This one is for all of our friends out there that have the wisdom of the ages but are still looking to learn something new. 🧠
If you’re living your best retirement life and are looking to for a safe way to conquer your New Year’s resolution of learning how to knit your own sweater or incorporating meditation into your daily routine or ordering your own gelato in Italian once we can all travel again, look no further than the classes offered by the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute(OLLI) at Furman University.
Art Journaling class (back when OLLI classes could meet in person) | Photo provided by OLLI
OLLI at Furman University was started back in 1993 for and by retirees (primarily those 55 and up) and has grown over the last 25+ years from 65 to 2,500 members. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the program has pivoted to teach 100% of their winter 2021 classes live via Zoom. (If you don’t have a clue how to use Zoom, not to worry. OLLI volunteers will be hosting Zoom orientations for anyone not familiar with the platform and working with individuals one-on-one to solve any more specific tech issues.)
Guitar class taught via Zoom | Photo provided by OLLI
All OLLI classes are taught by experienced OLLI members, other community experts, or Furman University faculty. In fact, much of OLLI’s staff is volunteers who work in the office (during non-COVID times), create and facilitate social events, and much more. The classes are also pretty affordable – all students pay a $50 membership fee for the academic year and then each 8-week course is $55. There are also Thursday Lunch Book Clubs, Lunch & Learn Tuesdays, Friday Bonus Trips & Events, and Special Interest Groups.
Sound like something you’d be interested in? Register here for one of 50+ classes that are available this term. And make sure you get to it, because classes start on Monday. #ProTip: This is also a great way to socialize with family and friends you might be missing that live out of town. (Even though these classes are designed for those 55 and up, OLLI welcomes learners of all ages.)
Weather ○ 52º | Partly cloudy | 5% chance of rain ○ Have you checked the forecast lately? There’s a pretty good chance we might see some snow in the morning on Friday. While it doesn’t look like this snow shower will quite measure up to the great snowfall of 1988, it will be a good idea to keep an eye on the weather this week. ❄️
Development ○ ICYMI, on Monday, Greenville County officially broke ground on their new Administration Building – the cornerstone of the 40-acre University Ridge Development. Learn more about this 250,000 sqft building and the ongoing $1 billion projecthere. 🏗️ (The Post and Courier Greenville)
Greenvillian ○ Yesterday, Greenville County Council elected Willis Meadows as their new chair in 7-5 vote. Meadows is 83-years-old and is currently serving his fourth term representing District 19. Meadows will replace councilmember Butch Kirven as chair, who had served in the role for 12 years. (Greenville News)
WaterCooler ○ Rabbits rise. Tickets for tonight’sGreenville Swamp Rabbitshockey game vs. the Wheeling Nailers (7 p.m. at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena)are still available($9-45). Grab yours here. 🏒 Ⓟ
NowOpen ○ TheNew York Butcher Shoppe has recently opened a new, expanded store at 2222 Augusta St. The spot features a wine bar with select beer + wine on tap and a few small bite options too. 🥩 (Upstate Business Journal)
Edu ○ Yesterday, Gov. Henry McMaster announced a $19.9 million education + workforce training investment in the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund. The grants will be distributed to the Department of Social Services (DSS), the South Carolina Technical College System, the Office of First Steps, and the Department of Education. To see a full breakdown of how the money will be spent, click here. ✏️ (WLTX)
TryThis ○ Is one of your resolutions to read more this year? Look no further than the Greenville County Library System’s Winter Reading Challenge for adults ages 18+. To register, download your reading log, and check out the available prizes, click here. 📚
Coronavirus ○ Gov. Henry McMaster also announced yesterday that anyone who qualifies for Phase 1A of the state’s COVID-19 vaccine plan must either get the first dose of the vaccine or make an appointment to do so by Fri., Jan. 15. To see if you’re included in Phase 1A, click here. (WYFF 4) ○ VisitSCDHEC’s website for full coronavirus data + stats, andhere for daily positive COVID-19 cases + related deaths in South Carolina.
Finance ○ DYK that Greenville Federal Credit Union members get exclusive discounts on tickets to Biltmore, Regal Theaters, Six Flags + more? Check out all the perks. Ⓟ
Health ○ Is exercise on your resolution list?Knowing how to combine nutrients can help you get the most out of your food + your workout. Registered dietitian Lisa Money shares 5 tips to help you eat properly before exercising. 🍊Ⓟ
TheBuy ○ Start looking luxurious this New Year with a mascara that has over11,800 five-star reviews.Thrive Causemetics’ Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara($24) and all other Thrive products are 15% off today. Snag yours here.Ⓟ
FeaturedJob ○ Girl on the Run Upstate SC is seeking Volunteer Coaches for their spring season running from March 1-May 1. Learn more about the opportunity here and apply by Thurs., Jan. 15. 👟Ⓟ
Click the button below for local resources regarding the coronavirus.
Sweet Sippin’ of Simpsonville + Gather GVL is eyeing a piece of real estate in the sky. The craft beer + wine bar is submitting plans to Greenville’s Design Review Board for a new rooftop bar at 21 Augusta St.(the former home of Cocobella Boutique).
If the plans are approved, Sweet Sippin’ will be moving their operations from Gather GVL right down the road. Click here to see some renderings and learn more about the new space.
#DYK that your photo could be featured in our newsletter? Just use #GVLtoday on social media.
#MUSTDO
TryThis ○ Sitcom Trivia | Wed., Jan. 6 | 7 p.m. | Wandering Bard Meadery, 1320 Hampton Ave., Ste. 3 | Free entry | Test your knowledge on all things Friends, The Office, and all your other favorite funny sitcoms. 📺
Drink ○ Bugs & Suds: Tie Flies and Socialize | Wed., Jan. 6 | 6-8 p.m. | Tetrad Brewing Company, 603 E. Stone Ave. | Free entry | Join fly fishing guide Jeff Furman with Pisgah Outdoors + Andrew Soules to tie flies and enjoy some refreshing Tetrad craft beer. 🎣
PlanAhead ○ Mediterranean Appetizer Cooking Class | Thurs., Jan. 7 | 6-8 p.m. | The Cook’s Station, 515 Buncombe St. | $55 | Join Chef Tazia as she takes you on a culinary adventure to the Mediterranean. 🍅 ○ MLK Day of Service Litter Cleanup | Mon., Jan. 18 | Flexible hours |Various locations | Free, register here | Join Greenville County Litter Ends Here for a clean-up in your community in honor of MLK Day. ○ 2021 Spring Trailblaze Challenge Registration Meetings | Wed., Jan. 6-Sat., Jan. 16 | 6 p.m. | Free, RSVP |Learn about the 28.3 mile hike on the Foothills Trail taking place in May and how you can help the Make a Wish South Carolina raise money to grant the wishes of children with critical illnesses.Ⓟ
Disclaimer: It is up to readers’ discretion to determine whether they feel comfortable participating in any mentioned events based on COVID-19 protocols and precautions. If you have questions, please contact the event’s organizers directly.
Vaccinations throughout childhood help to provide immunity to potentially life-threatening diseases | Photo provided by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina
With cold + flu season upon us and Coronavirus cases spiking, there’s been lots of talk about vaccinations. 💉
Vaccinations throughout childhood help to provide immunity to potentially life-threatening diseases. The CDC + American Academy of Pediatrics have reported that staying on schedule for these immunizations provides the best protection from serious infections.
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