A LABOR OF LOVE: THE POWER OF VOLUNTEERSBy Lucy Lien

OLLI is powered by devotion -- to the community, fellow OLLI members, to learning — and most of that devotion stems from volunteers. While OLLI at UNL has four paid staff members, volunteers do a great deal of the work, including putting together classes, teaching, overseeing finances and putting on special events.

Last academic year, volunteers contributed 17,433 hours to OLLI at UNL. That amounts to $350,926 in dollar value, based on the Nebraska state value for volunteer work at $20.13 per hour.

Many OLLI members volunteer for one-time events, such as the open house or the Radio Active Players. Others volunteer throughout the year on committees such as: special events, OLLI Council, resource development, diversity, finance, marketing, membership, curriculum and travel. Other volunteers work on special interest groups such as book clubs, woodworking or ping pong.

As one would expect, the largest volunteer commitment is centered on the classes. Sixty volunteers currently serve on the curriculum committee, putting together the classes and making sure they run smoothly. Lois Pasco and David Dyke are co-chairs of the Curriculum Committee.

In addition, 214 instructors volunteered their time and shared their knowledge in 2014-15, with 108 teaching more than one class. Pasco

said instructor volunteerism helps realize its goal of keeping course fees affordable. Other OLLI groups may have to charge $75 to a $100 course. OLLI at UNL classes average around $30.

Dyke said, “We have wonderful people who keep delivering courses once a year or so, and we have to keep track of how much we’ve used these people because we don’t want to wear out our welcome. It’s work to put together a class; it takes work to pare down what you might have said to college students, or adjust to an OLLI group who aren’t in an honors group. It’s difficult to entice people to talk when you can’t give an honorarium. It’s all volunteer work for the teachers.”

“Most people who lecture to OLLI find it a pleasure,” Dyke said. “Sometimes university students are there because they have to be, but all the OLLI people are soaking it up and wanting to be there.” Many retired professors love the chance to share knowledge about the subjects they love.

Arranging classes for OLLI was not always such an extensive operation. Around 2002,

when Pasco began helping put together classes for SAGE, the precursor to OLLI at UNL, the curriculum committee “was just a group of people who got together,” she said. “No one was in charge; it was pretty much sitting around the table and chatting.” SAGE membership at that time had fewer than 100 members. OLLI at UNL membership has risen to about 1,400. The need for more quality classes has arisen along with the membership.

The Curriculum Committee is divided into 11 subcommittees, each of which works on classes in a certain field, such as the arts or science. The whole committee meets every other month. Individual subcommittees meet on the alternate months.

Dyke praised passionate subcommittee members who generate a lot of good course ideas. We are dependent on the work of our committees because there is constant pressure to come up with new and interesting classes,” he said. “As they say in baseball: ‘You’re only as good as your last score.’”

“A lot of research goes into finding professors and new class ideas,” Pasco said. Facilitators usually start working on a class at least a year ahead.

LLIInsiderTHE VOICE OF THE OSHER COMMUNIT Y

College of Education & Human SciencesUniversity of Nebraska–Lincolnolli.unl.edu 402-472-6265 olli@unl.edu

(Continued on page 4)

IN THIS ISSUEMessage from the Council .................2Coordinator’s Message ......................2The Face of Lincoln ..............................4Going My Way .....................................5The Silk Road .......................................6Live Long: Ping Pong ...........................6Instructor Profiles................................7Facilitator Profile .................................7What We’re Reading...........................8

Contributing OLLI MembersLeta Powell DrakeJane HinesJeanne KernLucy Lien

Kathleen Rutledge

Look for this icon denoting classes, courses and special events themed “The Face of Lincoln: History, Culture and Change.”

Volunteer instructor Dick Dienstbier, professor emeritus, Psychology, UNL, and Lois Pasco, Curriculum Committee co-chair.

Message from the CouncilOsher Lifelong Learning Institutes National ConferenceBy Marv Almy, OLLI Council Chair

In October 2015, Dee Aguilar and I had the opportunity to attend the Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes National Conference in Charlotte, N. C. Conferences are held every 18 months and bring together all 119 OLLIs.

It was a great opportunity to exchange information with OLLI leaders from all around the United States. Bernard Osher, the philanthropist who has funded the Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes, attended all three days of the conference. Also attending were staff from the Bernard Osher Foundation of San Francisco, Calif., and the National Resource Center for Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes on the campus of Northwestern University in Evansville, IL.

