Week of November 17

November 16, 2025

Week of November 17, 2025

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT – The University will be breaking ground for two new dormitories on Flagg Rd in the New Year. Construction will impact our current parking in Lot #21. We are working with facilities to address our parking concerns. We will keep you updated as we learn more within the next few weeks.

HOLIDAY FUN BEGINNING THE WEEK OF DECEMBER 8! Stop by and visit the OLLI staff wearing your  Festive Holiday Sweater! Have your photo taken and you will be entered into a raffle to win some great prizes. We’ll have holiday snacks and more!

Holiday Cookie Exchange Party – Mon, Dec 8, 10AM-12PM OLLI Lobby Enjoy holiday music, coffee, hot cocoa and plenty of cheer. Wear your festive cozy sweater and make sweet memories. Registration Deadline: Dec 1, Max Participants:12 Click here for More Info and to Register

Christmas Boxwood Tree Workshop – Thurs, Dec 11, 6-8PM Get into the holiday spirit by creating your very own festive Boxwood Tree! Each participant will receive a reusable base, twinkling lights, fresh greenery, flowers, and ample decorations to make their tree truly shine.Our experienced instructor will guide you step by step, sharing insider tips and tricks of the trade to help you craft a professional -looking centerpiece with ease. Floral Designs by Donna, Mariner Square, Narragansett, RI Max: 20 Fee: $60 Click Here For More Info and to Register

Holiday Wines: What to Serve and Why – with Elisa Wybraniec– Tues, Dec 2, 3-4PM Coast Guard House, Narragansett, RI Fee:$20

Festive Holiday Tea  – Sweet Marie’s Tea Shop, North Kingstown, RI, Thurs, Dec 4, 12-1:30PM Fee: $50 Click Here for More More Info and to Register (Only 6 spots left)

A Taste of Tradition: Decorate a Gingerbread House – Tues, Dec 9, 11AM-12PM Taste Buds Kitchen, East Greenwich, RI Fee:$50 Click Here for More Info and to Register (Please note: the time has been changed to 11AM-12PM) (Only 2 spots left)

CLASS SPOTLIGHT-  

What Makes A Company Town – 1 session with Allison Horrocks, Tues, Nov 18, 9:30-11AM What makes a company town? We’ll explore the evolution of mill villages and corporate enterprises in the Blackstone Valley. We’ll focus on the development of communities such as Slatersville, Hopedale, and Whitinsville. Click Here For More Info and to Register 

Japanese American Incarceration During WWII – Session #2 – 1 Session with Ken Nomiyama Thu, Nov 20 1PM-2:30PM The Japanese in America faced decades of racial discrimination, but after Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the situation came to a head. In this session, you have the opportunity to hear from someone who experienced life in one of the camps during World War II. Click Here for More Info and to Register

COSMIC QUESTIONS – There will be no Cosmic Questions Thu, Nov 20 OR Thu, Dec 18. Cosmic Questions will resume in January. 

THIS WEEK AT OLLI 

Monday

  • 9:30AM Let’s Explore the Google Suite (Session 1)
  • 9:30AM The Constitution as Applied
  • 1:00PM Let’s Explore the Google Suite (Session 2)
  • 1:30PM Cognitive Biases
  • 5:00PM Graceful Exits (Osher Online)

Tuesday

  • 9:30AM What Makes a Company Town?
  • 10:00AM Biking
  • 11:30AM Triggered to Tranquil
  • 1:00PM Game On!
  • 1:00PM Inequality and Economic Policy (Osher Online)
  • 1:30PM Food Is Medicine
  • 1:30PM A History of Modern Architecture & Urbanism
  • 1:30PM Cyber Seniors – Kiera
  • 3:00PM Peeking Inside the Black Box (Osher Online)
  • 5:30PM Honors Colloquium

Wednesday

  • 9:30AM Origin and Fate of the Universe
  • 10:00AM Events Committee
  • 11:30AM Paris in the Dark
  • 12:30PM Bowling
  • 1:00PM Hiking
  • 1:30PM Classic Film: John Huston
  • 2:00PM Cribbage
  • 3:00PM Between The Wars – Short Stories (ZOOM)
  • 7:00PM Public Health in Action (Osher Online)

Thursday

  • 9:00AM Let’s Skate!
  • 9:30AM Living Well in a Toxic World
  • 11:00AM In Darwin’s Footsteps-Galapagos (Osher Online)
  • 1:00PM Japanese American Incarceration WWII (Session 2)
  • 1:00PM Mah Jongg
  • 1:00PM Languages of the World (Osher Online)
  • 3:00PM Program Committee

Friday 

  • 9:00AM QiGong (Off-site)
  • 10:00AM Watercolor for the Birds
  • 1:00PM Carol Burnett & Friends
  • 1:00PM Chair Yoga
  • 1:00PM Book Club

