Please note that you must have either a UNC Asheville annual parking permit or a visitor permit to park on campus 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year. Visit the Campus Parking for OLLI Members page for instructions on how to purchase an OLLI-subsidized annual parking permit. Daily and monthly visitor permits must be obtained through the UNC Asheville parking site; OLLI does not provide visitor permits.

Spring Catalog

The spring 2026 College for Seniors course schedule and catalog of courses, programs and events are available by clicking on the buttons below. Please be aware that courses, programs and events are subject to change or cancellation, which may not be reflected in the catalog; the online registration system will always include the most accurate locations and other information about our courses, and this page will always include the most accurate information about programs and events. Consult the schedule of upcoming College for Seniors terms (including term dates, catalog availability and registration).

View Spring 2026 CFS Course Schedule View Spring 2026 Catalog

Program Calendar

Unless otherwise noted, programs take place at the Reuter Center and are free and open to everyone.

Please see UNC Asheville’s expectations of mutual respect and care for all for more information/guidance about maintaining a healthy environment for in-person courses, programs and events.

March

Tuesdays and Thursdays, February 24-March 12, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Life Transitions Workshop: “Exploring Continuing Care Retirement Communities”
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs), also called Life Plan communities, are an attractive residential option for active older adults. CCRCs offer a full continuum of independent housing, assisted living and skilled nursing care within a single campus setting. There are a variety of these kinds of communities, each with a different financial model, various health and wellness options and services, and varied amenities. Navigating your way through all of the choices to find a community that is right for you can be a challenge. A Life Transitions program, Exploring CCRCs is designed to help you assemble the relevant information and ask the right questions to see whether a CCRC is a living option that meets your needs and in turn help you choose among the options available to you.
Cost (includes program materials and program administration): $150; a 25-26 OLLI membership is required to register for this workshop.
For more information and registration instructions, visit the Exploring Continuing Care Retirement Communities page on OLLI’s website.

Monday, March 2, 10 a.m.
CFS spring 2026 open registration begins
Volunteers will be available to provide in-person registration assistance Monday, March 2, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Read more about the two phases of CFS registration, and log into our online registration system.

Tuesday, March 3, 7 p.m. | World Affairs Council
Partner Program: “With So Much Human Rights Law, Why Do Massive Levels of Human Rights Violations Still Exist?” (in-person + online)
A tragic paradox of our age is that the world is replete with human rights law, yet there are massive levels of human rights violations. A case in point is the prohibition against torture. At present, 174 countries have signed and ratified the UN Torture Convention. That is the good news. The bad news is that more than 140 countries carry out torture, and the overwhelming majority of these states are parties to the Torture Convention. How does this happen? And what, if anything, can be done about it? What are the obligations and responsibilities of nations under international human rights law? What is the “jurisdiction” problem? What is the doctrine of foreign sovereign immunity, and why has international law not evolved beyond the 15th century? What is the U.S. Alien Tort Statute? Why can ICE agents and other U.S. federal officials apparently get away with murder?
Mark Gibney is the Belk Distinguished Professor at UNC Asheville and an affiliated scholar at the Raoul Wallenberg Institute in Lund, Sweden.
Join online via Zoom.

Wednesday, March 4, 7 p.m. | WNC Sierra Club
Partner Program: “Hope and International Energy” (in-person + online)
Join the WNC Sierra Club for a talk about the reasons we have for optimism when it comes to the global future of energy. Scientists and engineers have made renewable energy cheaper than fossil fuel energy all over the place and are creating new kinds of cheaper storage that will allow renewables, sometimes intermittent, to do it all. Renewables are sufficient to provide all the energy for the world. Happily the rest of the world gets it! We will talk about new renewables, new storage and why they are going to save the world.
Dot Sulock taught math at UNC Asheville for 40 years and has taught at OLLI longer than anyone else except Ron Manheimer. She teaches primarily about renewables, nuclear stuff and the United Nations.
Join online via Zoom, and read more on the WNC Sierra Club’s website.

Thursday, March 5, 7 p.m. | Astronomy Club of Asheville
Partner Program: “Tabby’s Star: A Bizarre Variable” (in-person + online)
There has been much research on a variable star of interest known as Tabby’s Star or KIC 8462852. We will cover its history of discovery and why it is so intriguing, the differing theories to describe its variability and the work done by Melanie Crowson, astronomer, to comparatively analyze the star photometrically as well as using radio astronomy for a broader and new look at this star.
Join online via Zoom and read more on the Astronomy Club of Asheville’s website..

