Recreation   

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. 

Are you interested in learning to crochet? Come join us! We will learn the easiest stitch in the crochet world — the single crochet — and the magic circle. We’ll then combine those to make what’s called an amigurumi, which is a small stuffed doll, creature, ball or cat toy. Join us for a fun afternoon of crafting for four weeks this fall and come away with a great holiday gift for your loved one (or kitty-cat)! Part of each class will be teaching via live video, followed by work on students’ projects.

NOTE: Enrolled students will receive a list of recommended materials and yarn options. There is no class on Oct. 6.

Bridge is a rich card game that is challenging and fun. This course is for people who have never played bridge, people who are returning to the game after a long absence and beginners looking to improve their game. Using many prepared examples, students will learn how to bid and how to play, along with many tips for advancing beyond the basics of the game. Most class days will include playing some full hands of bridge with guidance from the instructor. 

You can truly learn something new about the game of bridge forever. This course is geared for people who know a little about the game — they have played before and are familiar with the basics of bidding — and now want to improve their game. The focus will be on the fundamentals of the Standard American Five Card bidding system, followed by some good strategies for both playing (i.e., how to “make” your contracts) and for defending (i.e., how to defeat the opponents’ contracts). 

This course will cover a number of tips for players already familiar with the basics of the game of bridge. The ideal student is familiar with the content of my first two courses: Learn How to Play Bridge and Beginning Bridge 2. That is, some knowledge of the basics of the Standard American Five Card Major bidding system are assumed — though they will be reviewed during the course. Examples of topics include special uses of doubling, slam conventions, competitive bidding situations, opening leads guidelines, and general declarer and defensive strategies. Each class session will include a minimum of 45 minutes of students playing bridge hands.

Exercise your brain and have fun. In this practice-only course, we will solve word puzzles together on a shared screen — primarily regular crosswords of various theme types and levels of difficulty from different sources. We may also explore “variety” word puzzles such as acrostics and petal puzzles, and perhaps U.K.-style cryptics, depending on student interest. Solving tips, unusual clues and interesting themes and features will be highlighted and discussed. All levels of ability and students of earlier crossword courses are welcome.

Want to use up stashed yarn? Want to get a start on knitting presents for the holidays? Need something to snuggle in your life? This class will teach knitters tips and techniques such as short rows, various increases and mattress stitch while creating a small fun project — an Emotional Support Chicken! This is a great course for using up bits of yarn you have on hand and learning knitting skills applicable to other projects. Students need to know how to cast on, knit, purl and bind off comfortably. Beginning knitting will not be taught.

NOTE: Students will need to purchase the pattern ($6.50) and view the final product at theknittingtreela.com; select Emotional Support Chicken kit. Stuffing, eyes, and red and yellow yarn (for the wattle, crown and beak) will be provided for a materials fee of $3 to $5.

Broaden your knitting skills by joining this knit-along and create a pair of wrist warmers and a pair of fingerless gloves. Participants will knit in class and on their own between classes as they learn techniques and tips for modifying simple patterns with some of the many options for the cast on, bind off, ribbing, charted stitch patterns and duplicate stitch. This is an advanced beginner/intermediate level course. Since we will not be going over the basics of knitting, participants must already know how to knit, purl, cast on and bind off. 

NOTE: Instructions for a gauge swatch to be completed before the first class, as well as yarn, needles and other material requirements will be sent by email. 

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.

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.

This fun and active course is for pickleball players who understand the game and want to meet players through a rotation/competitive type of play. All levels of players are welcome. There will be three classes during the term, each with 3½ hours of play. Players will learn format, partnering, stacking, hand signals, types of scoring, byes, types of pickleballs and when to utilize them. Timing and numbering of rotations will be taught with an emphasis on safety. Six games will be played in each class, with frequent rest breaks. You will be an active participant and connect with your partner in strategizing your game plan. This course is taught by experienced local players from the Ashland Oregon Pickleball Club. 

NOTE: This course will be at Lithia Park pickleball courts; court numbers 1-4 have been reserved from 8 a.m. to noon. Bring your favorite paddle and a hydrating drink and wear court shoes and a hat or visor. Eye protection is recommended. In the event of inclement weather, we will cancel. There is a $3 fee for pickleballs, payable to the instructor. Signed liability waiver required to participate. Class dates are 10/15, 10/29 and 11/19. 

Did you know, when two people play, winning at Scrabble over time is roughly 80% skill and 20% luck? Strategy and logical thought matter as much as vocabulary. Each class session will start out with tips on strategy and some useful words, then you will get a chance to play Scrabble with another student. Both beginners and expert players are welcome.

NOTE: There will be no class session on Oct. 14. Students who have “The Official Scrabble Players Dictionary” (7th edition) and a Scrabble set should bring them to class.

This course will introduce practices of mindfulness while running/walking that will encourage students to look not just at speed and toward the end of the run, but more importantly, to enjoy the journey — each component of it, sensing how you feel and your joy and pleasure in the routine. These principles are based on martial arts and the Feldenkrais Method. Students will be guided to explore novel, unusual movement sequences done slowly with minimal effort and with the intention to activate the neuroplasticity of the brain. Slow Down to Run Fast steers individuals to understand their own movement patterns/habits and introduces new options for moving. The course is adaptable for those who are aware of their limitations and will feel confident on the beautiful SOU asphalt track.

NOTE: Signed liability waiver required to participate.