The community and all prospective OLLI members are invited to learn more about classes and activities at the University of Delaware’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) program by attending free community presentations this October.
The OLLI Speakers Bureau community engagement initiative features a group of OLLI instructors who volunteer their time to promote lifelong learning in the community, while raising awareness of UD’s OLLI program. “When we started our Speakers Bureau program this past winter, we found a welcoming partner in New Castle County’s libraries as they were actively re-opening to bring back their senior constituents,” said Marty Cohen, OLLI-Wilmington’s volunteer marketing committee chair. “We truly appreciated this opportunity to help.”
This fall, the following free presentations provide a sampling of popular OLLI course offerings, open to the public:
Wednesday, October 18, 6:30 p.m.
Bear Public Library, 101 Governors Place, Bear, DE 19701
Learn the history of this 75-year social experiment, now recognized as our nation’s first foster care system. The orphan train movement transported 250,000 homeless children from the streets of East Coast cities to farming communities in the Midwest in search of homes. Presented by Donna Aviles, author, volunteer OLLI instructor, and a member of the National Orphan Train Historical Society’s speakers bureau. RSVP requested.
Tuesday, October 24, 4 p.m.
Brandywine Hundred Public Library, 1300 Foulk Rd., Wilmington, DE 19803
Delaware is a great birding state! Learn about bird walks, benefits of birding to the birder and the birds, conservation more. Led by OLLI instructor Lloyd Maier, a member of the Delmarva Ornithological Society for more than 30 years, and a fellow for contributions to the study of birds through participation in two breeding bird atlases and many Delaware bird counts.
Saturday, October 28, 11 a.m.
Hockessin Public Library, 1023 Valley Rd., Hockessin, DE 19707
In the summer of 2016, an article in The Atlantic magazine announced that women writers had captured the mystery or crime novel genre. But their range extended beyond that early victory to include the historical novel as well. Presented by OLLI instructor Becky Worley, a retired UD faculty member in the Department of English and Professional Writing Program. RSVP requested.
Saturday, November 4, 11 a.m.
Hockessin Public Library, 1023 Valley Rd., Hockessin, DE 19707
In this session led by OLLI artist and instructor Becky Varlas, we will follow the lead of cartoonist Lynda Barry, who inspired a simple way to draw a human figure: start moving your pen and see who shows up! Each participant will receive paper and a felt-tip pen to experiment with this technique. Have fun with a variety of timed activities learning to draw cartoon faces, and using just essential lines. Becky will share some samples from her current OLLI class for inspiration.
OLLI is a volunteer-based learning cooperative for adults age 50-plus, with all classes led by volunteer instructors who develop and teach subjects drawn from their career and professional expertise, as well as their avocation, hobby or passion. OLLI’s volunteer instructors include retired UD faculty, as well as experts, leaders, executives and advocates from an extremely diverse array of fields like science, medicine, the arts and humanities, education, business, industry, government and more.
Each fall and spring, UD’s OLLI program offers over 300 courses on-site in Wilmington, Dover, Lewes and Ocean View, as well as online, all with no grades, exams or educational prerequisites. The OLLI program also features social activities, as well as opportunities to volunteer, teach and share knowledge in a fun, engaged community.
PAST PRESENTATIONS INCLUDED:
Tuesday, September 26, 2023, 4:30 p.m.
Brandywine Hundred Public Library, 1300 Foulk Rd., Wilmington, DE 19803
Heart disease in women is different from men’s heart disease, and it’s vital to protect your hearts health. Get the facts in this one hour presentation about different risks for women and ways to reduce them, led by Dr. Hisham Sharif, M.D., volunteer OLLI instructor and retired surgeon with 30+ years of clinical and research experience in cardiovascular medicine and surgery.
Thursday, October 5, 2023, 5 p.m.
Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church
1314 Foulk Rd., Wilmington, Delaware, 19803
Discussion of the Supreme Court’s 2023 decisions; their background, the decisions themselves and the possible political, social and cultural consequences. Led by OLLI volunteer instructor Claire Sullivan. Open to the public.
Saturday, October 7, 2023, 11 a.m.
Bear Public Library, 101 Governors Place, Bear, DE 19701
In this session led by OLLI artist and instructor Becky Varlas, we will follow the lead of cartoonist Lynda Barry, who inspired a simple way to draw a human figure: start moving your pen and see who shows up! Each participant will receive paper and a felt-tip pen to experiment with this technique. Have fun with a variety of timed activities learning to draw cartoon faces, and using just essential lines. Becky will share some samples from her current OLLI class for inspiration.
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the University of Delaware
OLLI is an academic cooperative for adults 50 and over to enjoy classes, teach, exchange ideas and socialize together, with no exams or educational requirements for participation. OLLI welcomes you.
Kent/Sussex | Wilmington
