue teaching here for many years to come!
Carey
In 2014, I wrote a book on cybersecurity for the layman, responding to the Snowden revelations and checking off a life-long bucket list goal. Through a happy stroke of luck, Anthony Waraksa came across a two-sentence blurb on my book in the News & Observer in early 2015. He reached out and asked me if I would be willing to give a talk at the OLLI Symposia later that Fall. I nervously agreed... and the rest, as they say, is history! The lecture led to teaching a class, and I'm currently teaching my third installment of Cyber-Security 101!
I come from a family of teachers and I've always had the desire to teach myself. I had seriously considered becoming a professor when I went to Purdue, but during my masters I saw that my sponsoring professor spent most of his time researching, not teaching. So I left academia and launched my career in software engineering. Twenty-five years later, I have finally found a way to satisfy my lifelong desire to teach; and I'm truly loving every minute of it. Thank you, OLLI, for giving me this wonderful opportunity! I hope to continue teaching here for many years to come!
Carey
Gerda Presson
Dear OLLI,
It was December, 2003. I had decided to move from Setauket, NY, to Durham in January. I was feeling a bit down in the dumps about the whole moving process, and on a whim I went to Google to look for some sort of "support" to cheer me up. As though by "divine intervention," up pops a site for DILR, as OLLI was known back then. I instantly registered for 5 courses (from puzzle solving and interpretive movement to Buddhist meditation) that were to start in January. Instantly I had a community of friends and lots to do and learn.
Since then, I've taken many courses, from ballroom dancing to science symposiums; and they were all wonderful. Now I've taken up the clarinet for the first time in my septuagenarian years; and I travel from Raleigh every Thursday to play with the New Horizons Band. Director Jeff Zentner is the most capable, encouraging, kindest, most forgiving, and entertaining conductor one could wish for.
Gerda Presson
It was December, 2003. I had decided to move from Setauket, NY, to Durham in January. I was feeling a bit down in the dumps about the whole moving process, and on a whim I went to Google to look for some sort of "support" to cheer me up. As though by "divine intervention," up pops a site for DILR, as OLLI was known back then. I instantly registered for 5 courses (from puzzle solving and interpretive movement to Buddhist meditation) that were to start in January. Instantly I had a community of friends and lots to do and learn.
Since then, I've taken many courses, from ballroom dancing to science symposiums; and they were all wonderful. Now I've taken up the clarinet for the first time in my septuagenarian years; and I travel from Raleigh every Thursday to play with the New Horizons Band. Director Jeff Zentner is the most capable, encouraging, kindest, most forgiving, and entertaining conductor one could wish for.
Gerda Presson
Jim Kinney
Dear OLLI,
Even though you are no longer DILR (I knew you then), I continue to treasure all the joy and accomplishment you have brought to my retirement years.
My interests are varied, and I have enjoyed many offerings. John Sehon taught me not only the technical aspects of photography, but also what makes an interesting picture--one that not only I will be delighted to recall, but also the many family members that have appreciated the scenes I have captured.
For many years I have looked for opportunities to learn writing skills that have been helpful in sharing my opinions, my memories, and my heartfelt emotions. No one instructor comes to mind, and there have been many, but each offered something for me to consider. Moreover, the discipline of having a writing assignment to share has been a prod to record much of what I wish to pass on to family. I have written to former Navy shipmates, to my children and family, and for the sheer enjoyment of expressing unexpected viewpoints from those that know me.
I have also taught a course at OLLI for several years, and have taken great delight in sharing the mysteries of the submarine Navy. The appreciation that many have expressed has been all the payment for my time that I would ever wished.
OLLI, may you ever continue to be an important contributor to all that makes the Triangle a special place.
Jim Kinney
Even though you are no longer DILR (I knew you then), I continue to treasure all the joy and accomplishment you have brought to my retirement years.
My interests are varied, and I have enjoyed many offerings. John Sehon taught me not only the technical aspects of photography, but also what makes an interesting picture--one that not only I will be delighted to recall, but also the many family members that have appreciated the scenes I have captured.
For many years I have looked for opportunities to learn writing skills that have been helpful in sharing my opinions, my memories, and my heartfelt emotions. No one instructor comes to mind, and there have been many, but each offered something for me to consider. Moreover, the discipline of having a writing assignment to share has been a prod to record much of what I wish to pass on to family. I have written to former Navy shipmates, to my children and family, and for the sheer enjoyment of expressing unexpected viewpoints from those that know me.
I have also taught a course at OLLI for several years, and have taken great delight in sharing the mysteries of the submarine Navy. The appreciation that many have expressed has been all the payment for my time that I would ever wished.
OLLI, may you ever continue to be an important contributor to all that makes the Triangle a special place.
Jim Kinney
Dear OLLI,
Thank you for opening new vistas on lifelong learning. OLLI at Duke offers an opportunity to expand programs I have been teaching in Cary, Garner, and Apex. It was an associate of the OLLI at Duke program who introduced the idea of joining OLLI.
OLLI at Duke has been especially gratifying as the caliber of student/patrons presents an important sounding board for development of programs going forward. Of particular interest is the nature and quality of query and feedback offered by program attendees. Helps keep one on their toes.
As an instructor I find the experience exhilarating, providing incentive to delve deeper into more subjects, discovering new insight and connections to share with the patrons.
The leadership, staff, and associates of OLLI are top notch. They are another part of what makes working with OLLI a true joy.
Thanks for all the great work,
G. Wade Carmichael, OLLI Instructor
Thank you for opening new vistas on lifelong learning. OLLI at Duke offers an opportunity to expand programs I have been teaching in Cary, Garner, and Apex. It was an associate of the OLLI at Duke program who introduced the idea of joining OLLI.
OLLI at Duke has been especially gratifying as the caliber of student/patrons presents an important sounding board for development of programs going forward. Of particular interest is the nature and quality of query and feedback offered by program attendees. Helps keep one on their toes.
As an instructor I find the experience exhilarating, providing incentive to delve deeper into more subjects, discovering new insight and connections to share with the patrons.
The leadership, staff, and associates of OLLI are top notch. They are another part of what makes working with OLLI a true joy.
Thanks for all the great work,
G. Wade Carmichael, OLLI Instructor