With Talks, Trips and More, OLLI Celebrates Suffrage Centenary

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With Talks, Trips and more, OLLI Celebrates Living Longer, Suffrage Centenary Living Better

As the nation celebrates next August the centennial of the Constitutional University Day August 2019 amendment giving women the right to vote, OLLI will mark the anniversary with several educational activities. Many OLLI members today recognize the historical significance of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and appreciate the dedicated work and sacrifices that led to its enactment. For instance, Virginia O’Leary, Chair of the OLLI Social Science Curriculum Committee, commended “our many committed foremothers” who fought for the right to vote. O’Leary also noted the continuing struggle of women “to be recognized as full participants in a society.” Yet women’s struggle for political equality is far from over. According to OLLI member Katherine Kidd, some of the oppositional patterns to women’s suffrage that were forged in the anti-suffrage movement still persist today. Kate is also the Chair of OLLI’s University Day program which will offer a spring all-day gathering of speakers and panels on various aspects of women’s suffrage. Barbara Lane, OLLI President, proudly related that her granddaughter, Ariana, will turn eighteen almost one hundred years to the day the 19th Amendment became law on August 26, 1920. Lane said Ariana will then join the fifth generation of voting women in her family.

Suffragettes in the Northeast American women in the PHOTO BY MEGAN WHILDEN PHOTO BY early 1800s were subject Keynote speaker Ashton Applewhite to comprehensive legal and social restrictions. By 1807 Learning about the aging process all American women were and overcoming negativity about grow- denied even limited suffrage. ing older produced the best-attended They were allowed to mix University Day ever on new ways to grow with men in public, but only older. under narrowly prescribed Living Longer, Living Better: Chang- circumstances. Statutes and ing the Culture of Aging was the theme common law also prohibited of University Day, this past August. married women from inher- Event chair Katherine Kidd and her iting property, from signing committee organized this day of learn- contracts, and from serving on Suffragette leaders Susan B. Anthony ing about ways to enhance our aging juries. In employment, women and Elizabeth Cady Stanton process and reject negativity about had access to very few jobs getting older. and even then were paid about half of what men received for the same work. In poli- Keynote speaker and author Ashton tics, women were often forbidden even to speak in public. Applewhite set the tone with a procla- Public opinion began to change during the 1840s, notably in western Massachu- mation against ageism with fresh obser- setts and upstate New York. Susan B. Anthony, a famous “suffragette,” was born in vations that take many common notions North Adams. Farther west, some Quaker groups near the Erie Canal began holding of aging and stand them on their head. mixed meetings of men and women, with each sex able to cast votes. Upstate New “We’re all Aging, Let’s End Ageism” (continued on page 4) (continued on page 5) 1 President’s Letter

’m writing this on a beautiful We need to recommit Berkshire autumn day. But by the ourselves to our mentor- time you read my letter our mild ing program so every BCC Iand colorful fall will be gone and our 25th student who could ben- anniversary year will nearly be behind efit from a relationship us. I thought I’d start this new year by with an OLLI mentor has sharing thoughts I’ve heard expressed in been paired with a men- discussions with OLLI members as we’ve tor. I attended a Mentor- looked to OLLI’s future: ing for Success program First and foremost, we are a life- luncheon this past May, long learning institute. Let’s continue to and was happily surprised OLLI mentor John Dickson with his mentee Jimmy Jay develop cutting-edge programming like to learn that relationships Chassi, now studying at the University of Southern California the symposia on Artificial Intelligence formed mean a great deal and the Future of Work that Art Sherman to mentees and their and Kate Kidd have been developing. mentors. The world is changing faster than ever Let’s explore expand- before. What better way to stay informed ing our program beyond and remain a part of these advances than Berkshire County. By to learn from and with your fellow OLLI bringing lifelong learning members? classes to neighboring OLLI members want to give back. communities we can grow We want to harness our educational our membership base and backgrounds and career and life exper- help ensure our financial iences to benefit the community at large. stability. Whether it’s working on a Habitat for Our single greatest MEGAN WHILDEN PHOTOS BY OLLI mentor Linda Sambel with her BCC mentee Dana Humanity site, volunteering at a local asset is our membership. Willette, a military veteran returning to school food pantry, or providing homework help Let’s find ways to better at the Boys & Girls Club, let’s find ways to identify and tap into the talents and life/ These are just some of the ideas we’ve get involved. In collaboration with United work experiences of OLLI members. If discussed. I know there are more ideas. Way, AARP and other organizations, OLLI Berkshire OLLI is to remain the vibrant Don’t be shy about letting me know what hosted a volunteer fair Nov. 15 where organization it is, we need to -encour you think. I look forward to hearing from over 200 attendees met with representa- age members to participate on commit- you. Our OLLI is, and always should be a tives of 30 non profit organizations. So, tees, teach classes, form shared interest work in progress. Let’s keep working and don’t just stand there. Volunteer. groups, and help organize special events. learning together. — Barbara Lane