Saturday

  • 10:00AM RI War Hero – Nathanael Greene 

OSHER ONLINE FALL 2025 BONUS COMMUNITY EVENT. We are delighted to share a bonus fall community event, “The Benefits of Strength Training for Life’s Journey” on Thursday, November 20, at 5pm ET. The presentation will be 60 minutes followed by Q&A. Community events are FREE and available to ALL members of participating Institutes, even if they are not enrolled in an Osher Online course. Events are presented in webinar format. Participants are asked to register on a first come, first serve basis through the following link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_XsG6Xo_4QZyIKKwUGhkn4w

MUSICIANS AND SINGERS WANTED! Join other OLLI musicians and singers on Tuesday, Nov 25, at 3:30PM here at OLLI. We are looking for members who play an instrument or who sing to gather in discussion about the possibility of organizing a Festival of Aging and Music. Come with your interest and ideas and share with our OLLI members Sandra Enos and Don Smith. If unable to attend and you wish to be put on the mailing list please email Sandra at sandra.l.enos@gmail.com or Don at djsmus@msn.com

CYBER SENIORS – We are happy to announce that our Cyber Senior student expert – Kiera, has agreed to work with us for the remainder of the semester. Please stop in and see Kiera in the lobby for all your tech questions. Tuesdays, 1:30-3:30 PM – No appointment necessary. 

OLLI MERCH – Stay warm this fall/winter and represent OLLI with one of our new OLLI Scarves CLICK HERE to view and purchase $15.

DISCOUNT URI BASKETBALL AND FOOTBALL – CLICK HERE for OLLI discounted URI Basketball tickets as well as the last home football game Nov 22.

RHODY OUTPOST– URI’s principal basic needs pantry for students experiencing food insecurity. The Outpost provides fresh and non-perishable food and personal care items at no charge to students. Click Here to view the updated list of all urgently needed items. You can also purchase items directly from Amazon on the Rhody Outpost Wish List.  

Most needed items for November: chicken breast, sardines, tuna, chickpeas,Kashi or Kind bars, whole oats, cereal, ramen, single-serve chips/crackers/nuts/dried fruit/cookies,jelly, microwave popcorn, toothpaste, toothbrushes, dish soap, tissues, paper towels, toilet paper, laundry pods.

URI LECTURE SERIES: Plugged Into Energy Research – Learn more about ways to save money on energy bills, improve health and comfort through energy efficiency. The final program of the series on Wednesday, Dec 3, 7-8PM, Higgins Welcome Center, will address “Power for All,” tackling energy inequity through community collaboration. This lecture will highlight efforts to improve participation in residential energy efficiency programs in Rhode Island, exploring ways to elevate community voices for informed policymaking and meaningful change. Speakers will discuss findings and takeaways from initiatives to improve energy efficiency participation in Rhode Island. All sessions are free and open to the public. Click Here for More Info

UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND HONORS COLLOQUIUM – Who Gets to Belong? Unmasking Injustice and Reimagining Education for All  Nov 18, at 5:30 PM, Edwards Hall. Behind the polished surfaces of test scores, school rankings, and policy reforms lies a more complex truth: too many students struggle to find a sense of belonging in educational systems not built with them in mind. In this timely and provocative lecture, Dr. Terrell Strayhorn—internationally recognized scholar, author, and public speaker—pulls back the curtain on systemic issues that shape educational opportunities and outcomes for today’s students. Click Here for More Information.

URI THEATRE PRESENTS: TWO BY TWO An Evening of two One-Acts featuring FREE RANGE CHICKENS by Ann Wuehler and THE DUMB WAITER by Harold Pinter. Dec 4-7 Click Here To Purchase Tickets

THE FORENSIC SCIENCE SEMINAR SERIES is offered each semester by the Forensic Science Partnership. Speakers represent the many different specialized areas of forensic science. The speakers present their real-life experiences in their fields. Seminars are offered for credit, but are also open to the public at no cost. Take a look at this semester’s lineup! All seminars will be held in URI’s Richard E. Beaupre Center for Chemical and Forensic Sciences, 140 Flagg Road, Kingston, RI, from 3:30 to 5:00pm: Friday seminars will be held in Beaupre 100, and Wednesday seminars in Beaupre 105. Click here for dates and more information. 

