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Author Talk NEW! has reached 35 enrolled, maximum enrollment.
FUNCTION by Scott Fulton
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OLLI staff monitor enrollment and work to open seats before 10/7/2026. We will contact those on the wait list to invite them to enroll when seats become available. Joining the wait list is free; if you are invited and choose to enroll, the $0.00 fee will be collected at that time.
- Date: 10/7/2026
- Day of the Week: W
- Fees: $0.00
- Location: OLLI at UVA (opens in new tab) 1 Morton Drive, Terrace Level Charlottesville, VA 22903
Author Talks are a special benefit of OLLI at UVA membership, offering unique opportunities to engage directly with authors across a wide range of topics. Each talk is shaped by the author’s personal style—some share the inspiration behind their work, others dive into their research process or creative journey. Whether you’ve read the book beforehand or decide to pick it up afterward, you’ll find the experience enriching and accessible. These sessions are designed to spark curiosity, deepen understanding, and connect readers with the minds behind the stories. Join us and discover the stories behind the books!
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The Man Who Shot J.P. Morgan by Mary Noe NEW!
- Day of the week: Th
- Date: 10/29/2026
- Time: 11:00 AM
- Member Benefit
- This date is correct. The printed catalog date is incorrect.
- Location: OLLI at UVA (opens in new tab),Terrace Level
- Address: 1 Morton Drive, Terrace Level Charlottesville, VA 22903
Information: A journey from the halls of Harvard University to the door of J.P. Morgan Jr.’s Gold Coast Long Island mansion. The story of a Harvard instructor Erich Muenter who was handsome, charming and intelligent. He disappears after the mysterious and suspicious death of this wife shortly after childbirth. It is also the story of “Frank Holt” who appears on the scene nine years later, marries, and eventually receives a Ph.D. at Cornell. It is tale of murder, false identities, construction of a sophisticated explosive device by a supposed amateur and covert political operations set during the turn of the century before the U.S. entered World War I. It also focuses on the life of Jack Morgan, the son of the “King of Finance,” who is establishing himself as the new head of the House of Morgan. Mary Noé is a lawyer, author and lecturer and holds the rank of Professor at St. John’s University. After graduating high school, she worked in a typing pool at the New York office of the FBI. Several secretarial jobs later and after obtaining her Class 2 license, she applied to Varsity Transit for a position as a bus driver for New York City Schools. The New York City Human Rights Division brought an action against Varsity since they would not hire females. She was the only female driver among the 700 male drivers working from Varsity’s Brooklyn location. She is a graduate of Brooklyn College magna cum laude and St. John’s University School of Law. She has served as an administrative law judge for the New York State Office of Professional Medical Conduct and an Impartial Hearing Officer under a federal law known as Individuals with Disabilities Education Act or IDEA.
Fee: $0, this is complimentary with fall 2026 membership
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This is full, please add yourself to the WAIT LIST.
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OLLI staff monitor enrollment and work to open seats before 10/5/2026. We will contact those on the wait list to invite them to enroll when seats become available. Joining the wait list is free; if you are invited and choose to enroll, the $0.00 fee will be collected at that time.
- Date: 10/5/2026
- Day of the Week: M
- Fees: $0.00
- Location: OLLI at UVA (opens in new tab) 1 Morton Drive, Terrace Level Charlottesville, VA 22903
All the Beauty in the World, by Patick Bringley is the basis for a three-session book discussion about loss, grief and renewal based on the overarching theme of the power of art to restore individuals and bring beauty to our lives. Bringley was a guard at The Metropolitan Museum of Art for ten years – a place of silence and solace for him after his brother died. Our exploration of the book leads us to questions and reflections about grief and the importance of art. The discussion will be focused on the instructor’s powerpoint of artworks from The Met as mentioned in the book. Participants will engage in readings from the book along with probing questions about art and the passage of time.
