In-person Courses   

Everyone has the ability to access their inner guidance with appropriate training and practice. This course is open to anyone who has had an experience of inner guidance, as well as anyone who has taken (or is currently taking) the “Accessing Inner Guidance” course. If you would like to refine your ability to receive guidance, this class is for you! We will do lots of practicing using various focusing techniques, as well as sharing of our experiences of guidance. This class will be fun and experiential, with lots of discussion, coaching, and feedback.

This course comes within a place of mindful caregiving and culture of being present, kind, and real. Each of the four hourly sessions will be led by an expert on the different aspects of end-of-life preparation and palliative/hospice care. The course will use a lecture format with ample time for discussion and questions. Topics will include: 1) stages of dying and the process individuals and families go through; 2) use of facility care and tour of Celia’s House; 3) the role of spiritual care and self-care; and 4) bereavement support and the value of recognizing grief. This course is open to any student who wishes to gain an important understanding in preparing for this phase of life. This is the second of two courses on the subject of end-of-life care. One does not have to take the first course to enroll in this course.

NOTE: Students will receive resource information from the course. Students should be open to sharing their experiences, concerns, and worries about the subject.

NOTE: Two sections of this course are being offered at the same day/time as a hybrid: one on Zoom and one in-person. Please register for and attend either the online or in-person section.

The multiple hormonal changes that occur with menopause and aging affect a woman’s well-being and bedroom life. Some of these changes become obstacles that need guidance to overcome. The good news is that there is no better time in history than today to be a post-menopausal woman who wants to have great intimacy. This course, created at the request of some OLLI female members, will use lecture with PowerPoint slides as well as discussion to identify the obstacles that may be encountered and the available options and workarounds to deal with them. This will include relationship tips to stay connected and close.

NOTE: It is expected that only those who identify as female attend.

In this mostly lecture course, we’ll cover the basics of stocks, bonds, real estate, and alternative investments before moving on to address how to combine various asset classes into a diversified portfolio. Investment vehicles such as mutual funds and exchange traded funds will also be discussed, as well as passive versus active investing, market timing, investor behavior, socially responsible investing, and tax considerations. While no specific stocks, bonds, funds, or other means to invest will be recommended, by the end of the course students will have the tools to either do their own investing or to be able to evaluate what their advisor is doing. No prior investing experience is required; there will be some class discussion and home assignments.

Play between mammals can incorporate movement, facial expressions, sound—and with humans—music. Play is based on shared mutually delightful agreements and if set to rhythm, you get dance. In this course we’ll play a wide variety of movement games. Some will look like dance, and others more like martial arts. Might your life be more fun with a little more play and laughter in it? This class will challenge your balance and coordination, your perceptions of and sensitivity to others, and tendencies you may have to be dour or handicapped by self-consciousness. It will also teach you how to dance to any music with anyone, even if you’re clueless about the steps! Sounds a little edgy...and intriguing, doesn’t it? Join us if you’re ready to not take yourself too seriously, make some discoveries, and have fun with other human primates! Partner exercises will be presented as a metaphor of relationship issues. Great for life-long dancers as well as those with two left feet!

NOTE: Students will be asked to sign a waiver before the first class. You will be moving the whole time in this class, and some of it will be energetic, some to music, some not. You will be asked to partner with a variety of people. 

Our home, the Klamath-Siskiyou Bioregion, has been designated an Area of Global Biological Significance. President Clinton’s Proclamation establishing the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument begins with this paragraph: “With towering fir forests, sunlit oak groves, wildflower-strewn meadows, and steep canyons, the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument is an ecological wonder, with biological diversity unmatched in the Cascade Range. This rich enclave of natural resources is a biological crossroads—the interface of the Cascade, Klamath, and Siskiyou ecoregions, in an area of unique geology, biology, climate, and topography.” This course will focus on rare endemic wildflower species as the ecological wonders of our bioregion are discussed. The geologic history of our area will be examined, as well as other factors that contribute to the rich biodiversity of the Klamath-Siskiyou Bioregion. Students will learn about Adopt a Rare Plant, a Southern Oregon community (citizen) science project.

Several years ago a chaperone on a school field trip to SLAC (The Stanford Linear Accelerator Center) asked if there was any danger from radiation on the tour. The answer was “No more than background.” Citing that obvious danger, the chaperone got back on the bus and refused to go in. That’s about as extreme an example of misplaced fear coming from a misunderstanding of physics concepts as one can imagine, and not all misunderstandings of physics concepts lead to fear, of course. Nonetheless, the word ‘radiation’ seems to generate fear more than any other. Some is justified. Much is not. The instructor will show what physicists mean by the word radiation and attempt to alleviate misplaced fear regarding 5G and nuclear energy, and instead instill fear regarding tanning salons. After that he will talk about other misunderstood physics concepts as time permits such as entropy, Schrödinger's Cat, and The Uncertainty Principle. We'll decide based on what most interests the class.

