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CIRCLE GATHERINGS:
The Circle gatherings are back! You can get all the details in the Membership Corner further down this page.
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Aug. 5, 12, 19, 16 - Drop-in Tuesdays
Aug. 15 - Fall Classes on Website
Aug. 19 - Zoom Presentation on Europe Cruise
Aug. 19 - Tour/Lunch At Columbia Restaurant
Aug. 25 - Fall Class Registration Begins
Check out more OLLI events here:
OLLI Calendar
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So Much To Look Forward To!
I’m thrilled about the upcoming fall term and all the exciting things happening in our lively OLLI community! We have so much to be thankful for — and so much to look forward to.
In just the last few years, we’ve expanded our Shared Interest Groups (SIGs), launched our Circles initiative to help members stay connected with their neighbors, and increased the number of classes we offer more than ever before. Our collaborations with Osher Online national partners continue to grow, and we’re thrilled to offer even more opportunities in Pasco and Pinellas counties.
From fascinating local day trips to unforgettable international travel experiences, our program is truly flourishing. And it’s all thanks to you — our incredible members — who continue to amaze me with your generosity of time, talent, and treasure.
We are constantly reviewing and refining our programs to ensure we deliver the highest quality experience possible. I sincerely hope you continue to love OLLI and stay on this exciting journey with me as we step into an even more vibrant future together.
I look forward to seeing you soon —in class, at an event, or out and about in the community.
In the photo above, I'm with Cynthia Zinober, a newer member with whom I connected at a Rotary Club of Tampa meeting.
--Veronica Maxwell
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You Don't Have To Be A Bull To Love The Bulls
If you're interested in the many ways the community can be involved with USF, OLLI Director Veronica Maxwell will be one of four panelists discussing that topic in a program presented by the Temple Terrace Uptown Chamber of Commerce.
The event will take place Thursday, Aug. 21, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., at Yuengling Draft Haus & Kitchen, 11109 N. 30 St., Tampa. Click on this link to learn more, or to register:
https://web.templeterraceuptownchamber.org/atlas/events/22486/details
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OLLI-USF Open House
Our next Open House will be on Sept. 10, and the keynote speaker is Brian Ford (Tampa Bay Buccaneers Chief Operating Officer). Besides his exciting talk, we will hear about other programs OLLI is offering.
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Get Ready To Sign Up
We've all been waiting impatiently, but it's almost here!
The Fall 2025 OLLI Catalog will be on the OLLI website on Aug. 15. The Class Preview should arrive in your mailbox the following week. And registration for classes begins Aug. 25.
Membership Prices To Rise
Membership prices will increase on Sept. 22. The new prices will be $60 for an annual membership and
$150 for a three-year membership.
Renew now at today's prices of $50 per year and $125 for three years. Those prices are only good before Sept. 22.
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Carolyn Clark Keeps the Prizes and Cards Coming
Carolyn Clark does double duty for OLLI as as door prize leader for our volunteer recognition events and as our very first goodwill ambassador. Her work is so valuable that in April, OLLI presented her with the 2025 Award of Excellence. How -- and why -- does she accomplish all this?
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Why She Loves OLLI!
Meeting Big Bird has been one of many opportunities that OLLI has brought into Grizelle Aldea's life. Learn how OLLI opened a new chapter for her and showed her that there is so much more natural beauty surrounding us than she was aware of.
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Drop-In Tuesdays -
You're Invited!
Drop-in Tuesdays are here!
Starting Tuesday, Aug. 5, you are invited to participate in a new pilot program called Drop-In Tuesdays.
This is an opportunity to visit the OLLI offices at NEC 116 on the USF campus every Tuesday where you can meet some of OLLI’s volunteer leadership.
Membership Chair Kathryn Alyson (pictured) gives us all the details on this new pilot program which will be offered each Tuesday in August.
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Circles Gatherings Are Back
Circles gatherings are resuming this month after the summer hiatus.
Pictured are new OLLI members enjoying lunch with members of the OLLI Advisory Board at the Newcomer Luncheon on July 9 at Chicken Salad Chick on Fowler Avenue in Tampa.
Don't miss out on your fall Circle gathering. Check out the Circles schedule for August through October and mark your calendar accordingly.
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OLLI-USF Travel Committee Offers Another Day Trip
Here is an opportunity for an insider's look at the famous Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City along with lunch on Tues., Aug.19.
This tour is available for only 30 guests, so sign up soon.
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The Great Rivers of Europe
Join us for an unforgettable 14-day journey aboard Grand Circle Cruise Line's privately owned MS River Aria, a 162-passenger ship offering intimate and enriching travel experiences. Cruise along three of Europe's most iconic waterways - the Rhine, Main, and Danube Rivers.
Sign up here for a free Zoom overview of the tour and questions on Aug. 19 at 2 p.m.