OLLI’s Newest SIG will Focus on Foreign Films

A new Shared Interest Group (SIG) has been created for OLLI members interested in foreign “genre” films such as works by directors of Italy’s Neorealism, France’s New Wave and Britain’s Angry Young Men. Co-chaired by Christopher Guidette and Alexander Nardacci, the new SIG will meet periodically to view and discuss films that launched new perspectives on the lively arts. Rome the Open City, The Bicycle Thief, La Strada, The 400 Blows and Wild Rice, are examples of some of the movies to be included. However, film selection will be up to the members of the group and will also include works of German, Japanese, Eastern European, Spanish and Latin American directors. Films will have English subtitles and will be shown on a large screen in a meeting room soon to be selected. If you’re interested, email Chris Guidette at [email protected] or Alex Nardacci at [email protected]. — Chris Guidette 2 Controversial, Abstract, and Insightful Ideas for Our All-Consuming Curiosity

As our 25th Anniversary comes to that bold trend continues OLLI president, Barbara a close, 2019 appears to have been a as you flip through our Lane appeals to our sense watershed year for OLLI in many ways. course catalogue for the of volunteerism in her Our membership reached an all-time upcoming winter term. “President’s Letter.” Lane high, breaking the 1,200 mark and is This issue of OLLI urges members to get holding at that level. Update spotlights some of involved in a variety of What’s more, demand for OLLI the exciting OLLI events OLLI programs. “If OLLI at courses exceeded expectations to such you can anticipate. BCC is to remain the vibrant an extent that a second summer term In 2020 OLLI will organization it is, we need was added to the four semesters we celebrate the centen- to encourage members to already offer. The new summer term was nial of the Constitutional participate on committees, very well subscribed. amendment which gives teach classes, form shared Course participation grew but OLLI’s women the right to vote. interest groups and help curriculum planners would not shy away In his article on the Suffrage Movement, organize special events,” she writes. from the controversial, the abstract and Peter Bluhm examines the remarkable Also learn about a new Shared Interest the deeply insightful, demonstrating our struggle for political equality and OLLI’s Group (SIG) on post-war foreign films, instructors’ readiness to satisfy our all- full-day program on this topic. take a brief look at new winter courses consuming curiosity at a high intellectual In a well-attended “University Day” and get acquainted with our new OLLI level. program earlier in 2019, OLLI confronted Administrative Assistant, Andy Ottoson, Topics included the controversial and the campaign against the stigma of grow- in this edition. searching reflections of Hannah Arendt, ing old with a bold statement against And let us hear from you—your the meaning of ‘meaning’ and truth, and “ageism.” In her coverage of that event, comments, story ideas and suggestions. the anti-democratic and unconstitutional Assistant Editor Joanna Fribush writes Email me at [email protected].

acts of Presidents John Adams, Abraham about changing the culture of aging in her Happy New Year! — Chris Guidette SUSAN GELLER PHOTO BY Lincoln and Franklin Roosevelt. You’ll see article “Living Longer, Living Better.”

Celebrating OLLI’s 25th Anniversary

hank you to everyone who came out to celebrate OLLI at BCC’s 25th anniversary on September 12 at the Proprietor’s Lodge overlooking Lake Pontoosuc in Pittsfield. We enjoyed great jazz music by Williams College Tstudents, a delicious dinner, and inspiration from OLLI Board President Barbara Lane, Berkshire Community College (BCC) President Ellen Kennedy and former BCC President Barbara Viniar. Barbara Lane and Barbara Viniar also co-chaired the 25th Anniversary Committee. All told there were five present and former OLLI Presidents in attendance, and three BCC Presidents. BCC President Kennedy said, “It has been an honor for Berkshire Community Col- lege to support and collaborate with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute from its beginning as the Berkshire Institute of Lifelong Learning (BILL). Watching the program grow, evolve, and blossom has been inspiring, not just for me, but for the college community and the greater Berkshires community.” In addition, the festive event featured a sing-along of OLLI songs led by Mara Winn and a surprise birthday cake prepared by Arline Breskin for former OLLI President Art Sherman on the occasion of his 91st birthday. The event raised over $12,000 to support OLLI’s educational programs throughout

