Hanover
“Fall term is usually our biggest term and we average about 80 courses,” said Sarah Chamberlin, the marketing and communications coordinator for Osher@Dartmouth.
Chamberlin is particularly excited about one new course, “Brew Class 102,” to be taught by Scott Russell, who co-wrote the Seven Barrel Brewery Brewers’ Handbook with the late Greg Noonan. “We’ve had wine appreciation courses before,” Chamberlin said, but this is the first class Osher has offered that’s entirely about beer.
A class about Vladimir Putin and Russia, taught by Roland Kuchel during the spring term and offered in two sections for fall, has already filled up.
“Both of them within the first 48 hours were full,” Chamberlin said. “We weren’t really surprised by that.”
The majority of people who take Osher courses are retired.
“Technically we estimate our age range at 55 and up,” Chamberlin said. “We probably see more 70- to 90-year-olds.”
Courses range from $40-$80, in addition to a yearly $70 membership fee. Financial aid is available on a case-by-case basis.
“It’s a chance to continue to explore what intrigues you … and to discuss things with people who are also intrigued by or share an interest in a topic,” Chamberlin said.
When Chamberlin started working at Osher five years ago, she said, she was struck by the different education and backgrounds students have.
“The minute that I started working here I got to know a lot of incredible people,” she said. “They’re all so excited about the classes that they’re taking it just gets you excited as well.”
Here are five courses that Chamberlin is particularly looking forward to:
“Trials, Tribulations and Triumphs of Ted Kennedy,” with Maynard Goldman.
“Maynard actually knew and worked with Ted Kennedy, so (he) will be offering a personal perspective to this class,” Chamberlin wrote in an email.
“Take Two van Goghs and Call Me in the Morning,” with Marianne Barthel.
“This is being offered for the second time after a raved-about first session last spring,” Chamberlin wrote.
“Geocaching: Treasure Hunting with a Purpose,” with Roger Dontonville.
“Roger will lead participants through the basics of geocaching by exploring spots in Hanover,” Chamberlin wrote.
“Silent Film Comedy,” with Joanna Rapf.
“A review of some of the classic comics of silent film from the early decades of the 20th century,” Chamberlin wrote.
“The Patty Hearst Story,” with John Ferries.
“John will lead the class on a review of Patty Hearst’s past, her notoriety, and what she’s doing now,” Chamberlin wrote.
For more information and to register for classes, visit osher.dartmouth.edu or call 603-646-0154.
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
In partnership with the University of Vermont, the Springfield (Vt.) Osher Lifelong Learning Institute will offer a series of nine lectures beginning Sept. 5, at 2 p.m., at the Nolin Murray Center on Pleasant Street in Springfield.
The first talk will be given by author Michael Tougias, who co-authored So Close to Home, which recounts the ordeal of an American family after a German U-boat torpedoed the freighter on which they were traveling in the Gulf of Mexico during World War II.
Future lectures in the series include “The Owl: Silent Predator of the Night,” co-sponsored by the Ascutney Mountain Audubon Society, and “New England Poor Houses and Town Farms,” presented by Meriden’s Steve Taylor.
Semester membership is $45 for all nine lectures and includes admission to other Vermont Osher Institute programs. Nonmembers can attend individual programs for $8. For more information, call 802-885-3094 or visit http://learn.uvm.edu/osher-life-long-learning/olli-statewide/statewide-courses-and-programs/springfield.
Liz Sauchelli can be reached at esauchelli@vnews.com or 603-727-3221.
