Calendar

Please note that you must have either a 2023-2024 Community Member (OLLI) parking decal or a visitor’s permit to park on campus Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Contact the OLLI office (828.251.6140) to purchase your OLLI annual decal, or use this link for a visitor parking permit to print and display on your dashboard.

Spring Catalog

The spring 2024 catalog of courses, programs and events and the spring 2024 schedule of College for Seniors courses 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.

View Spring 2024 Catalog View Spring 2024 CFS Course Schedule

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 about COVID-19 guidance for courses, programs and events taking place on campus.

March

Tuesday, March 26, 5:30 p.m.
OLLI Annual Meeting and Celebration of Community
Join OLLI staff and fellow members 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 2024-2025. We will celebrate what we have achieved together and hope that we prompt you to be actively engaged in the planning and future. We even hope that Chancellor Van Noort will be able to attend. Come to share ideas, ask questions, learn how OLLI works and look to the future of our organization. We will serve light refreshments.
Register to attend the annual meeting or let us know if you have any questions you would like to address and join online via Zoom.

Friday, March 29, 11:30 a.m.
Fab Friday: “Fly Girls: Women Air Service Pilots of WWII” (in-person + online)
Ann Jones will introduce the extraordinary experiences of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) of World War II. Join Ann as she shares personal reminiscences about her aunt, as well as her research on other pilots including Jacqueline Cochran and Nancy Harkness Love. Ann highlights the critical service of the WASP to the war effort while also acknowledging those who made the ultimate sacrifice. These determined women were always courageous in and out of uniform. Political support was scant, yet the drive to seek veteran status was eventually achieved in 1977. Their role in this nation’s history finally received appropriate recognition at the Congressional Gold Medal ceremony in 2010 in Washington, D.C.
Join online via Zoom and find a complete list of spring 2024 Fab Friday lectures.

April

Monday, April 1, 9 a.m. | College for Seniors
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. In this information session, 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 your questions about teaching will be answered!
Registration is required; register to attend in-person or online via Zoom.

Tuesday, April 2, 4:30 p.m. | STEM Lecture Series
Partner Program: “Self-Driving Cars” (in-person + online)
In this interesting look at one of the current applications of artificial intelligence, we will see how self-driving cars evolved, what they can and cannot do now and what we might expect in the future. We will even take a virtual field trip through Asheville in a self-driving car.
Mike Wyman spent 50+ years in software development. He was a founding employee and chief technical officer at Interactive Data Corporation, a pioneer in the online information services industry. He has taught OLLI courses on cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence. And he has also been driving cars for over 60 years.
Join online via Zoom.

Tuesday, April 2, 7 p.m. | World Affairs Council
Partner Program: “Future of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization” (in-person + online)
Since the end of the Cold War, NATO has grown in size and complexity while the United States continues to play an essential leadership role. NATO is much more than Article 5 of the Atlantic Charter, “an attack on one is an attack on all.” Moreover, with the advent of the war in Ukraine, the whole idea of future NATO expansion has taken on a new dimension.  Decisions made by member states are national decisions, and those decisions are heavily influenced by the actions contemplated by the U.S.
John Plant served in the U.S. Army from 1972 to 2001, retiring at the rank of colonel. His last seven years in the Army were in U.S. European Command, where he served in a variety of roles including teaching military-to-military classes in new NATO and NATO-aspirant countries, including Bulgaria, Croatia, Macedonia and Albania. From 2001 to 2007, he served on an Army-sponsored defense modernization contract as an advisor to the Ministry of Defense of the Czech Republic. He received his doctorate in 2018 from George Mason University’s Shar School of Policy and Government.
Join online via Zoom.

Wednesday, April 3, 7 p.m. | Sierra Club WENOCA
Partner Program: “How to Save Money on Making Your House and Car Energy Efficient with the Inflation Reduction Act” (in-person and online)
Sophie Mullinax, Bright Spaces Solar Development Company
What is in the Inflation Reduction Act that can help you save on energy saving measures and reduce greenhouse gases to help the planet? Sophie  works with communities around the U.S., including the Asheville area, on launching clean-energy programs to support the adoption of renewable energy and electrification.
Join online via Zoom. To learn more, visit the Sierra Club – WENOCA’s website.

