Activities & Social Events

  • Overview

Invitation and sign-up sheet for the OLLI 2009 Holiday Luncheon, to be held Friday, December 11, from 11:30 to 2 pm at the Rizzo Conference Center at Meadowmont in Chapel Hill

Activities are an integral part of the OLLI program, providing opportunities to learn and socialize outside the classroom. If you have general questions or suggestions for activities, call Catherine Frank at 919-684-2703.

We will have sign-up sheets for all activities at our Fall Convocation on September 13. After that date, information sheets will be posted on the OLLI bulletin boards at The Bishop’s House and at Judea Reform.

If you want to find out more about any of the listed groups below, please contact the coordinator listed for that activity.

BALLROOM DANCE INSTRUCTION

Depending on the step, ballroom dancing can burn anywhere from 250 to 400 calories an hour—about the same as a brisk half-hour walk on a treadmill. The more demanding dances, like the salsa, samba, and cha-cha, can be comparable to an intense session at the gym. For many couples looking to get fit, the dance floor offers an exhilarating alternative to the drudgery of the gym, and experts say sticking to an exercise regime is easier when it’s not a chore.

For the first time OLLI at Duke offers ballroom dance at Judea Reform this term. Students will learn East and West Coast Swing and cha-cha in hour-long lessons throughout the OLLI fall term and will learn more than enough dance steps to take them through the holidays. Make a weekly date with your favorite dance partner and join us for an hour of dancing for fun and fitness.

Please note: Wear smooth-soled shoes to glide better across the floor.

BRUCE GILLOOLY has been dancing since the age of seven. After college, career, marriage, and family, upon retirement, he asked himself, “What do I enjoy most?” Since dancing was his first love, Bruce returned to teaching dance to help others find the joy that he has experienced throughout life. Bruce currently teaches group classes at the Wellness Center in Meadowmont, the Seymour Center in Chapel Hill, and the Central Orange Senior Center in Hillsborough. He also teaches private lessons.

11 Wednesdays, September 16–December 9, 1:00–2:00pm, Judea Reform Education Building. Fee: $60 per person, to be paid to the instructor. All refunds are at the discretion of the instructor.

The OLLI Ballroom Dancers are welcome to a weekly practice: Mondays (except holidays), 3:30–5:00pm, in the Great Hall at Seymour Senior Center, 2551 Homestead Road, Chapel Hill. ABSOLUTELY FREE! If you have questions or wish to submit you name to the E-Dance list, contact Bonnie Fuchs at bonniefuchs@bellsouth.net.

BOOK GROUP

An informal group reading contemporary literature. Meets on the second Monday of every month at 3:15pm in The Bishop’s House. Selections for the Fall term will include:

August 10—Louis de Bernières’ Birds Without Wings

September 14—Betty Smith’s A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

October 12—Catherine O’Flynn’s What Was Lost

November 9—Alistair MacLeod’s No Great Mischief: A Novel

December 14— Gail Tsukiyama’s The Samurai’s Garden: A Novel

Coordinator: Judy Grauer, rjgrauer@webtv.net or 416-0755.

COMPUTER CLINIC AT LUNCHTIME

12:35–1:20pm, Wednesdays at Judea Reform Congregation. All levels of experience, from beginners on up, are welcome. Bring your computer questions, problems, and anything else you would like to discuss at this lunchtime meeting. Coordinator: Ted Smith, 928-0525.

CRAFT GROUP

It’s time to dig out that unfinished project from the back of the closet. Knitting, quilting, crocheting, sewing . . . whatever. All are welcome. We will meet the first and third Mondays of the month at 3:15pm in The Bishop’s House. Coordinator: Judy Grauer, rjgrauer@webtv.net or 416-0755.

This fall, join us for a demonstration series on Fridays, September 18–December 4, 11:00am–12:30pm, at The Bishop’s House. Lu Howard, whose basket making sessions have been so popular, will teach quilting using the foundation piecing method.

DUKE ORIENTATION & CAMPUS WALK

New to the Duke community? Eager to learn your way around campus, find libraries, theaters, bookstores, the best places to eat and just “hang out”? Want to learn a little Duke history and lore, including the difference between East and West campuses, the mysteries of K’ville, and the origin of the Blue Devil mascot?

Join us for a Campus Tour and “Insider’s Guide to Duke” on Friday, October 2. Meet at The Bishop’s House at 11:00am, explore East Campus, and eat lunch at the Union. Then, join students on the bus to West Campus to visit Duke Chapel, the Bryan Center, and other sites. Return to The Bishop’s House by 3:00pm, or earlier, if you choose.

Space is limited. Contact Karen Childers, 919-309-7939 or kwchilders@nc.rr.com, to reserve your spot! Maximum: 20.

