“A Continuing Learning Experience” September 2014 Volume XXXVI Number 1

President’s...Continued on page 6 OLLI-CSUF ...Continued on page 3

President’s Message“Six Best Bets” for the

New Fall SemesterAs OLLI members, we enjoy an abundance

of choices. There are so many great classes and activities for each new semester that choosing which to attend is always a challenge.

Everyone’s interests are different, but here is my “six best bets” list for the fall semester:

Wednesday, September 3: Volunteer Opportunities

Workshop (10:00 am - 12:30 pm , Shapiro ABCD) will present the various volunteer areas within OLLI, including the OLLI-CSUF Collaboration that provides opportunities working with faculty and students at the various CSUF colleges. Since so much of the “OLLI experience” is based on volunteer contributions of our members, the importance of this semi-annual workshop cannot be overemphasized. Whether you are an existing volunteer, a volunteer in hiatus, or simply curious about how we do all we do, I hope you’ll attend ... and enjoy the pizza and salad lunch!

Tuesday, September 9: The first of three “signature” 35th anniversary programs is “Tales of a Great University” (10:00 am - noon, Mackey

Auditorium), featuring the leaders of Cal State Fullerton. The first session of this five-class course features our new dean - Dr. Kari Knutson Miller, who replaced Dr. Harry Norman who retired in

2014 - OLLI’s 35th Anniversary YearCharles L. Ruby, Initiating Sponsor of

RGCIn 1979, Dr. Charles L. Ruby, a prominent

resident of Fullerton, became a founding member of CLE (the predecessor of OLLI). By 1983 the CLE membership had decided they needed a building to house their classes and other activities, but they needed private funding to build it. It was Dr. Ruby who stepped forward with the initial $100,000 pledge, which enabled the project to move forward. He would eventually pledge a total of $310,000, earning him the honor of having the

facility named after him. In 1992 he continued to fund CLE activities with an additional $15,000 for the CLE Endowed Chair for Gerontology, bringing his total contribution for this prestigious chair to $25,000.

Dr. Ruby was born in 1900 in Carthage, Indiana, descended from President Andrew Jackson. He received undergraduate degrees from Ball State University and Central Normal College in Indiana. He would go on to earn an MA from Stanford University, a JD from Pacific College of Law, and a PhD from Olympic University.

He first became an educator and school principal in Indiana. He married Rachael E. Martindale in 1925, and they moved to California in the following year, where he continued in the teaching profession in El Centro and Fresno. Then in 1929 he began his 37-year career as a business law faculty member of Fullerton College.

President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mike StoverVice President Administration . . . . . . . Edward DunvanVice President Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jim MonroeVice President Communication . . . . . . . . . . Joyce OnoVice President Membership . . . . . . . . . . Jane BrubakerVice President External Relations . . . . . . John BlaydesVice President Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tony PackageVice President Hospitality . . . . . . . . . Linda LockwoodVice President Technology . . . . . . . . . . Bob NewcombTreasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ellie MonroeSecretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Janice Jeng

Lorraine Gerni, Editor; Chris Shaw, Associate Editor; Jerry Pollack, Assistant Editor; Juanita Driskell, Alice Gresto, and Elaine Mitchell, Staff Writers .

Desktop Publishing: Celia ReynoldsPhotos: Ken Kamber, Will Cornell and Kirt Spradlin

2OLLI is a program of the CSU Fullerton Auxiliary Services Corporation administered by University Extended Education, California State University, Fullerton

Ellie Monroe, TreasurerOLLI’s Master Policy requires all activities

shall be carried out in a fiscally sound way. OLLI’s Treasurer is responsible for the overall financial control of OLLI and for implementing policy. As part of that obligation, our financial position is reported each month at our Board of Trustees meeting. The financial reports list our income, expenses for

our normal operating costs, Capital purchases, and a summary of our financial reserves. These financial entries are compared each month to our Budget in order to keep our costs and income balanced. In our preliminary Fiscal Year 2013/2014 results, income has exceeded normal operating expenses by approximately $30,000. This does not include expenses for new or upgraded equipment or facilities. The Financial Advisory Committee and Budget Committee, both chaired by the Treasurer, set and monitor the financial goals of OLLI for the current Fiscal Year (June 30 to July 1) and Long- Range Forecast. These two committees of Board members work closely together to ensure

the financial health of our growing organization. Financial decisions are made by majority votes of the Board to maintain a unified approach towards our financial goals.

OLLI’s main source of income is our Membership Dues and Endowment Income. For the past three years, OLLI’s dues have paid for 100% of our regular Operating Expenses. These expenses include Personnel, Administrative, Parking, Program (class related costs), Marketing, and other member support costs. In prior years our membership dues only covered approximately 80% of these expenses. With the small increases in dues over the past few years and a large increase in membership, OLLI now enjoys a solid financial base. Our membership has grown from an FTE (Full Time Equivalent) membership of 1,268 at the end of FY 2011 to 1,542 at the end of FY 2014. This has allowed us to use our Endowment Funds for upgrading computers, projectors, classrooms, and other improvements to enhance OLLI for our members.

