Lectures and Mini-Series   

Dive into the fascinating world of the stock market in this engaging, peer-led discussion class. Each month, we will collectively select and deeply analyze four stocks trading on the NYSE or Nasdaq. This is not a lecture series, but an open forum where participants share their insights. Our focus will be on the fundamentals: dissecting recent financial statements, reviewing analyst reports, and evaluating key market indicators. The collaborative learning environment is perfect for those who want to sharpen their stock analysis skills. Join us to learn how to read between the financial lines and gain a deeper understanding of company valuations. *Disclaimer: This class does not provide financial advice, recommendations, or instruction on buying/selling securities.

If you have a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear, join Capsule Wardrobe Guru, Sherry Lugone, for this popular three week class. You'll learn to de-clutter your closet and curate a versatile wardrobe of 30 to 40 pieces of clothing for the season. Strategies for curating a sustainable and ethical wardrobe will also be discussed.

PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Please email Sherry at capsules101guru@gmail.com with the subject line Project 333 Registration.

Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

Meets the 2nd Monday of the month

Join members of Forte Vocal in a series of four workshops which will include topics like breathing and breath control, vocal productions and support, bel canto singing, harmony 101, and other key components of programming and creating a choral program. We will offer performances and teaching with hands on experiential learning experiences.

Note: This is a 4-session workshop.

Dr. Isabelli came to the University of Nevada, Reno as an expert in World Languages and became the dean of the School of Liberal Arts. She I guiding the department through a time of drastic changes. Learn about those changes and the opportunities that are being pursued.

Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

TOUR SIGN-UP CLOSED.

Have you wished to explore painting with watercolor but just didn’t know how or where to get started. Watercolor Basics will be your jumping off point. In this six-week mini-series, we will explore though hands-on instruction, the basics of painting with watercolor from selecting the paper, types of watercolor paints, brushes, simple color mixing, techniques for applying paint, and composition. The mini-series is open to all artistic skill levels and no formal art education is needed. All levels of artistic skill are welcome, and no formal art education is needed. Once registration closes, the instructor will email registered participants a supply list and any prep notes. For questions, email rnewbury@unr.edu. This is a six-part series that meets on Wednesdays from September 16 through October 21 at 2 pm, and each session builds on the one before it.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED by Wednesday, September 9. Limit 20 members. A lottery will be held to fill available slots if demand exceeds availability. To sign-up, log in to your member account, then return to the program page.

As Into the Time Horizon prepares to close, our trained Museum docents lead an interactive conversation in the galleries about the artworks from around the world that illustrate possibilities for a better collective future.  

This program is presented in partnership with the Nevada Museum of Art and is offered on the third Wednesday of each month. Support for the 2026 series is provided by CJ Christenson. 

Location: Nevada Museum of Art, 160 West Liberty Street Reno, NV 89501  

Registration Required: Please register through the Nevada Museum of Art using the link below. OLLI members will also be asked to check in at the Museum’s front desk upon arrival. Click HERE to register.

This class has been rescheduled to Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.

Come join Karin for another Burning Man experience! There will be photos and stories from this year's burn in August, as well as a video or two from former burns, never before shown at OLLI! Don't miss the dust-free adventure!

Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

Date change from September to October

Various speakers will present short topics of interest. Talks will last for 5 to 20 minutes. Topics will be chosen by the speaker, and will not be announced in advance. Tune in and be surprised!

Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

Join members of Forte Vocal in a series of four workshops which will include topics like breathing and breath control, vocal productions and support, bel canto singing, harmony 101, and other key components of programming and creating a choral program. We will offer performances and teaching with hands on experiential learning experiences.

Note: This is a 4-session workshop.

Amelia Earhart disappeared on July 2, 1937. The official search was abandoned after 16 days. The unofficial search has never stopped. Rachel Hartigan, author of “Lost: Amelia Earhart’s Three Mysterious Deaths and One Extraordinary Life,” will take you through the aviator’s last flight, the three leading theories of what happened, and why we still can’t let Earhart go. A former National Geographic reporter, Hartigan covered two expeditions to the isolated Pacific island of Nikumaroro in search of Earhart’s remains and her plane.

Join members of Forte Vocal in a series of four workshops which will include topics like breathing and breath control, vocal productions and support, bel canto singing, harmony 101, and other key components of programming and creating a choral program. We will offer performances and teaching with hands on experiential learning experiences.

Note: This is a 4-session workshop.

