Director's Note
Happy New Year!
As we prepare for a new semester, here are some friendly reminders:
- Course registration begins January 14 at 10 a.m. This could be a super busy time as the phones are ringing, and we are working feverishly to help all of our members. Please remember that self-registration online is the fastest way to register for courses—we have included step-by-step course registration instructions in the Curriculum section of this Newsletter with the hope that this will make the process more effective and efficient for everyone.
- Note that we will have staff support helping during registration, but if you call, you may not get through immediately, so please leave a message and your call will be returned.
- If you are not registering online, you can send your course registration directly to the OLLI office with your payment (preferably by check). Be sure to drop it in the mail early so that it reaches the office before January 14. Please do not include a credit card number.
- To be eligible for the member-discounted course rate, you must be a member at the time you register for courses. If you want to ensure that you will receive the membership discount, make sure you are a current OLLI member. If you are not a member, register for or add your membership to your cart first, then begin registering for courses.
- Lastly, if you know someone who would like to take an OLLI course but might need a little assistance, please let them know that there are course scholarships available. Just have them call the office at (269) 387-4157 and we will be delighted to assist them.
Sincerely,
Toni Woolfork-Barnes, Ed.D.
Director, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at WMU
Curriculum
Winter/Spring Semester 2026 Is Here
Are you ready for the winter/spring semester? We have an incredible array of course offerings as we do each semester—and thanks to our continued partnership with the wonderful Osher Online program, you can start learning as soon as the new year begins! Typically, we only have a few courses available before February, but because Osher Online’s curriculum kicks off in January, our members have special early registration access to their 30+ offerings! These six-session courses begin prior to the start of OLLI at WMU courses and are perfect for members who want to dive a little deeper into intellectual exploration.
You can easily register for an Osher Online course right now. You will find them by using the link that says “Osher Online Courses” in the course registration section of our digital catalog page. Please note, there is a limited number of seats for all Osher Online courses, so registering early means you will have a better chance of securing your spot!
If you have any questions, our OLLI at WMU staff will be back in the office on Monday, January 5, 2025. Remember, if you need help with Osher Online courses specifically, you are asked to contact their staff directly via e-mail at @email or by phone at (312) 503-5555. Osher Online staff will also return to their offices in the first week of January.
Registration for OLLI at WMU course offerings officially opens January 14 at 10 a.m.
Winter Spring Course Registration
Get Set, Ready, Register…
Are you ready for the winter/spring semester? We have an incredible array of course offerings as we do each semester — and thanks to our continued partnership with the wonderful Osher Online program, you can start learning as soon as the new year begins! These six-session courses will begin prior to the start of OLLI at WMU courses and are perfect for members who want to dive a little deeper into intellectual exploration.
You can easily register for an Osher Online course, by using the link that says “Osher Online Courses” in the course registration system. Please note, there is a limited number of seats for all Osher Online courses, so registering early means you will have a better chance of securing your spot!
If you have any questions, OLLI at WMU staff will be back in the office on Monday, January 5, 2026. Remember, if you need help with Osher Online courses specifically, you are asked to contact the Osher staff directly via e-mail at OsherOnline@northwestern.edu or by phone (312) 503-5555. Osher Online staff will also return to the offices in the first week of January.
OLLI at WMU Course registration starts Wednesday, January 14, at 10 a.m. Keep an eye out for our new course catalog, which will be sent by mail. To see the full description of courses, please review within the course registration system. Here’s the link to the YouTube video to walk you through how to register step-by-step for how to register online for membership and courses…
Introducing the Newest Shared Interest Group (SIG)
OLLI Virtual Happy Hour
Don't forget to sign up for the newest Shared Interest Group and get in on the fun during the winter months.
The Virtual Happy Hour launches Thursday, January 8th at 4:00 p.m. via Zoom and will last about 1 1/2 hours. There will be a pre-determined topic to discuss, to be enjoyed along with your favorite beverage and online friends.
You can sign up online now or contact Judy Sivak directly at @email. You will receive an email with the Zoom link 1-2 days prior to the scheduled Happy Hour. And remember, only OLLI at WMU members are eligible to participate, so if you know of a non-member who would enjoy this, encourage them to join.
Events
Register Now for January Thaw!
JANUARY THAW Date: Wednesday, January 28 Time: 1–3 p.m. Location: People’s Church, 1758 N 10th St
Kick off 2026 with an afternoon to warm your spirits and bring the over-50 community together! The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at WMU invites you to our annual January Thaw. Get ready for lively conversations, lighthearted mingling, and a healthy dose of learning.
Start gathering those gently loved books for our ever-popular Book Exchange. We’re also collecting nonperishable food for the WMU Student Food Pantry and office supplies for the Kalamazoo Literacy Council. Your generosity makes a real difference!
This year’s special guests, Sheriff Rick Fuller and Lisa Fuller, will pull back the curtain on identity theft—what it looks like today, how it targets older adults, and most importantly, how to stay one step ahead.
You’ll also have the chance to meet our Winter/Spring instructors, chat informally, and discover which classes spark your interest. Light snacks will be served, along with plenty of good company.
