Activities & Social Events
Activities are an integral part of OLLI’s programs, 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. Registration for activities begins on the first day of classes, Monday, April 21. Sign-up sheets will be posted on the OLLI bulletin boards at The Bishop’s House and at Judea Reform.
BALLROOM ONE-ON-ONE
Spring is nearly here, so now is the time to be learning ballroom dance. Learn the basics now, get in some practice over the summer, and be ready to join the Fall class. Ballroom dancing is ideal for keeping fit, having fun with your favorite partner, and putting music in your life. OLLI teams with Fred Astaire Dance Studio to use the floor at 12:00pm, twice a week on Wednesdays and Fridays. Certified Fred Astaire instructors at the studio teach the group class the fundamentals of ballroom dance: American Smooth-Style Fox Trot and Waltz, followed by the Latin dances Rumba, Salsa, and Cha Cha. Shag, that popular and "official" dance of North Carolina is also included. Bonnie Fuchs is class coordinator and coach. All levels of students are welcome.
16 sessions, 8 Wednesdays & 8 Fridays, April 16–June 6 (please note that this activity begins before most OLLI classes and continues to meet a week after most OLLI classes have finished), 12:00–2:00pm in the Fred Astaire Dance Studio, 4702 Garrett Road, Durham (between 15-501 and Chapel Hill Blvd.). Doors open at 11:45am. Practice between sessions on Thursdays, 12:40–1:40 in the Commons Room at Judea Reform Education Building. Fee: $200 per couple. Minimum: 5 couples.
Questions? Ask Bonnie Fuchs, bonniefuchs@bellsouth.net or (919) 969-7499.
BOOK GROUP
An informal group reading contemporary literature. Meets monthly on the second Monday at 3:15pm in The Bishop’s House. Coordinator: Judy Grauer, rjgrauer@webtv.net or 416-0755.
COMPUTER CLINIC AT LUNCHTIME
12:35–1:25pm, 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, 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 meet monthly on the first and third Mondays at 3:15pm in The Bishop’s House.
This Spring, join us for a demonstration series over six Thursdays, April 24–May 29, 3:15–4:45pm at The Bishop’s House: lace knitting, with Barbara Exton, April 24–May 8; modular knitting, with Maxine Smith, May 15–29. See page 24 for more details. Coordinator: Judy Grauer, rjgrauer@webtv.net or 416-0755.
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, May 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. Call or e-mail coordinator Karen Childers, 309-7939 or kwchilders@nc.rr.com, to reserve your spot! Maximum: 20.
LANGUAGE TABLES AT LUNCHTIME
Times, days and locations to be announced. These groups are led by native speakers: Spanish, with Maria Smith, 928-0525, and French, with Maria Elliott, 682-0812. Watch bulletin boards at The Bishop’s House or Judea Reform 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 in Room 102 of The Bishop’s House. During the Spring term, there will be only one meeting, on April 28. Coordinator: Mary Jo Fickle, fickle5@aol.com.
MEMBERSHIP PICNICS
Membership Picnics, 12:30–1:30pm: Tuesday, April 29, at The Bishop’s House, and Wednesday, April 30, at Judea Reform. (Note: We comply with the dietary guidelines at Judea—no pork, no shellfish, and no meat and dairy on the same plate.) 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! Hosted by Valentina and Bob Hartford, co-chairs of the OLLI Membership Committee.
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, 419-2409.
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, 490-5496, and meets Fridays at 1:30 in the music room at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 3639 Old Chapel Hill Rd., Durham.
SCIENCE BOOK CLUB
Join our group for interesting reading and discussion. Meets monthly on the first Thursday of every month (except July and August) at 3:15pm in The Bishop’s House. Coordinator: Phil Manning, 933-3908 or pvmanning@mindspring.com.
SOCIAL GROUP
Are you an OLLI member seeking to expand your social network? We enjoy getting together, talking about what it’s like to be active at this time of our lives, and sharing good food, good conversation, and interesting outings. Join us for laughter and camaraderie. Coordinator: Faye Gregory, 528-6533 or gmar3@earthlink.net.
WINE TASTING
Join fellow OLLI members at a wine tasting at a local wine store. Watch bulletin boards for dates and details. Coordinator: Maureen Johnson, 489-4862.
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 and Human Development
OLLI at Duke, then 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, and 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
University International House provides many services for international students and faculty at Duke. You can help by being an "International Friend" or by participating in English language conversation groups. Call International House, 681-6080, for more information.
Additional Volunteer Activities
If you are interested in developing another project, please contact Gary Childers, acting chair of the Outreach Committee, 309-7939, or gchilders@nc.rr.com.
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, 682-6234.