November 2010

This year is really going by fast for OLLI. It seems as if the summer just ended and already we’ve finished the fall semester and are gearing up for the winter.

Barbara Hochberg and I recently attended the National OLLI Conference in Park City, Utah. We received a surprise when the Osher Foundation announced it would give $25,000 to every OLLI (120 across the country) to help in this poor financial climate. What a great gift!

Barbara and I made a presentation describing our programs and our Educational and Cultural Partners at a breakout session. Afterward, many in the audience complimented us on our programs. Reflecting on this, it became obvious that lots of people are responsible for our success.  There is not enough room in this article to mention everyone, but I can name a few.

·         IT Chairman Bob Desrosiers and his team work hard to ensure the videoconferencing, recording for community cable, PowerPoint presentations for meetings (we wowed them at National with the PowerPoint that Bob made) and slides for advertising in theaters are accurate and professional.

·         Our Catalog Committee, headed by Bonnie Desrosiers, continues to present an outstanding publication every semester.  We were told that our catalog circulates proudly around the Osher office in San Francisco.  

·         Sandi Rubin, Editor of the OLLI Newsletter, with the help of her editorial staff, produces a fine publication as well.  Sandi does double duty also serving as Secretary of the Board.

·         The Special Events Committee chaired by Arline Breskin and the Distinguished Speaker Series co-chaired by Lora and Sig Tobias work to make our OLLI unique. These programs have been exciting and informative.

·         Norman Michaels, the Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee, works diligently with BCC to budget and maintain OLLI’s fiscal integrity.

·         OLLI’s Membership Committee has done a fabulous job under the leadership of Marilyn Brimberg.  Our membership drives have been successful, and we have nearly reached our goal of 1,000 members due to their innovative activities.

In addition, other committee chairs, Board members, course facilitators and instructors and OLLI’s outstanding Executive Director all contribute to making our organization grow.  But we need more volunteers to help continue to expand OLLI. We need your help, your ideas and your time. Please get involved!

Howard Arkans, M.D.

President