Many people are making real efforts to eat better, exercise, sleep more, or manage stress, yet still do not feel as healthy or energized as they expected. Explore six daily rhythms that shape how we feel: nutrition, digestion, energy, sleep, stress and nervous-system regulation, and movement and recovery. Learn why health can feel fragmented even when you are doing the right things, how to identify the areas creating the most friction, and how to choose simpler, more practical next steps. This program is educational only and does not provide individualized medical advice. It is a general educational presentation for adults interested in practical health foundations and will not include individualized medical advice, diagnosis, treatment recommendations, product promotion, or solicitation of services.

Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

Transform a pre-loved book into a stunning and heartfelt piece of art for Halloween and Thanksgiving. In this beginner- friendly workshop, you'll learn the unique and satisfying technique of measuring, marking and folding to create a beautiful Pumpkin design. You don't need to be a seasoned crafter or an origami master to join; our step- by-step instructions will guide you through the entire process, page by page. You will leave with a beautiful piece of art that looks impressive on a bookshelf or mantel.

COST: Class kit will cost $10. (Book, pattern, ruler, pencil, eraser, and paper boner) Payment may be made in cash, check, Venmo, Zelle, or credit card.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Sign-ups will open on Friday, September 11 and will close on Thursday, September 24. The class is limited to 20 OLLI members. A lottery will be held to fill available slots if demand exceeds availability.

PLEASE NOTE: Each OLLI member must sign up separately to be considered for joint attendance. Signing up for the class does not guarantee participation. Confirmation details will be provided to you individually once registration is closed to let you know if you’re in the class or not.

The who, what, when, where, and how of TMWA. A brief overview of TMWA’s financials, infrastructure, and water resources.

Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

Join maestro Kelly Kuo to enjoy exciting and informative sneak previews of the RCO's upcoming concerts, including live musical highlights featuring special guest artists. Kelly and friends will share their insights into the music and the composers, along with interesting personal and backstage stories you won't hear anywhere else!

Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

Zentangle is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. Those patterns are called "tangles." These tangles are created with combinations of dots, lines, simple curves, S-curves and orbs. We will draw these patterns on a paper with a Pumpkin Design. There are NO mistakes in this method of creativity, no fear of failure or worry of outcome. You can create BEAUTIFUL art immediately! (Even if you say you don’t have a creative bone in your body!) NOTE: This may repeat tangles taught in earlier sessions.

PAYMENT: Class kit will cost $10. Payment may be made in cash, check, Venmo, Zelle, or credit card.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Sign-ups will open on Friday, September 11 and will close on Thursday, September 24. The class is limited to 20 OLLI members. A lottery will be held to fill available slots if demand exceeds availability. NOTE: You may register for ONE of the two classes available. Class dates are: Friday, October 2 OR Thursday, October 8.

PLEASE NOTE: Each OLLI member must sign up separately to be considered for joint attendance. Signing up for the class does not guarantee participation. Confirmation details will be provided to you individually once registration is closed to let you know if you’re in the class or not.

MATERIALS: $10 (White card with a Pumpkin Drawing, 1 Black pen, 1 Mini Graphite pencil, and 1 Tortillon)

Presented by retired lieutenant Carl Caudill, discover the psychology, techniques, and skills behind the primary method investigators use to solve crimes. Through lecture and personal anecdotes from different cases, participants learn: the basics of interview and interrogation, how to read body language, how to recognize and counter verbal deceptions, how “trickery” is used, how and when the Miranda Warning is used, and how to use polygraphs as a tool. Members also have the opportunity to participate in role-playing scenarios.

Join members of Forte Vocal in a series of four workshops which will include topics like breathing and breath control, vocal productions and support, bel canto singing, harmony 101, and other key components of programming and creating a choral program. We will offer performances and teaching with hands on experiential learning experiences.

Note: This is a 4-session workshop.

My grandfather was the Mail Clerk on the Steamer Tahoe after WW1. I inherited hundreds of negatives of photos my grandfather shot in the 1920s and 1930s of Reno and surrounding areas, including Lake Tahoe. View slides of the Steamer Tahoe, its passengers and crew and gain some insights into the daily routine of the Tahoe as it delivered freight, mail, and passengers to the communities around the lake. Many of the photos don't exist anywhere else.

Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

As generative AI makes it easier than ever to create convincing fake testimonials, doctored images, and personalized scam pitches, seniors are becoming a prime target for a new wave of sophisticated deceptive advertising. This presentation explores the crucial difference between AI "hallucinations"—unintentional errors where the system generates false information without knowing it's wrong—and deliberate lies, where a bad actor knowingly uses AI tools to deceive for profit. Attendees will watch a live demonstration of an AI-generated video "testimonial" created in minutes, then see exactly how it was made, revealing just how accessible these deceptive tools have become. You'll leave with practical red flags to spot AI-generated deception and a clearer understanding of how AI can be used to mislead people.

Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

As we age, chronic conditions often increase, and so do medications. Prescriptions, over-the-counter products, vitamins, supplements, and herbals can add up to a heavy pill burden. But are they all still necessary, safe, and aligned with current health goals? Participants will understand polypharmacy, the “normalization” of overtreatment, and the hidden dangers medication burden can create in older adults. We will discuss prescribing cascades, drug interactions, duplicate therapy, high-risk medications, side effects mistaken for new conditions, and the importance of regular medication review.

Note: The presenter will join us from Utah via ZOOM.

Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

One Truckee River is a nonprofit organization that brings together diverse community stakeholders working towards a healthy, thriving, and sustainable river. Learn about restorative vegetation management work and planned riverbank repair projects that will enhance the river corridor and increase opportunities for recreation, regeneration, and enjoyment of the river, as well as more plans for future improvements.

Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

In the last few years, the number of books being banned or censored  - particularly books for children and youth - has increased dramatically.  What has led to this drastic increase? Who is driving the calls for banning books? What kinds of books most frequently are identified on lists of books to be banned?  How do book banning and censorship impact young people, the authors of the books, librarians, and teachers, and society as a whole?  In honor of Banned Books Week, come learn about this troubling trend and the climate of censorship. 

Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

Zentangle is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. Those patterns are called "tangles." These tangles are created with combinations of dots, lines, simple curves, S-curves and orbs. We will draw these patterns on a paper with a Pumpkin Design. There are NO mistakes in this method of creativity, no fear of failure or worry of outcome. You can create BEAUTIFUL art immediately! (Even if you say you don’t have a creative bone in your body!) NOTE: This may repeat tangles taught in earlier sessions.

PAYMENT: Class kit will cost $10. Payment may be made in cash, check, Venmo, Zelle, or credit card.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Sign-ups will open on Friday, September 18 and will close on Thursday, October 1. The class is limited to 20 OLLI members. A lottery will be held to fill available slots if demand exceeds availability. NOTE: You may register for ONE of the two classes available. Class dates are: Friday, October 2 OR Thursday, October 8.

PLEASE NOTE: Each OLLI member must sign up separately to be considered for joint attendance. Signing up for the class does not guarantee participation. Confirmation details will be provided to you individually once registration is closed to let you know if you’re in the class or not.

MATERIALS: $10 (White card with a Pumpkin Drawing, 1 Black pen, 1 Mini Graphite pencil, and 1 Tortillon)

Archaeology's High Tech Toolbox: Archaeological methods have advanced far beyond Indiana Jones’s machete, shovel, and pick. From advances in radiocarbon dating to computational imaging to LiDAR to 3D modeling to spectrometry, archaeology's ever expanding toolkit has forced sometimes radical reconsiderations of our understanding of the ancient world. LiDAR has revealed unimagined urban complexity. Computational imaging has made the unreadable readable and the unseen visible. Molecular hints hidden deep in the fabric of clay shards has revealed recipes for ancient beers. Let's explore some of the recent surprises and highlights in “cool tech” and how the application of technology to problems in ancient history have revealed the unexpected.

Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

Meets the 2nd Monday of the month

“The Sagebrush Ocean: A Natural History of the Great Basin” has been updated by author Stephen Trimble. His authoritative voice and evocative photographs illuminate our home landscape of sun-struck playas, surprising wetlands, island mountains, and wind-swept tundra. Today, the once-vast “sagebrush ocean” is an endangered sea, as environmental changes and human development have diminished it by half. This heartbreaking decline drives Trimble’s text, but he blends loss with reverence for what remains. Trimble will share this essential introduction to the ecology and spirit of the Great Basin Desert and tell stories from his fieldwork as the writer and photographer.

NOTE: The presenter will join us via Zoom from Utah.

Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

Hear one of the most amazing stories of the 1860s. Learn how Virginia City and Gold Hills obtained quality drinking water when so much waste water was being pumped from the mines. View pictures that have never been published of the building of the system. The development and building of the Virginia City Gold Hills Water Systems is to this day one of the greatest engineering achievements of its time.

Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

Aarf! Aarf! Ever wonder how a guide dog for the blind knows when to cross a busy street? Or how a diabetes service dog can smell a change in their owner's glucose level? This presentation and live demonstration will take you into the life of a service dog and how they are trained to assist individuals with disabilities. Participants will meet Shadow, a service dog trained to assist the class instructor.  This presentation will also send you home with some canine training tips and answers to your pooch questions. Ms. Palchikoff will be joined by local professional dog trainer Guy Yeaman.

