Celebrating and Honoring Vonnie Wheeler by Karen Thorne I have never in my life onnie Wheeler was “Grandma as a Carpenter.” honored at a special Vonnie is a true carpenter in the experienced anything like this celebration hosted by the literal sense – creating amazing evening! I am so very, very University of Denver on woodworking pieces and also as appreciative. August 24 in the Driscoll someone who has built Ballroom. Dean Michael marvelous programs and McGuire welcomed over 150 invited guests experiences for our OLLI program. (including her four adult children and Following the event, Vonnie said, “I have never in grandchildren). A special surprise video titled my life experienced anything like this evening! I am “Vonnie’s Life in Acts” (created by OLLI South so very, very appreciative.” member, Charlie Holt with help from Anita Leitner, With less than 100 OLLI members the first year, Karen Thorne and Dick Wisott) was shown and Vonnie has guided our OLLI program to a record enjoyed by everyone. The video, which included 5,240 members this year – an amazing interviews from those closest to Vonnie, began with accomplishment. Vonnie is a unique and rare photos of Vonnie as a child and ended portraying individual with commitment, drive and passion – her diverse, wonderful and passionate personality. her infectious enthusiasm, curiosity, unbridled Vonnie’s granddaughters also shared a song on creativity and vision will be sorely missed by all our stage that was created for the event titled OLLI members.
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Vonnie surrounded by her family
Vonnie's granddaughters
Thank You by Vonnie Wheeler, Executive Director - Retired, OLLI at DU
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ow fortunate am I! I have just spent the last 21 years in the company of people who inspire me, make me question, make me laugh and who appreciate that special deep-down sense of curiosity. I knew after working with the early pioneers of OLLI that these were the type of people I wanted to “hang out with.” I thank you from the bottom of my heart for this special time. I feel such comfort knowing “the best is yet to come,” and with Barbe at the helm I’m sure it will.
Vonnie with Dean McGuire
Thank you special friends!
Vonnie
A Time of Transition by Barbe Ratcliffe, Executive Director, OLLI at DU
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e members of OLLI at DU are in for a time of transitions. We have raised our term membership fee for the first time ever; we will be moving to an on-line registration process most likely during the Spring Term; and I am only the second Executive Director for the organization as we bid farewell to Vonnie Wheeler who has been our guiding force for twenty-one years… since our beginning. I have enjoyed the good fortune of overlapping with Vonnie for the two months leading up to the Fall term. Her knowledge of the University of Denver and of the Osher Foundation were difficult to condense into that time frame. I am certain we missed a few of the contacts and bits of information that such a lengthy continuum of service achieves.
With these data points as a back-drop, let me provide a bit of information about myself and my thinking about OLLI at DU. First, I have been a member for the past five years. I became engaged 2
early in my OLLI tenure first on the OLLI 2020 Committee; then as a Facilitator (I received my Senior Facilitator acknowledgement this past Spring); as President of the OLLI South Advisory Council and finally as Chairperson of the OLLI South Curriculum Committee. I have served in an informal manner on many of the various committees and in discussion on a wide variety of OLLI endeavors. By profession I am an accountant (CPA) and I retired as a Divisional Vice President of a Corporate Customer Service organization, heading the office in the Denver area. To me OLLI is, first and foremost, a volunteer organization. Our product is created by amazing volunteers who spend countless hours preparing and sharing. Our price point is where it is due to the volunteer nature of our culture. At our heart is the volunteer attitude of each and every OLLI member. It is my intention to further grow this attitude of volunteering.
Secondly, OLLI is a learning organization. Learning in this format embraces a wide array of subjects, topics, presentation approaches, and individual styles. I have written many articles particularly about the uniqueness of each of our amazing facilitators. The desire to learn more about a wide range of topics is why the vast majority of us are members of OLLI at DU and this will be the focus going forward. And finally, our OLLI at DU community is of great importance. As with any community, those individuals who invest their time and energy are the ones who benefit the most. To that end I encourage you to step forward and bring your amazing skills, aptitudes and passions. I look forward to leading this amazing organization of incredible individuals like yourself. Please join me in supporting OLLI at DU as we move through this time of transition.
