OLLI OFFICE CLOSED TODAY – Mon, Aug 10 in Observance of Victory Day

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. 

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 current 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.

TIME CHANGE- The time for the class Trust Your Gut has been changed. The class will meet on Monday, August 17, at 1:00PM, not 10:00AM as originally scheduled. If you are not able to attend at this time, please call the office and we’ll be happy to refund your payment. We appreciate your flexibility and understanding, and we look forward to seeing you on the 17th at 1:00PM

CLASS SPOTLIGHT- Encore Career Blueprint: Reinventing Work & Purpose – 2 zoom sessions beginning Thu, Aug 20, 10-11:30AM with Dr. Sharonda Hagans Learn how to design a meaningful second-act career—whether in consulting, entrepreneurship, or community work—by translating your expertise into purposeful action. Many adults approach midlife or retirement with the desire to stay engaged, continue contributing, and build work that reflects their values. However, the transition to an “encore career” can feel uncertain without a clear plan. Dr. Sharonda Hagan-Jones will provide a structured, supportive roadmap to help you reflect on your experiences, identify passions and transferable skills, and create a personalized blueprint for moving confidently from intention to impact. Click Here For More Info and 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 for More Info an To Register (Registration not required)

THIS WEEK AT OLLI 

Monday – Office Closed – Victory Day

• 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 Edesia: RI Big Impact on Global Child Malnutrition (Off-site)
• 10:00AM The Pearl: Hope, Destruction & the Human Condition (Session#1)
• 12:30AM OLLI New Member Welcome
• 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 How Can We Build Human Morality into AI? (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 Women Architects and Designers (Osher Online)
• 2:00PM Cribbage
• 3:00PM Hindu Traditions (Osher Online)
• 5:00PM Learn to Play Mah Jongg

Thursday

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

Friday

• 11:00AM A History of Signs (Osher Online)
• 1:00PM Science Fiction Summer Fun

TRAVEL WITH OLLI – Join us at OLLI Tues, Aug 25, 3PM for a preview of two scheduled trips – Scotland & Norway. Our Collette sales rep will be here to showcase these trips and answer any questions. CLICK HERE to visit our website for more information.

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 more details, Click Here to register.

URI FOOTBALL – CLICK HERE for OLLI discounted URI football* tickets as well as other Ryan Center events (John Mulaney:Mr. Whatever – Oct 24 & Derek Hough:Dance for the Holidays – Dec 9) * 2026 URI Football Games will be played at Centreville Bank Stadium in Pawtucket, RI 

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 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

Fall Lawn Care in Westerly Sat, Aug 22, 2026 11AM-12PM Westerly Library & Wilcox Park 44 Broad Street, Westerly, RI 02891 Join URI Master Gardener Vivian Shaull for an informative presentation about fall lawn care.The talk will cover: the importance of getting a soil test, what the weeds say about your lawn, proper mowing, proper use of fertilizer, how to repair damaged areas, and common diseases and how to cure them.Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions following the presentation, and light refreshments will be served.This workshop is free thanks to the educational mission of the URI Master Gardener program. All are welcome. 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 (TJQMBB) 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 14, 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.

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)