Joe Smith, Oasis Volunteer

Hi! My name is Joe Smith. I was born in Hicksville on Long Island, the eldest of 6 kids. My wife Carolyn and I have two grown children and two granddaughters. I began teaching 9th grade English after graduating from St. John Fisher College. I then completed a Masters at Syracuse University Newhouse School of Public Communications and started as Television Producer/Director at SUNY Upstate Medical University. I retired after 37 years from Upstate as the Director of Educational Communications.

I joined Oasis about four or five years ago and started volunteering in Fall 2019. My favorite thing about Oasis is the opportunity to learn about history, current events, etc., particularly from instructors who are driven by their personal passions and/or expertise. Volunteering at Oasis as a class coordinator is a means for using my skills and interests to benefit others- i.e. supporting instructors in the effective use of AV, PowerPoint, software, etc. I also provide Apple-related support. My favorite things about volunteering is working with and supporting instructors, getting to know other Oasis members and selfishly, getting to use the skills I enjoyed developing in service to others.

I would explain Oasis as a great, inexpensive social group for seniors that offers opportunities to learn about and explore historical subjects, film, local non-denominational politics, art and too many other areas to mention. And now, those topics can come from all over the country via Oasis Everywhere. Also, the Oasis environment is very accessible–both in person and virtually. The building has a ramped entrance/exit, power assisted doors, and offices close the building’s main entrance. And for those either living with limited mobility or just don’t like venturing out in Syracuse winters, Zoom classes have provided those folks with a way to stay engaged.

Aside from Oasis, I enjoy watching sports including golf, football, lacrosse and basketball; I especially enjoy SU games. I also like photography, theater (primarily musicals), reading and travel. My favorite food is anything cooked by my wife.