SPRING COURSES 2025
Lifelong Learning for a Vibrant Spring
OLLI Gardening Symposium
May 20, 2025
EDUCATION DESIGNED FOR ADULTS 50+
WWW.UTMB.EDU/OLLI
SPRING 2025 COURSES
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute – OLLI at UTMB Health
Learner-Led, College-Level Program of Adult Education
College–level seminars designed for 50 and older regardless of previous education. No credits, no exams, no grades—just learning for the love of learning…and the fun of it!
SPRING 2025 CURRICULUM—ENROLL NOW! THIS IS A PREVIEW OF OUR OFFERINGS
For the most current information, to join OLLI or to register for classes visit our website www.utmb.edu/olli YOU MUST BE A MEMBER OF OLLI TO ENROLL.
For those unable to register or enroll online, you may call or come see us in-person.
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
1200 Market Street–UTMB Campus
Galveston, Texas 77555-0972
Phone: (409) 763-5604
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Weekdays except for holidays.
a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Schedules Sometimes Change
• Every effort has been made to ensure scheduling accuracy in this catalog, but schedules do sometimes change unavoidably.
• Please check our website or phone the OLLI office for changes.
Many courses fill up quickly, and registration is first-come, first-served.
• Once you select the courses and seminars of your choice, please register soon.
• Please check online, visit or call us at OLLI to ensure that your choices are available.
• Once you’ve registered for an OLLI course or seminar, you can expect a confirmation email before it is scheduled to begin.
• Each activity at OLLI requires a minimum enrollment. Notification will be sent if it has not met the minimum enrollment and will be canceled.
Cancellations of Courses
• Should OLLI have to cancel a course, tuition credits can be held for future semesters for the same academic year, or you may also request a refund. All credits currently on file MUST BE USED by August 31, 2025.
• Should you need to cancel a course, please advise the OLLI office prior to the course commencing. Once a course begins, you can drop the course until the second session for a tuition credit, but you must notify us immediately. No credits will be issued after the second session of a course.
• We cannot retroactively issue a tuition credit. If you must cancel because of health issues, please notify the OLLI office immediately.
• Please notify OLLI office as soon as possible if you do not plan to take a course.
At OLLI, we do our best to offer a wide variety of courses. Please note that the information, views and opinions expressed by presenters do not represent official information or the views and opinions of the University of Texas Medical Branch unless the message is issued directly or approved by authorized officers of the University.
A Few FAQs
Q: Do I have to be 50 and older to join OLLI and take classes?
A: The OLLI program is designed for adults 50 and older, although not required. The program is open to all adults interested in lifelong learning.
Q: May I bring a friend to an OLLI class, just to get an idea of our wonderful classes?
A: Please encourage your friends to join OLLI and participate. Membership is a value at $25. It is not possible for non-members to “sample” OLLI courses. Non-member guests may not attend OLLI fitness sessions as guests. OLLI facilities cannot accommodate children as guests of OLLI members.
Q: Can someone who is an OLLI member in another state register for OLLI at UTMB Health classes?
A: This question often arises within the national OLLI network across all the states. So far, there is no equitable way to transfer memberships because membership costs and practices vary widely across the nation.
Q: When someone registers for a Tuesday yoga class and must miss a class for a doctor’s appointment, is it okay to catch up by attending the Thursday class?
A: You must attend only classes on days for which you’ve registered and paid tuition. Some people solve this dilemma by enrolling in more than one day. Even if you miss a few sessions, OLLI courses offer terrific value for your tuition dollars.
OLLI SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS
READERS GROUP
FREE – You must register to participate.
Mondays, January 6, February 3, March 3, April 7 and May 5, 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Calling all READERS of books, Kindles, Nooks, and e–books! Have you ever considered joining a Book Club or wondered what it would be like? Have you read a book and wished you could participate in a meaningful and enlightening discussion about it with fellow OLLI members? Contact the OLLI office for the next book’s title and let us know if you plan to attend. Group size is limited, so reserve your spot now! (Books/order are subject to change)
January 6: The Giver of the Stars by JoJo Moyes
February 3: The Secret of Sunflowers by Marta Molnar
March 3: The Seed Keeper by Diane Wilson
April 7: The Which Way Tree by Elizabeth Crook
May 5: The Alice Network by Kate Quinn
FRENCH LANGUAGE GROUP
FREE – You must register to participate.
Thursdays, January 16, February 20, March 20, April 17 and May 15, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Bonjour! Welcome to our French Language Group! Join us to practice speaking, listening and learning French in a relaxed and supportive environment. From beginners to advanced learners, everyone is welcome! Let’s improve our language skills together!
GARDENING GROUP
FREE – You must register to participate.
Wednesdays, January 22 – May 14, 9:00 a.m.
Gardening and garden–tending improve the quality of life for older adults, in addition to providing a source of fresh and nutritious food. Join OLLI members who are also certified Texas Master Gardeners and Master Naturalists or who are novice gardeners eager to learn. Any OLLI member is welcome to join. At the meetings, we share knowledge about some aspects of gardening, but mostly we tend to the garden beds. Let us know if you want to volunteer to lend a hand. We’d love to have you join us!
GAMING GROUP
FREE – You must register to participate.
Fridays, January 24 – May 16, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Welcome to our “Gaming Group”! We are passionate gamers who love immersing ourselves in epic gaming adventures. Join us as we explore uncharted realms, conquer foes, and forge unforgettable friendships.
GRIEF AND LOSS SUPPORT GROUP
FREE – You must register to participate. Facilitator: Pam Johnson, LCSW-S
Fridays, February 21, March 21, April 18, May 16, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Grieving is a normal human emotion, and even animals grieve. We define grief as the loss of a person, but there are many other losses that have similar effects on mental health such as loss of relationships, health, abilities, possessions, careers, and purpose. There are many symptoms of and triggers to grief, and not everyone grieves the same way. You don’t “get over it”, but you can get through it. Talking about it and receiving support from others can help.
OLLI EVENTS
OLLI RED PARTY
Whether you’re dancing with friends or meeting new faces, this red-themed social promises to be filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories. No partner needed, just come and enjoy the fun! Ballroom instructors Bill Biggs and Marcia Miller will teach us one dance. Afterward, you can dance, snack or just socialize with OLLI friends!
OPEN TO OLLI MEMBERS
Friday, February 14, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Register now! https://utmb.us/ayi
OLLI GARDENING SYMPOSIUM
OLLI’s third annual GARDEN SYMPOSIUM will feature information on a variety of timely topics, presented by some of the area’s most knowledgeable authorities. This day-long program will focus on sustainable garden practices, as well as practical suggestions on how to create an eco-friendly landscape. In addition to these presentations, a wide range of SYMPOSIUM EXHIBITORS will highlight how YOU can get involved in Coastal Garden Culture.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
$30 All-Day Registration
Box lunch included and free parking Tuesday, May 20, 8:00 a.m. – 3:45 p.m. Register now! https://utmb.us/ayi
Dean and Marilyn Callender Library for Dynamic Longevity
Drop by the library for a selection of books on a wide variety of topics and titles by your favorite authors. Please be mindful to keep titles circulating. Enjoy a selection of dozens of free jigsaw puzzles to work right in the library or take home to work with your family and friends.
SPRING 2025 COURSES
ONLINE
Lifelong learning anywhere! Enjoy the following classes with remote access. Zoom link will be sent prior to class.
Truth Be Told: Writing Compelling Stories About Real Life
Instructor: Kathryn Eastburn
7 Weeks: $35 tuition
Session 1: Mondays, January 27 – March 10, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
8 Weeks: $40 tuition
Session 2: Mondays, March 24 – May 12, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
In this class, we’ll talk about what drives strong personal essays and memoirs. Participants will read choice excerpts from the genres and work on their own personal narratives, turning life experiences into words and ideas that make deep personal connections. Open to experienced and inexperienced writers alike. (Limit 14)
Medicaid for the Middle Class
One-Time Seminar: FREE
Instructor: Sandra Perez Ard, Esq.
Monday, February 3, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
In the event of a medical crisis or potential future crisis, Medicaid Insurance is a value program to all Texans. Learn the exemptions and deductions that allow you to keep your assets, and maybe even your
income, while still being eligible for Medicaid benefits. Then, learn how Texas has special ways to avoid Medicaid Payback under the federal Medicaid Estate Recovery Program (MERP). There are things you can do today to protect your family and your future tomorrow. (Available Onsite/Galveston – limit 20)
Age is just a number!
4 Weeks: $20 tuition
Instructor: Miriam Davis
Mondays, March 24 – April 14, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 pm
Fridays, March 28 – April 18, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
This class will be geared toward building strength. As we age, we lose muscle mass and strength, but who said we can’t gain some of that back! We will work with weights and/or resistance using our own body. This will be a circuit and/or Tabata style format. No two classes will be the same. We will have fun while getting stronger. Let the fun begin with YOU!
Probate Avoidance
One-Time Seminar: FREE
Instructor: Sandra Perez Ard, Esq.
Monday, May 12, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
This course is designed to educate individuals about strategies to minimize or completely avoid the probate process. Participants will learn about various estate planning tools like living trusts, joint ownership, beneficiary designations, and more. The course will provide practical tips and legal insights to help individuals navigate the complexities of probate and ensure a smoother transfer of assets to beneficiaries after their passing. (Available Onsite/Galveston –limit 20).
Congress has permanently extended the opportunity for Americans, age 70½ or older, to make direct transfers up to $100,000 from Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) to charitable organizations like the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.
These gifts have truly transformed UTMB while allowing alumni and friends to support UTMB and avoid paying income tax on their IRA distributions. You can designate your IRA gift to the areas and programs you care most about at UTMB—like OLLI!
Why Consider This Gift?
• Your gift will be put to use today, allowing you to see the difference your donation is making.
• You pay no income taxes on the gift. The transfer generates neither taxable income nor a tax deduction, so you benefit even if you do not itemize your deductions.
• If you have not yet taken your required minimum distribution for the year, your IRA charitable rollover gift can satisfy all or part of that requirement.
• By making a gift this year of up to $100,000 from your IRA, you can see your philanthropic dollars at work. You are jump–starting the legacy you would like to leave and giving yourself the joy of watching your philanthropy take shape. Moreover, you can fulfill any outstanding pledge you may have made by transferring that amount from your IRA as long as it is $100,000 or less for the year.
You might consider designating your gift to one of OLLI’s local endowments: Billy and Stanley Buinski endowment, Dr. Richard and Martha Peake endowment, Jerry and Alison Barker endowment, or the Dr. Michelle Sierpina endowment for OLLI Leadership. To establish a new endowment, just let OLLI staff know and we can connect you to UTMB Development Office professionals who can guide you through the process.
The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston does not provide individual legal, tax, or financial advice. We urge you to seek the advice of your own legal, tax, or financial professionals in connection with gift- and estate-planning matters.
