Friday Courses   

Who will control the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate in the last two years of President Trump’s administration? That will be the major topic of this course. We’ll also discuss some major state governor races, certainly including Oregon and California. Election laws, campaign spending and developing issues will also be topics for classes. All viewpoints will be welcome. No background information is essential for participants, only an interest in our country.

This is the third in a six-course series on the music of Beethoven, held in commemoration of the 200th anniversary of his death in 1827. We’ll look at and listen to several of his chamber works, including several string quartets, to explore how Beethoven expanded and changed traditional chamber music forms. No previous knowledge is expected. The course will be mostly lectures, using PowerPoint and YouTube for musical examples.

In this course participants will learn to draw and paint wild animals. Using photographs as references, students will first work with pencils, then complete their pictures in watercolor. Step- by-step instruction, including demonstrations, will be given, and the instructor will share samples of her own work. The instructor will provide chalk pastels, watercolors and brushes; students should bring their own watercolor paper and a sketchbook. A small donation for art supplies would be appreciated. Students are always encouraged to draw/paint at home and bring in their work to share with the class. All levels of drawing experience and expertise are welcome.

This course is a one-week introductory boot camp geared for absolute beginners who want to learn the basics of playing American Mah-Jongg. This boot camp is a one-week, five-day series of hands-on play and practice activities and is limited to two tables of four or five students at each table. Instruction will cover the game materials and the rules of play. This is not for people who have played before and want to get back into the game. Intermediate or advanced game play strategies are not part of this activity. At the conclusion of the boot camp, students will understand the game materials, objectives and rules of play, and be ready to form a group of beginners to continue their AMJ play. 

NOTE: The required reference text is provided by the instructor. The text fee is $10, payable at the first class, cash only. Please commit to the full week of classes. Missing one class can disrupt the learning experience for all participants. 

Do you want to meditate, but think it’s too hard? Do you think you have to be in a quiet room or have special tools or cushions? Then this class is for you! Meditation doesn’t mean trying to force your mind to be quiet. Instead, you can learn to be friends with your thoughts and emotions. This six-week online class consists of short talks, videos, guided meditations and group discussions with time for questions. You are welcome, whether you have been meditating for decades or are brand new to meditation. You’ll learn very short, easy meditation practices that you can do anywhere, anytime, in any situation. These practices will support you to be more present, kind and curious in your daily life.

Most people want peace in their lives but many do not even know how to define it or create it. The book “The Peace Ability Mindset: Your Ultimate Guide to Practical Peace and Personal Wellbeing” by Reba J. Parker describes what peace is and how to create it in one’s life. Participants will become familiar with the peace ability mindset as Parker writes about teaching it in various settings — including in a police academy. She shares how students most benefited from learning nonviolent communication (NVC). Because of the importance of creating the peace ability mindset, the instructor will focus the second half of each session on activities to develop NVC skills.

NOTE: Suggested book purchase: “The Peace Ability Mindset: Your Ultimate Guide to Practical Peace and Personal Wellbeing” by Reba J. Parker. If participants have NVC cards they are encouraged to bring them.

Are you living your life in color? Color Your World is a short lecture/discussion series designed to give you tools for using color to enhance mood and well-being, inside and out. Session 1, Eat The Rainbow, helps you tantalize your taste buds, boost nutrition and increase mealtime enjoyment. Session 2, Closet Creations, is all about capsules, collections and creating your personal style. Session 3, Room Redos, is about small tweaks or total transformations for home decor that reflect you. Bring your current color dilemmas, projects and successes so we can learn from one another. Bonus: Session 3 includes a home decor exchange.

This course is an introduction to practicing yoga with an emphasis on compassion. It is a therapeutic approach to yoga, which gives students insight and awareness into how they breathe, how their bodies move and where they compensate. Students are invited to listen to their bodies during warm-up movements and poses and to avoid discomfort or pain. Each body is unique, and each person has different areas of discomfort. With compassionate awareness and being gentle with oneself, movement can improve and compensation patterns can change. This often results in better function and feeling better overall. Participants need to bring a yoga mat and be able to get on and off the floor.

NOTE: Signed liability waiver required to participate.

Dystopian literature makes us look at our world in a different, and usually dark, way and asks significant philosophical questions about ecological disaster, social control and dehumanization. We will explore three different dystopian universes in novels and compare them to their expression in films. The films we will watch in class are: “On the Beach,” “Blade Runner” and “Never Let Me Go.” Students will read a new book every other week and then see the film in class. The rest of the class will be discussion with some brief comments by the instructor. No prior knowledge is expected.

NOTE: Books required: “On the Beach” by Nevil Shute; “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?” by Philip K. Dick; and “Never Let Me Go” by Kazuo Ishiguro. Please read any edition of “On the Beach” before the second class. Books are available from Bloomsbury Books and online used bookstores.

