OLLI - Osher Lifelong Learning Institute/University of Rhode Island

06/02/2026

🌞🚴☕Sunshine, bikes, and a TLC coffee break. OLLI riders showed up strong today.

05/27/2026

🌞Summer catalogs are in the mail to all active members. Registration begins Tuesday, June 16, online at 7:00AM. The office will open at 9:00AM for phone and walk in registrations. You can also check out the online catalog on our website: URI.EDU/OLLI.

05/26/2026

🌳🥾☕OLLI’s Rhody Ramblers met last week to explore The Queen’s River Preserve in Exeter, RI. Connecting more than 2,500 acres conserved by The Nature Conservancy, DEM and the Audubon Society of Rhode Island, the Queen’s River Preserve offers a short, easy hike to one of Rhode Island’s most pristine rivers. The Queen’s River—cold and largely forested—forms the western boundary of the preserve. Highlights include a historic cemetery, views of the Queen’s River, and a long, open hayfield that is actively managed by a local farmer. Two small stone foundations lie just off the main trail, hidden in plain sight. After the Ramble, members enjoyed coffee and social time at . Photo credits to .

05/22/2026

Olivia Hesseltine is a second-year graduate student in Communication Disorders with a focus in Speech-Language Pathology. Originally from Durham, Connecticut, Olivia is passionate about becoming a skilled and compassionate clinician. She is dedicated to building meaningful connections with her clients and providing effective, individualized care. Olivia is particularly interested in exploring a variety of clinical settings, including medical environments, private practices, and schools, to gain a well-rounded understanding of the field. She also hopes to travel internationally to learn from diverse cultures, enhancing her ability to approach each client from a holistic and culturally informed perspective.

05/21/2026

Hello! My name is Isabella Luisi and I am from Coventry, RI. I will be a junior in the fall here at URI. I am a clinical neuroscience major with a minor in chemistry (possibly adding a minor in psychology as well). My current interests include neuropsychology, neurodegenerative disease research, and the diagnosis and treatment of developmental disorders. After graduating from URI, I plan on attending graduate school for my Master’s and possibly going for my PhD after that. I am excited to be working here this summer!

05/20/2026

A recent OLLI class explored the cultural diversity within the Côte d’Ivoire with Lars Erickson, Professor of French and Chair of the Language Department at the University of Rhode Island, and Karen Turman who participated in a Fulbright-Hays grant earned by the American Association of Teachers of French in 2025. The class began with an overview of the geography and history of the country, which includes over 60 different ethnic groups, then moved on to its cultural diversity. They learned about some Ivoirian culinary traditions, then focused on dance, especially the Bolo dance of the area around San Pedro and the Zaouli dance. Lars and Karen discussed a recent Zouglou song and then transitioned into developments within the Côte d’Ivoire today.

05/19/2026

OLLI members enjoyed a Forest Bathing Walk last week led by Mary Jane Sorrentino. The term forest bathing comes from the Japanese Shinrin-yoku, “bathing or taking in the forest atmosphere.” Now considered an important health and wellness practice in many countries, in Japan it is part of the national health program. Doctors write prescriptions for it, and scientists study its benefits. Forest bathing gives you a chance to quiet your mind while using your senses, helping you renew your relationship with nature. The gentle walk was slow, and silent except for the times when the group gathered to share.

05/18/2026

South County Habitat (SCHH) is inviting local LGBTQIA+ community members and allies for a day of building together to highlight the need for affordable housing and support the LGBTQIA+ community's access to safe homes. SCHH promotes equal housing opportunities and we believe everyone deserves a decent place to live.

All event logistics including exact location and parking instructions can be found on the registration page:

📅Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026
⏰Time: 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM - lunch provided!
📍Location: Westerly, RI

No experience is necessary to participate, must be 18+
Contact Volunteer Coordinator, Emily at [email protected] for questions or more information.

05/17/2026