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Our fall term, with over 120 classes to choose from in the classroom, outdoors, and online, is underway. We hope you're enjoying your classes!

Three-Class Limit Lifted

The three-class limit for certain high-enrollment classes has been lifted. You can now register for any class that still has space available.

How to Drop A Class

We are thrilled by how many of you have registered for classes. Some of our most popular classes are full with waiting lists. If you want to drop a class, please contact us at olli@csuchico.edu or 530-898-6679 so we can offer the space to someone else.

COVID-19 Policy

Vaccinations are strongly encouraged and not required. Masks are optional and always welcome. There are HEPA air purifiers in all four of our main classrooms at The Social Chico. If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or any other communicable illnesses, such as a cold or the flu, please stay home.

Refrain From Fragrance in In-Person Classes

Several members have asked us to pass on the message that wearing fragrances to class has some unintended consequences. Headaches and asthma attacks can be triggered by perfumes and scented lotions, especially in close quarters.

Please remember that your use of fragrances is voluntary, while another's reaction is not. We want members to feel welcome and comfortable in every OLLI classroom, and we appreciate your cooperation in doing your part to help us meet this goal.

OLLI members get a special discounted lunch price at The Social Chico's main cafeteria when you buy a 10-meal card from the cashier for $81.19. Single meals for everyone, including OLLI members, are $13.52.

The OLLI lunch hour, 11:30am-12:30pm, Monday-Friday is a great opportunity to spend time with other members and get something to eat between classes without having to go anywhere. And these prices still beat most downtown eateries!

Debit/credit cards only. The Social Chico cannot accept cash.

Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, together known as the High Holidays, are the two most important holidays in Judaism. Rosh Hashanah marks the Jewish new year. Many people eat apples with honey and round challah with raisins or honey to symbolize a sweet new year. Yom Kippur ten days later is also known as the Day of Atonement. It is a more solemn holiday marked with fasting and communal prayer services.

OLLI does not hold classes on Rosh Hashanah or Yom Kippur so our Jewish members do not have to choose between their OLLI classes and their most important religious holidays. There will be no classes on Tuesday, September 23 in observance of Rosh Hashanah or Thursday, October 2 in observance of Yom Kippur.

MEET A MEMBER: JENNIFER BRANSKY

Leaning heavily into her own experiences as an elementary, middle, and high school student, Jennifer Bransky, pictured, enjoyed over 35 years teaching junior high. When she retired, in 2021, she found that tending to her family's modest menagerie (one dog, one outside cat, one mature horse, and some chickens and sheep) left her with little structure and extra time. So she joined OLLI.

Jennifer appreciates the friendly and supportive environment created by all of her instructors and has also been amazed by the people she's met on hiking jaunts with the HOOFers and in birding expeditions. A continual favorite is Writer's Workshop, led by Paul Belz, where she works on stories for her memoirs and poetry, plus the starting of a historical novel set in the Middle Ages (spoiler alert: there’s a dead dog in the first chapter). Then there were the classes on doodling and dance.

Jennifer relishes the mix of locals and newcomers that OLLI attracts. She plans to keep pursuing her ongoing projects, and she just might consider taking more art classes, assuming she can fit them in between writing projects and her canine, feline, equine, ovine, and avian commitments.

PARTNERS IN GROWTH: OLLI AND TRI COUNTIES BANK

Since 2019, OLLI has been proud to partner with Tri Counties Bank – a trusted community partner that has supported our mission of lifelong learning in meaningful ways. In just a few years, Tri Counties has become more than a sponsor; they've been an active collaborator in shaping OLLI programs that enrich the lives of our members. Their commitment reflects a shared belief in the power of learning at every stage of life.

Tri Counties Bank was established in 1975, with deep roots in California communities. Headquartered in Chico, with corporate offices in Roseville, South San Francisco, and Bakersfield, the bank has grown to nearly $10 billion in assets and continues to provide exceptional service to individuals and businesses across the state. With 50 years of financial stability, they remain committed to strengthening the places we call home.