NOTE: Two sections of this course are being offered at the same day/time as a hybrid: one on Zoom and one in-person. Please register for and attend either the online or in-person section.

In this rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence that pushes us to do more, be more, and have more, discover the transformative power of slowing down and living with deep inner peace. This course, rooted in the profound insights from the book “Slowing Down to the Speed of Life,” written by Richard Carlson and Dr. Joseph Bailey, reveals the wisdom of luminaries Carlson, Bailey, and Sydney Banks and invites us to live a more meaningful, peaceful, and contented life. Revisit the timeless observation of Joseph Campbell about our human yearning not just for existence, but for the “rapture of being fully alive.” Engage in this transformative conversation, inspired by Syd Banks' mystical revelations which reveal our potential for profound joy and inner peace. Each class includes short videos, with discussions and questions that evoke our innate inner wisdom and guidance. Like the “Slowing Down” winter 2024 course, this exploration offers fresh content to further our discoveries about living a deeply meaningful life.

NOTE: Two sections of this course are being offered at the same day/time as a hybrid: one on Zoom and one in-person. Please register for and attend either the online or in-person section.

This course proposes to examine the Gettysburg Campaign of June and July of 1863. Gettysburg was the largest battle ever fought in North America and occupies a prominent place in the popular view of the Civil War. The overarching goal of the course is to show how several rapid and critical battlefield decisions likely made the difference between victory and defeat for the Union Army. The course will be divided into four sessions. The first will discuss the status of the Civil War in the summer of 1863 and the historical context of the Civil War. Each of the other sessions will deal with one different day of the three-day Gettysburg battle and the critical decisions made that day that set the stage for the next day’s fighting. There is no required reading but any of the following are recommended prior to class: the Ken Burns PBS documentary “The Civil War,” the movie “Gettysburg” (1993), and/or the historical novel “The Killer Angels” by Michael Shaara.

This course focuses on the finest films of combatant nations from both sides, set in the aftermath of history’s most destructive war. They reveal the depths of human trauma experienced by soldiers and civilians alike. They are not considered war films, as most of the killing and dying occurs offscreen. As an example, in the 2019 film, “Beanpole,” Russian women, who served as soldiers in combat, struggle to rebuild shattered lives in a shattered nation. The final film, “Mudbound” (2017), is an important corrective to the feel-good 1946 classic “The Best Years of Our Lives” as it shows the racism and violence that all too many United States black soldiers returned to after serving their country. Following the screenings, the instructor will discuss critical responses to the films, including thoughts on intellectual honesty. The instructor will then moderate class discussions so students can express their personal reactions to these films.

Playing the harmonica can bring joy to you, to other musicians with whom you play, and to those who enjoy listening to music. In class, we’ll listen to recordings to become familiar with the typical chord progressions one hears when listening to the blues. Then we’ll improvise harmonica “riffs” (strings of notes that sound good) that complement them. We will let our ears guide us, playing the notes that our hearts and gut-sense tell us will sound right. We will not be reading music or expecting to ever play a given song in exactly the same way twice. As with any skill, it takes practice to be a good harmonica player, so you will be expected to practice on your own between classes. The instructor will direct you to recordings and online resources that provide background music with which to practice. (Having access to a CD player, the internet, and a computer with speakers will be essential.) 

NOTE: A $15 fee is due at the first class meeting for materials. The instructor will provide each student with two “Blues Band” harmonicas in different keys, printed materials, and audio recordings. Each class session builds on the one before, so it is important that students attend all sessions. Students that know in advance that they will miss a class are asked to take the class during another term.

Best American Short Stories 2023 is the perfect course for those who might enjoy a deep dive into some of the finest short stories written last year by some major writers including Sara Freeman, Lauren Groff, and Sana Krasikov, just to name a few. Before each session, students will read three designated submissions from the short story anthology, “The Best American Short Stories 2023,” which will then be discussed in a comfortable, inclusive, intimate classroom setting. This collection explores a wide variety of settings, characters, styles, and intentions—all stunningly contemporary. Look forward to this new term with confidence that students and teacher alike will enjoy and learn from this text and from each other. NOTE: “The Best American Short Stories 2023,” edited by Min Jin Lee, is required.