PHOTO BY SUSAN GELLER PHOTO BY the Berkshires, thanks to attendees and the many businesses and individuals who pur- OLLI members and guests enjoy the chased tribute ads in the keepsake program book. The program book also featured offi- appetizer buffet at our gala celebration cial commendations from Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, the State Senate (continued on last page) 3 (Talks, Trips, Suffrage Centenary continued from page 1) WINTER 2020 Class Schedule

York also produced many other leaders CLASSSES: Tuesday, January 14 – Friday, Feb 27 of the suffrage movement, including LR = Limited Registration Elizabeth Cady Stanton (Johnstown), Jane Hunt (Waterloo) and Martha Coffin Wright (Aurora). TUESDAYS in Great Barrington In 1848, these women and others T101 Tuesdays at the Movies: Romantic Comedies organized a conference in Seneca Falls, T102 The Lais of Marie de France: Werewolves, Hot Tubs, and Courtly Love in near Cayuga Lake. The last day of the 12th-Century England conference saw a suffrage resolution T103 Today’s Headlines introduced. Some participants, includ- T104 Finding Your Photographic Vision (LR) ing Lucretia Mott, thought suffrage T105 Eating Between the Lines: Poems About Food (LR) one step too far; but an impassioned T106 JUST ADDED: Introduction to Lovingkindness Meditation (LR) (2nd session) speech by Frederick Douglass turned the assembly’s view, and the resolution was passed. WEDNESDAYS in Pittsfield & Williamstown The Seneca Falls Convention also W101 Reading Short Stories Aloud: Open Endings created a “Declaration of Sentiments” W102 Wallace Stevens: The Poetics of the Imagination signed by 100 of the delegates. Modeled W103 Mythology in the Original Latin: Ovid and Virgil on our Declaration of Independence, it W104 Introduction to Lovingkindness Meditation (LR) proclaimed history had been marked by FULL: see second class section on Tuesdays T106 “repeated injuries and usurpation on W105 How is Music Conceived and Created? the part of man toward woman, hav- ing in direct object the establishment of an absolute tyranny over her.” Like THURSDAYS at the Berkshire Museum the original American declaration, the R101 The Splendor of Schubert new document contained grievances, R102 1862: Transforming the Union this time aimed at American men, rather R103 The Equal Rights Amendment: History, Prospects, Scope than at the British King George. The Seneca Falls Convention is often cited as an important beginning for the FRIDAYS in Pittsfield women’s suffrage movement. But the F101 Freight is Great: The Supply Chains that Deliver the Goods to You road ahead was long. It took 72 more F102 Advances in Medicine years until the 19th Amendment was F103 Science Conversations adopted. Taking a still longer view, both the 1848 Seneca Falls Convention and Register safely and securely online anytime at www.berkshireolli.org, mail in the adoption of the 19th Amendment the registration form, or give the OLLI Office a call at 413.236.2190 to register in 1920 can be seen as mileposts by phone with a credit card. Please note that BCC and the OLLI Office will be in a longer story, still being written, closed from December 21 through January 1, so no phone registrations may be of profound evolution in the social taken during that time. relations between American men and women.

