Interest Groups   

Feel the joy in playing music: learn the basics of playing the recorder. Participants need to have a soprano or alto recorder and a music stand. Participants must also be able to read treble clef notes. Class text, The Recorder Guide by Johanna E. Kulbach and Arthur Nitka, is available for purchase online. Class is limited to 8 members. Please contact Sandy Young at sandypiano7@gmail.com for pre-registration and more information.  

Recorder 2 begins on November 14, 2022.

Continue to learn to play the recorder. Participants should have some experience from the beginner's class and have a soprano or alto recorder and a music stand. Participants must also be able to read treble clef notes. Class text, The Recorder Guide by Johanna E. Kulbach and Arthur Nitka, is available for purchase online. Class is limited to 8 members. Please contact Sandy Young at sandypiano7@gmail.com for pre-registration and more information.

A challenging and engaging book discussion group for individuals seeking new insights into the big questions of our lives. Past areas of inquiry have been science, religion, philosophy, history, politics, and economics. Group members select, read, and then discuss a book for several sessions. The class is built on the respectful exchange of ideas and perspectives as we read and enjoy thoughtful discussions about the big questions. For more information, email olli.big.questions@gmail.com.

This ongoing Interest Group discusses questions submitted by participants. Topics include anything galactic, international, national, state, and local. Because any subject “from soup to nuts” (i.e., from A-Z) is possible, this is a fun way to expand your understanding of the world around us. Come experience the camaraderie of fellow OLLI members, each bringing their own, unique perspective! For more information, email the Framptons at fpframpton@gmail.com.

This ongoing Interest Group discusses questions submitted by participants. Topics include anything galactic, international, national, state, and local. Because any subject “from soup to nuts” (i.e., from A-Z) is possible, this is a fun way to expand your understanding of the world around us. Come experience the camaraderie of fellow OLLI members, each bringing their own, unique perspective! For more information, email the Framptons at fpframpton@gmail.com.

Have you thought of dusting off your watercolors and paintbrushes, but need ideas about what to paint or feel a little rusty? Perhaps you have never tried painting with watercolor but would like to give a try? Come, bring your supplies, and join OLLI members twice a month to paint and share ideas in a friendly, open environment. Find out what watercolorists are doing and, perhaps, learn about projects such as making personal greeting cards or sketching impressions from your travels.

Join other readers to discuss spy novels and discover new authors and plot twists. Various members of the group will be the actual facilitators. Everyone is welcome to join the discussion. See https://ollirenoebgebg.blogspot.com for more information.

Jim Bernardi shares his weekly movie recommendation for the first (budget) matinee on Tuesdays at a local theater.  Check out http://jimsflicks.blogspot.com to see Jim’s movie pick for the coming Tuesday.  Purchase your own ticket online or when you arrive at the theater.  Make a plan to meet friends, or just show up and see who’s there!  No OLLI pre-registration necessary.  See Cinemark Covid-19 policies on their website.

French 1 is a structured beginning French class.  Vocabulary and grammar concepts are sequentially introduced to help students build a solid foundation while they are learning their new language.  For the 2022-2023 academic year, this course will use the workbook Easy French Step-by-Step, 1st Edition by Myrna Bell Rochester (ISBN-13: 978-0071453875 or ISBN-10: 0071453873).  Participants should purchase this text on their own.  Lessons will progress sequentially throughout the year. All levels of beginning abilities are invited to join this class.  Short stories, conversations, songs, videos, and games will have you speaking French in no time!

For students who have some previous knowledge of French and would like to review and build on that knowledge. We will practice dialogues written to help travelers and those who love France and its cultural traditions. Students will also have plenty of opportunities to talk in French about their experiences and interests.

This class is for students who are fluent enough to exchange ideas comfortably with others in a relaxed conversational setting. Some new vocabulary will be introduced on topics of interest to the students.

Join lovers of great literature in discussing book-length fiction from the classics to the contemporary. For more information, send email to olli.great.novels@gmail.com. 

