Week of June 22, 2026 

June 22, 2026

BIKE GROUP MEETING – Now Scheduled for Tues, June 23 at 9:00AM  Bike group members, please join us at OLLI for Meeting/Discussion. 

SUMMER REGISTRATION CONTINUES!

Browse the catalog online by Clicking Here. Choose from 4 convenient ways to register:

1.       Online: Click Here to log into your OLLI account

2.       By phone: Call 401.874.4197

3.       Walk-in: we’re happy to help you in our office at 210 Flagg Rd

4.       Mail: Complete Registration Form (with a check made out to URI) 

If you need help with updating your password or renewing your membership, give us a call in the OLLI office for assistance at 401.874.4197! If a class is full, please add your name to the waitlist. Cancellations often occur before the class begins, and we will contact you if space becomes available.  If there is enough interest, we may be able to schedule an additional session. 

SECOND SESSION ADDED- Due to popular demand we have added a second session of The Pearl: Hope, Destruction and the Human Condition 4 classes with Vince Burks Thurs,10:00-11:30AM on August 6, 13, 20, 27 Click Here to Register or call the office at 401.874.4197

OLLI OFFICE CLOSURES- Please be advised that the OLLI office will be closed:

  • Tues, June 23 11:30AM-5PM for a meeting with key OLLI leaders
  • Fri, June 26 All day 9AM-5PM due to URI construction project

SUMMER SCHEDULE CHANGES-

-The class RI Geologic History has been postponed until the spring 2027 semester. We will keep you posted when we’re able to reschedule.  

-The class A Gilded Age Tale of a Millionaire Madman and an Adventuress has been canceled due to unforeseen circumstances. We hope to reschedule this class next semester.

Good News! The Gilded Age has been replaced with the class:

How the Beatles Changed the World – 1 session with David Aguilar, Wed, Jul 8 10-11:30AM !! February 7, 1964, four young musicians from Liverpool landed at John F. Kennedy International Airport, welcomed by 5,000 enthusiastic fans. They were in town to perform that Sunday night on the Ed Sullivan Show, with CBS already overwhelmed by 50,000 ticket requests for their 728-seat Studio 50 theater. Little did anyone realize that over the next six years, the Fab Four would revolutionize the music industry in unprecedented ways. They were the first band to write all their own songs, produce the first music videos, and incorporate sound sampling into their tracks. They became a pioneering brand and were the first group to stop live performances to focus on the skyrocketing sales of their studio albums. Fueled by boundless creativity, the Beatles transformed the world and brought joy that continues to resonate with us today. If you love their music, just wait until you discover how they created it. The class will be in Swan Hall at URI and you may register a guest to attend this class with you. Click Here to Register

🌞CLASS SPOTLIGHT-

Beyond The Basics: A Hands-On AI Project Workshop – 3 Sessions with Karen Lokey, Wed, 3-3:30PM beginning Jul 8. Take your AI skills to the next level in this hands-on, three-session workshop designed for those who have already explored the basics. Rather than focusing on demonstrations, this course emphasizes applying AI tools to a project of your own choosing. Participants will bring an idea—such as writing, planning, research, or a creative endeavor—and develop it over the course of the series. Through guided instruction, collaborative discussion, and individualized coaching, you will learn how to refine prompts, improve results, and use AI more effectively in real-world situations. By the end of the workshop, you will have a completed (or near-complete) project and a practical approach you can continue using beyond the class. Class size is limited to encourage interaction and personalized support. Click Here to Register

Mindful Movement – 4 Sessions with Garlan Brosnahan, Thurs, 9:30-11AM beginning Jul 9.

Mindful Movement is a curious exploration of how the mind and body, together as the whole self, work alongside one another to create easeful, thoughtful, free, open, long, and wide movement expressions. Students will engage in a meditative body mapping guided lie-down (or sit-down), talked through by the instructor. There will be plenty of space given to sharing reflections and asking questions, as well as lots of group activities in movement. This course combines principles of the Alexander Technique, reiki, and stretch therapy. Click Here to Register

PARKING – OLLI Members continue to enjoy FREE parking (with permit) in the Plains Rd Lot (#25). Click Here for more information about parking and disabled parking or call the office at 401.874.4197 with any questions.