Healthy breathing begets a healthy brain and its capacities. Breathing impacts all dimensions of one’s life, and every activity of the body and mind are dependent on this vital function. And yet, the general population does not place attention on the importance of healthy breathing. Learn to enhance its function and expand the potential instead of addressing the dysfunction or illness related to unhealthy breathing. Enhance the potential for physical and psychological health and fitness. Many different breathing practices are available, and this course will help you to know how the body and brain respond to the dimensions of the breath. Then you can make good use of your investment of time and breath. The foundations of breathing when cultivated in practice, which is the main focus of this course, provide a basis for the function of breathing in exercise, contemplative practices, and sleep, for everyone’s potential in self-regulation, self-organization, and self-healing. 

NOTE: Movement in this class will be similar to movement in daily life and will challenge habits that impact the breath and mind. Changing habits can trigger some discomfort; therefore, a waiver will be signed.

NOTE: Two sections of this course are being offered at the same day/time as a hybrid: one on Zoom and one in-person. Please register for and attend either the online or in-person section.

In this course we will discuss the origins of consumerism and how it affects our economy. Beginning with a discussion of some basic economics concepts, the course will delve into how consumerism drives our economy and, in particular, why consumers do what they do. The instructor will discuss the timeline and how government policy-making has shaped consumerism. We will focus on the BBC documentary “Century of the Self,” covering the period from the early 1920s to now. In particular, the class will discuss why people make consumer decisions, how public relations and advertising firms influence those decisions, and how our government shapes the processes.

Ken Burns and his collaborators have been creating historical documentary films on PBS for more than 40 years. Known for a signature style that brings primary source documents, images, and archival video footage to life on screen, these films present the opportunity to pose thought-provoking questions for students and introduce new ideas and perspectives. Using the documentary “US and the Holocaust” by Ken Burns, Lynn Novick, and Sarah Botstein as a starting point, the course will use video clips and a discussion guide to consider the US response to the Holocaust. Lesson topics cover the impacts of Nazi ideology, US immigration law in the period of 1924-1941, US media coverage of the Holocaust and its role in shaping what America knew, the varying symbolism of the Statue of Liberty, an examination of how people make choices during times of crisis, and an inquiry inviting students to consider if US public opinion influenced US response to the Holocaust.

NOTE: Be warned that this film and the course contain material that may be sensitive for some students. Watching the documentary before the course is recommended, but not required.

Does a lot of what you read about in the news concern you—and maybe make you feel a bit overwhelmed? Do you wish you had a bigger picture—a deeper understanding—to help you make sense of it all? Do you wish you could share your concerns about the world with others? This eight-week interactive course will discuss eight global issues contained in the Foreign Policy Association’s “Great Decisions 2024” booklet: 1) technology, global trade, and sanctions; 2) the global climate technology race; 3) US and China rivalry; 4) the future for NATO, Russia, and Ukraine; 5) the Middle East and the Israel-Gaza conflict; 6) multilateral diplomacy at work: High Seas Treaty Case Study; 7) US and world readiness for the next pandemic; and 8) Indonesia and Southeast Asia in global trade. Attendees are expected to read about 20 pages of material before each class. Most of the actual time in class will be spent discussing this material.

NOTE: The “Great Decisions 2024” booklet is required reading and will be distributed at the first class. Cost: $35. Also required is the ability to respectfully discuss viewpoints different from your own. 

This course comes within a place of mindful caregiving and culture of being present, kind, and real. Each of the four hourly sessions will be led by an expert on the different aspects of end-of-life preparation and palliative/hospice care. This course will use a lecture format with ample time for discussion and questions. Topics will include: 1) the importance of planning for end-of-life and communicating with people important in your life; 2) differences between hospice and palliative care; 3) importance of caregiver health, support, and use of resources during this difficult time; and 4) the definition of hospice care and what is provided by a hospice agency. This course is open to any student who wishes to gain an important understanding in preparing for this phase of life. This is the first of two courses on the subject of end-of-life care.

NOTE: Students will receive resource information from the course. Students should be open to sharing their experiences, concerns, and worries about the subject.

 

NOTE: Two sections of this course are being offered at the same day/time as a hybrid: one on Zoom and one in-person. Please register for and attend either the online or in-person section.

This is a previously taught course with new content. This course aims at broadening a student’s vocabulary and understanding of the day-to-day German spoken today. The etymology of certain words will be discussed, and the rules of grammar will be explained on request. This term we will read the author’s diary describing his travels in six European countries in 2005, reading and discussing a short section at a time. The German text is emailed to students before the term starts.

NOTE: Students should have a basic knowledge of German. Because there is no clear definition of “basic knowledge,” the instructor invites students to attend the first class to find out if their knowledge is sufficient to profit from the course.

