Fall Registration Is Now Open! |
Fall classes begin Monday September 14, with the bulk of the term starting the following Monday September 21. We’re offering 48 brand new topics this term, five classes at our beautiful Sandy Center, 23 shorter sessions, and 11 new instructors teaching for Osher for the first time. We will also feature 24 new courses through our partnership with Osher Online™️at Northwestern University. Their esteemed instructors from Osher Institutes all over the country present class preview videos in the Osher Online™️ class listings. The registration deadline for Osher Online™️ is September 9 so sign up today if you’d like to participate! And please read below for some highlights of upcoming classes and special events.
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Join Us at Our Open House! - Today!
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Our annual Red Butte Garden open house and instructor previews will be held Monday August 24 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. We will offer a complimentary continental breakfast and free admission to the garden. You can meet instructors to learn all about their upcoming classes and mingle with fellow Osher members. We will once again collect school supply donations for local children in need, thanks to dedicated longtime Osher volunteer Connie Reed. Invite friends or neighbors to join you to “test drive Osher” and discover our fall term offerings. An Osher membership is not required to attend!
Please carpool whenever possible! Parking will be limited at Red Butte but our lot at 540 Arapeen Drive will be open to carpoolers who wish to meet and ride up to Red Butte together. We will not be offering a shuttle bus this year; there was not enough ridership in years past to justify the expense.
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The AARP Smart Driver Course is the nation's first and largest 4-hour refresher course designed specifically for older drivers. The goal is for you to become an even safer driver through this program and our additional resources. This course will review driving skills and techniques, as well as strategies and tips to help you adjust to normal age-related changes that may affect your driving ability. As an added bonus, graduates could receive a discount on their auto insurance. Plus it's fun and enjoyable!
Monday September 14 at 1:00 pm
Monday October 5 at 1:00 pm
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Examine the buying process and the factors that influence the buying decision. What, when, and how we buy are easy questions to answer. Why we buy, dealing with the psychology of buying, is the more difficult question to answer. At a time in life when many of us are downsizing, does understanding buying behavior still matter? The answer is yes. We still make buying choices daily. Think about choosing which Osher classes to take, what birthday gifts to buy for grandchildren, or which movie to view. These are all buying decisions. From impulse to highly researched decisions, buying psychology takes many forms. We will examine the five-step buying process, the three different types of buying, and the outcomes, both positive and negative, of buying.
Monday September 21 at 9:30 am
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Whether you are looking to sharpen your mind or expand your social circle, American Mahjong offers a captivating blend of strategy and skill. This introductory course is designed specifically for beginners, guiding you through the fundamentals of the game including tile recognition, the Official Standard Hands and Rules card, and the unique "Charleston" passing phase. You will learn the nuances of building hands and the thrill of calling "Mahjong" in a relaxed, supportive environment perfect for newcomers. By the end of the term, you will have the confidence to join any table and enjoy this beloved, fast-paced pastime with friends and neighbors. This is the perfect opportunity to engage your memory while making lasting connections within the Salt Lake City community.
Monday September 21 at 11:30 am
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Turn your everyday moments into meaningful, compelling stories in this six-week creative writing course. Through guided prompts, supportive feedback, and simple writing exercises, you will learn how to capture vivid memories, write with emotional honesty, and shape your experiences into short, impactful pieces. Whether you are new to writing or looking to refine your voice, this class will help you uncover the beauty and insight within your own life—one small story at a time.
Monday September 21 at 3:30 pm
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Curious about artificial intelligence but not sure where to start? This interactive two-week class introduces you to AI tools like ChatGPT and beyond, showing you how they can be useful, entertaining, and even surprising. We'll discuss practical applications, creative uses, and ethical considerations, all in a fun and accessible way. NOTE: the title and description for this class were created by ChatGPT! It even helped the instructor write her biography.
Thursday September 17 at 9:30 am
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Muscle strength and balance are critical to maintaining health and independence as we age. Without additional strength training, most older adults will experience a gradual loss of muscle mass and strength that can negatively impact balance, mobility, and overall function. Vivo is a live, online, interactive strength and balance program designed specifically for older adults. Vivo sessions incorporate cognitive, balance, and strength exercises informed by the latest science and research on healthy aging and exercise.
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Certified personal trainers, skilled in working with older adults, provide modifications to meet each participant's needs and abilities. Whether you are new to exercise or already active, Vivo can help you build strength, improve balance and mobility, and support long-term independence. Classes meet once a week for 45 minutes. For best results, participants are encouraged to register for two class sessions per week and may choose the days and times that best fit their schedule.