Save The Date: OLLI International Symposium Mark your calendars now. The OLLI International Symposium is scheduled for December 2, 2016, 9:30 to 2:30, at Sturm Hall on the DU campus. The focus of the symposium is on the response of other world super powers to the outcome of the U.S. election. The symposium will explore how other super powers, such as China and Russia may react to the outcome of the election and the potential long-term benefits and challenges of the future president and Congress. Additional information will be forthcoming in the next few weeks. Space will be limited.
June Canoe Trip on the Gunnison River by Barbara Shecter
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t’s such a beautiful part of the state to explore by hiking or driving, and canoeing through the Gunnison Canyon brings you so much closer to the landscape and the wildlife! Blue herons were our frequent companions as we paddled down the river and petroglyphs were our window to the past as we hiked up Dominguez Canyon. Swimming in the pools and waterfalls, delicious meals, starry night skies, singing and learning from our guides were all an important part of the experience. There was also the delight of the time we spent talking to and learning about each other while around camp, sharing meals or paddling. How quickly we came together as a group – to support and encourage one another. An experience like this one with others who are interested, interesting, curious and have a common perspective as OLLI members is a real opportunity that shouldn’t be missed!
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Know Your Ballot – All of It! by Marjory Beal
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his is an extremely important election year, not only for the top of the ballot races, but also for the items which will affect Colorado voters statewide and locally. Colorado allows citizens to place initiatives on the ballot after collecting a requisite number of petition signatures (5% of the total votes cast in the last Secretary of State election). These measures may be one of three kinds: (1) a Constitutional amendment, which will become part of the Colorado Constitution and may only be changed by a vote of the people, (2) a Statutory change to Colorado law, which may be changed by the state Legislature, if deemed necessary. (3) Referenda items that the State Legislature places on the ballot, which they feel are important for the voters to approve or reject. This year there are nine measures on the ballot for which voters must decide. They are as follows:
Referenda Amendment T - No exemption to Involuntary Servitude Prohibition Amendment U – Exempt Certain Possessory Interests from Colorado Property Taxes
Constitutional Amendments Amendment 69 - Statewide Healthcare System Amendment 70 - State Minimum Wage Amendment 71 - Requirements for Initiated
Constitutional Amendments Amendment 72 - New Cigarette and Tobacco Taxes
Statutory Initiatives Proposition 106 - Medical Aid in Dying Proposition 107 - Presidential Primary Election Proposition 108 - Primary Elections 4
Obviously, voters cannot make an informed decision based only on the titles of these measures or the thirty second soundbites on TV. It is important that voters dig deeper in order to understand the initiatives and determine whether to support or oppose them. Each registered voter will receive “The Blue Book” which details each of the proposals. The book is compiled by a nonpartisan group and is distributed to registered voters through the mail. Each proposed initiative is described, and the pros and cons of each are outlined. In addition, there are several other sources for information. The League of Women Voters publishes a ballot issue booklet which includes similar information in a more succinct form. There are numerous discussions of the issues on public TV and radio. Online, VOTE411.org provides information on the issues as well as candidates for office in the individual’s place of residence. Also, the numerous local and regional elections, i.e. school board elections and county commission races, deserve careful consideration. Don’t forget to review the judges that are up for retention or dismissal, as well. That information is also in the Blue Book.
Be an informed voter and protect our democracy at all levels.
Are You Ready for Some Fun?!? by the OLLI West Social Committee
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ver the summer, several volunteers stepped forward to form a new OLLI West Social Committee. Everyone contributed a variety of ideas of fun things for OLLI West members to enjoy, ranging from the traditional to the lighthearted. The Social Committee members are: Nancy Murray, Barbara Adams, Celia Alberts, Linda Boettcher, Carol Douglas, Karen Lush, Sandy Parsons, Michelle Simpkins, Pat Thelander and Maggie Wohlberg. In August, committee members dove right in and manned the in-person registration and volunteer tables. Several volunteered to organize interest groups that OLLI members have expressed a desire to see offered, including book clubs and a creative writing group. Several social events for OLLI West members to come together as a community are planned. First up is the potluck lunch on Friday, October 14 at the JUC. The winter event will be Spanish themed (in recognition of this year’s World View Focus on Spain) perhaps a dinner or tapas and wine and a Spanish movie. Details on this event – and more - to be announced, so stay tuned!
