MEMBER BENEFIT: LEARN WITH A FRIEND | | |
One of the benefits of being an OLLI member is getting to learn with your friends! Many members make friends at OLLI, and others introduce their friends to OLLI.
When you refer someone you know and they also join OLLI, you can both register early for classes this fall. Whether you're taking all your classes together or enjoying separate parts of OLLI, registering early lets you avoid the rush on popular classes or classes with limited capacity. Contact the OLLI office at olli@csuchico.edu or 530-898-6679 by August 14 to confirm.
| | WINTER CLASS PROPOSALS ARE DUE AUGUST 18 | | |
OLLI is starting to plan for winter!
Whether you've led an OLLI class before or want to try it out for the first time, we invite you to submit a winter '26 class proposal.
Not sure if teaching is for you? Here are just a few things you could do, either on your own or in partnership with a friend:
- Teach a traditional lecture class about your area of expertise.
- Hold an art or craft class where you show people how you approach your creative pursuits.
- Lead a discussion group centered around a specific topic or book.
- Organize speakers for a lecture series.
- Organize a class, like Arts & Eats or Garden Gourmands, that pairs field trips with socializing.
- Convene a group to participate in an activity, like Let's Play Games.
- Lead a walk or hike on your favorite trail.
We'd love to have you help make our winter term a success. The winter term runs January 5-March 13, and your class can meet just once, every one of the ten weeks of the term, or anything in between. Class proposals are due August 18. Join us, and encourage your friends to lead classes too!
Submit a winter '26 class proposal now or contact us for more information at olli@csuchico.edu or 530-898-6679.
| | JOIN US FOR THE FALL CLASS PREVIEW ON AUGUST 14! | | |
The Fall Class Preview is a chance for you to learn about fall classes, plan your schedule, and hear from some of our volunteer instructors. It's also a chance to socialize with other OLLI members and friends.
OLLI's volunteer Hospitality Team took charge of snacks for the Spring Class Preview, to great acclaim. They will again bring delicious treats to the Fall Class Preview, and we invite you to come enjoy them.
The Fall Class Preview is a great time to introduce a friend to OLLI. Remember, when you refer someone you know to OLLI and they also join, you both get to register early for classes this fall. The deadline to confirm this with the OLLI office is the same day as the Fall Class Preview. Bring your friend with you, and you can let us know there!
Fall Class Preview
Thursday, August 14, 10:30am-Noon
Presentation begins at 11am
Chico Masonic Family Center, 1110 W. East Avenue, Chico (map)
Free parking, coffee, and snacks!
| | MEET A MEMBER: KEELY SCOTT | | |
After reading OLLI's Fall 2025 Class Catalog, Keely Scott noted a few dozen courses she wanted to take. "Before I joined OLLI, I had lots of time. Now I'm so busy." She spoke while prepping for a weekend on the coast with family, including eight or nine grandkids. "I'm bringing lots of food."
Keely has moved many times since growing up in Southern California – by choice, for work, or because she was a Camp Fire escapee. She finally landed in a duplex in Chico. It has a big yard that she transformed into a veggie garden, complete with fruit trees in buckets wheeled through several addresses over the years.
Eager to learn new things, Keely found OLLI when searching for classes to help her navigate new smartphone apps used by organizations assisting fellow fire victims. The first classes she attended? Tai chi, meditation, and drawing. And Garden Gourmands. "What's not to like about touring gardens and then having lunch?"
She'll be attending the Fall Class Preview on August 14 in an attempt to whittle down her class list – and relishing what she loves most about OLLI: "magnificently intelligent people sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm."
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California is facing continuing growth in the number of seniors residing in the state with 8.6 million adults aged 65 and older expected by 2030.
The California Highway Patrol's Age Well, Drive Smart program works to ensure older adults have access to continued driver's education and training to help keep roads safe for everyone. CHP community outreach volunteer Midge Vandervelden and CHP officer Frank Valdepena are bringing this program back to OLLI this fall. Upon completion of the class you will be issued an Age Well, Drive Well certificate that can be presented to your insurance company for a possible discount.
Register for Age Well, Drive Smart when class registration opens on August 21 to stay current on driver's education specifically for older adults.
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"Thank you for the thank-you," an OLLI volunteer said last week. The thank-you in question was OLLI's annual volunteer appreciation event. Dozens of volunteers gathered in Bradley 2 for a casual reception dedicated to socializing and snacks. "This looks so good," one volunteer told OLLI Operational Coordinator Michele Desmond and Program Assistant Meg Vieg, who jointly planned and set up the event.
Volunteers enjoyed socializing with each other so much that Program Manager Ruth Alderson had a hard time getting everyone's attention for a short announcement. "Thank you," she said, "on behalf of OLLI staff and all our members, for everything you do to keep OLLI going. You lead classes, host classes, and serve on volunteer teams."
Pictured: OLLI volunteers Sandra Flake and Willa Walker.
| | TRAVEL AND LEARN WITH OLLI | | |
Travel Information Session
Want to know more about our upcoming trips? Have questions about what Collette does? Join us for a travel information session to learn more, complete with captivating slides of the areas we'll be visiting and information about our first small group tour.
Thursday, July 31, 10-11am
A hybrid event – join us in Bradley 2 at The Social Chico or on Zoom. Check the OLLI website closer to the event for the Zoom link.
| | 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.
View the Italy's Treasures full itinerary (pdf) and book now for discounted rates.
| | 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.
| | AUGUST IS NATIONAL BLACK BUSINESS MONTH | | |
National Black Business Month is a time to celebrate and support Black-owned businesses. In addition to supporting Black-owned businesses with your dollars, you can support them by telling your friends about them or leaving a positive review. This will help them bring in even more business.
If you want to support Black-owned businesses and local businesses, visit The Black Resiliency Project's directory of Black-owned businesses in Butte County. You can search or browse categories to find everything from bakeries to tax professionals you can support.
You can also find local Black-owned businesses at events put on by BLACC: Building Leaders, Advocates, and Community Connections and the African American Family & Cultural Center.
| | SAVE MONEY ON MEDICARE COST WITH PASSAGES HICAP | | |
Passages HICAP (Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program) is offering a free Save Money on Medicare Costs workshop in Chico on August 5.
Healthcare costs are high, but there are ways you can save. If you have Medicare and need help paying your bills, there are programs that may be able to help you. Many people with Medicare can use these programs, but you do need to meet some guidelines to apply.
HICAP team members can help you learn more about these programs in your area and help you apply if you qualify. Even if you can't get support from these programs, HICAP may be able to assist you in finding other ways to save money.
Tuesday, August 5, 1-3pm
Chico Branch Library, 1108 Sherman Avenue, Chico (map)
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Ongoing
July 31
August 14
August 18
August 21
September 1
September 7
September 8
September 23
October 2
November 11
November 14
November 16
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Summer Social Meetups
Travel Information Session
Fall '25 Class Preview
Winter Class Proposals Due
Class Registration Opens at 9am
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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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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