July 2026 OLLI Newsletter

Letter from the Director

Welcome, Estelle!

I hope you’ll take a few moments to watch the staff introduction video linked above and join me in welcoming Estelle Johnson, OLLI at Iowa State’s new Communications Specialist. Estelle will be sharing an office with me at the Sixty Forward Center, and I hope you’ll stop by to say hello when you have the opportunity. To help our OLLI community get to know her a little better, Estelle also answered a few questions about herself that I thought you would enjoy reading.

Tell us a little bit about yourself. 

To start, I’m from Shell Rock, Iowa, a small town near Waverly, in the Cedar Valley region. I graduated from Waverly-Shell Rock High School before attending the University of Northern Iowa (UNI), where I studied Communication and Media. During my time at UNI, I served as the Executive Editor of The Northern Iowan, the university’s student newspaper. Outside of my academic and professional experiences, I have one older brother, Tucker, as well as six step-siblings – three from each side of my family. I also have a cat named Astro, who will be joining me in a few months, once I’m more settled into my apartment and adjusted to my new routine. 

What attracted you to working with OLLI at Iowa State? 

The first thing that caught my attention was the name of the position. Many students end up working in jobs unrelated to their majors, so I was excited to find a role that directly aligned with the work I had been doing for the paper and in my classes. As I learned more about OLLI, I became even more interested in the opportunity because it seemed like an excellent fit for me, and the work that is done here is work that I think is truly important. Being a part of that is so special! 

What does lifelong learning mean to you personally? 

I was raised to value lifelong learning, and that mindset has stayed with me. I believe there is no age limit on learning something new, and that our brains continue to grow and adapt throughout our lives. Education does not end when we earn a degree; rather, a degree marks the beginning of a lifelong process of learning, discovery, and personal growth. 

 What are some hobbies you have? 

I love to bake, shop, hang out with friends, and spend time with my family. I enjoy doodling flowers or small designs in notebooks when I have the time, and I also find happiness in taking long walks on nice days. The best days include a morning coffee, an afternoon walk, and a good home cooked dinner at the end of the night. 

 What’s something about you that might surprise people? 

Before moving to Ames, I had only been here a handful of times, and usually just to pass through. Since then, I’ve really enjoyed my time here – walking down to the farmer’s market on Saturday mornings is something I’ll be enjoying this summer and fall. 

I am thrilled Estelle accepted the invitation to become part of OLLI at Iowa State. And after reading her comments above, I’m sure you are all just as excited. Our OLLI isn’t just about classes and social engagements; it’s about the people! The staff, the volunteers, the members, and the sponsors, all working together to make OLLI at Iowa State a truly special community! 

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! 

An OLLI at Iowa State membership runs from July 1 to June 30, and it’s your ticket to a year full of discovery, connection, and inspiration. We welcome adults of all backgrounds and experiences – no degree or university affiliation required. With online programming available, you can join in from wherever your adventures take you. 

For only $35 a year, you’ll gain access to enriching lifelong learning experiences and a welcoming community of curious minds. Whether you’re rediscovering a passion, exploring something brand new, or simply enjoying the joy of learning, there is a little something for everyone with 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.  

Special Invitation to PBS Screening 

Iowa PBS invites OLLI at Iowa State members to join them at Sixty Forward on Monday, July 13, for a special screening of their newly released program, General Dodge and the Transcontinental Railroad. Grenville M. Dodge was a Civil War general, intelligence pioneer, and chief engineer for the Union Pacific.

His leadership — both on and off the battlefield — helped preserve a fractured nation and drove the expansion that ultimately connected a continent.

Through a story of war, innovation, and ambition, this film explores the forces that shaped the United States during one of its most defining eras.

OLLI at Iowa State will host a reception beginning at 1:30 p.m. with popcorn, pretzels, cookies, and soda and water, all free of charge. The program will be played at 2 p.m. followed by a Q&A session featuring one of the program’s producers.

There is no fee to attend; however, we ask that you submit an RSVP by Monday, July 6 as there are limited seats available.

General Dodge and the Transcontinental Railroad

• Monday, July 13, 2026
• Reception: 1:30 – 2 p.m. CT 
• Program viewing: 2 – 3:30 p.m. CT 
• In-person: Beran Room, Sixty Forward (205 S. Walnut Ave, Ames)

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. 

June 2026 OLLI Prairie Walk

OLLI at Iowa State members gathered at a prairie reconstruction property managed by our very own Mike Meetz on June 16. It was a beautiful morning with the sun shining and a gentle breeze that kept us comfortable as we traversed the 38-acre property. Mike also invited some local experts to join us and help guide us through the prairie educating us on the how’s, why’s, and what’s. Thank you to the panel of experts that guided our walk: Mike Meetz owner and coordinator of the prairie; Jim Pease (Friends of Ada Hayden Heritage Park Board President); Steve Lekwa (former director of Story County Conservation); and Alexa DiNicola (curator of the Ada Hayden Herbarium).

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. 

Sneak Peek for Fall

Here is your first peek at the Fall 2026 course lineup for OLLI at Iowa State! As mentioned in a previous newsletter, we’re excited to introduce a new course format this term which consists of two classes per day, four days a week, over an eight-week term.

While the number of courses below may appear smaller at first glance, this is due to an increase in multi-week offerings—more than we typically feature. These extended courses provide a deeper and more enriching learning experience for our members.

Considering the new two-class per day format for OLLI classes, we were able to secure a full schedule for this fall. That’s right—we’re completely filled across all time slots! This is a testament to the strength of the course offerings and the dedication of the curriculum team in thoughtfully building a full schedule.

We’re looking forward to a dynamic and engaging fall term and can’t wait for you to join us! Be sure to check the Course Information page of our website for more information as it becomes available.

Mark Your Calendars!

No First Friday Coffee in July

We will be closed on July 3, and there will be no July First Friday Coffee.

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, for those who request it.

Remembering the 1950s with Chuck Achter in August

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 partnership as we work together 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.

• 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

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.

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.

Pop-Up Cooking Class in September 

Due to scheduling conflicts, the instructor for our Authentic Italian Cooking series is not able to offer a class during the fall 2026 term. However, we are working to secure a date, time, and location to offer this course as a pop-up in September. Please visit the events page of our website and be sure to check the August newsletter for more details and registration information. 

 Authentic Italian Cooking: Italian Fall Flavors 

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. Feel free to visit with any of these individuals about course ideas, volunteer opportunities, and any additional programming comments. 

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.

VAULES

Adaptability, curiosity, integrity, knowledge, and passion