Sunday, March 8, 5:30 p.m. | Carolinas’ Nature Photographers Assocation
Partner Program: “Mastering Landscape Astrophotography” (in-person + online)
J Simlanic will cover various techniques that will help any photographer improve their night photography. Take a deep dive into the wonderful field of landscape astrophotography!
To join online and for more information, visit the CNPA-Asheville Region’s website.

Tuesday, March 10, 7 p.m. | Blue Ridge Naturalist Network
Partner Program: “Saving Our Salamanders: Natural History, Ecology and Conservation” (in-person + online)
J.J. Apodaca, Ph.D., executive director, Amphibian and Reptile Conservancy
Western North Carolina and the Southern Appalachians are known for a wide diversity of salamander species, each with its own specific habitat needs. Many are threatened by degradation of streams and surrounding woodlands. Amphibian and Reptile Conservancy works to preserve salamanders and other amphibians by concentrating on local solutions that are part of a national strategy to support the survival of these vulnerable organisms.
Join online via Zoom.

Wednesday, March 11, 4:30 p.m. | Alzheimer’s Association
Partner Program: “Your Brain at Any Age: How to Protect Memory, Focus and Independence”
Join us as we take a deep dive into the latest science behind maintaining brain health as we age. We will explore the most powerful lifestyle factors that are clinically proven to protect our brains and bodies, as well as the ones that are overhyped. Most importantly, we will provide simple habits that you can start immediately to have a lasting impact. We will also review resources from the Alzheimer’s Association to help.

Sunday, March 15
Priority registration deadline for Osher Online spring 2026 courses
Registrations may be accepted after this date based on availability; no refunds are offered after this date.
Log into the online registration system to view Osher Online spring 2026 courses and enroll, or visit the Forms page to access the Osher Online Spring 2026 Drop Request form.

Sunday, March 15, 2:30 p.m. | The Autumn Players
Partner Program: “Androcles and the Lion by George Bernard Shaw, directed by Marianne Lyon”
Shaw’s comedy skewers both the powerful and the pious in his witty version of the fable of the injured lion and the kindness shown to him by the gentle tailor Androcles.
Read more about the play and purchase tickets online via the Autumn Players’ website for $11; any remaining tickets will be sold for $11 (cash only) at the door beginning at 2 p.m. prior to each performance.

Monday, March 16
Deadline to request a partial CFS tuition scholarship (open registration)
Visit the Forms page to access the CFS Spring 2026 Scholarship Request form.

Tuesday, March 17, 7 p.m. | World Affairs Council
Partner Program: “Venezuela” (in-person + online)
Ambassador Patrick Duddy was one of the Department of State’s most senior Latin American specialists with exceptionally broad experience in trade, energy, public affairs and crisis management. From 2007 to 2010 he served as U.S. ambassador to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela for both President Bush and President Obama. Prior to this, Ambassador Duddy served as deputy assistant secretary of state for the western hemisphere, responsible for the Office of Economic Policy and Summit Coordination, which included the hemispheric energy portfolio as well for the Offices of Brazil/Southern Cone Affairs and of Caribbean Affairs. During his tenure as DAS, he played a lead role in coordinating U.S. support for the restoration of democracy in Haiti. He is presently a visiting senior lecturer at Duke University.
Join online via Zoom.

Friday, March 20, 10 a.m.
OLLI program: “New Member Welcome/Returning Member Refresher” (in-person + online)
Are you considering becoming an OLLI member? Are you new to OLLI at UNC Asheville and the Reuter Center? Are you returning after being gone awhile? Do you want to catch up on organizational developments, learn more about volunteering, figure out how things work and meet new people? Come learn about all that OLLI has to offer!
Register to help us plan for refreshments.

Friday, March 20, 1 p.m.
CFS information session: “Preparing to Be an In-Person Class Representative”
Have you signed up to be an in-person class rep to support one or more of your College for Seniors instructors? We will review the role of these important classroom volunteers and practical matters such as how to work the lights and microphones, where to pick up and drop off attendance clipboards, how to check in course participants and when and where to get help if needed. This info session is especially geared towards new in-person class reps, but experienced in-person class reps are welcome to attend as well.
Register to attend in person.

