Activities & Social Events
Activities are an integral part of OLLI’s programs, providing opportunities to learn and socialize outside the classroom. If you wish to contact one of the event coordinators or have general questions or suggestions for activities, call Catherine Frank at 919-684-2703.
Registration for activities begins at the Fall Convocation on September 7. After that date, sign-up sheets will be posted on the OLLI bulletin boards at The Bishop’s House and at Judea Reform.
BALLROOM DANCING
Why choose ballroom dance? “Several leading research centers have touted the physical fitness benefits
of social dancing. For example, the Mayo clinic reported dancing . . . offers several health benefits. Dance 30 minutes continuously, and you will burn 200 to 400 calories, the same as walking, swimming, or cycling” (Dance magazine).A gynecologist in private practice says, “Dancers I know have much better posture. They know how to balance their weight and move and have fewer accidents in the first place because they’re supple and their joints are moving. [Ballroom dancing] makes it easier to climb stairs, and [helps patients] avoid the dowager’s hump, often seen in older women.”Eunice Brock, Chapel Hill resident, says, “Whatever age, it’s fun to dance.” Ballroom dancing is an excellent cardio-workout, improves balance, coordination and gives couples a time for togetherness. The OLLI ballroom dancers will be dancing every Monday for an hour and a half at the Seymour Senior Center’s new facility in Chapel Hill. The American Smooth-Style dances of waltz, fox trot, and rumba add to the Latin rhythms of salsa, tango, merengue, and chacha to offer variety for all levels of dancers. Practice dancing for fun and fitness to strict-tempo recorded playlists compiled by Bonnie Fuchs. There is no fee for OLLI members. Mondays, beginning September 8 (no sessions the weeks of Thanksgiving and Christmas), 3:30–5:00pm, The Seymour Senior Center, 2551 Homestead Road, Chapel Hill. Coordinator: Bonnie Fuchs.
BOOK GROUP
An informal group reading contemporary literature. Meets monthly on the second Monday at 3:15pm in The Bishop’s House. Selections for August through December include Susan Vreeland’s Luncheon of the Boating Party, Sara Gruen’s Water for Elephants: A Novel, Markus Zusak’s The Book Thief, Greg Mortenson’s Three Cups of Tea, and Geraldine Brooks’s People of the Book: A Novel. Coordinator: Judy Grauer.
COMPUTER CLINIC AT LUNCHTIME
12:35–1:20pm, day and location to be announced. All levels of experience are welcome. Bring your computer questions, problems, and anything else you would like to discuss at this lunchtime meeting. Coordinator:
Ted Smith.
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 every first and third Monday of the month at 3:15pm in The Bishop’s House.
This Fall, also join us for another Craft Demonstration Series on Fridays from 11:00am–12:30pm in The Bishop’s House: basket weaving with Lu Howard, September 12–October 3; making a long-stitch afghan with Mary Louise Eichenhauer, October 17–31; thread crochet with Elizabeth Hamilton, November 7–21; and knitting a triangular scarf with Judy Grauer, December 5. We will send detailed descriptions and a materials list in the acknowledgement packets. Coordinator: Judy Grauer.
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 Campus, 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, September 19. 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 to 20 participants. Coordinator: Karen Childers.
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. This is an ongoing class, but newcomers are welcome at any time. There is no charge, but you will need to contact coordinator Judy Stafford. Please call Mary Edwards at 919-681-3476 for more information.
LANGUAGE TABLES AT LUNCHTIME
12:35–1:20pm, day and location to be announced. These groups are led by native speakers. Spanish with Maria Smith, and French with Maria Elliott. Watch bulletin boards at The Bishop’s House or JRC Education Building for sign-up sheets. 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, in Room 102 of The Bishop’s House. Coordinators: Mary Jo Fickle and Susan Eure.
MEMBERSHIP PICNICS
12:40–1:40pm
Tuesday, September 23, at Judea Reform*
Wednesday, September 24, at The Bishop’s House
Come and find out more about OLLI at one of our lunchtime picnics, held each term during the first few weeks of classes. Please join us—half the fun of OLLI is meeting people and becoming part of the community. Bring a bag lunch—we’ll bring drinks and cookies! * Please note that we comply with the dietary guidelines at Judea—no pork, no shellfish, and no meat and dairy on the same plate. Hosted by Valentina and Bob Hartford, co-chairs of the OLLI Membership Committee
The OLLI at Duke New Horizons Band is part of the New Horizons International Music Association, which includes over 150 bands in Canada and the United States. This program is designed to give people 50 years and older a place to learn to play a musical instrument, pick up that old instrument they played years ago or continue to perform, for those who have continued to play all their lives. The New Horizons Band offers music experiences for the beginner right up to advanced players.
The CONTRA Band (Beginner level) includes both beginner and intermediate players. This band rehearses on Wednesdays from 3:30 – 5:30. This is a fine opportunity for beginners to learn basic skills and experienced players to get back in shape. Personal coaching by director JEFF ZENTNER makes this a great confidence and skill-building experience.
