Director's Note
All In for OLLI!
Calling all OLLI members—we need your help! Do you know somebody who would enjoy the unique courses, special interest groups, educational trips, and social events that our lifelong learning community offers? Encourage them to become a member or gift them a membership during our All In for OLLI recruitment drive taking place in December, January, and February!
What’s in it for you? Those who invite the most new members will be entered into the All In for OLLI contest with the opportunity to win special prizes—as well as lavish gratitude from your OLLI family! Gifting a membership is easy. Just call the OLLI office at (269) 387-4157 and let them know it’s a gift and they will do the rest. If you would like to purchase a membership as a gift, specifically in December, it has to be purchased no later than December 15, as the OLLI office will be closed from December 23 through January 3. More information about the contest will follow...stay tuned!
Sincerely,
Toni Woolfork-Barnes, Ed.D.
Director, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at WMU
Curriculum
Get ready—the winter/spring semester is right around the corner! Our new course mailers are on their way to your home mailboxes, and the online catalog, which contains a full description of this semester’s offerings and other important information, will be uploaded to our website in late-December.
Quotable Quotes from OLLI Students
The OLLI fall semester is now complete, and we want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who assisted in developing the curriculum, volunteered to teach, or registered for an OLLI course! This was a fantastic semester, and we had great responses from our OLLI members. Read some of their comments about the courses they took:
“Let’s Talk About Religion,” taught by Rabbi Simone Schicker and Pastor Rachel Laughlin
“I thoroughly enjoyed this class and hated to see it end. The two instructors worked great with each other and made it enjoyable. I also enjoyed reading the recommended book, ‘Holy Envy.’ You were both great. I didn't think I would take the class based on the title but then I heard your talk at the Taste of OLLI and signed up. Thanks!”
“Tai Chi: Road to Balance and Relaxation,” taught by Tao Cheng
“The instructor demonstrated movements and benefits in a clear and concise manner. He demonstrated and allowed us to repeat the movements multiple times, gently correcting our errors and supporting us with positive reinforcements”
“Inside Beethoven’s 5th Symphony,” taught by Jane Rooks Ross
“This was an amazing class! The PowerPoint presentation was excellent and the instructor was energetic and so knowledgeable. The sneak peek into KSO’s rehearsal was such a treat, and having Barry in class was helpful as well. Thanks for presenting one of my favorite OLLI classes! I hope you have another class like this next year.”
“Jane Rooks Ross did an outstanding job of knowing the material and conveying it to the class. She obviously spent hours preparing. She invited her musician husband to add to what she was teaching by demonstrating on his violin, giving first-hand information on conducting or using the pointer light to follow the score we were hearing.”
“Preparing for Death: Leave No Stone Unturned,” taught by Susan Caulfield
“Fantastic four-hour presentation over two days. I learned SO much from you and from others in attendance. I am now looking forward to working on the preparations for my death and sharing that template with my sister and brother. Hope that, in time, you may be able to bring your presentation to others in the community in addition to OLLI members. Thank you!”
Travel
OLLI Travel wrapped up 2023 on a beautiful fall day with a trip to Ann Arbor to explore two of the University of һ鶹Ƭ’s spectacular museums. First stop was the UMMA, their Museum of Modern Art, where our tour was enhanced by a team of docents. Each of the three specific displays we explored were hosted by individuals who were both exceptionally knowledgeable and engaging. These experts brought our OLLI members into the discussion and gave life and meaning to each exhibition.
After enjoying lunch at the nearby student union, it was on to the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology. Our docents led us on a trip through time back into ancient history, enhancing our understanding of both the life of military personnel as well as the extraordinary ancient artwork that has been recovered and preserved. We also had the opportunity to take a glimpse of what typical life and living arrangements would look like during these bygone eras.
OLLI Travel is excited to be actively coordinating many new adventures for 2024. Be sure to check our website often and read these monthly Newsletters for more details as they become available!
The photos below show OLLI members at the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology (Photo #1) and the UMMA (Photo #2 and #3).
Events
A Look Ahead + A Look Back
Save the date and be sure to mark your calendars now for our January Thaw at People’s Church on Wednesday, January 24, from 1 to 3 p.m. There, you’ll have the opportunity to meet some winter/spring course instructors, enjoy specially planned entertainment, share your favorite reads with fellow members during our popular Book Swap, and bring donations for the Kalamazoo Literacy Council. More information to come.
More than 40 members turned up for our first-ever Good Times with OLLI social event in October. It was a resounding success thanks to everyone’s enthusiastic participation—playing games, catching up with old acquaintances, and making new friends. We’re currently planning future Good Times with OLLI events, so keep an eye out for upcoming announcements!
Our Annual Meeting last month was also a big draw, with more than 80 members joining us for a State of OLLI update from our director Toni Woolfork-Barnes, and an inspiring talk from our guest speaker Justin Black, a former foster youth and graduate of WMU’s Seita Scholars Program. Congratulations to the lucky winners of his book “Redefining Normal,” co-written with his wife Alexis: Susan Boele, Karen Ford, Fran Jess, Frances Democvitz, John Herman, Dawn Shilts, Catherine Ur, Wayne Leblong, Sharon Peterson, and Eurkres Rallings!
OLLI Annual Meeting
Wellness Moment
The Holiday Calorie Trap
Well, it is the holidays again. We have gotten through Halloween and Thanksgiving, and now it’s Christmas cookie season. We are fortunate (depending on your perspective) to have many opportunities for a caloric surplus throughout the holiday season. My wife likes to buy fancy drinks from Starbucks to sip while we shop. I would like to remind her that those drinks are like 1,000 calories that we do not need, but I of course keep my mouth shut. My clients are bringing me amazing cookies, buckeyes, pies, and specialty Chex mix, (I am looking at you Lynn) I guess in an effort to test my willpower and see how disciplined I really am. In any case, I thought I would bring it up for this month’s newsletter and share my top five tips—as well as some good news.
