August 2026 OLLI Newsletter

Letter from the Director

Hello, OLLI at Iowa State members and friends! I am excited to introduce Denise Vrchota, the current OLLI Advisory Council Chair. Denise has been involved with OLLI at Iowa State for nearly 10 years as both a member and volunteer. Most recently, she served as team coordinator for the curriculum team as well as the Advisory Council Chair-Elect.

Like many of us, Denise has a rich history in education and a passion for lifelong learning. A Teaching Professor Emerita in the Communication Studies Program at Iowa State University, she holds an M.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in English, Speech, and Journalism, as well as a Ph.D. in Adult and Extension Education. Denise taught at Iowa State University for more than four decades, beginning in the 1970s, and continues to share her expertise and passion for lifelong learning.

In a February 2026 Faculty Focus article from ISU, Denise was quoted saying, “I came to interpersonal communication late in life – as an undergraduate I was an English major and taught English; my graduate work is in adult learning theory. The adult learning theory when integrated with interpersonal communication just made so much sense to me… Through my research and life experiences, I’ve learned that many people believe that interpersonal communication is something that is just ‘natural,’ like breathing – that people can’t learn or improve their own interpersonal skills. I enjoy busting that myth! It’s a real pleasure to see the light go on on someone’s face when they discover there is something they can say or a different way of saying it that could make a huge difference in their relationships.”

Denise’s learner-centered approach to education makes her a wonderful fit for OLLI at Iowa State. We are excited to have her serve as Advisory Council Chair over the next couple years! Thank you for all you have done and are doing, Denise!

Heather Bristow, Director of OLLI at Iowa State

To become a Friend of OLLI at Iowa State by a show of financial support, please go to https://isu.foundation/olli and select the Friends of OLLI at Iowa State fund

2026-2027 Membership is Open! 

Friendly Reminder: If you haven’t renewed your OLLI at Iowa State membership yet, now is the perfect time!

Your membership runs from July 1 through June 30 and unlocks a full year of discovery, connection, and lifelong learning. Adults of all ages are welcome to join – no degree or college affiliation is required.

For just $35 per year, you’ll enjoy engaging courses, interesting speakers, and a welcoming community of lifelong learners. Whether you’re exploring a new interest, revisiting a favorite hobby, or simply learning for the joy of it, there’s something for everyone at OLLI at Iowa State.

After completing the online membership form and submitting your payment, we invite you to take advantage of the 2026-2027 OLLI at Iowa State member benefits: 

• Connection to a community of enthusiastic learners 
• Access to quality non-credit educational opportunities (priced separately) 
• Nine OLLI Talk programs with no cost or registration ($225 value) 
• Monthly newsletter delivered to your email 
• Weekly Friday emails during course terms about the next week’s activities 
• Ames Chamber Artists complimentary pair of concert tickets ($30 value) 
• Central Iowa Symphony complimentary pair of concert tickets ($40 value) 
• ISU Library card for use at Parks Library for $5 (non-ISU retiree, Iowa residents only) ($15 value) 
• Stephens Auditorium Buy One Get One ticket offers to select shows 

If you have issues with the membership form, or are unable to complete it, please contact the ISU Extension Registration Services team at registrations@iastate.edu or (515) 294-6222 for assistance.  

PBS Screening 

On Monday, July 13, OLLI members gathered in the Beran Room at Sixty Forward in Ames for an afternoon of history, conversation, and community at a special screening of the new PBS documentary General Dodge and the Transcontinental Railroad. The afternoon kicked off with a social time, giving members a chance to enjoy refreshments, catch up with friends, and meet fellow lifelong learners before the film began.

Following the screening, documentary producer Tyler Brinegar stayed for a lively Q&A, sharing behind-the-scenes insights and fascinating details about General Dodge’s remarkable legacy.

OLLI at Iowa State extends a heartfelt thank-you to The Bistro at Sixty Forward, Friends of Iowa PBS, Tyler Brinegar, Katie Adams, and everyone who joined us for this memorable event. We loved spending the afternoon with you — and we can’t wait to see you at our next adventure!

Building Community with OLLI Cares 

Community is an essential part of our lives. As humans, we naturally seek connection and want to belong and feel valued and cared for. OLLI at Iowa State is excited to introduce a new initiative designed to strengthen those connections called OLLI Cares. 

