Are you on Facebook? Billions of people worldwide use this social network daily to keep up with friends, family and more!

Take it a step further with OLLI and become one of our biggest fans – literally – by liking our Facebook fan page at Facebook.com/KSUOLLI. Our page is full of interactive options which will help you connect with fellow OLLI members, age 50 and older, and spread the word about the classes, programs and events. Just like Facebook, the fan pages are free. Just look for the “thumbs up” icon to like the page – it’s just that easy. Our Facebook Basics class has helped many people navigate the site.

Did you attend the OLLI Winter Excursion in March to the Georgia Aquarium? Your photo might be on our Facebook page! Did you learn about Texas Red and the Spirits of the Great American West class? Does Beading for Beginners interest you? What about our Casino Night scholarship fundraiser on Sept. 28 — are you all in? Like us on Facebook and your answer will be yes!

Michelle Girage, program director, said, “Facebook makes OLLI accessi-ble for all of our members and others interested in all that we have to offer. From photos to videos to articles, our OLLI Facebook page allows so many people to be a part of the OLLI experience. We’d love to have you!”

Log on, like us and never miss out on all of the OLLI news, events and classes!

(Source: OLLI)

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What do James Madison and the Constitution have to do with OLLI? According to a group of history enthusiasts, plenty!

A group of inquisitive students at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) of Kennesaw State University’s College of Continuing and Professional Education took a Great Decisions course which focused on foreign affairs. Their continued enthusiasm for history and learning drew them to create a discussion group for the Federalist and Anti-Federalist papers which document the debate surrounding the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. The group first met on March 29th. OLLI member Jack Carew said, “We all have common interests. We would like to share our views as well as our knowledge with other people.”

Books such as “The Federalist” and “The Anti-Federalist Papers and the Constitution Convention Debates” and DVDs from The Great Courses® are part of the discussion group’s study materials.

Fellow OLLI member Charles Maddrey said the issues outlined in Federalist and Anti-Federalist papers provide a natural debate among OLLI group members. He said, “Nothing is black and white. It’s a bit gray.”

“At the time, it was quite heated,” OLLI member Carol Busby said of the historical debates. “It’s hard for us to get into the feelings that were expressed at the time. It was a national debate because it got everyone involved.”

Carew’s vision for the current discussions is to transition to an OLLI class for Spring 2014. With leadership from the current students, he said future class members will learn, enjoy and benefit more. “We are proud of this OLLI group, they truly understand what lifelong learning is all about—they are lifelong learners,” said Michelle Girage, program director.

(Source: OLLI)

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OLLI makes learning fun …and fashionable!

Have you ever wanted to make your own jewelry? With Beading for Beginners at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at KSU’s College of Continuing and Professional Education, you will be able to do that and more.

The OLLI Beading for Beginners class begins June 4. The instructor, Marjorie Ryan, is a longtime Leisure class teacher. She is now sharing her beading talents with OLLI, a set of programs, classes and social events targeted to individuals age 50 and older

“We learn a lot of different techniques, from silk knotting to crocheting to bead weaving,” Ryan said. “I teach the basics and teach about beads and materials.”

She also takes an extra step by emailing students instructions so they can continue their learning outside of the classroom. Ryan uses a “step-based learning” technique. She takes a task, breaks it down into its parts, and breaks each part into a step. With an average class size ranging from eight to 12 people, she is able to provide 1-on-1 attention.

Students can expect to complete the class with a bracelet and/or necklace to wear.

She said, “It’s really good quality stuff they wind up with.”

She adds, “I warn them – it’s addictive! It’s also very therapeutic. To create something beautiful is a need we all have.”

OLLI’s Beading for Beginners class is June 4 and June 6 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost is $69.

(Source: OLLI)

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Winter 2012 OLLI Scholar Graduates

Become a computer whiz with OLLI!

Do you want to become more computer savvy? The OLLI Scholar Computer Certificate Course at KSU’s College of Continuing and Professional Education has helped many students to do just that.

