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.
Winter Course Catalog and Calendar
The winter 2024 catalog of courses, programs and events is available by clicking on the button 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.
Program Calendar
Unless otherwise noted, programs take place at the Reuter Center and are free and open to everyone.
December
Monday, December 4, 10 a.m.
College for Seniors winter 2024 open registration begins
Login to our online registration system to register for courses.
Thursday, December 7, 7 p.m. | Astronomy Club of Asheville
Partner Program: “Holiday Meet and Greet”
For more information about the holiday meet and greet and raffle, visit the Astronomy Club of Asheville’s website.
Monday, December 11, 7 p.m. | Reuter Center Singers
OLLI Program: “2023 Holiday Concert”
A joyful evening of beloved Christmas songs, contemporary and traditional holiday music and classic carols. Director Chuck Taft with accompanist Eric Fricke. A social reception will follow the performance.
Tuesday, December 12, 3 p.m. and Wednesday, December 13, 3 p.m.
OLLI offices closing early
Wednesday, December 13, 5:30 p.m. | Sierra Club WENOCA
Partner Program: “Holiday Potluck Dinner” – OFFSITE
The Sierra Club has been able to hold an indoor social event since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020. We are looking forward to returning to our traditional December gathering. All are welcome. Bring something to share. Indicate the ingredients. Also, bring your own place settings. No throwaway paper plates or plastic cutlery. But most of all bring yourself. Get to see old friends or make new ones. We all share a love and concern for the natural world.
No RSVP necessary. For more information, email Judy Mattox.
Location: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville, 1 Edwin Pl., Asheville, NC 28801
Friday, December 15, 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.
Sunday, December 17, 2:30 p.m. | The Autumn Players/Readers Theatre Showcase
Partner Program: Charlotte’s Web by Joseph Robinette, adapted from the book by E.B. White; directed by Marianne Lyon
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.
Monday, December 18, 10 a.m. and Wednesday, December 20, 10 a.m.
OLLI and University Program: “Taste of Winter Workshop” – FULL
Winter is a great time to make delicious treats from plants common to the mountains of Western North Carolina. Join UNC Asheville Professor of Environmental Studies Irene Rossell for this two-part introduction to making teas and simple syrups from the bark and twigs of local trees and shrubs. The first session will focus on winter plant identification and bark preparation. The second session will focus on making teas and simple syrups. Participants will be able to take small samples home. (Note: syrups will be made with white sugar and honey.) Products are easy to make at home, and add a nice touch to holiday meals!
Costs: There is no cost to participate in this workshop, but please plan to attend both sessions if you sign up, as this is a two-part workshop. A current OLLI membership for the 2023/2024 year is required.
This workshop is full. Complete the form below to join the waitlist. Waitlisted individuals will be contacted on a first come, first served basis. Email Hilary Schroeder, life transitions and special programs manager, with any questions.
Join the waitlist.
December 18, noon-January 1
OLLI offices closed for winter break
January
Wednesday, January 3, 7 p.m. | Sierra Club WENOCA
Partner Program: “The Incredible Biodiversity of Western North Carolina, and the Effect of Climate Change and Endangerment of Species” (in-person + online)
Will Harlan, southeast director and senior scientist, Center for Biological Diversity
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.
Friday, January 5, 10 a.m.
New Member Welcome/Returning Member Refresher (in-person + online)
Are you new to OLLI at UNC Asheville and the Reuter Center? Are you returning after being gone awhile? Do you just want to catch up on organizational development, learn more about volunteering, figure out how things work and meet new people? Come learn about all that OLLI has to offer at this event held before our fall, winter and spring terms.
Register to attend the winter 2024 new member welcome in person or online.
Friday, January 5, 3 p.m.
College for Seniors winter 2024 deadline for refund requests
To drop all courses and receive a full tuition refund, visit the Forms page and complete the Winter 2024 CFS Drop Request.
