Around The Cracker Barrel - Never Stop Learning: Discovering OLLI UA in Green Valley (Aired 09/18/2026)

This week on Around the Cracker Barrel, host Guy Atchley welcomes Betsy Labiner, Program Director, and Sarah Hall, Program Coordinator, from the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Arizona (OLLI UA). Designed for adults 50 and older, OLLI UA combines lifelong learning with opportunities to meet new people, explore new interests and stay connected with the community. Betsy and Sarah explain how OLLI UA has grown from a peer-to-peer learning group more than 35 years ago into a program offering hundreds of classes covering an incredible variety of subjects. Fall offerings range from astronomy, history and current events to healthy aging, Tai Chi, plant-based cooking, artificial intelligence, immigration, climate change, communication, home energy efficiency and even how to brew the perfect cup of coffee. Members can explore subjects simply because they're curious, with classes included as part of their membership. The conversation also highlights one of OLLI's biggest benefits: community. Members have opportunities to build friendships, volunteer, teach, participate in field trips and remain involved even when they're away from Green Valley through online classes. Betsy and Sarah share how those connections can give people structure, purpose and a renewed enthusiasm for learning during retirement. Listeners also get details about the upcoming Discover OLLI event on September 23 at 10:30 a.m. at the Community Performing Arts Center in Green Valley. The free event offers a chance to learn more about membership, meet OLLI staff, volunteers and members, and discover the many ways to become involved. Advance RSVPs are requested through olli.arizona.edu.