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Thanks to supporters like you, OLLI continues to thrive as a vibrant, inclusive community where curiosity, connection, and discovery flourish at every age.
Earlier this month, Fundraising Chair Marcia Moore, pictured, pledged her commitment as a Sustaining Supporter and shared how recurring gifts make a lasting impact. Monthly or annual contributions provide the steady, reliable funding that keeps scholarships available for members with limited means. They also support essential upgrades, like replacing outdated classroom technology and making learning spaces more comfortable and accessible for everyone.
As we launch our 2025-26 annual campaign, we invite you to join this growing community of Sustaining Supporters – monthly or yearly donors who help keep OLLI strong, responsive, and accessible all year long.
Recurring gifts provide the foundation OLLI needs to plan confidently and invest in the future of lifelong learning.
| | LEARN TO STAY SAFE AND STRONG NEXT WEEK | | |
Join us next week for Stay Safe, Stay Strong, an empowering self-defense class designed exclusively for OLLI members. Senior Grandmaster Farshad Azad is renowned for training tens of thousands of people in personal safety, and now you can be one of them.
In this fun, dynamic, safe, and practical session, Senior Grandmaster Azad will teach you real-world strategies to protect yourself at home, in public, and beyond. Learn simple but powerful techniques to stay safe, enhance awareness, and defend yourself effectively. This class is for people of all abilities.
Register now and join other OLLI members in learning to stay safe.
| | MEMBER BENEFIT: MASTER GARDENER WORKSHOP | | |
OLLI partners with the UC Master Gardeners of Butte County to co-sponsor gardening workshops that take place in Bradley 2 at The Social Chico. All workshops are free; registration is required. As an OLLI member, you are warmly invited to register for a workshop taking place in a familiar classroom.
Creating a Backyard Blooming Meadow and Cottage Garden Look
Saturday, October 11, 1-3pm
Are you attracted to the cottage garden look, but it seems like a lot of work? Do you have a corner of your yard that feels neglected, and the idea of turning it into a small-scale flowering meadow sounds appealing? Consider planting a wildcrafted flower garden! Flower wildcrafting is a technique of creating a natural-looking garden that incorporates both human propagation activities along with self-propagation by plants, including annuals, bulbs, natives, and perennials. Learn how to envision, plan, plant, maintain, and enjoy a year-round wildcrafted floral garden and blooming meadow. It's fun and easy, especially when allowing Nature to help create your garden tapestry.
Register Now!
| | LEARN MORE ABOUT MAKING THINGS HAPPEN AT OLLI | | |
Do you want to be a part of making things happen at OLLI? Join us for one – or both – of these two introductory sessions and learn more.
Teach for OLLI
Have you ever wondered what it takes to teach a class for OLLI or how to propose a class? Do you have an idea for a class and just need a bit of guidance on how to make it happen? Join Program Director Andrew Lavin for a pop-up presentation and Q&A session all about teaching for OLLI! He loves talking about teaching and would be happy to talk through any questions or ideas you have.
Wednesday, October 15, 3pm
Bradley 2 at The Social Chico
Volunteer for OLLI
Are you interested in learning more about ways to support OLLI with your time? We all love OLLI and want to make it the best lifelong learning community it can be. If you have a little time and energy to give, even just a couple of times a year, then Program Director Andrew Lavin would love to talk with you about the various ways you can help OLLI thrive.
Thursday, October 16, 3pm
Bradley 2 at The Social Chico
| | MEET A MEMBER: HEIDI AGNEW | | |
Heidi Agnew, pictured with her husband Brian, joined OLLI after a 33-year career as a mechanical engineer for PG&E. Let's Keep Knitting was her first class, helping her advance from simple dishcloths to shawls, hats, and fingerless mitts. Then came watercolor. This fall she's adding astronomy.
Heidi starts her day sipping coffee in her backyard gazebo, watching birds. She attracts hummingbirds with rose of Sharon trees and various native flowers, coaxing other species with frequently replenished feeders. She's enjoyed the birding classes OLLI offers and is impressed with the expertise of all of her instructors. Heidi's eclectic approach to life extends to garden design, which includes both flowers and foods. Roses next to tomato plants? Why not?
When she's not gardening, knitting, painting, or catching up on reading classics (like Moby Dick and 1984), she and her husband Brian travel. In Chico's hot summers, they head for San Francisco's cooler climate to frequent plays, or travel along the Pacific North Coast in their Sprinter van.
She manages to squeeze learning Norwegian into her busy life, helping her communicate with relatives in Norway. Might she one day consider teaching an OLLI class, using her mechanical engineering knowledge? Perhaps, if she can find the time.
| | FALL COMMUNITY SPEAKER SERIES | | |
Save the date for our Fall Community Speaker Series on intergenerational connections on Thursday, October 30.
Intergenerational programs create opportunities for people of all ages to learn from one another, exchange perspectives, and grow together. The National Resource Center for Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes (OLLIs) has recently placed special emphasis on intergenerational learning as a powerful way to enrich life experiences for both older and younger generations. Sheri Steinig, director of strategic initiatives and communications at Generations United, will share proven strategies and real-world examples of how these programs strengthen relationships, reduce isolation, and build vibrant communities. Discover how fostering cross-generational learning can deepen understanding, spark innovation, and create lasting connections that benefit individuals and society as a whole.
