ABOVE AND BEYOND: REFLECTIONS FROM THE TRAIN | | |
On the eve of welcoming a new OLLI program director, I can't help but reflect on the remarkable commitment of the OLLI staff who have resolutely elevated their work scope to fill in gaps from inconsistent leadership over the past three years. Most OLLIs operate with two or more full-time staff for programs of similar size – some with as many as six full-time employees!
Since I left OLLI for my current position as program director of Professional & Continuing Education at Chico State, the part-time OLLI staff has overseen steady membership growth, sustained annual giving campaigns, and supported volunteers in critical tasks, like new member recruitment, audiovisual and facilities upgrades and support, expansion of social meetups, and the addition of a new outdoor intersession that started this month.
Look for a welcome interview in the next Bits & Bytes with Kelsey Willman, who drove from Nashville, Tennessee, last week to get settled and begin in her new role as OLLI program director this week. Kelsey is inheriting a strong and robust program, thanks to the devotion, creativity, and support of staff, a new volunteer leadership Advisory Council, and nearly 200 volunteers who don't give up.
I share these reflections as my daughter Greta and I rattle on Amtrak across the Mississippi River touring colleges over spring break. Greta was three when I started in the role of program director with OLLI at Chico State. My kids both grew up in the OLLI fold. And our family's friend circle overlaps with OLLI at every turn. All to say I am especially and personally grateful for the heart and hard work that has kept OLLI thriving during a longer-than-imagined transition, and I am delighted to introduce our new program director with confidence that she will successfully and graciously fill a void so that others can concentrate on what they enjoy best.
— Ann Nikolai, Program Director, Professional & Continuing Education
Pictured: Ann and Greta Nikolai on the train.
| | MEMBER BENEFIT: WAITLISTS | | |
As anyone who has wanted to go on an OLLI hike knows, some popular classes fill up quickly. OLLI has over 900 members all trying to sign up for the same popular classes at the same time, and some of those classes, like many hikes, only allow 15 people to attend the class. Instructors and other volunteers get to register early, but none of our classes fill up before registration opens to everyone.
A benefit to being a member is that you can add yourself to the waitlist if the class you want to take is full. Between the start of classes and the end of the winter term, we offered 80 spaces to members who were on waitlists. Add yourself to a waitlist, save the date, and keep an eye on your phone and email throughout the term – you just might get into that class.
The flip side of waitlists is that it helps your fellow members if you let the OLLI office know when you won't be able to take one of your registered classes. It can take time for members to get the message about a space in a class, check their schedule, and decide if they want to take the class. The earlier the space is available, the more likely it is that someone else can take the class.
To drop a class or ask any questions about waitlists, contact the OLLI office at olli@csuchico.edu or 530-898-6679.
| | JOIN US FOR THE OLLI SPRING PICNIC ON APRIL 10 | | |
Join us for our annual potluck picnic lunch where we reconnect with old friends and welcome new learners to the OLLI community. This is a chance to eat, socialize, and even play a few rounds of bingo. You'll also get a chance to meet new OLLI Program Director Kelsey Willman.
OLLI staff will be available to answer any questions about registration or the upcoming spring term, and your fellow members will be there to eat and socialize. Free and open to the public. Invite your friends!
Friday, April 10, 11:30am-1pm
Veterans Memorial Park (formerly Wildwood Park), Chico (map)
Free parking and beverages. Join us!
To allow people to make the best food choices for themselves, please bring a full list of ingredients for your dish. Print out our form (pdf) or bring your own. We'll also have forms for you to fill out at the event.
Pictured: Barbara Quinn shows off her bingo prize at last year's picnic as Lois Olson looks on.
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Debbie Hardesty, pictured on a hike with her daughter, recently joined OLLI and went on a hike led by Lorraine Smith and Vickie Stoll. "What an amazing day I had," she told them, "thanks to the welcoming and positive atmosphere you both created for all of us!"
The hike served as an introduction to what OLLI has to offer. "I didn’t know anyone," Debbie said, "and this was my first hike with OLLI, but I soon felt like I was among friends! In addition, the weather couldn’t have been better. How did you do that?"
| | FALL CLASS PROPOSALS ARE DUE APRIL 6 | | |
Whether you've led an OLLI class before or want to try it out for the first time, we invite you to submit a fall '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 fall term a success. The fall term runs September 14-November 20, and your class can meet just once, every one of the ten weeks of the term, or anything in between. Class proposals are due April 6. Join us, and encourage your friends to lead classes too! Submit a fall '26 class proposal now or contact us for more information at olli@csuchico.edu or 530-898-6679.
| | CURTAINS UP ON THE OLLI PLAY FESTIVAL IN APRIL | | |
The OLLI Play Festival will be back in April with more laugh-out-loud plays, written, directed, and acted entirely by OLLI members.