In this course, we will explore the structure and primary movements of the shoulders, arms and hands, and how they are connected to the entire skeleton and to you as a complete human being. Each class features an exercise, or “lesson,” involving gentle movements done slowly with minimal effort, while paying attention to your own personal experience. You determine how big, how fast, or how “good” you do the exercises. You will be guided through enjoyable sequences, exploring and discovering ways of moving with spontaneity and awareness. You can think of these exercises as safe, fun puzzles for your nervous system and brain. Each lesson is designed to help you remember, learn, and create new patterns of behavior. You will be involved in your own process of learning. This course is ideal for all ages and abilities. You will increase your balance and reach, turn more easily, and reduce tension as you adjust and move with more comfort and ease. Repeating this course yields even more benefit!

 

NOTE: A waiver must be signed prior to the first class.

Here is your chance to improve your beginning Russian in a highly interactive, informal class that will cater to the needs of its participants. We will use a minimum of English, and repeat and contextualize Russian so that you can understand! Understanding what is being said and responding in Russian are the key goals. Grammar will be discussed only when needed, as our focus will be on speaking Russian. We will use email to provide notes for classes, vocabulary, as well as texts of poems and songs to experience in class. Unless Russian students materialize suddenly, this will be a small class, and it will certainly be low-pressure, supportive, and fun. NOTE: We don’t expect students with fluent Russian. Experience shows that some students struggle with pronunciation, some with the Cyrillic alphabet, and some with both. Please come to the first class to see how it suits you.

Classical Greek art (5th C. BCE) reflects the idealism of the Athenians after finally defeating the Persians in 480. The rebuilding of Athens and the Acropolis temples and sculpture revealed “man as the measure of all things” (Protagoras), with “correct” mathematical ratios as they strived for perfection. But defeat by the Spartans later in the 5th century shifted the tone to a more naturalistic form, softer and more individualistic. With the rise of Alexander the Great at the end of the 4th century, Greek art became even more realistic and dramatically expressive, as it reflected their now-widening world. We will look at examples from architecture, sculpture, pottery, and painting to trace the culmination and decline of ancient Greek art. This is a lecture course, lavishly illustrated with PowerPoint images. Questions are welcome, but it is not a discussion class. It is not necessary to have taken Part 1 of the course, as there will be an introduction and review of earlier Greek art.

Hot News & Cool Views is an open discussion forum to explore and discuss breaking news from Oregon to “around the globe” each week. All differing views and opinions are not only welcome but essential to create lively discussion. The course will cover a wide range of topics, from politics to climate change to technology, medicine, and more. An agenda with articles will be sent to you a couple of days prior to each class. Students are encouraged to send in topics and news articles to add to each week’s agenda and our discussion. Please join us for a sizzling hot journey around the world with our fast, fun, and sometimes controversial class! Better than a strong cup of coffee to get your week going!

NOTE: Two sections of this course are being offered at the same day/time as a hybrid: one on Zoom and one in-person. Please register for and attend either the online or in-person section.

Your brain is the most complex object in the known universe. Fortunately, caring for the brain is not that complicated! Each of us is getting older, but our individual brains seem to age at different rates. This course will explore what the latest science says about the range of function from subjective cognitive decline, through mild cognitive impairment, and on to dementia and Alzheimer’s. After reviewing basic brain function and definition of terms, we will look at myths, realities, and breakthroughs in brain health and aging. Then, we will consider the modifiable risk factors that may prevent or slow the rate of cognitive loss. These factors include exercise; diet and nutrition; mental, emotional, and social connection; stress; sleep and relaxation; stress resilience; meditation; and connection with nature. Finally, we’ll look at happiness and beyond—wisdom and self-transcendence. Color slides, lecture, discussion, and Q and A will be used, with a few short videos. 

NOTE: This course is based on Kalb’s book, “Keep Your Marbles, Your Game Plan for a Healthy Brain,” which is recommended reading for the course.

In these chaotic times, we hear about situations happening all over the world and may feel disconnected from the people and communities impacted. This course offers a first-hand look into how humanitarian work, while challenging, offers so many opportunities for joy in helping to bring about comfort for our most vulnerable populations. The instructor offers decades of experience working and volunteering all over the globe. Follow along with her through the sharing of personal experiences living with remote indigenous tribes in the rain forests of Madagascar (Peace Corps) to the front lines of Afghanistan (Doctors Without Borders) and into refugee camps of over a million inhabitants within Bangladesh and Lebanon. The instructor’s hope and objective of the course is a deeper understanding of the resilience of these populations, along with empathy and respect for their courage against extreme odds. Course content will include open discussion and ample time for questions during each session.