Upcoming OLLI Activities Over the next year, OLLI and other nearby groups will offer numerous activities related to women’s suffrage, including an: • OLLI course this winter on the Equal Rights Amendment, with Deborah Caine OLLI UPDATE as curator; Editor: Christopher Guidette • OLLI University Day April 6, 2020 at BCC’s main campus on “The Right to Vote: Feature Writer: Joanna Fribush The Fight for Women’s Suffrage 1848-1920;” Contributing Writers: Peter Bluhm, • OLLI course next spring on women’s suffrage; and an Barbara Lane, Megan Whilden • OLLI trip in 2020 to the Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum in North Adams. Copy Editor: Sandi Rubin In addition, the Berkshire Museum is exhibiting portraits and early photographs Designer: Jane McWhorter of most of the principal women who championed women’s suffrage. The exhibit, “How Women Shaped History,” runs through May 25. — Peter Bluhm 4 (Living Longer, Living Better continued from page 1) remarks, members attended one of two concurrent morning sessions and Civic Engagement and Aging in Place. The “Civic Engagement” panel of experts was moderated by Hinds. Each of the four panelists stressed the need for older adults to take action in their communities and statewide. Representatives from AARP and Age-Friendly Berkshires spoke about their efforts to improve all aspects of living conditions for older adults in Berkshire County. Howard Shapiro, co-founder of “Villages of the Berkshires” part of nation-wide “Villages” program, spoke on their goal to provide services for people living at home. Some A panel discussion on the importance of social engagement at the “Living Longer, Living 90-percent of older adults prefer stay- Better: Changing the Culture of Aging” University Day. Panelists included, from left to right, Carole Siegel, Sam Bittman, Erica Girgenti, Will Singleton, and Steve Thaxton ing in their homes, as opposed to living in institutions. “Villages” provides broad she said, likening the term “ageism” to positive aspects of aging and encourages support for the those who prefer to age racism, sexism and other prejudicial isms. readers to form a powerful movement, at home, including daily call-in services, She stressed that we must reject negative like those which challenge racism and social activities, personal and home tasks stereotypes of aging, which pit us against sexism, to react against discrimination and transportation. ourselves: “Aging is living, not a problem and stereotyping on the basis of age. The University Day on aging also or a disease.” Applewhite cited statistics OLLI supports and encourages included workshops on health care showing that many common assump- anti-ageism through its many courses, and social engagement. Applewhite tions on aging are not true. Most elders programs, trips and social gatherings. won’t get dementia, are not unhappy, Twenty-five local “Creative Elders” addressed health care stating it is incor- and do not live in nursing homes. We were recognized with pictures and bios rect to assume, as many physicians should make friends of all ages and join exhibited in the entrance to the Boland do, that older people benefit less from forces to dismantle ageism. It’s time for Theatre. This exhibit was on view at the medical treatment than younger ones. “If a “Radical Age Movement” to make the Statehouse in Boston, arranged by Mass. your doctor says to you ‘at your age what world a better place to be “Age Proud.” State Sen. Adam Hinds, and will be at do you expect?’ it’s time to find a new Applewhite’s book This Chair Rocks: Williamstown’s Milne Library in January. doctor.” — Joanna Fribush A Manifesto Against Ageism focuses on Following Applewhite’s keynote

Calling OLLI Chefs

Last Chance to Purchase Berkshire OLLI Cookbook

If you’ve been yearning to try something new in the kitchen, you might bake a gluten- Berkshire free Irish soda bread or whip up a batch of ‘kitchen sink cookies.’ The OLLI 25th Anniversary OLLI Cookbook will show you how. Cooks Recipes for these and other culinary adventures are featured in Berkshire OLLI Cooks, which is full of recipes offered by food enthusiasts among our members. Carolyn Fabricant, editor of the first-ever OLLI cookbook, asks readers to “think of this book as an invitation to a buffet party with samples to excite your palate, satisfy a craving, or simply provide that deep feeling of contentment one gets from good food well-prepared.” So, if you are entertaining, consider treating your guests to Carol Sabot’s desert of Meyer 25th Anniversary Lemon Polenta Budino, a savory, unusual pudding served with a scoop of vanilla gelato. Cookbook To purchase a copy of the OLLI 25th Anniversary Cookbook, call the OLLI office at (413) 236-2190 or log on to www.BerkshireOLLI.org for information. Only a limited number are available. — Chris Guidette

