Issues. People. Events.

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the University of Connecticut, Waterbury, has announced that the Annual Open House will take place on Wednesday, August 15th from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The morning program will take place in the Multipurpose Rooms (113-119); a continental breakfast will be served. The Open House, which is free for anyone interested in attending, will provide lectures, lunch discounts at area restaurants, and a choice of four afternoon classes. Registration is required in advance. Call 203-236-9924/236-9925 or  e-mail: osher@uconn.edu. Participants are required to sign up for one of the afternoon sessions, as seating is limited.
The topic of the day will be "Brain Health" and keynote speaker, Laura K. M. Donorfio, PhD will begin the day with a talk entitled, Brain Health and Aging Positively. Dr. Donorfio is an associate professor at UConn's Department of Human Development and Family Studies. She currently holds a visiting scientist appointment at the MIT AgeLab. Her research interests address "later life dependencies," specifically older driver research and informal family care giving. Her most recent research interests involve gerontological education, intergenerational engagement, and lifelong learning. Her research has been published in several journals related to aging, she has appeared on CTN and Public Radio, and is included in the Association for Gerontology as Higher Education's Distinguished Teacher. Dr. Donorfio is the faculty liaison for the University's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.
Participants have the opportunity to sign up to participate in one of four afternoon classes from
(1:30 PM - 3:00 PM):
(A)     A Healthy Heart is a Healthy Brain! William Courtland
(B)     Composing a Creative Life on Purpose, Steve Dahlberg
(C)     Sharpen the Senses and Have Fun Acting!   Aleta Staton / Damone McCollum
(D)    Super Foods for the Brain!   Jane Sirignano
Parking for this event is provided in UConn's garage on North Elm Street which is physically attached to the UConn building. Downtown restaurants will provide lunch specials and discounts to participants who attend the OLLI Open House.
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UConn Waterbury provides non-credit learning experiences for older adults who wish to learn for the sheer enjoyment. Currently the program is attracting residents of over seventy five (75) Connecticut cities and towns. The fall 2012 session begins i n September and classes conclude in November. Annual membership cost is $60 and allows members access to parking, participate in courses at nominal fees, discounts for featured community events, and lunchtime programming, including OLLI Café, UConn Clubs and Committees and participation in the Mattatuck Museum's Lunch & Learn Trilogy, along with other special events during the session. Course registration is first come first served, as courses are designed to be small and therefore, seating is limited. Program booklets will be available around the second week of August, along with the updated website.