LEARN FROM CHICO STATE FACULTY THIS FALL | | |
Starting early next month, Sandra Flake, OLLI instructor and retired Chico State professor and administrator, will introduce lectures from six current Chico State faculty members in the Chico State Faculty Lecture Series. Sandra schedules a mix of faculty members from different departments to speak to OLLI about their areas of expertise.
You can discover the imagination, cutting-edge research, and expertise that flourishes in our own backyard in lectures on the American presidency, Northern California forensic anthropology cases, Chico's groundwater aquifer, and more. When you register for the class, you are free to join one lecture or all of them. The class is taught hybrid, so you can attend in person or on Zoom, and recorded so you can catch up later.
Register now and join your fellow OLLI members in learning from the varied members of Chico State's faculty this fall.
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Mona Lisa, pictured, joined OLLI in 2013, a year after retiring from over 37 years of teaching mainly first grade. Interested in continuing to learn, she also sought to cultivate social interactions. "I wanted to be sure I would get out of the house." OLLI has met her needs.
She enjoys encounters with people with the same interests, and delights in bumping into people she knew from her years of teaching, whether parents or fellow educators. Her interests range from art history, nutrition, and film to general history. Most terms she takes a few classes, but she managed to attend 11 in one term in 2023. Might this be a record?
Mona prefers classroom settings, which offer in-person interactions with other members, but does allow that Zoom classes can be a boon if she's experiencing scheduling crunches and can't get to the class.
What time constraints does a retired teacher face? In Mona's case, they may come from spending time with her 21-month-old granddaughter or participating in two book groups. After several hours with her granddaughter, who likes to copy Mona's every move, she is exhausted, happy, and well-entertained. And ready to settle in with a good mystery.
| | MEMBER BENEFIT: ZOOM LINKS FOR YOUR ONLINE CLASSES | | |
When you sign up for an online or hybrid class, you'll get the Zoom link in your email a week before the class starts and the morning of each class session. If you can't find your Zoom link, be sure to check your junk or spam email folder – sometimes your email doesn't know what’s most important to you.
You can also find the Zoom links for your classes on your Class List page on the OLLI website. After you sign in to the website, the Class List page will show your list of classes, including the Zoom link, meeting ID, and passcode for any class that meets online.
And, if all else fails, you can always contact the OLLI office at olli@csuchico.edu or 530-898-6679. We're happy to re-send links to you.
| | PICKLEBALL TO PORTFOLIO PLANNING WITH OLLI SPONSORS | | |
Steve and Miste Cliadakis, pictured, have been active OLLI members for over a decade. In that time, they have led over 40 classes on money management, annuities, and investment psychology. They bring real-world expertise as professional financial advisors to the classroom – especially valuable in the current economy.
Speaking with Ann Nikolai earlier this month, they addressed the challenges clients face today. "Whether it's falling interest rates, new tariffs, or global shifts," Steve said, "economic changes can ripple into how you plan for retirement. New variables can influence which types of investments to consider."
Miste emphasized flexibility. "The goal is to stay adaptable so your retirement plan can evolve as conditions change," she said. "Even if we start with good intentions about long-range planning, without follow-through the result can be unintended consequences."
Balance and adaptability are woven into the couple's lives. Since 2021, they've played pickleball several times a week, even competing locally and farther afield – Steve most recently in a tournament in Bend, Oregon. Avid travelers, they'll soon leave for Asia, stopping in Seoul before boarding a cruise visiting Tokyo, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Nagasaki, among other Japanese destinations.
Steve and Miste are leading two online classes for OLLI this fall. Miste's Costly Mistakes of Estate Planning meets once, on October 15. Steve's class, Retirement Planning & Investments in a Changing Economy, meets for two weeks starting on October 21. Their shared goal: to help participants build a clear road map for making informed financial decisions.
Their firm, Altum Wealth Advisors, became OLLI's first business sponsor in 2016, paving the way for new sponsors and closer ties to the Chico community. Whether at work or play, they embody the lifelong learning spirit OLLI celebrates.
| | 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.
| | 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).
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"I love the improv class," said Max, pictured center front with other members of Val Althoff's Let's Do Improv class. Max's children have been attending with him on alternating days due to his health issues.
"It’s wonderful to see how he’s already opening and responding," Val said, "and how the rest of the group embraces him." Max returned the appreciation. "I can't imagine a better teacher than Val," he said. "She really gets us all together and has our back. I love the camaraderie and the humor."
| | DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH | | |
October has been designated as Domestic Violence Awareness Month since 1987. This year's theme for Domestic Violence Awareness Month is With Survivors, Always. "Survivors deserve safety. Survivors deserve support. Survivors deserve solidarity."
While many domestic violence prevention efforts are directed at younger people, domestic violence occurs across the lifespan. Catalyst Domestic Violence Services has a page of resources where you can learn more about different kinds of domestic violence, how to support someone you know who is affected by domestic violence, and statistics about domestic violence nationally and in California.
If you need help for yourself or for a friend, you can call Catalyst at 800-895-8476 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233. Everyone deserves healthy relationships at every age.
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October 2
October 30
November 11
November 14
November 16
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Yom Kippur (No Classes)
Fall Community Speaker Series
Veterans Day (No Classes, OLLI Closed)
Last Day of Fall Classes
Winter Social Meetups Begin
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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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