Monday, January 8
First day of College for Seniors winter 2024 courses
Thursday, January 11, 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.
Friday, January 12, 11:30 a.m.
OLLI Program: Fab Friday (in-person + online)
These free lectures offer OLLI members and guests a chance to learn about interesting subjects from interesting people. Fab Fridays take place during our fall, winter and spring terms, and are offered in-person, online or in a hybrid (simultaneous in-person/online) format.
Watch the OLLI Observer weekly enewsletter or visit the Calendar page on OLLI’s website for more information.
Sunday, January 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, January 16, 4:45 p.m. | STEM Lecture Series
OLLI Program (in-person + online)
The STEM Lecture Series is interdisciplinary with a focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Friday, January 19, 11:30 a.m.
OLLI Program: Fab Friday (in-person + online)
These free lectures offer OLLI members and guests a chance to learn about interesting subjects from interesting people. Fab Fridays take place during our fall, winter and spring terms, and are offered in-person, online or in a hybrid (simultaneous in-person/online) format.
Watch the OLLI Observer weekly enewsletter or visit the Calendar page on OLLI’s website for more information.
Friday, January 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.
Thursday, January 25, 6:30 p.m. | Asheville Museum of History
Partner Program: “Nature’s Wisdom Thru Native Eyes Film Screening”
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, January 26, 11:30 a.m.
OLLI Program: Fab Friday (in-person + online)
These free lectures offer OLLI members and guests a chance to learn about interesting subjects from interesting people. Fab Fridays take place during our fall, winter and spring terms, and are offered in-person, online or in a hybrid (simultaneous in-person/online) format.
Watch the OLLI Observer weekly enewsletter or visit the Calendar page on OLLI’s website for more information.
Monday, January 29, 4:30 p.m.
OLLI Program: OLLI Authors (in-person + online)
OLLI Authors is a book talk series designed to spotlight the many OLLI members who are talented writers of poetry and prose.
Wednesday, January 31, 6 p.m. | Common Word Community Read
Partner Program (in-person + online)
The Common Word Community Read brings the UNC Asheville community together each semester around a shared text to engage in a collective educational experience that features lectures and discussions in a welcoming and respectful environment. The spring 2024 featured selection is Wilmington’s Lie: The Murderous Coup of 1898 and the Rise of White Supremacy by David Zucchino, which won the Pulitzer Prize for nonfiction in 2021.
For more information, visit the Common Word Community Read website.
February
Thursday, February 1
Deadline for summer 2024 College for Seniors course proposals
Thursday, February 1, 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.
Thursday, February 1, 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.
Friday, February 2, 11:30 a.m.
OLLI Program: Fab Friday (in-person + online)
These free lectures offer OLLI members and guests a chance to learn about interesting subjects from interesting people. Fab Fridays take place during our fall, winter and spring terms, and are offered in-person, online or in a hybrid (simultaneous in-person/online) format.
Watch the OLLI Observer weekly enewsletter or visit the Calendar page on OLLI’s website for more information.
Tuesday, February 6, 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.
Wednesday, February 7, 7 p.m. | Sierra Club WENOCA
Partner Program: “Recycling in Western North Carolina” (in-person and online)
Nancy Lawson of Curbie will speak about Curbie’s service region (all of WNC), what to recycle and how you can help ensure what you put in the barrel is actually recycled.
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.
Friday, February 9, 11:30 a.m.
OLLI Program: Fab Friday (in-person + online)
These free lectures offer OLLI members and guests a chance to learn about interesting subjects from interesting people. Fab Fridays take place during our fall, winter and spring terms, and are offered in-person, online or in a hybrid (simultaneous in-person/online) format.
Watch the OLLI Observer weekly enewsletter or visit the Calendar page on OLLI’s website for more information.