5 John Schaefer Thank You to Our Generous Donors Joanna & Joseph Schwartz Elizabeth Selkowitz OLLI depends on the generosity of members like you to support our dynamic education pro- Carole Siegel grams. Inserted in this newsletter is a donation envelope—please give generously this year to sup- Adrienne Silverstein port the classes, trips, talks, shared interest groups and other events that bring joy to so many. You Monica Sinclair may also donate online at berkshireolli.org/donate or call and donate by phone: 413-236-2190. Will Singleton OLLI’s affordable membership and registration fees cover only half of our expenses. Your Charles Smith generosity makes the difference. Thank you to the individuals and businesses who supported Ron & Martha Stewart OLLI over the past year from July 1, 2018 through September 31, 2019. We are grateful to each Carol Stimmel of you. Sigmund Tobias Pierre Turillion Sarah Tyler PH.D. Elna Nugent Rose Foster Craig Vickers Berkshire Gas Virginia O’Leary Joanna Fribush Barbara Viniar Keator Group Karen Richards Carol Fryd Chester & Madeline Vogel Ellen Kennedy & Mark Gold Wendy Robbins Sheldon & Barbara Goldberg Stacy Wallach Benjamin Liptzin Jack & Lenore Rubin Rosemary Graves Alexandra Warshaw Arthur Sherman Diane Saunders & Bob Rosen Lawrence Greenapple Martin & Ruth Weinstein Tina Sharkey Harold & Harriet Shair Eric & Phyllis Greenberg Megan Whilden Ellen & Leonard Tabs Howard & Shirley Shapiro Elliot & Barbara Greenfeld John & Jane Whitney Diane & Steve Tobin Paul & Turbi Smilow Robert & Barbara Gross Randall & Mara Winn Chelly & Lance Sterman Linda & Phil Halpern Frances & Joel Wolk FELLOW Nancy Vale Mark & Barbara Hartman Rita Yohalem Robert Bogomolny & Janice Malvina Wasserman Anita Heller Martin Zuckerman Toran Zabian’s Jewelers Maureen & Paul Hickey Erica Breskin Ronald & Miriam Hinds FRIEND Ralph & Audrey Friedner SCHOLAR Mary Hoeltzel Anonymous William & Linda Grabel Anonymous (3) Lynn Howard Therese Allen Christopher & Mary Jean Jean Adelson Janice Thomson Barbara Barron Guidette Michael Albert Maurice Joseph Rosalie Beal Barbara & Andrew Hochberg Howard & Sue Arkans Judy Keshner Norah Beauregard Lucy Kennedy Stephanie Beling Madeline Kirsch Nancy Belouin Ed & Barbara Lane Alan & Judith Benjamin Larry Klein Rochelle Bernard Lesley Oransky Berkshire County Fitness Julie Koppenheffer Hope & Bob Braddick Alan & Sandra Rubin Robert & Nancy Bott Clare Lahey Agnes Cartier Carl & Claudia Shuster Jane Braus Augusta & Eugene Leibowitz Alice Caton Richard Weingarten Bernd Brecher Lois Lenehan Alan & Roselle Chartock Douglas Breskin Howard & Judy Levin Suzanne Cohen MENTOR Bernedette Brusco Phillip & Rita Levy Deborah Cote Berkshire Eye Center Carr Hardware Barbara Liebert Adele Cukor Peter & Valerie Bluhm Charles Flint Antiques Mark Litteken Neisa DeWitt Arline Breskin Cheswatyr Foundation Nancy McIntire Domaney’s Theresa Breskin Bruce Cohen Enid Michelman Pamela Drumm Joan Brotman Peter Levine & Ellen Croibier Estelle Miller Margie & Skip Durning Don & Helene Calman Judith Cromwell Ann Morgan Melva Eidelberg Haddad Motors of Pittsfield David Orenstein William & Patti Mulholland Monroe England Joseph & Phyllis Jaffe Joan Davidson Suzanne Nash Clark Nicholls Gordon & Susan Josephson Eugene Dellea Roger Paradis Steffi Fletcher Sean Kardon Robert & Bonita Desrosiers John Peron Barry Friedman Thomas & Rosanna Koelle Herbert & Carol Diamond Michael & Patricia Ann Joan Gellert John Koffel Ann Dorfman Peskoe Phoebe Giddon LD Builders Diana & Stanley Feld Donald & Suzanne Pfeifer Glad Rags Georgette Levy Nancy Feldman & Myron Marian Raser Florence Goodman Michael Margolis Chefetz Milton Rubin Barbara Greenbaum George Menken Andy & Karel Fisher Carol Sabot Joel & Carol Greenberg Peter Most Paul & Marilyn Flaum Linda Sambel Leonard Greenwald

6 Guido’s Fresh Marketplace Dennis Moore Nancy Sheridan Joel Greenberg, in honor of Hope Hagler Leslie Morris Marilyn Shulklapper Arline Breskin John Hamill Alex & Judith Nardacci Patricia Socha Audrey Friedner, in honor of Brian Harrison Katherine Ness Spirited Arthur Sherman Richard Hayes & Jane Salata Paula & Stevan Patterson Peggy Thieriot Paul Hickey, in honor of Anne Hershman Nancy Perry Ann Trabulsi Arthur Sherman Lois Hill John & Mary Philpott Carolyn Vandervort Suzanne Nash, in honor of Joyce Hovey Pilatique Harriet Vines Arthur Sherman Bruce & Karen Jacobs Mary Pomerance James Wade Amy White, in honor of Isabelle Kaplan Helen & Stephen Radin Barbara & Jesse Waldinger Kenneth Stark Judith Katz Deborah Rausch Ward’s Nursery & Garden Sandra Rubin, in honor of Elihu & Mailyn Katzman Suzanne & Arthur Rosen Center OLLI instructors Chelly Honi Klein Donna Ross Terry & Lois Weaver Sterman, Kate Kidd & Ivan James Kraft Donald & Alice Roth Francine Weinberg Caine Elinor Leavitt James Ruberto Patricia White Patricia Socha, in honor of Lee Community Tennis Arlene Salzberg Elaine Wolfson Sideropoulos Natallus Volkowetska & Association Katie Sanders Jay Zeif Katherine Kidd Robert Lee Jill Sasso Curtis Evelyn Zwerner Magda Gabor-Hotchkiss, in Lenox Fitness Center & Spa Len & Alice Schiller honor of Megan Whilden Gerald & Pommy Levy Naomi Schwartz GIFTS MADE IN HONOR Barbara Mahony Rose Scotch OF OTHERS Lee McClelland Anthony Segal Craig Vickers, in memory of Carol McGlinchey Andrea Seligsohn Larry Robbins Kelly Moffat Sol & Liz Shalit