 

NOTE: Two sections of this course are being offered at the same day/time as a hybrid: one on Zoom and one in-person. Please register for and attend either the online or in-person section.

Have you ever wanted to learn to play the guitar well enough to play for your own enjoyment? Did you get a guitar and take a few lessons, but put it away, intending to pick it up again someday? Do you have a guitar somewhere, or can you find one to use for eight weeks? If so, this introductory guitar course may be for you. Unlike other instruments, you can begin to create pleasing music with the guitar within a few weeks. The class will introduce a variety of guitar-playing styles and techniques. Sessions will consist of lectures and demonstrations, followed by group practice. Each student will have the opportunity to practice individually with guidance from the instructor. Students will need to provide their own guitars and be willing to spend some time at home between sessions reviewing the skills introduced. A 40-page course study guide will be emailed to each student for downloading or printing, or students may choose to purchase a bound copy for around $10.00. 

NOTE: No prior musical knowledge is required to enroll in the course. Students must be willing to keep their fingernails cut short on their left hand in order to be able to play the guitar effectively.

Learn a complete Tai Chi form for health and longevity that you can do anywhere, anytime, and that is adaptable for all ages, body types, and abilities. No previous experience is necessary. Reduce stress, improve balance, gain focus/concentration, relieve pain, and gain benefits galore from a 3,000-year-old Chinese movement form: Tai Chi. When you finish the six-week course, you will have three tools in your toolbox for dealing with change, transition, and life in general. You will have the Tai Chi 17 form, which includes movements from Yang Short Form, so you will be prepared to study further if you wish. You will have learned a sequence called Finished the Form, which you can use alone as a practice or as a warm up or cool down for other practices. You will gain a basic knowledge of Tai Chi/martial arts and how to promote health and mind/body awareness. People who have taken this course will reap even more benefit from repeating it!

NOTE: A waiver must be signed prior to the first class. 

This course will investigate the practice of “religion” without the concept of “God.” That is, it will consider religions that are absent of faith in the existence of supernatural deities. The course will consider ancient and modern approaches, some traditional, some metaphorical, some tongue-in-cheek. These include Naturalism, the Way of the Tao, Buddhism, the cult of Dionysus, Syntheism, Secular Humanism, The Satanic Temple, Pastafarianism [sic], and Unorthodox Methodless Mysticism (UMM). Classes will include presentations by the instructor and short videos followed by small-group and large-group discussions. Short readings will be suggested for each class, mostly using internet-based resources. The sequence of classes will be: 1) Naturalism, 2) The Way of the Tao and Buddhism, 3) Paganism and the Cult of Dionysus, 4) Syntheism and Secular Humanism, 5) The Satanic Temple and Pastafarianism, 6) UMM: Unorthodox Methodless Mysticism.

Your expensive iPhone is good for a lot more than just snapshots, text, and talking. Do you know you can use it to create high-resolution art, starting with your own iPhone photographs? Explore new image-making possibilities by using simple tools to shoot, edit, and make mobile photos and artwork. The instructor will guide you through the use of two free image editors—Snapseed and Union—and offer hands-on introduction to the features of the powerful app, Camera+ Pro Camera and Editor. These tools will help turn your iPhone into a virtual DSLR camera. Students will have out-of-class shooting and editing assignments that they will debrief each week with a learning partner. Class time will offer demonstrations, review of student images, and Q and A. Enjoy hands-on instruction; build a local learning community; and make images you’re proud to display, publish, or sell. This class assumes students know the basics of using the iPhone camera and how to obtain and download apps from the Apple App Store. 

NOTE: The social learning aspects of the rapid-instructional model used for this class require that all participants attend all five sessions. Please bear this in mind when registering.

This is an introduction to the wonderful game of poker. This course is appropriate for someone with no knowledge of poker to the casual amateur looking for some new information about modern poker strategy. No previous knowledge about poker is required, but those with experience will learn something new and enjoy the class. Students will learn poker basics from the beginning: rank of hands, order of play, how to shuffle and deal, rules, procedures, etiquette, and terminology of poker. You will learn the most popular poker games with a focus on Texas Hold’em. You will learn basic and advanced poker strategies. You will understand when to bet, fold, or bluff. The goal is for students to feel comfortable and capable in any poker game, whether it is a home game with friends or in a casino poker room. Students are encouraged to participate in classroom discussion and debate. Though poker language can be colorful, all discussion will be respectful and kind. We will play poker! NOTE Chips will be used so no money will be exchanged.