Friday, February 9, 2 p.m. | OLLI Inclusion Committee
OLLI Program: “Just Conversations: Reaching Across the Racial Divide with Betty Kilby and Phoebe Kilby” (in-person + online)
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. had a dream that “the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.” As daughters, Betty Kilby Baldwin and Phoebe Kilby found a way to live Dr. King’s dream. They will tell you their story of discovering their family connections and embarking on a path toward reconciliation and reparation. You will learn about ways that you too can reach across the racial divide and work toward racial reconciliation, whether or not your family has connections to slavery. Their presentation will draw on lessons from their 2021 book Cousins: Connected Through Slavery, A Black Woman and a White Woman Discover Their Past and Each Other.
Read more about Betty Kilby and Phoebe Kilby and their presentation.
Sunday, February 11, 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.
Thursday, February 15, 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.
Friday, February 16, 11:30 a.m.
OLLI Program: Fab Friday (in-person + online)
These free lectures offer OLLI members and guests a chance to learn about interesting subjects from interesting people. Fab Fridays take place during our fall, winter and spring terms, and are offered in-person, online or in a hybrid (simultaneous in-person/online) format.
Watch the OLLI Observer weekly enewsletter or visit the Calendar page on OLLI’s website for more information.
Friday, February 16, 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.
Sunday, February 18, 2:30 p.m. | The Autumn Players/Readers Theatre Showcase
Partner Program: The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde; directed by Wendy Strauss
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.
Monday, February 19
Last day of College for Seniors winter 2024 courses
Tuesday, February 20-Tuesday, March 19
The Gift of Time
For more information, visit The Gift of Time page or contact Hilary Schroeder at 828.250.3973.
Tuesday, February 20, 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.
March
Tuesday, March 5, 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.
Thursday, March 7, 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.
Sunday, March 10, 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, March 12, 7 p.m. | Blue Ridge Naturalist Network
Partner Program (in-person + online)
The Blue Ridge Naturalist Network (BRNN) is an outgrowth of the Blue Ridge Naturalist Program through the NC Arboretum. BRNN’s interest is in the natural world and environmental issues, with a foundation based in science. Through meetings and outings, they provide opportunities for learning and fellowship with other like-minded individuals and organizations.
For more information, visit the Blue Ridge Naturalist Network’s website.
Friday, March 15, 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.
Monday, March 18, 6 p.m. | Common Word Community Read
Partner Program (in-person + online)
The Common Word Community Read brings the UNC Asheville community together each semester around a shared text to engage in a collective educational experience that features lectures and discussions in a welcoming and respectful environment. The spring 2024 featured selection is Wilmington’s Lie: The Murderous Coup of 1898 and the Rise of White Supremacy by David Zucchino, which won the Pulitzer Prize for nonfiction in 2021.
For more information, visit the Common Word Community Read website.
Tuesday, March 19, 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.
Tuesday, March 19, 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.
Friday, March 22, 10 a.m.
New Member Welcome/Returning Member Refresher (in-person + online)
Are you new to OLLI at UNC Asheville and the Reuter Center? Are you returning after being gone awhile? Do you just want to catch up on organizational development, learn more about volunteering, figure out how things work and meet new people? Come learn about all that OLLI has to offer at this event held before our fall, winter and spring terms.
Sunday, March 24, 2:30 p.m. | The Autumn Players/Readers Theatre Showcase
Partner Program
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.
Friday, March 29, 11:30 a.m.
OLLI Program: Fab Friday (in-person + online)
These free lectures offer OLLI members and guests a chance to learn about interesting subjects from interesting people. Fab Fridays take place during our fall, winter and spring terms, and are offered in-person, online or in a hybrid (simultaneous in-person/online) format.
Watch the OLLI Observer weekly enewsletter or visit the Calendar page on OLLI’s website for more information.
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HTML is the standard markup language for Web pages. With HTML you can create your own Website. HTML is easy to learn – You will […] - Life Transitions at OLLI
OLLI at UNC Asheville offers robust programming related to big changes during life’s later years. Perhaps you moved to Asheville after attending one of OLLI […]