THIS WEEK AT OLLI 

Monday

  • 11:30AM Improving the Home Landscape

Tuesday

  • 9:00AM Bike Group Meeting
  • 11:30AM Office Closed

Wednesday

  • 12:30PM Bowling
  • 1:00PM Hiking
  • 2:00PM Cribbage

Thursday

  • 10:00AM Beginner Mah Jongg
  • 11:00AM Current Events
  • 1:00PM Mah Jongg
  • 4:00PM OLLI Instructor Powerpoint Building & Presenting

Friday- Office Closed

CROSS THAT BRIDGE WITH OLLI! The Citizens Pell Bridge Walk/Run raises thousands of dollars for local charities. The 4-mile walk/run which begins in Jamestown and ends in downtown Newport attracts 3000 participants each year. We’re organizing an OLLI team this year to train together for the event, raising awareness of OLLI and spreading OLLI spirit. You don’t need to be an athlete for the event or have any experience in a race. You set your pace. Imagine “walking over the Pell Bridge” with your OLLI friends, and you can take this off your bucket list! The event takes place on Sunday, August 30. We’re planning on meeting once to discuss getting ready for the event, how we want to participate as OLLI members, and how we can support each other.  To learn more, you can go to their website. As you will see, there is a fee for the race, most of which is donated to their selected charities. Meet at OLLI on Thurs, July 9, at 9:30AM, Rm 201. Let’s go OLLI!! Click here to hear a few words from Sandra.

HUNGER DOESN’T TAKE A BREAK – URI’s principal basic needs pantry, Rhody Outpost, is for students experiencing food insecurity. Although the school year is over, many students remain on campus throughout the summer months. You can help by donating the following items: Tuna, Sardines, Rice, Pasta (regular & gluten free), Drink Mix Packets (lemonade) and Sunscreen. A collection bin is located in the OLLI lobby. 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.  Reminder: Please no expired food!

URI MASTER GARDENERS AWAITING YOUR CALL (OR EMAIL) – Have a garden quandary or need some advice before you start planting your 2026 garden? Ready to celebrate spring but don’t know where to start? The University of Rhode Island Gardening & Environmental Hotline is now open and in full operation through Nov 1. Southern New Englanders are welcome to send an email and photos to the University’s Master Gardener volunteer educators or call for science based-answers to their gardening and environmental questions. In-person visits are also available by appointment at URI’s Mallon Outreach Center on the Kingston Campus. Just call 401-874-4836 or email gardener@uri.edu. Click HERE for info about FREE soil testing.

KINGSTON CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL– 38th Season with Artistic Director Natalie Zhu – July 22-August 2- 8 concerts (6 at URI & 2 at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd). As the nation commemorates the semiquincentennial of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, our 2026 festival celebrates “Life, Liberty, & Music.” Classical music offers a unique opportunity to explore how dialogue across centuries, borders, and genres—among composers, performers, and audiences alike—fuels cultural vitality. From fresh interpretations of classic works to pieces by living composers, the festival will showcase the diverse voices that continue to shape and enrich the American musical landscape. Click Here for Schedule & Tickets

250th ANNIVERSARY EVENTS:

The Web They Wove: Women & Their Wardrobes During the American Revolution Cranston Public Library, Tues, June 23, 6-7:30PM This program is presented by costumed historians and includes reproduction clothing pieces & fabric samples as well as a PowerPoint presentation with images of extant originals. More information and the registration form (limited seating-registration required) is available at https://events.cranstonlibrary.org/event/1650322 

Free Community Event – Preservation & Heritage Commission/WG 250th/WG Town Hall & Louttit Library present: An exhibit of the ORIGINAL Southwick Broadside of the Declaration of Independence West Greenwich Town Hall Council Chambers on Sat, June 27,1:00-3:00PM. (Please note that the State Archivist warned us that the Declaration can only be exposed to light for two hours, so don’t wait until late in the window)