The program, offered by the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), began in 2008. To date, 169 students have successfully completed the program. The OLLI Scholar program offers people a chance to boost skills and/or learn new ones.

Participants have up to one year to take five foundation courses. The required courses include Introduction to PCs, Internet and Email Savvy, Windows 7 – Level 1, Microsoft Word and Easy Steps to Safeguard Your Computer. Computer novices are encouraged to take the Let’s Begin with Computers course before beginning the OLLI Scholar program.

All classes are taught by longtime OLLI instructor Lynne Mock, an engineer who also operates a consulting firm. She has more than 30 years of teach-ing experience. OLLI Scholars praise Mock’s instruction as well as the class setting and skills they attain. The specific age group – adults 50 and older – adds a certain comfort level for the participants in the program.

Michelle Girage, program director, said, “These classes are great for people who want to return to the workforce, refresh their memory, or show off to their grandkids! Students come away from the series feeling more confident about their computer skills.”

(Source: OLLI)

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Break out your cowboy (or cowgirl!) hats and your best boots and join the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) for its “Wild, Wild West” summer social at the College of Continuing and Professional Education at Kennesaw State University on June 17 at 6 p.m.

The OLLI experience is geared toward adults 50 and older. Classes explore calligraphy, Tai Chi, water-color, history – even Facebook! Socials are held throughout the year just for this special group. Nearly 250 people come out to listen to live music, meet new people and, most of all, have a good time.

The Society Express Band will provide the soundtrack to this summer’s social. Participants are encouraged to dress in their best western garbs. A prize will be awarded for the best costume!

Attendees are always encouraged to bring pop tabs to donate to the Ronald McDonald House Charity. The pop tabs collected help families of children that are ill.

“Through the OLLI program we not only have a really great time, but we also give back to the com-munity,” said Michelle Girage, program director.

The cost of the social is $10 per person and includes dancing, a catered dinner and an opportunity to make new friends while catching up with old ones. Doors open at 5:45 p.m. and dinner is served from 6-7 p.m. Dancing will be from 6-9 p.m. Reservations are required and parking is plentiful!

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OLLI instructor Michael McMillan

Have you ever wanted to experience the joy of playing piano, but you don’t want years of weekly lessons? If so, Kennesaw State University College of Continuing and Professional Education’s OLLI program has a course you are going to love! In just a few hours with OLLI instructor Michael McMillan, you can learn enough secrets of the trade to make piano playing a part of your life.

If you already know your way around a keyboard a little, then you are ready for this workshop. Learn secrets your piano teacher never told you in this 3-hour session. You will learn all the chords you need to play any song, any style, and any key.

How is it done? Typical piano lessons teach you note reading, but piano professionals use chords. You will learn all the chords needed to  play songs in this one session. You will get a healthy dose of insider secrets. You can learn enough in this one workshop to play almost any song on the piano with two hands. Then go on to perfect your technique at home using a home-study CD.

This is the system the pros use—chords, not tedious note reading.

OLLI instructor Michael McMillan is a full-time professional musician/teacher with over 20 years of performing experience. Michael has been involved in music all his life. He began playing piano over 40 years ago and has taught privately for many years. He has been  teaching piano workshops for ten years.

A professional musician on piano, keyboards and vocals, Michael performs different styles of music in a variety of situations (clubs, concerts, weddings, USO tours, piano bars, etc.) around the USA, and in several foreign countries. This experience combined with his training provides him with a unique perspective to offer students. He can answer any question about “real world” applications of what he teaches, but mainly his emphasis is on having fun with music as to enrich your life.

Instant Piano class will be held Monday, May 13. Seats are still available, so register today!

(Source: OLLI) 

Wondering what to do with that digital camera you purchased months ago? Intimidated by all the settings and options when you power it on? We have the solution for you at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Kennesaw State University.

The College of Continuing and Professional Education offers a course through our OLLI program that is geared toward the photography novice. This course is certain to create a new appreciation among its attendees for their digital  cameras.

