FLASH: RESCHEDULING OF MISSED CLASSES

OUR TENTATIVE PLAN is to make the week of February 22 a full week of classes for OLLI at all locations, thereby allowing for one makeup session for every class missed this week (February 8-12). For classes that were also missed on Wednesday, February 3, there would not be a second makeup class.      Final confirmation of this arrangement is pending the availability of each instructor during the week of February 22. Members involved in canceled committee meetings will be notified regarding rescheduling. We will communicate all final arrangements with OLLI members throughout next week.      Monday, February 15, will be a full normal day of classes at all locations. -- By Executive Director Thom Clement. Back to top

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KUDOS TO OLLI STAFF
AS THE SNOW FALLS AND THE WIND HOWLS outside my window, I am reminded that we have a wonderful group of staff members serving OLLI at all three of our locations. The extreme weather conditions this winter may have closed everything down, but they haven't stopped our three "central office" staff from going over and beyond the call of duty. Maria Buczek (administrator/registrar), Beth Davis (program associate), and Karen Nash (finance associate) have not only worked from home but also ventured out onto the snowy roads to perform essential tasks at the Tallwood office.  Without their dedication to the mission of OLLI, we would not be able to maintain the superb level of service that our members both deserve and expect.
     When you return after the long snowy break, I hope you'll find an opportunity to say hello and thanks to the OLLI staff members.
WHEN THE CALL COMES, HOW YOU MIGHT RESPOND

Reflections on being a director

By Debbie Halverson, Board member

MY TWO TERMS ON THE BOARD are about to come to a close, and one of you will move in to take my place. I cede it to you with affection and much goodwill. I hope you will enjoy the work as much as I have. It's been an honor and a privilege.
     You will be joining a wonderful group of 18 OLLI members who are addressing their concerns about OLLI in a purposeful way, and you will realize how valuable this experience is to your personal growth. The volunteer work that many of you have been doing leads to this point: you are asked to consider running for the Board. We know that members volunteer because they care about OLLI, but more importantly, they do so because it gives them personal pleasure.
     I asked members of the current Board to offer their thoughts about why they enjoy the Board experience. Here are a few edited responses:

"Being on the Board has enabled me to understand the breadth of OLLI … and how it contributes to not only the intellectual health of our community but also the social and physical well-being of our members." The writer goes on to say, "It certainly has expanded my horizons and broadened my interests."      "For me, it's satisfying to personally know many of the movers and shakers at OLLI. I enjoy having a pretty good sense about what really goes on at OLLI and about the many issues facing our Institute … and having some influence via Board meetings and occasional suggestions on its daily operations."      "Finding out about OLLI from the inside out -- staff functions, executive director responsibilities, fiscal policy, membership, volunteers -- has been a powerful experience for me. It has made me into an enthusiastic supporter of, and believer in, our Institute."

     For myself, I must say I have found new character strengths within myself during my director stint, six out of the seven years I've been an OLLI member. The Institute too has grown so much during that time as the program has bloomed and as its administration has survived a difficult adjustment period from a micromanaging Board to one that has learned to work with an executive director, from one that managed a membership numbering 650 at two sites to one administering a membership of some 900 members on three sites. Growing pains for sure were part of that period, but the emerged OLLI is stronger and more forward-looking, healthy and dynamic. Who wouldn't want to be part of the group that leads it?
     So, let me assure anyone who receives a call from a member of the Nominating Committee: you have already been identified as a leader by your volunteer work -- your willingness to serve your fellow OLLI members. For your own sake, and for OLLI's, do seriously consider running for the job. I know you will be pleased that you decided to throw your hat into the ring.

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Selected by the OLLI Poetry Workshop

Running on Empty Is Empty really empty? Empty, Empty sat on a wall Empty, Empty had a great fall Of Empty, was there nothing at all? Empty is not without substance Empty disappoints, depresses, even frightens Empty, thus provisioned, remains Empty is on a mission Empty is out to convince us Empty is running for election Watch out, Full! Can you fill Empty? No, Empty is full of itself. Sarah Munson

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