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Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI)

Engage Your Curiosity at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Nevada, Reno!

Ongoing Interest Groups   

Ongoing Interest Groups meet regularly throughout the year, covering a wide range of interests such as foreign languages, art, and discussion topics. New participants are welcome unless the group is full. Some may require additional materials, and schedules may vary, with updates available in the OLLI Weekly.

For other OLLI programs, see:

  • French Practice: For Intermediate Speakers
  • Dates: 7/8/2025 - 12/16/2025
    Times: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
    Days: Tu
    Modality: In-Person
    Building: OLLI Campus
    Instructor: Neila Shumaker

    For students who have some previous knowledge of French would like to review and build on that knowledge. We will use a variety of approaches to improve comprehension and communication.

    Note: No class will be held on the following dates:

    • Tuesday, July 29
    • Tuesday, August 26
    • All of September
    • Tuesday, November 11 in observance of the Veteran's Day holiday
    Meets weekly on Tuesdays at 2 pm starting on July 8.
 

  • From Soup to Nuts: A Colloquy
  • Dates: 7/8/2025 - 12/16/2025
    Times: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
    Days: Tu
    Modality: Hybrid
    Building: OLLI Campus
    Instructor: Judith Frampton, Fred Frampton (he/him/his)
    Topics include anything galactic, international, national, state, and local. Because any subject is possible, this is a fun way to expand your understanding of the world around us. Enjoy the camaraderie of fellow OLLI members, each bringing their own, unique perspectives. For more information, email the Frampton's at fpframpton@gmail.com.
    Note: There will be no class on Tuesday, November 11, in observance of Veterans Day.

    Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

    Meets weekly on Tuesdays at 2 pm starting on July 8.
 

  • From Soup to Nuts: A Colloquy
  • Dates: 7/10/2025 - 12/18/2025
    Times: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
    Days: Th
    Modality: Hybrid
    Building: OLLI Campus
    Instructor: Judith Frampton, Fred Frampton (he/him/his)
    Topics include anything galactic, international, national, state, and local. Because any subject is possible, this is a fun way to expand your understanding of the world around us. Enjoy the camaraderie of fellow OLLI members, each bringing their own, unique perspectives. For more information, email the Frampton's at fpframpton@gmail.com.
    Note: There will be no class on Thursday, November 27, in observance of Thanksgiving.

    Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

    Meets weekly on Thursdays at 10 am starting on July 10.
 

  • Espionage Books Discussion Group
  • Dates: 7/11/2025 - 12/12/2025
    Times: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
    Days: F
    Modality: Hybrid
    Building: OLLI Campus
    Instructor:

    Read and discuss spy novels and discover new authors and plot twists. Everyone is welcome to join the discussion. 

    • July 11: The Paris Diversion (2019) by Chris Pavone
    • August 8: The Eye of the Needle (1977) by Ken Follett
    • September 12: Real Tigers (2015) by Mick Herron
    • October 10: Spook Street (2017) by Mick Herron
    • November 14: Winter Work (2022) by Dan Fesperman
    • December 12: The Moscow Sleepers (2019) by Stella Rimington

    Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

    Meets on 2nd Fridays at 10 am starting on July 11.
 

  • French Conversation - For Fluent Speakers
  • Dates: 7/11/2025 - 12/12/2025
    Times: 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
    Days: F
    Modality: In-Person
    Building: OLLI Campus
    Instructor: Mary Dugan

    Join fellow French speakers for a relaxed and engaging conversation group designed for those fluent enough to exchange ideas comfortably. This is not a structured language class but an opportunity to practice and enjoy casual discussions entirely in French. Conversations will be guided by group interests, with occasional new vocabulary introduced. Come connect, share, and immerse yourself in lively discussions en français!

    Meets weekly on Fridays at Noon staring on July 11.
 