Friday, March 20, 1 p.m.
CFS information session: “Zoom Café” (online)
Are you planning to participate in an online or hybrid course, program or event? Have you signed up to be an online class representative? This info session is a great opportunity to learn basic skills and improve your experience of our video-conferencing software! We will review how to install and update the Zoom app on your device, log into a meeting, change your Zoom name and background, mute/unmute, post/respond in the Chat box, use the “raise hand” function and reactions, move into and out of breakout rooms, participate in polls and more. We will also leave plenty of time for your questions and to troubleshoot your device.
Register to attend online.

Friday, March 20, 3 p.m.
Deadline to drop all CFS courses for a full refund
Visit the Forms page to access the CFS Spring 2026 Drop Request form.

Friday, March 20, 3 p.m. | Asheville Symphony Orchestra
Partner Program: “Artist Residency Guest Lecture”
The human voice has been at the heart of musical expression for centuries, capable of conveying profound emotion across cultures and genres. In this lecture for music lovers of all backgrounds, Dr. Dean Southern, voice professor and dean at the Cleveland Institute of Music, traces the role of the voice through history as a solo instrument, in ensemble and operatic traditions, and in modern popular music. Presented as part of the Asheville Symphony’s 2026 artist residency and in collaboration with OLLI, this conversation will illuminate how the voice has shaped musical expression across centuries and cultures.
To learn more, visit the Asheville Symphony Orchestra’s website.

Friday, March 20, 5 p.m. | Death Café
Partner Program: “Death Café”
Death Café is an engaging gathering with storytelling and conversation about a topic that too often alienates people in our death-phobic culture. At Death Café, participants break into small groups of five or six people and discuss personal stories related to the death of loved ones; loss of jobs, relationships or marriages; or loss or death of parts of ourselves. These programs are facilitated by Karen Sanders, Greg Lathrop and Saïd Osio from Third Messenger. Learn more about Death Café by visiting the Death Café website, the Third Messenger website, or facebook.com/deathcafeasheville. If you have questions about meetings of Death Café at the Reuter Center, please contact Karen Sanders at 828-778-8882.

Monday, March 23
First day of CFS spring 2026 classes

Monday, March 23, 6:30 p.m. | Science Book Club
Partner Program: “Music as Medicine: How We Can Harness Its Therapeutic Power by David Levitin, moderated by John Stephen Thomas”
In recent decades, there has been a great deal of research into the workings of the human brain and the nature of human health and disease. This book explores the scientific basis of music’s healing effects on the brain and the rest of the human body. The author details how music can improve mood, boost cognitive function, strengthen the immune system and aid recovery from debilitating health conditions. The book pulls together cutting-edge research and insights from musicians. 
Daniel Levitin studied at MIT, Berkley College of Music and Stanford University before earning his doctorate from the University of Oregon. His twin interests in neurology and music have led him to write books like This Is Your Brain on Music and Music and Medicine. He is a professor emeritus at McGill University in Montreal as well as a member of many professional academic and scientific associations. He has been a consultant on a wide range of projects in the fields of psychology and music. He has also had a long career as a performing musician.
Moderator John Stephen Thomas did undergraduate and graduate studies in both philosophy and computer science at Edinboro University, Barry University and the University of Minnesota. He has a graduate degree in computer systems from Barry. These studies led to his day job as a mainframe database administrator in Miami and an adjunct college instructor in philosophy in the evening. He was part of a rotation of book club moderators in Miami for 20 years. He has participated in several book clubs since moving to Asheville nine years ago.

Friday, March 27, 11:30 a.m.
Fab Fridays: “UFO/UAP: The Phenomenon. Down the Rabbit Hole to a New Reality” (in-person + online)
There are two sides to unidentified flying objects, now called unidentified anomalous phenomena by the U.S. government. One aspect is the nuts and bolts—the craft—that the U.S. military says they see daily on both coasts. The other is the paranormal phenomenon that people who have contact with craft of entities report. This is a life-changing experience for contactees. It is important to know that no one knows who they are or what they want. The U.S. government has admitted this phenomenon is real. We will discuss where we are with this world-changing information.
Dr. Sioux Oliva is an American historian and lecturer. Sioux earned her doctorate in history from the University of Southern California in 1999. Her career has been one of project management for high net-worth individuals. Sioux’s first project was managing a nonprofit website to introduce the teachings of The Urantia Book to a wider audience sponsored by Lyn & Norman Lear. Some of her other notable clients include Mrs. Robert F. Kennedy and the estate of Marilyn Monroe; doing four family history projects Sally Quinn and Ben Bradlee; research projects for The Getty, the city of Los Angeles and the Autry Museum of the American West. Sioux is the author of the forthcoming EPOCHAL: Dr. William S. Sadler, Non-Human Intelligence and the Urantia Book.
Join the March 27 Fab Friday online via Zoom.

