Welcome! Omnilore is a program of OLLI at CSUDH (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at California State University, Dominguez Hills). The program is centered on study discussion groups (SDGs), which meet at classroom facilities in Redondo Beach. A learning-in-retirement community of approximately 300 seniors, we organize study discussion groups that are conceived, planned, and directed by the members. There are no tests or grades. Membership is open to all who seek intellectual stimulation and the challenge of shared inquiry.   Click here for 2-minute highlights video, more information about Omnilore, and how to join. For a glimpse of some of our other activities, see Upcoming Events below.

What's Happenin' ? May 24 (Thu.):  "Exploring Geocaching.Com – High Tech Treasure Hunting" Computer Talk:  Click here for more information. Our May/June "OMNILORE NEWS" Newsletter is Now Available:   Click here to view or download.

Upcoming Events Each of Omnilore's extracurricular events occurs 3 to 12 times yearly. The next dates for the grayed-out events will be posted as soon as the next offering is scheduled, but you can click on them to read generic descriptions now.   Best Sellers SIG   |   Computer Talk   |   Coordinator Training  |  Equipment Training   |  Hiking/Walking Group Newsletter Deadline   |   Presentations Workshop   |  Prospective Member Orientation  |   Quarterly Forum Members Only–also see Yearly Calendar for future dates for trimesters, Forums, Board meetings, newsletter submissions, and holidays. The following are arranged chronologically.  If you have an upcoming Omnilore event that you think might be appropriately listed here, contact the Omnilore Webmasters (Webmaster@Omnilore.org). Computer Talk     Thursday, May 24, 2012:    Noon - 1 pm, Room 7   Exploring Geocaching.Com      High-Tech Treasure Hunting Hal Hart will present May's Computer Talk which will simultaneously explore the Geocaching.com website and cover some website browsing tricks. Articles in last July and September's newsletters introduced Omniloreans to the internet-based treasure hunting game named Geocaching where almost 2 million little containers are hidden all over the world that you can find with a GPS or smartphone. Ruth and Hal are not the only Omniloreans who find that the challenge of hunting geocaches (intellect required!) and the modicum of physical activity required for most grabs are a wonderful addition to their notion of an active retirement.  It is also an activity that can fit in on travels around the country and the world.  Hal has even started to hide some geocaches himself this year, all in the Hollywood Riviera – except for one in Rhode Island. READ MORE This computer talk will visit the website Geocaching.com which is the flywheel for the game.  We will start by playing the 2-minute video introducing the game,  (OK, maybe we'll actually start with a geocaching joke) learn how to register for a free account and about the different types of caches, do a web search for some nearby caches and research the history of other cachers seeking targeted caches, download cache coordinates to our GPS, explore web-based satellite mapping capabilities to assist searches, browse the website to learn about geosense tactics see how to log found caches, and be amazed at all the statistics the website calculates for you. Note that geocaching is occasionally combined with the monthly 3rd-Friday Hiking Club excursion (open to all Omniloreans and guests) as an option for those interested.  The August Hike will be led by the Harts along the 2-mile Bridal Path trail between PVE and Torrance, where Hal has hidden 17 caches.   Item posted by hh: 4.29.12 (revised 5.13.12) Best Sellers Special Interest Group (new Omnilore book club)    Second Meeting:  Monday, June 11, 2012: 11:00 am - 12:30 pm, Room 7    Coming Apart: The State of White America, 1960-2010    by Charles Murray Our new Omnilore Special Interest Group (SIG), the Best Sellers SIG formed this summer to read and discuss current best sellers.  Meetings will always be on the 2nd Monday of the month, 11am - 12:30pm.  Here's what the book jacket says about our book chosen for June: The reason Charles Murray wrote Coming Apart: The State of White America 1960-2010:  “The American project consists of the continuing effort, begun with the founding, to demonstrate that human beings can be left free as individuals and families to live their lives as they see fit, coming together voluntarily to solve their joint problems. The polity based on that idea led to a civic culture that was seen as exceptional by all the world. To be an American was to be different from other nationalities, in ways that Americans treasured. That culture is unraveling. I focus on what happened, not why. I discuss some of the whys, but most of them involve forces that cannot be changed. My primary goal is to induce recognition of the ways in which America is coming apart at the seams—not seams of race or ethnicity but of class. As with all books on policy, this one will eventually discuss how we might change course. But discussing solutions is secondary in this book, just as understanding causes is secondary. The important thing is to look unblinkingly at the nature of the problem.” The Best Sellers SIG got off to a strong start at its first meeting held on May 14.   Here's co-organizer Cindy Eggert's summary of that successful inaugural meeeting to discuss The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins:  "Yesterday's book discussion had 28 people and worked out just great :) The 1.5 hours went by very quickly and the conversation/comments about the book, its themes, the characters, the values covered, and its appeal to teens and seniors alike covered everything I could have hoped. We had both the 'really liked it' and the 'didn't like' representatives covering their points." All Omnilore members are always welcome to participate in our monthly book discussions – whether you’ve finished the book, are in the process of reading it, or are just curious about the topic.  See our Interest Groups webpage to read about the purpose and operation of the Best Sellers SIG, and the books chosen for July and August.  For suggestions or more information about the Best Sellers SIG, email Best-Sellers@Omnilore.org. Item posted by hh: 5.15.12   Hiking/Walking Group    Friday, June 15, 2012, 10am:  Location to be Announced The Hiking/Walking Group usually schedules an excursion for the morning of the 3rd Friday of the month, ending with bring-your-own lunch.  Plans are generally posted about a week ahead. See our Special Interest Groups webpage and its description of our Hiking/Walking Group (which includes point of contact) while we're waiting for plans for their next hike to be posted here.   