Tyler Norman, Ph.D.
Manager of Corporate Outreach
ACSM Exercise Physiologist
NCFI Corporate Fitness Specialist
West Hills Athletic Club, WMU
First, a reality check. We know that one pound of fat is 3,500 calories. Having said that, to gain 10 pounds of fat during the holiday season would require a 35,000-calorie surplus. That’s all the food you normally eat plus 35,000 calories. Here is the good news part—if we convert that to the Big Mac (550 calories) equivalent—it's 63 Big Macs in addition to all your normal food.
The reality is that most of the weight we gain over the holidays is water weight. We tend to eat foods that are higher in salt, which causes water retention. Additionally, we tend not to drink as much water during the holidays and tend to exercise less. With all of that in mind, here are my top tips for navigating the holidays without gaining weight, no suspense here:
- Continue to eat three meals per day with snacks in-between meals—do not skip meals to “save up” for a holiday feast. That slows your metabolism and turns us into fat storing machines.
- Now that you haven’t skipped meals, you can exhibit better portion control. Enjoy all the flavors of the season, in small portions. This is not the last time in your life to eat apple pie and Christmas cookies.
- Try to avoid foods that are high in salt. High sodium foods add inches to our waistline in the form of water retention. Your blood pressure will thank you.
- Be sure to stay hydrated. Being properly hydrated will prevent water retention and optimize your calorie burning capabilities.
- Exercise daily! Whatever floats your boat—walking, weightlifting, yoga, Pilates, cycling, alligator wrestling, or whatever you like to do physically, do it every day! This habit will not only help the calorie balance but can also help your stress levels when dealing with pain in the neck relatives.
This is 5 pounds of fat sitting on my keyboard. To gain this over the holidays would require eating the equivalent of 31 Big Macs in addition to all your normal food. That would be an impressive eating showcase!
OLLI Spotlight
We Hear You, OLLI
Our OLLI Staff always appreciates member feedback, and we respect your voice. We are grateful for each and every one of you. Please know we are doing our best to make our lifelong learning community a wonderful experience for all. We look forward to continuing to help OLLI thrive in 2024!
Toni and Shannon Meet Mr. Bernard Osher in California!
Our OLLI Director Toni Woolfork-Barnes and Program Coordinator Shannon Huneryager headed to beautiful San Diego, California to attend the 2023 Osher Institutes National Conference held October 16 through 18. There, Osher directors, staff, and member leaders from all over the country met to celebrate lifelong learning, with almost all of the 125 Osher Institutes sending two representatives. The conference was a smashing success, and Toni and Shannon say they were fortunate to take in the pleasant weather and enjoy a program full of wonderful presenters, as well as experience ample opportunities for networking, learning, and connecting with others in our national OLLI network.
Learn more about the 2023 Osher Institutes National Conference by
Kalamazoo Literacy Council
Celebrating a decade of literacy—all are welcome! The Kalamazoo Literacy Council, in collaboration with Western һ鶹Ƭ University, is proud to announce the 10th annual Adult Literacy Research and Training Symposium on Friday, December 8, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Fetzer Center in Kalamazoo. Themed “Everyone Needs To Read: Community Literacy in Action,” this symposium aims to bring together educators, volunteer tutors, students, and community members who are passionate about advancing literacy for all. This event promises to be a platform for learning and collaboration, providing attendees with valuable insights into the world of adult education.
There, you’ll participate in sessions and workshops that explore engaging and effective strategies in Digital Literacy, English as a Second Language, Multigenerational Learning, and more. The Edison: “EDucation IS ON” initiative will be a featured presentation that includes a photo and art exhibit, as well as exciting updates on significant outcomes that have been achieved during the past year through the robust KLC/WMU partnership. This event is free and open to the public, but you must register by November 22 at kalamazooliteracy.org to attend. Lunch will be provided, and a virtual option is available. SCECHs will be available as well.
Michael Evans, KLC Executive Director states, “We are pleased to bring together experts and enthusiasts in the field of literacy education. This symposium will be an excellent opportunity to explore new ideas and share experiences.”
Lisa Garcia, WMU Assistant Vice President for Community Partnerships adds, “Collaborating with the KLC aligns perfectly with the university’s commitment to community engagement. We are excited to contribute to this important conversation on community literacy.”
The Kalamazoo Literacy Council is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of adults in Kalamazoo County who struggle to read, through programs designed to strengthen basic literacy skills. The agency offers free one-on-one tutoring and classes in English, Parent Literacy, Health Literacy, computers, JOBS, and other critical services that empower individuals to reach their goals. The Edison: “EDucation IS ON” project is funded in part by the һ鶹Ƭ Humanities Council and LISC Kalamazoo.
What is the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute?
The program was initiated under the auspices of the WMU Emeriti Council and WMUx. OLLI offers intellectually lively and culturally appealing learning experiences. We accomplish this by focusing on intellectual stimulation, personal growth, social engagement and enrichment. Read more
What do we do?
We offer short courses for one to four weeks. Sessions are usually two hours long. Travel programs are also a part of our offerings. There are no tests and no required homework, just exploring lots of interesting topics.
In the near future we will offer courses in different formats -- noon hour discussions, several sessions in one week, and more evening courses. OLLI courses and activities are developed and produced by its members with the support of the staff of WMUx.
We need your ideas for course topics and instructors. Let us know your suggestions. Call the OLLI office at (269) 387-4157 or send an email. The curriculum committee will review all suggestions.