Interest groups currently being explored are: Women’s Book Club – contact Carol Douglas at ccadouglas226@gmail.com. If we find members are interested in a coed book club or a men’s book club, we’ll work to get those started too. In addition, Linda Boettcher (gmalinda37@comcast.net) facilitates the JUC Affinity group for Creative Writers and has invited interested OLLI members to attend. The group meets the first Saturday of the month at 10 AM at JUC. If you are interested in joining the Social Committee, please contact any member of the committee for more information.
Un-Hack Your Router
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cammers can hack your router so that your internet browser displays fake pages that will steal your personal information or infect your computer. You can run a test to see if your router is safe and find out what to do if it isn’t at F-Secure.com/router-checker.
Thank you all for the beautiful flowers, thoughtful cards, and kind words during the recent passing of my mother. Our OLLI West community is a special one! -Dara Hughes
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Did you know OLLI is a volunteer-driven organization?
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olunteers are the backbone of OLLI. They provide instruction, communications, technical support, outreach, and help us make important social connections. Without volunteer support, OLLI could not provide the array of lifelong learning experiences members enjoy. Through volunteer engagement in the OLLI community you will meet people from all backgrounds and walks of life— people who can be a rich source of inspiration and friendship. New volunteers can lighten the load for everyone, plus bring fresh ideas to the table. Whether you want to spend a few hours a month helping or prefer to meet regularly with a team of volunteers, OLLI has many dynamic opportunities and a variety of ways in which you can volunteer and assist the organization.
Consider becoming a facilitator, curriculum committee member, class assistant or newsletter contributor. Are you interested in editing OLLI publications? Do you have an interest in photography? Perhaps you have a passion for planning events? Do your friends notice your great organizational skills? We encourage you to put your skills and talents to work for the OLLI community! Contact Dara Hughes, daraolliwest@gmail.com, or Susan Schmetzer, susanolliwest@gmail.com, to volunteer. We look forward to getting to know you!
So You Think You Might Like to Be a Facilitator? by Mamie Thompson
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he heart of OLLI West is our cadre of excellent facilitators. They develop and organize timely and fascinating courses that pique our interest. But, we Mamie Thompson need more facilitators to expand and meet our members’ expectations. OLLI West courses are varied in structure. A handful include classes and field trips, a few are lecturebased, most involve presentations and discussions while many are organized around a set of OLLI West videos, often from Great Courses. The choice is yours! You do not need to be an expert. An enthusiastic facilitator is much more important to success. If you want to explore the idea of being a facilitator or a co-facilitator, check out the subject areas below and email the appropriate subcommittee chairperson. We are scheduling now for the Spring 2017, Fall 2017 and Winter 2018 sessions. OLLI West welcomes your enthusiasm! 6
Mamie Thompson Chair, OLLI West Curriculum Committee mamie6318@gmail.com; 303.422.0950 History and Economics Hille Dais, Chair daishl1247@gmail.com InterActive Learning and Special Presentations
(InterActive Learning = hands on art or activity classes. Special Presentations = one time)
Sandra Morgan, Chair skiwithsandra@comcast.net STEM (Science, Tech., Environ. and Math) Barbara Adams, Chair b.adamsphd@gmail.com
WellAware (Fitness and nutrition classes)
Current Events and Politics Tom Hughes, Chair eth5530@cs.com Philosophy, Religion and Psychology Wendy Carlson, Acting Co-chair carlson_wendy@yahoo.com Sue Crichton, Acting Co-chair crichtonsr@aol.com Literature, Writing and Fine Arts Lavonne Angus, Co-chair vonangus@gmail.com Karen Lush, Co-chair karenklush@msn.com Jim Halderman, Chair jimspeaker@comcast.net
WorldView 2016/2017 – The Year of Spain
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e continue the WorldView program in 2016/2017 with the country of Spain. Spain has a history that dates back to the Early Middle Ages. Its cultural heritage is one of the world’s richest and most varied as it is the result of many interesting elements over the course of thousands of years. The cultural elements range from the Romans through the Moorish elements to the Reformation. This unique combination shaped its culture, art and architecture adding its own color and flavor to the land. Spain has introduced the world to Flamenco music and dance, Spanish guitars, bullfighting and Bakalao, a Basque codfish stew, just to name a few. During the coming academic year, we will learn more about Spain, its language, culture, art and architecture. Several educational classes will be offered about this delightful country to include culinary classes highlighting the cooking of Spain, and classes on the language and its influence on ours.
