SPRINGFIELD, Vt. — The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) Fall 2018 semester will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 4 with New York Times bestselling author Michael Tougias, one of the group’s favorite presenters.
“Above & Beyond: JFK and the U-2 Pilots During the Cuban Missile Crisis” follows Tougias’ newest book, which chronicles the 13 harrowing days of the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1964. U-2 pilots who flew unarmed over Cuba were able to secure photographic proof that the Soviets were installing nuclear missiles on the island, just 90 miles away. These pilots helped President Kennedy achieve a difficult objective: have the nuclear missiles removed from Cuba without triggering Armageddon. Learn about lesser-known events that put us on the brink of nuclear war.
OLLI, a local educational group, is pleased that its membership has steadily increased as people have become familiar with the engaging style of the speakers and the topics offered, according to a press release. Members have commented that “the excellent programs get better and better!”
Sponsored by the University of Vermont, OLLI is run by local volunteer members and is geared mainly towards seniors who are 50 years of age and over who enjoy learning for the fun of it. Anyone who would be interested in this type of program, regardless of their age, is welcome.
Many interesting programs are planned by the local committee to inform and interest participants, such as local and Vermont history, nature, health, science, literature, art, music, world and current event subjects.
The programs are held Tuesday afternoons at 2 p.m. and last about an hour and a half, at the Nolin Murray Center on Pleasant Street, next to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Springfield.
Memberships are $45 each semester and include entrance to all nine programs in the semester as well as admittance to the seven other Osher Institute programs throughout Vermont, such as in Brattleboro, Rutland and St. Johnsbury. Non-members are welcome and encouraged to attend individual programs for an $8 program fee.
To facilitate registration, send memberships to UVM OLLI Registration Office, 460 South Prospect Street, Burlington, VT 05401. Checks should be made payable to The University of Vermont. Indicate that it for the Springfield OLLI. Registration forms can be downloaded from the website, or include a piece of paper with your name, address, phone number and email. Memberships and day fees may also be paid at the program.
The latest brochures have been printed and distributed throughout the area at public locations such as local libraries, town halls, community and senior centers, and Chamber of Commerce offices. Requests for a brochure can be made by calling (802) 885-3094. The program listing can be viewed and downloaded from the internet at www.learn.uvm.edu/olli — Choose Statewide sites and scroll to Springfield.
Local benefactors are Barbara Sanderson and the Ascutney Mountain Audubon Society, who is co-sponsoring a program.
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