All Omnilore members are always welcome to participate in our monthly excursion.  We accommodate all speeds of walkers, so give it a try if this hike appeals to you. Item posted by hh: 5.18.12   Omnilore News Article Submission Deadline   Friday, June 15, 2012   July/August Edition Omnilore News is published six times annually. The Editors welcome short feature articles and news stories from members.  Your contribution may be submitted any time, but the above date should be met for inclusion in the upcoming issue; otherwise, it may be held for the following issue.  Please send submissions to the Omnilore News editors (Newsletter@Omnilore.org). Your contributions can be in whatever form you are most comfortable in using—as an email attachment in a standard word-processing format, embedded the body of an email, or any other digital form. Item posted by hh: 4.21.12 Prospective Member Orientation Session    June 19, 2012 (Tuesday)    July  31, 2012 (Tuesday)    Attend either session to learn about Omnilore and how to join Omnilore orientation sessions for prospective new members are held  in Room 7 at the Franklin Center.  Orientation sessions start at 10:00 a.m., and last 90 minutes to 2 hours depending on questions.  Click here to view our two-minute Omnilore highlights video and to learn more about Omnilore membership while you're waiting to attend one of these orientation sessions. Note that prospective new members who join at the June 19 orientation will be eligible to enroll for our Fall S/DGs beginning in September. Most new members join because their friends shared the word of Omnilore with them. We encourage you to invite your friends to join us in our "intellectual pursuits!" Item posted by hh: 5.1.12 Coordinator Training    July or August Date To Be Announced Coordinator Training is conducted by the Head Coordinator around the beginning of April, August, and December – approximately one month before each academic trimester.  All Coordinators/Co-Coordinators of Omnilore Fall Classes Starting in September: Please attend this training session because guidelines and tips for coordinating SDGs are always being improved.  (And, it's your chance to meet new Head Coordinator Norman Morris if you haven't already.) Topics covered include: Learn what's new – there's always something! Review SDG operating procedures – schedules, presentation expectations, discussion guidelines, how to handle core reading ... Appoint your class's AV Techie and FTP Techie; get them trained    (What are these?) Ask questions Get answers. . . .and room keys Omnilore greatly appreciates those volunteering for these important coordinating positions – Thank You! Item posted by hh: 4.7.12 The Quarterly Forum   Monday, July  30, 2012 “The Supreme Court” Speaker to be Announced When:  Monday, July 30, 2012 11:00 am:  Doors Open, Socializing Noon:        Luncheon served 1:00 pm:   Presentation starts Where:  Los Verdes Country Club, 7000 W. Los Verdes Dr., Rancho Palos Verdes. Drive south on Hawthorne Boulevard past the top of PV, continue about half a mile south of Crest Road, turn right on Los Verdes Drive, go another half mile to the golf course, and park in the furthest parking lot.  Enter banquet room via patio on south side of building.     (CLICK HERE for map.) Menu:  To be announced.  As usual, beverages are included and a vegetarian plate will be available by so requesting on your registration form. Cost:  $20.00 While waiting for our July speaker to be announced and presentation description prepared, read the general description of Omnilore's program of quarterly Forum luncheon meetings, almost always held at the Los Verdes Golf Course and Country Club, on the Forum webpage. Item posted by hh: 5.1..2012 Equipment 101:  A/V Training & "FTP Techie" Training (for SDG Folders maintenance)    August Equipment Training Date To Be Announced An Equipment Training session is generally scheduled in mid April, August, and December – just before the beginning of each academic trimester. This training session, taught by the Omnilore Equipment Manager, provides instruction on set-up, usage, and proper storage of Omnilore's Audio/Visual/computer equipment for all Omnilore members anxious to learn (or get a refresher on) how to use our primary presentation technology – projector and screen, our new desktop presenters (pictured at right) for printed material, DVD/video players and speakers, your own or Omnilore’s laptop, and our classrooms’ wireless internet connection — used individually and in combinations. After the first hour or so, Equipment 101 switches to demonstration and instruction on the purpose and population of each SDG's "Folder."  The SDG Folders reside on the Omnilore website for capture of digital presentations, discussion questions, and other resources created or found by members.   Each SDG should have an "FTP Techie" capable of uploading these digital artifacts to its SDG Folder, and this instruction will teach those interested the free upload utility FileZilla and recommended file-naming conventions for clarity.  To study ahead or for self-teaching, CLICK HERE for tip sheets for each piece of Omnilore equipment, as well as for the training charts for Equipment 101.   NOTE:  The links to other webpages in this Equipment Training description all require login to the password-protected part of the Omnilore website.   This password changes every Nov. 1 and is printed in the Member Packets every member receives at the October Forum or picks up in Room 7 in November.   Members may also request the Omnilore website password by emailing Webmaster@Omnilore.org. Item posted by hh: 4.21.12   Presentations Workshop:  Presentations 101   Next Date to be Announced (September?) Are you a new member of Omnilore and a little uncertain about what to do about your first Presentation?  Perhaps you have been a member of Omnilore for a while and want to polish your Presentation skills. In either case, we have some help for you.  You are invited to join Presentations 101: The Workshop.  It's all about making our Presentations better and enjoying livelier discussions. If you can't attend The Workshop and want some help pulling together your Presentation, check the list of Presentation Mentors.  The list is also posted on the bulletin boards in our classrooms.  You will find the names, phone numbers and e-mail addresses of Omnilore members who have volunteered to work with other members on making Presentations.  Just give one of them a call or fire off an e-mail to make arrangements for advice and perhaps to make a new friend.  Or, visit our Training webpage and click on the "Presentations Training" link at the top to view Presentations 101 charts. Item posted by hh: 1.22.2012 (revised 5.16.12)

