Join us as we mark the 10th anniversary of OLLI at WMU with a morning of memories, camaraderie, and a delicious continental breakfast buffet. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the program starts promptly at 9 a.m.

Don't miss the: 

• Slideshow Spectacular – Relive a decade of learning and laughter through highlights captured over 10 years. 

• Video Retrospective – Enjoy a specially curated film showcasing OLLI’s beginnings, member stories, and milestone moments. 

• VIP Guests – Rub elbows with OLLI founders, college and community leaders, along with special friends who have shaped our journey. 

Invite your friends—everyone is welcome to join the party! Just be sure to register in advance so we can plan enough delicious refreshments for all.  

“Declutter or Downsize for the Life of Me”, meets monthly to address the practical and emotional sides of simple decluttering or full-out downsizing, including what questions to ask ourselves, where to donate, how to get help, what works, what doesn’t, and actions to begin immediately. Whether you need to clear out a single drawer or an entire household, the same tips and methods apply. So, please join us for motivation and inspiration, as we explore and celebrate a simpler life together!

The EDISON: EDucation IS ON – Resident Scholars Group is a new Special Interest Group (SIG) of the WMU Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. The purpose of this SIG is to increase engagement of OLLI members in the exploration, research, interpretation, and discussion of the history, heritage, and culture of the Edison neighborhood. Edison is Kalamazoo’s largest and most diverse neighborhood. It is often defined by its challenges of high poverty, crime, health disparities, struggling academic achievement, and low literacy rates instead of the opportunities and innovation that is taking place through the resilience and action of its people. This SIG envisions the Edison neighborhood as a learning neighborhood by interpreting its characteristics through a humanities lens that includes educational, historical, and cultural perspectives.

The Edison Resident Scholars meet monthly at Goodwill Industries of Southwestern Michigan at 420 E. Alcott Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49001. Meeting times vary, but are on evenings from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. This group is committed to building a healthy, safe, and inviting community through participation and representation and are dedicated to learning and leadership in the Edison neighborhood. They represent the diverse community in which they live, work, and play. This includes a diversity of thought, backgrounds, and lived experience. They represent people with less than a high school diploma, to high school diploma and general educational development, to college graduates. They are committed members of their community, living in the Edison neighborhood for an average of 15 to 20 years. The Edison Resident Scholars are committed to making sustainable changes to their neighborhood. They are engaged in community-based research to inform policy that shapes the environment in their community and changes the perception of their neighborhood.

Sprechen sie Deutsch? If you have taken the German courses offered by OLLI, or have taken at least one year of college or high school German, you are welcome in this group.

This SIG is a result of the current collaboration with the Kalamazoo Film Society and Celebration Cinema, located in Portage behind the Crossroads Mall, which began in July 2017. This SIG will analyze the writing, music, cinematography, editing, and direction of selected film screenings. Because dates and films are scheduled a month in advance, those who register will be given specific information by email or a phone call as soon as it is available. We anticipate seeing three films, one each in February, March, and April. The discussion will take place after the midweek afternoon matinee. As time allows, we will also discuss film theory and how it has influenced current filmmakers. The SIG is free, but there is a charge for the films; members of the Kalamazoo Film Society pay less. Go to www.kalamazoofilmsociety.com for further information about the KFS.

This newly organized SIG brings together OLLI members who are excited about photography and wish to share their experiences and learn from others. The group will look at examples of each other’s work and share constructive suggestions. We also share techniques for taking photos (whether on smart phones or dedicated cameras), for editing and organizing images and displaying our work

Come ready to play because playing is the best way to learn this game! Pétanque and bocce are similar in that the goal is to be closer to the target than your opponent, scoring with as many of your team’s boules as possible. Pétanque doesn’t require a strong athlete to toss the baseball-sized boules, which are smaller, lighter, and made of steel. Played outside on a gravel terrain, teams of two or three players work together using six balls per team. You’ll learn the terms, rules, throwing techniques, and strategies hands-on during gameplay.

Would you like to join a great group of thespians directed by OLLI member and instructor, D. Terry Williams? Join the OLLI Reader’s theater and express your inner muse. No experience, no memorizing lines, and LOTS of FUN! 

Currently Ongoing every Wednesday from 1 to 3 p.m.