Dr. Barbara Baditoi is a retired educator from Northern, VA with over 35 years of experience as a special education teacher, Assistant Principal, District Director of Special Education and Student Services, and adjunct professor at Marymount University. She holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from VA Tech; she received her MEd from Penn State and BA from Wheaton College. During her career she was a consultant on Special Education issues: she wrote a book about student behavior, and co-authored a book on special education and school counselors. Since retiring she has focused on exploring the world of art through travel, gardening and museum exploration. She is on The Fralin Museum of Art Volunteer Board and indulges her passion for art by painting pet portraits and taking art classes.
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OLLI staff monitor enrollment and work to open seats before 10/22/2026. We will contact those on the wait list to invite them to enroll when seats become available. Joining the wait list is free; if you are invited and choose to enroll, the $0.00 fee will be collected at that time.
- Date: 10/22/2026
- Day of the Week: Th
- Fees: $0.00
- Location: OLLI at UVA (opens in new tab) 1 Morton Drive, Terrace Level Charlottesville, VA 22903
Meditations from an Indigenous Elder by Steven Charleston. Charleston is a Choctaw Elder and former professor of theology for several educational institutions. This book connects native thought with other religious traditions while being mostly non-religious. We will read sections of the book and discuss a native perspective on how to deal with contemporary issues.
Led by Bob Covert and Pam McFaden
Dr. Pam McFaden received her EdD from UVA in 2011. Pam taught Language Arts and History at the secondary level before continuing her education. She co-taught the multicultural education course at Curry School for six years before returning to public education to work on diversity issues as the Supervisor for Equity Assurance for Amherst County Public Schools. Pam has spoken on American Indian rights and led professional development on equity issues. Dr. Bob Covert received his PhD from Temple University in Research and Statistics in 1972. He conducted local and national evaluations through the Evaluation Research Center at UVA. Bob taught education courses in Curry School of Education, and developed a variety of courses in computer data analysis, qualitative research methods, questionnaire construction, and multicultural education. He is the past president of the American Evaluation Association and past-president and co-founder of the Virginia chapter of the National Association of Multicultural Education. He has received several diversity awards at UVA, including the John T. Casteen Award for Diversity. He worked at UVA for 42 years.
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Free and Open to the Public!
- Date: 12/15/2026
- Time: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
- Day of the week: Tu
- Location: OLLI at UVA (opens in new tab), 1 Morton Drive, Terrace Level Charlottesville, VA 22903
Presentation Description: Children with disabilities have been part of the population for millenia, but in the contemporary world there has been a marked increase in societies’ recognition of them. Identifying and serving them in schools has become a primary concern for many people. This session provides a broad overview of childhood disabilities and special education—identification, causes, testing, teaching, and prognosis—for the general public. Through multi-media and interactive presentations, it will help participants acquire an understanding and appreciation of children with disabilities and their education.
John Wills Lloyd began teaching children with disabilities in the 1960s. He earned a PhD from the University of Oregon in 1976 and then taught prospective teachers and researchers at Northern Illinois University and the University of Virginia for 40 years. Along the way he made the usual academic contributions (speeches, articles, chapters, books, editing) but he took the most joy from designing the activities that led up to students— whether they are 5 or 35 years old—having “aha moments.” Cooking and consuming yummy food with family and friends comes in a close second, though. Currently, he edits Special Education Today [https://www.SpecialEducationToday.com].
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Day of the week: W
Times: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM.
Dates: 10/14/2026 - 10/14/2026
Member Benefit
Course Location:OLLI at UVA (opens in new tab) - Terrace Level
Location Address:1 Morton Drive, Terrace Level Charlottesville, VA 22903
Limit (we do monitor enrollment and when possible may add seats): 35
Description:
Have you ever wondered what to do if you encounter a Black Bear, at home or in the wild? Have you ever wondered how to prevent human-bear conflicts, like upended garbage cans and torn-down bird feeders? Virginia Master Naturalist volunteers Carol Diggs, Jack Day, and Beth Kuhn will help you find the answers to these questions and more, as they guide you in learning more about bear behavior and actions people can take to keep bears wild and people safe. This presentation is part of the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources project “Living with Black Bears in Virginia”.
