OLLI CONNECTS
Monthly Magazine

September 2025

Mt. Alpamayo, Peruvian Andes

Endless Horizons

In this month’s issue we explore the spirit of adventure and the places where we encounter it. Which is everywhere. The dusty plains of Africa? Of course. The towering peaks of the Alps and the Andes? Yes. But also a doctor’s office encounter and a fashion faux pas. Anywhere that our skills are challenged and we grow from the experience.

giraffe on safari
Charged Encounters
— Patti Schatz
YSL Mondrian dress
On Sale
— Jackie Walker
Alpine Glacier
Alps 101
— Peter Neame
Gullah medicines
The Root Doctor
— Russ Hostetler

Features

Essays | Themes | Research

Scaling the Heights

— Peter Neame, Essay
— Theresa D’Aiuto Sokol, Videos

an Introduction by OLLIvia

The Observer

Commentary | Reviews | Extras

Don Menzell 800 x 800

Introducing

Don’s Moments

by Don Menzel

Don is back with a new recurring serial of short essays about life’s observations “some serious, others not so.” To set the stage, he unveils a rare glimpse of duty aboard a Cold War Bomber.

USAF SAC FLIGHT

“A Cold War warrior’s most difficult experiences in the Air Force and how I got through them“

Art Henrikson 800x800

A Cartoon by Art Henrikson

Writing Flash Memoir | Dianna Graveman |Tue 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM • 9/30-10/14 • 3 mtgs • $40 • Blue Palms Village at Fletcher Ave.

Creative Fiction | You Have a Book in You | Wed 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM • 10/15-11/19 (Skips 11/5) • 5 mtgs • $65 • Discovery Village

Writing Your Story | Chantelle MacPhee | Wed 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM • 10/29-11/19 • 4 mtgs • $50 • Blue Palms Village at Fletcher

The Memoir Blueprint: How to Stop Overthinking and Start Writing | Kerry Kriseman | Wed 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM • 10/29 • 1 mtg • $15 • St. Petersburg, SLC 2100

New Adventures in Writing | Marilyn Myerson | Thu 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM • 10/30-11/20 • 4 mtgs • $50 • Lake Magdalene Church, Room 301

Get Inspired with Generative Poetry Writing | Stephen Lindow | Tue 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM • 12/2 • 1 mtg • $20 • First Presbyterian Church of Brandon

Community of Readers and Writers — This SIG (Shared Interest Group) meets via zoom for discussion and special events and to share reading of current novels, non-fiction, short stories, memoirs and essays. We offer feedback through group conversation with experienced readers and train newcomers in our supportive methods. Our private Facebook site is a resource of ideas for developing your storytelling and literary skills. Contact readersandwriters.too@gmail.com.

Many OLLI Connects contributors are active OLLI instructors. You can view some of their fall classes below.

She Created What? Artistic Women Who Didn’t Make the History Books | Sheryl Long | Tue 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM • 9/16-9/23 • 2 mtgs • $40 • Online

Great Decisions 2025: Part 1: Foreign Policy Discussion Group | Aracelis Rogers, Peter Neame | Mon 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM • 9/22-10/13 • 4 mtgs • $50 • Online

Great Decisions 2025: Part 2: Foreign Policy Discussion Group | Aracelis Rogers, Peter Neame | Mon 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM • 10/27-11/17 • 4 mtgs • $50 • Online

A History of China | Gerald Stulc | Thu 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM • 10/9-11/20 • 7 mtgs• $75 • Online

Yoga for Healthy Aging at Pose by Pose | Jennifer Leavy | Tue 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM • 10/7-10/28. • 4 mtgs •

The Impact of Covid 19 | Rich Kennedy | Tue 1:00 PM – 3 PM • 10/28 – 11/4 • 2mtgs • $45 • Ashton Gardens
The Impact of Covid 19 | Rich Kennedy | Wed 1:00 PM – 3 PM • 10/29 – 11/2 • 2 mtgs • $45 • Compton Park Meeting Rooms

Sherlock Holmes II: The Darkness and Demise of the First Great Detective | Diane White | Thu 10:00 AM -12:00 PM • 10/16/2025-10/23/2025 • $40

Outdoor Adventures with Apps | Diane White | Mon 9:30 AM-11:30 AM • Weekly • 11/10/2025 – 11/17/2025 • $30 • Outdoor face-to-face class

Using ChatGPT to Plan, Prepare, and Explore in Retirement | John Beaumont | Tue 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM • 11/18/2025 • Tampa, USF Tampa • $25

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