Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at WMU

A close up scene of light snow pillowed up on the branches of a tree.

All Life is Learning - February 2025

Director's Note

For The Love of OLLI 

Since Valentine’s Day is celebrated in February, many consider this the month of love. With that sentiment, let us show how much we love our OLLI at WMU as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of being officially recognized as an Osher Institute! 

Here are some ways you can show love for your lifelong learning community:

  • Snag your own OLLI 10th year Anniversary shirt this spring! You can choose between a short- or long-sleeve shirt for just $15 or $20, respectively. Stay tuned for more details—until then, click here to take a “sneak peek” at the designs!
  • Make sure you tell everyone you know about how OLLI has made a positive impact in your life and invite them to experience the camaraderie and connection our community has to offer for themselves
  • Register for OLLI courses each semester and share your newfound knowledge with others 
  • Identify a friend who has never been a member and invite them to attend a class with you for free—just remember to call the office to make sure there are still seats available
  • Continue to support our community financially by donating during Giving Day, the Year-End Appeal campaign, or to our scholarship fund
  • Invite folks in your network to teach an OLLI course or consider teaching one yourself—no prior teaching experience needed
  • If you are a user of Facebook, blast your love for OLLI by “liking” our page, sharing the posts we make with your Facebook friends, and telling us your thoughts about what you see by writing a comment in the box under each post you enjoy

Sincerely,  

Toni Woolfork-Barnes, Ed.D. 
Director, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at WMU

In this issue:

Events

An image of two women having a conversation at a table during an OLLI event.

Save the Date

Jan - Mar

Ethics Center Book Clubs

To continue the “A Life Well Lived – Kalamazoo” theme, WMU’s Center for the Study of Ethics in Society is hosting a series of book clubs this spring. Use the link above to learn about the novels that book club participants will be reading and discussing. Interested? Don’t delay—the first ten people who sign up for each book club will get a free copy of the book!

Feb 23

Dial M for Murder (directed by our own D. Terry Williams)

OLLI members can purchase a ticket at a $5 discount for the matinee performance of “Dial M for Murder” on February 23 at Farmers Alley Theater. There are a limited number of tickets (25), so don't miss out! Please call the Theater’s box office directly at (269) 343-2727 and identify yourself as an OLLI at WMU member.

Mar 15

“A Life Well Lived – Kalamazoo” final event with Sky Bergman

An accomplished, award-winning photographer, the documentary “Lives Well Lived” was Sky’s directorial debut. Featuring a discussion with the filmmaker, two art gallery exhibits, and refreshments, this capstone celebration will be held on Western Michigan University’s campus at 2 p.m. More details will be included in the March newsletter, but you can register for this free event now using this link: A Life Well Lived - Kalamazoo: Closing Event Tickets.

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Travel

We See Travel in Your Future

Visit the OLLI Travel website, where you will find new 2025 offerings that we are sure will pique your interest. As we begin an exciting new year of adventures, several questions come to mind—and we have the answers! Keep reading to learn about what to expect on a Premier World Discovery tour, all things related to air travel, special documents you may need, payment information specifics, and much more...

Commonly Asked Questions About Premier World Discovery Tours:

The maximum is 50 but we average between 40-45.

Our tours are designed for active adults who are interested in a group tour experience. Our average traveler is between 72-75 years old, but we welcome seniors of all ages who love to travel!

Our tours have an activity level listed on each flyer. Our rating is based various things such as how many times we change hotels, how much walking we’ll be doing, how many activities are included, etc. Many historic countries are more challenging due to uneven brick or stone walkways, stairs instead of elevators, and the fact that much of the touring is done on foot because motorcoaches are not allowed in the city center. We do include enough down time for travelers to explore on their own; touring begins late in the morning unless there is a train or early flight to catch, and the day is usually done by late afternoon.

Yes, we can welcome non-members on tour as your roommate. 

Yes, you can add a roommate later if there is still availability. 

The supplement is to cover the additional hotel costs that are being paid for by one passenger instead of being divided by two passengers in a double room. There are no other charges to travel as a single person. Single supplements vary based on the hotel costs in various destinations.

Yes, this is called a “Land Only” reservation. Our reservation department can quote you the land only price after deducting airfare, taxes, fees, and transfers. We will also advise what time to arrive and depart. If you book the land only option, transfers at the GRR airport in Grand Rapids are on your own. We do offer roundtrip transfers between the airport and hotel at your tour destination; the fee is $50 per person each way.

Yes, we can fly passengers from anywhere in the United States to meet you at the destination. Prices may vary due to different airline rates based on their local airport. 

Travel has been in high demand. All space is first-come, first-served, and we cannot guarantee availability. If you are 100% certain you want to go on a specific tour, send in your deposit as soon as possible to guarantee your spot. Some tours sell out faster than others.

Yes, we accept credit cards without charging fees. If you choose to make your final payment by credit card, you forego the booking discount (see travel flyer for details). 

After May 7, 2025, all travelers must have a REAL ID compliant driver’s license or identification card to board domestic flights. Passports are also acceptable. Click here to learn more about the REAL ID initiative.