Friday, March 27, 5 p.m.
OLLI event: “Member Social”
Join for a Latin night with music from the UNC Asheville Latin Jazz Ensemble, Latin-themed buffet (with vegetarian and vegan options), social beverages and fun with friends old and new. Wear your dancing shoes if you want to salsa dance!
This event is for OLLI members only, but be sure to reach out to make sure that your OLLI friends know about the event and are registered. Register to attend.

Tuesday, March 31, 4:30 p.m. | STEAM Lecture Series
OLLI Program (in-person + online)
The STEAM Lecture Series presents interdisciplinary lectures with a focus on science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics. UNC Asheville faculty, OLLI members and scientists from our community present on a variety of topics. Programs are typically held on select Tuesdays throughout the year in room 230 and online via Zoom from 4:30-6 p.m.
Join online via Zoom.

April

Wednesday, April 1, 7 p.m. | WNC Sierra Club
Partner Program (in-person + online)
The WNC Sierra Club is active in educating leaders, the public and the media about environmental issues at the local, state and federal level in order to promote environmental leadership. Sierra Club – WENOCA holds events in the Reuter Center Manheimer Room (102) and online via Zoom on the first Wednesday of the month from 7-9 p.m.
Join online via Zoom and read more on the WNC Sierra Club’s website.

Thursday, April 2, 7 p.m. | Astronomy Club of Asheville
Partner Program: (in-person + online)
The Astronomy Club of Asheville is dedicated to helping people of all ages understand and enjoy astronomy at all levels of interest. OLLI members may attend club meetings featuring an interesting lineup of speakers, as well as stargazes, with club members on hand to advise and assist them in the basics of astronomy and the techniques of observing celestial phenomena. Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of the month from 7-9 p.m. in the Manheimer Room (102) and online via Zoom. 
Join online via Zoom and read more on the Astronomy Club of Asheville’s website.

Friday, April 3, 11:30 a.m.
Fab Fridays: “Maintaining Your Independence with Strength Training” (in-person + online)
This program builds upon Dr. Pattillo’s two related Fab Friday talks that were well received in 2024 and 2025. Older adults’ success maintaining independence in aging is dependent on preserving capacity for “functional movement”, which is largely dependent upon preserving strength, flexibility, and balance. This presentation will: identify several basic movement patterns older adults need to manage an independent lifestyle, through functional competence, then break down what related muscle groups are engaged in each of these patterns, and, finally, suggest training protocols to assess/build/maintain strength and flexibility of these groups.
Lee Pattillo, DPT grew up in WNC. He earned a BS in nutrition and dietetics and his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Western Carolina University), and owns Vitalee PT, a full-service physical therapy clinic in Asheville, NC, where several OLLI members train. Earlier in his career he was a collegiate athlete, a movement coach, and Cross Fit trainer.
Join the April 3 Fab Friday online via Zoom.

Tuesday, April 7, 7 p.m. | World Affairs Council
Partner Program (in-person + online)
The World Affairs Council (WAC) organizes fascinating lectures and discussions that aim to advance international awareness and foster Western North Carolina’s global ties. These lectures are sponsored by the WNC chapter of the World Affairs Council, OLLI at UNC Asheville and UNC Asheville Department of Political Science.
Join online via Zoom.

Thursday, April 9, 4:30 p.m. | OLLI Authors
OLLI Program: “Marjorie Klein and John Ryder” (in-person + online)
Marjorie Klein’s first novel, Test Pattern (Wm. Morrow Publishers, 2000; HarperCollins/ Perennial 2001) was a Barnes and Noble “Discover Great New Writers” selection. Boom! A Miami Beach Story was published in 2021, and her third novel, Time in a Bottle, was published by Black Rose Writing in Feb. 2023. Her essays and narrative nonfiction have appeared in various publications, including 20 years of writing for Tropic, the Miami Herald’s former Sunday magazine. Recipient of a Florida Individual Artist Fellowship and an MFA from Florida International University, she served as a preliminary judge for the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts for 13 years and is a member of the Flatiron Writers group in Asheville. She has taught in writing programs at the university level in Florida and North Carolina, and has taught classes at OLLI since 2011.
After a career in television production and college career counseling, John Ryder retired to the mountains. He lives with his wife Deborah and two dogs in Waynesville, where he reads history and writes short stories and poetry. He hopes to someday write something interesting.
Join online via Zoom.