SPRING 2025 COURSES
ANGLETON
Fitness Sessions
FREE – OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
OLLI at UTMB Angleton welcomes all those 55 and over to participate in FREE Fitness sessions held at the Frank W. Stevens Center for Health and Wellness. Sessions offer seated low impact fitness activities. All props and weights required are provided. There is no charge, and no pre-registration is required. You can drop in for a single session, attend every week, or participate occasionally at your convenience.
American Heart Association Certified Training: Heartsaver CPR and First Aid BLS Healthcare Provider
$40 IN PERSON SKILLS CHECK (ONE ON ONE)
Must complete online portion first at www.shopcpr.heart.org
Whether in Galveston County, Brazoria County or beyond, if your group needs AHA CPR, First Aid, or BLS or American Red Cross certified AED, CPR, First Aid, contact us for special scheduling to meet your needs. At Angleton OLLI, we offer a blended learning setting. You can take your online portion at your own pace inside the comforts of your home. Once completed, call 979-848-9120 to schedule your skills portion of the training.
Healthy Living For Your Brain And Body
One Time: FREE
Monday, January 13, 11:00 a.m.
Presenter: Anna Duron, A&M AgriLife Extension Agent
Learn how to protect your brain and enhance your quality of life.
• Fuel your brain: Discover the power of nutrition to support cognitive function.
• Keep moving: Explore the benefits of regular physical activity for brain health.
• Challenge your mind: Engage in mentally stimulating activities to sharpen your cognitive skills.
• Connect with others: Understand the importance of social interaction for overall well-being.
Pressure Down: Controlling your Blood Pressure
One Time: FREE
Monday, February 10, 11:00 a.m.
Presenter: Anna Duron, A&M AgriLife Extension Agent
Learn about high blood pressure, lifestyle changes, medication, and stress management.
AARP Smart Driver Course™
One time seminar: $20 for AARP members/$25 for Non-members (Cash or Check only)
Instructor: Jesse Hedrick, Certified AARP Instructor Friday, February 21, 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., POB II Auditorium
Want to learn the newest Texas state driving laws and understand the latest technology? From understanding auto-lock brakes to navigating roundabouts and handling aggressive drivers, we will learn how handle many problem situations and challenges drivers face. Completion certificate for your insurance agent, provided at the end of the class. Contact your insurance agent to find out if they accept Smart Driver Course Completion Certificate for an insurance discount. Class size is limited, and pre-registration is required. Call OLLI Angleton at 979-848-9120 to register!
Medicare consultations
FREE – OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Mondays, March 3, April 7, May 5
Presenters: Zelda Earvin Houston/Galveston Area Agency on Aging
Individual Consultations on the first Monday of every month. Call OLLI Angleton at 979-848-9120 to register! You must phone OLLI to register in advance for these free consultation sessions. Individuals, both OLLI members and the public, are invited to make an appointment to have a personal benefits checkup.
Nurtured
by Nature
One Time: FREE Monday, March 10, 11:00 a.m.
Presenter: Anna Duron, A&M AgriLife Extension Agent
Discover the Healing Power of Nature. Join us for a presentation on the connection between humans and the natural world. Learn how spending time in nature can improve mental health and enhance physical well-being. We will share practical tips and strategies to incorporate nature into your daily life, from gardening and hiking to simply spending time outdoors. Key topics:
• The science behind nature’s benefits
• Creating a nature-friendly environment at home
• Engaging with nature in your community
• Overcoming barriers to connecting with the natural world
Mindful Moments: Navigating dementia and Alzheimer’s
3 sessions: FREE Tuesdays April 1, April 8, April 15, 10:00 a.m.
Presenter: Shana Kutac, A&M AgriLife Extension Agent
This class provides a comprehensive overview of dementia and Alzheimer’s offering valuable insights and practical tools to better understand these conditions. Participants will learn about the 10 warning signs of dementia, helping to identify early symptoms and seek timely support. In addition to understanding the differences between dementia and Alzheimer’s, the class will explore ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle that supports both body and mind, reducing risk factor and promoting well-being. Whether you are a caregiver, family member or seeking knowledge for personal reasons, this class will equip with knowledge and resources to approach dementia with confidence and compassion.
Total Body Fitness Workout
6 Weeks: $30 tuition
Certified Instructor: Michael Washburn Wednesdays, April 2 – May 7, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., Wildcat Room
Challenge yourself in this exercise program for total body fitness beginning with a warm-up (at your own pace) using light, medium, or heavy weights, small balls, and elastic tubes, with a chair for support. You’ll experience stretching, improvement in balance and posture alignment, breathing, and joint movement. Develop better coordination and have lots of fun. Total body fitness is perfect for stress reduction, heightened focus, enhanced concentration, and increased bone density. Tone your muscles, while your body core responds to this total body exercise program.
Power to Prevent Diabetes
One Time: FREE Monday, April 14, 11:00 a.m.
Presenter: Anna Duron, A&M AgriLife Extension Agent
A research-based seminar to raise awareness about Diabetes and PreDiabetes: learn about the symptoms, health implications and screenings for Diabetes.
10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease
One Time: FREE Monday, May 19, 11:00 a.m.
Presenter: Anna Duron, A&M AgriLife Extension Agent
This presentation provides valuable knowledge to identify and address early symptoms of Alzheimer’s. It can empower individuals to support loved ones, advocate for early diagnosis, and contribute to a greater understanding of Alzheimer’s disease.
SPRING 2025 COURSES
GALVESTON
ART
Come and Learn to Paint with Soft Pastel
4 Weeks: $20 Tuition ($5 supply fee due to instructor—cash only)
Instructor: Pam Hatch
Mondays, January 27 – February 17, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
This class will cover the history of pastel, the different types of soft pastel and the various surfaces to work on. There will be a quick landscape demonstration in pastel during the first class and then students will begin to get to know the feel of working with this forgiving medium by painting something simple. For the following classes, please bring a favorite landscape photo to work from. There will be plenty of photos available for those who can’t find one.
Spring Diamond Art Coaster
One-time: FREE ($5 supply fee due to instructor – cash only)
Instructor: Meredith McMorris
Thursday, January 30, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Unleash your inner paint-by-number artist in an entirely new way. Instead of paint, this class uses tiny, sparkly beads to bring your coaster to life. No experience necessary. Choose between a Mardi Gras theme or Valentine hearts. Go home with a beautiful coaster. (Limit 12)
Beginning Crochet
4 Weeks: $20 Tuition
Instructor: Danielle Stephenson
Mondays, February 3 – 24, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Welcome to the world of crochet! In this wonderful class we will be learning the basics of crochet! We will learn how to do the basic starting stitches such as the single crochet, half double crochet and the double crochet. Over the next four weeks we will complete small projects such as book markers, potholders, and a grannie square. Hope to see you soon! (Limit 16)
The Wonders of Watercolor
4 Weeks: $20 Tuition ($20 supply fee due to instructor – cash only)
Instructor: Sally Knight
Tuesdays, February 18 – March 11, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
This is a class for the absolute beginner. Each session will address specific skills and techniques that will give the student the opportunity to express themselves and explore the joy of watercolor. The emphasis will be on creativity, self-expression, and appreciation of the watercolor process. At the end of the class the students will have a small portfolio of their own work and hopefully the desire to watercolor for their own pleasure.
Origami
One-Time Seminar: FREE
Instructor: Kathy Nixie
Thursday, February 20, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
This hands-on introductory class will produce some fun pieces while you learn some history and basic terminology. Origami is a Japanese paper art form that is practiced all over the world. (Limit 16)
Spring Beads!
4 Weeks: $20 tuition ($20 supply fee due to instructor – cash only)
Instructor: Susan Cilie
Mondays, March 3 – March 31, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (No class March 17)
Beads are a timeless part of art. In this class you will make jewelry with a spring theme. Inspired by the colorful blooms of spring flowers and the pastels of Easter, this class is designed to inspire beginners and intermediate jewelry designers to unleash their inner creativity. From a therapeutic hobby to a small business, Susan has studied and created many fun pieces of jewelry and accessories. We will create earrings, bracelets, sun catchers, and more with beautiful, sparkling beads and crystals. You will get to design and take home your creations each day. (Limit 20)
Joy of Color
4 Weeks: $50 tuition (Supplies provided)
Instructor: Sharon Hendry
Mondays, March 3 – March 31, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. (No class March 17)
This practical, hands-on class delves into the world of acrylic painting. Explore diverse, vibrant artistic expressions, from abstract works to simple representational forms. Unleash your creativity and discover fresh insights into the power of color. (Limit 14)
Kite Building
One-Time Seminar: FREE
Instructor: Kathy Nixie Wednesday, March 5, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Experience the joy of building and flying your own kite with our kite building class. You’ll construct several simple kites in this exciting hands-on workshop. In addition to the construction process, we will discuss the history of kites and their various uses throughout time. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn a new skill, unleash your creativity, and enjoy the great outdoors. (Limit 16)
Cinco de Mayo Pinata
6 Weeks: $30 tuition
Instructor: Bernice Torregrossa Tuesdays, March 25 – April 29, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Pinatas add fun, color, and the traditions of three continents to any celebration. In this 6-week class, you will learn paper-crafting techniques to create pinatas for Cinco de Mayo. Explore the history and artistic applications of pinata-making, and be guided throughout the design, construction and filling of your own pinatas. All three forms of pinata construction (papier-mache, box modification and flat shapes) will be presented. See your idea take shape and become fiesta ready. (Limit 16)
Oil Painting
6 Weeks: $30 Tuition ($25 supply fee due to instructor – cash only) Instructor: David Wheeler Mondays, April 7 – May 12, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Come join us in painting with oils. It does not matter if you have never painted before or have been painting for a while. We will learn the basics and move to something you would like to do. Oils are rich and easier to work with than you may think. Come have some fun! (Limit 20)
SPRING 2025 COURSES
Mosaic House Number
4 Weeks: $20 tuition ($30 supply fee due to instructor – cash only)
Instructor: Michele Patrick
Tuesdays, April 8 – April 29, 1:00 pm. – 3:00 p.m.
Deadline to register March 30
You’ll be the envy of the neighborhood with this one-of-a-kind mosaic house number. Come learn what makes an outdoor mosaic different from an indoor mosaic. No art or mosaic experience is required. (Limit 16)
Silk Painting Journey
4 Weeks: $20 Tuition ($30 supply fee due to instructor – cash only)
Instructor: Sally Knight
Thursdays, April 10 – May 1, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Follow the Silk Road and learn how to turn this versatile fabric into beautiful garments, home decorations and paintings suitable for framing. The journey begins with learning the basic techniques of silk painting and ends with the student completing two small projects and a choice of completing a larger project that the participant will choose to complete. This class requires no previous painting experience, but artists of any level will enjoy the creative opportunities this class offers. Join us for a fun and fulfilling art experience.
