Recreation   

Have you wondered how crossword puzzles are created? This course will cover puzzle creation, and it may help you become a better solver, even if you don’t plan to become a crossword constructor yourself. The process includes the following steps: 1) know about conventions, tools, formats; 2) brainstorm and place theme entries; 3) arrange grid blocks (black squares); 4) fill in other words; 5) craft imaginative, challenging clues; 6) revise and submit for publication. After a brief intro to free-form style puzzles, the course will focus on US newspaper-style, symmetric, themed 15 x 15 puzzles, e.g., The New York Times— plus an OLLI-themed puzzle. The instructor will share experiences of his first NYT crossword and his first months as Ashland.news crossword editor. Depending on class interest, we’ll construct a new puzzle together. For more information: http://communicrossings.com/constructing-crosswords. The Zoom sessions will be recorded for later viewing.

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.

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.

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.