To help us plan, OLLI members should register online under SIGs. Here’s the link SIGs and Events Non-members, please register by calling (269) 387-4157
Membership & Marketing
Give The Gift of OLLI
It’s not too late to give the gift that fits everyone. Call the OLLI office (269-387-4157) to secure the perfect gift for aunts, uncles, family members and friends. They will love it!
Wellness Moment
New Years Resolutions: Facts and Figures
Written by Tyler Norman, Ph.D.
Manager of Corporate Outreach
ACSM Exercise Physiologist
NCFI Corporate Fitness Specialist
West Hills Athletic Club, WMU
If you have a health and wellness article to write for January, I think it’s a rule to discuss New Year’s Resolutions. For at least a decade, I have vowed to drink more water, which always fails because “more” is too vague. If I said three liters per day, I’d have a higher chance of success. In an unofficial survey of our members, the majority said they don’t bother making false promises to themselves. One young woman says she wants to learn how to read music, another to read 50 books. Most, however, are health related as you could have predicted. In 2024, adults ages 18 to 29 make up the biggest group of resolution setters at 49%. Of those ages 30 to 49, 31% made a resolution, and just 21% of those 50 and above committed to a resolution. I’ve included the top 5 most popular resolutions, and the top 5 least popular resolutions for your reference. Friendly reminder that this is coronary event season so respect warning signs, and on that note, I hereby resolve to not start smoking in 2026. Happy New Year!
Top 5 most popular resolutions
#5 Learn a new skill or start a hobby
#4 Eat healthier
#3 Save money/create budget
#2 More time with family and friends
#1 Lose weight
Top 5 least popular resolutions
#5 Moving/relocating
#4 Starting a new job
#3 Reducing time on digital screens
#2 Quitting drinking
#1 Quitting smoking
Community Connections
Kicking Off 2026: Literacy, Learning, and Community in Kalamazoo
Kito Jumanne-Marshall
Marketing and Development Manager
As we step into a new year, the Kalamazoo Literacy Council (KLC) celebrates momentum in our mission: empowering adults to achieve confident literacy, strengthen families, and engage more fully in our community. Our learners bring curiosity, resilience, and a shared commitment to growth, and our volunteers are valuable partners in creating welcoming, effective opportunities to learn.
What’s happening this Winter:
- Tutor Training: Join our January cohort, online or in-person, Jan. 8 (orientation), 17, & 24 (workshops). If you have a couple hours a week to spare, you can make a lasting difference in someone’s life.
- Donation collection: OLLI's January Thaw is always a great time! The annual book exchange and discussion event happens January 28, 1:00-3:00 p.m. at People's Church. As always, thanks in advance for your donations of books or office supplies.
- Albert White Bust Dedication: In celebration of Black History Month, join us for the unveiling of artist James Palmore’s bust of Albert White, a successful African American builder in Kalamazoo who broke barriers in the late 19th and early 20th century. Friday, February 6, 4:00-5:00 p.m., Van Deusen room, Kalamazoo Public Library, 315 S. Rose St.
The KLC staff would like to thank OLLI members for their ongoing support & advocacy. Friendly reminder: If you know someone who could benefit from free literacy support, please help connect them with KLC resources. Call us at (269) 382-0490 ext. 4786 or @email.
Free Tax Help Available
Local Program Provides Assistance
Sam Grossman
Need help filing your 2025 federal and state income taxes? Volunteers with a local program can prepare and file tax returns free of charge.
Trained, IRS-certified volunteers with the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program meet with clients by appointment at six locations in greater Kalamazoo. Tax-Aide helps anyone, free of charge, with a focus on taxpayers who are over 50 and have low to moderate incomes. You don't need to be an AARP member to use the service.
Volunteer tax counselors will begin meeting with clients the first week of February and continue until April 15. To make an appointment, call your preferred site at the number listed. Appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Scheduling begins in early to mid-January.
| Location | Day of Service | Scheduling Number |
| Parchment Public Library | Monday | 269-343-7747 |
| Portage Zhang Senior Center | Tuesday | 269-329-4555 |
| Rivers Community Center, Three Rivers | Wednesday | 269-279-8083 |
| Church of God Family Worship Center, Comstock | Thursday | 269-359-0743 |
| Otsego District Library | Friday | 269-694-9690 |
| Disability Network, Kalamazoo | Friday | 269-359-0743 |
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program is the nation's largest free tax assistance and preparation service. Every year, from early February to mid-April, volunteers take appointments at over 3,600 locations around the country. Last year, Kalamazoo district volunteers completed 1,081 returns.
What is the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute?
The program was initiated under the auspices of the WMU Emeriti Council and EUP, but now currently resides within the office of Government Relations and External Partnerships. OLLI offers intellectually lively and culturally appealing learning experiences. We accomplish this by focusing on intellectual stimulation, personal growth, social engagement and enrichment. Read more
What do we do?
We offer short courses for one to four weeks. Sessions are usually two hours long. Travel programs are also a part of our offerings. There are no tests and no required homework, just exploring lots of interesting topics.
In the near future we will offer courses in different formats -- noon hour discussions, several sessions in one week, and more evening courses. OLLI courses and activities are developed and produced by its members with the support of the staff of WMUx.
We need your ideas for course topics and instructors. Let us know your suggestions. Call the OLLI office at (269) 387-4157 or send an email. The curriculum committee will review all suggestions.