Thursday, April 4, 7 p.m. | Astronomy Club of Asheville
Partner Program: “Meteorites” (in-person + online)
Timothy DeLisle, director of software engineering, Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute
Join online via Zoom. For more information, visit the Astronomy Club of Asheville’s website.

Friday, April 5, 11:30 a.m.
Fab Friday: “Lifestyle Medicine and the Brain” (in-person + online)
The incidence of Alzheimer’s-type dementia is increasing rapidly in the United States. Learn how lifestyle medicine, the evidence-based practice of helping individuals adopt and sustain healthy behaviors that affect health and quality of life, is good medicine for preventing and treating this disease. We will specifically discuss the utility of focusing on nutrition, physical activity, stress management, restful sleep and social connection and the data supporting such an approach.
Brian Asbill is board certified in cardiology and lifestyle medicine. He currently works as the chief lifestyle medical officer with C2 Life’s THRIVE program. Brian formerly worked at Asheville Cardiology for 19 years. He attended medical school at Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston and completed internship and residency in internal medicine at University of Virginia Health Sciences Center and a fellowship in cardiology at Medical University of South Carolina.
Join online via Zoom and find a complete list of spring 2024 Fab Friday lectures.

Friday, April 5, 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.

Monday, April 8, 6 p.m. | Common Word Community Read
Partner Program: “An Evening with Pulitzer Prize-winning author David Zucchino” (in-person + online)
Join Wiley Cash for a conversation with David Zucchino, author of Wilmington’s Lie: The Murderous Coup of 1898 and the Rise of White Supremacy.
Register here for the April 8 conversation with David Zucchino. Read more about all the events in the spring 2024 Common Word Community Read series, including a conversation with David Zucchino on April 8.

Tuesday, April 9, 7 p.m. | Blue Ridge Naturalist Network
Partner Program: “Understanding Native Bees” (in-person + online)
In this workshop, European honey bees take a back seat to the almost 4,000 species of bees native to North America. Learn about the lives of these pollination juggernauts through an exploration of common species and the habitat each requires for nesting and survival. From the largest to the smallest, native bees are fascinating and extremely beneficial. Supporting them in our spaces is easier than you might think. This workshop offers approaches you can infuse into your everyday gardening that make a huge difference to the bees and other beneficial wildlife around you.
Brannen Basham, with his wife Jill Jacobs, owns Spriggly’s Beescaping, a nature education and habitat restoration business from Western North Carolina. Brannen is a horticulturist and landscape designer who cut his teeth in the native gardens at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA and the Biltmore Estate\. Jill is a graphic designer and museum educator who began her career at Please Touch Museum, the children’s museum of Philadelphia.
Join online via Zoom.

Thursday, April 11, 5:30 p.m. | Alzheimer’s Association – Western Carolina Chapter
Partner Program: “Understanding Swallowing Disorders in Dementia”
Join us as we discuss an often overlooked, but common issue with dementia – swallowing. We will provide advice on how to recognize when your loved one may be experiencing problems with eating and swallowing, and helpful suggestions to make mealtimes safer and easier, from table settings to food choices. There will also be discussion on the importance of monitoring hydration, and ways to make taking medications easier. The presenter, Nancy Swigert, is a board certified speech-language pathologist and specialist in swallowing.
Alzheimer’s Association programs are free and open to everyone. Find a list of all Alzheimer’s Association programs being offered at the Reuter Center during Spring 2024.

Sunday, April 14, 5:30 p.m. | Carolinas’ Nature Photographers Association
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 group that will more fully experience the beauty of Western North Carolina through photography. Activities in the Asheville region include monthly meetings, photo outings, seminars, workshops, exhibits, photo contests and image critiques.
For more information, visit the CNPA-Asheville Region’s website.

Tuesday, April 16, 7 p.m. | Blue Ridge Audubon
Partner Program (in-person + online)
Blue Ridge Audubon is the local chapter of the National Audubon Society. Its mission is to protect birds and the places they depend on, believing that a world in which birds thrive is a world that benefits all living things. By engaging the public through educational programs, outreach and birding events, they raise awareness of the critical role of birds in the natural environment and the joy they bring to people’s lives.
Visit the Blue Ridge Audubon Chapter’s website to learn more about free monthly programs and bird walks.