Note: A live service dog will be present.

Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

Using rare historic photographs and deep‑dive research, local authors and historians David and Gayle Woodruff take audiences on a lively journey through the rich and varied history of the Carson Valley. From the towering grain elevators and elegant architecture of the Minden Flour Milling Company, to the whistle and steam of the Virginia & Truckee Railroad, to the pioneer outpost of Genoa and the emigrant struggles along the California Trail, this program explores the people, industries, and events that helped shape one of Nevada’s most historic and enduring regions.

Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

Come join Karin for another Burning Man experience! There will be photos and stories from this year's burn in August, as well as a video or two from former burns, never before shown at OLLI! Don't miss the dust-free adventure!

Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

Date change from September to October

Could you live on hamburgers for breakfast, lunch, and dinner? That question opens the door to biochemistry—the chemistry of life. Using a hamburger as our starting point, we'll explore the four major macromolecules of life—carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids—and discover how their structures determine their remarkable functions. Along the way, we'll see how molecular architecture gives rise to membranes, enzymes, energy storage, and genetic information—and how a handful of molecules combine to create the astonishing complexity of living cells. No chemistry background required—just an insatiable curiosity.

Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

Man of the Forest-Orangutans are in peril of extinction and only inhabit the islands of Borneo and Sumatra. Join us as we explore the rainforests of Malaysian Borneo in search of these great apes.

Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

Why do some languages use scripts that look so different from ours? Why do so many other languages use an alphabet very similar to the one we use in English? How do letters reflect history and culture? We will explore the history of writing, its relationship to spoken language, and what the different ways of writing languages reveal about cultural values, the persistence of history, and the nature of language itself.  

Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

Explore the nuances of art in the streets with local creator and instructor, Doomed Movement. From large scale murals to  street art across the globe, get a firsthand perspective on the impact of your favorite public-facing artwork.  

This program is presented in partnership with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) and is hosted every third Wednesday of the month. Support for the 2026 series provided by CJ Christenson. 

Location: Nevada Museum of Art, 160 West Liberty Street Reno, NV 89501  

Registration Required: Please register through the Nevada Museum of Art using the link below. OLLI members will also be asked to check in at the Museum’s front desk upon arrival. Click HERE to register. 

 

Many more earthquakes occurred in northern Nevada between the 1850s and 1950s than in the decades since, even as the state has grown in population and critical infrastructure. In this presentation, Professor Christie Rowe, director of the Nevada Seismological Laboratory, will describe historical earthquakes, introduce the methods by which geologists untangle earthquake records of the ancient past, present the current efforts to monitor earthquakes at the Nevada Seismological Laboratory, and describe our current efforts to expand Earthquake Early Warning into our state.

Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

We will examine how health care issues - including insurance coverage gaps, cost burdens on patients and families, and barriers to access - are shaping voter priorities and candidate platforms heading into the 2026 midterm elections.

Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

Today, parents help their kids craft fairy houses, but our ancestors viewed these supernatural beings far more negatively. Fairies can play tricks, kidnap, and destroy crops and livestock. Children were told to avoid mushrooms rings, not to keep them from touching poisonous toadstools, but because the circles lead to other worlds from which a child might not return. Today, young ones want to meet Tinkerbell, and they do not fear her quick temper, but once, betraying or even thanking a fairy came with far more serious consequences. This talk will examine some of the many depictions of fairies around the world and how they often merge in popular culture. Generous, lifesaving, destructive, and cold, fairies have a complex history worth exploring.

NOTE: The presenter will join us on Zoom. This program will NOT be recorded.

Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

Reno is one of the few cities in the United States to have a Refuge Resettlement Center (NNIC). What are the current local and global trends of resettlement issues? What resources do we have in Reno? How do you fit in?

Date change from September 9 to October 28.

Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

Join pianist Angelo Monroy for an afternoon of music spanning across decades, genres, and cultures.

Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED by Wednesday, October 21.  Limit 25 members. Preference will be given to new students. The course may be repeated if space is available. Click Here for Registration Instructions.

Born into a working-class family and poorly educated, Thomas Paine became the titan of 18th century democratic revolutions in America and France. His fanatical devotion to freedom from all societal oppression made him both feared and worshipped around the world. Unfortunately his extremism ultimately alienated nearly everyone and he died completely ignored. Learn about the values Paine fought for and how they are still struggled over today.

Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

Zentangle is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. Those patterns are called "tangles." These tangles are created with combinations of dots, lines, simple curves, S-curves and orbs. We will draw these patterns on pieces of paper called “tiles.” There are NO mistakes in this method of creativity, no fear of failure or worry of outcome. You can create BEAUTIFUL art immediately! (Even if you say you don’t have a creative bone in your body!) NOTE: This may repeat tangles taught in earlier sessions.

PAYMENT: Class kit will cost $10. Payment may be made in cash, check, Venmo, Zelle, or credit card.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Sign-ups will open on Friday, October 9 and will close on Thursday, October 22. The class is limited to 20 OLLI members. A lottery will be held to fill available slots if demand exceeds availability. NOTE: You may register for ONE of the two classes available. Class dates are: Monday, November 2 OR Thursday, November 19.

PLEASE NOTE: Each OLLI member must sign up separately to be considered for joint attendance. Signing up for the class does not guarantee participation. Confirmation details will be provided to you individually once registration is closed to let you know if you’re in the class or not.

MATERIALS: $10 (Included in a drawstring bag: 3 Renaissance tiles, 1 Brown pen, 1 Mini Graphite white pencil, and 1 Tortillon)

Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

Pasts and Preludes: William Faulkner wrote memorably, "The past is never dead. It's not even past." The American Civil War grew out of the first two centuries of our colonial and later national existence. Though fought from 1861-65, it has endured as a contested monument in our national historical consciousness. Let's examine enduring themes brought into sharp relief during the era, as well as others that have since withered.

Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

In an interactive session we will explore practical tips and strategies for making eco-friendly choices at home. From learning about the waste crisis to discovering sustainable swaps for everyday household products, you will discover simple yet effective ways to minimize waste and lower your environmental footprint, live more consciously, and create a more beautiful Truckee Meadows for generations to come.

Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

Create a festive, fun, holiday necklace with safety pins, jingle bells, and holiday ribbons. Great to give as a gift or wear throughout the season. Kick off this time of year, as we enjoy designing seasonal jewelry.

PAYMENT: Class kit will cost $10. Payment may be made in cash, check, Venmo, Zelle, or credit card.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Sign-ups will open on Friday, October 16 and will close on Thursday, October 29. The class is limited to 20 OLLI members. A lottery will be held to fill available slots if demand exceeds availability. NOTE: You may register for ONE of the two classes available. Class dates are: Thursday, November 5 at 2:00 p.m. OR Monday, November 16 at 10:00 a.m.

PLEASE NOTE: Each OLLI member must sign up separately to be considered for joint attendance. Signing up for the class does not guarantee participation. Confirmation details will be provided to you individually once registration is closed to let you know if you’re in the class or not.

Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

Meets the 2nd Monday of the month

Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

Over the past seventy-five years, China’s environmental thought and policy have undergone profound transformations. During the era of Maoism, from the 1950s through the 1970s, nature was treated as something to be dominated and remade. During the dynamic years of “reform and opening” from the 1980s to the 2010s, the very success of China’s economy came increasingly to be seen as inseparable from catastrophic environmental degradation. We will examine that history and trace the path by which China has become by far the world leader in renewable energy.

Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

In recognition of November’s Native American Heritage Month, learn about Sherry's great-uncle Amos Bettelyoun, married to a Sicanju Lakota woman, and his presence at the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868, a treaty which promised the Great Sioux Territory in perpetuity. Based on historical research and direct experience, Sherry will explain the intergenerational effects of Indian Residential School compulsory attendance on her family, and the widespread Miscegenation laws which made her parents' marriage a felony. She’ll share the story of the little-known Indian Relocation Act of 1956, which moved large numbers of reservation Indians, including her family, to metropolitan areas with the goal of assimilation.

Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

The healthcare system was designed for providers, not patients. Even as a nurse practitioner, Dean of Nursing, and family caregiver, Charlie Yingling has been humbled by the system -- from advocating for his father during a cancer hospitalization to losing the ability to think clearly in a dentist's chair. In this candid, practical session, Dr. Yingling shares the skills every patient needs but nobody teaches: how to prepare, how to speak up, how to know your rights, and how emerging AI tools can help you navigate with more confidence.

Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

Create a festive, fun, holiday necklace with safety pins, jingle bells, and holiday ribbons. Great to give as a gift or wear throughout the season. Kick off this time of year, as we enjoy designing seasonal jewelry.

PAYMENT: Class kit will cost $10. Payment may be made in cash, check, Venmo, Zelle, or credit card.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Sign-ups will open on Friday, October 23 and will close on Thursday, November 5. The class is limited to 20 OLLI members. A lottery will be held to fill available slots if demand exceeds availability. NOTE: You may register for ONE of the two classes available. Class dates are: Thursday, November 5 at 2:00 p.m. OR Monday, November 16 at 10:00 a.m.