Barbara Sternberg The OLLI and Evergreen communities suffered a great loss with the passing of Barbara Sternberg on July 15th at age 93. As a Jungian analyst, graduate of the London school of Economics, published author and poet, mother of five, and dear friend to many, she brought a rich background and great wit to every class she attended. She always spoke her mind in her inimitable British accent clearly and with unabashed directness. Barbara's own OLLI presentation on the book she wrote in her eighties on Anne Evans was enthusiastically received. She was an inspiration
The WorldView ‘Year of Spain’ will culminate in a trip to the Moorish region of Andalusia in Southern Spain planned for June '17. The extraordinary diversity of landscape, lifestyle and culture sets Andalusia apart from the rest of country making it an altogether different experience than Northern Spain. For information about this trip please email Debbie in the OLLI Office: debra.loftin@Du.edu and she will email you detailed information including the tentative itinerary. Flyers regarding the trip are located on the front table of JUC. Please pick one up! We encourage you to share your passion for Spain as a facilitator. Please contact Mamie Thompson at mamie6318@gmail.com if you would like to bring Spain alive for your fellow OLLI members.
The OLLI at DU WorldView program continues -- join us for a “Year of Spain”
and model for living each day productively and to the fullest. She will be sorely missed. Gudy Gaskill, who passed away in July at age 89, is remembered by her OLLI friends as a woman who made a difference for Colorado and those who knew her. The Denver Post referred to her as the “mother of the Colorado Trail.” Her amazing life and passion for the Rocky Mountains is chronicled at http://www.denverpost.com/2016/07/18/gudygaskill-dies-colorado-trail/.
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Sampling of OLLI West Courses for Winter 2017
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ere’s a peek at some of the courses already scheduled for the Winter 2017 session. More are coming! Literature, Writing and Fine Arts
Spain’s Most Interesting Regions Glory of Venice Don Quixote The Movies, Part 1 (repeat of Fall 2016 class as result of popular demand!)