Monday through Fridays at 8:00 am or 10:00 am
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Nordic Noir—crime fiction from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, and Finland—has become one of the most globally influential literary phenomena of the past fifty years. From Maj Sjowall and Per Wahloo's Marxist police procedurals of the 1960s to Henning Mankell's Wallander series, from Karin Fossum's psychologically devastating Norwegian villages to Peter Hoeg's meditation on colonialism and Arnaldur Indridason's austere Iceland, these books have captivated readers worldwide. But what makes Nordic Noir Nordic? This course digs beneath the surface of the genre to explore the social, historical, and cultural forces that shape it. We read four landmark novels in the Nordic Noir genre: The Laughing Policeman by Maj Sjowall and Per Wahloo, Don't Look Back by Karin Fossum, Miss Smilla's Feeling for Snow by Peter Hoeg, and Jar City by Arnaldur Indridason.
Monday September 21 at 11:30 am
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Discover a fun way to breathe new life into your watercolors! For beginners, intermediate, or advanced painters, woven watercolors are a way to add texture and dimension to your paintings. This course will teach you a few basic watercolor techniques such as wet-in-wet and dry brush, along with various ways to create texture on your paper. There will be a quick instructional on how to set up your paint palette and supplies for most efficient use. You will then learn to plan and execute a woven watercolor painting from concept to finished product.
Monday September 21 at 5:30 pm
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Did you know we start losing muscle as early as age 30 and this accelerates after 60? This loss impacts balance, mobility, bone density, and independence. The good news? Strength training can help reverse that trend. Join us for a FREE dynamic session on how building strength supports better health, sharper cognition, and improved quality of life as we age. You'll learn science-backed strategies to safely get started (and stick with it!) - plus enjoy a short demonstration and time for Q&A.
Wednesday August 26 at 10:00 am
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Take a tour of one of Salt Lake City's most distinctive and creative spaces. Located in a beautifully restored historic building on South Temple, Cityhome COLLECTIVE's office reflects the character and craftsmanship of the neighborhood while blending architecture with design. The space serves as more than a real estate office; it is a hub for architecture, interior design, and community connection. Explore the thoughtfully designed workspace and learn how the team approaches real estate through a lens of creativity, storytelling, and collaboration. Discover the inspiration behind the company's unique philosophy, the history and character of the building, and how cityhome COLLECTIVE believes homes should reflect the people who live in them.
Monday August 31 at 10:00 am
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The Bicycle Collective uses the power of bicycles to create access, build community, and support meaningful change throughout our city. This guided tour offers a closer look at the organization's mission, from refurbishing donated bikes to providing transportation, education, and opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds. Learn how the Bicycle Collective is helping create a more connected, sustainable, and inclusive community through one bike at a time.
Tuesday September 1 at 11:00 am
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Have you ever seen a waterfall on the outside of a building or a rotating public market? Come see them both and more at Millcreek Commons! We will tour Millcreek Common and discuss two murals along the way. The first mural, located on the Adventure Hub, depicts a skater and was created by Utah artist Chuck Landvatter. The second mural, located next to City Hall, is The Unifying Journey of Water by New Jersey artist Alysia McKenzie. This mural is a collaboration between Millcreek and a private developer.
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Along the way, representatives from Millcreek will discuss the history and planning of Millcreek Common and City Hall. The tour will conclude at the 1330 Design Collective, the latest in a series of rotating public markets on the ground floor of City Hall.
Wednesday September 2 at 11:30 am
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The Salt Lake Art Museum is dedicated to celebrating Utah's artists—from historical masters to today's visionary creators. This new museum, which opened in July, is housed in the historic B'Nai Israel Temple, a landmark built in 1890 to serve Salt Lake's Jewish community. Mr. Chris Jensen, the museum's Executive Director, will give Osher members a private tour, providing an overview of the different exhibitions: Albert Bierstadt, Julia Reagan (yes, billboard Julia Reagan), Pilar Pobil, and more. You will also have time to explore and enjoy the museum on your own after the tour.
Wednesday September 4 at 10:30 am
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Sept 1
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Join Artistic Director of NOVA Chamber Music Series, Kimi Kawashima, in an introduction to chamber music and the composers and music performed at NOVA's upcoming 49th season at Libby Gardner Hall and the Utah Museum of Fine Arts. A renowned pianist and music educator, Kimi will share the history behind NOVA Chamber Music Series and how she curates unique programs for NOVA audiences, performed by the top local classical musicians. Osher members will get a discount code for tickets to the NOVA performance on Sunday, September 27 at 3:00 pm in Libby Gardener Concert Hall.
Thursday September 10 at 1:00 pm
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| Osher Special Events in 2026 are brought to you in part from funding from ZAP
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Calling all dancin’ lovin’ Osher members! The Westerner Dance Hall, Bar & Grill offers line dancing lessons every Wednesday night. Come join in on the fun along with your fellow Osher members on September 9. The $10 entrance fee is due upon arrival at The Westerner.
