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

Take flight through history as we trace the dramatic evolution of military aviation—from daring early designs to the epic aerial battles of World War II. Follow the Luftwaffe, RAF, and USAAF as they race for dominance, each facing its “Finest Hour” in the skies. This visually rich course features stunning images, animated graphics, and video clips from historical archives, acclaimed TV series, and Hollywood classics. Discover how innovation, courage, and American industry shaped the greatest clash of machines in warfare.

Taught by Buck Beasom, a seasoned instructor with decades of experience in technology and education.

From Bernstein’s bold rhythms to John Williams’ cinematic scores, American orchestral music tells our story. This class explores symphonic works from the 1950s to today—where Americana meets minimalism, and current events shape melody. Hear how composers like Jennifer Higdon and John Adams orchestrate the cultural pulse of a nation.

Instructor: Wes Kenney, longtime Music Director of the Fort Collins Symphony and University Distinguished Professor Emeritus, brings a conductor’s insight to this vibrant musical journey.

Science has good news—your brain can grow and adapt at any age! In this class, discover the power of neuroplasticity through brain-boosting exercises and cutting-edge techniques blending Western and Eastern practices. Build confidence, clarity, and a renewed sense of possibility.
 
Instructor: Katherine Robinson, certified Brain Longevity Therapist, brings expertise in psychology, meditation, and holistic wellness to guide your journey.

Step into a world where words surprise and imagination takes flight. In this class, we’ll read and discuss the luminous poetry of Arthur Sze, 25th U.S. Poet Laureate, and practice generative writing that sparks unexpected leaps in memory and imagery. New writers welcome—just bring curiosity and a love for language.

Instructor: Chloé Leisure, poet and creative writing teacher, brings her passion and expertise to guide your journey into poetry.

Discover yoga in a welcoming, accessible way! This course blends gentle movement, mindful breathing, and core principles to build strength, flexibility, and inner calm. No experience needed—just curiosity and a desire for balance.

Instructor Caroline Denison, certified yoga teacher, specializes in adaptive yoga and brings a warm, encouraging approach to every class.

Humans love making life easier—and this course celebrates the creativity that made it happen. Explore 26 groundbreaking inventions, one for each letter of the alphabet, and uncover the fascinating stories of the innovators whose persistence shaped history.
 
Instructor Dr. Stephenie Slahor, retired university and law school professor, brings her passion for natural sciences and history to this engaging, informative series.

Mining shaped Colorado’s economy and communities. This course explores major mining methods—placer, hydrolytic, and hard rock—along with milling techniques used to process ore. We’ll examine coal’s historic role, the rise of petroleum, and the state’s wealth of minerals, from molybdenum to gypsum.

Discover how mining fueled growth, created boomtowns, and left ghost towns behind. A virtual tour will take you inside a mining museum, assay house, and historic sites for a vivid look at Colorado’s industrial past.

Instructor: Kenneth Jessen, author of 23 books and 2,300+ articles, brings decades of expertise and passion for Colorado history.

In this course, we’ll dive into Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Zen through Watts’ engaging books and lectures—approaching these “ways of liberation” with clarity and humor.
 
If you’ve ever been curious about Eastern philosophy but found it intimidating, this class offers an accessible, inspiring introduction.

Instructor Kate Lyn Reiter, MFA from the Yale School of Drama and an award-winning speaker and performer, brings her signature lighthearted style to every session.

Since the 19th century, Colorado’s sweeping prairies and majestic mountains have inspired generations of artists. Albert Bierstadt arrived in 1863, capturing the grandeur of the Rockies in monumental paintings. But the region’s creative roots run deeper—Navajo women wove, Pueblo women shaped clay, and pioneering artists like Helen H. Chain and Emma R. Cherry helped found the Denver Art Association, which later became the Denver Art Museum.
 
Instructor: Joseph Osmann, MFA, retired professor and active painter, brings decades of experience in studio art and art history, offering fresh insights into the cultural forces that shaped Colorado’s artistic identity.

Colorado’s breathtaking landscapes come with a serious reality—wildfires are a growing threat. Are you prepared? This two-session course gives you the critical, practical knowledge you need before disaster strikes.

You’ll learn:

• What drives wildfire behavior—fuel, topography, and weather—and how fire management works behind the scenes.

• Proven strategies to protect your home—from creating defensible space to hardening your property against embers.

• Actionable steps you can take now to reduce risk and stay safe.

