CAUTION – Due to URI construction there is a new temporary sidewalk from Flagg Road that leads to the OLLI building #210. From Flagg Road – Take a right at the OLLI sign, follow the temporary sidewalk to the old sidewalk which leads to the front door of the OLLI building. There will be construction on Flagg Rd this week 8/3-8/7 but it will NOT affect access to the sidewalk from Plains Rd Lot (#25) 

PARKING – IT’S TIME TO RENEW YOUR PARKING PERMIT AT OLLI! All 2025/2026 parking permits expired July 31, 2026; new parking permits for the upcoming academic year 2026/2027 may be obtained online by signing in to your parking account. Click Here for steps to renew your permit OR if you have any questions or need help with the renewal process, we’re happy to assist. Please call the office at 401.874.4197. OLLI Members 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 with any questions.

WINTER COURSE PROPOSALS DUE AUGUST 4- We are always looking for inspiring individuals to teach at OLLI. Although many of our instructors are professors, presenters DO NOT need previous teaching experience. An individual with a passion to share a hobby or an art or other interest would make an outstanding OLLI presenter. Fill out the course proposal form on our website. Questions? Call the office at 401.874.4197. 

FREE CLASS-  World Cup: A Retrospective Discussion-This session will focus on the 2026 World Cup, while also including information about past and future championships. The discussion will be led by Jim Buxton and Keith Bagley. Both were college soccer players, have played adult soccer for over 30 years, were both youth soccer coaches and are both World Cup enthusiasts. While participants are welcome to bring up a wide range of topics, the discussion will cover: male vs. female World Cup soccer, future venues and the expansion to 64 teams, yellow cards, red cards, and penalty kicks, referee decisions, FIFA, and proposed reforms to the game. 1 Session Fri, Aug 7, 10-11:30AM 

SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS (SIGS) & OLLI EXTRAS – Current Registration expired June 30. Register now for the current year (2026/2027). SIGS are FREE with your OLLI membership but registration is required. Click Here for More Info

CANCELED CLASSES- We apologize for any inconvenience – refunds have been issued.  

• Hollow Ridge Vineyards:  2 tours (scheduled for 8/5 & 8/6) have been canceled by the venue

CLASS SPOTLIGHT-

Basic Astrodynamics of Lunar and Martian Missions – 2 Sessions with Doug Gobeille beginning Tues, Aug 4, 3-4:30PM The excitement of the Artemis II mission has renewed interest in the mechanics of space flight and planetary exploration. We will review the basic astrodynamics of lunar and Martian missions, including flybys, orbiters, and landers. We’ll use the Kerbal Space Program (KSP) software package to experience realistic physical simulations of these missions in real time, giving us the ability to consider and execute on numerous distinct command decisions and identify potential outcomes. Click Here to Register

Toxic Minerals and Dangerous Collecting Sites – 1 session with Ernest Zielinski Thu. Aug 6, 1-2:30PM The Earth is a kitchen and Mother Nature knows how to cook. Having said that, most minerals are harmless, but some can be dangerous and deadly along with their collecting sites. This talk will explore some of the toxic minerals in nature and locations that require avoidance or special precautions.  Click Here To Register

OLLI NEW MEMBER WELCOME-  Are you new to OLLI@URI? or returning after being gone awhile?  Join us for an engaging overview of our programs and special interest groups, plus a guided tour of the OLLI website and registration system. There will be plenty of time for questions, conversation and connection – with coffee & door prizes too! Bring a friend! Non-members welcome! If you are not a member and need a temporary parking pass, please call the OLLI office at 401-874-4197. Tues, Aug 11, from 12:30-2PM  Click Here to Register (Registration not required)

THIS WEEK AT OLLI 

Monday 

• 1:00PM The Indispensable Founder: George Washington (Osher Online)
• 3:00PM Threads of History Exploring the World of Oriental Rugs (Osher Online)

Tuesday

• 9:00AM Biking
• 10:00AM The Constitution as Applied: Checks and Balances, Due Process
• 10:00AM The Pearl: Hope, Destruction & the Human Condition (Session#1)
• 1:00PM Discovering Portugal (Osher Online)
• 3:00PM Basic Astrodynamics of Lunar & Martian Missions
• 3:00PM Protecting Yourself as a Patient (Osher Online)
• 5:00PM Keep Austen Weird
• 5:00PM Broadway Musicals: A Fascinating History (Osher Online)
• 7:00PM Horticulture A-Z (Osher Online)

Wednesday

• 9:00AM Is AI Leading Us Toward a More Dangerous World Order? (Dartmouth Lecture Series)
• 10:00AM The Importance of Being Earnest
• 11:00AM Canals and the Making of the Modern World (Osher Online)
• 12:30PM Bowling
• 1:00PM CS Lewis: The Four Loves 
• 1:00PM Women Architects and Designers (Osher Online)
• 2:00PM Cribbage
• 2:00PM Rhode Island Lighthouse Tour
• 3:00PM Hindu Traditions (Osher Online)

