OLLI’s Winter Semester Begins Jan. 12
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — OLLI, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Berkshire Community College, offers over a dozen courses this winter, ranging from photography to illuminated manuscripts, in Pittsfield, Lenox and Great Barrington.
“Our winter semester is one of our busiest. The new year is the perfect time to enjoy learning something new and interesting while meeting new people," OLLI Director Megan Whilden said. "And there's no tests, no grades, and no formal educational requirements for taking our courses, just learning for the joy of learning!"
OLLI is a member-run organization that offers educational, social and volunteer opportunities designed especially by and for people over 50 years old, but anyone can join. OLLI at BCC currently has more than 1,000 members throughout the Berkshires and beyond.
OLLI's winter semester of classes run weekly Tuesdays through Fridays from Jan. 12 through Feb. 25. Course locations include the Triplex Cinema in Great Barrington, the Lenox Library, and the Whitney Center for the Arts in downtown Pittsfield. Joining OLLI as a member is a prerequisite for registering for classes. Membership is $50 a year and includes a variety of discounts to other OLLI events as well as discounts and special offers from OLLI's many cultural and educational partners.
Winter semester highlights include:
Tuesdays in Great Barrington: "Sinatra: The Man and His Movies." Explore the film career of Francis Albert Sinatra through screenings of five of his best films at the Triplex Cinema.
Wednesdays in Pittsfield: "Today’s Headlines" a lively, moderated, in-depth discussion of the many pressing issues of the day; and "Women and the Creative Self," an exploration of women and creativity through readings and hands-on artmaking.
Thursdays in Pittsfield: "Benjamin Luxon: A Singer’s Life." The celebrated baritone singer discusses the many threads of classical singing and his own journey.
Fridays in Lenox: "Science Conversations," a moderated exploration of the scientific discoveries and research reported on each week in the New York Times’ science section.
OLLI’s winter semester catalog can be accessed online and can be found at local libraries, cafes and other locations. For more information, call 413-236-2190 or email olli@berkshirecc.edu.
Classes are open to all, regardless of educational background, and there are no tests or grades. Registration fees are $45 for one class, $90 for two or three classes in a semester, or for $100 you may take as many classes as you would like within a semester. Flexpasses are also available for $45, allowing you to attend six different open class sessions of your choice. Membership is required in order to register for courses, and partial scholarships are available.
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