Friday, April 10, 11:30 a.m.
Fab Fridays: “Women in the Lighthouse Service and Coast Guard” (in-person + online)
Learn more about the history of women working as lighthouse keepers and in the Coast Guard.
Wayne Wheeler is a retired Coast Guard officer, founder and president emeritus of the U.S. Lighthouse Society and a national expert on lighthouses. He is the recipient of a U.S. Coast Guard meritorious public service award for his work with lighthouse preservation and history.
Join the April 10 Fab Friday online via Zoom.

Sunday, April 12, 5:30 p.m. | Carolinas’ Nature Photographers Assocation
Partner Program (in-person + online)
The Carolinas’ Nature Photographers Association (CNPA) was founded in 1992 to promote nature photography in the Carolinas, to help conserve and preserve the diverse natural ecosystems in the Carolinas and to educate others interested in nature and wildlife photography. The CNPA-Asheville Region’s goal is to develop a community that will preserve, celebrate and create a sense of appreciation for the beauty of nature through photography. Activities in the Asheville region include monthly meetings, photo outings, seminars, workshops, exhibits, photo contests and image critiques. Meetings are held on the second Sunday of the month at 5:30-8 p.m. in room 206 and online via Zoom. For more information, visit the CNPA-Asheville Region’s website.

Monday, April 13, 4:30 p.m.
OLLI Event: “Annual Meeting and Celebration of Community” (in-person + online)
Join OLLI staff and volunteers as we review the past year, highlighting the accomplishments of our committees and programs, offering an overview of our finances and presenting our slate of officers for 2026-2027. We will celebrate what we have achieved together and hope to inspire more members to be engaged in planning our future. Come to share ideas, ask questions, learn how OLLI works and look to the future of our organization. We will serve light refreshments. Watch the OLLI Observer weekly e-newsletter for more information and how to RSVP.

Tuesday, April 14, 7 p.m. | Blue Ridge Naturalist Network
Partner Program: “Meetings with Remarkable Trees” (in-person + online)
Presented by Gurumeher Khalsa
Let’s take some time together to share the love of trees, how much we depend on them, how they heal us, and what we might do to serve them in return. You’ll leave this visual and interactive talk feeling a greater appreciation and respect for these “one-legged people.”
GuruMeher is a graduate of the NC Arboretum’s Blue Ridge Naturalist Program. He lives among the trees in Fairview, working to restore native plants.
Join online via Zoom.

Friday, April 17, 11:30 a.m.
Fab Fridays: “The Impact of Aging on Ear Nose and Throat Function (and What You Can Do About It)” (in-person + online)
Learn more about aging and its relationship with the ears, nose and throat.
Dr. Chip Currens is a Board Certified Otolaryngologist/Head and Neck Surgeon (AKA Ear Nose and Throat doctor). Chip is originally from Louisville Kentucky where he got his undergraduate degree at Transylvania University and then attended and graduated from the University of Louisville School of Medicine. From there, he went on to do his General Surgery Internship and ENT training at St. Louis University in Missouri. After completing his residency, he moved here to Asheville in 2001 where he has been practicing ENT ever since until retiring at the end of 2025. Chip enjoys all aspects of general ENT, caring for both children and adults through surgical and medical treatment. He is also committed to a more holistic approach, asking, “What is leading to these symptoms” rather than simply making a diagnosis and prescribing medication.
Join the April 17 Fab Friday online via Zoom.

Friday, April 17, 5 p.m. | Death Café
Partner Program: “Death Café”
Death Café is an engaging gathering with storytelling and conversation about a topic that too often alienates people in our death-phobic culture. At Death Café, participants break into small groups of five or six people and discuss personal stories related to the death of loved ones; loss of jobs, relationships or marriages; or loss or death of parts of ourselves. These programs are facilitated by Karen Sanders, Greg Lathrop and Saïd Osio from Third Messenger. Learn more about Death Café by visiting the Death Café website, the Third Messenger website, or facebook.com/deathcafeasheville. If you have questions about meetings of Death Café at the Reuter Center, please contact Karen Sanders at 828-778-8882.