Beautiful Beaded Wire Bracelet
One-Time Seminar: FREE ($5 supply fee due to instructor—cash only)
Instructor: Oma Morey
Tuesday, May 6, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Use simple wire and beads to create a timeless masterpiece for your wrist. This class is suitable for beginners or experienced jewelry makers. Beads and wire provided. If you have your own special beads, you’d like to bring for the bracelet, you are welcome to bring them. We will complete the bracelet in class. (Limit 20)
Life’s a Stitch! Embroidery 1
4 Weeks: $20 tuition ($10 supply fee due to instructor – cash only)
Instructor: Helen Rogers
Wednesdays, January 22 – February 12, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Think embroidery sounds fun? Get started in this BEGINNERS class. Get introduced to all the “tools of the trade” you need to get started and the different types of embroidery. You will learn how to start projects, how to change thread/stitch style, follow a pattern and some easy finishing options. Gain experience with 12 of the basic stitches “sampler style”, plus a few easy but fancy looking variations. As we complete the sampler, we will discuss ideas for a “first project” pattern that can put all your new skills to use. (Limit 12)
Life’s A Stitch! Embroidery 2
4 Weeks: $20 Tuition ($10 supply fee due to instructor – cash only)
Instructor: Helen Rogers
Wednesdays, March 26 – April 16, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Session 2 is a continuation of Session 1, and we will continue to develop your skills with new stitches. If you previously attended Session 1 you will not need to purchase another supply kit. (Limit 12)
Fun with Clay
6 Weeks: $30 Tuition ($35 supply fee due to instructor – cash only)
Instructor: David Harmon
Session 1: Thursdays, February 6 – March 13, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Session 1: Wednesdays, March 26 – April 30, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
This 6-week class will introduce you to the art of working with clay. Throughout the course, you will create a pinch pot—a simple form of
pottery created by pinching the clay with your fingers into a desired shape—and a coil pot, which is made by stacking and smoothing coils of clay to form a vessel. All necessary tools will be provided. Designed for beginners, this class offers step-by-step instructions on molding and shaping clay, ensuring you feel comfortable and confident. By the end, you will take home your beautifully completed pieces. All materials, including clay, glaze and decorative elements, are included. (Limit 16)
Fun with Clay—Making Things with Slabs
4 Weeks: $20 Tuition ($25 supply fee due to instructor – cash only)
Instructor: David Harmon Fridays, April 18 – May 9, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
In this 4-week class you will explore the many facets of clay slab building with instructing artist David Harmon as you learn to build functional clay projects from soft to stiff clay slabs. This is a hand building class where students will create forms using a rolled sheet of clay – including a cylinder form that could be a vase or mug – as well as a bowl, baking dish, or box using clay slabs. All necessary tools will be provided to help you personalize each piece and make it truly unique to you. This class is designed for beginners looking for the next step in hand building and will offer step-by-step instructions creating with clay slabs. By the end of this class, you will have created several beautiful pieces you will be proud of. All materials, including clay, glaze, and decorative elements are provided. Repeat students (Fun with Clay) and anyone with clay hand building skills who wishes to improve are welcomed. (Limit 16)
Painting with Bonnie – Part 1
4 Weeks: $20 tuition ($20 supply fee due to instructor – cash only)
Instructor: Bonnie Blue Wednesdays, February 19 – March 12, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Anything can be a canvas when you are a creative painter. In this class you will paint a rock, a hat, a wooden plank, and a wine glass. Take your artistic talents to the next object! Rock, hat, plank and glass provided. (Limit 16)
Painting with Bonnie – Part II
4 Weeks: $20 tuition ($20 supply fee due to instructor – cash only)
Instructor: Bonnie Blue Thursdays, April 3 – April 24, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Take your artistic talents to the next object! Belt or purse, sea glass wind chime, 3D octopus and beer bottle cap art on wood provided. (Limit 16)
WALK A MILE NO MATTER WHAT THE WEATHER
OLLI’s corridor welcomes you during open hours, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Walk the hall 14 times and you’ve completed a mile.
SPRING 2025 COURSES
DANCE
Beginner Ballroom Dancing
8 Weeks: $40 tuition
Instructor: Bill Biggs and Marcia Miller
Session 1: Fridays, January 24 – March 14, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Session 2: Fridays, March 28 – May 16, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Step into the enchanting world of ballroom dancing! Our course is a rhythmic journey through the elegance and grace of various dance styles, from the waltz to the cha–cha. Learn to move with poise, connect with your partner, and immerse yourself in the magic of ballroom dance. Sign up with a partner but not required. (Limit 30)
Country and Western Dancing
8 Weeks: $40 tuition
Instructor: Pat Trevisani
Thursdays, February 6 – April 10, 2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
(No class March 6 and March 20)
Dancing provides many benefits, including physical fitness, mental stimulation, and emotional bonding. Considering the many reasons to start dancing, we challenge you to find one good reason you shouldn’t join us in this fun, western-style couples dance class. Please note that you will need to sign up with a partner. (Limit 15 couples)
Adult Jazz Dance
4 Weeks: $20 Tuition
Instructor: Susan Cilie
Mondays, April 7 – April 28, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Enjoy a fun, dynamic, and expressive dance class featuring a synergy of many styles and techniques. This class will help you stretch, improve your balance and coordination, while exploring energetic and rhythmic movements. Ballet 1 or previous dance experience is helpful but not mandatory. Yoga-style attire with ballet or jazz shoes. (Limit 20)
Adult Ballet Session 1
4 Weeks: $20 tuition
Instructor: Susan Cilie
Mondays, January 27 – February 17, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Come explore the beauty of classical ballet in this class, accessible to all levels. Starting with basic warm-up exercises, with and without the use of the barre, improve your balance and flexibility while learning technique and traditional steps. Learn traditions that have been passed down to dancers since the 15th and 16th centuries. Develop your inner artist! Comfortable yoga-style clothing and ballet slippers are encouraged. (Limit 15)
Adult Ballet Session 2
4 Weeks: $20 tuition
Instructor: Susan Cilie
Mondays, March 3 – March 31, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. (No class March 17)
Move away from the barre and test your coordination with graceful movements, building strength with light cardio steps, developing poise and confidence, then wrapping up with a cooling classical reverence. Comfortable yoga-style clothing and ballet slippers are encouraged. Previous ballet experience helpful but not required. (Limit 15)
Beginner Line Dancing
4 Weeks: $20 tuition
Instructor: Pat Trevisani
Thursdays, February 6 – February 27, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Line dance performs patterned, rhythmic foot movements in unison with the music. It blends dance, music, and exercise, promoting physical fitness. This fun workout will help tone muscles, improve coordination, balance and enhance concentration and flexibility. Each dance will be introduced with detailed instruction and modifications, and new dances will be presented as the group progresses. Participants will need footwear that allows them to slide or swivel easily. (Limit 30)
Intermediate Line Dancing
4 Weeks: $20 tuition
Instructor: Pat Trevisani
Thursdays, March 13 – April 10, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
(No class March 20)
Take your line dancing to the next level! You’ve learned the basic steps, now add more complex routines and impress yourself! Participants need footwear that allows them to slide or swivel easily. (Limit 30)
GAMES
Board Games Charcuterie
8 Weeks: $40 tuition
Instructor: Paulo Castillo
Tuesdays, January 21 – March 11, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Join a class learning modern board games from this century. Over the course of 8 weeks, learn a sampler platter of 6 board games. In each class, you’ll learn a new game in the first 15 minutes or so (give or take), then spend the rest of the class playing the game and having fun! Pick up a new hobby, meet new friends, and dip in some fun! Games include Qwirkle, Azul, Skull, Hanabi, Kingdomino, and Blokus.
Spades
One-Time Seminar: FREE
Instructor: Bill Biggs Wednesday, January 22, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Spades is a card game created in the 1930s. It can be played as either a partnership or solo game. The object is to take the number of tricks that were bid before play of the hand began. Spades is a descendant of the whist family of card games, which also includes bridge, hearts, and oh hell.
Canasta
8 Weeks: $40 tuition
Instructor: Bill Biggs
Session 1: Wednesdays, January 22 – March 12, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Session 2: Wednesdays, March 26 – May 14, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Canasta, initially invented in Uruguay, is making a comeback! This fun, easy–to–learn game offers a less intense experience than bridge, but it requires skill, luck, and attentiveness. Wild cards include jokers and deuces. Groups will play with two or three regular decks, and two, three, or four players can enjoy a complete game. We’ll provide the cards, instructions, and a set of written rules. (Limit 20)
SPRING 2025 COURSES
Rummikub
4 Weeks: FREE
Instructor: Ilene Baer
Mondays, February 3 – February 24, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
The object of the game is to be the first player to eliminate all the tiles from your rack by forming them into sets of runs and groups; try to keep as few points in your hand as possible. Rummikub is the perfect challenge, where strategies meet fun! (Limit 16)
Beginner Mah Jongg
8 Weeks: $60 tuition
Facilitator: Joanne Griffin
Fridays, February 7 – March 28, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Dive into American mah-jongg, an engaging game that enhances cognition and memory. Originating from a traditional Chinese tilebased game, it enjoys popularity globally, including Galveston, due to its fun yet challenging nature. The course blends classroom instruction with actual gameplay to skillfully equip players for independent local group play. Mah Jongg cards are provided. Must attend the first 3 sessions. Class size is limited. (Limit 16)
BUNCO
One-time: FREE
Instructor: Deni Mize
Monday, February 24, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Instructor: Regina Bishop
Thursday, May 8, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
It’s BUNCO TIME! Learn how to play this popular dice game, set up your own party group, and have some fun!
Beginner Chess
6 Weeks: FREE
Instructor: George A. Laiacona Jr, Galveston Island Chess Club Director
Mondays, March 24 – April 28, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
This class helps develop skills in this timeless game through comprehensive lessons on openings, middlegame techniques, and endgame strategies. Everyone is welcome, from beginners to masters of the game. Master the fundamentals of chess and engage in exciting gameplay against fellow enthusiasts in a supportive learning environment. (Limit 20)
Mexican Train Dominoes
4 Weeks: FREE
Instructor: Ilene Baer Tuesdays, March 25 – April 15, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Mexican Train is a fun and interactive game of dominoes that can be played by a group. In this game, players take turns placing matching numbered dominoes onto open trains in the center. The object is to keep your score as low as possible to win. With simple rules and easy to follow gameplay, this class is a crowd pleaser.
GARDENING
Landscape/Gardening
Pest Management
3 Weeks: FREE
Facilitator: Dr. Don C. Wilkerson
This 3-part lecture series, presented by Dr. Don Wilkerson, will focus on many of the common insects, diseases and weeds that plague Galveston home landscapes and gardens. Emphasis areas will include identification, as well as developing strategies for effective pest management. (Limit 35)
• Common Insects/Mites and Their Management
Tuesday, April 29, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
This presentation will highlight Integrated Pest Management (IPM) concepts and how to develop a management strategy that best fits your gardening philosophy.
• Best Management Practices for Plant Diseases
Tuesday, May 6, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Avoiding conditions that promote plant diseases is the most effective management approach. Once a disease occurs, identification and understanding pest biology become the keys to successful management.