PLEASE NOTE: Each OLLI member must sign up separately to be considered for joint attendance. Signing up for the class does not guarantee participation. Confirmation details will be provided to you individually once registration is closed to let you know if you’re in the class or not.

Radioactivity may conjure up danger to many people, but in fact radioisotopes are used safely every day for many practical purposes, such as dating objects, smoke detectors, and medical diagnostics and therapy. Learn basic knowledge about radioactivity and practical applications of radioactive isotopes.

Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

Abolitionists and Fire-Eaters: Slavery has existed at least since the invention of writing, c. 3600 BC, and almost certainly before. Opposition to racialized slavery in the Atlantic world and the Americas, however, traces its roots to the 17th century. In the U.S. context, both proslavery and antislavery writers, politicians, and preachers alike enlisted the Bible in their efforts to disentangle a knotty institution tightly wound in the nation's identity. In this session, we'll discuss some of the background (intellectual, economic, social, and religious) and current events that informed and nurtured both the Abolitionists and the proslavery Fire-Eaters in the 19th century. In doing so, we'll examine the emergence of an issue that ultimately precipitated the American Civil War.

Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

Join senior advocate Marsy Kupfersmith for an introduction to the legislative process and a preview of the upcoming legislative session. Learn how prospective legislation gets introduced and how bills become laws. Marsy will also summarize proposed legislation that affects the lives of Nevadans age 60 and above.

Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

The rise of fast fashion has led to the loss of garment making knowledge. Discover how reconnecting with the craft of sewing can inspire creativity, sustainability, and a deeper appreciation for the clothes we wear. Join Selah Peña, E.L. Cord Museum School instructor and owner of Revival Sewing Co., as she draws on her experience as a fashion designer to share how sewing can reconnect us with our clothing, and inspire more thoughtful ways of making, wearing, and imagining our future.

This program is presented in partnership with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) and is hosted every third Wednesday of the month. Support for the 2026 series provided by CJ Christenson. 

Location: Nevada Museum of Art, 160 West Liberty Street Reno, NV 89501  

Registration Required: Please register through the Nevada Museum of Art using the link below. OLLI members will also be asked to check in at the Museum’s front desk upon arrival. Click HERE to register. 

 

Most people trust the healthcare system to work smoothly — until it doesn’t. Participants will learn how to recognize warning signs that something may be missed, misunderstood, delayed, or poorly coordinated. Participants will learn red flags related to symptoms, medication changes, hospital discharge, conflicting provider instructions, care transitions, insurance barriers, and communication breakdowns. They will also learn how to ask the right questions, when to slow things down for clarification, and how to respond before small problems become bigger ones. An interactive activity allows participants to practice applying what they learn.

Note: The presenter will join us from Utah via ZOOM.

Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

In 1849, members of a 49er party, instead of using the southern route to California decided to take a short cut to the gold fields. Like many others taking a short cut was a tragic mistake. They discovered Death Valley, but at what cost? This is the tale of William Lewis Manly and John Rogers, two superheroes of their time. Why were they heroes? What made them so different than the average emigrant on the trail? Hear a little bit of lost history that is quite exciting.

Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

Zentangle is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. Those patterns are called "tangles." These tangles are created with combinations of dots, lines, simple curves, S-curves and orbs. We will draw these patterns on pieces of paper called “tiles.” There are NO mistakes in this method of creativity, no fear of failure or worry of outcome. You can create BEAUTIFUL art immediately! (Even if you say you don’t have a creative bone in your body!) NOTE: This may repeat tangles taught in earlier sessions.

PAYMENT: Class kit will cost $10. Payment may be made in cash, check, Venmo, Zelle, or credit card.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Sign-ups will open on Friday, October 23 and will close on Thursday, November 12. The class is limited to 20 OLLI members. A lottery will be held to fill available slots if demand exceeds availability. NOTE: You may register for ONE of the two classes available. Class dates are: Monday, November 2 OR Thursday, November 19.

PLEASE NOTE: Each OLLI member must sign up separately to be considered for joint attendance. Signing up for the class does not guarantee participation. Confirmation details will be provided to you individually once registration is closed to let you know if you’re in the class or not.

MATERIALS: $10 (Included in a drawstring bag: 3 Renaissance tiles, 1 Brown pen, 1 Mini Graphite white pencil, and 1 Tortillon)

Join maestro Kelly Kuo to enjoy exciting and informative sneak previews of the RCO's upcoming concerts, including live musical highlights featuring special guest artists. Kelly and friends will share their insights into the music and the composers, along with interesting personal and backstage stories you won't hear anywhere else!

Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

Radioactivity may conjure up danger to many people, but in fact radioisotopes are used safely every day for many practical purposes, such as dating objects, smoke detectors, and medical diagnostics and therapy. Learn basic knowledge about radioactivity and practical applications of radioactive isotopes.

Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

Widening Chasms and Existential Crises: In explaining our civil war, historian Shelby Foote said that we had forgotten how to compromise, a practice essential to sustaining a democracy. At what point did compromise become impossible? By the early 1850s, the rifts in American society, culture, and politics had widened considerably. We will discuss a series of events that collectively began pushing Americans to either side of those divides. In a process all too familiar, those who sought to build bridges across the widening chasms began discovering that their spans went nowhere.

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In 1989, Las Vegas proposed to pump almost three billion gallons of groundwater annually from thirty rural Great Basin valleys and pipe it 300 miles to the city. This water grab would have devastated wildlife and rural agriculture, if not for a small, determined group that fought for 31 years to a decisive 2020 victory that protected the Great Basin’s precious aquifers. Learn how a diverse alliance of high desert people revisited the water grab and protected sacred land. Please attend this program whether or not you have been to the earlier talks.

This program will NOT be recorded.

Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

In World War II Italy was defeated and devastated. Yet, in the next decade it became a world leader in fashion, film, and lifestyle. It's a great story and fun to explore.

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Antarctica is getting visited more and more by tourists, but this traveler decided to also visit the fabulous South Georgia Island on her trip to the White Continent. The pristineness and remoteness were unparalleled and way off the radar of most visits to Antarctica. Witness the beauty and history of these very magical destinations.

Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

Zentangle is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. Those patterns are called “tangles." These tangles are created with combinations of dots, lines, simple curves, S-curves and orbs. We will draw these patterns on pieces of paper called “tiles.” There are NO mistakes in this method of creativity, no fear of failure or worry of outcome. You can create BEAUTIFUL art immediately! (Even if you say you don’t have a creative bone in your body!) NOTE: This may repeat tangles taught in earlier sessions.

PAYMENT: Class kit will cost $10. Payment may be made in cash, check, Venmo, Zelle, or credit card.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Sign-ups will open on Friday, November 13 and will close on Friday, November 27. The class is limited to 20 OLLI members. A lottery will be held to fill available slots if demand exceeds availability. NOTE: You may register for ONE of the two classes available. Class dates are: Thursday, December 3 OR Monday, December 7.

PLEASE NOTE: Each OLLI member must sign up separately to be considered for joint attendance. Signing up for the class does not guarantee participation. Confirmation details will be provided to you individually once registration is closed to let you know if you’re in the class or not.

MATERIALS: $10 (Included in a drawstring bag: 3 Translucent Triangle tiles, 1 Black pen)

Zentangle is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. Those patterns are called “tangles." These tangles are created with combinations of dots, lines, simple curves, S-curves and orbs. We will draw these patterns on pieces of paper called “tiles.” There are NO mistakes in this method of creativity, no fear of failure or worry of outcome. You can create BEAUTIFUL art immediately! (Even if you say you don’t have a creative bone in your body!) NOTE: This may repeat tangles taught in earlier sessions.

PAYMENT: Class kit will cost $10. Payment may be made in cash, check, Venmo, Zelle, or credit card.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Sign-ups will open on Friday, November 13 and will close on Friday, November 27. The class is limited to 20 OLLI members. A lottery will be held to fill available slots if demand exceeds availability. NOTE: You may register for ONE of the two classes available. Class dates are: Thursday, December 3 OR Monday, December 7.

PLEASE NOTE: Each OLLI member must sign up separately to be considered for joint attendance. Signing up for the class does not guarantee participation. Confirmation details will be provided to you individually once registration is closed to let you know if you’re in the class or not.

MATERIALS: $10 (Included in a drawstring bag: 3 Translucent Triangle tiles, 1 Black pen)

This extra special, two-part class is designed to transform dressing for holiday events from a headache to a pleasure. Students will learn to choose a festive color palette and curate a ten-item wardrobe that expresses their personal style. There will also a focus on using accessories to dress an outfit up or down. A small but mighty wardrobe is particularly brilliant for holiday travelers, taking mere minutes to pack. Just one less worry at this busy time of year. Students of Sherry's Project 333 classes are encouraged to attend, as new information will be covered. Please email Sherry at capsules101guru@gmail.com to register.

