By Carol Henderson, Secretary
AS PART OF APPROVAL OF A 2007 BUDGET FOR OLLI, the Board set a dues level of $350, effective with any annual dues paid that begin with the spring term in 2007. A president’s message from Debbie Halverson released on Jan 2 explained the reasons for this in more detail. This article summarizes the Board’s actions at its Dec 15 meeting.

The Finance Committee had calculated expenses in 2007 of $345,000, a six percent increase over similar expense items in 2006, when the $100,000 to pay for the executive director’s salary and benefits is included. Osher grants were used to pay the ED in 2006, so no OLLI funds had to be used, minimizing the effect on members. The Finance Committee recommended dues of $320, less than the cost per member of $476.      The difference would be financed through use of either the Osher endowment loan or use of undesignated cash plus other minor sources of income. The Finance Committee felt that any future dues increases could be determined better once we know more about the University's plans for the Tallwood site, the status of the University Based Retirement Community, whether or not our expansion into Loudoun will provide additional revenue, and whether or not we can obtain funding from outside sources.      Taking these factors into account, the Board felt it was wise to base expenses more heavily on dues now rather than draw down undesignated cash built up over the years or to use a loan from the Osher endowment. The $350 dues level narrows but does not eliminate the gap between costs and dues income. The Board also agreed not to use the Osher endowment loan or to borrow without specific Board action to approve this step. The Board agreed to a four percent increase in hourly staff salaries, and a bonus to recognize these staff members’ work during the 2006 transition year.

     The Board approved a recommendation from the Planning Committee that new OLLI members who registered for the spring 2007 Loudoun Pilot Program will receive a discount equal to the amount paid in the spring ($35 or $100) on regular annual OLLI dues if they join in summer or fall 2007.
     The Board approved a recommendation from the Program Review Committee that the following statement on controversial Issues become OLLI Board Policy and serve as guidance to the Program Committee and Resource Groups:

STATEMENT ON CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES

A vital activity of a learning community is the critical examination of ideologies and institutions. It is essential that OLLI instructors have the right to express their views in a professionally responsible manner. This is consistent with basic rights and the climate of academic freedom that exists within George Mason University, the institution with which OLLI is affiliated. Toward this end OLLI supports the freedom of intellectual inquiry in the pursuit of ideas and the freedom of speech and open exchange of ideas in all of its programs and course offerings. Note:  The above wording is adapted from: The Judicial System for Student Conduct (George Mason University, Office of Student Life, June 2004) The George Mason University Faculty Handbook (1994)

     The next regular meeting of the Board is scheduled for Fri, Jan 19, at Tallwood at 10:00. OLLI members are welcome to attend. President Debbie Halverson schedules a period near the end of the agenda for public comments.

TALLWOOD IS A FREE INTERNET HOTSPOT By Michael Coyne, Webmaster
WE ALWAYS KNEW THAT OLLI AT TALLWOOD WAS A HOT SPOT, but did you know that OLLI is also a hotspot? What's the difference?
     A hotspot is a place where you can connect to the Internet with any computer (or personal digital assistant) that can send and receive wireless communications. You can find hotspots all over the country: in restaurants, malls, stores, schools, airports. In fact, wireless adapters for Macs are called AirPort cards because airports were the earliest hotspots.
     To connect to the Internet at Tallwood (for free), you use your wireless-capable laptop or PDA to look for the signal from one of three different transmitters operating there: two named "OLLIGMU" and one named "OLLIAP-2." Connect to the transmitter name that has the strongest signal where you are sitting. The best signal should come in the classrooms.
     The OLLI wireless router, a device that makes the connection between your computer and the Cox high-speed Internet wire, will make the connection in a few seconds and you can then launch your Web browser. The OLLI wireless system makes this possible because, like most hotspots, it runs without encryption or any other filter.
     If you want to bring your wireless-capable laptop or PDA to Tallwood, try it out sometime when you are having lunch in the social room annex or when you are in a classroom between classes.
     Now, what we need is an OLLI staff that can serve up a frappuccino to sip while we are surfing the Web. Alfredo's Coffee Shop (and hotspot) at Lake Anne can do it. Why not Ann, Rae, Karen, and Diana? (Just kidding, ladies!)

Editor's note. OLLI is deeply indebted to member-volunteer Michael Coyne for the innumerable hours he has spent setting up OLLI's wireless Internet system so that instructors can easily access the Web during class sessions using an office laptop or their own laptop. Now OLLI members can also benefit from this wireless Internet availability that makes OLLI a free Internet hotspot.

FOR 2007: A WALK IN THE PARK
By Elizabeth Crawford, OLLI E-News staff writer
A NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION more appealing than spending more time on the treadmill might be spending more time discovering our national parks. Courses taught by U. S. Park Rangers have given us a glimpse of some of our national treasures, but many of us may not realize that there are 390 areas and over 84 million acres in the National Park System. National park sites include monuments, battlefields, military parks, historic parks and sites, lake and sea shores, recreation areas, and scenic rivers and trails from Alaska to the Virgin Islands.
     The Golden Age Passport, a lifetime admission and discount pass for citizens age 62 and older, makes a good idea even better. These passports entitle their owners and passengers in their cars to free admission where sites have a per-vehicle entrance fee. For sites with a per-person entrance fee, the Golden Age Passports cover owners, spouses, and (grand)children. Discounts on "extended amenity fees" covering boating, camping, swimming, etc. are available at some sites. Golden Age Passports may be purchased for a one-time fee of $10.00 at sites that charge admission. To qualify, you must bring proof of age and residence.
     You can find more information about specific NPS sites and these passports at www.nps.gov. Assuming that you have already visited 40 NPS sites, that leaves just 350 to see. Ten/year for the next 35 years? Thirty-five/year for the next ten years? Your choice.