• Weed Identification and Control Strategies
Tuesday, May 13, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Weeds are not only unsightly, but they can harbor a variety of harmful insects, mites and diseases. Developing an effective weed control strategy begins with proper identification and includes a thorough understanding of their biology.
“When
I first came to OLLI, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Initially, I was curious about gardening more. Yet, since coming here it has evolved into so much more. I have learned a ton on gardening, due to the diverse array of varied members and their unique experiences.”
Ro ss White OLLI member
SPRING 2025 COURSES
HEALTH
UTMB Expert Series
FREE Individual Seminars
Experts from UTMB lecture on various topics related to the overall health and wellness needed to preserve your health and wellness. Join any or all lectures in the series. (Limit 35)
• Salad Dressings 101 and the Power of Fiber
Wednesday, February 5, 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Instructor: Dr. Andrew Janicki, Clinical Instructor, Department of Family Medicine
• Oral Cancer Uncovered: What You Need to Know
Monday, February 10, 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Instructors: Dr. Hisham Marwan, Associate Professor and Dr. Camilo Mosquera, Assistant Professor, Department of Oral Surgery
• Taking the Message & Medicine Home—Using Technology to be More in Control of Your Health Care
Wednesday, February 26, 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Instructor: Dr. Meredith Masel, Assistant Professor, Population Health & Health Disparities
• Understanding Your Laboratory Tests
Thursday, February 27, 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Instructor: Dr. Juan Rojo, Assistant Professor of Instruction, Clinical Laboratory Sciences
• The Link Between Hearing and Cognition: Media Facts and Fiction
Monday, March 3, 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Instructor: Dr. Shawna Jackson, Director and Clinical Specialist, Department of Audiology
• Newer Corneal Transplant Techniques and What That Means for Patients
Friday, March 7, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Instructor: Dr. Ardalan Sharifi, Assistant Professor, Department of Ophthalmology
• A Safe and Sound Hospital Stay: How to get the Care You Want for the People You Love
Monday, March 10, 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Instructor: Dr. Meredith Masel, Assistant Professor, Population Health & Health Disparities
• Allergic Conditions Throughout a Lifetime Wednesday, April 9, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Instructor: Dr. Jennifer McCracken, Associate Professor, Department of Internal Medicine-Allergy
• Gene Therapy 101
Thursday, May 8, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Instructor: Dr. Joseph Ray, Chief, Division of Medical Genetics and Metabolism
Taking Our Best Shot (TOBS)
FREE Individual Seminars
Taking Our Best Shot (TOBS) is an interdisciplinary initiative that promotes public health practices to strengthen the health of our community. TOBS have spearheaded several projects such as Infographic Challenges, TOBS at Health Conversations, and TOBS at STEAM Paths to engage, educate, empower, and inspire our friends, family, and neighbors.
• From Busy to Balanced: Health Tips for Life in the Fast Lane
Thursday, February 6, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Instructor: Tony Nguyen and Cristeena Josphien, Pre-Med, Public Health Students, University of Houston
• Sun Safety
Wednesday, March 5, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Instructor: Alekhya Gurram and Danielle Miller, Medical Student, UTMB John Sealy School of Medicine
• 2 in 1: Perspectives on Space, Economics, History and Public Health
Friday, April 4, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Instructor: Vivian Tat, Postdoctoral Fellow, UTMB Department of Pharmacology and Nathan Tat, TOBS Affiliate
• Keeping Your Jaw Healthy: What You Need to Know About Medication and Bone Health
Thursday, April 17, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Instructor: Sarah Alnemrat, Research Technician, UTMB Department of Pharmacology
• DNA and the Philadelphia Chromosome
Friday, May 9, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Instructor: Gabrielle Dewson, MD/PhD Student, UTMB Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and School of Public & Population Health
BE A VOLLI!
• Get involved! Volunteer at OLLI. Your talent, creativity, and energy can help make OLLI even better. Stop by the OLLI front desk for details.
• Recommend a new course and suggest an instructor to add variety to OLLI’s future semesters! We welcome your suggestions!
SPRING 2025 COURSES
LOCAL
Restoring the League Kempner House
One-time: FREE
Instructor: Jani Mitcham
Session 1: Thursday, January 30, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Session 2: Tuesday, April 22, 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
What does it take to restore a dangerous, derelict historic home? The League-Kempner House was one of Galveston’s “most at risk” houses, having been neglected for years. After Janie Mitcham purchased the house in January 2021, she undertook a major restoration to make the home structurally sound, tackling a leaky roof, rotting wood, crumbling walls, and a termite infestation among other obstacles. Today, the home is owned by a nonprofit and efforts continue to restore this historic mansion to its former grandeur. Learn what’s happened so far and what comes next. (Limit 35)
Ten Years at The Bryan Museum
One Time Seminar: FREE
Instructor: Amelia White, Museum History Specialist, The Byran Museum
Friday, January 31, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Join The Bryan Museum History Specialist Amelia White as she explores the history and future of Galveston’s The Bryan Museum, which celebrates its tenth anniversary in 2015. Amelia will take you back to the purchase of the historic Galveston Children’s Home by Mr. J.P. Bryan and explore how the museum grew into the world class institution it is today. Amelia will also preview plans for the museum’s tenth anniversary celebration in June 2025 and share what The Bryan has planned for the next ten years, and beyond.
The Legacy of the Early Gulf Coast and Other Stories
4 Weeks: FREE
Instructor: Tom Linton
Thursdays, February 6 – February 27, 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
They were a blend of diverse backgrounds. How they got to Texas and the economic jump start they helped in giving the state was traced.
Mardi Gras, Past
& Present
One-time: FREE
Instructor: Christina Jewell, Project Coordinator, Special Collections, Rosenberg Library
Friday, February 21, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Mardi Gras in Galveston is a fun and exciting time. Come learn the history of Mardi Gras, including the cancelation and its revitalization in the 1980s. (Limit 35)
How the Parks of Galveston County Got Their Names
4 Weeks: FREE
Instructor: Tom Linton
Mondays, April 7 – April 28, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
The story of the acquisition of land for parks in Galveston County is one that elsewhere might seem strange, but not in Galveston County!
Galveston’s Historic Churches
One-time: FREE
Instructor: Jami Durham, Property Research & Cultural History Historian, Galveston Historical Foundation
Friday, April 11, 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Immerse yourself in the rich history and architectural beauty of 21 of Galveston’s most historic churches and congregations. From the iconic St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica to the historic First Presbyterian Church, as well as the island’s oldest Black congregations, explore their captivating stories and the significant role they played in shaping Galveston’s diverse religious history and cultural heritage. (Limit 35)
The Pirate Jean Laffite
One-Time: FREE Instructor: Christina Jewell, Project Coordinator, Special Collections, Rosenberg Library Friday, April 18, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Jean Laffite is an interesting and mysterious figure in Galveston history. Even the correct spelling of his name is ambiguous! Learn about his adventures in Galveston including his relationship with the native people, his legal & illegal activities, and why he left the island for good. (Limit 35)
Architectural Salvage and Restoration
One-Time Lecture: FREE
Instructor: Nick Barbee, Galveston Historical Foundation Wednesday, April 30, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Nick Barbee has worked for the Galveston Historical Foundation (GHF) for the last 10 years and manages the Architectural Salvage Warehouse of the GHF. Architectural Salvage and Restoration salvages historic building material which is sold to public working on historic homes. There are a number of benefits to using historic materials and techniques for rehabbing and preparing them. Nick will share best practice for saving and protecting common materials like flooring, windows, cast iron, and other building materials. Nick will also share the process of moving and restoring historic homes, highlighting GHF’s two most recent Revolving Fund Projects, 1414 Ave L and 7119 Broadway. The Revolving Fund has been in operation for over 50 years and has protected homes on the Island that would otherwise have been demolished. (Limit 35)
Galveston’s Orphan Home
One-time: FREE Instructor: Eric Broussard, Curator, The Bryan Museum Wednesday, May 7, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Long before housing, The Bryan Museum, our historic building at 1315 21st Street in Galveston, served as a refuge to children in need. For almost a century, the Galveston Orphans’ Home served our island community, and provided care for orphaned children, as well as those whose parents were not able to support them. In honor of the 6500 young lives who passed through the Home, as well as the people, organizations, and local businesses that helped to keep it operating, Curator Eric Broussard will highlight the permanent exhibit that honors these children. (Limit 35)
The Legendary Balinese Room
One-time: FREE
Instructor: Christina Jewell, Project Coordinator, Special Collections, Rosenberg Library Thursday, May 15, 10:00 p.m. – 12:00 p.m.
The Balinese Room offered decadence and illegal thrills to anyone seeking the experience, including celebrities from that time. Brothers Sam and Rose Maceo were larger than life and very much in charge. We will look at the history of the Balinese Room, the brothers, who established and ran the club, and their nemesis, the Texas Rangers. (Limit 35)
SPRING 2025 COURSES
MUSIC
60s and 70s Guitar
4 Weeks: $20 tuition
Instructor: James Johnson
Session 1: Thursdays, February 6 – February 27, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Session 2: Thursdays, March 27 – April 17, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Want to play your favorite songs from the ‘60s and ‘70s? We’ll learn more guitar chords and skills after the Beginning Guitar for Fun classes. Each session has different song sheet from the greatest songs in rock, country, soul, and folk! You can sign up for both sessions.
Discover Your Voice
4 Weeks: $20 tuition
Instructor: Henry Aronson
Fridays, February 7 – March 7, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. (No class February 14)
Mondays, February 17 – March 10, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Singing is a natural and joyous activity, and it can be even more rewarding with a solid grounding in vocal technique. Through work on familiar music with an emphasis on breathing techniques, body awareness and exploration of the vocal mechanism, you will discover and liberate a confident and authentic voice you might not have known was there! Music director Henry Aronson recently moved to Galveston from New York City and has more than 35 years of Broadway experience, with work on hit musicals, including “Little Shop of Horrors,” “Grease,” and “Rent.” Reading music is helpful, but not required. (Limit 18)
Vocal Harmony from the Roots Up
8 Weeks: $40 Tuition
Instructor: Henry Aronson
Mondays, March 24 – May 12, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Whether you’re an old hand at harmony or just starting out, this course will help you feel more assured and have more fun by exploring what’s at the heart of it: fundamentals of vocal production; ear-training; intervals; chords and inversions; and blend and balance. Using familiar popular music, we’ll work in a lead-and-backup format, affording each student the opportunity of stepping out and singing lead, with the additional possibility of participating in public performance at an OLLI event. There will be music theory involved, and basic knowledge of reading music will definitely help. Vocal techniques offered in the Discover Your Voice class will also be useful. Henry Aronson conducted almost 20 shows on Broadway before locating to Galveston Island in 2023. He wrote vocal arrangements for the Broadway production of The Rockey Horror Picture Show and the pre-Broadway revival of Little Shop of Horrors, among many others.