  • Creative Card Making
  • Dates: 7/14/2025 - 12/8/2025
    Times: 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
    Days: M
    Modality: In-Person
    Building: OLLI Campus
    Instructor: Connie Arias

    Learn how to explore your inner artist through creation of your own heartfelt greeting cards for a special person or occasion. No previous experience needed. Attendees will receive 3 card kits to complete at each session. Each kit will include pre-cut and scored card stock pieces; sentiment labels; plus ribbon or bling to finish the card as needed. Sample cards and detailed instructions will be available plus stamps and ink pads for use. Participants will need to bring their own scissors and glue (liquid and craft glue).

    Each monthly 3-kit set will cost $10. Please RSVP monthly so we have enough kits for each. You can contact Connie to RSVP and to coordinate payment method at (775) 762-6247 or clarias@sbcglobal.net.

    Meets 2nd Mondays at 9:30 am starting on July 14.
 

  • Watercolor with Friends - Drop In
  • Dates: 7/14/2025 - 12/8/2025
    Times: 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
    Days: M
    Modality: In-Person
    Building: OLLI Campus
    Instructor: Robert Newbury
    Have you thought of dusting off your watercolors and paint brushes, but need ideas about what to paint or feel a little rusty? Bring your supplies to paint and share ideas in a friendly, open environment. Find out what watercolorists are doing and, perhaps, learn about projects such as making personal greeting cards or sketching impressions from your travels.
    Meets 2nd and 4th Mondays at 9:30 am starting on July 14.
 

  • Mystery Books Discussion Group
  • Dates: 7/14/2025 - 12/8/2025
    Times: 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
    Days: M
    Modality: Hybrid
    Building: OLLI Campus
    Instructor:
    Read and discuss mysteries of all types, from cozies to hard-boiled crime fiction. Everyone who is interested is welcome to join the discussion. See http://ollirenomysterybg.blogspot.com for more information.
    • July 14: A Disappearance in Fiji by Nilima Rao
    • August 11: The Maidens by Alex Michaelides
    • September 8: Strangers on a Train by Patricia Highsmith
    • October 13: A Necessary Evil (Wyndham & Banerjee #2) by Alex Kava
    • November 10: Case Histories (Jackson Brodie #1) by Kate Atkinson
    • December 8: The Last Policeman (Last Policeman #1) by Ben H. Winters

    Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

    Meets 2nd Mondays at Noon starting on July 14.
 

  • Warm Hats for Cool Heads
  • Dates: 7/14/2025 - 12/8/2025
    Times: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
    Days: M
    Modality: In-Person
    Building: OLLI Campus
    Instructor:

    Join us to knit and/or crochet hats and scarves for Reno's homeless and needy. If you don’t know how to knit or crochet, someone will be happy to teach you. We’ll share patterns, techniques, and inspiration while satisfying our need to create and our desire to support the community. You’ll experience the glow of gratification by providing a thing of beauty and comfort to a fellow human in need.

    Meets 2nd and 4th Mondays at 2 pm starting July 14.
 

  • Reading Poetry Together
  • Dates: 7/16/2025 - 12/17/2025
    Times: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
    Days: W
    Modality: Hybrid
    Building: OLLI Campus
    Instructor: Phyllis Clark, Deborah Banks
    Meet with other poetry lovers to explore insights and pleasures that poetry evokes. Group members will share poems that are meaningful to them. Come to read, reflect and connect.

    Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

    Meets 1st and 3rd Wednesdays at 2 pm starting on July 16.
 

  • Big Questions Book Discussion Group
  • Dates: 7/17/2025 - 12/18/2025
    Times: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
    Days: Th
    Modality: In-Person
    Building: OLLI Campus
    Instructor: Ronald Foster, Nita Jameson, Tom Wolf

    Read and discuss new insights into the big questions of our lives. Group members select, read, and then discuss a book for several sessions. Past areas of inquiry have been science, religion, philosophy, history, politics, and economics. For more information, email olli.big.questions@gmail.com.

    Meets 1st and 3rd Thursdays at 2pm starting on July 17.
 

