‘I miss my friends!” That plaintive cry does not belong only to the kids kept out of school since March. Since OLLI at Granite State College continues to operate remotely, staff and volunteer leaders have focused on how to replace the collegial interactions that members enjoy as part of the whole learning experience for a membership over the age of 50.
While some courses, by their nature, are discussion classes, the opportunity to just get together and share experiences, good conversation and meet new people is so different in the current environment. Plus, those get-togethers have been free, one of the benefits of membership in the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. So volunteer committees stepped up to the challenge and developed online social gatherings. Morning sessions over coffee, dubbed “Mug ‘n’ Muffins” have involved discussions among the members based on a theme or with an invited guest speakers.
A recent themed Mug ‘n’ Muffin involved sharing of food-related preferences, favorite restaurants, hints about where to find hard-to-find food items. A booklet of member recipes was distributed at the end of the program, featuring whoopie pies, vegetable tian, marinated chicken breasts, blueberry lemon scones and many others.
A few weeks later, members gathered around their zoom screens to hear Dave Anderson, former Merrimack Valley varsity high school coach, talk about coaching Bob Tewksbury as well as offer commentary on other sports topics.
This past week 50 members participated in the afternoon version of OLLI gatherings, known as Lunch & Learns. Members were invited to bring their lunches while listening to a panel of experts informing them about how New Hampshire citizens will be able to vote safely in this year’s elections despite the pandemic. Liz Tentarelli, President of the N.H. League of Women Voters, and Olivia Zink, Executive Director of Open Democracy, explained New Hampshire’s absentee voting, likely to be the preferred method for the vulnerable population OLLI comprises. Knowing how to apply for, complete and submit an absentee ballot to be sure the vote counts is critical and the panelists did an excellent job providing that information and answering questions from a captivated audience.
Later this month, another Lunch & Learn, “Made in the Shadow of Mount Washington,” will feature Bob Cottrell, curator of the Conway Historical Society, showcasing manufacturing and farming businesses of the 1800s and 1900s in the North Country as well as products made in thevalley.
OLLI at Granite State College is known for its varied, cost-effective educational programs, focused on the interests of engaged adults over age 50. But OLLI is between semesters now with fall term not starting until mid-August. These free offerings are some of the most popular member benefits all year long, but especially in between terms while members continue to limit their activities, generally staying at home to be safe. And, while nonmembers are welcome to take classes, Mug ‘n’ Muffins and Lunch & Learns are open to members only.
Information about OLLI membership and the courses scheduled for fall term can be found on the OLLI website at olli.granite.edu or by calling the OLLI office at 513-1377.