The Birth of Rock
8 Weeks: $40 tuition
Instructor: John Robinson
Thursdays, March 27 – May 15, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Embark on a journey exploring the people, places and technology that gave rise to the development of rock n roll from the 20s to the 80s. From the simple songs of the coal mines and cotton fields to the incendiary guitar of Jimi Hendrix and beyond. (Limit 16)
Historical Look at Big Bands in America
4 Weeks: $20 tuition
Instructor: Sparky Koerner
Mondays, April 14 – May 5, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Big Bands played an important role in the American music scene. We will discuss the leaders of these bands: Guy Lombardo, Tommy Dorsey, Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Chick Webb as well as others; their vocalists and the impact they made. We will discuss female vocalists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, Helen Forrest, and Lena Horne, as well as male vocalists Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Tex Beneke, and others. We will also look at the instrumentation, the musical composers, and arrangers of the music and the locations where they performed, such as the Cotton Club, Savoy Ballroom and Carnegie Hall, just to name a few. (Limit 16).
Beginning Fun with Ukulele
7 Weeks: $35 tuition
Instructor: James Johnson
Tuesdays, January 21 – March 4, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Love the sound of the ukulele? This fun course teaches beginning ukulele skills to play and accompany a number of familiar folk and popular songs such as Stand By me, Hound Dog, All My Loving, and many more. We use the book “Essential Elements Ukulele Method Book 1” by Marty Gross (Hal Leonard Publishers), available on-line, and we sing while we play. Purchase the book and a ukulele on your own before class begins.
Continuing Fun with Ukulele
8 Weeks: $40 tuition
Instructor: James Johnson Tuesdays, March 25 – May 13, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Ready to continue your creative journey with the ukulele? This course is for students who have completed OLLI’s Beginning Fun with the Ukulele or who meet entrance requirements. We learn intermediate ukulele skills in chording, strumming, fingerpicking, and melody playing. We use the book “Essential Elements Ukulele Method Book 2” by Marty Gross (Hal Leonard Publishers), available online, and we sing while we play. Songs include A Hard day’s Night, Three Little Birds, Over the Rainbow (Iz), Yellow Submarine, and many more. Get ready to continue your ukulele learning journey!
“My first OLLI class, 2017, I think, was Beginning Ukulele at the old community center on Broadway. Since then, I have taken ukulele every semester. I also took two djembe and drumming classes.
For exercise and fitness, I take chair yoga and standing strength and balance. The friendships with fellow OLLI participants have been wonderful. The instructors and staff have been great!”
Bruce Niebuhr OLLI member
SPRING 2025 COURSES
Another Year of Fun Songs with the Ukulele –Part One
7 Weeks: $35 tuition
Instructor: James Johnson
Tuesdays, January 21 – March 4, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
The authors of The Daily Ukulele have a new book out, with 365 more fabulous songs to learn! This course is for students who have completed at least OLLI’s Beginning Fun with the Ukulele or who meet entrance requirements. We will use the book “The Daily UkuleleAnother Year” of by Jim and Liz Beloff (Hal Leonard, available online) and expand our ukulele skills while learning to play and sing 22 awesome songs that span many years and musical styles such as Afternoon Delight, Aquarius, Bésame Mucho, Island in the Sun, I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch), and many others. (Limit 18)
Another Year of Fun Songs with the Ukulele –Part Two
8 Weeks: $40 tuition
Instructor: James Johnson
Tuesdays, March 25 – May 13, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
The authors of The Daily Ukulele have a new book out, with 365 more fabulous songs to learn! This course is for students who have completed at least OLLI’s Beginning Fun with the Ukulele or who meet entrance requirements. We will use the book “The Daily UkuleleAnother Year” of by Jim and Liz Beloff (Hal Leonard, available online) and expand our ukulele skills while learning to play and sing 22 awesome songs that span many years and musical styles such as Jolene, Mrs. Robinson, My Cherie Amore, Oh Pretty Woman, Old Time Rock and Roll, and many others. (Limit 18)
Basics of Keyboard/Piano for Fun 1
4 Weeks, $20 tuition
Instructor: James Johnson
Thursdays, February 6 – February 27, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Discover the world of playing piano. This course is designed for beginners to develop foundational skills including proper hand technique, reading sheet music and playing melodies. Keyboard recommendation available. You can sign up for all 3 Basics of Keyboard/Piano for Fun Classes! Students provide their own keyboard. Please bring “Alfred’s Basic Adult Piano Course, Level 1 Adult All-N-One Course” (spiral version).
Basics of Keyboard/Piano for Fun 2
4 Weeks, $20 tuition
Instructor: James Johnson
Thursdays, March 27 – April 17, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Continue developing your piano playing skills. This course for beginners will continue to build on foundational skills, including reading sheet music and playing melodies. Keyboard recommendation available. You can sign up for all 3 Basics of Keyboard/Piano for Fun Classes. Students provide their own keyboard. Please bring “Alfred’s Basic Adult Piano Course, Level 1 Adult All-N-One Course” (spiral version).
Basics of Keyboard/Piano for Fun 3
4 Weeks, $20 tuition
Instructor: James Johnson
Thursdays, April 24 – May 15, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Want to brush-up on your piano playing skills? We will continue to develop foundational skills, including reading sheet music and playing melodies. We will cover fun and popular hit songs too! Please bring Adult Method-Book One by Hall Leonard. Keyboard recommendation available. You can sign up for all 3 Basics of Keyboard/Piano for Fun Classes. Students provide their own keyboard. Please bring “Alfred’s Basic Adult Piano Course, Level 1 Adult All-N-One Course” (spiral version).
SCHOLARLY STUDY: FOOD AND CUISINE
Let’s Taco ‘Bout It
4 Weeks: $30 Tuition
Instructor: Chef Casie Benson Thursdays, January 30 – February 20, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and transport you to the vibrant streets of Mexico? Join us for an immersive, four-part cooking demo series taught by Chef Casie Benson, where you’ll watch and learn how to create a mouthwatering array of traditional Mexican tacos, each bursting with unique flavors and fresh ingredients.
Bread and Yogurt
4 Weeks: $20 ($15 supply fee due to instructor – cash only)
Instructor: Dr. David McCormick Tuesdays, February 11, March 11, April 22, May 13, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Session 1: Learn how to make your own yogurt with Dr. McCormick’s “eternal” regenerative starter. You will never have to buy yogurt, because you will take home and incubate the jar of yogurt that you made in class. Use a tiny sample of this yogurt to start your next batch. Keep a sample of each new batch to use for each next batch. Session 2: Make delicious/nutritious yogurt flat bread. Bring a mixing bowl, mixing spoon, rolling pin and 16 oz measuring cup. Make flat bread in class with your risen dough or bring it home and make it in your frying pan. Session 3: Learn how to make sourdough bread. Take sourdough starter home from this class to use for future bread making. Session 4: Learn how to make sourdough pancakes with your “left over” sourdough starter that you bring in. If you don’t have your own starter, we will supply it. Delicious! For final class bring your bowl, mixing spoon, and measuring cup. Dr. McCormick will provide all additional ingredients and supplies.
Galentine’s Day Tea
One-Time Event: FREE
Hostesses: Dana Bechtold and Barbara Zimmerman Thursday, February 13, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Join us for tea, light bites, and delightful conversation as we celebrate the strength, support and joy that friends bring to our lives. Please wear your favorite hat! (Limit 20)
OLLI Memberships make ideal gifts. Surprise someone you love with a gift of lifelong learning.
SPRING 2025 COURSES
Five Ingredients or Less Cooking
4 Weeks: $30 Tuition
Instructor: Casie Benson
Thursdays, March 6 – April 3, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
(No class March 20)
Join Chef Casie Benson for an exciting and innovative 5 Ingredients or Less Cooking Class, where simplicity meets flavor! This hands-on class is designed for busy individuals and anyone looking to create delicious, healthy meals without the hassle of complicated recipes. With Chef Casie’s guidance, you’ll learn how to whip up satisfying dishes using just five ingredients—or fewer!
Cookie Decorating
4 Weeks: $20 tuition ($20 supply fee due to instructor – cash only)
Instructor: Susan Leining
Tuesdays, March 25 – April 15, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Join expert cookie baker and decorator Susan Leining as she takes you on a colorful, sweet journey into the world of cookies and decorating. This class covers everything from mixing and coloring frosting, to applying using different techniques. Leave with a sweet treat after each class. Cookies have a spring theme. (Limit 20)
Farm-to-Table
4 Weeks: $30 Tuition
Instructor: Casie Benson Fridays, March 28 – April 18, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Join Chef Casie Benson for a delightful and educational Farmto-Table Cooking Class that celebrates the beauty of seasonal, locally sourced ingredients! With a passion for fresh flavors and sustainable cooking, Chef Casie will guide you through the process of transforming farm-fresh produce into delicious, wholesome meals.
What’s In the Garden?
4 Weeks: $30 tuition
Instructor: Chef Paul Mendoza Fridays, April 25 – May 16, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Cook along with Chef Paul Mendoza as he uses fresh vegetables and herbs to create spring and summer dishes. Chef Mendoza will utilize produce from the OLLI garden in his cuisine.
SCHOLARLY STUDY: HISTORY
Reconstruction: A Challenging Chapter in the Story of American Freedom
One-time lecture: FREE
Instructor: Dr. Larry Blomstedt
Wednesday, January 22, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Reconstruction, defined as the decade or so after the end of the Civil War, proved to be a rebirth of sorts for the United States. With the passage of the Reconstruction Amendments to the Constitution, the “new” United States sought to guarantee life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness to African Americans for the first time. This lecture will detail the challenges in putting a nation back together after a war that cost over 600,000 American lives; the initial successes in ensuring true freedom for the African American population; along with how and why Reconstruction ended.
American Women’s Suffrage
4 Weeks: $20 tuition
Instructor: Kathy Nixie
Fridays, February 7 – February 28, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
This discussion class covers colonial times to the current state of women’s issues. Students may bring any articles or books related to the topic to share.
Overview of the Jury System
One-time Lecture: FREE Instructor: Doryn Glenn, Attorney, Chief Deputy District Clerk, District Clerk’s Office for Galveston County
Wednesday, March 26, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
In this presentation, attendees will learn about the various aspects of jury service, including its foundations in the United States and Texas Constitutions. They will learn about the qualifications for jury service, and the exemptions from jury service. The concept of civic duty will be discussed. Participants will also be asked to consider the constitutional guarantees of having a jury of one’s peers, and a jury that is fair and impartial, and why those elements are significant. Participants will be able to view an actual jury summons.