The CONCERT Band rehearses twice a week on Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30 – 5:30. This band includes intermediate and advanced musicians. Also included in the CONCERT BAND program is a one-hour session on Tuesday for some sectional rehearsals under professional music instructors. The CONCERT BAND performs several concerts during the year.
The SWING BAND and DIXIE DUKES are bands for those musicians looking for a greater challenge. The SWING BAND, which meets on Wednesday from 3:30 – 5:00, plays a variety of big band tunes from bands like Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller, and many more. The DIXIE DUKES play a variety of Dixieland tunes and meet on Wednesday from 5:00 – 6:30.
Register using the insert in this catalog. You must be a paid member ($30.00 annual dues) of OLLI for the 2008-09 academic year. The band fees cover musical direction, group instruction and sheet music. Although some group instruction is provided, private lessons are recommended for beginning players. A list of private instructors is available for all instruments and you are invited to discuss your specific situation with director Jeff Zentner.
Rehearsals and Cost:
CONTRA BAND (Beginning Band): 11 Wednesdays, September 10th – December 3rd, 3:30 – 5:30 pm. Fee: $50.00
CONCERT BAND: 11 Tuesdays and 11 Thursdays (22 sessions), September 9th - December 4th, 3:30 – 5:30. Fee: $95.00. (This also includes participation in the CONTRA BAND if additional playing time is desired.)
SWING BAND and/or DIXIE DUKES: 11 Wednesdays, September 10th – December 3rd, SWING BAND from 3:30 – 5:00, DIXIE DUKES from 5:00 – 6:30. Fee: $25.00 for either or both, in addition to the $95 Concert Band fee. Please note: Members of the SWING and DIXIELAND BANDS must be members of the CONCERT BAND.
All rehearsals are held at Durham Academy Middle School Campus, 3116 Academy Road, Durham. (There is ample parking after 3:15pm when parents have picked up students from school.) For further information, contact: Jeff Zentner, Band Director, (919) 489-9118 (x4342); jeff.zentner@da.org; or (919) 218-5015 (cell)
Men and Women: Lift Up Your Voices and Sing!
The New Horizons Chorus invites you to join with fellow OLLI members in a serious, but fun, atmosphere to learn healthy singing techniques. Making music is enjoyable, but it's serious fun. . . and it can help maintain both good mental and physical health.
Experienced as well as novice singers are welcome. Sing favorite music that you remember from the past. Our focus will be on learning basic concepts and vocal technique, reading, music, and--most of all--experiencing the joy of singing.
MELODY ZENTNER is our director. An experienced vocal music teacher, she is a graduate of Ithaca College School of Music and has taught both adult and young voices for over 28 years in New York and North Carolina. CARMEN WARD is our piano accompanist.
11 Wednesdays, September 10 – December 3, 3:30 - 5:30 pm, in the Chorus Studio at Durham Academy Middle School Campus, 3116 Academy Road, Durham. There is ample parking after 3:15 pm, when parents have picked up students from school. Fee: $80; covers group instruction and sheet music.
Register using the insert in this catalog. You must be a paid member of OLLI ($30 annual dues) for the 2008-09 academic year.
For More information contact Melody Zentner, Chorus Director. 919-489-9118 (x4343) or melody.zentner@da.org.
PHOTOGRAPHY GROUP
Interested in working on photography with like-minded OLLI members? We meet throughout the year on the third Monday of the month at 3:15pm in The Bishop’s House. Coordinator: Ann Williams.
PICNIC IN DUKE FOREST
Our annual Fall Picnic will be Sunday, October 19, 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.
POETRY READING
Watch the bulletin board for details about an opportunity to share poetry and meet other OLLI poets. Coordinator: Tom Faison.
RECORDER GROUP
Bring your instrument (all voice categories welcome) and join the group, called the Baillie Branslers. It is led by Kay Bailey and meets Fridays at 1:30pm in the music room at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 3639 Old Chapel Hill Road, Durham.
SCIENCE BOOK CLUB
Join our group for interesting reading and discussion. Meets monthly on the first Thursday, except in July and August, at 3:15pm in The Bishop’s House. Coordinator: Phil Manning.
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.
WOMEN’S FIRST-TUESDAY-OF-THE-MONTH LUNCH GROUP
Meets year ’round at George’s Garage. Drop in any time from noon to 2:00pm. All are welcome to come and make new friends. Just look for a group of smiling women and come join us! Coordinator: Maurita Paprocki.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Join us for our Fall Convocation
Sunday, September 7, 2–3:30pm
Levin Social Hall, Judea Reform Congregation, 1933 W. Cornwallis Road
Guest Speaker: Dr. Phail Wynn
Duke University’s Vice President for Durham and Regional Affairs, Former President of Durham Technical Community College
This is a good time to listen to a stimulating speaker, catch up with old friends, meet our new members, sign up for fall activities, and partake of fine food and drink provided by Nancy Vanhoenacker and the Hospitality Committee. Guests are welcome!
Then join us for our annual Fall Retreat in the Mountains
Sunday through Wednesday, October 5–8
Blowing Rock Conference Center, Blowing Rock, NC
Enjoy the scenic beauty of the North Carolina mountains and the historical and cultural activities of Blowing Rock. Our program will feature stimulating lectures by some of our favorite speakers, including Emily Seelbinder and Karl Campbell, along with T’ai Chi instruction from Dr. Jay Dunbar, social gatherings, and quiet time.