Tuesday, April 16, 7 p.m. | World Affairs Council
Partner Program: “The Century of Humiliation and China’s Foreign Policy” (in-person + online)
In the 21st century, China has made aggressive efforts to reassert its authority in East and Southeast Asia as well as to alter the norms of the American-led world order. What can an examination of China’s history tell us about these efforts as well as why China is so obsessed with maintaining domestic unity?
Jim Lenburg finished his doctorate at Penn State with a major in U.S. foreign relations and a minor in Chinese studies. He began teaching at Mars Hill University in 1973 and retired in 2006. Jim taught history and humanities classes and wrote grants to establish two general studies programs that included some study of Asian cultures. He first visited China in 1978 and visited Tiananmen Square in 1989 at night several days before the Red Army cleared the square. In 2004, Jim became a visiting professor at Jilin University in Changchun, China, teaching English and American studies. His most memorable experience was trying to explain the American presidential nominating system and the electoral college. After Jim retired in 2006, he served as president of the World Affairs Council of Western North Carolina for three years. In 2009, he began teaching courses at OLLI and later served on the curriculum committee and as chair of the OLLI Steering Council. Jim lives in Weaverville with his wife, Patricia Freeman, who will soon retire as the director of the city/county ID bureau.
Join online via Zoom.

Thursday, April 18, 4:30 p.m.
OLLI Program: “OLLI Authors” (in-person + online)
Carol Booth and Adriana DeKanter
OLLI Authors is a book talk series designed to spotlight the many OLLI members who are talented writers of poetry and prose.
Join online via Zoom and read more.

Friday, April 19, 4 p.m.
OLLI Program: “Spring 2024 Member Social”
Join us  for a cookout style meal (we will have vegetarian and vegan options), music from a UNC Asheville performance group, and fun with friends old and new. This 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 here to attend the spring 2024 Member Social.

Friday, April 19, 5 p.m. | Death Café
Partner Program
Death Café is an engaging gathering with storytelling and conversation around a topic that is often avoided or feared. Participants discuss personal stories related to the death of loved ones, loss of jobs, relationships or marriage, or loss of parts of ourselves. Programs are facilitated by Karen Sanders, Greg Lathrop and Said Osio from Third Messenger.
For more information visit the Third Messenger website or visit the Death Café of Asheville and Hendersonville Facebook page.

Tuesday, April 23, 4:30 p.m. | STEM Lecture Series
Partner Program (in-person + online)
The STEM Lecture Series is interdisciplinary with a focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Tuesday, April 23, 6 p.m.
OLLI Program: “Advanced Care Planning Workshop”
This workshop will feature a panel whose members are experienced in addressing end-of-life issues. Discussion will include communicating your treatment wishes to loved ones and to medical personnel, ethical and legal issues, and the uses of advance directives. Ample time will be reserved for questions. Assistance will be provided for anyone wishing to complete a legally valid advance directive, including the notarization required in North Carolina.
This workshop is a project of OLLI’s life transitions programs. It is free and open to the public.
Register for the April 23 Advance Care Planning Workshop here.

Sunday, April 28, 2:30 p.m. | The Autumn Players/Readers Theatre Showcase
Partner Program: “Over the River and Through the Woods by Joe diPietro”
The Autumn Players is Asheville Community Theatre’s volunteer outreach group consisting of more than 100 seasoned actors, writers and educators dedicated to taking theatre into the community. Since 1992, the company has provided entertainment, enrichment and instruction for thousands of students, seniors and in-betweens at venues in the Asheville area. The Autumn Players’ Friday and Saturday performances take place at ACT, with Sunday performances at the Reuter Center.
Purchase tickets online via the Autumn Players’ website for $8; any remaining tickets will be sold for $8 (cash only) at the door beginning at 2 p.m. prior to each performance.

May

Wednesday, May 1
Last day for College for Seniors fall 2024 course proposals

Wednesday, May 1, 7 p.m. | Sierra Club WENOCA
Partner Program (in-person and online)
The Sierra Club – Western North Carolina Group (WENOCA) 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. All meetings are offered in person and on Zoom. To learn more, visit the Sierra Club – WENOCA’s website.