Performances
Thursday, April 16, 2pm
Friday, April 17, 7pm
Saturday, April 18, 7pm
Sunday, April 19, 2pm
Gordon 1 at The Social Chico
Ticket Sales
Buy your tickets early! Play Festival tickets will be on sale in the Bradley 2 Lobby on April 1, 10am-12pm. Tickets are $10 each, cash or check only.
For more information, contact Pam Loyd at pamloyd@icloud.com.
| | OLLI SPONSOR DANA CAMPBELL TEACHES THIS SPRING | | |
Since 2023, Dana L. Campbell, Attorney at Law, has proudly supported OLLI as a Gold Sponsor, sharing her expertise in estate planning, trust administration, and special needs planning with our community. Dana's practice is known not only for its technical strength, but for its thoughtful, client-centered approach to helping families prepare for life's most important transitions.
The firm recently celebrated a special milestone. In summer 2024, Dana's daughter, Tara Campbell, passed the California bar exam, and in early 2025 she officially joined her mother's practice. With a strong background in accounting and a shared passion for guiding families through complex decisions, Tara brings fresh energy to the firm. Together, this mother-daughter team combines experience, precision, and a deep commitment to education.
This spring, Dana and Tara will co-teach Estate Administration for OLLI. This highly practical course walks participants step-by-step through what happens after a death – taught from the perspective that students themselves may be responsible for administering a loved one's estate. From legal duties and timelines to common pitfalls and real-world challenges, the class offers clear insight into how the process actually works. It is equally valuable for those who expect to serve in this role and for those who want to better understand what their own families may face. As always, Dana and Tara discuss the latest developments in trust and estate law.
Recently, the duo attended the 10th Annual Special Needs Planning Symposium in Napa, California, a national conference focused on special needs trusts, public benefits, and improving quality of life for individuals with disabilities. Supporting families with special needs remains a central focus of their work.
| | OLLI OFFICE CLOSED ON MARCH 31 | | |
The OLLI office will be closed on March 31. The official California state holiday is named Cesar Chavez Day. Earlier this month, The New York Times reported on their investigation that found evidence that Chavez abused and raped women and girls in the farmworker rights movement.
Dolores Huerta, pictured, fellow labor leader and one of the women who spoke to the Times, said in her additional public statement, "The farmworker movement has always been bigger and far more important than any one individual. Cesar’s actions do not diminish the permanent improvements achieved for farmworkers with the help of thousands of people. We must continue to engage and support our community, which needs advocacy and activism now more than ever."
This year on March 31, spend some time learning about the women of the farmworker movement.
| | OLLI'S FUNDRAISING TEAM LAYS OUT THEIR PURPOSE | | |
"Why does OLLI need a fundraising committee?" This is a question overheard not infrequently on OLLI hikes and other outings, in the halls and cafeteria before and after classes, and, perhaps, just in the general community. Here are a few answers that might surprise you:
- While OLLI's membership fees are among the lowest in the country and are carefully and conscientiously spent, they simply do not cover the costs of our magnificent program. And we really want to keep membership costs as low as possible for all.
- OLLI has pledged to make scholarship funds available in cases of financial need. While infrequently used, scholarships can really make a difference not only for recipients but for the program as a whole.
- A major cost for OLLI is the rental of our classroom space – while Socrates led his classes out of doors, you'd probably agree that Chico weather doesn't permit that kind of learning experience. You might think of one person's donation as keeping the lights on for one week of an individual class.
- Publicity for our programs including printing of our amazing catalogs; paying for space for our Class Previews; and other print and digital material spread throughout the community to encourage increased participation is not inexpensive and, as with everything else, costs continue to rise.
So, as you hear occasionally from a fundraiser for OLLI talk about ways of giving, please remember the above and know that any donation, of any amount is worthwhile.
If you'd like to join the volunteer Fundraising Team, contact OLLI at olli@csuchico.edu or 530-898-6679.
— Fundraising Chair Marcia Moore
| | EYES TO THE SKY THIS SPRING | | |
Lynda Klein retired from Chico State after 27 years of teaching physics and astronomy. This spring, she’s bringing her astronomy expertise back to OLLI with her class Skywatchers' Almanac: Folklore, Facts, and Physics.
Join Lynda and other members for a beginner's guide to navigating the heavens. The class will consider an eclectic mix of mythology, historic viewpoints, and current events in meteorology, astronomy, and cosmology. Eyes to the sky!