  • Learn Spanish with Destinos (Part 1)
  • Dates: 8/7/2025 - 12/11/2025
    Times: 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
    Days: Th
    Modality: In-Person
    Building: OLLI Campus
    Instructor: Judy Aukeman

    This course is based on the Annenberg PBS series Destinos: An Introduction to Spanish, which consists of 52 video episodes (available free online) along with accompanying instructional materials provided to participants. This semester will cover approximately the first quarter to one-third of the Destinos series, with future semesters continuing the progression. The class is designed for intermediate students as well as motivated beginners, and prior Spanish instruction is recommended.

    Meets weekly on Thursdays at Noon starting on August 7.
 

  • Lifescapes Group A
  • Dates: 9/2/2025 - 12/2/2025
    Times: 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
    Days: Tu
    Modality: Hybrid
    Building: OLLI Campus
    Instructor: Debbie Bartley
    Lifescapes classes focus on evoking memories and facilitating writing about one’s life experiences. Prior to each session, a piece of literature is provided by email for the class participant to read. Questions are provided as a springboard for writing. Students then write short pieces to share during class sessions. All class members are encouraged to contribute one story to a themed anthology that is published at the end of the year. Each class member who submits a story will receive a free copy of the anthology book. Seats are available for interested members. For more information or to join the class, please email Debbie Bartley at OLLI.LifescapesA@gmail.com.

    Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

    Meets 1st and 3rd Tuesdays at 9:30 am starting on September 2.
 

  • Tech Help for Computers and Personal Devices
  • Dates: 9/3/2025 - 12/17/2025
    Times: 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
    Days: W
    Modality: In-Person
    Building: OLLI Campus
    Instructor: Rick Barsan
    Need help with technology? This drop-in service offers support for all types of electronic devices, including computers (Apple or Microsoft), software (Word, Excel, Zoom, email), and smartphones (Apple or Android). Remote assistance is also available by emailing tech@ollireno.com.
    Meets weekly on Wednesdays at Noon starting on September 3.
 

  • OLLI Travelers
  • Dates: 9/3/2025 - 12/3/2025
    Times: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
    Days: W
    Modality: Hybrid
    Building: OLLI Campus
    Instructor: Judi Whiting
    Whether you have travel adventures to share or just enjoy hearing about other folks' travels, please join us. Members are invited to show pictures or tell their travel stories. We will draw from members' experiences and from invited travel professionals to answer your travel questions. If you have something to share with the group, please contact Judi Whiting at fjwhiting@sbcglobal.net or (775) 826-2728. The topic is announced on the preceding Friday in OLLI Weekly.

    Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

    Meets 1st Wednesdays at 2pm starting September 3.
 

  • Italian 1 - For Beginners
  • Dates: 9/8/2025 - 12/15/2025
    Times: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
    Days: M
    Modality: In-Person
    Building: OLLI Campus
    Instructor: Costantina Cunningham
    Registration is closed.
    For students with little or no knowledge of the language. Participants will develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills and explore aspects of the Italian culture, while learning to communicate in a series of basic situations. Grammar and vocabulary will be introduced and reinforced through dialogues and short readings. Worksheets will be provided by the instructor.

     

    REGISTRATION REQUIRED by Monday, September 1. Limit 30 members. Click Here for Registration Instructions.

 

  • OLLI Chorus
  • Dates: 9/8/2025 - 12/1/2025
    Times: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    Days: M
    Modality: In-Person
    Building: OLLI Campus
    Instructor: Irina Kasimova-Ulrich

    Discover the power of singing in harmony! Weekly OLLI chorus rehearsals offer a welcoming and supportive environment for individuals who enjoy singing and wish to explore the world of choral music. Develop basic vocal technique, breath control, and music literacy. Share your musical journey with the community through scheduled concerts and events. Cultivate an appreciation for music and the joy of creating it with others. No auditions, just the love for music and desire to connect! Participants, please bring drinking water and a black, three-ring binder for each session. Music packets will be distributed at the first rehearsal.

