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Engage Your Curiosity at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Nevada, Reno! > PROGRAMS & ACTIVITIES > Ongoing Interest Groups

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:

 
  • Coloring with Friends - Drop In
  • Dates: 1/6/2025 - 6/16/2025
    Times: 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
    Days: M
    Modality: In-Person
    Building: OLLI Campus
    Instructor: Robert Newbury
    Do you have a set of colored pencils, a coloring book, and the desire to just have fun and relax while coloring? The Coloring with Friends is just the place for you to gather with your friends and explore the joy of being creative in a friendly, open environment. Learn from other coloring enthusiasts and share your ideas and experience. All artistic skill levels are welcome, and no formal art education is needed. Bring your pencils, a coloring book or drawing paper, your ideas and be creative.Meets 1st and 3rd Mondays at 9:30 am starting on January 6.
 

  • Spanish 1 for Beginners
  • Dates: 1/6/2025 - 6/9/2025
    Times: 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
    Days: M
    Modality: In-Person
    Building: OLLI Campus
    Instructor: Judy Aukeman
    This class is designed for students with no prior knowledge of Spanish. Emphasis is placed on reading and listening comprehension to support the development of grammar and speaking skills. Participants will engage with a variety of comprehensible materials, including videos, songs, books, short stories, and other reading passages, all while receiving grammar instruction in context. For inquiries, please contact Judy at judyaukeman@yahoo.com.
    Meets weekly on Mondays at Noon starting on January 6.
 

  • French Conversation Group - Travel and Culture
  • Dates: 1/6/2025 - 6/16/2025
    Times: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    Days: M
    Modality: Online
    Building: OLLI Campus
    Instructor: Cora Robey

    For students who have some previous knowledge of French and would like to review and build on that knowledge. We will practice dialogues written to help travelers and those who love France and its cultural traditions. Students will also have plenty of opportunities to talk in French about their experiences and interests.

    Meets weekly on Mondays at Noon starting on January 6.

    Please note that classes will not be held in observance of the following holidays:

    • Monday, January 20: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
    • Monday, February 17: President's Day
    • Monday, May 26: Memorial Day

    This course is offered ONLINE ONLY.  Please see OLLI Weekly for the ZOOM link.

 

  • OLLI Chorus
  • Dates: 1/6/2025 - 4/28/2025
    Times: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    Days: M
    Modality: In-Person
    Building: OLLI Campus
    Instructor: Jim Heller

    Weekly OLLI chorus rehearsals provide an opportunity to enhance your singing ability, including four-part harmony. Members perform at OLLI functions and community events in the Reno-Sparks area. Participants are asked to bring drinking water and a black, three-ring binder for each session. Music packets will be distributed at the first rehearsal.

    Please note that classes will not be held in observance of the following holidays:

    • Monday, January 20: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
    • Monday, February 17: President's Day
    Meets weekly on Mondays at 2 pm starting on January 6.
 

  • Italian 2
  • Dates: 1/6/2025 - 5/19/2025
    Times: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
    Days: M
    Modality: In-Person
    Building: OLLI Campus
    Instructor: Costantina Cunningham
    Registration is closed.

    Italian 2 is a continuation of Italian 1 for beginners, and it is intended for people who already have some knowledge of the language. With an emphasis on listening and speaking, participants will learn to communicate quickly in a series of situations. Grammar and new vocabulary will be introduced through dialogues and readings. Grammar notes and worksheets will be provided by the instructor. Proficiency will be built through communicative activities set in real-language contexts.


    REGISTRATION REQUIRED by Friday, January 3. Limit 30 members. Click Here for Registration Instructions.

    Please note that classes will not be held in observance of the following holidays:

    • Monday, January 20: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
    • Monday, February 17: President's Day
 

  • Lifescapes Group A
  • Dates: 1/7/2025 - 5/6/2025
    Times: 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
    Days: Tu
    Modality: Hybrid
    Building: OLLI Campus
    Instructor: Phyllis Clark
    Lifescapes classes focus on evoking memories and facilitating writing about one’s life experiences. Prior to each session, a piece of literature is emailed for to class participants 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 Phyllis Clark at phylclarkpcsa@yahoo.com.

    Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

    Meets 1st and 3rd Tuesdays at 9:30 am starting on January 7.
 

  • Spanish 3 - Advanced Conversation
  • Dates: 1/7/2025 - 6/10/2025
    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.

    Meets weekly on Tuesdays at 10 am starting on January 7.
 

