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CONTINUING THIS ADVENTURE

CALLED LIFE


Term: Fall Session 22: December Newsletter


O L L I Newsletter

No Monthly Meeting in December

Reminder that there is no monthly meeting for December.

The January Monthly Meeting will take place on

January 11, 2023

OLLI Health and Wellness Fair


With the start of the new year, January brings great hope and wellness for 2023. Your OLLI will host a wellness fair for our January monthly meeting. You will have the opportunity for cholesterol, body fat and blood pressure screenings at no cost during the wellness fair. Included will be door prizes and raffles — several vendors of wellness goods and services will provide information

and wellness goodies. A healthy YOU makes a healthier SVS-U and OLLI!

Register Here for the January 11th Monthly Meeting

Live at SVSU & Day Trips with seats available

(58) Live at SVSU: Remembering the J.L. Hudson Company


Curtiss Hall Room 224


Date: Wed., Dec. 7, 2022• 1 - 3 p.m.

Price: $12 for members •

      $22 for non-members


The world’s largest American flag, Freedom Festival fireworks, magical animated windows, a nine-story tree of lights, 12th floor auditorium spectaculars, the home of the real Santa, Maurice salad, and throngs of shoppers! Those are just a fraction of the memories that will come alive and be discussed at this lecture presentation. Attendees will be treated to signage, hundreds of photos, various ephemera, and video clips of Detroit’s home-grown retailer that once towered over Woodward Avenue. This program, presented by Michael Hauser will be the second one presented for OLLI members. Hauser is co-author of six books for Arcadia Publishing, including Hudson’s—Detroit’s Legendary Department Store, Detroit’s Downtown Movie Palaces, 20th Century Retailing in Downtown Detroit, Remembering Hudson’s—The Grande Dame of Detroit Retailing, The Detroit Opera House and 20th Century Retailing in Downtown Grand Rapids. Additionally, Hauser was guest curator at the Detroit Historical Museum for the “Remembering Downtown Hudson’s” exhibit and “The Reel Story” exhibits, which focused on the movie going experience in Detroit.

Live at SVSU - The J.L. Hudson Company Register Here!

(57) Home for the Holidays at the DSO


Date: Friday, December 16, 2022

Price: $160 for members •

           $180 for non-members


Share Detroit’s favorite holiday musical tradition with friends and experience the thrill of the spectacle of the season. Conductor Stuart Chafetz leads a sparkling celebration with carols and classics that sells out year after year — and yes, Virginia, there will be a Santa Claus! Stuart Chafetz is known for his dynamic and engaging podium presence and is increasing in demand with orchestras across North America. Vocalist Michal Preacely is an American baritone that is known for his singing versatility and style. He can perform genres from classical repertoire to pop, contemporary, and Broadway. Many individuals go to their first Home for the Holidays, which then turns into an annual event. Following the performance, we will have lunch at the Grand Trunk Pub.


This trip package includes motor coach transportation, Home for the Holidays performance, and lunch at Grand Trunk Pub. 

Home for the Holidays at the DSO Registration

2023 Winter Catalog!

The 2023 Winter Catalog will be in your mailbox mid-December!


Registration will begin January 9, 2023.

OLLI Multiple-Day Travel

2023 Ireland & 2023 Nordic Coastal Voyage

Registration Available


*Click the images below to get a day-by-day itinerary and full details on these trips*

April 18 - May 1, 2023


The western coast of Ireland is home to some of the Emerald Isle’s most astounding scenery. After exploring historic Belfast, set out to discover the highlights of the Wild Atlantic Way, from Donegal to the Cliffs of Moher. Between the breathtaking views of stunning seascapes and green landscapes, you’ll step off the beaten path to get a feel for Ireland’s quieter side.


Travel Preview - Thursday, December 15, 2022 • Click here to register

June 25 - July 9, 2023


During this comprehensive journey, you'll explore Finland's Lapland region—a realm of astonishing beauty—where you will encounter the enduring culture of the indigenous Sami people. Then, cruise southward through the Norwegian fjords by coastal ship for five nights near the top of the world, stopping along the way to explore cities, towns, and villages that dot the shore. Once you disembark your ship, you'll visit Bergen, a maritime city of charming restaurants, gift shops, and museums. Then, wind down your explorations with two nights in Oslo, Norway's capital, a nature-lover's dream of 40 islands and more than 300 lakes. As you travel down the country by ship, train, coach, ferry, and plane, you’ll experience Nordic cultures with enduring ties to nature’s majesty.


