Week of May 11, 2026 

OLLI TRIPS & TOURS 

INVITE A FRIEND TO JOIN YOU!

SECRET GARDENS & STORIED HOMES – Escape for a day to scenic Litchfield Hills, CT- Explore three historical gardens filled with vibrant blooms and tour two house museums with expert guides sharing stories of colonial and early 20th century life. This adventure begins at 7:00AM with bus pick up at URI* and includes Bellamy Ferriday House and Gardens, Hollister House Garden, Lunch at a Marketplace Kitchen in Central Litchfield**, The Glebe House Museum and Gertrude Jekyll Garden, and the Woodbury Factory Store.*Comfort stops to and from destination **Group Menu TBA Tues, Jun 2, 2026 7AM-7PM $200 Click Here for More Info & To Register

MAY DATE CHANGES – 

MOVIE GROUP – originally scheduled for Thurs, May 14 has been moved to Thurs, May 21 at 3PM due to a scheduling change. The group will be discussing the movie A Private Life. Please make a note of the date change. 

UNDERSTANDING ULTRAPROCESSED FOODS AND CARDIOMETABOLIC RISK – originally scheduled for Thurs, May 14, 1PM-2:30PM has been changed to Tues, May 19th, 1PM-2:30PM.  If you were registered and are unable to attend on the new date, please email the office or call 401-874-4197 and we will be happy to refund your payment. There are now additional seats available for this class. Click Here if you would like to register.

OSHER ONLINE COMMUNITY EVENT – After the Artemis II Journey What We Know (and Don’t Know) About the Moon, Free Webinar, Now that the Artemis astronauts have returned safely, we look ahead to renewed exploration of our nearest neighbor, the Moon. July 20 marks the 57th anniversary of humanity’s first steps on its surface. Since then, Apollo missions, robotic probes, and Earth-based observations have revealed a surprising world. In this non-technical talk, Andrew Fraknoi explores the Moon’s past, present, and future including its violent origins, the mystery of frozen water at its poles, and its gradual drift away from Earth. With striking images from orbit and the surface, he brings the Moon to life as an eerie world next door, a changing object in our skies, and a possible future destination for humanity and its ambitions.Mon, May 11, 5PM Space Is limited – registration is required Click Here for More Info & To Register

OLLI EVENT – Cheers to Lifelong Learning at the Tilted Barn Join your OLLI friends for a relaxing afternoon at Tilted Barn Brewery. Enjoy the charm of a farm setting while sampling a wide selection of craft beverages available for purchase. Grab a bite from the visiting food trucks or bring along your favorite snacks to share. For extra comfort, feel free to bring a chair, settle in, and unwind with fellow OLLI members. It’s the perfect chance to connect, sip and savor time together. Thur, June 4, 5:00PM-7:00PM Click Here To Register

CLASS SPOTLIGHT –

The Cultural Diversity of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire – 1 Session with Lars Erikson & Karen Turman Wed, May 13, 4:30-6PM We’ll explore the cultural diversity within the Côte d’Ivoire with Lars Erickson and Karen Turman who participated in a Fulbright-Hays grant earned by the American Association of Teachers of French in 2025. We’ll begin with an overview of the geography and history of the country, which includes over 60 different ethnic groups, then move on to its cultural diversity. We’ll learn about some Ivoirian culinary traditions, then focus on dance, especially the Bolo dance of the area around San Pedro and the Zaouli dance. Lars and Karen will discuss a recent Zouglou song and then transition into developments within the Côte d’Ivoire today.  Click Here to Register

NEW MAH JONGG CLASSES 

Prerequisite: Learn to Play Mah Jonng or prior playing experience Instructor: Karen Sanderson Fee: $25 per session Register online or call 401-874-4197.

Enhanced Guided Play (Max 36) You’ve got the basics — now let’s perfect them! In this guided play session, you’ll put the 2026 NMJL card to work, sharpen your hand selection, and build the confidence to play with purpose at any table. This is the perfect next step after the beginner course or if you want to brush up your skills with the new 2026 card. Choose 1 Session:

• Mon, May 18, 5PM-7PM
• Mon, June 8, 5PM-7PM
• Mon, June 29, 5PM-7PM

How to Play with 1, 2 or 3 Players (Max 24) Who says Mah Jongg needs four players? In this 2-hour class, you’ll learn solo, 2-player Siamese, and 3-player formats so you can shuffle up and deal anytime, with anyone.  Choose 1 Session:

• Wed, May 20, 5PM-7PM
• Mon, June 29, 5PM-7PM

NEW SPRING CLASS ADDITIONS (not listed in the catalog) –

Art in the Courthouse – 1 Session with Retired Justice Gilbert V. Indeglia at The McGrath Judicial Complex. Friday, June 5, 1:30PM-3:00PM. After a welcome by Hon. Gilbert V. Indeglia (Ret.) and Kara Picozzi of the Rhode Island Supreme Court, our tour will include a look into the current photography exhibit featured as part of our community art initiative “Art in the Courthouse.” The visit includes a conversation with the artist. The 90-minute tour includes a short walk and a Q & A with a judicial officer. Free parking onsite. Click Here to Register

Click Here to check out the virtual previews for some of OLLI’s spring classes. 

OLLI SERVES UPDATE What a successful pet drive we had!  We collected a bounty of pet food, toys & supplies for needy pets in our area. THANK YOU to everyone who participated in this impactful effort to support the local non-profit ‘Animal Refuge RI’ located in Peacedale!   If you are interested in volunteering or learning more about this organization please visit their website at: AnimalRefugeRI.org.  Also, if you know of any non-profit organizations in the area that might benefit from our OLLI SERVES initiative – please contact Maria Masse, Membership Coordinator in the OLLI at URI office at 401.874.4194 or email maria.masse@uri.edu. 