This four-session course will focus on important services and support one can receive when providing end-of-life care to a loved one. The importance of self-care during this process will be reinforced during the course. There will be ample time for discussion and questions. Topics will include: 1) Importance of completing advance directives and having the discussion; 2) Importance of caregiver self-care and use of resources; 3) Stages of dying and the use of hospice, palliative and home care; and 4) Importance of recognizing grief and understanding the process of such. A tour of Celia’s House, a residential hospice facility in Medford, is included. The course is open to any student who wishes to gain an understanding in preparing for this phase of life.

This four-session course will focus on important services and support one can receive when providing end-of-life care to a loved one. The importance of self-care during this process will be reinforced during the course. There will be ample time for discussion and questions. Topics will include: 1) Importance of completing advance directives and having the discussion; 2) Importance of caregiver self-care and use of resources; 3) Stages of dying and the use of hospice, palliative and home care; and 4) Importance of recognizing grief and understanding the process of such. A tour of Celia’s House, a residential hospice facility in Medford, is included. The course is open to any student who wishes to gain an understanding in preparing for this phase of life.

The International Image Interoperability Framework (IIIF) might be just what you have been looking for, if you appreciate looking very closely at images and sharing them with others. IIIF, a set of open standards for delivering high-quality, attributed digital objects online at scale, has been adopted by hundreds of institutions. From photos of cell structures in the Wellcome Collection to details of manuscripts in the British Library, IIIF can provide excellent zoomable images, facilitate sharing and annotating details while preserving connections to the original images. Students will explore how to access the vast variety of images accessible in IIIF, share them with viewers like Mirador, annotate them and include the results in presentations (like teaching at OLLI).

NOTE: All the materials used in the course are available at no cost online.

Facing a major life change? Retirement? Empty nest? Divorce? New job? During big transitions, having a framework for self-reflection can help us increase satisfaction, provide a forum for exploring feelings, maintain equilibrium and reduce overall stress. Ruth Halpern will introduce processes for identifying values, goals and activities that will help make your transition, with all its challenges, into an opportunity to live more expansively. We’ll use an assortment of techniques, including journaling, doodling, improv games, group discussion, and brief stories and lectures. 

NOTE: Ruth Halpern’s Transitions Workbook will be available for optional purchase for $25.

Whether students are at the beginning of their singing journeys or rediscovering the joys of singing, participants will learn healthy and sustainable vocal techniques that will keep them singing for a lifetime! Each class begins with a lesson on the “Four Pillars of Singing” — breathing, support, resonance and vowel production — based on voice science research. Singers learn exercises that build these skills and then how to apply them in song. The course is designed for beginning vocalists or those refreshing their knowledge. This is a highly interactive class, and students will start working on songs in the first session. Participants will need to practice daily outside class to make progress.

NOTE: Students will need an iPhone or iPad to play songs.

What is kumihimo? The word means “gathered threads” and involves using a multistrand cord or string known as the “koma.” Originally used for practical purposes such as securing armor and clothing, kumihimo now serves many decorative functions like jewelry making and home decor. Participants will learn the craft by making a friendship bracelet. After that is mastered, they will move on to more advanced designs and projects. Both new and returning students are welcome. We will try both simple and advanced designs to keep everyone engaged. 

NOTE: This is round, not square, kumihimo. A supply list will be sent to registered students prior to the first class. The cost of supplies may range from $15 to $40, depending on the project. 

Go is an ancient strategy game where two players alternate placing black and white stones on the board to control territory. Positioning, spatial relations and imagination are core elements of the game. Although it is simple in rules, it is complex in dynamics and interactions. By learning to play the game, you learn a bit about yourself and have fun along the way! The course will start at the beginner level, introducing the rules of the game, key concepts, ways to play, how to learn more and, finally, reviewing a master’s game. 

NOTE: Go equipment will be provided but you may bring a personal set if you wish. There is no class on Oct. 2 and Oct. 9.

If you can hold a pencil, you can do this. Zentangle comes from the words “Zen” and “tangle” (entangled, interwoven) and combines creativity with meditation. Zentangle is an easy method to learn because it consists of structured patterns. Stroke by stroke, simple lines are repeated onto paper. With every line, you can dive further into the world of tangles. In a short time, tangles turn into amazing 3D, graphic, elaborate and beautiful tiles. They are unplanned, abstract, black and white. Zentangle calms, relaxes, and is fun. 

NOTE: Students should be prepared with pens, other drawing supplies and Zentangle tiles. A complete materials list will be sent to registered students. Depending on personal preferences and supplies already owned, the cost could range from $20 to $45. 

Students will be introduced to the art of juggling two, three or more balls. Everyone is welcome; whether you have never touched a juggling ball or you can juggle already, you will make progress on your juggling journey. We will start each class with warm-up activities to prepare our bodies and minds for learning, progress to instructor’s demonstrations of new skills and spend lots of time on coached practice. Skills will be scaffolded as appropriate, with various activities to help your learning. If you wish to make quicker progress, suggestions for outside practice will be given. Students will actively participate during class, which includes bending over to retrieve dropped balls. Tables will be available to juggle over to reduce the effort of picking up.

