Welcome to the April edition of the OLLI Insider - your monthly update designed to inform, invite, and inspire.

Explore Colorado’s rapidly evolving cannabis landscape through an informed, research-driven lens. This course offers an in‑depth introduction to how cannabis is studied, regulated, and understood across the state—an area where Colorado continues to serve as a national model. Participants will gain insight into the scientific and policy frameworks that shape cannabis research, including the pivotal role of the Institute of Cannabis Research (ICR), the only cannabis research organization in Colorado established by state statute.

Under the guidance of Dr. Chad Kinney, participants will examine the unique complexities inherent in cannabis research: ethical responsibilities, methodological constraints, regulatory barriers, and the persistent gap between public expectations and what research can realistically deliver. The class will also compare state, federal, and cross‑jurisdictional regulations for both marijuana and hemp, highlighting how these legal structures influence scientific inquiry, public policy, and industry practices.

This session invites learners to engage critically with the challenges facing researchers and policymakers today, offering a richer understanding of how evidence informs real‑world decision‑making in an area of significant social, economic, and scientific importance.

Dr. Chad Kinney is the Director of the Institute of Cannabis Research at Colorado State University Pueblo, where he leads the state’s flagship hub for cannabis scholarship, outreach, and evidence-based evaluation. A chemist by training and former Chair of the Chemistry Department, Dr. Kinney, brings a disciplined scientific perspective and rare administrative insight—strengthened by a year of service as interim Provost. His leadership at the ICR places him at the forefront of statewide research initiatives, making this course an exceptional opportunity to learn directly from one of Colorado’s most knowledgeable experts in the field.

Step into our kitchen and get ready to whip up a feast with chefs who know exactly how to bring out your inner culinary artist. Together, you’ll slice, sauté, simmer, and plate a vibrant menu featuring chicken satay with peanut sauce, traditional Pad Thai, grapefruit salad, and a dreamy coconut cake drizzled with mango glaze. And the sweetest part? Once you’ve savored your masterpiece, we’ll take care of the dishes.

At The Cooking Studio, the Chef Instructors are the secret ingredients that make every class unforgettable. Each chef brings seasoned expertise, a passion for great food, and a generous dash of personality—creating a learning experience that’s as flavorful as the meal you’ll make. Come ready to cook, laugh, taste, and learn!

This four-part lecture series takes you on a practical journey through some of the biggest challenges shaping our future: climate change, feeding a growing global population, securing freshwater, managing waste, and rethinking plastics. You’ll explore real solutions—from cutting food waste to advancing ‑water production technologies and transforming waste streams into ‑carbon neutral‑ fuels and sustainable materials.

Leading the series is Frits Dautzenberg, PhD, a global expert in applied catalysis with decades of industry experience at the forefront of clean process innovation. His real-world perspective offers actionable insight into how science and technology can improve lives around the world.

Step into a world where color behaves like confetti and every press of the plate feels like a tiny piece of magic. Gelli printing is monoprinting with a twist—a squishy, flexible gel plate, vibrant acrylics, and your own sense of wonder team up to create dreamy layers, textures, and surprising little masterpieces. In this workshop, you’ll play with stamps, shapes, and found objects, then press your creations onto paper to reveal one-of-a-kind prints that can never be repeated… only rediscovered.

Think of it as art‑making for the joy of it—no experience, perfection, or “artist credentials” required. Just curiosity, a willingness to explore, and maybe a smidge of adventurous spirit. Guiding you through the fun is Patty Pyrz, who has spent more than 25 years helping art makers of all ages (6 to 80!) reconnect with the delight of getting their hands colorful.

Come ready to experiment, giggle, layer, lift, print, and play. Your inner artist has been waiting for this.

Through vivid characters and familiar terrain, Pritchett invites us to reflect on resilience, responsibility, and how people rebuild when beauty and danger live side by side.

Join us for this special author event with Laura Pritchett on April 16, 10 AM–Noon, at the Translational Medicine Institute or online via Zoom—whether or not you’ve read the book.

Laura Pritchett, PhD, is a nature writer based in northern Colorado. Her work is deeply influenced by the Western landscape and her personal experiences with wildfires.

This excellent book can be purchased locally or online at *Firehouse Books,  *Bookstore on the Square,
or online at Amazon or Barnes & Noble Books.

*Old Firehouse Books and The Bookstore on the Square in Fort Collins offer 20% discounts to OLLI members.

🎉 Big News! Laura Pritchett Will Stay After Her Talk for a Book Signing! 🎉

We are thrilled to announce that Laura Pritchett has graciously agreed to linger after her presentation for a special book signing! Whether you already treasure her work or are discovering her voice for the first time, this is a rare chance to connect with her one-on-one.