Tuesday, April 21, 4:30 p.m. | STEAM Lecture Series
OLLI Program (in-person + online)
The STEAM Lecture Series presents interdisciplinary lectures with a focus on science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics. UNC Asheville faculty, OLLI members and scientists from our community present on a variety of topics. Programs are typically held on select Tuesdays throughout the year in room 230 and online via Zoom from 4:30-6 p.m.
Join online via Zoom.

Tuesday, April 21, 7 p.m. | World Affairs Council
Partner Program (in-person + online)
The World Affairs Council (WAC) organizes fascinating lectures and discussions that aim to advance international awareness and foster Western North Carolina’s global ties. These lectures are sponsored by the WNC chapter of the World Affairs Council, OLLI at UNC Asheville and UNC Asheville Department of Political Science.
Join online via Zoom.

Wednesday, April 22, 4:30 p.m. | Alzhheimer’s Association
Partner Program: “Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia”
This presentation will take a deeper look at Alzheimer’s and dementia and explain some of the differences between various types. We will also look at Alzheimer’s in the brain and discuss what is happening and how it impacts the person living with the disease.  We’ll discuss risk factors, stages and FDA-approved treatments.  We’ll also discuss ongoing research and clinical trials as well as resources from the Alzheimer’s Association.

Friday, April 24, 9 a.m.
CFS information session: “You Too Can Teach!” (in-person + online)
Are you interested in (or curious about) teaching a course at the College for Seniors? You may have never thought that you could be an OLLI instructor, but you too can teach! Our instructors run the gamut from retired teachers and professionals to those with deep knowledge of a certain topic. The common thread with all our instructors is passion for their subject matter and a desire to share it with peers. The process of becoming an instructor is not daunting. Current CFS instructors will introduce what teaching at OLLI is all about and demystify the process from having an idea for a course through creating a good proposal. All of your questions about teaching will be answered!
Register to attend in-person or online via Zoom.

Friday, April 24, 11:30 a.m.
Fab Fridays: “What We REALLY Know About Crime, Policing, and Community Safety: How to Navigate Confusing Statistics, Political Bias and Misinformation to Advocate for Smart Strategies” (in-person + online)
Crime in American communities is a fiercely debated issue. Brought to a head by the Presidents’s deployment of National Guard, opposing positions clash in our polarized environment. Polarization is driven by contested perceptions, opinions, and priorities, and filtered by biased assumptions, statistical confusion, and misinformation. We end up with highly skewed understandings, often feeding on fear of personal victimization, or, of law enforcement overreach. Our discussion engages with WHAT WE ACTUALLY DO KNOW about crime, law enforcement, and community safety. We highlight key takeaways from decades of research on crime and its causes, and the growing body of evidence on “what works” to make our communities safer. Phyllis Betts also draws from over twenty years experience working directly with law enforcement, human services, and grass-roots community groups to design and evaluate local community safety strategies. We apply new insights to Asheville—inspiring us with better understanding and enabling us to be more productively engaged with community safety initiatives in our own city. We can do better and you can be part of that!
Phyllis Betts earned her PhD in sociology from The University of Chicago, where she focused on citizen engagement in neighborhood issues, including community safety. She began her faculty career at UNCA, then spent twenty three years at the University of Memphis, where she founded the Center for Community Building and Neighborhood Action. The Center worked with government, law enforcement, non-profits, and grassroots community groups to support urban problem-solving based on intensive analysis of local data. Community safety was a primary issue. The Center collaborated with and was supported by federal, state,and local government, as well as national and local foundations. Memphis’ Operation:Safe Community recorded record breaking success for community safety strategies designed by the Center and implemented by a partnership among local collaborators. Since returning to Asheville, Phyllis is learning about local community safety and law enforcement issues and applying her experience to better understand our own community and its potential for customized strategies.
Join the April 24 Fab Friday online via Zoom.