In 2011 the Board established a Six-Year Plan that has successfully guided our growth. This Board will be working on updating the Long-Range Forecast in order to reflect economic changes, greater than forecast membership, and needs to support our growing programs.

OLLI maintains Reserve Funds worth approximately a full year of Operating Expenses. These funds have been identified for future Capital purchases, renovations, unforeseen facility costs, and emergency funds. Financial Reports are available for review by all OLLI members in the OLLI office.

New Member OrientationSeptember 18, 2:15 to 3:15 pm

Mackey AuditoriumNew OLLI members are invited to attend an orientation to learn about the benefits of OLLI membership and to access them to enhance the OLLI Experience. A social will follow in ABCD. Jane Brubaker, V P of Membership, and Jim Monroe, V P of Programs, are Co-Chairs of the event.

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2014 OLLI’s ... Continued from page 1

He also had an impressive array of community achievements, including serving as President of the Fullerton Rotary Club, charter member of the Elks Lodge, founder of the Elks National Foundation, founder of the Fullerton Public Forum, and member of the Town Hall of California. One of his goals was to establish a state college in Orange County, which was realized in 1959 with the opening of the California State University, Fullerton. He was a life-long collector of American Indian artifacts, amassing an extensive collection with some items dating back thousands of years, which he donated as a permanent exhibit at the Museum of North Orange County in Fullerton (now the Fullerton Museum).

No stranger to founding important institutions, Dr. Ruby was an essential member of those few instrumental founders who were responsible for initiating CLE/OLLI, and particularly for building the Ruby Gerontology Center. In 1981 Dr. Ruby was “forced” to endure a “roast” of far-fetched tales and back-handed compliments that were meant to show him the warmth, affection, and appreciation of his long-term associates and friends at CLE. Capitalizing on Dr. Ruby’s legal background, Ray Nichols tossed out some one-liners, like: “Regarding logic in the courtroom, you can’t out-think a person who isn’t thinking.” Dr. Ruby responded with typical humor, characterizing the remarks as “not libelous, but maybe slanderous,” but then went on to say “I will be happy when they open the doors to the new building. Money is scarce; these are not good times. That’s what they’ve said all my life. Don’t be worried about that. We can’t fail if we make up our minds.”

In 1987, after five long years of soliciting community resources, Leo Shapiro and his committee finally raised the rest of the money needed, and the building was completed. Dr. Ruby had lost his wife, Rachael, after 57 years of marriage, and he asked that Rachael’s name be included alongside his on the building. So CSUF President Jewel Plummer Cobb dedicated the new facility the Charles L. and Rachael E. Ruby Gerontology Center, what we now know as our Ruby Gerontology Center (or RGC).Chris Shaw, Associate Editor

Are You a Long-Term Member?Please Claim Your Anniversary

Commemorative PinOLLI members with 10 or more years of

membership will receive a special commemorative pin at the 35th Anniversary Recognition Luncheon on October 11.

The pin, which is suitable for attaching to your apparel or OLLI membership badge, is being awarded to long-time members for their contributions to OLLI, including volunteer service and their participation in classes and activities that have enriched the “OLLI experience” for all members.

To claim your pin and receive our thanks at the Luncheon, please contact President Mike Stover by email at mstover@fullerton.edu or call 909-342-4892. See you at the Luncheon.Anniversary Coordinating Committee

OLLI-CSUF Welcoming SocialThursday, September 18, 2014

3:30 pm to 5:30 pmShapiro ABCD

Our Welcoming Social is an opportunity to gather with good friends and meet new members. Get your FREE tickets to attend the Fourth Annual OLLI-CSUF Welcoming Social featuring our fabulous DJ and professional event planner, Tony DiEugenio of Tony D’s Productions. This event has been planned by members of the Transition in Retirement (TIR) and Thursday’s Social group to welcome and greet our new OLLI members in this casual, fun environment. Please obtain your ticket via the coupon in this issue of the ChroniCLE and downloadable from the OLLI NewsBytes.Once again we will offer several opportunities to win raffle prizes including prime tickets to a performance of the Pacific Symphony (donated by Ellie and Jim Monroe) at the Orange County Per-forming Arts Center.

FREE RAFFLE TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE TO THOSE WHO REGISTER AT THE OFFICE BY THE DUE DATE AND HANDED OUT THE DAY OF THE EVENT.

