September 2026 Having trouble viewing this email? Click here to open as a Webpage.

Our fall term, with over 150 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 and have waitlists. If you want to drop a class, please contact the OLLI office 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 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.

Native Bees and Other Pollinators in Your Garden

Saturday, October 3, 10-11:30am

Because of their critical contribution to plant reproduction and diversity, pollinating species are considered keystone indicators of environmental health. Join a local expert from the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation to learn more about these species, and ways to attract native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to your garden.

Register Now!

After living in Maine for 40 years, Kristin Uhlig, pictured in front of Yosemite's El Capitan, moved to Chico when her son stuck to his claim that he was ditching Maine's cold, dark winters, heading to California, and never coming back. She had retired from teaching fifth grade, so she too made the trek west and soon after joined OLLI.

Kristin loves outdoor adventures, including organizing them. She led COOA (Chico Oroville Outdoor Adventurers) for six years, during which time she spearheaded excursions to various locations both in the US and abroad. With OLLI, she's jumped at the chance to take classes involving movement, like World Dance, Cuban Folkloric Dance and Music, and Dancing Makes You Smarter.

She's also dipped her toe into thespian waters, because, she says, her teaching experience involved being "a bit theatrical." Then there's learning about California's geography, "Arts & Eats," and gardening classes.

A camping trip in August to Mount Shasta had her swimming in mountain lakes, in water so clear you could see the rocks on the bottom. Recent hip surgery may have slowed her down a bit, but she enjoys looking at flowers as well as scaling heights. At home, she is learning to garden in California's climate, no longer limited by cold and dark Maine winters. Not a bad adjustment to make.

The OLLI Advisory Council is a group of volunteer members who work with OLLI staff to help guide our community. The Advisory Council includes leaders from OLLI's volunteer teams and members serving at-large. This group of volunteers provides advice on current needs and long-term planning, bringing member and volunteer perspectives to conversations about the priorities and direction of OLLI. Advisory Council members offer feedback, seek out information when needed, and help develop recommendations that support OLLI members and improve the OLLI experience.

Advisory Council members also lead and support OLLI's various volunteer teams: AV/Facilities, Fundraising, Curriculum, Membership, Outdoor Experiences, and Social Meetups. OLLI would not be possible without the work of these volunteers; last year, OLLI members and supporters contributed more than 5,500 hours of volunteer time to keep OLLI going.

Volunteers are the backbone of OLLI, and more volunteers are always needed! You can join a volunteer team, become a classroom or Zoom host, help with an event, or take on a small project. If you're interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities with OLLI, contact the OLLI office at 530-898-6679 or olli@csuchico.edu or fill out the volunteer sign-up form.

Pictured: Membership Team Leads Gayle Womack and Debbie Vermette.

Save the date for our Fall Community Speaker Series on Friday, October 16.

Elizabeth Grace Davis, board president of Legacy Stage, will join us to share about Legacy Stage's mission to provide a place for professional theatre and theatre education in the North State. Legacy Stage strives to provide delightful theatre experiences for audiences and artists through high-quality working environments, authentic and engaging storytelling, and research-based theatre education. Elizabeth will share Legacy Stage's approach to designing and staging a show, as well as outline the plans for their upcoming season. She will also explain the different areas of Legacy Stage's work in the North State, from offering educational programming to coordinating a Theatre Fringe Festival, in addition to their main stage productions.

Elizabeth Grace Davis has been part of Legacy Stage for more than five years, first as a costume designer and artistic collaborator before moving into organizational leadership. In addition to her work with Legacy Stage, she is an assistant professor of costume design and head of the Theatre Arts BA at Chico State where her work centers on mentorship, storytelling, and creating pathways for the next generation of theatre artists.

Friday, October 16, 1-2pm

Free and open to the public! A hybrid event – join us in Bradley 2 at The Social Chico or on Zoom. Check the OLLI website the day of the event for the Zoom link.

Since 2019, OLLI has been proud to partner with Tri Counties Bank, a trusted community bank whose support has helped advance our mission of lifelong learning. In a short time, Tri Counties Bank has become more than a sponsor; the bank has been a valued collaborator in strengthening programs that enrich the lives of OLLI members. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to education, connection, and the enduring value of learning at every stage of life.

Founded in 1975 and rooted in California communities, Tri Counties Bank is headquartered in Chico, with corporate offices in Roseville, South San Francisco, and Bakersfield. Today, the bank has grown to nearly $10 billion in assets while maintaining its focus on exceptional service for individuals, families, and businesses across the state. With more than 50 years of financial stability, Tri Counties Bank continues to invest in the communities it serves and the people who help them thrive.

That commitment is evident in Tri Counties Bank's affordable mortgage programs, including down payment assistance and first-time homebuyer options. For many individuals and families, homeownership can feel out of reach. Tri Counties Bank helps make the process more approachable by connecting aspiring homeowners with local Home Mortgage Loan Specialists who can explain available products, resources, and program requirements. It is one more way the bank supports community growth and opportunity through the power of homeownership.