While the number of OLLIs has not been increasing for the last few years, the number of OLLI members is growing rapidly. Most OLLIs reported growth numbers similar to the double-digit growth we have been experiencing here. Many presentations and workshops dealt with how to meet membership expectations as membership grows.

Dee and I had the pleasure of spending time with the OLLI representatives from Minnesota, South Dakota, Kansas and Iowa State. It was fun to get to know our OLLI neighbors and learn about their programs.

There is also a common bond among the OLLIs from the Big 10 Conference schools. After

joking about sports, I enjoyed visiting with OLLI members from Penn State, Maryland, Illinois, Michigan as well as Minnesota.

Conference attendees also enjoyed hearing from National Public Radio correspondent Ina Jaffe who specializes in covering issues that affect the OLLI age group.

Dee and I attended workshops and presentations dealing with curriculum, marketing, and use of social media, travel and fundraising. I sat in on a panel discussing increasing diversity of OLLI memberships presented by the OLLIs from the universities of Illinois, Georgia and North Carolina-Asheville.

One of the benefits of attending the conference is that Dee and I came away with the impression that we are doing things very well at the OLLI at UNL. Our membership, finances, curriculum offerings and programs compare very well with other OLLIs. That’s good to know!

Why Give?By Deanna Aguilar, Ph.D., OLLI Coordinator

With a growing membership and a robust program of courses, special events and travel opportunities, this is an exciting time for OLLI at UNL. The program and member-leadership are focused on continuing quality programming, keeping our program accessible to all, and keeping our fees affordable.

OLLI is supported through membership fees, investment income from the Osher Foundation grants, and direct and in-kind support from the College of Education and Human Sciences and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. These resources have been adequate for OLLI’s level of activity but our expanding organization needs to ensure financial security for unplanned but immediate expenses that may arise and for the ongoing future of OLLI at UNL.

This is why we invite you to contribute to OLLI. Since the formal fundraising initiative was launched in 2013, at the urging of the Osher Foundation, members have responded exceedingly well. Many, many thanks to every member who has given. If your name appears on one of the lists published in this issue of “The Insider,” please give yourself a pat on the back. Whether large or small, your gift is very important and appreciated.

If you have not already made a contribution or would like to do more, you may consider from the following giving opportunities.

Annual Ask Campaign – This fund supports those unanticipated but necessary expenses for the present curriculum year. It allows us to meet the needs of a growing membership, instructor requests, and program opportunities that become available. It gives OLLI the needed “cushion” to act appropriately upon surprise expenses – items outside of the annual budget . . . just as we all experience in our personal lives.

Pillar Lifelong Learning Society – The Pillar Society is focused on OLLI’s vibrancy years from now. You can become a member of the Pillar Society by pledging a gift of $1,000 to this endowed fund to ensure that OLLI at UNL is available to interested seasoned adult learners in the future.

Memorial Gifts – A donation can be made to OLLI to remember someone or to honor him or her.

Legacy Gifts – You can support OLLI at UNL with a planned gift. These gifts can be directed as the donor desires. There is a wide array of possibilities and consultation is recommended with our Planned Giving Officer at the University of Nebraska Foundation, Kim Waller (kwaller@nufoundation.org or 402-458-1144).

If you have any questions, please contact me, Dee Aguilar, OLLI Coordinator, at 402-472-9891 or daguilar2@unl.edu. Information is also available on the OLLI website at olli.unl.edu.

2 OLLI Insider January 2016

January 2016 olli.unl.eduPublished twice yearly by the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln

University of Nebraska–Lincoln College of Education and Human Sciences125 Home EconomicsP.O. Box 830800Lincoln, NE 68583-0800402-472-6265olli@unl.edu www.olli.unl.edu

OLLI Newsletter CommitteeLeta Powell Drake Jane Hines Jeanne Kern Grace Larsen Lucy Lien Kathleen Rutledge

Communications Associate and Managing Editor Patricia Saldaña

LLIInsiderTHE VOICE OF THE OSHER COMMUNIT Y

Coordinator,s

Column

Marvin Almy, Chair, OLLI Council

olli.unl.edu 402-472-6265 olli@unl.edu 3

Why contribute to OLLI?