INTERNATIONAL FOLK DANCE

Join us for a fun way to get exercise, both physical and mental, and improve your balance. The folk dances we practice are done in a line or circle (no partner is needed) and are low impact (not highly strenuous). Most of the dances originated in Eastern Europe. Our ongoing class meets on Tuesdays, 1:30–2:45pm at Croasdaile Village Retirement Community. Newcomers are welcome at any time. There is no charge, but you will need to contact coordinator Judy Stafford at staff001@notes.duke.edu for more information.

LANGUAGE TABLES AT LUNCHTIME

12:35-1:20pm, . Spanish with Maria Smith , 928-0525, will meet on Wednesday 12:35 at Judea Reform Congregation. French with Maria Elliott, 682-0812, day and location TBA . These conversation groups are for speakers with moderate to good knowledge of the language; they are not classes.

MAC COMPUTER USERS GROUP

Mac users will gather for Q&A and short presentations on topics of interest. The regular meeting time is the fourth Monday of the month, 3:15pm at the Mill Building Computer Lab. Coordinators: Mary Jo Fickle, fickle5@aol.com, and Susan Eure, asure@bellsouth.net.

PHOTO EDITING GROUP

Do you enjoy using your computer for organizing, editing, and sharing your photographs? Are you interested in learning more about creative techniques, sharing procedures you have used for your own photos, and having an opportunity to query others who work on photos? Meetings will include presentations on photo editing topics and time for Q&A. This group will meet monthly in the Mill Building Computer Lab, day and time to be announced. Coordinator:  Mary Jo Fickle (Fickle5@aol.com).

PHOTOGRAPHY GROUP

Interested in working on photography with like-minded OLLI members? We meet throughout the year on the second Monday of the month at 3:15pm in The Bishop’s House. Coordinator: Ken Lundstrom, 206-4639 or kenlundstrom@yahoo.com.

PICNIC IN DUKE FOREST

Our annual Fall Picnic will be Sunday, October 11, 4:30–7:00pm, in the Duke Forest. There is a $7.00 fee so that we can provide fried chicken, wine, beer, soda, and paper goods. Watch the bulletin boards at The Bishop’s House and JRC for sign-up sheets. Coordinator: Susanna Chabinak-Uhlig, 929-2233.

POETRY READING

Watch the bulletin board for details for an opportunity to share poetry and meet other OLLI poets. Coordinator: Tom Faison. 967-5862.

RECORDER GROUP

Bring your instrument (all voice categories welcome) and join the group, called the Baillie Branslers. It is led by Kay Bailey (kayfbailey01@yahoo.com), and meets Fridays at 1:30pm in the music room at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 3639 Old Chapel Hill Rd., Durham.

SCIENCE BOOK CLUB

We read and discuss books of substance on topics ranging from biology, evolution, and the physical sciences to medicine, the environment, and biographies of famous scientists. You do not have to have a science degree to participate, and no registration is required. Beginning October 1, we meet on the first Thursday of the month at 2:30pm at Judea Reform Education Building. Coordinator: Bob Gutin, 425-1300 or bernardgutin@yahoo.com.

SINGLE WOMEN’S SOCIAL GROUP

Are you an OLLI member seeking to expand your social network? We are a group of women who enjoy getting together, talking about what it’s like to be active at this time of our lives, sharing good food, good conversation, and interesting outings. Join us for laughter and camaraderie. Coordinator: Faye Gregory, 528-6533 or gmar3@earthlink.net.

WOMEN’S FIRST-TUESDAY-OF-THE-MONTH LUNCH GROUP

Women of OLLI—How about some great conversation and good food? Every first Tuesday of the month we meet for lunch and lively talk. Location to be announced. Come any time between 12:00 and 2:00pm and join in the fun. All are more than welcome. Questions? Call Maurita Paprocki, 682-6234.

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VOLUNTEER PROJECTS

The knowledge and experience of OLLI members has been much sought after and appreciated by a variety of community agencies. Directors of the following projects would be delighted to add new volunteers to their ranks.

Duke Center for Aging & Human Development
In 1977, OLLI at Duke, then known as the Duke Institute for Learning in Retirement (DILR), began as a joint venture between Continuing Education and the Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development; OLLI members continue to volunteer to participate in studies for the Center for Aging. Pick up an application in the OLLI office.

Duke University’s International House
Duke University’s International House provides many services for international students and faculty. You can help by being an “International Friend” or by participating in English language conversation groups. Call International House, 684-3253, for more information.

Additional Volunteer Activities
If you are interested in developing volunteer opportunities for OLLI members, please contact Catherine Frank at 684-2703.