Sheri Steinig is responsible for leading Generations United's ongoing efforts to promote and support the development of intergenerational programs. She develops resources and provides training and technical assistance to practitioners around the country in strengthening intergenerational initiatives. Sheri has over 25 years of experience in intergenerational programs and community service efforts.
Thursday, October 30, 3-4pm
Free and open to the public! Join us on Zoom for this event, and invite your friends. Check the OLLI website the day of the event for the Zoom link.
| | CALL FOR ART: THE WONDERS OF NATURE | | |
The Bradley 2 Art Gallery will feature OLLI members' abstract art during the winter and spring terms. The Gallery Team invites our artistic community of members to contribute their work (painting, collage, photography, textiles, fabric art, etc.) to this jury-free exhibit on the theme of The Wonders of Nature.
Submit your artwork with the entry form (pdf).
Art Drop-Off: January 5-6
Exhibit: January 12-June 26
Opening Reception: January 25
Art Pickup: June 30-July 1
Email Margaret Rader at mwrader13@gmail.com with any questions about the gallery.
Pictured: Original Wildflowers by Donna Sandberg.
| | INTERNATIONAL PRONOUNS DAY IS OCTOBER 15 | | |
International Pronouns Day is celebrated on the third Wednesday of October to make respecting, sharing, and educating about personal pronouns commonplace.
Using a person's correct pronouns – the ones they want people to use for them – is as polite and everyday as using a person's correct name – the one they want people to use for them. When you use the right name and pronouns for a person, you can show that you want to fully include them in your conversation, group, or activity. OLLI is built on learning and social connection, and this is a good way to make those connections.Using the wrong name or pronouns can be especially harmful to transgender and gender nonconforming people.
It's important to remember that you can't always guess a person's pronouns from just their appearance – or even their name. Think, for example, of the various people you may know named Lynn or Terry. You may want to share your own pronouns to help create a culture that respects everyone's pronouns and allows people space to share them if they so choose. If you're taking a Zoom class, you can include your pronouns in your Zoom name. OLLI instructors can also include their pronouns with their names in the class catalog.
Learn more about pronouns – what they are, how to use them, and how to communicate them – at Pronouns.org.
| | 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, October 23, 3-4pm
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.
| | 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.
| | Newly Announced! Spotlight on New York City, Fall '26 | | |
Start spreading the news! This extended Spotlight on New York City tour makes the most of a single hotel stay to explore Manhattan and Brooklyn. Experience the best of the "Big Apple" from Rockefeller Center to Greenwich Village and across the Brooklyn Bridge. Your 7 days and 8 meals will be guided by seasoned tour guides from Collette.
View the Spotlight on New York City full itinerary (pdf) and book now for discounted rates.
| | 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.
View the Discover South Pacific Wonders full itinerary (pdf) and book now for discounted rates.
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"Wow," Drew Rhodes said of Dr. Sandy Hazanow's The Basics of Routine Veterinary Care class, "I've been doing it wrong for 60 years!" Over the past few weeks, Dr. Hazanow shared her extensive veterinary knowledge with the class. She discussed everything from common teeth and health ailments to dietary needs and how to read a food label. Her fascinating journey through common health problems for canines and felines caused Drew to add, "This should be a required class for all dog and cat owners."
| | GRAIN TO GLASS: THE JOURNEY OF YOUR FAVORITE SPIRITS | | |
Join us on the journey of your favorite spirits led by Ken Kuno, a professor of chemistry and biochemistry and concurrent professor of physics at the University of Notre Dame, where he teaches the chemistry and fermentation and distillation course.
The journey is a fascinating amalgamation of diverse ingredients and unique processes that concentrate alcohol and create unique flavors and aromas. These processes result in a wide range of beverages with varied flavor profiles from hoppy or malty beers to light, medium, or full-bodied wines. The byproducts of fermentation and distillation, along with alcohol content, add further layers of complexity to their taste and potential effects.
Monday October 13, 3pm
4th Floor Lobby, Chico State Science Building, Chico (map)
Free and open to the public!
| | 17TH ANNUAL TRIVIA BEE FOR LITERACY | | |
The 17th Annual Trivia Bee for Literacy raises funds for the Butte County Library's Literacy Services. You can attend as a contestant as part of a team of three or as a spectator. The event includes delicious sweets and raffle prizes. One of the raffle prizes is an OLLI Unlimited Membership that can be used by the prize winner or a friend they want to give it to.
Friday, October 17, 2025
6-9pm (Doors at 5:30)
Sierra Nevada Big Room, 1075 East 20th Street, Chico (map)
Learn more or buy tickets now.
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The popular Open Studios Art Tour (OSAT) weekends are October 11-12 and October 18-19. OSAT is an annual Butte County tradition produced by Chico Art Center volunteers. This year's tour includes the studios of OLLI volunteer instructors Cris Guenter and Hilary Hassenzahl.
To participate, purchase the OSAT Guidebook ($15) that lists the artists' studio maps and locations, their contact information, and what is available at their studios. Wheelchair accessibility and restroom information is also included.
Visit the Open Studios Art Tour website for more information about artists and tour dates. The guidebook can be purchased at the Chico Art Center, Art Etc., Chico Paper Co., DCBA Welcome Center, Ellis Art & Engineering Supplies, and Museum of Northern California Art in Chico, and Buffy's Gift Barn of Paradise in Paradise.
Pictured: Cris Guenter, Sacramento Valley, oils, 20x20 inches
| | OCTOBER IS ADHD AWARENESS MONTH | |
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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