Register for Skywatchers' Almanac: Folklore, Facts, and Physics when registration opens on April 2 and learn about the sky this spring.
| | MEET A MEMBER: CARLA DUNHAM | | |
Chatting with Carla Dunham, pictured with her husband Jerry, is like taking a stroll through the OLLI catalog. After retiring in 2007, she followed her husband Jerry into OLLI and has sampled classes in birding, book groups, geology, physics, Cracker Barrel, Great Decisions, tai chi, OLLI-organized travel – and the list goes on.
Carla was an elementary school teacher in Corning, where she was born and raised, for 35 years and likes the fact that she can now be a student. Participating in the book group tugged her away from her usual fare of historical fiction into reading more non-fiction. She volunteers on the Membership Team and helps organize the displays of art at The Social.
She's also grateful for the ability to take classes from other OLLIs. This winter she and Jerry joined New Yorkers via Zoom for a music class. Offered mid-morning East Coast time, they could have their first cups of coffee while enjoying the class.
Like other retirees, she's taken advantage of the travel options OLLI has offered, visiting Portugal, Spain, Ireland, the American West, and the islands of New England. Shortly, she and Jerry will depart for Northern Italy, with a group small enough that they are able to stay in a villa. Buon viaggio!
| | TRAVEL AND LEARN WITH OLLI | | |
Travel Information Session
Want to know more about our upcoming trips? Have questions about what Collette does? Watch the recording of the travel information session from earlier this month to learn more, complete with captivating slides of the areas we'll be visiting.
| | Discover South Pacific Wonders, Fall '26 | | |
Experience Queenstown, cruise Sydney Harbour, and discover the wonders of Aboriginal culture on this incredible journey through New Zealand and Australia. From the ethereal beauty of New Zealand's glacial fjords to the tropical splendor of Australia's Great Barrier Reef, enjoy the best of the South Pacific. Your 18 days and 28 meals will be guided by seasoned tour guides from Collette.
Book by April 8 for discounted rates! View the Discover South Pacific Wonders full itinerary (pdf).
| | Wonders of Thailand, Winter '27 | | |
Delve into a land where bustling modern cities, ornate ancient temples, and stunning jungle beaches coexist. Uncover the beautifully balanced mosaic of old and new, metropolitan, rural, and coastal in Thailand. Your 16 days and 24 meals of this small group tour will be guided by seasoned tour guides from Collette.
View the Wonders of Thailand full itinerary (pdf) and book now to reserve your space.
| | France Magnifique Discovery, Spring '27 | | |
From the royal Palace of Versailles to the enchanting streets of Paris, grab a baguette and rendezvous with the best of France. Bask in the rich history, culture, and romance of these celebrated cities and charming towns. Your 12 days and 16 meals will be guided by seasoned tour guides from Collette.
View the France Magnifique Discovery full itinerary (pdf) and book now for discounted rates.
| | Spotlight on New York City, Fall '26 | | CALIFORNIA TREE SCHOOL COMES TO BUTTE COUNTY | | |
Join University of California Agriculture and National Resources Forest Stewardship and the Butte County Fire Safe Council for a day of forestry education like no other! On April 18, California Tree School comes to Paradise for a full day of forestry, fire, and natural resources education.
California Tree School is for anyone interested in natural resources – no previous experience needed. The day has a full schedule of classes, including forest art, identifying conifers, and reconnecting with nature after wildfire. Tree School registration is open through April 3.
| | MARCH IS AUTISM ACCEPTANCE MONTH | | |
Autism is a developmental disability that affects how autistic people experience the world. Autism Acceptance Month, in April, aims to go beyond simple awareness and toward a world that accepts autistic people and puts them at the center of their own lives and needs.
The rates of people with autism diagnoses have risen in recent years, but that may not mean that the number of people with autism has changed. The diagnostic criteria have changed over time. Additionally, reports of rates of autism increased after 2007 when the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended pediatricians screen all children for autism at ages 18 months and 2 years. Spectrum, which collects news and analysis about autism research, has a freely available book that dives into the numbers.
The number of people with autism points to the need to research how aging may affect the health of older autistic people, which is not particularly well studied. The changing criteria for autism means that adults can now be diagnosed, even older adults. For autistic people who want to learn more about what being autistic means, the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) has developed the freely available book Welcome to the Autistic Community.
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March 31
April 2
April 6
April 10
April 16-19
April 19
April 20
May 25
June 19
June 26
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California State Holiday (OLLI Closed)
Spring Class Registration Opens at 9am
Fall Class Proposals Due
OLLI Spring Picnic
OLLI Play Festival
Spring Social Meetups End
First Day of Spring Classes
Memorial Day (No Classes, OLLI Closed)
Juneteenth (No Classes, OLLI Closed)
Last Day of Spring Classes
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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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