OASIS marks 10th anniversary of enriching lives

For 10 years, OASIS has offered learning and service opportunities to Central New York adults, aged 50 and older, to aid in their pursuit of a more active and productive lifestyle.

In celebration of its 10th anniversary, OASIS will host a free, public event Wednesday, Nov. 16, beginning at 1 p.m. at its headquarters located at 6333 State Route 298 in East Syracuse. The event will feature live entertainment, speakers and refreshments.

"For adults who are approaching or are beyond retirement age, the opportunity to continue learning and to enjoy new experiences is a cherished gift," said Lauren Feiglin, executive director of the Syracuse OASIS, a program sponsored locally by Upstate Medical University and The Macy's Foundation. "We are proud of the role we take, and have taken these past 10 years, in offering mature adults a variety of quality, stimulating programs and opportunities that engage them in their community."

OASIS currently boasts 8,900 members who enroll in more than 380 classes taught by local experts on a variety of topics. When OASIS began in Syracuse it had just shy of 2,500 members and offered 130 classes.

Highlights of the 10th anniversary event include:

• A performance from concert pianists Patricia De Angelis and Dr. Steven Rosenfeld.

• A session presented by Gregory L. Eastwood, MD, SUNY Professor of Bioethics, Humanities and Medicine, past president, SUNY Upstate Medical University, entitled Dying Isn't What it Used to Be.

• A retrospective discussion on the past and present of OASIS in the Syracuse community.

For more information on OASIS or the anniversary event, call 315-464-6555.