You can purchase Laura’s impactful book onsite from Firehouse Books, who will set up a pop‑up booth at TMI.  You can also bring your own copy from home for Laura to sign.

✨ There’s still space available in this powerful, timely presentation—a session that speaks directly to the landscapes we inhabit, the people who matter most, and the policies that shape our shared future.
Invite friends, family, neighbors, and anyone who cares about the place we call home.

This event can be attended in person or online.

Don’t wait—spread the word and join us for an inspiring morning! 📚💬🌿

It’s time to raise the bar—together.

As someone who already appreciates the value of Lifelong Learning, you are uniquely positioned to help shape OLLI’s future. Our programs thrive because of engaged members who step forward to support the work behind the scenes. For more information on how you can get involved, click on this LINK to express your interest. Terry Nolan, our volunteer coordinator will reach out to help you get connected with volunteer opportunities.

Road Scholar is pleased to share that Jane Pauley will be Road Scholar’s 2026 Keynote Speaker discussing “Reimagining the Rest of Your Life.”

In this uplifting conversation, Emmy-winning journalist and bestselling author Jane Pauley invites you to see reinvention not as a risk, but as an opportunity. True to Road Scholar’s spirit, Jane explores curiosity as a lifelong practice, sharing stories from decades of conversations with remarkable people and the “learning adventures” that changed how she sees the world.

Date and Time:  Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 12 p.m. (MST)

This lecture is free but to receive the link, you must register through Road Scholar’s website:

Use this LINK for more information about this opportunity or to register for the program.

Simple steps to recognize fraud and keep your information safe

Phone and email fraud occurs when scammers pretend to be trusted individuals or organizations to trick you into sharing personal information, sending money, or clicking harmful links. These messages often but not always, create a sense of urgency—such as warning of an account problem or offering something that seems too good to be true.

AARP has some wonderful resources to help you stay informed and protected. 

Link to AARP’s Fraud Watch Network page where you will find many helpful resources including a weekly podcast.

Attend an event:

• Identify Fraud: What You Need to Know
• Date : April 15, 2026
• Time : 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm ET
• Location: Virtual
• Tele Town Hall: Red Flags & Real Solutions: Protecting Yourself from Fraud
  • Date : April 30, 2026
  • Time : 10:00 am PT – 1:00 pm ET

As much as we love seeing your smiling faces in class, we kindly ask: if you’re feeling under the weather, please give yourself (and your fellow learners) a little extra TLC by staying home. A day of rest for you means a healthier classroom for everyone else—and your classmates will truly appreciate your thoughtfulness.

So, let’s welcome spring with open arms, clear sinuses, and shared courtesy.

Stay well, stay considerate, and enjoy the season in full bloom!

When you come to Drake Hall this spring, we encourage you to dress in layers. Not only will this help you adjust to Colorado’s famously unpredictable weather, but it will also keep you comfortable once you’re inside the classroom. Even on warm days, the air conditioning can make our learning spaces feel surprisingly cool, and having an extra layer on hand ensures you can focus on the discussion—not the temperature.

Spring in Colorado keeps us on our toes, but with a little preparation, you can enjoy every moment of it.

Layer up, stay flexible, and we’ll see you in class—rain, shine, snow, or all three.

Office Hours
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
2545 Research Blvd. Fort Collins, CO 80526
 
Contact Information
(970) 491-7753.
OLLI@colostate.edu

Now, we invite you to communicate a deeper level of commitment—by investing in the organization you value.

One of the strongest indicators of a healthy, vibrant nonprofit is not the size of its donations, but the percentage of members who give. A broad base of donors signals an engaged, supportive community. Even modest contributions strengthen the foundation on which OLLI stands.

With over 1,500 members, imagine the collective impact of a 100% giving rate. A wave of small gifts can create extraordinary momentum—fortifying programming, expanding opportunities, and reinforcing OLLI’s long‑term resilience. In philanthropy, quantity matters, and participation speaks volumes.

While membership and tuition help support our work, they do not fully cover the cost of delivering the rich courses, expert speakers, and meaningful experiences our members enjoy. Your donations—whether large or small—fill that essential gap. Every contribution fuels program development, enhances learning resources, and helps keep OLLI accessible to all who seek to learn.

By giving, you’re not just supporting OLLI—you’re helping shape its future.

Stand with us. Invest in the community that invests in you and remember, no gift is too small.

Together, we can keep curiosity alive.

Click here to support OLLI at CSU  

or call Thea Barela-Rounsaville at 720.327.0132 for more information.

Until Next Month,
Your OLLI Staff