The answer is as simple as...

Why contribute? OLLI needs your support to advance the organization and successfully meet today’s and tomorrow’s needs.

For more information, go online to olli.unl.edu and click on OLLI Gifts and Donations or contact Dee Aguilar, coordinator, 402-472-9891, daguilar2@unl.edu.

WHY?

- Advance OLLI at UNL

- Budget realities

- Costs

OLLI Annual Member Ask Thank you to all who have generously and graciously responded to this campaign enabling us to continue to respond quickly and efficiently to those immediate expenditures to support committees, instructors and day-to-day special expenditures.

Gifts received as of November 30, 2015 are listed below.

Friend (up to $49.99)

Anonymous Donor

Lois R. & Richard Dam

Suzanne C. Schied

Sharad C. & Rebecca Seth

Grant R. Peters

Scholar ($50-$249.99)

Anonymous Donor

David W. & Patricia C. Crews

John & Joan M. Anderson

Gary L. & Linda S. Bieck

Samuel E. & Patricia L. Boon

Linda J. Burchard

Constance S. Kane

Don A. Chandler & Jane E. Grabenstein Chandler

Carol A. Patrick A. Duncan

Bradley M. Dwiggins

Mike & Donita Elrod

Donald & C.D. Fults

Ruth A. & Jay D. Gerber

Donald L. & Cynthia A. Grohs

Cheryl A. & Russell Irwin

Twyla J. Lidolph

Michael L. & Elizabeth A. McCoy

William E. & Mary E. Rogge

Robert F. Dorothy A. Shapiro

Carolee Svoboda

Gretchen A. Treadway

Sally L. Van Zandt

Jane B. & Ronald G. Wasserman

William T. Workman

Arthur I. & Christine Zygielbaum

Academic ($250-499.99)

Benefactor ($500+)

James A. & Georgianne L. Mastera

If we have inadvertently excluded your name, please call us immediately so we can correct the mistake and recognize you. 402-472-6265.

Marvin AlmyCharles A. BachinskiDennis & Charlyne R. BerensGary L. & Linda BieckRoger H. & Mary G. BruningNancy H. ChristensenJohn C. & Nancy R. ComerThomas E. deShazoDavid R. & Elaine E. DykeKent R. & Janice G. EakinsThomas A. & Nancy L. ErnstPhilip R. & Barbara P. HeckmanErnest E. & Mary J. HinesThomas C. & Linda L. HoegemeyerAndrew C. & Ellan M. HoveSusan E. HoweMarleen F. JohnsonKathleen A. Rutledge & Theodore J. KooserTwyla J. LidolphJames A. & Georgianne L. MasteraRobert E. Morris

Irvin T. & Wanda R. OmtvedtLois PascoBernard C. & Roberta G. PoppeLeta N. Powell DrakeSuzanne H. SchreiberClare V. & Roberta E. SwardDavid W. & Marge A. ThomssenRonald G. & Jane B. WassermanDonald A. & Myra S. WilhiteGrace E. Larson & Henry A. WillemsenWilliam T. WorkmanMarguerite S. YoungHerbert H. & DiAnna R. SchimekAnonymous DonorAnonymous DonorAnonymous DonorAnonymous DonorAnonymous DonorAnonymous DonorAnonymous DonorAnonymous Donor

If we have inadvertently excluded your name from this list, please let us know so that we can correct our error and recognize you in the next issue of the "Insider."

LIFELONG LEARNING PILLARS SOCIETY

Contributors as of November 30, 2015

4 OLLI Insider January 2016

A Labor of Love(continued from page 1)

For example, Pasco is putting together a symposium on the Silk Road for March 24, 2016. “I have had this idea for quite a few years,” she said. Charlyne Berens, history subcommittee member, is facilitating a Silk Road class to follow the symposium.

Many popular classes such as Nebraska authors, bridge, mah-jong, tours of workplaces and tours of places of worship are offered many times. Usually the same people facilitate those classes year after year.

Although it is easier if committee members already know potential instructors, it is not necessary. Volunteers can create their own contacts. “I do a lot of cold calling or emailing, telling professors we’re interested in them,” Pasco said. “It doesn’t hurt my feelings if they’re not interested or unable to teach an OLLI class.” Volunteers contact potential instructors at the University of Nebraska and neighboring institutions, such as the University of Nebraska at Kearney, Doane College, Wesleyan University and Southeast Community College.