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

9:30AM Beginning Italian

9:30AM Geocaching

9:30AM In This Moment: Mindfulness Meditation

10:30AM Cyber Seniors

11:00AM Violinists: Performers & Composers (Osher Online)

11:30AM Square Foot Gardening: Taking it To the Next Level

11:30AM Perry Grist Mill: History in Action

1:30PM Historical Cemeteries: Preservation in Practice

1:30PM Overcoming Adversity with Resilience: A Brain Injury Survivor’s Story

2:00PM Portraits in Charcoal & Conte Crayon

Tuesday

9:30AM Intro to Drone Photography

9:30AM The Constitution as Applied: Further Exploration

11:00AM Biking

1:00PM Game On!

1:00PM The FBI’s War on Terror

1:00PM Place Memory & Environmental Psychology (Osher Online)

4:00PM Tree & Shrub Identification

5:00PM Let Writing Lead to Wellbeing

5:00PM From Leo XIII to Leo XIV (Osher Online)

7:00PM Frank Lloyd Wright (Osher Online)

Wednesday

9:30AM Praised But Controversial: John Steinbeck’s Of Mice & Men

9:30AM The Migration Photographers

10:00AM Saunderstown Weaving School

11:30AM Gentle Beacons & Their Keepers: Lighthouse History

12:30PM Bowling

1:00PM Hiking

1:30PM Cinema Classics: The Best of Foreign Films – Part 2

2:00PM Cribbage

3:00PM Short Stories from England II (ZOOM)

4:30PM The Cultural Diversity of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire

5:00PM Music: Controversies & Curiosities (Osher Online)

Thursday

9:00AM Let’s Skate!

10:00AM Beginner Mah Jonng

10:00AM The Six Wives of Henry VIII

10:00AM Time Travel, Quantum Mechanics and the Future of AI

10:00AM Creativity & Play

11:00AM A Beautiful Brain (Osher Online)

11:00AM Current Events

1:00PM Mah Jongg

3:00PM History of Modern Architecture – Part 2

Friday

9:00AM QiGong for Vitality (Studio at Mariner Square)

9:30AM Chronic Pain

10:15AM QiGong for Vitality – Deepening Practice (Studio at Mariner Square)

11:30AM QiGong – Tian Gan (Studio at Mariner Square)

1:00PM Meditation – Old Practice for Renewed Wellness

1:00PM Legends of Country Western Music

1:00PM Book Group

CYBER SENIORS – Kiera will be here on Mondays through May 16, 10:30AM-12:30PM. Stop by the lobby to get help with all your technology questions before she is gone for the summer! No appointment necessary!  

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.  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.

THE CONTEMPORARY THEATER COMPANY PRESENTS – The Moors by Jen Silverman Directed by Allison “Sonny” Wong In 19th century England, two sisters and a dog live out their lives on the bleak moors, dreaming of love and power. The arrival of a hapless governess and a moor-hen set all three on a strange and dangerous path. Taking a page from the Brontë sisters, The Moors is a dark, absurdist comedy about love, desperation, and visibility.*Warning: Flashing lights and fog May 8 -23 Standard Tickets $35 Click Here For Tickets

URI THEATER DEPT PRESENTS: Machinal – A Dance of Defiance Sophie Treadwell’s searing 1928 play, a landmark of American expressionism, is reborn in this striking new ballet. Machinal tells the story of a woman caught in the cold machinery of modern life: her body controlled, her voice ignored, her choices not her own. Through stylized choreography and haunting rhythms, this adaptation strips away dialogue to reveal the raw, physical truth of one woman’s rebellion. Stark, visceral, and fiercely contemporary, Machinal is a portrait of alienation — and a dance of defiance.In collaboration with University of Rhode Island and co-adapter Rachel Walshe, Yury Yanowsky breathes new life into this theatrical masterwork. Recommended for mature audiences Thurs, May 14 – Sun, May 17 Will Theater – J-Studio Click Here For Tickets

URI MUSIC PROGRAM: Performing is an integral part of the University of Rhode Island Music program, with a wide range of ensembles for you to choose from. There are performances by bands, orchestra, choirs and opera, jazz ensembles and all sorts of chamber music groups Click Here for More Info and for Tickets for a full schedule of recitals, concerts, festivals and more.  

RHODE ISLAND SENIOR GAMES – A community-driven celebration of health, wellness, and friendly competition. Open to participants from across the country, RISG welcomes athletes of all experience levels to stay active, make new friends, and rediscover the joy of play. Registration is now open for all Rhode Island Senior Games 2026 events during our May – October season. Offering 14 events this year- there is something for everyone. Whether you’re in it for the medals or the memories, there is a place for you at the Games! Upcoming events: Men’s & Women’s Basketball Tournament & Shooting/Skills Competition May 30 -31, Men’s & Women’s Tennis Tournament Sat, June 13. For a list of all events and to register click the link: https://riseniorgames.org/sports/

FOREIGN POLICY ASSOCIATION – Register today for the FPA’s inaugural Paul Family Distinguished Lecture on US-Africa Relations, featuring The Hon. Michelle D. Gavin, Ralph Bunche Senior Fellow for Africa Policy Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations and former US Ambassador to Botswana. Ambassador Gavin will provide insights on the current state of US-Africa relations and the importance of maintaining strong ties. Michelle D. Gavin brings over 25 years of experience in international affairs, including service at the National Security Council and as US Ambassador to Botswana. She has played a key role in shaping US policy toward Africa across government and nonprofit sectors.Thursday, May 14, 6PM – 8PM. Click to register.

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

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/

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