Travel Preview - Tuesday, December 13, 2022 • Click here to register

Registration for the multiple day trips is done in the OLLI office. Please bring a copy of your passport, Covid-19 Vaccination Record, and an Emergency Contact Form. 

Brochures coming soon but sign up for an upcoming Travel Previews

Bluegrass Country & the Smoky Mountains: Featuring Louisville, Lexington, Gatlinburg & Asheville


September 14 - 22, 2023


Take a delightful trip through the heart of Appalachia, discovering the equestrian culture of Kentucky, the pioneer spirit of Tennessee, and the mountainous beauty of North Carolina. Get a taste of Bourbon, baseball, and Thoroughbreds in Louisville and Lexington, Kentucky. Travel through Daniel Boone National Forest as you make your way to Gatlinburg, Tennessee. From your home base of Gatlinburg, explore the natural wonders of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Visit the Titanic Museum for a private, sit-down dinner, followed by a tour of the museum. Travel on to Asheville, North Carolina, and enjoy the city’s historic architecture, engaging neighborhoods and robust art districts. Tour the Biltmore Estate, George Vanderbilt’s “little mountain escape” in the Blue Ridge Mountains. When you leave, you’ll have the warmth and charm of southern Appalachia still in your heart.


Travel Preview - Tuesday, November 29, 2022 • Click here to register

Italy: An Edible Adventure through Tuscany & Piedmont


October 13 - 23, 2023


In Italy, food is an art form. Learn about northern Italy’s rich culinary history by visiting local shops, secluded vineyards, and bustling markets. You’ll witness the passion behind the creation of famous meats, cheeses, oils, and wines by interacting with the producers who keep the traditions alive. Attend the Alba White Truffle Fair and even try your hand at making some of the region’s specialty dishes during a cooking lesson.


Travel Preview - Tuesday, January 24, 2023 • Click here to register

A fun holiday game for you to enjoy

Can you guess the words in this Christmas Word Scramble?

Find the answers below Advisory Board Chair Roger Spann's Note.

Do you have a sweet tooth? Here is a great idea to mix two popular dessert options with this Christmas Cookie Cheesecake.


Follow the Food Network Kitchen's recipe to make this yummy Christmas Cookie Cheesecake. Click here for the recipe and a quick video of the process!


Source: The Food Network Photo By: Matt Armendariz

A Note From Advisory Board Chair Roger Spann

As we look back over 2022 and look forward to 2023 I could not be more pleased with our SVSU-OLLI programming. Much hard work has gone into this past year from our staff, advisory board, committee members, instructors, interest group leaders, and others. I am full of gratitude for all you have done. But our work is just beginning. We will continue to work together to make our OLLI the best possible.  

In preparing for the New Year, I purchased my annual copy of the Farmers Almanac. The almanacs thought of the year for 2023 is "Kindness is a gift everyone can afford to give." OLLI offers so many opportunities to share kindness. Will you share OLLI with your family and friends in 2023? Invite someone to go to a monthly meeting, or join you in a class, or how about a day trip. Your kindness in spreading the good word about OLLI will go a long ways in getting others "hooked" on OLLI like all of us are now. Here's a thought--what would our SVSU-OLLI be able to do if each present member brought just one new member into our group in 2023. WOW! The possibilities are endless. I am looking forward to a fantastic year ahead.

Have a wonderful December. Enjoy your families. Get some rest. And start your planning for a great year ahead with OLLI.

Roger Spann, Advisory Board Chair

 [email protected]

 989 799 8417

Answer key to the trivia above:


  1. Stocking
  2. Candy Cane
  3. Christmas
  4. Santa
  5. Giving
  6. Frosty
  7. Wreath
  8. Ornament
  9. Rudolph
  10. Presents
  11. Mistletoe
  12. Sleigh
  13. Elves
  14. Season
  15. Reindeer


SVSU.EDU/OLLI |989-964-4475 | [email protected] | Curtiss Hall Room 201