The Clashes of the Roaring ‘20s
One-time lecture: FREE
Instructor: Dr. Larry Blomstedt Thursday, March 6, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
The 1920s are typically recalled as the age of flappers, speakeasies, and jazz, all of which were examples of the “modernizing” of the United States. However, not all Americans approved of these “new things,” rendering the 1920s a struggle between fundamentalism and modernity. This lecture will begin by tracing how the First Red Scare of 1919 set the stage for the Roaring ‘20s, followed by an examination of the tug of war between Americans who wanted the nation to “stay as it was,” and those who embraced the changes taking place in the nation’s cities. It will conclude with an overview of the 1928 presidential election, which starkly captured this struggle of the modern versus the traditional.
Historic Immigration Court Records: Tracing Your Family Roots in Galveston County and Beyond
One-time Lecture: FREE
Instructor: Doryn Glenn, Attorney, Chief Deputy District Clerk, District Clerk’s Office for Galveston County
Wednesday, April 9, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
In this presentation, attendees will learn about the immigration and naturalization process in the United States at the turn of the century. They will view original immigration and naturalization records from the late 1800’s to the early 1900’s. They will see historical references to world leaders, and vessels of significance (such as the Lusitania). They will enjoy seeing the rich detail of information that is contained in these significant records.
How History is Reflected in Historic Court Records
One-time Lecture: FREE
Instructor: Doryn Glenn, Attorney, Chief Deputy District Clerk, District Clerk’s Office for Galveston County
Wednesday, April 16, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
In this presentation, participants will view original court records which reflect significant historical time periods. They will see case records from the time period of the Republic of Texas, the Civil War and the 1900 Storm. Attendees will be encouraged to consider that history does not just appear in classrooms and textbooks.
SPRING 2025 COURSES
Why the US Civil War Really Started
One-time Seminar: FREE
Instructor: Dr. Larry Blomstedt
Thursday May 8, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Some 80 years after the United States became a nation, it very nearly disintegrated in a civil war that cost more than 600,000 American lives. Even though the American Civil War ended more than a century-anda-half ago, disagreements still arise in discussions regarding what the war was about. This lecture will trace the happenings in American politics and society that led to the worst tragedy in the nation’s history. Attendees will examine a key primary source document that will answer the question of why the Civil War occurred.
Lectures on Galveston History I
4 Weeks: $20 tuition
Instructor: Henry Deslaurier, Instructor of History/Program Coordinator, Galveston College
Tuesdays, February 4 – February 25, 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Galveston College Professor Hank Deslaurier will lead a series of lectures on Galveston’s history. This brief walkthrough through the years of the island is sure to excite any Galveston history buff.
• February 4: Jean Lafitte, Galveston Pirates and Privateers and Piracy, 1800-1821
Explore the Galveston days of black flags and missing treasure. While this lecture will not provide you with a treasure map, it is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat as we explore Galveston’s own pirate, Jean Lafitte.
• February 11: Gilded Age of Galveston, 1870-1900
Stroll back in time when Galveston was the show of the state, when the money flowed without worry…when being on the society page was just as vital as having a good job.
• February 18: Free State of Galveston, 1920-1957
Come be the bee’s knees with the gamblers, the booze and bathing beauties—when entertainment was king, and the law was secondary.
• February 25: Galveston and the Great War, 1914-1920
The war to end all war comes to the island. Come explore how the island responded to the Great War, with not only troops to Europe, but on the island home front, as well.
Lectures on Galveston History II
4 Weeks: $20 tuition
Instructor: Henry Deslaurier, Instructor of History/Program Coordinator, Galveston College
Tuesdays, March 25 – April 15, 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• March 25: Hurricane of 1915
We all know 1900 but we forget the hurricane of 1915.
• April 1: Galveston Bucs Baseball
Embark on a celebration of the 1934 Texas League pennant! Explore Galveston’s first professional baseball franchise.
• April 8: The Wall Street of the south
Journey back to when Galveston was king of Texas economics. The first Wall Street of the south!
• April 15: World War II and Galveston
Galveston was vital to defeat the Axis powers, come discover Fort Crockett and Galveston’s impact on World War II.
SCHOLARLY STUDY: LITERATURE AND WRITING
Introduction to Lifestory
2 Sessions: FREE
Facilitator: Dave Bary and Caecilia Fryrear
Tuesday, January 21 and 28, 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Scientific evidence demonstrates the importance of telling and sharing life stories. This two-part FREE seminar is for those new to Lifestory groups at OLLI who want to join a writing group in the future. Session 1 explores the background, history, and processes of Lifestory. In Session 2, each writer will bring a written story to contribute and practice the usual protocol and pattern of a class. After completing both sessions, you will be prepared to join one of the Lifestory courses at OLLI. Learners at all levels of writing skill— including novices—will enjoy sharing their memories. Seats are limited – must attend both sessions.
“OLLI is a creative, significant gift to the community—with its vast variety of courses, which fulfill social and physical hopes of a retirement life. Friendships form, laughter happens, a meaningful life continues.”
Alison Barker OLLI member
SPRING 2025 COURSES
Lifestory
8 Weeks: $40 tuition
1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Facilitator: Caecilia Fryrear
Tuesdays, February 4 & 18, March 4 & 18, April 1 & 15, May 6 & 20
Facilitator: Dave Bary
Tuesdays, February 11 & 25, March 11 & 25, April 8 & 22, May 13 & 27
“Only you can tell your story” is a theme of Lifestory writing, which is supported by scientific evidence. Each writer finds their own “voice” and skills as they share and listen to each other’s stories in a confidential setting. Together they create a writing community widening and enriching our lives. The course is open to all who have completed the two introductory sessions. (Limit 10)
Hemingway in His Youth
8 Weeks: $40 Tuition
Instructor: Dr. John Gorman
Friday, March 7 – May 2, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. (No class March 21)
Hemingway could be something of a jackass as a human being; but as a literary stylist, he’s of overwhelming importance. Thematically, he and F. Scott Fitzgerald are tied as interpreters of what Gertrude Stein dubbed “The Lost Generation of post WWI writers”. I’ll be working from the library of America’s first Hemingway volume, taking his work up to 1926 and including his breakthrough novel, “The Sun Also Rises”. We’ll also take a look at A Moveable Feast, his vivid memoire of 1920’s Paris.
The Write Pick
One-time Seminar: FREE Facilitator: Cindy Downes
Monday, March 24, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Grab a prompt, let your creativity flow for 10 minutes, and share what you’ve written—if you feel like it! Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just love to doodle with words, this group is all about sharpening our writing skills, learning from each other, and most importantly, having fun! Bring your favorite pen and paper, and get ready for a relaxed, playful writing session where anything goes!
SCHOLARLY STUDY: SCIENCE & NATURE
Viking and Other Norse Ship Types of the 7th to 12th Centuries
One-time Seminar: FREE Instructor: Dr. Bill Wardle
Wednesday, January 29, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
This presentation will include a survey of the various types of Viking and other Norse ships in use for commerce, warfare, and exploration in Northern Europe and the Americas from the 7th through the 12th centuries CE. Several scale ship models made by the presenter will be used to support the discussion of the various ship types. New information and hypotheses as to how Norse ships were actually sailed will be included.
Sea Beans
One-time Seminar: FREE
Instructor: Maureen Nolan Wilde
Tuesday, March 4, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
What exactly is a sea bean and where can you find them while visiting the Galveston/Bolivar coastline? Did you know some sea beans can bring you good seas while others have helped Christopher Columbus and other explorers on their journeys? This session deals with the “what, where, and why” of sea beans. We will cover the most common to the rarest sea bean and other treasures found during my wanders along the beachfront.
Natural and Human Disasters: What Lessons Can We Learn from Them?
5 Weeks: $30 Tuition
Instructor: Stan Blazyk
Thursdays, March 13 – April 17, 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. (No class March 20)
We often distinguish between natural and human-caused disasters but usually a combination of natural events and human activity contributes to them. In this course, we will look at some notable disasters and the factors behind them. We will begin with the greatest disaster in American History the 1900 Storm and other notable Galveston and Gulf Coast hurricanes over the years. Then, we will shift our focus to the nuclear accident at Chernobyl, and the Challenger explosion; Pearl Harbor and the attacks of September 11. We will consider whether these could have been prevented or mitigated and explore what it means for our own situations.
Sharks, Rays and Chimaeras: The Biology and Diversity of Cartilaginous Fishes
One-time Seminar: FREE Instructor: Dr. Bill Wardle
Friday, April 25, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
This presentation will include the origin, evolution, basic biology, ecology, and diversity of fishes having a cartilaginous (non-bony) skeleton. This group includes sharks, rays, chimaeras and other primitive types of fishes, which branched off from the family tree leading to the higher (bony) fishes early in the evolutionary history of vertebrate animals. Emphasis will be placed on those species that are known to occur in the beachfront and bays that surround Galveston Island, Texas.
Cephalopods—Mollusks with High Performance and a Complex Lifestyle
One-Time Lecture: FREE Instructor: Ulli Budelmann
Friday, May 2, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Cephalopods are the most highly evolved invertebrates. You certainly know of the giant squid and have heard some amazing stories about the “intelligence” of an octopus. What are anecdotes and what is true? Ulli Budelmann has worked with these animals for almost 50 years. Come and listen to his stories of this fascinating group of cephalopods (octopus, cuttlefish and squid). Learn what actually makes them so fascinating to amateurs and scientists alike, learn about their amazing body organization, their highly evolved brains, nervous systems, and sense organs. Believe it or not, some of those systems rival their vertebrate, including human, counterparts in sophistication. Not surprisingly, then, cephalopods are “high performing” and have a complex lifestyle that is very different from their close relatives, which are mussels, oysters and snails. At the end of the seminar, you will be as fascinated about these animals as Ulli has been for 60 years.
Providing the Pathway for Oil and Gas
One-Time Seminar: FREE
Instructor: Jose Tovar III, Manager, Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Museum Friday, May 9, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
What does it take to get it oil and natural gas to reach our gas stations and ovens? A very complex yet unique operation called drilling. You will learn:
• The tools required to get from Point A (the surface) to Point B (oil and gas), such as drill bits, drill pipe, amongst other tools.
• What kind of planning before you spud in the well (i.e, start to drill).
• The parameters drillers and oil companies pay attention as they are drilling to the oil and gas reservoir.
• Personnel and Safety.
SPRING 2025 COURSES
Not Your Grandma’s Flower Gardens: Coral Reefs of Texas
One-Time Lecture: FREE
Instructor: Taylor Galaviz, Constituent Engagement Specialist, NOAA Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary Tuesday, May 13, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Discover the coral reefs in your backyard! Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary is a little-known gem in the Gulf of Mexico and home to some of the healthiest coral reefs in the entire Caribbean region. Join us to find out how they were discovered, why they are doing so well, and how we manage this precious natural resource. Hands-on activities will bring the story to life as participants create simple coral models. (Limit 35)
SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
Introduction to Acting
8 Weeks: $40 tuition
Instructor: Cailin Heffernan
Wednesdays, January 22 – March 12, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
New to Acting? Acted before, but it was in High School or University? Been Acting more recently, but you are keen to further develop your craft? This class will accept you at whatever level you are currently at and will deepen your appreciation as well as sharpen your skill through brief lecture/instruction, discussion, exercises (including improvisation) and physical application. Through the 8 weeks, we’ll enjoy thumbnail sketches of Classical Method, Stanislavski, The Method and Chekhov, Meisner and Schreiber, Hagen and Adler, Practical Aesthetics and Viewpoints, Brecht and Artaud, and finally Styles. Please bring a poem, reading, recitation or monologue to read aloud to your first class.
