OLLI celebrates 30 years and counting of lifelong learning, luncheon planned

By MARIA RAKOCZY news@themadisonrecord.com

HUNTSVILLE - College education doesn’t have to end in your twenties, and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UAH has been making sure that education is a lifelong adventure for thirty great years!

UAH has been encouraging lifelong learning since the Academy of Lifelong Learning was founded in 1993. In 2005, the academy transitioned to an affiliate of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, a network of one-hundred twenty-five programs on university campuses nationwide supported by the Bernard Osher Foundation.

“We’re all a resource to one another,” the manager of OLLI at UAH, Clay Williams, said. “Not only can we go to the Osher Foundation for information, but we’re all connected via annual meetings, email and other avenues to lean on each other for bettering our organization.”

The year is OLLI at UAH’s milestone thirtieth year, and the program is celebrating its birthday with a special luncheon on Aug. 3. Author of “Rocket Boys” and Huntsville local, Homer Hickam, is the keynote speaker, and the UAH Propulsion Research Center will offer a rocket demonstration at the event. Representatives from OLLI programs at the University of Alabama and Auburn University will also be present in celebration of Alabama OLLI Day, which is also on Aug. 3.

OLLI offers a wide variety of classes and field trips throughout the year. The upcoming fall semester will have a total of more than sixty different classes at UAH, including “Common Ethics in World Religions,” “Great Books:

“I think its well-received not only from the freshness standpoint, but we have a very diverse menu. So, if you want a salad, you can get a salad. It’s just not burgers and frozen custard. I think that’s what the guests have been very receptive of.”

At the ribbon cutting for the new location, Madison Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Michelle Epling expressed her enthusiasm for a second location, “We are so excited to have another location for our families that live in and around the Madison-Huntsville area to have a quick place to grab a nice family meal during their busy afternoon and evening activities.”

The Culver’s chain is rapidly expanding beyond Wisconsin and the Midwest nationwide, and the Clift Farm store is the chain’s nine-hundred twenty-first store. Culver’s in Clift Farm is open 10 am to 10 pm Monday through Sunday. Visit culvers.com for more information.

Open-call auditions for “The Jungle Book” will be held at Fantasy Playhouse, 3312 Long Ave. in Huntsville. The minimum age for cast members is eight years old by July 22. Audition times will be July 22 at 10 a.m.; doors will open at 9:30 a.m. On July 23, auditions will start at 2 p.m.; doors will open at 1:30 p.m.

“Are you ready to join Mowgli and Baloo in an all-new, reimagined version of this classic tale? Help bring the story of Mowgli, Baloo and all their friends to life this fall. Life-sized puppets, larger-than-life puppets or both will portray all non-human characters,” according to the website, fantasyplayhouse.org.

The story is set in the mysterious jungle, which is home for Mowgli, a curious young boy raised by wolves. A fearsome tiger’s mighty roar forces Mowgli to leave the only home he has ever known.

Mowgli must rely on the guidance of his new friends: a pragmatic panther and a big brother bear. Mowgli learns valu- able life lessons through self-discovery, brave adventures and the jungle’s rules.

To expedite auditions, auditionees should pre-register online at fantasyplayhouse.org/auditions.

Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater and Academy is committed to casting practices that reflect the diverse community. Performers of all races, abilities and identities within the specified age range are encouraged to audition.

Robyn Mitchell is serving as director. Audition slots will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Auditionees will read from the script, so prepared readings aren’t required. Callbacks will be by invitation only on July 23 at 6 p.m. Fantasy Playhouse’s production team will contact performers by phone with an official invitation.

Show times will be Oct. 19, 20 and 27 at 7 p.m.; and Oct. 21, 22, 28 and 29 at 1 and 6 p.m.

A sensory-friendly matinee will be performed on Oct. 28 at 10 a.m. Student matinees on Oct. 26 will be presented at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.

For more information, call 256-539-6829, email info@fantasyplayhouse. com or visit fantasyplayhouse.org/auditions.