Thursday

• 10:00AM Beginner Mah Jongg
• 10:00AM The Pearl: Hope, Destruction & the Human Condition (Session#2)
• 11:00AM Instant Laughter: Cooperative Games for Family & Friends
• 11:00AM Endless Grounds (Osher Online)
• 1:00PM Mah Jongg
• 1:00PM Toxic Minerals & Dangerous Collecting Sites
• 1:00PM Revolutionary Echoes in Washington DC (Osher Online)

Friday

• 10:00AM Photo Friday
• 10:00AM World Cup: A Retrospective Discussion
• 11:00AM A History of Signs (Osher Online)
• 1:00PM Science Fiction Summer Fun
• 1:00PM Writer’s Group

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!

OSHER ONLINE COMMUNITY EVENT: BROADWAY BY DESIGN – Inside the Creative Process with David Zinn Go behind the curtain and into the creative world of theatrical production design in this engaging conversation with Tony Award-winning designer David Zinn. With over 40 Broadway Credits and Multiple Tony Awards Nominations for his scenic and costume design, Zinn will share how sets and costumes work together to shape storytelling on stage. Discover the artistic process, from concept to execution, and gain insight into the imagination and craftsmanship behind unforgettable theatrical experiences. FREE WEBINAR Thurs, Aug 20, 5PM (EST) Space is limited and zoom registration is required. See Flyer for details, Click Here to register.

2026 SENIOR HEALTH WELLNESS & FALL RISK PROGRAM– Would you like a free health assessment? Participants will be screened for general health and well-being. Recommendations to improve health and wellness and decrease fall risk will be provided as appropriate. Completed by students from URI PT, Pharmacy, Communicative Disorders, Nutrition and Human Development/Family Sciences (Supervised by Faculty) Requirements:

• Must be age 65 or older
• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes to screening appointment
• Complete health forms in advance
• Sign consent form agreeing to assessment by students

Screening will be Fri, Oct 23 (90 minute appointment) 25 West Independence Way, Kingston, RI 0288,1 URI Independence Square Registration is open until August 28 or until full.  Click Here to register. For more info or questions email seniorday@etal.uri.edu or call 401.874.4025.

URI DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICAL THERAPY: FREE BALANCE PROGRAM – Have you fallen in the past year? Do you feel unsafe walking? Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance is an evidence based program created by Fuzhong Li, PhD. The program lasts 24 weeks (48 classes) and consists of 8 forms as well as several mini-therapeutic movements. TJQMBB intends to utilize balance, self-awareness, and controlled body movements in an effort to improve mobility, strengthen lower body, decrease fear of falling and improve overall physical and mental well being.

• 65 years or older interested in improving balance
• 24 weeks, 2 session/wk 1 hr sessions

First Class Mon, Sept 16 Mon & Thurs, 12-1PM URI PT Clinic 25 W Independence Way, Kingston, RI 02881 For more info or questions email tjqmbb@etal.uri.edu or call 401.874.4025.

URI DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH (in partnership with Hunter College and Cornell University) Seeking adults, ages 60 and older, to participate in a Family Study to understand how and why they support family members, especially adult children. Participants must meet the eligibility criteria below:

• Age 60 and older
• Living in the Northeast region of the US
• Have an adult child in their 30s and 40s.

Interviews can be conducted via ZOOM or phone for 1.5-2 hrs. Each participant will receive a $50 gift card as a thank you for their time. See Flyer for details, Click Here to register.

URI COOPERATIVE EXTENSION PRESENTS: Spotted Lanternfly in Rhode Island – Public Virtual informative presentation on the invasive Spotted Lanternfly- what it is, why it’s a threat, and what YOU can do to stop its spread. Join Noah Tennison, RI Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) on Thurs, Aug 20, 7-8PM This virtual workshop is free and open to the public. Click Here to register

SOUTH COUNTY ART ASSOCIATION (SCAA) GALLERY TOUR – Friday, Aug 7, 2PM, 2587 Kingstown Rd in Historic Kingston Village (near URI entrance)  A special opportunity to learn about the works in All Media II themed exhibit, Life in the Monochrome-It’s Not Always Black & White. Click Here for more info. Registration not required – bring a friend!

RI SENIOR GAMES: 10-Pin Bowling Tournament – Sun, Aug 16 10:30AM Lang’s Bowlarama, 225 Niantic Ave, Cranston, RI. Singles, Doubles or Mixed-doubles-See Flyer for more details. Register by Aug 14 at www.riseniorgames.org/Sports

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 (Bus will leave from CCRI parking lot in Warwick)