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CLE OLLI

Recipients of the In Memoriam AwardThis year as part of OLLI’s 35th anniversary celebration we are awarding the In Memoriam Award to seven

members, who passed away in the past five years, who made significant volunteer contributions to CLE/OLLI. These individuals exemplify the OLLI volunteer spirit in more than one volunteer area. They are not otherwise recognized by one of the other Anniversary recognition designations. These individuals are representative of hundreds of CLE and OLLI members who have contributed so much during their lifetime to the success and growth of lifelong learning at Cal State Fullerton.

Henry (Hank) Giano (March 6, 2013) was OLLI Trustee, CSUF Volunteer Usher of the Year (baseball/basketball), and Traffic Coordinator. Hank was the quintessential volunteer in Facilities, Baseball Bash, and the OLLI Socials’ wine host.

Russ Havemann (December 2, 2012) was Vice President, Administration and served as Parliamentarian. Russ was involved in numerous other voluntary contributions to OLLI.

Bette Henning (January 25, 2011) was Vice President, Hospitality and OLLI Trustee. Betty was an innovator of special social events and illustrator of the CLE Wisdom Exchange book, artist, and journalist.

Carl Hurty (December 14, 2013) was Vice President, External Relations and instructor and coordinator of classes. Carl improved our community outreach and expanded our music curriculum. He will be remembered for his resounding baritone voice.

George Killianey (September 15, 2011) was Treasurer, instructor, and coordinator of classes. George was a leader in expanding our instructional technology and innovative audio-visual improvements.

Bob Linn (January 27, 2011) was an exemplary instructor and coordinator. Bob’s history classes were extremely popular, and he set the standard for interesting and informative presentations.

Andy Washington (April 4, 2014) was Vice President, Programs, Vice President, External Relations, and instructor and coordinator of classes. Andy always remembered your name and was a master at drawing you into class discussions.

A commemorative plaque will be inscribed to document and remind us of their contributions, lest we forget those who made a difference.Chris Shaw, Associate Editor

“What OLLI Means to Me”Elizabeth Redmon

In 2007 at the age of 95, my mother Gulah Daron moved from her home and friends in Oklahoma City to come live with me. She immediately joined OLLI and sat in on my watercolor and ceramics classes. My wonderful classmates always engaged her in conversation and made her feel welcome. The following semester we enrolled in Life Storybook with the combined project of telling her story- Gulah’s memories, my words.

She loved listening to everyone’s stories and sharing her own. Like the day she flew in a barnstormer plane or when she had to ask her father if she could bob her hair. The two books we completed have become family treasures in the homes of her children,

grandchildren and great-grandchildren, for they reveal a multifaceted, multi-talented woman we would never have known otherwise. The bond created between us remains one of my most tender memories. More importantly, OLLI gave Gulah a sense of belonging, of usefulness and purpose, of respect, and love.

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SEPTEMBER 9 OLLI OPEN HOUSE

VOLUNTEERS

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SPECIAL THANKS to all the volunteers who helped with the August ChroniCLE and the Blue Books mailing: Lu and Susan Attal, Mary Alice Blaydes, Jean Bryant, Patti Chikahisa, Don and Inez Fallis, Dar and Norine Fredrickson, Karen Katz, Bob and Sue Knepper, Jerry Pollack Judy Randlett, Roy and Phyllis Roberts and Marie Stiegler.

President’s ... Continued from page 1

June. This is both a forum to become acquainted with campus leaders as well as a great opportunity for them to learn about us. This first “Tales” class also features Dr. Anil Puri, the charismatic Dean of the Mihaylo College of Business and Economics. In subsequent classes, the course will host the heads of other CSUF colleges, the CSUF vice president for finance, and an intergenerational presentation by the campus student body president, accompanied by the CSUF vice president for student affairs.

Thursday, September 18: The OLLI Welcoming Reception (3:30 pm - 5:30 pm, Shapiro ABCD) for the 2014-15 academic year has become a new tradition for new as well as veteran members. Special entertainment, snacks, door prizes, and the opportunity to begin and extend friendships with fellow members are all compelling reasons to sample this year’s Welcoming Reception. It is also free!

Saturday, October 11: The second “signature” anniversary event of the fall semester is also likely to be the largest and most memorable. It is our Gala 35th Anniversary Recognition Luncheon with CSUF President Mildred Garcia (11:15 am, Titan Center). Three of our anniversary committees (Recognition, Hospitality, and History) have worked for almost a year to make this event both entertaining and emotionally uplifting. We will honor 58 of our founders, deceased members, and “super volunteers” for service dating from our beginnings in 1979 to the present day. And, we intend to honor each of them with class, brevity, and good humor. Long-time members with 10 or more years of membership will receive a special commemorative pin for their OLLI name badge. I encourage you to reserve your place ($25 per person) as soon as you can. Remember, our 35th Anniversary Kickoff Luncheon in April was a sell-out!