One way Tri Counties Bank demonstrates this commitment is through its Small Business Empowerment Program, designed to help small business owners access the credit opportunities essential for growth. This special-purpose program offers flexible options for women-, minority-, veteran-, and LGBTQI+-owned businesses – groups that often face barriers to capital. By providing access to funding, Tri Counties helps ensure these businesses can thrive, creating stronger and more resilient communities.

"We developed this program to empower small business growth throughout California," said Scott Robertson, Head of Community Banking for Tri Counties Bank. "Our research showed that many small businesses have a historic need for increased access to capital with flexible underwriting criteria."

Through the program, qualified small businesses can apply for business credit cards with limits up to $25,000, lines of credit up to $50,000, and secured loans up to $75,000. These tools provide not just financial support, but also a pathway to stability and opportunity for entrepreneurs who make California's communities vibrant.

At OLLI, we are grateful for our partnership with Tri Counties Bank. Their focus on empowerment, opportunity, and community reflects the very heart of our mission: enriching lives through lifelong learning and connection. Together, we celebrate the difference local support makes – whether it's helping small businesses grow or ensuring our members have access to meaningful educational opportunities.

Visit TriCountiesBank.com to learn more. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. NMLS #458732. This is not a guarantee to lend. All loans are subject to credit approval and program requirements. Contact your local branch or call 1-800-982-2660 for more information on eligibility requirements.

TRAVEL AND LEARN WITH OLLI

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! 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.

Italy's Treasures, Spring '26

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 your trip now or view the Italy's Treasures full itinerary (pdf).

OLLI business sponsors really are the best – and we're not the only ones who think so. Congratulations to our sponsors who were voted Best of Chico in the Chico News & Review's annual celebration!

Best Financial Planner: Miste and Steve Cliadakis, Altum Wealth Advisors (First Place)

Best Hearing Aid Specialist: Chico Hearing Aid Center (Second Place)

Best Estate Planning Attorney: Dana L. Campbell (Second Place)

Best Eye Care Specialist: Chico Eye Center (Second Place)

Best Bank/Credit Union: Tri Counties Bank (Third Place)

Check out all of the winners on the Best of Chico website and see all of our sponsors on our website.

OLLI's all-volunteer Audiovisual (AV) Team was hard at work last week getting classrooms and instructors ready for classes. OLLI replaced the computers in all four classrooms at The Social Chico this summer. The AV team installed them into the AV carts, made the experience of using them as similar as possible to the former computers, created updated documentation, and trained instructors so they would be prepared for classes.

"Being a member of the AV Team is what I like best about OLLI," said Myron Flindt, pictured, right. "We are always having fun, learning from our mistakes and giving each other support and encouragement. It is satisfying to learn new technology and help others as well, but the camaraderie is what I like best."

The AV Team is currently recruiting additional volunteers. If you're interested in joining them in taking good care of OLLI's classroom technology and volunteer instructors, contact the OLLI office at olli@csuchico.edu or 530-898-6679.

Did you know that B-Line, Butte County's public transit provider, offers specific services for older adults and people with disabilities? There are discounted bus fares for adults 65 and older, veterans, and people with disabilities. There are also specific paratransit options, like the Dial-A-Ride program for adults 70 and older.

Next week, Victoria Proctor from the B-Line will join us to teach B-Line Paratransit and Other Services. In this one-time, recorded online class, Victoria will explain the services available and answer your questions. You might just learn a new way to get to your OLLI classes!

Register now and join Victoria on Tuesday, September 16.

HIV/AIDS AND AGING AWARENESS DAY IS SEPTEMBER 18

September 18 is National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day. In California, 44.7% of people with HIV are 55 and older. Improved treatments mean that people with HIV can live longer, and older adults can contract HIV or receive a new diagnosis.

Health care professionals are less likely to ask older adults about sexual activity and intravenous drug use than they are to have those conversations with younger people, which means that older adults may not get the information they need about prevention, testing, and treatment for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

You can find information about local testing sites from the Butte County Public Health Department. The only way to know your HIV status is to get tested. Knowing your status is information you can use to keep yourself and any partners you may have healthy.

September 23

October 2

November 11

November 14

November 16

Rosh Hashanah (No Classes)

Yom Kippur (No Classes)

Veterans Day (No Classes, OLLI Closed)

Last Day of Fall Classes

Winter Social Meetups Begin