Various speakers will present short topics of interest. Talks will last for 5 to 20 minutes. Topics will be chosen by the speaker, and will not be announced in advance. Tune in and be surprised!

Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

Following the mid-term election, and amid continued historic polarization in Washington D.C., the incoming Congress raises critical questions about what lies ahead. What can we realistically expect Congress to accomplish in the next two years? This session will delve into Congress’s likely priorities, analyze the persistent gridlock in DC, and explore potential reforms that could improve legislative effectiveness.  

Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

Robin Holabird, film critic, author, and retired commissioner of the Nevada Film Commission presents movies related to her work in Nevada and her world travels.

*December 9: Looking at Icons on the Screen in Nevada, The Deep End with Tilda Swinton showcases Lake Tahoe in a suspenseful film noir. Robin helped find the locations for the movie and will give some insights about the making of the film.

*December 16: With her new book Popcorn and Passports, Vienna and a Gustave Klimt painting play important roles in Woman in Gold with Helen Mirren.

Craft a unique, fun holiday tree pin using cinnamon sticks, pipe cleaners, buttons and fabric. A cute holiday touch to wear throughout the season. And you can say, “I made it myself!”

COST: Class kit will cost $5. Payment may be made in cash, check, Venmo, Zelle, or credit card.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Sign-ups will open on November 20 and will close on December 3. The class is limited to 20 OLLI members. A lottery will be held to fill available slots if demand exceeds availability.

PLEASE NOTE: Each OLLI member must sign up separately to be considered for joint attendance. Signing up for the class does not guarantee participation. Confirmation details will be provided to you individually once registration is closed to let you know if you’re in the class or not.

The tense reality of life during the Cold War of the 1950s and ‘60s was omnipresent throughout the US. Newspapers reported frequent nuclear tests by the Soviet Union, Sputnik was launched…school children practiced duck and cover drills, while many people converted their basements into bomb shelters. Even in the tranquil Eastern Sierra, vestiges of this complicated period in our country’s history abounded. Using rare photos and extensive research, local historians David & Gayle Woodruff examine the improbable tales of heightened preparedness, secret tests and even espionage in the Eastern Sierra, in an entertaining 55 minute slide show.

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Discover the history of building the Central Pacific Railroad across California, Nevada, and Utah.  How did they manage to do what everyone thought impossible? Who were the people who managed and labored to achieve this project? How was the impossible created? Finally, how did the railroad affect Reno and Sparks?

Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

Professor Lokken will present his analysis of our current political situation.

Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

This extra special, two-part class is designed to transform dressing for holiday events from a headache to a pleasure. Students will learn to choose a festive color palette and curate a ten-item wardrobe that expresses their personal style. There will also a focus on using accessories to dress an outfit up or down. A small but mighty wardrobe is particularly brilliant for holiday travelers, taking mere minutes to pack. Just one less worry at this busy time of year. Students of Sherry's Project 333 classes are encouraged to attend, as new information will be covered. Please email Sherry at capsules101guru@gmail.com to register.

The Racist Covenants Research Project:  Reno never saw the practice of redlining, the forcing of particular groups of people to live in particular places by racially restricting access to home mortgages. A simple reading of documents associated with a home you may own or rent, however, may reveal other kinds of limitations placed on who could own or rent the property in the past. Jim Crow laws may have been more prominent in South until the Civil Rights movement led to their overturning, as we learn in school, but racially-based restrictions to home ownership were a national phenomenon. Reno was no exception. The RCR Project has mapped thousands of properties across Washoe County that were affected by such restrictive covenants, with the earliest in the mid teens of the twentieth century and the latest in the mid-1970s.

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Meets the 2nd Monday of the month

Did you know that Santa Claus is also an avid birder? Do you know what his favorite birds are? Join Alan Gubanich (local Lahontan Audubon Society member) as he gives us a fanciful look into the unique groups of birds that Santa loves to watch. And not just from the North Pole either! Santa travels the globe in search of his favorite subjects when he isn’t tied down getting everything ready for that magical evening that we all call Christmas Eve! Be good all year, and maybe he might put one of his favorite birds in your stocking this year!

Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

Robin Holabird, film critic, author, and retired commissioner of the Nevada Film Commission presents movies related to her work in Nevada and her world travels.

With her new book Popcorn and Passports, Vienna and a Gustave Klimt painting play important roles in Woman in Gold with Helen Mirren.

Now that you have marveled at Antarctica's splendor, watch the documentary of Sir Ernest Shackleton's legendary, ill-fated expedition to Antarctica from 1914-1916. Fully appreciate South Georgia's call to the presenter in vivid photos and actual film footage from the awe-inspiring epic.

Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.