Philosophy, Religion and Psychology
Black Elk Speaks: Understanding the Spiritual Legacy of the American Indian
History and Economics
The Gilded Age: A Turning Point in US History The Sixties Medieval England: From the Conqueror Through Richard III The Big Short Knock-Out Punches Against Jefferson That Don’t Land Personal Investing: Are You Smarter Than a Monkey? WWI: My Father’s War - Its Hopes, Horrors, and Shattered Dreams America as Seen Through the Eyes of Its Film Makers, Part II
STEM (Science, Technology, Environment and Math)
How the Earth Works Who Are You? Discover Your DNA and Preserve Your Family History All About Big Rivers Geologic Wonders Medical and Scientific Breakthroughs
Current Events and Politics
American Exceptionalism Great Decisions 2017 Current Events What’s Up, Doc(umentaries)? Salon Topics
InterActive Learning
Composition Techniques for Improving Your Photography Principles of Design
Special Presentation Habitat Hero
OLLI West Class Enrollment Notification
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elow are some FAQ’s regarding registration confirmations:
WHEN ARE CLASS CONFIRMATIONS SENT? The confirmations are sent about a month prior to the start of the classes. This is true even if you enrolled two months in advance of the term. HOW IS THE CONFIRMATION SENT? The confirmations are sent by email. They are sent by regular mail only when there is no email address. WHY IS EMAIL USED FOR THE CONFIRMATIONS? Email is faster, more cost-efficient and better for the environment (less paper used, no mailing costs). WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE CLASS IS FILLED AND I SIGNED UP FOR THE CLASS ON THE REGISTRATION FORM? A list is maintained of members who have signed up for a class that has filled. Most classes are limited to a maximum number of participants and, as a result, you may not have been enrolled in all of the classes that you requested. HOW WILL I KNOW IF I WAS ENROLLED IN THE CLASSES I REGISTERED FOR? DAY W
TIME 1:00– 3:00
CLASS # WW813
CLASS DATES ENROLLED Life and Sep 21 – YES Crimes Nov 9 of Hitler TH 9:30- WTH83 The Sep 22 – NO 11:30 Movies Nov 17 The email that is sent to you will contain a chart that looks like this. Note that the last column is “ENROLLED” yes or no. If there is a “NO” in this column, it means that you are NOT enrolled in the class. You will only be notified of any potential change in your status if a vacancy becomes available. That often does not occur until after the first week of class. Facilitators do not register people for their classes, so please do not contact the facilitator about a class that has filled. CAN I ATTEND A CLASS EVEN IF I AM NOTIFIED THAT I AM NOT ENROLLED? If you were not enrolled in a class that you registered for, it is extremely likely you are not the only one. In fairness to your fellow members, and also to the facilitator who has requested a maximum enrollment for the class, please do not attend a class for which you were not enrolled unless you are notified by Susan or Dara that your status changed and you are moved to confirmed status.
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Russia – As Seen Through OLLI WorldView
by Janine Yunker and Brian Holland
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he WorldView Program at OLLI is dedicated to making the history and culture of a focused country come to life. Throughout the year we experienced Russia through classes, field trips to the Russian Orthodox Church, dinner at an ethnic Russian restaurant and most especially with a visiting scholar from Russia who conducted three six-week classes. The year culminated with an unforgettable trip to St. Petersburg.
We came out of the Russian Art Museum greatly impressed by the artists of this country. Every street, building, palace and museum held works of such beauty and artistry. The Church on Spilled Blood’s beautiful exterior onion domes and interior mosaics were among the most impressive of all the cathedrals. In several palaces (Catherine the Great’s and Peterhof – Peter the Great’s) we saw black and white photos of the destruction brought by the Nazi bombardment and siege. It is a tribute to the Russian people that these palaces and many others have been restored to their former glory.
