For immediate release: Aug. 30, 2006

GALVESTON, Texas — Learning for the fun of it is just one of the benefits of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. Seniors 55 and older are invited to enroll in a variety of fall classes that start in September. Registration is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Sept. 11, at the Rosenberg Library, 2310 Sealy Ave., Galveston. Pre-registration by phone is not available.

Payment may also be made by mail to: Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UTMB; 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77555-0972. The nine-digit ZIP code is required. For more information, call (409) 747-4657, or email: Michelle Sierpina, founding director, msierpin@utmb.edu, or Alisha Goldberg, associate director, argoldbe@utmb.edu. Information is also available on the Web at http://www.utmb.edu/aging/OLLI/default.asp?p=1.

OLLI fall 2006 course listing (other classes may be added)

An Exploration of Unique Galveston Weather –– Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to noon, Sept. 20–Nov. 8
Instructor: Stan Blazyk examines Galveston’s wild and wacky weather in this survey of the climatic forces that shape island life. Blazyk is the author of “Weather: People and the Elements on a Barrier Island.” Learn about basic concepts of meteorology, rare weather phenomena, the climate and seasons of our area, and our fascinating weather history. A field trip to the National Weather Service office is included.

Artful Expressions –– Tuesdays, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., Sept. 19-Nov. 7
Galveston artist and gallery owner Sallie Anderson introduces basic art principles in this experiential leap into creativity. Learners will also get practice in origami and other paper craft skills. Art is in the doing. For instance, if you think you cannot draw at all, there will be a skills building class on drawing when you'll discover the basics and surprise yourself with your talent. No art experience is necessary. At the conclusion of each class session, each learner will have created a personally designed greeting card. Supplies are provided for an additional fee of $10. Class size is limited.

A Glimpse of Tomorrow: A Brief Look at Apocalyptic Literature –– Tuesdays, 9:30 to 11 a.m., Sept. 19-Nov. 7
More than 2,000 years ago, some of our religious ancestors believed their world was about to end. As a result, they welcomed literature that would explain their situation. Instructor Rabbi Jimmy Kessler notes that as time passed, succeeding generations thought the same and used the literature of their ancestors to explain their day and age. The same is happening today. We’ll look at some of that literature.

Biblical Backgrounds — Wednesdays, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., Sept. 20–Nov. 8
Have you ever wondered where the Bible came from, or what may have influenced the production and dissemination of this highly influential text? Rev. Kelley Vaughan helps you to explore the world of the people who wrote the Bible by examining history, geography and archaeology. This course will also provide an insight into the processes that led to today’s English version of the Bible.

Communication — It’s a Loop! — Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to noon, Sept. 20–Nov. 15 (no class Oct. 4)
Here is an opportunity for learners to discover, hone and improve their natural speaking style with Victor Lang, a member of the speech communication faculty at Texas A&M University at Galveston. Learners will do actual presentations in front of the class followed by constructive critiques from fellow learners and the instructor. During the course, there will be presentations to inform, persuade and entertain. Knowing how to listen as well as talk makes the communication loop complete. This course is open to those who have taken it in the past.

Composers of Note(s) – Lyrics, Musicals and Movies — Fridays, 10 a.m. to noon, Sept. 22–Nov. 10 (no class Oct. 6)
Join popular local entertainer Bonnye Karger in examining the creative processes and lives of a select number of gifted composers of music and lyrics for stage, screen and the pop charts. Learners will reflect on how these composers' music has affected and influenced lives and memories. They will also explore the elements involved in creating compositions and in the development of a stage production. No musical talent or experience is required.

Life Stories as Legacy –– Tuesdays, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., Sept. 12–Oct. 31
Scientific evidence demonstrates the importance of telling and sharing life stories. Join instructor Alison Barker in exploring the decades of life. Learners at all levels of writing skill – including novices – will enjoy sharing their memories. Those who have never taken a life story writing class, and those who have taken this or another writing course before, are welcome to enroll. No prior writing skills are required. Class size is limited – register early.

Living Art/An Acting Workshop –– Wednesdays, 12:15 to 2 p.m., Sept. 27–Nov. 15
Theater professionals Mary Margaret and Don Buss will offer learners the invigorating adventure of life enhancement through drama. Utilizing basic theater techniques, learners will explore and better understand human nature. Art critic Bernard Berenson wrote, “Art teaches us not only what to see but what to be.” It is fascinating fun to discover how dramatic expression results in a new understanding of our own actions, as well as those of others. All skill levels will enjoy the personal connection of exploring themes of life in drama. Those who have taken the class in the past may take it again.

Advanced Acting Workshop — Wednesdays, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., Sept. 27–Nov. 15
Co-Instructors Mary Margaret and Donald Buss developed this course as a collaboration between OLLI and the Galveston Historical Foundation. This will be an advanced experience in characterization development. Enrollment is by permission of the instructors and requires some previous experience. Success in the course will require a serious commitment to accurately developing historic characters based on research provided by the GHF.

The Course of Foolish Love Never Did Run Smooth — Tuesday and Thursday, 1 to 3 p.m., Oct. 24–Nov. 21. This class meets twice a week for four weeks with an additional session to view the play.
In “Twelfth Night,” Shakespeare has great fun with the idea of romantic love. The land of Illyria seethes with characters who think they have found true love but discover that true love has a way of confusing lovers and making them appear more foolish than the clowns that entertain them. Instructor Richard Peake recommends the Signet Classic version of “Twelfth Night” as text. In the final class session, learners will view a video version of “Twelfth Night.”

That's Another Story! –– Mondays, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., Sept. 18–Nov. 13 (no class Oct. 16)
The phrase “that’s another story” is common in life story groups. In this course instructor Michelle Sierpina will help learners explore those narratives when “another story” emerged from their work in previous writing groups. The course is open to those who have attended OLLI life story groups in previous semesters. Sierpina created the course to give learners a chance to develop and share those other stories and give feedback on stories they hear. Class size is limited.

That's Another Story! –– Thursday s, 10 a.m. to noon, Sept. 21–Nov. 9
This phrase is common in life story groups. In this course learners will explore those narratives when “another story” emerged from their work in previous writing groups. The course is open to those who have attended OLLI life story groups in previous semesters. Learners get a chance to develop and share those other stories and give feedback on stories they hear. Instructor Alison Barker brings this experience to life for each learner with sensitivity and insightfulness. Class size is limited.

Faulkner's Light in August — Fridays, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., Sept. 29-Nov. 17
Join John Gorman, University of Houston Clear Lake professor, to explore William Faulkner, an author essential to understanding America and its South. Faulkner writes amply and with complexities of plot and diction. He's best taken at a leisurely clip, so this is what learners, being clever people, shall do. Amassing harmonies, deepened consciousness and cultural reach — guaranteed. Recommended text Vintage International edition (Random House) of “Light in August.”

Your Dreams are a Gift — Mondays, 10 a.m. to noon, Sept. 25–Nov. 13
Each dream is a gift. What will you do with it? Vasiliki Eckley, an adult educator for 40 years, works with individuals on issues of relationship and lifestyle. An expert in dream work, she designed this course to foster appreciation of dreams and to make them available as a useful resource for waking life. Learners will discuss remembering dreams, keeping a dream journal, and how to become more deeply and consciously related to the material of the dream. and why that is desirable.
 

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