Each session includes expert insights and Q&A, so you leave confident and informed. By the end, you’ll understand wildfire terminology, the incident management system, and best practices for homeowner mitigation.

Instructor: Michael R. Czaja, PhD, retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel and former volunteer wildland firefighter, brings decades of experience in emergency response, fire prevention, and natural resource management.

Don’t wait until the smoke is on the horizon—register today and take control of your safety.

These stories could be yours, or those of your family, friends, and neighbors.

Through vivid characters and intimate settings, Laura Pritchett reminds us that wildfire isn’t just a distant headline—it’s a reality shaping lives across Colorado and the West. This book invites us to reflect on what it means to live in a place where beauty and risk coexist, and how our communities respond when the flames come close.

Join us for a read that sparks conversation about resilience, responsibility, and the ties that bind us to the land—and to each other.

Read the book, then join us for an exclusive author event.

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, *The 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.

Their stories illustrate both the determination required to return to school and the transformative role of philanthropy in opening doors and strengthening families and communities.

If you are unable to attend this presentation, please consider making a donation to this worthy cause by dropping off non-perishable food items at the OLLI office before February 13.

Please watch your email for updates on newly added sections of courses for which you are waitlisted. We have already opened five additional sections and are currently working to add at least three more.
When a new section is added, members on the waitlist receive priority registration for a limited time before the course is opened to the general membership.

Terry Nolan, our Volunteer Coordinator, is ready to help you find the perfect fit. Click this LINK to share your interests. There’s an opportunity for every schedule and skill set—because OLLI loves having YOU involved!

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Amazing Open House Volunteers!
We are so grateful to each of you who helped make the Open House a success. Your time, energy, and enthusiasm truly made a difference—and we couldn’t have done it without you. Thank you for being such an important part of our OLLI community!

Join fellow OLLI members in  Portugal and Spain with EF Tours on April 26-May 6, 2026. We have met the minimum registration requirement, so this trip is confirmed.

• Download the itinerary HERE

• Watch the EF Launch Presentation HERE and see the PowerPoint HERE

• Call EF to register:  1-800-438-7672 & reference "OLLI CSU 2026 Portugal & Spain Trip"

• Email OLLI@colostate.edu if you would like to see the presentation for this trip.  The link was not available at the time this newsletter was published.

• Starting price of $3,399

• See the ship details, itinerary, deck plans, and pricing options HERE

• Watch the Go Next trip launch presentation HERE

• Download a flyer HERE

• Call Go Next at 1-800-842-9023 for more information or to book

• The Zoom link was included in the email receipt sent automatically and immediately upon registration.  Check your email, including your junk mail for a Course Confirmation Email.

• We will email the Zoom link the day before your class begins.

• You can also email OLLI@colostate.edu to request the Zoom link to be resent.

I do not remember which courses I am enrolled in.  How can I find that information?

• Go to the OLLI Website and click on the “My Account” dropdown tab on the top right side of the page. From the dropdown, select “My Account”. Look for the “My Current Courses” heading on the new page.

I registered for a class, but I am no longer able to attend.  How do I get a refund?

• OLLI fees are essential to our sustainability and are non-refundable. If you need to drop a class, visit the OLLI website to find a transfer course that better fits your schedule, then email us at OLLI@colostate.edu to arrange a transfer.

• Refunds are only considered for unusual, extenuating circumstances. If you believe your situation qualifies, complete the Refund Appeal Form in the FAQs section on our website. You’ll be asked to provide pertinent details. We’ll notify you once a decision is made.

I need to miss a class.  Can I give my seat to a friend?

• No, everyone attending a class must be registered for that specific class. 

If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact us:

• Email: OLLI@colostate.edu

• Phone: 970-491-7753

Mark Your Calendar: CSU’s 7th Annual International Symposium

Join us March 3–4, 2026, for Colorado State University’s International Symposium—two days of engaging sessions, speakers, and events, all free and open to the public via Zoom.
Hosted by the Office of International Programs, the symposium highlights CSU’s global impact in teaching, research, and community engagement. This year’s theme: International Development.

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

Passion Meets Purpose: Support Our Emerging Scholar Program

We’re thrilled to announce a meaningful new way to share your love of learning: by contributing to the Chris Hensey and Peg Chandler Emerging Scholar Fund.

Your gift to this fund directly supports honorariums for talented graduate students who present their cutting-edge research to OLLI members. This program creates a unique exchange—students gain invaluable experience presenting and defending their work to an engaged, educated audience, while our members stay connected to fresh ideas and emerging discoveries.

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