  • From Soup to Nuts: A Colloquy
  • Dates: 1/7/2025 - 6/17/2025
    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.

    Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

    Meets weekly on Tuesdays at 2 pm starting on January 7.
 

  • French 1B: Continuation of French 1A
  • Dates: 1/8/2025 - 5/28/2025
    Times: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
    Days: W
    Modality: In-Person
    Building: OLLI Campus
    Instructor: LeeAnn Wade
    French 1B is a continuation of the fundamentals introduced in French 1A and is intended for students who have some knowledge of the language. Emphasis will be on developing vocabulary and refining communication skills. The instructor will provide all handouts and worksheets. Meets weekly on Wednesdays at 10 am starting on January 8.
 

  • Nature Lovers' Book Discussion Group
  • Dates: 1/8/2025 - 6/11/2025
    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.
    • January 8: Cascadia's Fault: The Coming Earthquake and Tsunami That Could Devastate North America by Jerry Thompson
    • February 12: The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben
    • March 12: Longitude: The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time by Dava Sobel
    • April 9: The Poisoner's Handbook: Murder and the Birth of Forensic Medicine in Jazz Age New York by Deborah Blum
    • May 14: A Crack in Creation: Gene Editing and the Unthinkable Power to Control Evolution by Jennifer Doudna, Samuel Sternberg
    • June 11: What an Owl Knows: The New Science of the World's Most Enigmatic Birds by Jennifer Ackerman

    Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

    Meets 2nd Wednesdays at 10 am starting on January 8.
 

  • Tech Help for Computers and Personal Devices
  • Dates: 1/8/2025 - 6/18/2025
    Times: 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
    Days: W
    Modality: In-Person
    Building: OLLI Campus
    Instructor: Rick Barsan
    This is a drop-in class for anything electronic: computers (Apple or Microsoft), software (Word, Excel, Zoom, e-mail, etc.), cell phones (Apple or Android), etc. Remote tech help is also available between meetings by sending questions to: tech@ollireno.com.
    Meets weekly on Wednesdays at Noon starting on January 8.
 

  • Exploring Poetry Writing Poetry
  • Dates: 1/8/2025 - 5/28/2025
    Times: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
    Days: W
    Modality: In-Person
    Building: OLLI Campus
    Instructor: Joan Brick
    Poetry is a unique form of communication. Read and discuss many different forms of poetry for mood, style and message. We will see that poems can share the same topic, but differ greatly in other aspects, thus sending a completely different message. If desired, students can write their own poems to share with the class.Meet 2nd and 4th Wednesdays at 2 pm starting on January 8.
 

  • From Soup to Nuts: A Colloquy
  • Dates: 1/9/2025 - 6/12/2025
    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.

    Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

    Meets weekly on Thursdays at 10 am starting on January 9.
 

  • Lifescapes Group C
  • Dates: 1/9/2025 - 5/8/2025
    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 89511Meets 2nd and 4th Thursdays at 10:15 am starting on January 9.
 

  • Spanish 2 - Intermediate
  • Dates: 1/9/2025 - 6/12/2025
    Times: 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
    Days: Th
    Modality: In-Person
    Building: OLLI Campus
    Instructor: Judy Aukeman
    For those with a good background in beginning Spanish - one semester of college Spanish or equivalent. The focus of this class is on listening and reading comprehension through videos, stories, books, and music, with grammar instruction in context. For inquires, please contact Judy at judyaukeman@yahoo.com.
    Meets weekly on Thursdays at Noon starting on January 9.
 

  • Great Novels Discussion Group
  • Dates: 1/9/2025 - 6/12/2025
    Times: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
    Days: Th
    Modality: In-Person
    Building: OLLI Campus
    Instructor: Ronald Foster, Nita Jameson, Tom Wolf

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

    • January 9: If on a Winter's Night a Traveler by Italo Calvino
    • February 13: Crossing to Safety by Wallace Stegner
    • March 13: Bel Canto by Ann Patchett
    • April 10: Candide by Voltaire
    • May 8: The Feast by Margaret Kennedy
    • June 12: Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro
    Meets 2nd Thursdays at 2 pm starting on January 9.
 

  • Espionage Books Discussion Group
  • Dates: 1/10/2025 - 6/13/2025
    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. See https://ollirenoebgebg.blogspot.com for more information. 

    • January 10: Moscow X (2023) by David McCloskey
    • February 14: The Kremlin's Candidate (2018) by Jason Matthews
    • March 14: Cold Victory (2024) by Karl Marlantes
    • April 11 The Peacock and The Sparrow (2023) by I.S. Berry
    • May 9: The Spy Coast (2023) by Tess Gerritsen
    • June 13: Madame Fourcade's Secret War (2019) by Lynne Olson

    Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

    Meets on 2nd Fridays at 10 am starting on January 10.
 