Meet Andy Ottoson

An OLLI Profile hat friendly, engaging voice BCC,” Whilden said. awakening. And I’ve you’ve been hearing when- Ottoson’s professional learned about the ever you call the OLLI office is background is the world vitality of our mem- Tprobably that of Andy Ottoson, our new of theater and non-profits. bers. I’ve really en- administrative assistant. He produced, directed and joyed learning how The tall and youthful-looking 38-year- stage-managed theater in much there is to look old took over his new responsibilities as New York City and across forward to as you assistant to Executive Director Megan the country. get older. Retirement Whilden on August 5, succeeding Norah From theater Ottoson is not necessarily a Beauregard who has joined BCC’s mar- moved into the non-profit time of just puttering keting team. field, working 12 years at around,” he said. Besides assisting Whilden in day-to- NADAP—a social services Ottoson says he’s day management of OLLI operations, agency focusing on treat- enjoying settling into Ottoson handles bookings and logistics ment and employment ser- his new position and for OLLI’s many courses and special vices for individuals with in the long run may events. A graduate of Webster University substance use disorders. explore returning to in St. Louis, Mo., Ottoson also assists After a long stint in New arts management. He with the production of many of OLLI’s York, Ottoson moved to the Berkshires is also exploring pursuing his Masters of publications, including the OLLI quarterly with his husband, Branden Huldeen. Business Administration (MBA) degree course catalogue. He is a native of Prior Together they purchased a home in through BCC’s affiliation with The Lake, Minn., a suburb of Minneapolis. Pittsfield that was built in 1896. “I con- University of Massachusetts. “We are so fortunate to have him,” tinue to love it out here. There’s nothing For now, though, Ottoson’s focus said OLLI President Barbara Lane. “He like the Berkshires,” he said in a recent remains fixed on helping keep OLLI has big shoes to fill (with Beauregard’s interview. operations running smoothly and he is departure) and he is doing it nicely,” said Working at OLLI has given him insights pleased to a be part of this organization.

Lane. Whilden agrees. “From the start into the world of retirees, Ottoson said. — Chris Guidette MILLER JAY PHOTO BY he has been a terrific fit with OLLI and “I see that retirement can be a time of

7 OSHER NONPROFIT ORG. LIFELONG U.S. POSTAGE LEARNING INSTITUTE PAID PITTSFIELD, MA OLLI PERMIT NO. 50 AT BERKSHIRE COMUNITY COLLEGE 1350 West Street Pittsfield, MA 01201 413.236.2190

(Celebrating OLLI’s 25th continued from page 4)

and House of Representatives. State Representative Tricia Farley-Bouvier, who represents most of Pittsfield, where OLLI is headquartered, made the presentations. Bernard Osher, for whom OLLI is named, also sent a letter of congratulations. “The development of your institute over the past two and a half decades has engaged the energy and talents of countless devoted and generous people, from dedicated members and volunteers to outstanding program staff and administrators. The progress of your dynamic program has been simply remarkable since the Osher Foundation made its first grant in March 2007. . . We salute your extraordinary success and collective achievements as you come together in celebration of your common purpose: to explore new ideas, to share wisdom and insights, and to form new and lasting friendships.” — Megan Whilden PHOTOS BY SUSAN GELLER PHOTOS BY OLLI Art Show Committee Chair Chelly Sterman and Social Science Sue and Howard Arkans. Howard is a former OLLI at Curriculum Chair Virginia O’Leary, both OLLI board members, with BCC President and longtime OLLI instructor Performing Arts Initiative Co-chair Barbara Waldinger