Facilitators do not have to worry about finding classrooms. “Nadine Ault, staff assistant, is a master at that,” Dyke said. “Wherever we go, there are people available who we can call quickly to make sure things are going well. There’s nothing worse than finding a class is filled, it’s time to go, and we can’t get started because something has gone wrong. That’s when beads of perspiration start forming.”

“We are always needing more people in the Curriculum Committee in all areas,” Pasco said. New committee members “are not thrown to the wolves,” she said. “We always work with new volunteers. They’re not on their own. Most people who decide to participate like it; they like the camaraderie. There are lots of fun times when planning.”

Dee Aguilar, OLLI Coordinator, addresses the crowd at the April 2015 Volunteer Recognition Dinner.

The Face of Lincoln: History, Culture and ChangeRace, culture, age, heritage, experience, background, ethnicity and personal history all affect the way in which we interact with one another. OLLI’s 2015-2016 theme, “The Face of Lincoln: History, Culture and Change,” is all about exploring and understanding cultural differences. Look for these special events and classes in the Term 3 course catalog or visit the OLLI Website at olli.unl.edu to learn more and/or to register.

Introduction to Chinese CultureOLLI and the UNL Confucius Institute have partnered to offer an 11-day trip to China in May 2016. While this course is being offered to help travelers prepare for the trip, it is open to all OLLI members whether you are going on the trip or not. Learn about Chinese language, food, education, marriage and family.

From Everywhere…They Become Americans!Lincoln Public Schools has played an important role in the assimilation of refugees and immigrants in our community. Listen to an overview of the program by Dr. Steve Joel, LPS superintendent.

“Americanah” Book Talk“Americanah” is this year’s One Book, One Lincoln selection. Layne Pierce, retired librarian, will give an overview.

A Taste of Lincoln: Exploring Cultural CuisinesWhat we cook and eat is a function of our cultural experiences. Learn about the flavors, techniques and traditions that make French cuisine so unique in the class “French Food and Culture,” led by Laurent DeVilliers, owner of the Normandy restaurant. Then, join your OLLI friends for a magnifique three-course French dinner at the Normandy.

Let’s Talk Symposium: Understanding, Appreciating andEngaging with Other CulturesOn March 17, take another step with OLLI to understand and address issues of multiculturalism and social justice. Dr. Helen Fagan, a certified diversity trainer and adjunct faculty member at UNL, will help us learn how to be more developmentally ready to understand and engage with people of many backgrounds.

Multicultural Events CalendarCheck out the OLLI calendar of upcoming community multicultural events, programs, classes, workshops, festivals and arts events around Lincoln.

http://olli.unl.edu/multicultural-events-calendar

David Dyke, co-chair of the Curriculum Committee, assists Nancy Comer with a course selection during the August 2015 open house.

olli.unl.edu 402-472-6265 olli@unl.edu 5

Going My Way OLLI TravelsBy Jeanne Kern Photos Courtesy of Jeanne Kern

As Aristotle said, “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” A great way to explore the characters and the plot is to travel with OLLI. Lee Rockwell, with Valden Tours and OLLI’s travel partner, organizes trips ranging from nearby Nebraska sites to those “Far Away Places” Bing Crosby sang about.

OLLI travelers recently visited the Big Apple, Kansas City, Branson and the Pacific Northwest. New York trippers touched history at the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, applauded Broadway shows including private entertainment by the Philharmonic and the City Ballet, fell hushed at the 9/11 Memorial, marveled at museums, and some were in the audience scan of the Today show. Even waking up was special; our hotel was in the flower district and we emerged to find ourselves surrounded by fragrance and beauty.

Kansas City OLLIs enjoyed museums of K.C. Jazz, the Negro Baseball League, art, and the amazing Steamboat from a Cornfield. Barbeque and a Royals ballgame were highlights, as was an evening at a dinner theatre.

The Pacific Northwest amazed with fish-tossing at Pike Place Market, the Boeing assembly line, the beauty of Butchart Gardens, and the Chihuly glass display. Intrepid OLLI travelers

braved the 450 feet of the Capilano Suspension Bridge, and all had high tea at the Empress Hotel and ate fresh salmon until they were stuffed — uh — to the gills.