    Meets weekly on Mondays at 2 pm starting on September 8.
 

  • Lifescapes Group B
  • Dates: 9/9/2025 - 12/9/2025
    Times: 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
    Days: Tu
    Modality: Hybrid
    Building: OLLI Campus
    Instructor: Sharon Honig-Bear, Karen Martin

    See description under Lifescapes Group A. Class is full for Fall 2025. For more information, please email Karen Martin at renotallgirl@gmail.com.

    Note: There will be no class on Tuesday, November 11, in observance of Veterans Day.

    Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

    Meets 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 9:30 am starting on September 9.
 

  • Spanish Conversation: For Intermediate Speakers
  • Dates: 9/9/2025 - 12/16/2025
    Times: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
    Days: Tu
    Modality: In-Person
    Building: OLLI Campus
    Instructor: Sandra Bailey

    Intermediate level students with some prior knowledge of Spanish will engage in interactive practice in speaking, listening, and writing with limited translation. Students will practice verb tenses, grammatical structures, and vocabulary while learning about travel, food, shopping, and holidays such as the Day of the Dead, current events, well known persons, art, folk art, and points of interest in the Spanish-speaking world.

    Note: There will be no class on Tuesday, November 11, in observance of Veterans Day.

    Meets weekly on Tuesdays at 10 am starting on September 9.
 

  • Flicks with Friends
  • Dates: 9/9/2025 - 12/23/2025
    Times: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
    Days: Tu
    Modality: Off-Site
    Building: Off Site Location
    Instructor: Jim Bernardi

    Jim Bernardi shares his weekly movie recommendation for the first (budget) matinee on Tuesdays at a local theater. Check out http://jimsflicks.blogspot.com to see Jim’s movie pick for the coming Tuesday. Purchase your own ticket online or when you arrive at the theater. Make a plan to meet friends, or just show up and see who’s there!

    Please note: The first session originally scheduled for Tuesday, September 9 has been canceled. Weekly outings will resume the following Tuesday, September 16.

 

  • Ukulele 2 - Intermediate Group
  • Dates: 9/9/2025 - 12/16/2025
    Times: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    Days: Tu
    Modality: Hybrid
    Building: OLLI Campus
    Instructor: William Papa

    Intermediate ukulele is for those familiar with the instrument and feel comfortable playing with songs in the key of C and G. If you have taken the beginning class, this intermediate class will continue your ukulele adventure. The class will cover the two “Daily Ukulele Books” with over 700 songs and open the door to group jams and performances in the community, including programs for seniors.

    Note: There will be no class on Tuesday, November 11, in observance of Veterans Day.

    Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

    Meets weekly on Tuesdays at Noon starting on September 9.
 

  • Ukulele 1 - Beginners Group
  • Dates: 9/9/2025 - 12/16/2025
    Times: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    Days: Tu
    Modality: Hybrid
    Building: OLLI Campus
    Instructor: William Papa

    Ever wanted to play the ukulele? In the first two weeks you will learn to play three chords for playing multiple songs. The class will sing and play over 100 songs during the semester with an emphasis on having fun and helping each other. We welcome both singers and players. Bring your own instrument or 10 ukes will be available during lessons for those who wish to try one. Call William Papa at (775) 240-4930 to reserve a uke. New students will only be accepted for the first three weeks of the course.

    Note: There will be no class on Tuesday, November 11, in observance of Veterans Day.

    Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

    Meets weekly on Tuesdays at 2 pm starting on September 9.
 

  • Nature Lovers' Book Discussion Group
  • Dates: 9/10/2025 - 12/10/2025
    Times: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
    Days: W
    Modality: Hybrid
    Building: OLLI Campus
    Instructor:
    Read and discuss books with topics of wildlife, ecology, and the natural world and our place in it. Explore the literature of landscape, place, natural history, and the environment. Everyone who is interested is welcome to join the discussion.
    • September 10 - The Light Eaters: How the Unseen World of Plant Intelligence Offers a New Understanding of Life on Earth by Zoe Schlanger
    • October 8 - Wild New World: The Epic Story of Animals and People in America by Dan Flores
    • November 12 - Under a White Sky: The Nature of the Future by Elizabeth Kolbert
    • December 10 - Members' choice: For 5-10 minutes, members will each share information about a nature book that they have read.

    Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

    Meets 2nd Wednesdays at 10 am starting on September 10.
 

  • CANCELED: Exploring Poetry
  • Dates: 9/10/2025 - 12/10/2025
    Times: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
    Days: W
    Modality: In-Person
    Building: OLLI Campus
    Instructor: Joan Brick
    THIS CLASS HAS BEEN CANCELED. 

    NOTE: This class is canceled for the remainder of the semester. 

    Poetry is a unique and expressive form of communication, capturing emotions, stories, and perspectives. In this interactive group, we’ll explore a variety of poetry styles—including cowboy poetry, Native American poetry, and more—analyzing their mood, style, and message. Through discussion, we’ll see how poems on the same topic can take vastly different approaches, offering new insights and interpretations. Those interested will also have the chance to craft and share their own poetry in a welcoming space.

 

  • Lifescapes Group C
  • Dates: 9/11/2025 - 12/11/2025
    Times: 10:15 AM - 11:30 AM
    Days: Th
    Modality: Off-Site
    Building: Off Site Location
    Instructor: Kathy Peltier

    This class will meet at OFF-SITE at South Valleys Library, 15650 Wedge Pkwy., Reno, NV 89511

    Note: There will be no class on Thursday, November , in observance of Labor Day.

    Meets 2nd and 4th Thursdays at 10:15 am starting on September 11.
 

  • Great Novels Discussion Group
  • Dates: 9/11/2025 - 12/11/2025
    Times: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
    Days: Th
    Modality: In-Person
    Building: OLLI Campus
    Instructor: Ronald Foster, Nita Jameson

    Join lovers of great literature to discuss book-length fiction from the classics to the contemporary. For more information, send email to olli.great.novels@gmail.com

    • September 11: The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
    • October 9: James by Percival Everett
    • November 13: The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner
    • December 11: The Known World by Edward P. Jones
    Meets 2nd Thursdays at 2 pm starting on September 11.
 

  • Guitar Beginners Group - Acoustic or Electric
  • Dates: 9/12/2025 - 11/21/2025
    Times: 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
    Days: F
    Modality: In-Person
    Building: OLLI Campus
    Instructor: Kurt Frohlich, David Allison
    THIS CLASS IS IN SESSION. 

    Have you ever wanted to play the guitar – either electric or acoustic? Learn common chords and chord progressions to play many popular/classic songs in all genres, plus strumming patterns, how to read guitar tablature and chord diagrams, basic guitar maintenance, changing strings, and much more! Besides group practice and “play-alongs” on various songs, you’ll work on an individual “project song” through the course duration. You must bring your own acoustic or electric guitar, guitar tuner, picks, a music stand, and a guitar stand. For electric guitars, bring a small amplifier (a Spark Go or Spark Mini amplifier is great for class and for learning songs).

    A course book will be provided. If you have questions: Text Kurt Frohlich at (775) 742-6834, or email at kfrohlich@live.com; or David Allison at (775) 771-1361 or email davidallisonesq@gmail.com.


    REGISTRATION REQUIRED by Tuesday, September 9. New students will only be accepted the first two weeks of the course. Limit 12 members. To register, log in to your member account, then return to the program page to complete your registration.
 

  • Guitar Intermediate Group - Acoustic or Electric
  • Dates: 9/12/2025 - 11/21/2025
    Times: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
    Days: F
    Modality: In-Person
    Building: OLLI Campus
    Instructor: Kurt Frohlich, David Allison
    THIS CLASS IS IN SESSION. 

