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:

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Event Description: In May 2025, UConn became an Age Friendly University. What does that mean for OLLI, and why is it
important? Join Professor Laura Donorfio, Dr. Brian Chapman, and OLLI Director Fiona de Merell for
some personal and professional perspectives. Share your thoughts on what aging means to you!

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Event Description: The session will focus on the history of black bears in CT, give an overview of black bear habitat, diet, behavior, and reproduction, and explain current research efforts. We will also review practical recommendations for optimum coexistence with our growing black bear population.

 

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Event Description: I’ve helped people navigate the confusing IT world. Many feel overwhelmed or get scammed – not because they’re not smart, but because tech keeps getting more complex. Through my book, podcast, and talks, I explain how to avoid unnecessary costs, risks, and headaches – using plain English.

 

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Event Description: In this session, you will explore examples of fractals in art and architecture as well as their applications to modern engineering and medicine. This session requires NO mathematical knowledge, but you will leave with a new, joyful lens through which to view the world.

 

Event Details: Friday, October 10, 2025 from 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM

Event Description: Having a bird-friendly yard can make for a beautiful view. While most people think immediately of bird feeders to attract birds, we’ll also discuss how enhancing your garden with native plants can attract birds and provide sustenance throughout the seasons.

 

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Event Description: We’ll explore some millennia-old approaches that help us complement the often-necessary steps to address external events with some essential steps that address both who we think we are and how we choose to be in troubling times.

 

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Event Description: The Ringers of Chime In! Music With a Mission will present a program of handbell music, history, artistry, and techniques. With traditional handbells, dutch bells, silver melody bells, and bells from the 19th century, the group will perform several pieces, discuss and demonstrate everything about handbells, answer questions, and teach the audience to ring handchimes.

Event Description: This spring, I visited India for the first time. At Jaipur’s Rambagh Palace, I received a gift: A Princess Remembers, the memoir of Gayatri Devi. Born a royal, she became a political icon who even impressed JFK. Her story left a lasting impression on me. I hope it does the same for you.

Event Description: Come and learn about beavers, their influence on the environment, and how we can work with, not against, our wildlife neighbors.

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Please Note: OLLI at UConn’s end-of-semester celebration will be on Tuesday, November 11, 2025! The link to register for this event will be posted closer to the event date.