OLLI fall semester begins with 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis

Author Michael Tougias will begin the Fall 2018 Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) Series on Tuesday, Sept. 4, chronicling the harrowing 13 days of the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962.

Tougias is a favorite presenter who has given a variety of action-based programs throughout the local area. A New York Times bestselling author and co-author of 24 books, he will give the details which are highlighted in his newest book, "Above & Beyond: JFK and the U-2 Pilots During the Cuban Missile Crisis."

The book discussion will be presented at 2 p.m. at the Nolin Murray Center next to St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Pleasant St. in Springfield, Vermont.

In October 1962, America faced the prospect of imminent nuclear war with the Soviet Union. Two things saved humanity: the strategic wisdom of John F. Kennedy, and the U-2 spy program, according to an OLLI press release.

U-2 pilots who flew unarmed over Cuba were able to secure photographic proof that the Soviets were installing nuclear missiles on the island. These pilots helped President Kennedy achieve a difficult objective: have the nuclear missiles removed from Cuba without triggering Armageddon. Tougias will present lesser-known events that put us on the brink of nuclear war.

He will have many of his books available for purchase and signing.

OLLI, affiliated with the University of Vermont, is a local membership program geared towards seniors 50 years and older who want to engage in meaningful learning, “just for the fun of it.” People of all ages are welcome to attend.

The OLLI series programs are selected with input from the local members and carry varied themes from semester to semester including history, art, music, literature, health, nature, science and current events.

Membership is $45 for the semester, which includes nine programs. Non-members are encouraged and welcome to attend individual lectures for a single program fee of $8. Memberships, as well as single program fees, may be paid at the program.

The OLLI program "Cuba: Past and Present" will be two weeks later on Sept. 18. Elayne Clift will show pictures and discuss her recent travels there highlighting the history and culture of Cuba.

Brochures have been distributed throughout the area towns at businesses, the local libraries, town halls and Chamber of Commerce offices.

The complete Springfield and state-wide program list is available online at www.learn.uvm.edu/olli. Choose "OLLI Statewide" and then "OLLI Statewide Courses and Programs " from the menu, and then scroll to Springfield.

Photo: Major Rudy Anderson was flying his U-2 spy plane over Cuba when the Russians shot him down and he was killed. His death almost started World War III.