You must be a member of OLLI to register for the retreat. Registration and program details will be included in the course acknowledgement mailing in August. Please contact Catherine Frank at 684-2703 or catherine.frank@duke.edu if you have questions or suggestions.
HOW TO THROW AN ARABIAN NIGHTS PARTY
Join us at the new Del Webb community—Carolina Preserve at Amberly—in Cary, as popular OLLI instructor Chris Page shows us how to throw an Arabian Nights party!
Chris Page lived, worked, and learned to cook local dishes in the Arabian Gulf for 24 years. She has led popular courses that have taught OLLI students to learn to see the world through Arab eyes and increased our awareness of the religion, law, music, literature, art, and architecture of the Arab world. Now OLLI students have the opportunity to enjoy a literal taste of the Arab world. On the first day of this two-day event, students will learn ideas for decorating, planning, shopping, and cooking ahead for an Arabian Nights party. On the second day, they will learn to prepare Tahta, a chicken-and-rice dish from the Arabian Gulf, a one-pot meal that will deliver aromas to entice your guests and free you from the kitchen to enjoy your party.
Thursday & Friday, November 6–7, 10:00am–12:00pm, Carolina Preserve at Amberly, Cary. We will send a flyer with more details, including cost, in your confirmation packets in mid-August. There will only be 10 slots available for OLLI students.
YADKIN VALLEY WINE TOUR
Friday, September 26, 8:00am–6:00pm
The Yadkin Valley Wine Tour Co. will conduct a tour to three wineries in the Yadkin Valley area. During a comfortable bus ride to the vineyards, guides will talk about wine, present a video, and answer questions about the world of wine.
We will visit the RagApple Lassie Vineyards in Boonville where we will receive a winery tour and wine tasting of seven or eight wines selected by winemaker Linda King. We will enjoy an Italian lunch in the tasting room. We will then go to Allison Oaks Vineyards in Yadkinville and enjoy a vineyard tour with owner Gene Renegar and a tasting of six or seven of his wines. Finally, we will travel to the RayLen Vineyards in Mocksville, tour the winery with winemaker Steve Shepard, and sample seven selected wines.
We will travel by bus and leave from the parking lot at the Streets at Southpoint at Sears Automotive Building area. If we get a full coach of 50 people, the fee will be $65 per person, which includes the cost of the bus, admission to the wineries, and lunch. Registration Deadline: August 20, 2008. The application and payment must be received in the OLLI office by this date.
Questions? Contact Mary Edwards at 919-681-3476 or mge4@duke.edu.
OLLI & SYMPHONY ESSENTIALS
Take advantage of a special OLLI Fall Subscription series to enjoy Symphony Essentials performances sponsored by the North Carolina Symphony, and save up to 50% on the cost of symphony tickets!
The Symphony Essentials programs begin at 6:30 pm on concert nights at Raleigh’s Meymandi Concert Hall, Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts. Guest artists or NC Symphony musicians team up with distinguished lecturers to offer a behind-the-scenes look at how a concert is put together. Audience members can ask questions of the artists performing that evening and learn about the backstage and onstage moments building to that evening’s concert.
Enjoy evenings with the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet on Friday, October 3 (and find out about a work co-commissioned by the Symphony and the Nasher Museum of Art as part of their “El Greco to Velázquez: Art During the Reign of Philip III” exhibition); with guitarists Scott Tennant on Friday, October 10; and with pianist Anne-Marie McDermott and guest conductor James Gaffigan on Saturday, October 25.
You can purchase a three-concert subscription for $75 or purchase tickets for individual events at $25 per concert. The deadline for subscriptions is 5:00 pm, August 15; individual tickets may be purchased up to a week before the concert. Contact Jessica Centea at 919-733-2750, ext 264, or Jcentea@ncsymphony.org.
CHINA, April 2009
Join us in April 2009 for an unforgettable trip to China. We will spend two weeks in the Middle Kingdom exploring Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, and Hong Kong.
Our group will explore the wonders of Beijing, including the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and other historic sites of the Chinese capital. In Shanghai we will visit and walk the historic Bund and see the place where the Taiping Rebellion took place. In Xian, the beginning of the Silk Road, we will visit the Terra Cotta figures, the tomb of the first emperor of China, and see where Chiang Kai-Shek was kidnapped and forced to sign an alliance with the Communists against the Japanese during World War II. We will explore Hong Kong at the end of our trip and visit Victoria Peak and other sites of interest and experience Hong Kong’s famous shopping areas. Throughout the trip our group will delve into the culture of China and experience the many wonderful cuisines of the various areas we visit.
Tony Calabrese, who is teaching Introduction to China at 9:00am on Tuesdays this fall, will lead the trip and share his insights after living many years in Asian cities. Tony will answer all your questions and give you a deeper understanding of the stops on our journey together. This trip will excite your senses and stimulate your curiosity. Come along and enjoy the adventure! Call Mary Edwards at 681-3476 or e-mail mge4@duke.edu for a brochure with further details.