Thursday, May 2, 7 p.m. | Astronomy Club of Asheville
Partner Program (in-person + online)
The Astronomy Club of Asheville offers an interesting lineup of speakers and topics. OLLI members may attend club meetings and stargazes, with club members on hand to advise and assist them in the basics of astronomy and the techniques of observing celestial phenomena.
For more information, visit the Astronomy Club of Asheville’s website.

Tuesday, May 7, 7 p.m. | World Affairs Council
Partner Program (in-person + online)
The World Affairs Council of Western North Carolina (a chapter of the World Affairs Council of America) offers lectures and discussions meant to educate, inspire and engage the WNC community in international affairs and critical global issues. These lectures are sponsored by the WNC chapter of the World Affairs Council, OLLI at UNC Asheville and the UNC Asheville Department of Political Science. All meetings are offered in person and on Zoom.

Sunday, May 12, 5:30 p.m. | Carolinas’ Nature Photographers Association
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 group that will more fully experience the beauty of Western North Carolina through photography. Activities in the Asheville region include monthly meetings, photo outings, seminars, workshops, exhibits, photo contests and image critiques.
For more information, visit the CNPA-Asheville Region’s website.

Tuesday, May 14, 4:30 p.m. | STEM Lecture Series
Partner Program (in-person + online)
The STEM Lecture Series is interdisciplinary with a focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Thursday, May 16, 5:30 p.m. | Alzheimer’s Association – Western Carolina Chapter
Partner Program
The Alzheimer’s Association – Western Carolina Chapter presents workshops focused on topics in service to its mission to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.
Alzheimer’s Association programs are free and open to everyone. 

Friday, May 17
Last day of College for Seniors spring 2024 classes

Friday, May 17, 5 p.m. | Death Café
Partner Program
Death Café is an engaging gathering with storytelling and conversation around a topic that is often avoided or feared. Participants discuss personal stories related to the death of loved ones, loss of jobs, relationships or marriage, or loss of parts of ourselves. Programs are facilitated by Karen Sanders, Greg Lathrop and Said Osio from Third Messenger.
For more information visit the Third Messenger website or visit the Death Café of Asheville and Hendersonville Facebook page.

Tuesday, May 21, 7 p.m. | Blue Ridge Audubon
Partner Program (in-person + online)
Blue Ridge Audubon is the local chapter of the National Audubon Society. Its mission is to protect birds and the places they depend on, believing that a world in which birds thrive is a world that benefits all living things. By engaging the public through educational programs, outreach and birding events, they raise awareness of the critical role of birds in the natural environment and the joy they bring to people’s lives.
Visit the Blue Ridge Audubon Chapter’s website to learn more about free monthly programs and bird walks.

Tuesday, May 24, 6 p.m. | Asheville Museum of History
Partner Program (in-person + online)
The mission of the Asheville Museum of History (formerly the Western North Carolina Historical Association) is to preserve and promote the history and legacy of Western North Carolina through interpretation, education, collection and collaboration. Throughout the year, the Asheville Museum of History hosts select panel discussions on timely, community topics and to educate and inspire curiosity about WNC history and culture. All meetings are offered in person and on Zoom. To learn more, visit the Asheville Museum of History’s website.

Friday, May 31, 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.

June

Friday, June 7-Sunday, June 9
OLLI Program: “Creative Retirement Exploration Weekend”
Have you, a family member or friend considered relocating in retirement? Discover the challenges and opportunities of choosing where and how to relocate in retirement at the Creative Retirement Exploration Weekend (CREW). CREW is an educational program that gives participants an understanding of retirement lifestyle choices. Participants will gain increased confidence in whether, where and how to relocate, no matter where they are thinking about moving. For those interested in the Asheville area, we offer an optional Sunday program that includes information sessions and virtual tours. Cost: $500 per person for Friday and Saturday sessions only; $575 per person for Friday and Saturday sessions plus optional Sunday program; cost includes program administration, materials and most meals but not lodging or transportation.
Read more and register.

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