This program will bring members together through simple, meaningful gestures. Volunteers will handwrite birthday cards, get well wishes, congratulations, and other notes of encouragement to fellow members. OLLI will provide the materials — we simply ask for your help in sharing celebrations, milestones, or challenges so we can recognize and support one another. 

As part of the 2026–2027 membership form, you will see a few new questions related to OLLI Cares. Members will have the opportunity to indicate if they would like to volunteer, if they are open to being a recipient, and to share the life events they would like to have recognized. 

We hope you will take part in this effort to build and nurture our lifelong learning community. Research shows that personal connections strengthen relationships and enhance both our physical and emotional well-being — and together, we can make OLLI an even more supportive and welcoming place for everyone. 

Several participation requests have been submitted without recognition dates. Please include the month of any event you would like recognized when requesting to participate in OLLI Cares.

Remembering a Friend 

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Tom Carlson on June 10. Tom became a member of OLLI at Iowa State in 2016 and quickly became a dedicated volunteer and leader within our organization. Since 2019, he served in numerous roles including class greeter, member of the curriculum team, and chair-elect, chair, and past chair of the Board of Directors. He also worked closely with staff to plan and coordinate day trips and generously volunteered at many OLLI events, especially the annual ice cream social.

Tom’s commitment, enthusiasm, and service had a lasting impact on OLLI at Iowa State and the many members whose lives he touched. “His dedication to OLLI at Iowa State was inspiring, and I will truly miss him,” shared Heather Bristow, director of OLLI at Iowa State.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Tom’s family and friends. He will be deeply missed by the entire OLLI community. Those who wish to learn more about Tom’s life and legacy are welcome to read his online obituary.

New Feedback Process 

Another exciting update for 2026–2027 is the introduction of a new, year-round Feedback Form on our website. This form will replace the traditional course evaluation process, while still giving you the option to share input on specific courses if you choose. 

In addition to course evaluations, the new form creates more opportunities for you to share feedback at any time throughout the year.

We welcome a wide range of ideas and input, including: 

• Social engagement ideas
• Event suggestions 
• Course topics and/or instructor evaluations and/or recommendations 
• General comments for OLLI at Iowa State 
• Concerns you feel should be addressed 
• Suggested improvements 
• Life milestones for the OLLI Cares program 

This list is just a starting point — there are no limits on the types of feedback you can share. We truly value hearing from our OLLI members and are committed to building a lifelong learning community that reflects your interests and needs. 

Your feedback plays an essential role in helping us grow, improve, and continue creating meaningful experiences for everyone involved. 

Fall 2026 Course Preview 

Be sure to join us on Wednesday, Aug. 5 at 1:30 p.m. CT for the Fall 2026 Course Preview event. The Zoom link can be found on the events page of our website. During this event, the instructors will be offered the opportunity to present information about their course topic. A recording of the event will be available the day after the event.

The Fall 2026 Course Catalog is here!

Take a look at the Fall 2026 Course Catalog, now available on our website! Click here to view.

Fall 2026 Registration will open on Friday, Aug. 7, 2026

Once registration opens, the link to register will be available on the Course Information page of our website.

Mark Your Calendars!

August First Friday Coffee

Friday, August 7, 2026  |  9 a.m. CT

We will be meeting in person at Sixty Forward (205 S. Walnut Ave, Ames) & online with Zoom (link available on the events page of our website) for the August First Friday Coffee.

Remembering the 1950s with Chuck Achter

Over the past several years, Chuck Achter has become a familiar face to OLLI at Iowa State members, teaching a variety of popular courses. Following OLLI at Iowa State’s move to the Sixty Forward Center in Ames this past April, Chuck approached Heather Bristow, Director of OLLI at Iowa State, with an exciting idea.

OLLI at Iowa State is pleased to sponsor Chuck as he brings his well loved decade-themed courses to Sixty Forward as special one-time presentations open to the public.

“Finding ways for Sixty Forward and OLLI to support each other in their missions has been incredibly rewarding over the past few months,” Heather shared. “I look forward to discovering even more opportunities for collaboration to foster excitement, connection, and curiosity through lifelong learning. Offering one of our popular course topics as a way to introduce OLLI to those who regularly visit the facility is a wonderful opportunity.”

This collaboration highlights the shared commitment of both organizations to enriching the community through accessible and engaging educational experiences.

OLLI at Iowa State is excited to invite you to an engaging presentation this August with Chuck Achter! Join us at Sixty Forward as we step back in time and explore the unforgettable 1950s — a decade full of iconic  moments, cultural shifts, and fascinating stories.

• Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026
• 2 – 3:30 p.m. CT
• Hybrid: In-person – Beran Room, Sixty Forward (205 S. Walnut Ave, Ames) & Online with Zoom

This event is free to attend, and we’d love to see you there! Seating is limited, so be sure to complete the online RSVP form soon to save your spot.

Did you wake up on Saturday morning excited to watch your favorite cowboy show on a black and white TV? Can you keep a hula hoop spinning around your waist? Did anyone in your community drive a Chevy Corvair or a Ford Edsel? Did you have a private line telephone or a party line, and can you still remember your phone number? What are the other things you remember about the ‘50s decade? In this discussion, we will look back and remember not only the trends of the decade, but also the political climate that the 1950s included such as the uncertainty of the Cold War, the Red Scare, and the exciting Space Race.

Chuck Achter served as an educator for 55 years as a teacher principal, consultant, and college professor. He has chosen to continue his lifelong learning journey as a presenter for OLLI at Iowa State over the past eight years. He has also given presentations at many senior centers, retirement homes, and community gatherings.

OLLI Class Behind the Scenes

Ever wondered what it takes to set up an OLLI class? Here’s your chance to find out! Before each term, the OLLI at Iowa State technology volunteer team and staff roll up their sleeves for hands-on practice sessions for setting up and tearing down in-person and hybrid classes.

• Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026
• 2 – 4 p.m. CT
• In-person: Hobby Hub, Sixty Forward (205 S. Walnut Ave, Ames)

This fall, we’re opening the doors and inviting you to join us behind the scenes to see what it takes to bring OLLI courses to life. Who knows, you might even discover a new way to get involved and show your support for OLLI!

“My kids still laugh that I’m on the Technology Team since they know I have limited technical skills! There are written instructions to follow and someone to help the first few times you do this. Keep in mind, Heather is there to do any problem-solving needed when technical difficulties arise, you are not on your own,” said Gail Wiebke, who serves on the Technology Team.

Whether you’re simply curious or thinking, “Could I do that?” – this is the perfect opportunity to explore, learn, and connect. We’d love to see you there!

Speed Friending Social Event

The OLLI at Iowa State Community Engagement Project Team invites you to join us in person at Sixty Forward in Ames on August 28 for a lively, interactive event!

• Friday, Aug. 28, 2026
• 2 – 4 p.m. CT
• In-person: Sixty Forward (205 S. Walnut, Ames)

Take part in quick, engaging rounds of conversation that spark genuine connections — far beyond the usual small talk. It’s a relaxed, high‑energy way to meet interesting people and strengthen community ties.

Please take a moment to fill out this RSVP form — so we can set up the room just right!

Pop-Up Cooking Class in September 

• Authentic Italian Cooking: Italian Fall Flavors
• Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026
• 9:30 – 11 a.m. CT
• In-person (hybrid): Boys & Girls Club, 210 South 5th St, Ames, Cost: $30
• Online with Zoom, Cost: $25

Please note there is a cost difference between the in-person and online delivery methods for this class.

Register Now

If you have dreamt about bringing the warmth, hospitality, and rustic simplicity of good Italian cooking right into your own home, say “Hello!” to Italian Fall Flavors, part of the Authentic Italian Cooking series. Roll up your sleeves. Jump right in. We’ll make Classic Mediterranean Salad, Cheesy Baked Ziti, and rustic Italian Apple Cake. Join me as one big, happy Italian family and leave with great recipes, shared stories and new techniques.

Phyllis Lyte is delighted to be back to offer another Italian Home Cooking class. While traveling extensively, Phyllis has collected recipes making her collection spill over. She has developed culinary classes for adults and children using simple to follow recipes that are budget friendly and use everyday ingredients.

OLLI at Iowa State Advisory Council & Teams 2026-2027

The OLLI at Iowa State Advisory Council includes the executive team and coordinators of the Advisory Teams. OLLI staff and Project Team Coordinators serve in an ex-officio capacity. 

OLLI at Iowa State members are welcome to attend any meetings for the groups listed below. If you are interested in attending any meetings, please contact the OLLI staff for details.

MISSION

OLLI at Iowa State nurtures a joyful community of lifelong learning for adults of all ages. We offer non-credit educational courses and social experiences that spark curiosity, connection, and personal growth, specially designed for mature learners.

VALUES

Adaptability, curiosity, integrity, knowledge, and passion