Since the 1990s, digital cameras have become more and more common, and also more affordable. Because of this, it’s now easier than ever to get started with photography. Luckily, you don’t need to buy a professional-level camera to get good  results. The most important factor is the skill of the photographer.

“Since switching from film to digital, I have always been fascinated with how much control you have in digital photography,” said Norm Paschal, OLLI’s Digital Photography instructor. From easier picture storage to instant picture results on a small screen, “digital is where it is,” says Norm.

Capturing memories is just one of the perks you can enjoy with digital photography. You can take snapshots of your friends or document your family’s trip to the beach. If you want, you can print them on photo paper, or you can just view them on a computer, TV, or digital photo frame.

Class Begins May 1st and runs for 3 Wednesday’s from 1 pm – 3 pm. Cost is only $89, call to reserve your spot today!

(Source: OLLI) 
 

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Bring your friends and neighbors and join the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) as they hit the road again! On Saturday, April 27, OLLI will host a trip to the beautiful Gibbs Gardens located in the foothills of the North Georgia  Mountains near Big Canoe.

“The Manor House and gardens sit on 220 acres, making it one of the nation’s largest residential estate gardens,” said Michelle Girage, director of OLLI at the College of Continuing and Professional Education at Kennesaw State University. “On the property, there is a beautiful stream flowing through the middle of the valley and hundreds of springs intersecting it. With their 24 ponds, 32 bridge crossings and 19 waterfalls, it will be quite a sight to see.”

Gibbs Gardens is composed of 16 gardens including three feature Gardens as well as Japanese and Water Lily gardens. You can also tour the Manor House as part of your admission. Trams are available to take you from one area to another for a $5 charge.

The cost of the trip is $69 which includes transportation and the entrance fee into the gardens. Lunch will be on site at the Arbor Café for an additional cost of about $8 per person.

“This will be the second trip that OLLI has hosted this year and we are quite excited about it,” Michelle said.

Seats are limited so call now to make your reservation. The bus will depart the KSU Center at 8:30 a.m.

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute strives to find new and interesting opportunities for their friends that are 50 years of age and older. They offer classes on computers, drawing and painting, tai chi or Pilates, topics on history and much more. There  are also socials several times a year, with dinner, dancing and fun with friends!

(Source: OLLI)

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Who knew an expert on the American West could be found at KSU Center? Quentin Thomas – AKA “Texas Red” – will be gearing up to  teach Spirits of the Great American West, beginning April 17, as part of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI).

OLLI is one of the many components of the College of Continuing and Professional Education at Kennesaw State University. Programs and events for OLLI are geared toward people age 50 and older.

According to www.texasred.org, Thomas’ nickname stemmed from a penname (he writes “cowboy poetry”). The retired USAF colonel is known in Roswell and Woodstock for his energetic and emphatic history lessons of the Sioux Indians, Louisiana Purchase and Texas  Rangers… just to name a few!

“I grew up in an era when everybody was playing cowboys and Indians,” said the native Texan. “Our heroes at that time had fan clubs and so forth, and they all had a code of the West. All of the great cowboy characters had that. This genre instilled — in a lot of young  people — good character.”

According to his class outline, the lessons will begin with migration theories on the population of the Americans and conclude with the end of the Open Range era with some questions on the existence of Great American West spirits. An optional component to the class is a trip to the Booth Museum of Western Art in Cartersville, where he serves as a docent.

Topics such as migrations and the Trail of Tears might stir debates, but Thomas doesn’t shy away from it.

He said, “Usually we are trying to clarify misconceptions.”

Small classes are also important to him. Thomas said he wants people to feel comfortable asking questions.

He said, “I teach in big gigantic ovals. I don’t want it to be so linear. I want to be able to carry story all the way through to a natural stopping place even though we may expand on it in a later class.”

Overall, Thomas wants his students to come out of the class with more curiosity and a stronger desire to learn.

He said, “I want them to go research it so that they come back with more questions.”

Spirits of the Great American West begins April 17 and runs for eight Wednesday sessions, 10 – 11:30 am. The cost is only $99; call today to reserve your seat!

(Source: OLLI)