MEMBER BENEFIT: SHARED CLASSES | | |
A perk of your OLLI membership is the ability to take classes from other OLLI programs. This fall, we have over 30 Zoom classes shared with us from the OLLIs at Arizona State University, Rochester Institute of Technology, and University of Arizona.
Here are just a few of the shared learning opportunities this fall:
Find these classes, and all of the other classes other OLLIs are sharing with us, on our OLLI USA page and register now.
| | LABOR DAY IS MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 1 | | |
The OLLI office will be closed on Monday, September 1 for Labor Day. The holiday honors the American labor movement on the first Monday of September each year.
The first Labor Day celebration was centered around a parade of labor unions. The parade was followed by a party, a precursor to the modern celebration of Labor Day weekend as the last three-day weekend of the summer.
This Labor Day, spend some time learning about the history of the labor movement and labor unions in the US.
| | EXPLORE THEATRE WRITING AND ACTING THIS FALL | | |
The annual OLLI Play Festival in April features plays written, directed, and starring OLLI members. You can prepare for it this fall.
Writing Short Plays will teach you how to write a 10- to 20-minute play – perfect for the OLLI Play Festival! You'll learn the basics of playwriting, including format, structure, character, conflict, and dialogue. This is a workshop-style class where you can discuss concepts and techniques, share what you've written, and write short exercises to develop skills. Prompts will be offered to stimulate your ideas.
If you prefer to be on the stage, you can dip your toe into acting with Reader's Theatre. Reader's theatre is an easy acting form of theater where actors read the scripts so no memorizing is required. There is minimal physical movement because actors are generally seated while reading the play. The acting is done primarily with the actor's voices, emotions, facial expressions, and gestures. This playful class will read a variety of short comic plays with fun characters in silly situations.
Register now for Writing Short Plays or Reader's Theatre – or both – and enjoy being part of the theatre scene this fall.
Pictured: A scene from the 2025 OLLI Play Festival.
| | FALL OLLI ART GALLERY EXHIBIT | | |
The 11-member Art Gallery Team has organized a fall exhibit in the OLLI Art Gallery. From August 29 to December 2, the walls of Bradley 2 will be filled with art created by OLLI instructors from the 2025 winter, spring, and fall terms.
The next exhibit is planned to be on the walls from January to June. Watch for the call for art in October.
Pictured: Bitz Haley, Mama's Favorite, paint pens
| | MEET A MEMBER: MADELINE HAWDON | | |
One of OLLI member Madeline Hawdon's first jobs was as a long-distance telephone operator. She was only 16, it was 1944, and the US was at war. Every time she placed an overseas call, a voice would remind her, “Guard your words. The enemy may be listening!"
Since then, she has raised a family of eight, taught child development to teachers, taught pre-school, established pre-K childcare centers, traveled extensively, and written a memoir. Given her many accomplishments, it's not surprising that her stories (complete with photos) take up two volumes.
In 2011, she moved to Chico to be near one of her daughters and promptly joined Newcomers and OLLI. Her favorite classes are Cracker Barrel and Great Decisions. She knows she'll take her "same old, same old" favorites each term, but still attends Class Previews to chat with fellow members.
In Madeline's spare time, she plays mahjong. She and her fellow players need a fourth for their game, so if anyone knows how to play, let her know! Unfortunately, she doesn't feel expert enough to offer a class in mahjong. Besides, she's focusing on her next goal: having a big celebration in a few years for her 100th birthday.
| | TRAVEL AND LEARN WITH OLLI | | |
Travel Information Session Recording
Want to know more about our upcoming trips? Collette representative Jay Fehan joined us for a travel information session last month. Watch the recording now.
| | Italy's Treasures, Spring '26 | | |
Vineyards, olive groves, and cities that float. Incredible history, indelible culture, and unforgettable cuisine. This is l’Italia at its most iconic. From medieval masterpieces to bustling piazzas, be swept away by the legendary treasures of northern Italy in this small group tour. Your 12 days and 18 meals will be guided by seasoned tour guides from Collette.
Book by September 7 for discounted rates! View the Italy's Treasures full itinerary (pdf).
| | Discover Scotland, Spring '26 | | |
From its rugged sea-sprayed islands to its stately castles layered in history, Scotland awaits. Learn how the bagpipes are played, take a cruise on famed Loch Ness, and marvel at stunning scenery. Discover a land of rolling green Highlands, friendly sheepdogs, and historic castles. Your 10 days and 15 meals will be guided by seasoned tour guides from Collette.
View the Discover Scotland full itinerary (pdf) and book now for discounted rates.
| | Discover the Best of Eastern Canadian Cities, Fall '26 | | |
From the old-world style of Quebec City to the power of Niagara Falls, say bienvenue to Eastern Canada. Visit charming Canadian cities, learn about maple syrup making, and walk cobblestone streets. An unforgettable experience awaits as you venture along picturesque countryside and glistening skyscrapers. Your 9 days and 12 meals will be guided by seasoned tour guides from Collette.
View the Discover the Best of Eastern Canadian Cities full itinerary (pdf) and book now for discounted rates.
| | VOLUNTEER TO SUPPORT AN INSTRUCTOR THIS FALL | | |
OLLI is recruiting volunteers for the fall term! Volunteering is a good way to make friends and give back. We're looking for classroom hosts to help our volunteer instructors make sure their classes run smoothly.
Hosting is a great way to get to know the members of your class. Classroom hosts serve as a welcoming presence as people arrive and help with passing out materials or passing the microphone around. Classroom hosting does not require any technical knowledge; we have a separate team of people supporting in-person instructors with their audiovisual needs.
When you host a class you already wanted to take, you can easily fit it into your schedule. You can find out more about hosting from our Classroom Host Program Flyer (pdf), and remember that classroom hosts get pre-registration privileges.
Contact the OLLI office at olli@csuchico.edu or 530-898-6679 if you're interested in classroom hosting. We appreciate your time!
| | NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION WEEK IS SEPTEMBER 7-13 | | |
National Suicide Prevention Week is observed September 7-13. Suicide is preventable, and we can all play a part. Take some time to learn more about the warning signs and risk factors for suicide.
If you or someone you love is having a hard time, know that there is help available. When you dial or text 988, you'll be connected to a compassionate, trained counselor who can talk to you about what you're feeling or how you can help a friend or loved one. 988 is private and confidential, free, and available by phone, text, or chat day and night.
If you or someone you know is having a crisis in Butte County, you can call the Mobile Crisis Response Team at 530-891-2810 or 1-800-334-6622. The team is available 24/7, and they will come to you. You don't have to do this alone.
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Ongoing
September 1
September 7
September 8
September 23
October 2
November 11
November 14
November 16
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Summer Social Meetups
Labor Day (OLLI Closed)
Summer Social Meetups End
First Day of Fall Classes
Rosh Hashanah (No Classes)
Yom Kippur (No Classes)
Veterans Day (No Classes, OLLI Closed)
Last Day of Fall Classes
Winter Social Meetups Begin
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HAVE SOMETHING TO SHARE?
If you have something to say, a photo to share, or a question to pose to the editor, you can submit information using our OLLI Newsletter Submission form.
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