Yes, if you are traveling with us to Canada, Mexico, Europe, or any country that requires a passport, your expiration date must be valid six months beyond your travel dates.

We do offer a plan—all details can be found on the back of the trip flyer. You must purchase the travel protection with your initial deposit. 

You are welcome to use whatever travel protection you prefer. We suggest comparing the policies to find the one that best fits your needs. 

Yes, and we ask that you communicate your needs in advance so we can inform our tour director to prepare all the restaurants in advance. 

Final packets are mailed to your home about 20 days prior to your departure date. We will have a pre-departure document briefing to go through the details together and answer all your questions, so you are fully prepared. 

The WMU OLLI tours are scheduled to fly out of Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids. We use major airlines such as United, Delta, and American Airlines. The airline choice depends on the destination, best timing, and least number of layovers (if any). 

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Wellness Moment

Your Next Party Trick

An old photo of Tyler Norman.

Tyler Norman, Ph.D. 
Manager of Corporate Outreach 
ACSM Exercise Physiologist 
NCFI Corporate Fitness Specialist 
West Hills Athletic Club, WMU 

With the full effect of winter hitting us, slipping and falling is a bigger risk for everyone—but especially so for retiree aged individuals. If we live long enough, we will all likely have issues with balance at some point. I am hopeful that as you start to notice balance issues that you will fight back! This should be an easy buy-in considering that one in five retiree-aged people will die within one year of a hip fracture. The best option is to minimize your likelihood of a fractured hip, which can be done through exercise.

There are a variety of ways to work on balance and proprioceptive awareness (knowing where your body is in relativity to its surroundings). Of course, strength training will go a long way in improving balance. Increased strength will improve muscular stability, making us more agile and able to recover if we start to lose our balance. Yoga and Pilates are also beneficial because they recruit many auxiliary muscles that we do not normally use, which will improve overall balance and stability. Functional Training is another highly effective way to improve balance and stability. The principal goal of functional training is to incorporate day-to-day activities into forms of exercise, often by adding an element of instability, which will help improve balance and stability.

Finally, here is a simple exercise that you can do at home, and once mastered, will be your next party trick. Start next to a chair just in case, work up to 10 on each leg. Dee Cole, a 75-year-old retired educator, demonstrates the move below.

OLLI member workout image of a woman standing.
Stand with your feet shoulder width apart, keeping good posture.
Image of an OLLI member exercising and bending over to touch the floor.
Slowly bend down and touch the floor with both hands, on one leg, keeping a slight bend in the front knee without allowing your back foot to touch the floor. Slowly return to the starting point to finish. 
Image of an OLLI member exercising with arms out in front of her and one leg lifted.
One you feel good about that move, add a knee raise at the end, without lowering your back foot, kind of like Karate Kid. Then, show off your impressive balance to your friends at your next party! 

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Kalamazoo Literacy Council

A group of members and volunteers for the Kalamazoo Literacy Council

Enhancing Lives Through Literacy

The Kalamazoo Literacy Council (KLC) is a nonprofit organization committed to helping adults improve their reading, writing, and communication skills. The KLC provides one-on-one tutoring, small group classes, and community literacy programs tailored to meet the diverse needs of learners, including those with limited English proficiency and individuals who have experienced educational disruptions.

In today’s world, literacy is not just about reading and writing—it’s a critical skill that affects every aspect of life—from securing employment and navigating healthcare to advocating for oneself in various situations. The KLC empowers adults to achieve their goals, increase their confidence, and actively participate in their communities.

The KLC offers a range of programs designed for different learner needs:

  • One-on-One Tutoring: Trained volunteers provide personalized support, working at the student’s own pace to enhance their skills.
  • Small Group Classes: Facilitated classes that create a supportive environment where learners can interact and grow together.
  • Conversation Circles: These provide a space for English language learners to practice speaking and listening skills with peers.

Through these initiatives and others, the KLC has transformed the lives of thousands, enabling them to pursue job opportunities, engage with their children’s education, and become active, informed citizens.

We welcome volunteers and community partners to join our mission! Whether you can spare a few hours a week to tutor or support our fundraising efforts, your contribution will make a significant difference.

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Abbey at (269) 382-0490 ext. 219 or aweathers@kalamazooliteracy.org. To learn more about the KLC or to make a donation, please visit kalamazooliteracy.org/donate.

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Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at WMU
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5230 USA
(269) 387-4157

What is the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute?

The program was initiated under the auspices of the WMU Emeriti Council and WMUx. OLLI offers intellectually lively and culturally appealing learning experiences. We accomplish this by focusing on intellectual stimulation, personal growth, social engagement and enrichment.  Read more

What do we do?

We offer short courses for one to four weeks. Sessions are usually two hours long. Travel programs are also a part of our offerings. There are no tests and no required homework, just exploring lots of interesting topics.

In the near future we will offer courses in different formats -- noon hour discussions, several sessions in one week, and more evening courses. OLLI courses and activities are developed and produced by its members with the support of the staff of WMUx.

We need your ideas for course topics and instructors. Let us know your suggestions. Call the OLLI office at (269) 387-4157 or send an email. The curriculum committee will review all suggestions.

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