OLLI Café is a venue for the exchange of ideas and experiences focusing on improving the quality of life. These are not courses, and cost no additional charge – OLLI Cafe is one of the benefits of your annual membership. Pre-registration IS required. Cafe events feature a guest speaker followed by a short Q&A session.
OLLI Café Location and General Schedule:
Fridays – Multipurpose Rooms (113 – 119)
11:45 am – 12:00 pm: Arrive & Get Seated
12:00 pm – 1:15 pm: Speaker Presentation
Presentations:
Event Details: Friday, March 7, 2025 from 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM
Event Description: Join us for an informative session on the programs and resources offered by the WCAAA. They’ll cover a range of services designed to support older adults, individuals with disabilities, and their families. How they provide guidance on critical areas such as housing, transportation, in-home support, and financial assistance, all aimed at promoting independence and enhancing quality-of-life will also be discussed.
Event Details: Friday, March 14, 2025 from 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM
Event Description: Having witnessed 260 years of American history, the stories linked to the Bellamy-Ferriday House and Garden are numerous. This session will explore some of lesser-known (yet still fascinating) stories, staff and visitor favorites.
Event Details: Friday, March 21, 2025 from 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM
Event Description: Mayor Paul Pernerewski and Chief Fernando Spagnolo will give an update on city improvements, issues, and goals. There will be time questions and answers
Event Details: Friday, March 28, 2025 from 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM
Event Description: ECAD co-founder Dale Picard will speak about ECAD’s mission, programs, and volunteer opportunities. He’ll be joined by our Puppy Instructor, Christina, and a Service Dog in Training.
Event Details: Friday, April 4, 2025 from 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM
Event Description: The basics of the CT State Legislature, how a bill becomes a law, and the unexpected reasons why a proposed bill may pass or fail will be presented based on Vickie’s experiences of serving as a CT legislator.
Event Details: Friday, April 11, 2025 from 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM
Event Description: Light pollution has robbed us from experiencing the night sky. With this loss humans have suffered from insomnia, stress, and increased cancer rates. Join us as we explore the human connection to the cosmos focusing on mythologies, human health, and well-being.
Carol Ziske presents My 2nd Act
Event Details: Friday, April 25, 2025 from 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM
Event Description: Join us for a musical biography of Carol’s professional acting and stage directing career, which will be
presented in cabaret style with live piano accompaniment.
Event Details: Friday, May 2, 2025 from 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM
Event Description: Here come the birds! Migrating birds are coming north from southern wintering grounds to breed in the spring. We will use the Audubon’s Migration Explorer and Motus website to see how far they have traveled and talk about why some birds migrate, how they do it, and when. We will also discuss the challenges these birds face and how we can help them on their journey.
Event Details: Friday, May 16, 2025 from 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM
Event Description: Author Catherine Iaccarino will discuss her book, “The Search for the Barking Nun,” which offers a unique view of a 600-year-old romance hidden in Chaucer’s poem, “The Complaint of Mars.” Catherine’s book gives lovers of history, mystery, and poetry the chance to discover Geoffrey Chaucer not only as the father of English literature, but also as the Master of Mystery.
Please Note: Due to OLLI at UConn’s end-of-semester celebration, there will be no OLLI Cafe on Friday, May 23, 2025. Instead, please join us in celebrating the end of our spring semester! The link to register for this event will be posted closer to the event date.