And what could be more spectacular than a pre-holiday visit to Branson with seven shows in four days? Doug Gabriel, The Osmonds, Johnny Mathis, and the cast of “Puttin’ on the Ritz” welcomed OLLI travelers.

If you missed those trips, rejoice. The book of the world will soon fall open to a chapter on France and a river cruise with Grand Circle Tours to visit Monet’s Giverny, Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, and the beaches of Normandy.

Want to go farther? Join your friends for a safari. See Mount Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti, and teeming animal and bird life. Spot a leopard draped over a tree branch. Catch lions cat-napping in the sun. Ask a wildebeest, “What’s gnu?” and laugh with a hyena. It’s the experience of a lifetime.

Trips to Cuba and China are planned with more to come. OLLI travel provides introductions to brand new travel friends from right here at home as well as, according to Jerry Petr, “great variety on a fast-paced schedule.”

Check the OLLI website at olli.unl.edu and watch for future travel information. Then pack your bags. OLLI is your passport to the world. It’s time to open a new chapter in that book.

OLLI members photograph Lil’ Red on the Royals screen

Susan Macy leads OLLI travelers across the Capilano Suspension Bridge over the Capilano River in the District of North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

OLLI members visit Strawberry Fields, a 2.5 acre area of Central Park in New York City that pays tribute to the late Beatle, John Lennon.

Sondra Atkins sings with Letterman Donovan Tea. Photo courtesy of Sue Brouse

A Star is Born By Leta Powell Drake

On the OLLI Branson trip in November, Sondra Atkins was selected from the audience to sing a part in the “Twelve Days of Christmas” during The Lettermen’s Christmas show. She told Letterman Donovan Tea, “I can’t sing.” He said, “Good.” Atkins sang the line “Eight maids a milking,” and milked it for all it was worth.

6 OLLI Insider January 2016

Though it may appear as a single road (in red above), the "Silk Road" was a network of centuries-old trade routes which enabled traders to travel from Xian (Chang'an) in China, to Istanbul (Constantinople) in Turkey. The ancient spice and incense routes were also connected to the Silk Routes by ports and sea routes.

The Silk Road: An Orient-ationBy Jeanne Kern

Air perfumed by cinnamon, cardamom, frankincense—the promise of rich silks, jades, ivory, jewels—an arduous journey of plains and peaks—the mystery and allure of legend: the Silk Road.

The Silk Road opened long-distance political and economic relations between civilizations. Religions, philosophies, culture, creativity, and even diseases followed the route.

On March 24, Nancy Hope, guest lecturer from OLLI at the University of Kansas, will guide us on a journey from fabled past into contemporary reality along the historic Silk Road. Hope is the Associate Director of the Kansas Consortium for Teaching about Asia. Her degrees include education, fine arts and

Asian art history. As a line officer in the U.S. Navy and as a designer and dyer of kimono, she lived in Japan for a decade. Who better to introduce us to Marco Polo, Chairman Mao, and the culture and philosophies connected to this storied route?

This special event will kick off a class in Term 4 by faculty speakers from a UNL symposium series. Included will be UNL history professors Parks Coble and James Sellers giving us a perspective on China’s rise. Associate Professor of History Yaroslav Komarovski will speak on Buddhist approaches to enlightenment. The economic legacies of the Silk Road will feature Business Administration Professor John Anderson. Representing the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts will be Pete

Pinnell, chair of the Department of Art and Art History. He will discuss the migration of artistic ideas. Pat Crews, professor emeritus of textiles, College of Education and Human Sciences, will speak on the topic “Fueled by Silk: Crazy Quilt Mania.” Emeritus Dean and Professor of the College of Architecture Wayne Drummond will wind up our incredible journey by reminding us of the complexity of the region.

When he sailed west in 1492, Columbus was searching for an alternative route to China from Spain. Tremendous profits were ready for anyone who could achieve a trade connection with Asia.

Now we, too, can make that spectacular and world-changing journey.