OLLI is grateful for its partnership with Tri Counties Bank and for the bank's continued investment in local communities. Its focus on empowerment, opportunity, and connection aligns closely with OLLI's mission to enrich lives through lifelong learning. Together, we recognize the meaningful difference local support can make – whether by helping small businesses grow, expanding access to educational opportunities, or supporting individuals and families as they pursue important life goals.

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.

National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the historical and ongoing achievements and contributions of Hispanic Americans each year September 15-October 15.

This Hispanic Heritage Month, spend some time learning about the history of the celebration. There is plenty of other history to learn as well. You can read about landmarks central to Hispanic heritage, or perhaps you're more interested in how the Mexican vaqueros inspired the image of the American cowboy. If you prefer to watch your history and current events, PBS has a schedule of offerings for the month that you can watch on TV, including a broadcast of the 39th Hispanic Heritage Awards.

Physical well-being allows us to live our longest, most capable, and fulfilling lives. Starting later this fall, Paul Coots, pictured, will teach two sections of Fitness for Lifetime Mobility, one at 8:30am and one at 10am to help you ensure your well-being through mobility exercises. The class will practice balance, strength, agility, and flexibility movements that improve your mobility.

Each class follows a similar routine that can be done at home, allowing you to look after the health of your body for many years to come. All ability levels are welcome, and Paul, a retired educator with teaching credentials in PE and adaptive PE, will share his passion for fitness and mobility with all.

TRAVEL AND LEARN WITH OLLI

The Plains of Africa, Summer '27

Enjoy Kenya's scenic vistas and magnificent wildlife as you traverse the African plains on an intimate safari adventure. These are the plains of Africa, where unparalleled experiences greet you at every turn. Your 14 days and 33 meals will be guided by seasoned tour guides from Collette.

View The Plains of Africa full itinerary (pdf) and book now for discounted rates.

Canadian Maritimes and Coastal Wonders, Fall '27

From the nautical beauty of Peggy's Cove to the rugged splendor of the Cabot Trail, the Maritimes will enchant you. Don't miss the rugged beaches, picturesque fishing villages, and rich seafaring history of the amazing Canadian Maritimes. Your 11 days and 16 meals will be guided by seasoned tour guides from Collette.

View the Canadian Maritimes and Coastal Wonders full itinerary (pdf) and book now for discounted rates.

Imperial Cities, Fall '27

Immerse yourself in the splendor, history, and romance of Europe's regal capital cities: Prague, Vienna, and Budapest. Savor traditional local cuisine while uncovering the rich heritage and storied past of this remarkable region. Your 11 days and 14 meals will be guided by seasoned tour guides from Collette.

View the Imperial Cities full itinerary (pdf) and book now for discounted rates.

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. Your 12 days and 16 meals will be guided by seasoned tour guides from Collette.

Book your trip now or view the France Magnifique Discovery full itinerary (pdf).

Fall classes are officially underway, and the new term started on a high note. One of the classes held on the first day of classes was "Singing A Cappella in Four-Part Harmony for Women's Voices," a fun and immersive introduction to women's barbershop-style singing led by OLLI member Melanie Glick and volunteers from Chico's Sounds of the Valley chorus.

Donna Knorton came to the class with little musical experience but an interest in finding more opportunities to sing. The class was a perfect fit: no previous experience singing in a group or choir was required. "I was surprised to see how quickly our untrained voices blended together in harmony in only one class meeting," she said. "The class was a lot of fun; I hope it returns."

Throughout the class, OLLI members got a taste of what makes four-part harmony so much fun. Melanie introduced OLLI members to all four parts of barbershop harmony – bass, baritone, lead, and tenor – and gave class members to opportunity to try singing all four parts. The group then put those new skills into practice, singing portions of several popular barbershop tunes together. As the parts came together, so did the beautiful sound of OLLI voices blending in harmony.

The popular Open Studios Art Tour (OSAT) weekends are October 10-11 and October 17-18. OSAT is an annual Butte County tradition produced by Chico Art Center volunteers. This year's tour includes the studios of OLLI members Cris Guenter, Hilary Hassenzahl, Reta Rickmers, Margie Ruegger (as M&M Chico Enterprises in partnership with Marty Cohen), and Milton Taylor. You can visit the Open Studios Art Tour Gallery Exhibit, featuring artwork by all 78 artists, at the Chico Art Center October 3-23, with an opening reception on October 2, 5-7pm.

To participate in the tour, 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 with three of her monotype prints.

October has been designated as Domestic Violence Awareness Month since 1987. While many domestic violence prevention efforts are directed at younger people, domestic violence occurs across the lifespan.

It's also important to know that while domestic violence disproportionately affects women, anyone can experience domestic violence. The most recent National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (pdf) found that more than 1 in 3 women and more than 1 in 6 men has experienced sexual or physical violence and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime.

If you need help for yourself or for a friend, you can call Catalyst Domestic Violence Services at 800-895-8476 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233. Everyone deserves healthy relationships at every age.

October 16

November 11

November 20

Fall Community Speaker Series

Veterans Day (No Classes, OLLI Closed)

Last Day of Fall Classes