Thursday, October 23: The final “signature” anniversary event is “The Story of OLLI, 1990-2014” (12:30 pm - 2:00 pm, Mackey Auditorium). This presentation by the Anniversary History Committee starts where our spring semester presentation ended - the opening of the Ruby Gerontology Center, and concludes with the

achievements and challenges now facing us. To understand OLLI, you need to know our heritage! Many members told us that the spring semester edition of this presentation was one of the best OLLI programs they ever attended. We hope to reach this standard again with a program less about dates and more about the people, and “stories” of this lively organization we call OLLI at CSUF.

Wednesday, December 10: The year concludes with our always popular Holiday Luncheon, that will be held this year in the Grand Ballroom at the Embassy Suites in Brea. The luncheon, organized by the OLLI Hospitality Committee, provides everyone an opportunity to set aside the busy-ness of the season and breathe in the holiday’s magical sights and sounds. Entertainment is provided by our own OLLI talent. Look for the Holiday Luncheon reservation/coupon in October’s ChroniCLE.Mike Stover, Presidentstovermw@gmail.com

Calling all OLLI Veterans: For Veterans’ Day, OLLI has arranged for official individual recognition. If you are a new member, have not been included in the Veteran display or slide show, or need to update that information, please provide the OLLI Office with the following by September 15 in order to be included: Full name (as used in the service), branch, and approximate dates of service. Location, war/conflict, type of duty, other facts; picture while serving (if available, pictures will be returned). Questions: Betty Redmon – 714-974-2535, eredmon@usc.edu.

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SPECIAL EVENTS

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Concert Under the Stars 5:00 pm, September 13 CSUFLyon Air Museum Trip 9:30 am, September 17 Parking Lot A

Eclectics I 10:00 am, Sept 16, 30 AUDEclectics II 12:30 pm Sept 11, 25 AUDMusical Performances 2:15 pm, Sept 16, 30 AUDTales of a Great University 10:00 am, Sept 9, 23 AUDTIR Essentials 9:30 am, Sept 13, 20, 27 ABCD

Mackey Auditorium Renovated, and Open for Business

During the 2014 summer session the Mackey Auditorium was given a major renovation, which

was completed in time for the OLLI Open House on August 9.

As Vice President, Facilities, Tony

Package undertook the major and daunting task of addressing the safety and functionality of the auditorium’s facilities. His team determined that the seats and flooring were showing their age, often representing a safety hazard, and needed to be replaced. A lack of railings was another safety issue, making it difficult for physically challenged people to move down the sloped aisles.

As a result of Tony’s investigation and recommendations to the OLLI Board and CSUF, all the faded salmon-colored seats were replaced with beautiful royal blue seats, and railings were added to each aisle seat. All the flooring (including the stage) was replaced with a slip-resistant surface and new carpeting was laid on the two aisles. A fresh coat of paint on the interior walls and doors completed the overhaul. CSUF paid a major portion of the renovation’s expense.

Mackey Auditorium has served CLE and OLLI (and CSUF) well for 26 years, and with its new lease on life, it is now ready to serve OLLI and the University for many more years.Chris Shaw, Associate Editor

Coming Events(Place these dates on your calendar.)

Anniversary Art ExhibitIn Progress Through May 2015First Floor Entry, Pollak Library, CSUFCoordinator: Betty Redmon

CSUF Concert Under the StarsSaturday, September 13, 2014Field Next to Titan House, CSUFCoordinator: John Blaydes

OLLI Welcoming ReceptionThursday, September 18, 2014Shapiro ABCDCoordinator: OLLI Hospitality Committee

Gala 35th Anniversary Recognition Luncheon

Saturday, October 11, 2014Titan Center, CSUFCoordinators: Linda Lockwood & Barry

Escoe

Eclectics: “The Story of OLLI, 1990-2014”Monday, October 23, 2014Mackey AuditoriumPresenters: Mike Stover & Various Panels

Holiday LuncheonWednesday, December 10, 2014Embassy Suites Hotel, Brea

Coordinator: OLLI Hospitality Committee

OLLIat California State University, Fullerton“A Continuing Learning Experience”1979 - 2014: 35 Years of ExcellenceRuby Gerontology Center, Room 7P.O. Box 6870Fullerton, California 92834-6870(657) 278-2446

Nonprofit OrganizationU.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 487Fullerton, Calif

Address ServiceRequested

Dated MaterialDo Not Delay Delivery

OLLI EmailsOLLI members who would like to receive weekly e-blast messages from the OLLI office are asked to send a request, with your e-mail address, to Jeff Harter at ollinewsbytes@hotmail.com, for:

a) Request to be added (or re-subscribed) to the email list.b) Questions about why they are not receiving OLLI emails.c) If you would like to receive your monthly ChroniCLE electronically.

OLLI Websitehttp://olli.fullerton.edu

Contact us at ollinewsbytes@hotmail.com