URI GRADUATE SCHOOL OF OCEANOGRAPHY PRESENTS: 

From the Ground Up: Communities Leading the Next Chapter of Climate Resilience Please join us for the 2025 Charles and Marie Fish Lecture featuring Jainey Bavishi, former Deputy Administrator of NOAA and former Director of New York City’s Office of Climate Resiliency. As climate impacts accelerate and uncertainty grows, communities across the country are redefining what it means to be resilient. In this fireside chat, Jainey Bavishi will explore how equity, local leadership and civic collaboration form the backbone of effective climate action, even as traditional systems face strain. Drawing on lessons from city halls, federal agencies, and frontline communities, the conversation will highlight how resilience can endure and evolve from the ground up Dec. 3, 6-7 pm, Corless Auditorium, URI Bay Campus Details and Registration: https://web.uri.edu/gso/outreach/charles-and-marie-fish-lecture-series/

Film Screening: Wealth Untold – Please join us for free screening of Wealth Untold, a new documentary that follows a multigenerational network of women leaders fighting to protect Belize’s world-renowned barrier reef from environmental threats that endanger the livelihoods of coastal communities. Belize, a small coastal country in Central America, is home to the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that sustains over half the country’s population. Even though protected, the reef faces growing threats from overfishing, oil exploration, invasive species, coastal development, and climate change. Wealth Untold follows inspiring women leaders and change-makers fighting to safeguard this vital ecosystem while balancing economic prosperity. Their personal stories serve as a model for coastal communities around the world, highlighting the powerful role of women in shaping a sustainable future. Phil Karp, the producer of Wealth Untold as well as an ocean advocate, will be available for a post-film discussion to answer questions about the film’s themes, ocean conservation challenges, and how viewers can get involved in marine advocacy. Dec. 10, 4-6 pm, Coastal Institute Auditorium, URI Bay Campus Details and registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/film-screening-wealth-untold-tickets-1866052125139

DISCOVERING AI @ URI DAY December 10 | 4:00 – 7:30 p.m. Fascitelli Center for Advanced Engineering, Rooms 040 & 045 – The University of Rhode Island community is invited to join us for a dynamic recognition of the diverse and creative work of our faculty, students, and staff exploring artificial intelligence in research, teaching, and innovation. This AI @ URI Showcase will highlight how members of our community are shaping the future of AI through experimentation and collaboration. The event will feature: Opening Remarks from the state, campus and community leaders, Interactive Panel Discussions, Poster Presentations, Special Guest: Senator Victoria Gu, Chair of the Rhode Island Senate Committee on Artificial Intelligence & Emerging Technology, Food will be provided by URI Dining Services. All members of the URI community are invited to attend, participate, and share their work. RSVP: RSVP HERE  Join us as we celebrate URI’s leadership in innovation and discovery across disciplines.

POETRY NIGHT AT TRINITY REP- You’re invited to attend a poetry night at Trinity Rep. Poets will be performing in pairs as they explore the weights we carry, the mementos we leave behind, and the legacies that linger. They have some wonderful poets performing, and they’re expecting it to be a really incredible evening. Ticketing for the event is a Pay What You Wish model with a $5 minimum for online ticket reservations. Monday, Nov 17, at 7:00PM. Click here for more information.

SMITH’S CASTLE PRESENTS: CHRISTMAS AT THE CASTLE – December 6-7, 12-4PM Adults $10|Seniors & Military $8|Children 6-12 $5|Children under 6 and Cocumscussoc Association Members FREE, No pre-registration required CLICK HERE to see Schedule of Events

WAKEFIELD CONCERT BAND PRESENTS: HOLIDAY CONCERT  Dec 8, 7PM Hallway Entertainment starting 6PM – free with price of admission. South Kingstown HS Auditorium $10 Admission|Children under 12 Free|$20 family max. Please bring a toiletry item for the Johnnycake Center CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED– 

A COMMUNITY TOGETHER (ACT) – A Community Together, a 501c3 nonprofit organization in South Kingstown and Narragansett, is seeking volunteers to help make life easier for older adults who may need minor help to remain a part of the community. If you are interested in becoming one of our valued volunteer members, please contact us by email or visit our website for more information go to actneighbors@gmail.com or https://www.acommunitytogethervillage.org/

WEST WARWICK PUBLIC SCHOOLS VOLUNTEER MENTOR PROGRAM – West Warwick Public Schools is looking for mentors for the 2025-2026 school year. Mentors visit with students during the school day, once per week. The mentor meets one on one with the student to build a positive relationship and provide encouragement and support. Click here to visit the website for more information or contact Dana Papitto, Mentor Coordinator, 401-825-6530 dpapitto@ww-ps.com

AARP – Help Keep Drivers Safe in Your Community – Do you have a passion for helping others and want to be part of a charge to make your community safer? Looking for volunteers as Instructors and Coordinators to grow our leading educational programs. Become an AARP Driver Safety Volunteer today! Go to www.aarp.org/volunteernow

IF YOU ARE ATTENDING CLASSES AT OLLI, YOU MUST HAVE A PARKING PASS! If you are not sure, please call the office at 401-874-4197. Parking is FREE with membership but you must register your vehicle now if you are taking classes in 2025 -2026. If you get a ticket you will be responsible for appealing it with the URI parking administration. If you would like us to renew your parking pass we need the following information as soon as possible: License Plate #, Car Make, Model & Color and if your car is gas, electric or hybrid. 

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