SMITH CASTLE UPCOMING EVENTS: (Click https://www.smithscastle.org for tickets & more info)

  • Movement in the North with local Historian Christian McBurney, Tues, June 23, 6PM (free event – suggested donation $5)
  • Breakfast Talk–Stephen Hopkins:The Complicated Life of RI’s Founding Father-with Mark Burnham, Sat, Jun 27, Doors open 9:30AM, talk at 10AM Free for members $10/nonmember

SUMMER CONCERTS BY THE SEA – Wakefield Concert Band presents:

  •  Movie Themes! Mon, June 22, 6:30PM, Marina Park
  • Broadway Show Tunes! Mon, June 29, 6:30PM, Marina Park

Bring A Chair! Bring A Snack! Bring A Friend!

THE CONTEMPORARY THEATER COMPANY PRESENTS – INTO THE WOODS Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim Directed by Maggie Cady Once upon a time in a far-off kingdom…This witty, poignant, and unforgettable musical with Sondheim’s gorgeous score reveals what lies beyond “happily ever after”. June 26-Jul 25 Standard Tickets $35 Click Here For Tickets & More Info

UPCOMING EVENT- Bus Tour of The Historic Armories of Rhode Island Sat, Sept 12, 2026 Begins at 9AM sharp; finishes 5PM, Boxed lunch included A rare visit to see 14 of Rhode Island’s 18 historic armories and ride in coach comfort Your guides: Roberta Mudge Humble (author: The Historic Armories of Rhode Island & President, Westerly Armory) Colonel Ron Barnes (Past Commander, Pawtuxet Rangers) Ticket: $45 per person Purchase by mail or in person: (cash or check, to Westerly Armory) Westerly Armory PO Box 614 Westerly, RI 02891 

URI PHYSICAL THERAPY DEPT – Shoulder Motor Control Study: Rotator Cuff Seeking study Participants between 18-64 yrs old with or without shoulder surgery with no mobility limitations. Compensation $20 email: tyler.foster@uri.edu for more information See Flyer For Details

URI DEPARTMENT OF KINESIOLOGY (HIPLAB) – COPD Study Seeking study participants with COPD, 45 years or older, no hospitalizations or antibiotics in last 3 months Compensation up to $120  email:hiplab@uri.edu or call 401-874-5541 for more information See Flyer For Details

URI DEPARTMENT OF KINESIOLOGY – Cerebral Palsy Study Seeking participants 18-60 years old with cerebral palsy for one 90 minute session assessing muscle strength and function Compensation $25 For more info email sedandrea@uri.edu or call 401-874-5210

NEW DOCU-SERIES FROM CYBER-SENIORS Cyber Seniors is proud to share the pilot episode of a new short-form documentary series called The Choice. It explores MAID,(Medical Assistance in Dying) a complex and deeply important issue facing many families today. For older adults, caregivers, and younger generations alike, questions around dignity, autonomy, care, and end-of-life choice can be deeply personal. Whether people agree or disagree on the issue, it is a conversation that touches many lives. The pilot was created to encourage thoughtful dialogue with compassion and respect.

You can view the pilot here:

Your engagement helps demonstrate interest in the series and supports future production funding.

IF YOU ARE ATTENDING CLASSES AT OLLI, YOU MUST HAVE A PARKING PASS! If you are not sure if your permit is current, please call the office at 401-874-4197. Parking is FREE with membership in Plains Road lot #25 but you must register your vehicle if you are taking classes in 2026. If you get a ticket you will be responsible for appealing it with the URI parking administration.

OLLI IN THE NEWS- Check out the recent article featuring OLLI in Rhody Today and this essay in WBUR.org written by an OLLI member about her experience with OLLI’s Learn to Skate program.

If you would like to view past This Week At OLLI weekly newsletters go to https://web.uri.edu/olli/news/

If you would like to receive updates of URI News and Events subscribe to Rhody Today. 
If you would like to connect with OLLI go to our website olli@uri.edu or follow/like us on  image.pngimage.png.