NOTE: Equipment will be provided for use during class. Students are encouraged to bring their own juggling balls, if they have them. If you would like to take home one of the sets we use in class, they will be $15-$20. Recommended: 120- to 135-gram, 65-70 mm thuds or beanbags, from a quality company like Renegade or Firetoys. Signed liability waiver required to participate.

This course is designed for those who want to learn the fundamentals of the fastest growing sport in America. It is played by all age groups and physical abilities in recreational or tournament play. Join the fun, led by experienced instructors from the Ashland Oregon Pickleball Club. We will meet for 1½ hours for five consecutive afternoons. Beginning players will learn the basics: choosing a paddle, paddle position, serving, return of serve, dinking, drills, scoring and calling “out balls.” You might meet “Nasty Nelson!” An emphasis will be placed on safety, court etiquette and sportsmanship. AOPC will provide paddles, balls and instruction. Information on courts in the Rogue Valley will be included. 

NOTE: Please wear court shoes and a hat or visor and bring a hydrating drink. Protective eyewear is recommended. In the event of inclement weather, the class will be canceled. Signed liability waiver required to participate.

This course is designed for students who have taken the Absolute Beginners Pickleball course or have a rudimentary knowledge of the game. It will be taught by seasoned instructors who are experienced players and members of the Ashland Oregon Pickleball Club. Expect to build on the basic game to include advanced strategy in play. We will meet at Lithia Park pickleball courts for 1½ hours a day for five consecutive days. The emphasis will be on safety, playing by USA pickleball rules and sportsmanship. This skills-building course will focus on serves, third-shot drops (drop shots), drives, lobs, partner communication and types of scoring, and on understanding Bert, Ernie and Nasty Nelson. The last day will be a fun and fast-paced round-robin, in which all players will rotate. 

NOTE: Please bring your favorite paddle, wear court shoes and a hat or visor and bring a hydrating drink. Eye protection is recommended. If we have inclement weather, the class will be canceled. Signed liability waiver required to participate.

Northern Spain is a geologic wonderland that is easily explored because of its accessible coastline and mountain exposures. This course will focus on three areas, how they formed and how to visit them: 1) Los Picos de Europa, a National Park in Cantabria Province, where limestone peaks were formed during the Paleozoic Era and uplifted during the collision between Africa and Europe that also created the Alps. This province also contains an abundance of Paleolithic rock art. 2) The Dinosaur Coast in Asturias Province, where many types of dinosaurs roamed during the Jurassic Period. 3) The Basque Geopark in the Basque Country, where 60 million years of geologic history, including the end-of-Cretaceous mass extinction, are exposed along 20 km of spectacular coastline. 

Northern Spain is a geologic wonderland that is easily explored because of its accessible coastline and mountain exposures. This course will focus on three areas, how they formed and how to visit them: 1) Los Picos de Europa, a National Park in Cantabria Province, where limestone peaks were formed during the Paleozoic Era and uplifted during the collision between Africa and Europe that also created the Alps. This province also contains an abundance of Paleolithic rock art. 2) The Dinosaur Coast in Asturias Province, where many types of dinosaurs roamed during the Jurassic Period. 3) The Basque Geopark in the Basque Country, where 60 million years of geologic history, including the end-of-Cretaceous mass extinction, are exposed along 20 km of spectacular coastline. 

Come join fellow OLLI members and friendly local guides for relaxed weekly walks through some of Ashland’s most beautiful places. Each 90-minute outing follows easy routes that have little elevation gain, leaving plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, take photos, watch birds, notice the changing seasons and get to know one another. A different guide will lead each walk, sharing stories and insights about the area’s history, plants, wildlife and other local treasures. Afterward, those who wish can continue the conversation over coffee or tea at a nearby cafe. Possible destinations include Lithia Park, Hargadine Cemetery, Ashland Pond and North Mountain Park. Participants will receive weekly directions and meeting details by email. Come explore Ashland with us!

NOTE: The walks are not intended to be aerobic; however, it is important that participants be reasonably fit and have good balance. Signed liability waiver required to participate.

This course helps participants use iCloud to sync, organize and share information across Apple devices. Students will learn the benefits of cloud-based apps, how to set up and sync applications, ways to share information while controlling access and important privacy and security practices. Apps introduced include: Mail for managing multiple email accounts, Calendar, Notes, Reminders, Photos, Find My, iCloud Drive and Files, and Passwords. We’ll also explore shared features across apps and provide a practical foundation for using them together effectively. Students should have basic familiarity with the iPhone or other Apple devices. 

Step away from tech and text. This is old school Instagram — with Intention. Learn to harness the power of visualization to create positive change in your life as we peruse concepts found in “The Secret” by Rhonda Byrne and “Notes From the Universe” by Mike Dooley, with more on his website tut.com. Discover the many ways to make a vision board that is your perfectly personal Pinterest on paper. Create a unique, tangible visual reference for your future life using resources such as old magazines, junk mail, package wrappings and greeting cards. (Hint: Start collecting now). Add bling or keep it simple. Gather, share and cut paper materials in Session 1. Glue at home and come back to share your creations in Session 2. It’s up to you to design your future!

NOTE: Supplies will be explained in the precourse email. There is no class on Nov. 13.