Highlights Video and More About Omnilore For potential new members, more information is available by scrolling down this webpage or by clicking on any link below to directly jump to a particular topic.  Highlights/Introduction Video  |  Who to Contact  |  Membership Benefits  How to Join  |  Volunteer Opportunities  |  Directions This two-minute video illustrates some highlights of Omnilore, while serving as an introduction to our learning community: If you would like to know more about Omnilore benefits, how we operate, fees, or whom to contact to join, please go to Omnilore Membership below.  Go to our Contacts page to locate the public email addresses for our Omnilore Officers.  Go to Directions at the bottom of this page to find maps and view directions to our classroom facility at the Franklin Center in Redondo Beach. If you would like to know more about our course offerings, please see our Curriculum Page. To learn even more about our learning community, please explore the rest of this Omnilore homepage and other pages on our website reachable by the yellow navigation buttons at the top of this page. If at any time within this website you want to go back to the Omnilore homepage, simply click the first button ("Home") in the navigation bar at the top of every page.

Omnilore Membership Benefits |  Facts  |  Fees  |  Orientation Sessions  |  Volunteer Opportunities About OLLI@CSUDH Membership Only Do you have a mind that's not ready to retire? Did the short video above entice you?  Then we are definitely for you! Omnilore is open to all who seek the intellectual stimulation and challenge of shared inquiry. We have about three hundred participants taking part in the college-level learning experience (without tests or grades!). Our self-directed courses meet twice a month (two-hour sessions) for four months. Omnilore Membership Benefits: Members may enroll in multiple Study/Discussion Groups per term. Members may participate in additional OLLI at CSUDH activities that include Computer Talks meetings, and a Hiking Club. Forum luncheons are open to OLLI members and their guests. These quarterly luncheons feature a variety of interesting speakers. (Please note: there is an additional fee for the luncheon). Members receive a bimonthly newsletter that presents a calendar, a member profile, a booklist, and several interesting, informative articles. Upon joining Omnilore, members receive all the same benefits that come with OLLI at CSUDH membership (see below). These include: a California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) Student ID; use of the CSUDH university library; a CSUDH student e-mail account; periodic CSUDH Extended Education newsletters, catalogs, and other publications; and other benefits inherent in CSUDH student status. Members are invited to participate in the OLLI lecture series at CSUDH taught by University faculty each fall and spring. Members receive notifications and updates on CSUDH campus events including speaker series, department symposia, and cultural events. Omnilore Membership Facts: The Omnilore membership year runs from September 1 through August 31. The spring classes start the first week of January, the summer classes begin the first week of May, and the fall classes commence the first week of September. Omnilore is run by volunteers. A Board of Directors and Standing Committees keep the organization running smoothly. Members propose course offerings. Members are expected to be active participants in their Study/Discussion Groups (SDGs). Giving a presentation in the courses one takes is a requirement. Prior to joining, new members are required to attend a New Members Orientation Session (see below). This requirement is necessary in order to fully understand the organization and to receive tips on "How to Succeed as an Omnilore Member." Prospective members are urged to "sit in" on an Omnilore SDG class before joining the organization. We want to make sure that we are the right "fit" for you! Omnilore thrives based on the efforts of its membership, all of whom are volunteers.  Besides the SDGs themselves and the member volunteers who coordinate each SDG's classroom activities, volunteers are needed to help plan and execute diverse planning and communication activities that keep Omnilore vital, interesting, and exciting.  Examples include developing the curriculum, putting together our bimonthly newsletter, maintaining this website, and the Omnilore Board of Directors which oversees everything.   Whatever your background, there's probably a place you can help out – both leadership and product-producing positions.  