Listening to songs and studying the words and grammar points in them is a fun and effective way to improve your understanding and speaking in Spanish. We'll listen to and watch videos of about a dozen songs from a variety of regions, dialects, genres, and cultures of the vast Spanish-speaking world. We will read the lyrics and use translations to help figure out meanings. After listening, we'll discuss and zero in on specific vocabulary, expressions, and grammar points in the song. There may be some pencil and paper work inventing backstories or futures for the characters in the song or creating dialogs using key vocabulary and grammar. Students are encouraged (but not required!) to sing along or dance. Classes will be conducted mostly in Spanish, with liberal exceptions as needed. At least a strong beginner level of proficiency is suggested, but each student will benefit in their own way. No textbook is required. Songs will be available online.

Experience the movements of a full-body fitness program (PizzazzEE-25) that engages every muscle and every joint within every completed session. The course will review each of the sequential 25 steps that encourage everyday mobility and strength and that aid in injury prevention. We will examine the correct actions for each step, while considering any personal modifications you might choose for the movements later in your own home. Videos of the fitness app will be used alongside instruction. The program is designed especially for those in their second 50 years, beginning with gentle movements that are built upon to improve and support balance, stamina, and flexibility. No experience is a plus! A waiver must be signed before the first class. NOTE: This course is not recommended for those who have had hip or knee surgery/replacement in the last six months. No exercise equipment is required. It’s important to attend the first class; more details will be sent before that class.

Microsoft Word is a powerful word processing program, but most beginning users are either not familiar with or reluctant to use Word’s wide range of features. Students will learn basic features for formatting and editing Word documents. Some of the topics covered include short cut keys; navigating the ribbon, tabs, and dialog boxes; changing fonts, formatting paragraphs, and adjusting layouts; creating and manipulating tables; using the quick access toolbar; and basic editing features. Classes will include lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on exercises. This course is for beginning Word users, but students must already know how to open, save, and close Word documents and have some familiarity using the program. Before each class, the instructor will email students Word files they must download and save to their laptops to use during class. Students must be able to readily access documents they have saved to their laptops. NOTE: This class is based on Microsoft Word for PCs Version 10 or later. Students must bring their laptops to class with Word files from the instructor’s emails already saved on the laptops and ready to use during class.

We live in an age of personality and yet often are unaware of what it is, how it serves us, and how we can—and often don’t—work with it. What was once a personal attribute is becoming an asset (or liability) we use in the world actively. Our individual personalities both help us and also hurt us, while others’ personalities may enchant or confuse. Personality can quickly go from “what I really need now” to “too much of a good thing” in a heartbeat. This course uses concepts from the Enneagram, adult development and mindfulness, providing a framework for building personality awareness. We will explore how personality is formed, the key components of personality and their origins, and practices and tools for working with our and others’ personalities. The Enneagram will be described with key principles detailed and put into a context that provides a framework for self-awareness, self-regulation, and self-acceptance. 

NOTE: The course is designed to be accessible and informative both for people who have previously attended and for new participants who are familiar with enneagram types. The primary reading will be “The Wisdom of the Enneagram” by Don Riso and Russ Hudson.

Want to know more about what your pet is thinking, feeling, or how to best care for your pet to ensure a long and healthy life? Please join us for an in-depth exploration of the principles and practices involved in responsible pet ownership and their life-long welfare. Kent Bailey will present sessions on home grooming methods and techniques for dogs and cats. He also has invited several guest lecturers to give presentations in their areas of expertise: a canine trainer and behaviorist; a feline adoptions and home-care expert; and the Executive Director of Friends of the Animals (FOTA). He will send a recommended reading list in his pre-course email. Areas of focus include the nature of the human-animal bond, recommended healthcare procedures, survey of body language and behavior, home behavior problems, safely bringing a kitten or adult cat into your home, and animal welfare laws and adoption in Jackson County. NOTE: For those who have pet dandruff allergies, know that there may be live animals in the classroom for demonstration purposes.

Do you know that you can be more creative with your camera if you move beyond the automatic mode? This course is for anyone who wants to learn about the fundamentals of photography. We’ll cover the “rules” of composition and the three sides of the exposure triangle: shutter speed, aperture, and ISO, learning how to apply them to open the door to more creative photography. Each week we’ll learn about one concept and get an assignment to create a photograph outside of class that demonstrates use of that concept. Photos will be emailed to the instructor before the next class and then viewed and discussed the following week. 

NOTE: Students must have a manually adjustable, digital camera (not a phone camera), be familiar with its basic operations, and be willing to read the manual.

All around us things vibrate and wave. Some, like cars with bad shocks, shake slowly, while others, like piano strings, shake quickly. How do we describe the shaking? How do we describe sound, light, gravity, or the seismic waves that follow the shaking? How will the waves from the Cascadia Fault travel here? How do we make those ultrasonic images? What is ultrasound anyway? The course lectures include illustrations from internet resources, video clips, and animations. Everyone is expected to ask questions at any time during the class. Other resources are available at Learnernotes.org.

