{CANCELED} –HOLIDAY COOKIE EXCHANGE PARTY – LAST CHANCE! Registration closes TODAY at 4PM Enjoy holiday music, coffee, hot cocoa and plenty of cheer in the OLLI Lobby. Wear your festive cozy sweater and make sweet memories. Mon, Dec 8, 10AM-12PM Registration Deadline: Dec 1, Max Participants:12 Click here for More Info and to Register
URI DAY OF GIVING IS TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2nd– Consider making your gift in support of OLLI. To make a secure gift online visit alumni.uri.edu/olli. For assistance call OLLI at 874-4197.
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT – The University will be breaking ground for two new dormitories on Flagg Rd in the NewYear. 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!
DATE CHANGED FOR HOLIDAY WINES AT COAST GUARD HOUSE – The date for the class Holiday Wines: What to Serve and Why (on 12/4) has been changed. The new date is Tuesday, December 9, from 2:00PM to 3:00PM. If you are not able to attend on the new date please call the office and we will be happy to refund your payment.
SHARE YOUR LOVE OF READING – The OLLI community is collecting new and gently used children’s books this holiday season for the Jonnycake Center for Hope. Please bring unwrapped children’s books to the OLLI Office through December 12, for collection. Thank you for supporting families and youth that are in need with the gift of children’s literature.
CLASS SPOTLIGHT-
Festive Holiday Tea – Step into a cozy winter wonderland, beautifully adorned for the season, and indulge in an afternoon of festive cheer. We’ll be serving an elegant array of finger sandwiches, strawberry tarts, petit fours, tea cakes, and—naturally—a selection of fine British teas. 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 5 spots left)
Learn to Smock: Make a Holiday Ornament – Thurs, Dec 4,1-4PM Basic smocking stitches will be demonstrated and practiced in this three-hour session. A kit will be provided, with handouts, so participants, working at their own pace, can begin this hand embroidery project, and finish their sample ornament at home. This class could be a stepping stone to smocking for children’s clothing and home accessories, or just a fun way to get into the holiday spirit and learn a new skill! $10 paid to instructor on day of class Click Here 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 Participants: 20 Click Here For More Info and to Register
THIS WEEK AT OLLI
Monday
- 9:30AM Let’s Explore the Google Suite (Session 1)
- 9:30AM Dutch Island: Pasture, Fortress, Park (Session 1)
- 1:00PM Let’s Explore the Google Suite (Session 2)
- 1:30PM Cognitive Biases
Tuesday
- 6:00AM The Rockettes – NYC Day Trip
- 9:30AM Iron Age Fortress of Öland
- 11:30AM Making Retirement Income Last
- 1:00PM Game On!
- 1:30PM Food Is Medicine
- 1:30PM A History of Modern Architecture & Urbanism
- 1:30AM Holiday Wines – Coast Guard House (Session 1)
- 5:30AM Honors Colloquium
Wednesday
- 9:30AM Origin and Fate of the Universe
- 11:30AM Paris in the Dark
- 12:30PM Bowling
- 1:30PM Classic Film: John Huston
- 2:00PM Cribbage
- 3:00PM Between The Wars – Short Stories (ZOOM)
Thursday
- 9:00AM Let’s Skate!
- 9:30AM Living Well in a Toxic World
- 11:00AM Current events
- 11:00AM New Member Welcome
- 12:00PM Holiday Tea
- 1:00PM Learn to Smock
- 1:00PM Mah Jongg
Friday
- 9:30AM Poetry of Mary Oliver
- 10:00AM Photo Friday
- 10:00AM Watercolor for the Birds
- 1:00PM Carol Burnett
- 1:00PM Yoga
- 1:00PM Writer’s Group
OLLI NEW MEMBER WELCOME- Are you new to OLLI or returning after being gone a while? Both current and new members are invited to attend and learn about all OLLI has to offer. We’ll review our current programs, and our special interest groups, all while exploring and becoming more familiar with our OLLI website and registration software. Plenty of time for Q & A. Coffee & refreshments too! Join us on Thursday, Dec 4, at 11:00AM. Click Here to Register (Registration encouraged but not required)
CYBER SENIORS – 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, 1:30-3:30PM until December 16 – 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 20
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 December: 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.
UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND HONORS COLLOQUIUM – State of Education in Rhode Island, Tues, Dec 2, 5:30PM, Edwards Hall A panel of education stakeholders unpacks shifting priorities, policy debates, and systemic challenges, offering insights to guide schools, communities, and lawmakers forward. Click Here for More Info
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 Wed, Dec 3, 7:00PM-8:00PM, Higgins Welcome Center, will address “Power for All,” tackling energy inequity through community collaboration. All sessions are free and open to the public. Click Here for More Info
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. Last Seminar for Fall – Shooting Straight with Alec Wyers from the URI State Crime Lab URI Richard E. Beaupre Center for Chemical and Forensic Sciences, Room 100, 140 Flagg Road, Fri, Dec 5, 3:30 to 5:00PM Click here for 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. Wed, Dec. 3, 6-7PM, Corless Auditorium, URI Bay Campus Click Here for Details and Registration
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. Even though protected, the reef faces growing threats from overfishing, oil exploration, invasive species, coastal development, and climate change. Wed, Dec 10, 4-6PM, Coastal Institute Auditorium, URI Bay Campus Click Here for Details and Registration
DISCOVERING AI @ URI DAY December 10 | 4:00 – 7:30PM, 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. All members of the URI community are invited to attend, participate, and share their work. RSVP HERE
NEWPORT NUTCRACKER AT ROSECLIFF: Join Newport Contemporary Ballet (NCB) for 25th Anniversary of The Newport Nutcracker at Rosecliff created especially for this breathtaking Gilded Age mansion, the timeless story of The Nutcracker unfolds throughout Rosecliff’s magnificent halls, blending holiday tradition with Newport’s historic elegance. TICKETS still available for Dec 2-5
WAKEFIELD BOOKS: POP-UP BOOKSHOP at SHEPHERD’S RUN HOLIDAY MARKET Sun, Dec 7 & Sun, Dec 14, 11AM-4PM, 4780 Tower Hill RoadSouth Kingstown, RI 02879
PEACE DALE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH: 62ND ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BAZAAR, Sat, Dec 6, 9AM-2PM White Elephant Sale 9AM-1PM 261 Columbia Street, Peace Dale, RI 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
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 #, State, Car Make, Model & Color and if your car is gas, electric or hybrid.
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