Wednesday September 9 at 7:00 pm
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Written by Laura Munts (with Reb Fleming and Elaine Jarvik), directed by Julie Jensen, and starring Reb Fleming, this one-woman play is about aging in plain sight—a subject avoided, disguised, or lied about. Sophia is a septuagenarian actor figuring out what she is supposed to be doing between now and when she dies. She is funny, cringeworthy, and ruthlessly honest. She is the wrong person in the right place. The right talent at the wrong age. This stunning and thought-provoking 45-minute performance is followed by a conversation among guests who share in the experience of exploring creative aging, together with the actor who brings it to life.
Thursday September 10 at 3:00 pm
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Lunch and Learn will start up again for fall term at noon on September 23, 2026 with another new series of six interesting FREE lectures on Zoom Webinar. These lectures are open to the public, no Osher membership required. So please invite a friend to join you and “test drive” what we do here at Osher. Thank you to Sandy Clark, our volunteer coordinator, for organizing so many great lectures for Osher members and our community at large!
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Wednesday, September 23 from 12:00 to 1:00 pm
Master Your Landscape: A Strategic Guide to Design and Curb Appeal
By Bruce Maw, Landscape Architect
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Wednesday, September 30 from 12:00 to 1:00 pm
The Biology of Skinwalker Ranch
By Ben Woodruff, Biologist, Hutchings Museum
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Wednesday, October 7 from 12:00 to 1:00 pm
Utah's Changing Demographics
By Mallory Bateman, Director of Demographic Research, Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute
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Wednesday, October 14 from 12:00 to 1:00 pm
Data Centers in Utah: What's Being Proposed and What Communities Can Do
By Deeda Seed, GSL Activist & Senior Campaigner at the Center for Biological Diversity
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Wednesday, October 21 from 12:00 to 1:00 pm
New Advances in Pharmaceuticals – Blocking Cancer’s Communication Network: A New Approach to Treat Advanced Ovarian Cancer
By Dr. Farzana Alam, Research Assistant Professor in Pharmacology and Toxicology at The University of Utah
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Wednesday, October 28 from 12:00 to 1:00 pm
Amplifying Women's Voices
By Sharon Spaulding, Author of “Women Make History”
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The University of Utah College of Music offers Adult Piano for Pleasure. The classes are weekly one-hour group sessions in a digital keyboard lab for enjoyable and effective learning of keyboard and musicianship skills. If you have always wanted to play the piano, this class offers a supportive group in a non-threatening atmosphere. Fall semester for beginners: no prerequisite required. Spring semester prerequisite: Semester 1 Adult Piano or 6 months of previous piano study. There will also be a Tuesday evening session added for second year beginners or those with previous piano experience wanting a review. Classes begin the week of August 24.
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Artist Series & Opening Reception for Joon Bae
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Join us for a reception for Osher instructor and artist Joon Bae. Joon’s work will be on display for the month of September. Joon received her BFA in Visual Arts with an emphasis in painting and drawing from the University of Utah. She began learning traditional Korean ink painting methods since childhood. After a lifetime of practice and an exploration into western forms of painting through her studies, she has found her rhythm as an East Asian Ink Painter. Her work has been collected internationally and exhibited in Utah at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts, Salt Lake City Library, University of Utah, Springville Museum, Jewish Community Center, and more. She has given countless demonstrations and was featured in the 2019 edition of Sunshine Artist magazine. She is excited to continue teaching and learning through storytelling by putting brush to rice paper. Joon is a much-loved instructor at Osher!
Artist Series Exhibition September 1-30
Opening Reception Thursday September 3 from 5pm -7pm
IJ & Jeanné Wagner Jewish Community Center, 2 North Medical Drive, 2nd Floor Art Gallery
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The Kaleidoscope Creative Aging Festival runs August 22–September 19 and kicks off on August 22 at the Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center with a free community event for adults 55+. The day includes arts classes, performances featuring older adult artists, an art exhibit, free lunch, and more. Throughout the following month, partner organizations across Utah will host free arts-based events for older adults in their communities. Please see the full festival schedule on their website.
Learn More: utahcreativeaging.org
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Osher will offer three FREE arts classes for the Kaleidoscope Creative Aging Festival. Registration opens Friday August 21 at 9:00 am.
An Osher membership is not required to attend!
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Our previous newsletters and podcasts are saved in an archive on our main website, so you never have to worry about missing a thing.
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Stay Connected by Joining Us on Social Media |
The Osher Instagram and Facebook pages are a great way to stay connected. We highlight the accomplishments of Osher instructors and members. Special Events are updated, posted, and featured here too. Please like us to stay up to date and share with your friends who would enjoy all that Osher has to offer!
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Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
801-581-6461 | osher@utah.edu
osher.utah.edu
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Continuing Education at the University of Utah | 540 Arapeen Dr Rm 210 | Salt Lake City, UT 84108 US
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540 Arapeen Drive | Salt Lake City, UT 84108 US
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