Shakespeare’s sonnets are universally acclaimed to be gems of the English poetic tradition. Published in 1609, apparently without permission, these intensely personal poems have been examined under every kind of literary microscope, especially for biographical clues about the writer. In this course, we will closely read a selection of sonnets through a variety of lenses, considering them both as discrete poems and as potential sources of information about possible authors, including William Shakesper (sic) of Stratford; Mary Sidney, Countess of Pembroke; and Edward de Vere, Earl of Oxford. For the reading in our final session, students will select the sonnets and their accompanying lenses. Copies of the sonnets under discussion will be provided by the instructor. Both new and experienced readers of the sonnets are welcome; the only criterion for success is the willingness to bring an open mind to the conversation.

Walking in springtime is a delight. While the weather may be unpredictable, warmer temperatures are returning and signs of new growth are everywhere we look. Each walk will be about two hours, covering three to four miles. The trails will be mostly dirt paths with some elevation gain. While the walks are not intended to be of an aerobic nature, it is important that participants be reasonably fit and have good balance. Directions on where to meet will be emailed each week. Trails that may be included: North Mountain Park/Riverwalk Loop, Road 2060 above Lithia Park, Emigrant Lake, Bear Creek Greenway, TID ditch trail, Lithia Park hillside trails, Hald-Strawberry Park trails, and Oredson Todd Woods. We will walk rain or shine. A liability waiver must be signed prior to participation in the first class. NOTE: Humans only on these walks. Dogs will need to stay at home.

This class, a repeat of the same class held five years ago, will show 10 classic comedy films starting with 1923's silent film "Safety Last" with Harold Lloyd and finishing with 1988's "Coming to America" with Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall. The other eight are "Sons of the Desert," "Way out West," "His Girl Friday," "The Miracle of Morgan's Creek," "The Ladykillers," "The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming," "Sleeper," and "Manhattan." A handout for each film will be made available the week before the showing of that film except for the first film. That first handout will be made available on the day of the showing of the first film. The instructor will mention anything special to be noticed about each film just before it is shown, and students may offer comments or questions at that time. A guided discussion will follow the end of the film. Students need bring nothing more than a desire to see these special comedy films that are true classics & still enjoyable no matter how many times one views them.

NOTE: This is the second session in a four-year (12-term) series of classic comedy films first introduced eight years ago and introduced again four years ago.

This class, a repeat of the same class held four years ago, will show 10 classic musical films of Fred Astaire without Ginger Rogers. It will start with 1937's "A Damsel in Distress" with George Burns and Gracie Allen and finish with 1957's "Funny Face" with Audrey Hepburn. The other eight are "Broadway Melody of 1940," "Holiday Inn," "You Were Never Lovelier," "The Sky's the Limit," "Blue Skies," "Easter Parade," "Royal Wedding," and "The Band Wagon." A handout for each film will be made available the week before the showing of that film except for the first film. That first handout will be made available on the day of the showing of the first film. The instructor will mention anything special to be noticed about each film just before it is shown, and students may offer comments or questions at that time. A guided discussion will follow the end of the film. Students need bring nothing more than a desire to see these special musical films that are true classics & still enjoyable no matter how many times one views them.

NOTE: This is the second session in a four-year (12-term) series of classic musical films first introduced eight years ago and introduced again four years ago.

JFK’s assassination in broad daylight on a street in Dallas has been described by many as “the crime of the century” and, for many of our generation, was the most shocking public event in memory. According to the Warren Commission appointed by LBJ, the murder was committed by a lone gunman firing three shots from the window of a book warehouse overlooking the motorcade route. Others have demurred, suggesting multiple shooters and a conspiracy. This course is a nitty gritty evaluation of the crime scene, touching on larger political and social issues that directly affected what happened in Dealey Plaza. The instructor has no preconceived “position,” and students should not expect simplistic, prepackaged “answers.” The course will be in lecture format, with questions and comments welcome. There will be plentiful maps, diagrams, and contemporary and vintage videos; some materials may be disturbing. No prior knowledge or outside reading is required.

Let me tell you the story about the CBI (China Burma India) Theater of operation in WWII, often called the forgotten theater. It is a story of ingenuity, bravery, suffering, and finally success in the jungles and mountains of Burma. Lecture and discussion will include the beginnings of WWII, what was happening in China and Burma, the Japanese takeover, why it was important to supply the Chinese, stories about the Flying Tigers, General Stillwell, Flying the Hump, Merrills’ Marauders, the supply chain and the difficulty in keeping it going, details in building the Ledo Road from India to link up to the Burma Road in northern Burma, getting over large rivers, and surviving Japanese bombing attacks. Many personal experiences will be shared from letters and stories told to the instructor by his father, as well as material from his father’s collection of over 1,000 photographs taken during the war. Curiosity about the history of WWII is the only requirement for this course.