After months of planning and research we put ourselves in the hands of a carefully selected “connector,” Irena, our tour guide. She showed us the depth of her We learned so much from Irena – country’s history, art, culture Russian history, artists and what life is and people. Irena is a Our visit to the Russian like today in St. Petersburg university chemistry Political Museum was an eyeprofessor during the school opener to how the Russians year and a freelance St. Petersburg tour guide view their history. Our visits to a mosque and during the summers. As a third-generation, lifesynagogue were made more memorable when we long resident of St. Petersburg, she and her family learned that the people of both of these have lived much of the history of Russia since the communities were practicing their religions during Russian Revolution. the Soviet era when most religious institutions were closed and churches were used as warehouses. Through Irena and her family’s history we learned of the 900-day Siege of Leningrad by the Nazis. One of our more memorable journeys was a Her grandfather died during the siege, defending meeting with the U.S. Consul and his staff. We their city. Her grandmother survived and saved her were all fascinated by the dedication of these career two daughters (Irena’s mother who was 9 and sister American foreign service professionals in helping who was 11) from the impending Nazi invasion by Americans in Russia during this era dominated by putting the children on trains—they were then Putin and his distrust of America. shepherded to Siberia by the Russian Air Force. Her We learned so much from Irena--Russian history, grandmother found her daughters almost three artists and what life is like today in St. Petersburg. years later, after the siege ended, and brought She joined us for most evening meals, including our them back to the city secreted in the luggage rack memorable meal at Troika Restaurant, which was of the train. followed by burlesque entertainment – an evening What was also remarkable about this OLLI trip? we won’t soon forget as an OLLI “cultural immersion.” 9
Our Deepest Appreciation To All Our Fall Volunteers
We could not do this without all of you! The Facilitators who actually provide the classes: Anne Vanderkolk, Bill Hyde, Nick Muller, Mamie Thompson, Blu Wagner, Steve Nelson, Dan Putman, Peter Lohaus, Linda Ropes, Tom Hughes, Joe Woodson, John Viets, Alan Folkestad, Barbara Adams, Leonard Cole, Bob Magnani, Joe Masi, Art Esler, Gary Jorgenson, Al White, Nancy White, Bob Mischke, Barbara Werren, Marcia Croft, Sandy Mortenson, Mike Foster, Dennis Grogan, Joanne Greenberg, Don Maloney, Karen Lindsey Thank you to the following Classroom Assistants who are helping our facilitators this term: Marilyn Adler, Colleen Jorgenson, Sandi Morris, Maggie Wohlberg, Lorrie Brovsky, Mary Hoddinott, Susie Streng, Marcia Croft, Linda Boettcher, Al White, Barbara Werren, Nancy White, Larry Tannenbaum, Janet Frauenfelder, Suzanne Grey, Annette House, Ann Klosterman, Nancy Bass, Ernie Werren, Lynn Moyle, Nancy Whitsel, Mary Meinig, Mary Reeves, Gene Child, Sandra Sclarow, Judy Miller, Lynne Ellison, Dixie Vice, Alice Dalby Thank you to our fantastic Social Committee: Nancy Murray, Barbara Adams, Celia Alberts, Linda Boettcher, Carol Douglas, Karen Lush, Sandy Parson, Michelle Simpkins, Pat Thelander, Maggie Wohlberg Thank you to our warm and welcoming Hospitality Committee: Alice Dalby, Karen Lush, Stan Hamilton, Barbara Adams, Janet Frauenfelder, Kady Martin, Sandra Morgan
Enrollment FAQ’s (continued from page 8) SOMETIMES I NOTICE A CLASS IS TAKING PLACE IN A ROOM THAT HAS AVAILABLE SEATING—SUCH AS THE CHAPEL OR SANCTUARY. DOES THAT MEAN THERE IS ROOM FOR ADDITIONAL STUDENTS? The capacity of the room does not determine the size of the class. Classes may be scheduled in the larger rooms for a number of reasons. One might be because the technology is better in one room over another or (and this is often true) perhaps the facilitator has a maximum number of students that is greater than what would fit in the smaller classrooms, but none-the-less still has a maximum number of students established for the class.
Sept 30 Oct 7
Friday Speaker – US Healthcare/CO Initiative 69 Friday Speaker - Modern Money, Fed Reserve and the
Oct 7 Oct 14 Oct 14 Oct 21 Oct 28
Potluck at JUC Hot Topics Luncheon at OLLI Central Friday Speaker – The Nat’l Park Service: 100 Yrs Friday Speaker – Emotional & Mental Wellness for
Oct 28 Oct 31 Nov 4 Nov 10 Nov 11 Nov 11 Nov 14 Dec 2 Jan 9
2016 Presidential Election Friday Speaker - The U.S .Today: How Did We Get Here?
Seniors
Friday Speaker – Economics, Trade and Finance Winter 2017 Classes posted on website Friday Speaker – Moonlight Sonata: Lessons Learned from a Life in Medicine
In Person Registration at JUC for Winter term Friday Speaker – War Baby Fall 2016 term ends Registration “first draw” for Winter 2017 term International Symposium at DU Winter Term begins
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) 2211 South Josephine St., Denver, CO 80208 www.universitycollege.du.edu/olli
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Susan Schmetzer, OLLI West Manager 303-503-3992 susanolliwest@gmail.com