Acting Techniques
8 Weeks: $40 Tuition
Instructor: Cailin Heffernan
Wednesdays, March 26 – May 14, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
What to do after taking Intro to Acting? Want to take the next step? Acting Technique is that next step. This 8-week course will continue using practical application of Classical, Stanislavski, Meisner and Schreiber Methods, primarily. We will utilize classroom exercises and homework in improvisation, monologues and other acting exercises. The exercises are strongly encouraged, however, if a student prefers to audit the class (sit in and learn through observation only) that is completely acceptable. There will be additional work in style.
Genealogy Basics
4 Weeks: $20 tuition
Instructor: Carol Derragon
Thursdays, March 6 – April 3, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. (No class March 20)
Let’s get back to our roots! This class helps those who are curious about their family tree but don’t know where to start. This 4-week course will cover genealogy basics including terms, charts, online resources, as well as best practices for organizing and documenting your family history.
Genealogy Technology
4 Weeks: $20 tuition
Instructor: Carol Derragon
Mondays, April 7 – April 28, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Learn how to use free versions of Ancestry.com, Newspapers.com, and Fold3.com (military records) and discover new information about
your family history. This class will not utilize a computer lab, so students must bring a laptop/tablet/iPad for hands-on experience. An experienced genealogy instructor will guide each internet site’s navigating and search techniques. This class will meet both at OLLI and Rosenberg Library. Beginner genealogy is required unless given instructor permission. (Limit 15)
Tweaks and Tips for Your Personal Financial Plan
8 Weeks: $40 tuition
Instructor: Nancy Flint-Budde
Tuesdays, January 21 – March 11, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Financial planning is not just for the uber–wealthy. It is also about so much more than investing in the stock market! Everyone can benefit from tailoring their finances to their personal objectives. Stop worrying, act, and discover ways to reach your goals as we discuss financial planning in a conversational and interactive setting. This course will explore a different financial planning topic each week. Topics include retirement planning, income tax planning, investing concepts, estate planning, insurance, debt management, and creative approaches to charitable giving. In the final session, each student will create a personal plan allowing consolidation of the ideas from previous lessons. (Limit 35)
Cultivating the Fine Arts of Relaxation, Concentration and Meditation
8 Weeks: $40 Tuition
Instructor: Kathleen DiNatale Tuesdays, January 21 – March 11, 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Relaxation, Concentration and Meditation are three different skills. Learn to work with each of these skills to develop, enhance and improve day-to-day thought processes, interactions and over all well-being. The class includes book-study, conversation, physical and mental techniques for cultivating focus, clarity and a calm mind & body. Book required for class: “The Fine Arts of Relaxation, Concentration and Meditation” by Joel & Michelle Levey (http://www.wisdompublications.org.) Handouts for each session are provided.
Advancing Spanish
8 Weeks: $40 tuition
Instructor: Anna Olivares Tuesdays, January 21 – March 18, 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. (No class March 11)
Bienvenido! This class is for those who have a basic understanding of basic conversational Spanish and want to continue the path to fluency. We will discuss everyday situations and learn new vocabulary.
International Law and The Law of War
4 Weeks: $20 tuition
Instructor: Jerry Jackson, Esq. Wednesdays, February 5 – February 26, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
It seems as though an armed conflict or war is going on somewhere in the world in every minute of every day. Under International Law, when are those conflicts legal? If not legal, are there any consequences? And, what rules govern the actual combat from the types of weapons that may be used and how? We will also look at what is meant by a “just war”. Jerry Jackson has served in both the Army and the Air Force and practiced International Law. He was the principle professor of International Law at the U.S. Air Force Academy for four years and retired professor at the University of Houston.
SPRING 2025 COURSES
A Taste of Britain
4 Weeks: $20 tuition ($15 consumables fee due to instructor – cash only)
Instructor: Joy Owen
Fridays, February 14, February 28, March 14, March 28, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
This class spends some time learning what it means to live, love, and breathe Great Britain. We will look at just a few topics that make Britain… well, Britain!
• Week 1: What are They Saying?: American English vs. British English? We will be navigating the two countries divided by a not-so-common language.
• Week 2: Where are the prettiest villages? We’ll discuss travel destinations and how to get there.
• Week 3: What Mistakes Do Travelers Often Make: What to see? What to stay away from? How to get the most out of your time in Britain.
• Week 4: To really get a taste of Britain, we’ll spend our last classroom day learning the history of British tea and having our very own tea service!
Tech Tips
4 Weeks: FREE
Instructor: UTMB School of Nursing Students
Fridays, February 14, February 21, February 28 and March 14, 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Explore the world of your phone and computer beyond the basics. How can you start an Instagram or Facebook account? What features help you alter photos on your phone? What is the easiest way to download apps? UTMB School of Nursing students are here to help, in this intergenerational experience where young instructors and OLLI members learn from one another. Students will focus on a new area each week.
Beginner French
4 Weeks: $20 tuition
Instructor: Marie Daban
Session 1: Tuesdays, February 18 – March 11, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Session 2: Tuesdays, March 25 – April 15, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Bonjour! Welcome, this time, to an efficient French language class. Join us to better listen, learn, and speak French through Marie’s academic method and approach. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, you will enjoy a friendly, supportive way to overcome difficulties or enrich your knowledge.
Self-Awakening Through Being Touched by Real Actions with Humanistic Buddhism
4 Weeks: FREE
Instructor: Ven. Miaoling Shih and Dr. Miso Lee
Wednesdays, February 19 – March 12, 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
The Humanistic Living Chan emphasizes experiential education, guided by Master Hsing Yun’s philosophy that authentic learning often arises from impactful actions rather than mere words. Our focus is to inspire daily actions that resonate deeply with others. If nothing moves you, you risk becoming emotionally detached. This course includes Master Hsing Yun’s enlightening video lectures, chair meditation sessions, and engaging group discussions. (Limit 12)
Fishing for Beginners and the Experienced
8 Weeks: $40 Tuition
Instructor: John Donnelly
Tuesdays, March 25 – May 13, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Learn basic fishing skills using bait, lures, and tackle. Gain knowledge locating and catching Redfish, Speckled Trout and Flounder. This course is for the beginner and experienced alike. The beginner will learn how to fish and the more experienced will learn new or additional techniques. Learn types of fishing (wade, bank, pier, boat), knot tying, rod repair and build, reel maintenance, catch bait and keep it alive, fishing with lures, locating fish, when and where to fish, regulations and boat and trailer maintenance. These are just a few subjects covered in this course.
How to Avoid Common Phone Scams
One-time Lecture: FREE Instructor: Doryn Glenn, Attorney, Chief Deputy District Clerk, District Clerk’s Office for Galveston County Wednesday, April 2, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
This class offers suggestions to combat scams via phone calls, emails and texts. Predators have become sophisticated in their approach to scamming victims out of their money. Learn how to avoid predators and how the law works for you.
American Sign Language
4 Weeks: $20 Tuition Instructor: Vendla Smith Mondays, April 7 – 28, 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
This introductory course teaches the basics of American Sign Language. We will start with the alphabet and progress to basic words and phrases.
How to Improve Advertisements, Posters and PowerPoint Slides
One-Time Seminar: FREE Instructor: Ulli Budelmann Friday, April 11, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Have you ever wondered why some advertisements, posters, and PowerPoint slides easily catch your attention, are easy to read, easy to understand, and even easy to memorize, whereas others are not? There are actually reasons for that. As a retired neuroscientist with more than 40 years of teaching experience, Ulli Budelmann will explain in lay-terms the “science” behind how we see, what catches our attention (or is distracting), how we read, and how we memorize. Using bad advertising examples of what you see every day around you and improving those examples in front of your eyes, you will easily understand the mistakes that are made and from now on, hopefully, will never make those mistakes yourself.
Everything About Drones
4 Weeks: $20 Tuition
Instructors: Andrea and Toby Wilkinson Wednesdays, April 16 – May 7, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Participants will enjoy learning basic drone awareness and operations, drone safety, and FAA compliance for recreational/commercial use. For those who own drones, there will be opportunities to fly. Final class will meet offsite. Members must provide their own transportation.
SPRING 2025 COURSES
FITNESS
Beginner Pickleball
8 Weeks: $40 tuition
Instructor: Shauna Blanton
Class at UTMB Field House Tennis Courts
Session 1: Thursdays, January 23 – March 13, 8:15 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.
Session 2: Thursdays, March 27 – May 15, 8:15 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.
Lace your shoes and kick the blues! Let’s play pickleball!! Be a part of the fastest-growing sport, starting at the beginning. Learn the basics and strategies, plus have fun! Participants must bring their own pickleball paddle. (Limit 16)
Pickleball 2
8 Weeks: $50 tuition
Instructor: Shauna Blanton
Class at UTMB Field House Tennis Courts
Session 1: Thursdays, January 23 – March 13, 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Session 2: Thursdays, March 27 – May 15, 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Want to add strategies and best practices to your pickleball game?
This is the Next level to your beginner game. Must have finished the beginner session. Must have understanding of the game and basic skill set. Acceptance upon instructor’s discretion. (Limit 12)
Water Fitness
5 Weeks: $35 Tuition
Instructor: Bernice Torregrossa Class at UTMB Field House Pool
Session 1: Mondays, February 3 – March 3, 7:30 a.m. – 8:15 a.m.
Session 1: Mondays, February 3 – March 3, 8:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.
Session 1: Wednesdays, February 5 – March 5, 7:30 a.m. – 8:15 a.m.
Session 1: Wednesdays, February 5 – March 5, 8:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.
Session 2: Mondays, March 24 – April 21, 7:30 a.m. – 8:15 a.m.
Session 2: Mondays, March 24 – April 21, 8:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.
Session 2: Wednesdays, March 26 – April 23, 7:30 a.m. – 8:15 a.m.
Session 2: Wednesdays, March 26 – April 23, 8:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.