The Korean War (or Conflict) encompassed the collision of post-WWII China, the Soviet Union, North Korea, and the US. The war was waged against a background of fear in the US over the rise of Communism. New technology was pitted against a massive force of battle-hardened Chinese soldiers. An aged Douglas MacArthur ignored Harry Truman, General Walton Walker, and his own intelligence corps to send US soldiers to the Korea/China border, and into a deadly trap. Korea was this country’s reckoning with its own exceptionalism. Were lessons learned? We shall see. While this course has been previously taught, new information will be added. Prior to each class, a lecture outline will be sent via email; after each class, a printed version of the lecture will be distributed (minus the interesting in-class discussion), also via email. Each class will include time for questions and discussion, and a full range of viewpoints will be covered. No background, knowledge, or outside reading will be required.

Are you curious about what animals are thinking and feeling and what they know about us, themselves, and the world? Is it possible that they could be spiritual messengers with deep wisdom to share? The animals want to work with human beings to serve the Earth at this most challenging time in our history. They have tremendous gifts to share. Rather than guessing about what your companion animal wants, needs, or knows, you can actually find out for yourself, or you can know how to best assist wild animals in having better lives. In this experiential course, we will commune and communicate with whole species of animals, as well as individuals, both domestic and wild, and have discussions and guided meditations. The goal is to help you develop not only a deeper understanding of animals, but also your own inner nature and that of the planet. This course is for people who have some experience in spiritual pursuits and are open and receptive to new concepts and ideas…and who love animals!

This course will teach beginning gardeners and those new to the Rogue Valley how to grow vegetables year ‘round from seed selection to harvesting. The instructor’s emphasis is on science-based information and “how to” techniques to enable students to achieve a successful garden the first year. More experienced gardeners may learn new techniques to improve their vegetable gardening skills. Students will be asked to read assigned pages in the text, “Garden Guide to the Rogue Valley: Vegetables, Berries and Melons” by Jackson County Master Gardener Association (OSU Extension), 2017. Topics will include soil, seeds, growing cool and warm weather crops, controlling pests and diseases, fertilizing, irrigation, compost, and harvesting and storing your produce, plus much more. Teaching methods will include PowerPoint lectures, live demonstrations, and class discussion/group exercises, plus plenty of time for Q and A.

NOTE: The required text is available at local retailers for about $20. Students will be given a list of retailers prior to the first class.

Are you interested in wine and the wineries of Southern Oregon? Do you enjoy learning about the nuances of growing and winemaking? In this class, we will visit six Rogue Valley or Applegate Valley vineyards and wineries to hear talks from the staff on selected topics. Topics could range from the factors contributing to vineyard loss to how prices are determined. At each venue, the talk will be followed by a directed tasting where students will be guided to sense the differences and characteristics of the wines presented. Come enjoy the bounty of southern Oregon! If you have taken this course before, please understand that we may have to start repeating the wineries we visit. However, the instructor will do his best to ensure new topics are discussed. A waiver must be signed before the first class.

NOTE: A $102 class fee covers all wine tastings. Students must be able to walk on uneven ground and spend all two hours of class time on their feet. Attendance at the first class, which is in-person held at the Campbell Center, is mandatory and cannot be waived. Students must provide their transportation to each venue. This course has a limited enrollment, and there is no assurance that both you and a partner will be enrolled. No guests or accompaniment are permitted.

This course is designed for those interested in creating a story that will intrigue and interest readers. If you have considered writing a longer treatment of a story, this course is for you. It will include a general orientation as to the overall process, prompts that stimulate writing, and illustrations of how the groundwork paves the way to the story being told. Novel-writing skills will be developed through discussion, instructor presentations, examples taken from the instructor’s own published novel, exercises, and consideration of the steps one might employ in writing an extended story. Small groups, questions, and shared observations related to the material will lead students toward a path for beginning or even developing work on an extended story. Most important is the readiness to work with what the student feels is a story that will intrigue and interest readers. Students will maintain a notebook and work in it at each class, as well as outside of class. NOTE: The instructor’s novel, “Ollie, Ollie, Oxen Free,” is required reading and should be read or heard prior to the start of class. It is available online at Amazon, Audible, Bookbaby Bookstore, as well as Bloomsbury Books in Ashland at a cost of $16.