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Canadian Maritimes: Nova Scotia Prince Edward Island With OLLI Delaware
OLLI-USF has received an invitation from OLLI Delaware to travel with them from May 29 to June 6, 2026, to the Canadian Maritimes. The cost is $5,534 for the tour, which includes roundtrip airfare from Tampa.
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We would like to know how many members are interested in this particular trip. Please read the trip brochure (link above), then return to the poll in the next column and let us know if this trip is of interest to you.
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| Are You Interested In This Trip? | | | | Outdoors SIG Goes To Outer Space! | | |
When the Outdoors SIG goes indoors, great things happen!
Looking to escape the heat, 27 Outdoors members found an indoor oasis at the Saunders Planetarium, America’s second-largest planetarium at the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) in Temple Terrace.
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The planetarium show began with an interactive exploration of the night sky in Temple Terrace. The main event was the show Oasis in Space, which takes you on a stunning journey of our solar system and the search for water.
The music and narration felt like a mini escape from the world.
After the show and an exploration of MOSI, about half the group gathered at the Vietnamese restaurant Pho Quen for another cultural adventure.
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Trivia question: How many dwarf planets are recognized by the International Astronomical Union (IAU)?
According to NASA, the IAU has recognized only five dwarf planets as of Apr. 29, 2025.
In order of distance from the Sun they are Ceres, Pluto, Haumea, Makemake, and Eris. But the IAU says there may be many more dwarf planets - perhaps more than a hundred - waiting to be discovered.
Explore the cosmos at the Saunders Planetarium & Digital Dome Theatre, now offering an even more immersive experience. Sit back, relax, and embark on a journey through space with MOSI’s expert astronomers as they guide you on a tour of the night sky.
--Diane White, article and photos
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Something Yummy For Lunch
Yummy House China Bistro on East Hillsborough Avenue in Tampa was the restaurant of choice for the Conviviality and Celebrations monthly luncheon on July 10.
Fifteen diners enjoyed luncheon fare such as Honey Walnut Chicken, Sweet and Sour Chicken, and a variety of other delicious Chinese specialties.
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Conviviality and Celebrations is a group of OLLI members and friends who meet for lunch once a month at various eating establishments in the Tampa Bay area to recognize and celebrate birthdays and other special occasions.
The next luncheon is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 13, at 1 p.m. at Ukulele Brands, 4805 Land O’ Lakes Blvd, Land O' Lakes.
All are welcome to join in the fun. Email Kat Hanscom for more information.
--Kat Hanscom, photos
| | A Trip To Two Continents For Lunch And A Show | The setting was Italy for lunch when 14 members and guests of the Local Culture SIG visited Via Italia in New Tampa on July 27. The group then traveled across the parking lot to River City, Iowa, the setting for the rousing play, The Music Man, presented at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center. No passports were required for either trip. | | |
...And On To Asia
Asian food was the theme on July 28, when 14 members of Food, Glorious Food visited UMI Seafood & Sushi Buffet in Brandon on a Lunch Bunch outing.
The Lunch Bunchers enjoyed an extensive buffet featuring a wide variety of sushi,
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sashimi, hot and cold Asian dishes, a hibachi section, Hot Pot section, deserts and bubble teas. The food was good, the camaraderie even better!
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Rollercoasters: Thrills, Screams, and Gravity at Work
Ever wonder how rollercoasters work? It’s basically science -- and a dash of madness. They start by hauling you slowly up a giant hill (just enough time to rethink all your life choices), then gravity takes over and -- whoosh! — you’re speeding through twists, turns, and loops like a sock in a washing machine.
It’s all about momentum, physics, and your ability to scream without losing your voice.
So, be honest: do you love rollercoasters (or perhaps you did at one time), or do you prefer to hold everyone’s bags while they ride?
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| Do You Love Rollercoasters? | | | | We would love to hear your best (or funniest) rollercoaster memory. Send them to OLLILife editors and we will share them with our members next month. | | |
SIGnificant EVENTS FOR AUGUST 2025
Mike Hayes, SIG Liason
| | For more information on OLLI SIGs, see the full list here. Several of the SIGs meet on Zoom; others are meeting in person and are organizing group outings and events. To visit a SIG, email the contact(s) below. | | |
Community of Readers and Writers
Our next event for OLLI members interested in writing is on Thurs., Aug 7, from 3 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. You're welcome to join us and chat about your interests with experienced writers. Every month we offer a Zoom meeting on the first Thursday of the month. If you have time, stay longer and have fun writing together freely or with writing prompts. Ask for the Zoom link at readersandwriters.too@gmail.com.
China SIG
The China SIG fosters an appreciation for and understanding of the Chinese people and their cultures. Our group meets at least quarterly, either virtually or in person. We celebrate Chinese traditional holidays and enjoy presentations and videos by a variety of speakers and musicians. For more information about the China SIG, please contact Kun Shi or Nancy Stuart.