Beth Kuhn has been a Virginia Master Naturalist volunteer in the Rivanna chapter since 2014, and currently is coordinator for the RMN Black Bear education group and chair of the Outreach Committee. As an RMN, she enjoys stream monitoring, school nature walks, and Outreach tabling events. She retired from a middle school teaching career in 2019 but continues to be a dedicated science nerd and reading advocate.
Carol Diggs has been a member of the Virginia Master Naturalist program’s Rivanna chapter since 2021, and a trained Black Bear educator since 2025. Her volunteer work has included monitoring the trail at The Nature Conservancy’s Fernbrook Natural Area, working on a VDOT/Virginia Tech roadkill tracking project to identify the need for wildlife corridors along Route 29 south of Charlottesville, and checking local kestrel nest boxes for new broods. She retired to Charlottesville from a public relations career in 2016 and is happily busy with RMN volunteering and continuing education, freelance writing, and leading visitor tours at James Madison’s Montpelier.
Jack Day has been a Virginia Master Naturalist in the Rivanna chapter (RMN) since 2020. In 2023 he completed the DWR program about ‘Living with Black Bears’, which prepared him to participate in public speaking and information table events about black bears in Virginia. Before becoming a Master Naturalist, he was monitoring bluebird boxes on a trail at Lake Monticello to report population data to the Virginia Bluebird Society (VBS). Bluebird monitoring has been his main volunteer activity for RMN. In the fall of 2025, he became a County Coordinator for VBS where he advises and supports those who monitor bluebird box trails in Albemarle and Fluvanna Counties.
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This is full, please add yourself to the WAIT LIST.
Tip: After you sign in, a blue Add to Wait List button will appear below. If you don’t see it, use the Sign In button here:
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OLLI staff monitor enrollment and work to open seats before 11/13/2026. We will contact those on the wait list to invite them to enroll when seats become available. Joining the wait list is free; if you are invited and choose to enroll, the $0.00 fee will be collected at that time.
- Date: 11/13/2026
- Day of the Week: F
- Fees: $0.00
- Location: Leander McCormick Observatory 600 Mccormick Rd , VA 22904
Enjoy an evening under the stars at UVA’s historic McCormick Observatory (est. 1885). OLLI members will explore this landmark while learning about its famous 26 inch refractor and, weather permitting, viewing the night sky through telescopes. If skies are cloudy, the program continues indoors. Join fellow members for a relaxed, engaging night of learning and connection.
Note: This event is rain or shine. In case of inclement weather, an indoor program will be provided. This event is not handicapped accessible.This is a historic building with steps. Parking is on a gravel lot with uneven surfaces; wear comfortable shoes.
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Member Socials: Where Learning Meets Friendship
The OLLI experience extends beyond the classroom. Our member-only socials bring people together to share stories, laughter, and connections that enrich our lives. Join us as we celebrate the friendships and sense of belonging that make OLLI such a cherished community.
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- Host: OLLI at UVA
- Day of the week: F
- Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Date: 10/30/2026
- Limit: 18
- Location: Eastwood Farm and Winery (opens in new tab), 2531 Scottsville Rd. Charlottesville, VA 22902. Eastwood Farm and Winery
Member Socials: Where Learning Meets Friendship
The OLLI experience extends beyond the classroom. Our member-only socials bring people together to share stories, laughter, and connections that enrich our lives. Join us as we celebrate the friendships and sense of belonging that make OLLI such a cherished community.
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Shawn Smith
Day of the week: Th
Times: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM.