See our separate Volunteer Opportunities webpage for more details and how to get involved in making Omnilore go. Omnilore Membership Fees: Omnilore annual membership fees are $90.00 per person or $150.00 per couple plus a required $30/person OLLI membership fee, for a total of $120 per person or $210 per couple. This covers membership and full participation in study/discussion groups, club activities and more for the full academic year. NOTE: The Omnilore membership fee includes all the benefits of OLLI@CSUDH membership (see below). JOINING IS EASY! Omnilore New Members Orientation Sessions If you want more information about Omnilore membership, please call (310) 370-9522 or email the membership chairperson at Membership@Omnilore.Org. Please leave your name and mailing address, so that we may send you our current curriculum and other relevant information. There are two Omnilore Orientation Sessions each trimester—six sessions in total throughout the year. All sessions are held in our Franklin Center facility. The Sessions typically begin at 10:00 a.m. and last 90 minutes to 2 hours, depending on attendance and questions.  There is a break at the midway point when refreshments are served. UPCOMING OMNILORE ORIENTATION SESSIONS Tuesday, June 19, 2012, 10:00 a.m., Room 7 Tuesday, July 31, 2012, 10:00 a.m., Room 7 If you are unavailable on the scheduled date(s) or if you wish further  information about membership, email Membership@Omnilore.org. Omnilore Orientation Sessions take place in Room 7 of our Franklin Center facility (850 Inglewood Ave., Redondo Beach). For a map of the facility and detailed driving instructions click here.  For more information or to RSVP, call 310-370-9522 and leave a message, or email Membership@Omnilore.org. NOTE: Attendance at an Omnilore Orientation Session is required before joining. About OLLI at CSUDH Membership Only When you become a member of Omnilore, you automatically become a member of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at California State University Dominguez Hills (CSUDH). However, it is possible to become a member of OLLI at CSUDH without becoming a member of Omnilore. You'll find the cost and benefits of OLLI-CSUDH outlined on the OLLI at CSUDH Membership Information page. The information on that page includes specific information about becoming an OLLI at CSUDH member ONLY.

Directions Redondo Beach Franklin Center All Omnilore courses and many of our other activities are held at the Franklin Center, which is located at 850 Inglewood Avenue in Redondo Beach, three short blocks north of 190th Street.  It is the site of a former Redondo Beach elementary school, but it is now leased by a number of different entities, including a preschool. Omnilore has the use of two classrooms, Rooms 7 and 8. There is a parking lot in front of the facility.   Please drive carefully in the parking lot because it is frequently quite full, plus at times there are many parents dropping off and picking up their preschoolers.   Be aware that occasionally you might be forced to park on side streets Ralston Lane or Fisk Lane and walk an extra minute or two to our classrooms.  Here is a Mapquest link to the location. And finally, here below, is another map (made by one of our many talented volunteers) showing the location of our Franklin Center, and the locations of our Omnilore rooms 7 and 8 within the facility. OLLI@CSUDH Most OLLI@CSUDH classes, lectures, and events are held at the California State University Dominguez Hills Extended Education facility (1000 E. Victoria Street, Carson, CA 90747), directly east of the Home Depot Center sports complex. There is a pay parking lot in front of the Extended Education facility – Parking Lot 3, on the south side of E. Victoria St. about a quarter mile east of Avalon Blvd.  There are two automated parking permit dispensers located near the facility, one in the northwest corner and one near the southeast corner of Parking Lot 3.  Both dispensers are marked by asterisks on this map.  Parking costs $4.00, and credit cards are accepted by the machines. Here is a Mapquest link to the location. And finally, here is a link to the campus' official CSUDH driving directions page.

Omnilore—OLLI at CSUDH, P.O. Box 7000-236, Redondo Beach, CA, 90277-8710

Last Updated: May 16,  2012 (hh)

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The April 1st news that "Omnilore is disbanding due to the death of intellectual curiosity" turned out to not be true.  Sorry for causing alarm.