Saturday, April 25, 1 p.m.
OLLI Field Trip to the Asheville Art Museum: Women of the Pacific Northwest
Join fellow OLLI members for a field trip to see the special exhibition Women of the Pacific Northwest at the Asheville Art Museum. This exhibition highlights female artists working in diverse media and explores connections to place, whether sociological, environmental or spiritual, in a region supportive of equality, ecology and enterprise. These artists are among today’s pioneers, interpreting universality through personal observation and inventing poetic, transcendent works that inspire greater understanding and connect us to one another and to the world around us. Cost (includes curator-led tour and discussion; does not include transportation or parking): $15.
Space is limited; registration is required. To register, log into our online registration system through April 23.

May

Friday, May 1
Last day to submit a course proposal for fall 2026
Visit the Forms page to access the CFS Fall 2026 Course Proposal form.

Friday, May 1, 11:30 a.m.
Fab Fridays: “Advance Directives: Update Yours Now – Don’t Wait!” (in-person + online)
An advance directive is a crucial legal tool that allows you to make decisions about your healthcare in advance, ensuring your wishes are honored even if you are unable to speak for yourself. This presentation will clarify your options and guide you through the process of creating or updating these essential documents. We will cover key components, including:

• MOST (Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment): Understand how these specific medical orders can bridge your wishes with daily medical practice.
• DNR (Do Not Resuscitate): Learn about the specifics of these orders and how they affect emergency care.
• Power of Attorney and Healthcare Power of Attorney: Discover how to choose the right person to advocate for your care and communicate your wishes effectively before you die, during your death and after death.
• Five Wishes: Explore this easy-to-use document, which addresses medical, personal, emotional, and spiritual needs.
• Arrangements you might want to make with your Family, Friends, PCP, Power of Attorney, Healthcare Power of Attorney, skilled nursing facility, assisted living facility, hospice unit, or in-home staffing model staff, using form letters offered by Compassion & Choices or other documents about End-of-Life Care. 

Take control of your future healthcare decisions and provide peace of mind for yourself and your loved ones. We look forward to seeing you there.
Karen Sanders has 40+ years of nursing experience. A board certified advanced holistic RN patient advocate, Karen is a frequent lecturer at OLLI, heads up the Fab Friday Healthcare Education Series and is passionate about helping others.
Jan Nickerson is a former business executive dedicated to enabling people to make informed decisions. When she isn’t knitting in an OLLI class, Jan is arranging speakers and topics about aging well for her CCRC, OLLI and Blue Ridge Center for Lifelong Learning.
Join the May 1 Fab Friday online via Zoom.

Tuesday, May 5, 7 p.m. | World Affairs Council
Partner Program (in-person + online)
The World Affairs Council (WAC) organizes fascinating lectures and discussions that aim to advance international awareness and foster Western North Carolina’s global ties. These lectures are sponsored by the WNC chapter of the World Affairs Council, OLLI at UNC Asheville and UNC Asheville Department of Political Science.
Join online via Zoom.

Wednesday, May 6, 7 p.m. | WNC Sierra Club
Partner Program (in-person + online)
The WNC Sierra Club is active in educating leaders, the public and the media about environmental issues at the local, state and federal level in order to promote environmental leadership. Sierra Club – WENOCA holds events in the Reuter Center Manheimer Room (102) and online via Zoom on the first Wednesday of the month from 7-9 p.m.
Join online via Zoom and read more on the WNC Sierra Club’s website.

Thursday, May 7, 7 p.m. | Astronomy Club of Asheville
Partner Program: (in-person + online)
The Astronomy Club of Asheville is dedicated to helping people of all ages understand and enjoy astronomy at all levels of interest. OLLI members may attend club meetings featuring an interesting lineup of speakers, as well as stargazes, with club members on hand to advise and assist them in the basics of astronomy and the techniques of observing celestial phenomena. Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of the month from 7-9 p.m. in the Manheimer Room (102) and online via Zoom. 
Join online via Zoom and read more on the Astronomy Club of Asheville’s website.

Friday, May 8, 11:30 a.m.
Fab Fridays: “Why The World’s Religions Still Matter” (in-person + online)
Religion has long been used to justify the best and worst of human behaviors. Conversations about religion often lead to lively discussions. Join Dr. Garlock as she shares both recent research and thought-provoking ideas about how religion continues to play an important role in one’s identity, how we interact with our neighbors and how we care for the earth.
Rev. Vicki Garlock, Ph.D. is founder of World Religions 4 Kids and Education Director for Religion Matters. She has a doctorate in psychology and served as a full-time psychology professor at Warren Wilson for over a decade before becoming the curriculum specialist at Jubilee! Community Church. As well as publishing many articles on religion, Dr. Garlock has written two award winning children’s books on the world’s religions. Recently, Dr. Garlock earned a Guinness world record for the “Most Places of Worship Visited in One Month.”
Join the May 8 Fab Friday online via Zoom.