  • French Conversation Group - Fluent Speakers
  • Dates: 1/10/2025 - 6/20/2025
    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 January 10.
 

  • Creative Card Making
  • Dates: 1/13/2025 - 6/9/2025
    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 January 13.
 

  • Watercolor with Friends - Drop In
  • Dates: 1/13/2025 - 6/9/2025
    Times: 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
    Days: M
    Modality: In-Person
    Building: OLLI Campus
    Instructor: Barbara Laber, 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.
    Please note that class will not be held in observance of Memorial Day on Monday, May 26. Meets 2nd and 4th Mondays at 9:30 am starting on January 13.
 

  • Mystery Books Discussion Group
  • Dates: 1/13/2025 - 6/9/2025
    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.
    • January 13: The Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware
    • February 10: The Princess of Burundi (Ann Lindell #1) by Kjell Eriksson
    • March 10: The Senator’s Wife by Liv Constantine
    • April 14: April in Spain (Strafford & Quirke #2) by John Banville
    • May 12: The Woman in the Library by Sulari Gentill
    • June 9: Dry Bones in the Valley (Henry Farrell #1) by Tom Bouman

    Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

    Meets 2nd Mondays at Noon starting on January 13.
 

  • Warm Hats for Cool Heads
  • Dates: 1/13/2025 - 6/9/2025
    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.

    Please note that class will not be held in observance of Memorial Day on Monday, May 26. 

    Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

    Meets 2nd and 4th Mondays at 2 pm starting January 13.
 

  • Lifescapes Group B
  • Dates: 1/14/2025 - 5/13/2025
    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 Spring 2025.

    For more information, please email Karen Martin at renotallgirl@gmail.com.

    Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

    Meets 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 9:30 am starting on January 14.
 

  • Reading Poetry Together
  • Dates: 1/15/2025 - 6/18/2025
    Times: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
    Days: W
    Modality: Hybrid
    Building: OLLI Campus
    Instructor: Tom Wolf

    Meet with other OLLI poetry lovers to explore insights and pleasures in response to poetry.  Group members will share poems that are meaningful to them,  For more information, email Tom Wolf at tewolf1960@gmail.com with "POETRY" in the subject line.

    Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

    Meets 1st and 3rd Wednesdays at 2 pm starting on January 15.
 

  • Big Questions Book Discussion Group
  • Dates: 1/16/2025 - 6/5/2025
    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 January 16.
 

  • Ukulele 2 - Intermediate Group
  • Dates: 1/21/2025 - 5/27/2025
    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.

    Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

    Meets weekly on Tuesdays at Noon starting on January 21.
 

  • Ukulele 1 - Beginners Group
  • Dates: 1/21/2025 - 5/27/2025
    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.

    Look for the ZOOM link in the OLLI Weekly.

    Meets weekly on Tuesdays at 2 pm starting on January 21.
 

  • OLLI Travelers
  • Dates: 2/5/2025 - 5/7/2025
    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 February 5.
 

  • Recorder 1 - Beginners
  • Dates: 4/9/2025 - 6/11/2025
    Times: 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
    Days: W
    Modality: In-Person
    Building: OLLI Campus
    Instructor: Sandy Young

    Learn the basics of playing the recorder. Participants need to have a soprano or alto recorder and a music stand. Participants must also be able to read treble clef notes. Class text, The Recorder Guide by Johanna E. Kulbach and Arthur Nitka, is available for purchase online. Class is limited to eight members. Please contact Sandy Young at sandypiano7@gmail.com for pre-registration and more information.  

     

    Meets weekly on Wednesdays at 12 p.m. starting on April 9.
 

  • Recorder 2 - Intermediate
  • Dates: 4/10/2025 - 6/12/2025
    Times: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
    Days: Th
    Modality: In-Person
    Building: OLLI Campus
    Instructor: Sandy Young

    Continue to learn to play the recorder. Participants should have some experience from the beginner's class and have a soprano or alto recorder and a music stand. Participants must also be able to read treble clef notes. Class text, The Recorder Guide by Johanna E. Kulbach and Arthur Nitka, is available for purchase online. Class is limited to eight members. Please contact Sandy Young at sandypiano7@gmail.com for pre-registration and more information.

    Meets weekly on Thursdays at 2 p.m. starting on April 10.
 

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