    Are you a solid beginning guitar player ready to take your skills to the next level? If so, have a look at this curriculum to get you there…all in 10 weeks!

    Part 1: Intermediate Skills

    • Barre chords, plus alternate ways to play difficult chords like B and F (major and minor)
    • Intermediate strumming patterns and finger-picking basics

    Part 2: Practical Theory, Scales, and how to Improvise

    • Review the Major Scale formula
    • Apply that formula to scales (Pentatonic, Blues Scale, Diatonic Scale)
    • Learn how to play scales in Minor and Major keys
    • Add interest to your playing with bends, slides and hammer-ons/pull-offs

    You must bring your own acoustic or electric guitar, guitar tuner, picks, a music stand, and a guitar stand. For electric guitars, bring a small amplifier (a Spark Go or Spark Mini amplifier is great for class and for learning songs). A course book will be provided.

    Pre-requisites:

    • Able to tune your guitar to standard tuning (EADGBe)
    • Familiarity with most open chords 
    • Already able to play and strum through a few basic songs in common chord progressions like A, D, E or G, C, D 
    • Able to find most notes and the low E and A strings

    If you have questions: Text Kurt Frohlich at (775) 742-6834, or email at kfrohlich@live.com; or David Allison at (775) 771-1361 or email davidallisonesq@gmail.com


    REGISTRATION REQUIRED by Tuesday, September 9. New students will only be accepted the first two weeks of the course. Limit 12 members. To register, log in to your member account, then return to the program page to complete your registration.
 

  • Chair Yoga 
  • Fee: $0.00
    Dates: 9/18/2025 - 11/20/2025
    Times: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
    Days: Th
    Building: OLLI Campus
    Facilitator: Mary Dugan
    TOUR SIGN-UP CLOSED.

    This friendly, approachable chair yoga class allows participants to build on their practice, increasing strength and flexibility over time. In addition to learning yoga poses that will be practiced in a chair, students will be introduced to breath work, meditation, and the basic foundational principles of yoga. This class offers gentle yoga for the whole person. 

    REGISTRATION REQUIRED by Friday, September 12. Limit 50 members. If demand exceeds availability, a lottery will be held. To sign up, log in to your member account, then return to the program page to complete the sign-up process. 

    Please Note: Signing up does not guarantee participation. Confirmation details will be provided individually once the deadline has closed to let you know if you have been selected to participate.

 

  • French 1C: Continuation of French 1B
  • Dates: 10/8/2025 - 12/17/2025
    Times: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
    Days: W
    Modality: In-Person
    Building: OLLI Campus
    Instructor: LeeAnn Wade

    Students will continue acquiring new vocabulary and grammar concepts to enhance language development and communication skills. The instructor will provide all handouts and worksheets.

    Note: There will be no class on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 (Thanksgiving week).

    Meets weekly on Wednesdays at 10 am starting on October 8.
 

  • French 2 - Intermediate (Conversations and Grammar Made Easy)
  • Dates: 10/8/2025 - 12/17/2025
    Times: 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
    Days: W
    Modality: In-Person
    Building: OLLI Campus
    Instructor: LeeAnn Wade

    This course focuses on enhancing French language skills through structured grammar lessons and practical conversation. Designed to reinforce language fundamentals, it provides real-world application opportunities to help students build confidence in speaking and comprehension. 

    Note: There will be no class on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 (Thanksgiving week).

    Meets weekly on Wednesdays at Noon staring on October 8.
 

  • Recorder 2 - Intermediate
  • Dates: 10/14/2025 - 12/16/2025
    Times: 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
    Days: Tu
    Modality: In-Person
    Building: OLLI Campus
    Instructor: Sandy Young
    If you have taken the beginners class or are working to improve your recorder skills please join us as we begin ensemble playing - duets, trios, and larger groupings, depending on the class registration. If you have questions or are interested in joining the class please contact Sandy Young at sandypiano7@gmail.com. Class is limited to 8 students.Meets weekly on Tuesdays at noon starting on October 14.
 

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