Aquatic exercise builds muscle tone and aerobic capacity in a lowimpact environment. No swimming ability is required to participate in a full-body workout that improves balance and coordination through easily followed movement patterns led by a certified Aquatic Exercise Association instructor. (Limit 12)
Seated Strength and Balance
7 Weeks: $35 tuition
Instructor: JL Watson
Session 1: Tuesdays, January 21 – March 4, 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Session 2: Tuesdays, March 25 – May 6, 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
This course includes fun, realistic movements based on the activities of daily living. We will focus on strength movements, as well as balance. Exercises are designed to help with everyday movements, including carrying groceries, pushing open doors, doing laundry, working in the kitchen, and other common activities. Seated strength training is effective for individuals who want a full–body workout without standing the entire hour. Some standing exercises included. Please wear athletic or other closed-toe shoes. (Limit 20)
Mat Yoga
8 Weeks: $40 tuition
Instructor: Jim Turner
Session 1: Tuesdays, January 21 – March 11, 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Session 1: Thursdays, January 23 – March 13, 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Session 2: Tuesdays, March 25 – May 13, 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Session 2: Thursdays, March 27 – May 15, 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Come and experience the energy of Yoga. Join registered Hatha Yoga teacher Jim Turner as he explores the relationship between physical postures and the movement of the breath. Learn breath control techniques for more profound relaxation. This class involves mild to moderate physical exertion. Learners should be able to move without assistance from chair to standing. Class size is limited, so register early for the day(s) of your choice. Each eight–week series requires individual tuition. (Limit 40)
Gentle Chair Yoga
8 Weeks: $40 tuition
Instructor: Jim Turner
Session 1: Tuesdays, January 21 – March 11, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Session 1: Thursdays, January 23 – March 13, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Session 2: Tuesdays, March 25 – May 13, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Session 2: Thursdays, March 27 – May 15, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Come and experience the energy of Yoga. Join registered Hatha Yoga teacher Jim Turner as he explores the relationship between physical postures and the movement of the breath. Learn breath control techniques for deeper relaxation. This class involves mild to moderate physical exertion. Chair yoga DOES NOT require you to move from lying on the floor to standing. Class size is limited, so register early for the time(s) of your choice. Each eight–week series requires individual tuition. (Limit 40)
Tabata – Interval Training Workout
8 Weeks: $40 tuition
Instructor: Miriam Davis
Session 1: Tuesdays, January 21 – March 11, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Session 1: Thursdays, January 23 – March 13, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Session 2: Tuesdays, March 25 – May 13, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Session 2: Thursdays, March 27 – May 15, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Tabata is a high–intensity interval training (HIIT) type with specific interval timing and short recovery periods. These higher–intensity workouts are named after Japanese speed skating coach Dr. Izumi Tabata, who developed the routine to increase cardiovascular fitness and build muscle strength. (Limit 20)
Sunrise Mat Yoga
8 Weeks: $40 tuition
Instructor: Kathleen DiNatale
Wednesdays, January 22 – March 12, 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Mondays, January 27 – March 17, 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Join Kathleen’s morning yoga class to start your day with mindful movement. Starting with somatic floor sequences to mobilize tissues, lubricate joints and enhance sensory awareness, then classic yoga postures to stabilize and strengthen muscles, joints and connective tissues. You’ll stretch, strengthen, ease tension and improve range of movement and balance—along with breath work and meditative practices to enhance well-being both on and off the mat. Suitable for all levels. (Limit 20)
SPRING 2025 COURSES
Stronger Seniors Fitness Video
FREE – Registration Required
Mondays, Wednesday and Friday, January 22 – May 16, 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Stronger Seniors® DVDs—Chair Exercise Program: Stretching, Aerobics, Strength Training, and Balance. Improve flexibility, muscle and bone strength, circulation, heart health, and stability. Each video is developed and taught by Anne Pringle Burnell. (Limit 40)
Advanced Tai Chi
8 Weeks: FREE
Instructor: Ray Kellow
Wednesdays, January 22 – March 12, 12:15 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.
Delve deeper into the principles, forms and philosophy of our advanced Qigong and Tai Chi Chuan, an internal martial art. You’ll learn to refine movements, focus on internal energy cultivation, and explore more advanced techniques such as breath control, meditation and martial applications. Students are required to have previously completed a Tai Chi for Health class to enroll. (Limit 12)
Zumba
8 Weeks: $40 tuition
Instructor: Miriam Davis
Session 1: Wednesdays, January 22 – March 12, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Session 2: Wednesdays, March 26 – May 14, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Join Miriam Davis, an experienced fitness instructor with over 25 years of experience of fitness and 11 of those in Zumba for class with moderate aerobic intensity. This class suits all skill and fitness levels, and participants will enjoy moving their bodies to lively music while getting a great workout. Come and experience fitness that feels great with Miriam’s guidance. (Limit 20)
Standing Strength and Balance
7 Weeks: $35 tuition
Instructor: JL Watson
Session 1: Thursdays, January 23 – March 6, 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Session 2: Thursdays, March 27 – May 8, 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
This course emphasizes fun, realistic exercises based on everyday activities. We focus on strengthening and balancing movements common in daily life, such as carrying groceries, opening doors, and doing laundry. The program offers both seated and standing options for a comprehensive full–body workout. The standing class includes a seated segment, ensuring a challenging curriculum that fosters independence and promotes physical fitness. Please wear athletic or other close-toes shoes. (Limit 20)
Feel-Good Flexibility with Shawn
4 Weeks: $20 Tuition
Instructor: Shawn Porsche
Fridays, January 24 – February 14, 9:45 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Mondays, January 27 – February 17, 9:15 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
This course is for seniors seeking improved mobility and well–being. Discover gentle stretches and exercises that enhance flexibility, reduce stiffness, and boost overall vitality. In a welcoming and supportive environment, our program promotes lasting health and a positive outlook on aging. Embrace a more flexible and joyful you! (Limit 20)
Classical Pilates with Shawn
4 Weeks: $20 Tuition
Instructor: Shawn Porsche
Fridays, January 24 – February 14, 10:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Mondays, January 27 – February 17, 10:15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
This invigorating course combines tranquility with core–strengthening Pilates exercises, fostering improved posture, flexibility, and overall wellness. Energize your day, align your body, and embark on a journey toward greater strength and balance. (Limit 20)
Chair
and Standing Yoga, Stretch and Flow
7 Weeks: $35 tuition
Instructor: Kathi Reeves
Session 1: Mondays, January 27 – March 10, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Session 1: Wednesdays, January 29 – March 12, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Session 2: Mondays, March 24 – May 5, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Session 2: Wednesdays, March 26 – May 7, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
This class will be a flowing yoga class linking our breath with movement. In this yoga class a chair will be used as an aid for standing and balancing poses. Participants should be able to sit and stand from the chair. All levels of physical abilities are welcome, and modifications will be offered. Wear loose comfortable clothing and please bring water to class. (Limit 20)
Senior Fitness, Chair and Standing
7 Weeks: $35 tuition
Instructor: Kathi Reeves
Session 1: Mondays, January 27 – March 10, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Session 1: Wednesdays, January 29 – March 12, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Session 2: Mondays, March 24 – May 5, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Session 2: Wednesdays, March 26 – May 7, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 a.m.
This class is an all-around fitness class starting with a gentle cardio warm up, without the added impact to joints followed by stationary and walking exercises to help maintain and improve balance. Weights will be used to improve and maintain strength. Finishing off the class with a cool down, stretches and relaxation. Please wear comfortable clothing and supportive shoes (no sandals please) and bring water to drink. (Limit 20)
Tae Kwon Do
4 Weeks: $20 Tuition
Instructor: Becky Zikes
Mondays, February 3 – February 24, 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Work on your balance, coordination, posture and mind/body connection while learning Tae Kwon Do. No sparring, breaking boards or stretching on floor. Can be adapted as needed for canes, walkers, oxygen, etc. Testing for belts is optional.
Pilates Flow—Art in Motion
Instructor: Beth Bullock
6 Weeks: $30 Tuition
Session 1: Wednesdays, February 5 – March 12, 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Session 1: Fridays, February 7 – March 14, 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
8 Weeks: $40 Tuition
Session 2: Wednesdays, March 26 – May 14, 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Session 2: Fridays, March 28 – May 16, 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Experience this contemporary style of instruction which holds to Joseph Pilates’ philosophy of body, mind, and spirit alignment, core engagement, and mindful movement. Appropriate for most fitness levels; must be able to get up and down from the floor unassisted and tolerate lying side, front, and back for prolonged periods. (Limit 25)
SPRING 2025 COURSES
Power and Strength Moves
Instructor: Adela Garcia
6 Weeks: $30 tuition
Fridays, February 7 – March 14, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
4 Weeks: $20 Tuition
Session 1: Mondays, March 24 – April 14, 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Session 2: Mondays, April 21 – May 12, 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Low impact seated exercise to get your heart rate up, seated strength and coordination exercises to build strength and brain health, along with some standing moves to work on balance. Various props used.
Gentle Mat Yoga
7 Weeks: $35 tuition
Instructor: Kathi Reeves
Mondays, March 24 – May 5, 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 am
This class will be a slow-paced gentle vinyasa style yoga class, linking breath and movement. Step by step instruction are given on the fundamentals of body alignment and the use of props as tools to develop the ability to practice yoga safely. This class is for all levels, but participants must be able to get down on the ground and back up on their own. Please be sure to wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring water. (Limit 20)
Feel–Good Flexibility with Cristina
8 Weeks: $40 tuition
Instructor: Cristina Lippincott
Mondays, March 24 – May 12, 9:15 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Wednesdays, March 26 – May 14, 11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
This course is for seniors seeking improved mobility and well–being. Discover gentle stretches and exercises that enhance flexibility, reduce stiffness, and boost overall vitality. In a welcoming and supportive environment, our program promotes lasting health and a positive outlook on aging. Embrace a more flexible and joyful you! (Limit 20)
Classical Pilates with Cristina
8 Weeks: $40 tuition
Instructor: Cristina Lippincott
Mondays, March 24-May 12, 10:15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
This invigorating course combines tranquility with core–strengthening Pilates exercises, fostering improved posture, flexibility, and overall wellness. Energize your day, align your body, and embark on a journey toward greater strength and balance. (Limit 20)
SUPPORT GROUPS
Houston Area Parkinson Society (HAPS)
FREE – OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Tuesdays, January 28, February 25, March 25, April 29, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
OLLI has partnered with the Houston Area Parkinson Society to host monthly professionally facilitated support groups to allow participants to share their thoughts and experiences, solve common problems, and encourage others living with or caring for someone with Parkinson’s Disease. Those diagnosed and their friends, families, and support teams can attend this monthly meeting. Contact Celeste Harris at harris@hapsonline.org for additional information.
Medicare Information Workshops
FREE – OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Instructor: Alex Rischan
Thursdays, March 13, April 10, May 8
Medicare Workshop: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Individual consultations by appointment: 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m. (Call OLLI to schedule)
Learn Medicare basics, get an overview of the assistance programs often available, and hear about the services that our Area Agency on Aging provides. Schedule a free consultation session after the workshop for a personal benefits checkup.
Caregiver Connection
FREE – OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Facilitator: Alice Williams
Fridays, February 14, March 14, April 4, May 9, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. (HYBRID)
Fridays, February 28, March 28, April 25, May 23, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. (ZOOM)
The Caregiver Connection is open to the community. This group provides ongoing educational and emotional support for family caregivers of older adults with dementia. A trained facilitator leads group discussions. For questions, please email Alice Williams at alwillia@utmb.edu.