Florida Gardening SIG
Gardeners, unite. The Florida Gardening SIG has members of all experience levels to learn and share more about gardening in Florida. We discuss house plants, balcony/patio gardening, food and butterfly gardening as well as specialized gardening such as orchids, roses or native plants, pesticide and fertilizer use. We have guest speakers, tour public and private gardens, and more. Seasonal weather will impact how and where meetings are conducted (on-line, in person, etc.) Contact us at olliusfgardens@gmail.com for more information and to be placed on the mailing list.
Food, Glorious Food!
Explore Tampa's food world and all it entails - how it grows, where to buy it, where to eat it, and how to prepare it - through field trips, speakers, and other activities.
To learn more about FGF or to join the SIG, contact Sandy Buckley.
Games SIGs
Online Games:
We are on hiatus until September. Email Kathy Palmer for information about this SIG.
Board Games:
Thurs., Aug. 21, at 11 a.m., at Arthenia L. Joyner Library, 13619 N. 22nd St. Email Bobbie Riese or text her at 813-613-0299 if interested in joining.
Local Culture SIG
Do you enjoy attending plays and concerts, historical tours, art museums and the like? Do that and more with fellow OLLI members while you discover what our local culture has to offer. For more information, contact Marilyn Schwartz. Let's have more fun together!
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OLLI Outdoors
Outdoor SIG events move indoors for the summer. Contact us to attend.
Fri., Aug. 8, at 5 p.m. - The Beatles Laser Light show at the MOSI Planetarium
Fri., Aug. 22, at 3 p.m. Kickoff ’24-’25 and Off the Beaten Path in Peru with Mike Hayes. On Zoom.
Visit our website to learn more about us.
Ready to have outdoors (and indoors) fun? Sign up here today!
Still have questions, email the SIG leaders at OLLIOutdoors@gmail.com.
Operatunity
New to opera or an aficionado? Join OLLI's opera SIG as we explore ways to expand our knowledge and appreciation of opera. We enjoy lively presentations and discussions about opera that focus on Met in HD Broadcasts. Operatunity is taking its summer intermission. Monthly meetings on Mondays at 10:15 a.m., will resume on Sept. 29 at the J.B. Keel Library. For more information about this SIG, contact Kathryn Alyson.
Politics SIG
The Politics SIG provides a forum for discussion and informal debate on topics related to U.S. domestic and foreign policy. The P-SIG complements and promotes OLLI-USF classes on political science and history and is an adjunct to our weekly Saturday Social, which covers current events of political interest. For more information, please contact Rich Kennedy.
Self-Hypnotherapy SIG
Wed., Aug. 13 and 27, at 10 a.m. Explore and share many approaches that can be utilized and practiced dealing with stress, unwanted emotions and feelings, and the many challenges that everyday life presents. Please email Anne Haywood for more information.
Prerequisite: Self-Hypnotherapy Class
Talking Movies
Fri., Aug. 15, at 1:30 p.m. Watch a movie and then get together on Zoom and talk about it. Movie to be determined. For more information, contact Arlene Zimney.
Hablemos! Spanish Conversation SIG
All levels of Spanish speakers are welcome to join our conversation group. Zoom meeting Tues., Aug. 5 and 19, at 3 p.m. Email olli.hablemos@gmail.com for more information.
Ici on parle français!
Mon., Aug. 4 and 18, at 1 p.m. For an invitation, contact Lise Bérubé.
German Conversation:
The German SIG is on hold until further notice due to the relocation of the host to another state.
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A Fond Farewell to Sherry Foecking
OLLI mourns the loss of longtime OLLI member Sherry Foecking who passed away on July 24.
Sherry celebrated her milestone 100th birthday in June.
Sherry is remembered as one of the pioneering instructors of OLLI’s earliest computer classes.
She taught a number of technology courses over the years ranging from computer to Android phone classes. She is credited with opening new worlds for many eager learners and helping them embrace technology with confidence and curiosity.
Sherry received a BFA degree from Drake University in Iowa where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority. Her master's degree in education was from USF. Her career included teaching reading and later, computer skills at the Academy of Holy Names in Tampa. She was active in many organizations in the Tampa area.
Funeral services were held in Tampa on July 31.
| | Carolyn Clark is our Goodwill Ambassador, sending notes of support, congratulations and comfort on our behalf. If you or another OLLI member have a significant personal event, please let Carolyn know. | | |
Send Us Your News
OLLILife wants to share topics of interest that pertain to OLLI-USF and other OLLIs in the country.
Send your article to ollinewsusf@gmail.com to reach your editors Sandy Buckley, Pat Dodge, Veronica Maxwell, and Kathy Palmer. If possible, please send a picture along with the article as pictures help tell the story.
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