Live Long: Ping PongBy Leta Powell Drake

When Larry McClure once attended an OLLI class at Lincoln’s Calvert Rec Center, he noticed three fellows playing some spirited ping pong in the adjacent room. After class, he stuck his head in, introduced himself and was invited to join the senior group in play. It had been over 30 years, but the more he played, the more he enjoyed the game. Months later, while involved in an OLLI Membership Committee planning session, McClure suggested that ping pong might be a fun, new special interest group. Done! McClure began to recruit. Now OPPPs (OLLI Ping Pong Players) has 15 regular players smacking balls every Tuesday and Thursday from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Not everyone shows up every session, but all agree that it’s great exercise, fun and a chance to meet new friends.

During OPPP play at Calvert, the room is filled with 50s music of Glenn Miller to the Doobie Brothers. You will hear the laughter of friends as they swat the ball or miss. Seniors find that the most difficult part of the game is keeping track of who’s serving and the score! Skill level doesn’t matter; everyone plays together whether beginner or seasoned player. Rests between games provide good conversation with new guy and gal friends. Every match ends with all players exchanging friendly “fist bumps.” One of our better players is Alice Dittman who enjoys the game in her early 80s. It’s not whether you win or lose, but that you enjoy the game. Game on!

Ping Pong History

Ping Pong began in England in the 1890s. The British wanted to bring the game of lawn tennis indoors and play it on a table. The Victorian English upper class played it after dinner as a parlor game. It had several different names,

including “Whiff-Waft.” The name “Ping-Pong” was in wide use until Parker Brothers trademarked it in the 1920s, changing the name to “table tennis.” Early paddles were made of cork, cardboard or wood and covered with cloth, leather or sandpaper. The game changed dramatically in the 1950s when paddles with greater spin and speed were introduced, along with plastic balls. Table tennis became an Olympic sport in 1988. The Chinese, Koreans and Swedes now dominate the sport.

The OLLI Ping Pong Players

olli.unl.edu 402-472-6265 olli@unl.edu 7

OLLI Instructor Profiles Facilitator ProfileWil Hass

By Jane Hines

When OLLI members take a class taught by Wil Hass, they may find themselves joining King Arthur at the round table, strolling the streets of Hamburg, Germany, discussing linguistics with Noam Chomsky or traveling down the rabbit hole with Alice.

What explains this wide-ranging scope of subjects? More than likely it’s the result of a mind that long ago adopted the OLLI motto, “curiosity never retires,” best illustrated by the fact that Wil graduated from UNL in 1959 with a major in psychology and five minors — English, history, German, sociology and math. He received his Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Michigan in 1965.

The next 40 years found Wil involved in teaching and research at universities in Illinois, Michigan and Minnesota. His focus has always been how people learn language. “It’s a daunting and wonderful thing how we do language,” says Wil, “and our stories reveal much.”

He is quick to point out that how people understand language is different than how they do math, and this is a relationship that researchers are still seeking and one he is extremely interested in discovering.

Wil’s academic career fit in well with his adventurous and curious spirit. His travels have taken him to Europe and as far east as Turkey. He is fluent in German, French, Russian and Greek. He quips, “It’s very tempting to learn Mandarin, but we’ll see.”

Germany has been a repeated destination for Wil since his first trip to Hamburg in 1961 where he met his mother’s cousin. He’s walked, cycled and driven, studying and enjoying the homeland of his grandparents six to eight times.

In 2005, retirement brought this native Lincolnite and his wife, Sarah, back to his roots. They quickly found OLLI and have become enthusiastic members. Sarah, who also has a Ph.D. in clinical psychology, enjoys fine arts courses.

Wil relates that he and Sarah share a fascinating practice. “For over 20 years each evening we’ve read four pages of a book to one another. It may be fiction or

non-fiction, current or not. It’s a work that just piques our interests. We’ve made this a habit, and it’s one of the most rewarding and meaningful things we’ve ever done.”

Georgia Jones By Kathleen Rutledge

When people asked young Georgia Jones what she wanted to be when she grew up, it’s a good guess she didn’t say, “A food scientist!”

Yet it makes perfect sense. “As far back as I can remember, I played with food,” she said. “I’ve always been . . . in the kitchen. I

was always just there.”

Jones, an associate professor of nutrition and health sciences, earned a bachelor’s degree in food science from the University of Tennessee, a master’s at the University of Nebraska and a doctorate at Alabama A&M University. She has been on the faculty at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for 15 years and teaches courses for OLLI from time to time.

