OLLI at Penn State Harrisburg

09/08/2026

Heart and Hand Outreach will be volunteering at the Midwest Food Bank. Please sign up to volunteer alongside OLLI members and Penn State students on September 11. Students will not only work alongside us, they’re there to learn more about your experiences with volunteering!

Watch this video: Learn more about Heart and Hand from Group Leader Eileen Beasom

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=TmzpuFatOSk&ra=m

Friday, September 11
2:30–4:30 p.m.
Midwest Food Bank, Middletown

Sign up using the link in the comments.

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

09/02/2026

Start your Wednesdays immersed in creativity! Learn about the style and techniques of Paul Cézanne with artist Tenaj Cujic van Zijl!

This 2 session course is part lecture, part hands-on experience and will meet outside, weather permitting.

Member fee: $35
Nonmember fee: $50
Course fee includes $10 for supplies
Wednesdays: 9/9 and 9/16 10 am - 11:30 am
Penn State Harrisburg

Location and registration details are in the comments!

Tenaj Cujic van Zijl began her study of art as a child with her mother in her native South Africa. She went on to study textiles and design. Subsequently, Tenaj developed a business and became an in-demand women’s fashion designer in Bloemfontein. After she immigrated to the United States in 2012, Tenaj successfully founded the Etsy store Cujicoo where she sold silk screen–printed fabrics, towels, and other products. Her products have been featured in Victoria magazine and Birds and Blooms magazine. With a growing desire to share art across Central Pennsylvania, Tenaj founded ARTina in 2018.

09/01/2026

🎵Get connected to the sound of Philadelphia!

The Sound of Philadelphia: This course will take a look at Philadelphia's special place in the history of music, starting with some unexpected examples like the Philadelphia Orchestra, Dizzy Gillespie, and John Coltrane and including more familiar examples like Hall & Oates, Jim Croce, and the golden age of Philly pop with The O'Jays, The Delfonics, and The Intruders. Special attention will be paid to the music made at 212 N. 12th Street—Sigma Sound.

Course instructor, John Hill, was a staff producer for Columbia Records. He's produced some of the originators of rock, including Chuck Berry and Fats Domino. Some of the other artists he's produced include Dr. John, George Harrison, Bob Dylan, The Buckinghams, Raven, Catfish, Ian & Sylvia, David Bromberg, and Susan Christie. He has also been a songwriter. His songs have been recorded by The Grass Roots, The Buckinghams, The Staple Singers, Bill Deal and the Rhondels, Pacific Gas & Electric, The Trammps, and The Partridge Family.

Member Fee: $15.00
Nonmember Fee: $30.00
When: 10/22/2026, 10:00 AM–11:30 AM
Where: Online, Zoom

Sign up using the link in the comments!

Photos: Aaron C. Smith

08/31/2026

Calling all dog lovers and crime solvers! 🐾🔎

Meet Detective K9 Stratton and learn just how a tracking dog does his job.

An added bonus- Stratton has a sense of humor and will add his own version of comedy to the class!

Course: The Tracking Bloodhound: Locating the Missing and Aiding in Criminal Investigations
Date: Thursday, October 8, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM - 1 PM

$15 for OLLI members; $30 for nonmembers

Learn more and register ➡️ https://register.olli.psu.edu/pennstateolli/Course/Course.aspx?c=900

08/26/2026

Have you ever wanted to try ballet? Now’s your chance. OLLI at Penn State Silver Swans®️ classes are specifically designed for adults age 50 and better, combining graceful movement with benefits for balance, mobility, coordination, and memory.

No dance experience is necessary. Come willing to have fun, challenge your mind, and express your creativity!

This five-week course taught by former professional dancer and educator, Danielle Guillermo, begins on Tuesday, September 22 at 10 AM. Use the link in the comments to register!

Watch the video to see what it’s all about.

Improve your dance-life balance! Specially designed for older learn...

08/25/2026

SIGs or Special Interest Groups help to build our OLLI community! Spend time with people who share your interests, make new friends, and stay active.

Learn more about our special interest groups at OLLI.psu.edu/special-interest-groups.

08/24/2026

📣Attention OLLI Members!

We are looking for 10 members who want to build healthier habits together.

The Healthier Days Special Interest Group uses simple, fun “Healthier Days” challenges to support daily well-being. Join to stay motivated, connect with others, and create lasting positive change. This group meets on Friday mornings from 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM, bi-weekly.

Learn more and sign up for Healthier Days using the link in the comments.

Participation in special interest groups is free for members!

08/24/2026

Good news! Registration is now open to nonmembers! 🎉

Explore our wide variety of engaging courses and opportunities to connect with lifelong learners. With over 25 courses available in Harrisburg, you’re sure to find a few that interest you.

Reserve your spot today! OLLI.psu.edu

08/21/2026

📖Thinking ahead to October? Start reading Frankenstein by Mary Shelley now and join us this fall for an exploration of this classic novel.

This session, titled Frankenstein in Parts: Dissecting the Modern Myth, will be led by Emily MacLeod, Ph.D., assistant professor of English at Penn State Harrisburg. MacLeod will give a short lecture followed by discussion.

Whether it’s your first time or a reread, we’ll look forward to learning and discussing it together!

Learn more using the link in the comments.

Registration is open for members; nonmember registration begins on Monday, August 24.

08/20/2026

Some of the best lessons happen when different generations learn side by side.

Take a look at these intergenerational learning opportunities that will be offered in our fall semester:

Flourishing in Practice: Intergenerational Connections – Participants in this mini course will join Penn State students for two interactive classes focused on the physiology of emotion and resilience.

https://register.olli.psu.edu/pennstateolli/Course/Course.aspx?c=1000

Flourishing Through Action: Making a Difference Together – This is a unique intergenerational project where Penn State students and OLLI members team up to tackle real-world issues.

https://register.olli.psu.edu/pennstateolli/Course/Course.aspx?c=991

These courses will be led by Dr. Patty Aguilera, associate teaching professor of Human Development and Family Studies and OLLI’s Intergenerational Programming Coordinator.