Sunday, May 10, 5:30 p.m. | Carolinas’ Nature Photographers Assocation
Partner Program (in-person + online)
The Carolinas’ Nature Photographers Association (CNPA) was founded in 1992 to promote nature photography in the Carolinas, to help conserve and preserve the diverse natural ecosystems in the Carolinas and to educate others interested in nature and wildlife photography. The CNPA-Asheville Region’s goal is to develop a community that will preserve, celebrate and create a sense of appreciation for the beauty of nature through photography. Activities in the Asheville region include monthly meetings, photo outings, seminars, workshops, exhibits, photo contests and image critiques. Meetings are held on the second Sunday of the month at 5:30-8 p.m. in room 206 and online via Zoom. For more information, visit the CNPA-Asheville Region’s website.

Tuesday, May 12, 4:30 p.m. | STEAM Lecture Series
OLLI Program (in-person + online)
The STEAM Lecture Series presents interdisciplinary lectures with a focus on science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics. UNC Asheville faculty, OLLI members and scientists from our community present on a variety of topics. Programs are typically held on select Tuesdays throughout the year in room 230 and online via Zoom from 4:30-6 p.m.
Join online via Zoom.

Wednesday, May 13, 5 p.m.
OLLI program: “Welcome to Improv”
Do you love the Upright Citizens Brigade or “An Evening at the Improv”? Join us for an improvisational comedy show hosted by participants in Bob Sack’s spring 2026 course, Introduction to Improv, for an hour of unscripted laughs.

Friday, May 15
Last day of CFS spring 2026 classes

Friday, May 15, 11:30 a.m.
Fab Fridays: “Alpha Gal Syndrome – a Commonly Overlooked Emerging Health Threat ” (in-person + online)
Simply, Alpha Gal Syndrome (AGS) is a severe allergy to red meat triggered by a tick bite. Alpha gal is a sugar molecule found in the saliva of the lone star tick; it is also found in many red meats. Some people have a heightened immune response triggered by this tick’s bite, which, if followed by a meal containing red meat, can rapidly advance to anaphylactic shock. CDC estimated in 2023 there may have been up to 450,000 US cases of this allergy; however, most carriers are unaware of their exposure until later becoming ill after dining on red meat. Most cases are not diagnosed because health professionals do not seek confirming test given awareness of the disorder is so low. NC’s housing and climate change patterns combine to increasingly expose a disproportionate share of the population to infected ticks. Older adults and others with overactive immune responses are especially susceptible.
Kenneth W. Zamkoff holds an graduate degree in publich health from Harvard and a medical degree from UPenn and earned board certifications in: internal medicine, hematology, and oncology. He has an active license in NC and served in the National Health Service Corps. His most recent academic appointment was as professor of medicine at the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.
Join the May 15 Fab Friday online via Zoom.

Friday, May 15, 5 p.m. | Death Café
Partner Program: “Death Café”
Death Café is an engaging gathering with storytelling and conversation about a topic that too often alienates people in our death-phobic culture. At Death Café, participants break into small groups of five or six people and discuss personal stories related to the death of loved ones; loss of jobs, relationships or marriages; or loss or death of parts of ourselves. These programs are facilitated by Karen Sanders, Greg Lathrop and Saïd Osio from Third Messenger. Learn more about Death Café by visiting the Death Café website, the Third Messenger website, or facebook.com/deathcafeasheville. If you have questions about meetings of Death Café at the Reuter Center, please contact Karen Sanders at 828-778-8882.

Friday, May 30, 2:30 p.m. | Council on Aging of Buncombe County
Partner Program: “Introduction to Medicare – Understanding the Puzzle”
In workshops presented by the Council on Aging in Buncombe County in conjunction with the North Carolina Department of Insurance Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program, learn how Medicare works, the enrollment process, how to avoid penalties and ways to save money. Anyone who is ready to join Medicare or is a caregiver or family member helping older adults with the Medicare insurance may want to attend this informative session. To register visit the Council on Aging of Buncombe County’s website or call 828.277.8288.