For her last OLLI course on Soul Food, about 20 people took a hands-on approach to fried chicken, catfish, collard greens and banana pudding. Banana pudding was the first thing Jones learned to make as a child in Tennessee and she laments that no one seems to make it anymore. “Someone once described it as a Southern version of tiramisu,” she observed.

She finds that OLLI members know how to cook but sometimes are seeking a new idea or want to learn how to tweak something.

Jones counts herself lucky to be in the field she’s in during this particular era. “It feels like food is finally becoming important,” she said. People want to know more about their food and have a growing sense that gathering around food creates a sense of community, she said.

“We devalued food for a while in this country and we found out we were missing some things,” she said.

People need to know about food in order to be healthy, she said, but “first and foremost, food should be good.”

Mary Ann Sullivan By Lucy Lien

Mary Ann Sullivan volunteers on the arts subcommittee and was the chair of the Nominating Committee for four years. This is also her third year as chair of the Special Events Committee. This committee puts on special events such as the open

house, the Lincoln ghost bus tour, the car museum/Route 66 luncheon and special dinners.

Sullivan has been volunteering on the arts subcommittee for about 10 years. She usually facilitates about six classes a year, including two or three classes a year at the Sheldon Museum of Art. She facilitates classes on other branches of the arts besides the visual. For example, this is the third year she has organized a class on pipe organs.

She also volunteers as a docent at the museum, so she has been able to recruit curators to teach OLLI classes. She is always searching for ideas for classes. “I keep my eyes and ears open,” she said. “If I see an article in the paper that spurs interest, I’ll check it out.”

The first class she put together was a tour of artists’ studios. “I wanted a well-rounded group of artists, not just painters,” she said. Putting together this class is a long process. She contacts every artist and constantly reminds them that they are scheduled to teach. “But sometimes it just folds together,” she said. “Last year two artists volunteered before I even had to contact them.”

Only four people now serve on the arts subcommittee. “We would love to have more than that,” Sullivan said.

Wil Hass, professor emeritus, Argosy University and OLLI member

Georgia Jones, associate professor, Nutrition and Health Sciences, UNL

Mary Ann Sullivan, OLLI course facilitator, OLLI member and volunteer

Non ProfitUS Postage

PAIDLincoln, NE

Permit No. 1122

olli@unl.edu • 402-472-6265 • olli.unl.eduUNL does not discriminate based upon any protected status.

What We,re Reading

Written and Compiled by Jeanne Kern

Leta Powell Drake “Dead Wake: the Final Crossing of the Lusitania” by Eric Larson

Linda-Mason-Witt “Ghost Boy: The Miraculous Escape of a Misdiagnosed Boy Trapped Inside His own Body” by Martin Pistorius

Jerry Sellentin “X” by Sue Grafton

Jean Lovell “Sandhill Sundays” by Mari Sandoz

Rod Soukup “Unlucky 13” by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro

Marge Young “A Basket Brigade Christmas: Three Women, Three Love Stories, One Country Divided” by Judith McCoy Miller, Nancy Moser, and Stephanie Grace Whitson

Carla Fetch “In Plain Sight” by Fern Michaels

Pat King “Two Gun Hart: Lawman, Cowboy, and Long-Lost Brother of Al Capone” by Jeff McArthur

LLI at UNLCuriosity never retires

Sunday, January 17, 2016 • 1:30-3 p.m.Cornhusker Marriott Hotel • 333 S. 13th St.

Bring a friend. This party is open to the public. Find out just how much fun learning can be.

OSHER LIFELONG LEARNING INSTITUTE’S

WINTER OPEN HOUSE

GET TO KNOW US!

Orgullo Latino Folkloric DancersExperience this vibrant group of Mexican folkloric dancers at the open house. Orgullo Latino’s mission is to preserve and promote learning and respect for the Mexican culture through their traditional dance.

Featured Book“Boxes: The Secret Life of Howard Hughes,” second edition. Featured in an OLLI session, this book by Douglas Wellman and Mark Musick will see a new release in March 2016 with six additional chapters of new information about how Howard Hughes faked his death in 1976 and hid away for 25 years. This edition will include his children, his visitors while hiding in Alabama, pictures that were not available when the first version was released and interaction with friends and acquaintances from Alabama.