Dates: 10/8/2026 - 10/8/2026
Member Benefit
Course Location:OLLI at UVA (opens in new tab) - Terrace Level
Location Address:1 Morton Drive, Terrace Level Charlottesville, VA 22903
Limit (we do monitor enrollment and when possible may add seats): 35
Description:
“Cyber Security” – Keeping your digital space safe is as challenging as it is important. Knowing what to do and what help is available is sometimes difficult to understand. This presentation will educate seniors on the top tips for staying safe from cyber crimes and help them acquire knowledge about Anti Virus Software, Virtual Private Networks, and Internet Security Services. It will also review the top-rated providers for each.
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Shawn Smith
Day of the week: Th
Times: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM.
Dates: 11/12/2026 - 11/12/2026
Member Benefit
Course Location:OLLI at UVA (opens in new tab) - Terrace Level
Location Address:1 Morton Drive, Terrace Level Charlottesville, VA 22903
Limit (we do monitor enrollment and when possible may add seats): 35
Description:
“Imposter Scams” – Our society is rife with impostors who are seeking to steal our money, credit, and identities. Seniors are often targeted for these scams, as they are often asset-rich and technologically vulnerable. From fraudulent phone calls to ‘The Grandparent Scam, this presentation will discuss in detail the five most common imposter scams and teach seniors how to keep themselves safe and report them.
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Margie Swanson
Day of the week: F
Times: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM.
Dates: 10/23/2026 - 10/23/2026
Member Benefit
Course Location:OLLI at UVA (opens in new tab) - Terrace Level
Location Address:1 Morton Drive, Terrace Level Charlottesville, VA 22903
Limit (we do monitor enrollment and when possible may add seats): 20
Description:
This 45-minute class followed by Q&A will demystify any of the issues you may have with controlling your Required Minimum Distributions (RMD)- answer any of your burning questions and ensure that You are the master of your IRA. Learn to harness the power of Qualified Charitable Distributions—the ultimate win-win scenario.
Graduating with an Ed.S. in Psychology, Margie Swanson worked as a School Psychologist before starting her own financial practice in the Midwest. She moved to Charlottesville in 1987, driving cross country during the crash of ‘87 and slowly built up a clientele of teachers, nurses, and everyday individuals who wanted to be involved in the process of growing their hard earned assets. Margie, who retired in 2023, learned early on that her background in psychology was valuable with steering clients into becoming more confident financial decision makers.
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Day of the week: M
Times: 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM.
Dates: 11/30/2026 - 11/30/2026
Member Benefit
Course Location:OLLI at UVA (opens in new tab) - Terrace Level
Location Address:1 Morton Drive, Terrace Level Charlottesville, VA 22903
Limit (we do monitor enrollment and when possible may add seats): 35
Description:
overwhelming — but you don’t have to do it alone. Join licensed healthcare professionals Jennifer Perry from Benchmark Senior Solutions for an informative session exploring the full spectrum of senior care options available in the Charlottesville area. In this session, you’ll:
• Learn about different levels of care, including in-home services, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing communities.
• Understand the types of support offered in each setting and how they align with individual needs.
• Explore insurance and payment options, including what is (and isn’t) typically covered.
• Gain practical tools and questions to ask providers as you navigate the healthcare and senior living continuum. By the end of the discussion, attendees will have a clearer understanding of the services and resources available — and the confidence to make informed decisions for themselves or their loved ones.
Jennifer Perry has worked with the geriatric population for over 20 years in both clinical and operational roles. As an occupational therapist, Jennifer provides a focus on function and safety in the home environment as well as a keen eye when considering senior living options. Jennifer has a strong familiarity of the senior living business with experience in management at the community level as a rehab director and at the corporate level as a regional rehab director. Jennifer has a high expectation of quality care and positive outcomes, with an eye for details and excellence. This combination provides her clients at Benchmark Senior Solutions with a compassionate and factual resource to provide advice in the process of selecting the best resources to meet individual needs. Jennifer obtained her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, MO. She is Licensed by the Virginia Board of Medicine and certified by the National Board of Certification of Occupational Therapy as an Occupational Therapist. She is an independent contractor and owner of OnPoint Solutions LLC, and is a Certified Geriatric Care Professional as well as Certified Dementia Practitioner.
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