Lifescapes classes focus on evoking memories and facilitating writ­ing about one’s life experiences. At each session, a piece of litera­ture is read and discussed as a springboard for writing. Students also are given topics for writing short pieces on their own that they may share with the class. All class members are encouraged to contribute stories to a themed anthology that will be published at the end of the year. 

THIS CLASS IS FULL. For more information, please email Phyllis Clark at phylclarkpcsa@yahoo.com

Lifescapes classes focus on evoking memories and facilitating writ­ing about one’s life experiences. At each session, a piece of litera­ture is read and discussed as a springboard for writing. Students also are given topics for writing short pieces on their own that they may share with the class. All class members are encouraged to contribute stories to a themed anthology that will be published at the end of the year. 

THIS CLASS IS FULL. For more information, please email Phyllis Clark at phylclark.com.

Lifescapes classes focus on evoking memories and facilitating writ­ing about one’s life experiences. At each session, a piece of litera­ture is read and discussed as a springboard for writing. Students also are given topics for writing short pieces on their own that they may share with the class. All class members are encouraged to contribute stories to a themed anthology that will be published at the end of the year. Class is limited to 20 students.

Seats are available for interested members. For more information or to join the class, please email Kathy Peltier at kathy@peltierventures.com.

Join fellow mystery buffs to discuss mysteries of all types - from cozies to hard-boiled crime fiction. Various members of the group will be the actual facilitators. Everyone who is interested is welcome to join the discussion. See http://ollirenomysterybg.blogspot.com for more information.

Discuss books with topics of wildlife, ecology, and the natural world and our place in it. Explore the literature of landscape, place, natural history, and the environment. Various members of the group will be the actual facilitators. Everyone who is interested is welcome to join the discussion. See http://ollirenonatbooks.blogspot.com for more information.

Weekly OLLI chorus rehearsals provide an opportunity to enhance your singing ability, including four-part harmony. Members perform at OLLI functions and community events in the Reno-Sparks area. Participants are asked to bring drinking water and a black, three-ring binder for each session. Music packets will be distributed at the first rehearsal.

Read and discuss selections from The Norton Anthology of World Literature, Third or Fourth Edition, Volumes A, B, C and D, E, F available in paperback in two distinct sets from Amazon or used book sellers. Readings are selected by the group each semester. Together we explore the big ideas and issues of the readings in historical and contemporary context.

For those with some basic knowledge of the language (one semester of Spanish or equivalent). We will use free online language resources such as the free Annenberg video series, Destinos—An Introduction to Spanish. Related materials are provided by the instructor, including an abundance of reading material and some grammar instruction. The “Destinos” series is especially suited for developing listening comprehension. For any questions, contact judyaukeman@yahoo.com.

Intermediate level students with some prior knowledge of Spanish will engage in interactive practice in speaking, listening, and writing with limited translation. Students will practice verb tenses, grammatical structures, and vocabulary. In addition, Sandra will teach students about travel, food, shopping, and holidays such as the Day of the Dead, current events, well known persons, art, folk art, and points of interest in the Spanish-speaking world.

This is a drop-in class for anything electronic: Computers (Apple or Microsoft), software (Word, Excel, Zoom, e-mail, etc.), cell phones (Apple or Android), etc. Remote tech help is also available between meetings by sending questions to: tech@ollireno.com.

Intermediate ukulele is for those familiar with the instrument and who feel comfortable reading music. If you've already taken the beginning ukulele class, this intermediate class will continue your ukulele adventure.

Ever wanted to play the ukulele? Learn the correct way to hold the instrument and two chords for playing multiple songs. You can bring your own instrument, or 10 ukuleles will be available for people who want to try one. Call William Papa at (775) 240-4930 if you need to reserve one of the ten ukuleles. These ukuleles are for classroom use only.

Join us online to knit and/or crochet hats and scarves for Reno’s homeless and needy. If you don’t know how to knit or crochet, someone will be happy to teach you. We’ll share patterns, techniques, and inspiration while satisfying our need to create and our desire to support the community. You’ll experience the glow of gratification by providing a thing of beauty and comfort to a fellow human in need.