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Optics is a branch of physics that studies light: how it behaves, how it moves, and how it interacts with matter. We will explore its more than 3,000-year-old history – first studied by Indian scholars, followed by the Greeks, the Islamic Golden Age, the European Renaissance, and to the present. Optics' effects are visible in our everyday life, from space telescopes to eye surgery to fiber optics and lasers. We will also touch on the powerful influence that optics has on fine arts via the interplay of light and objects.

This class is for the beginning painter. We will learn and practice color mixing, composition, using basic painting projects to master blending, and control of the acrylic medium. We will follow step-by-step instructions. All materials are provided.

If you have painted before and would like to take your painting to a deeper level, this class is for you. We will continue to work on brush use, palette knives with the addition of mixed media, and furthering our understanding of building a painting. Paintings will be step-by-step with room for individual exploration. The focus will be on understanding the what and the why and developing an informed, intuitive painting practice.

California is facing continuing growth in the number of seniors residing in the state with 8.6 million adults aged 65 and older expected by 2030. The overall goal of the Age Well, Drive Smart program is to ensure older adults have access to continued driver's education and training to help keep roads safe for everyone. Upon completion of this course you will be issued an Age Well, Drive Well certificate that can be presented to your insurance company for a possible discount.

Alberto Giacometti is one of the most important and famous sculptors of the 20th century but most people only know his later "stick figures." Giacometti was a member of the Paris Surrealist group in the 30's. He was friends/frenemies with Pablo Picasso, Max Ernst, André Breton, Jean-Paul Sartre, Joan Miró, Hans Arp, Salvador Dalí and many more. We'll explore his art in its many forms, his turbulent personal life and his relationships with other famous artists.

This class will provide an overview of the history and methods used to search for extraterrestrial intelligence in the Milky Way galaxy. We will explore how and where we are searching, and what we have found. The Drake equation, the Rare Earth hypothesis, and the Fermi Paradox are among the topics discussed.

We'll visit museums, art galleries, and studios in the area and talk with curators and artists to learn more about the places and the work. Afterwards, we'll go to coffee houses or restaurants for no-host treats and conversation with group members.

This class will explore the varied styles of beer, from lager to bitter, gruit to porter. We will cover the style criteria, history, and brewing techniques of various styles. No background is necessary, just an inquiring and inquisitive mindset – and a love of beer, of course.

This class will explore the varied styles of beer, from lager to bitter, gruit to porter. We will cover the style criteria, history, and brewing techniques of various styles. No background is necessary, just an inquiring and inquisitive mindset – and a love of beer, of course.

This class uses a group study of the book Complete Spanish Step by Step, Premium 2nd Edition, by Barbara Bregstein, beginning with chapter 10.

This class uses a group study of the book Complete Spanish Step by Step, Premium 2nd Edition, by Barbara Bregstein, beginning with chapter 12.

This class uses a group study of the book Complete Spanish Step by Step, Premium 2nd Edition, by Barbara Bregstein, beginning with chapter 5.

We will discuss the fifth agreement and the importance of core values in guiding our lives, as well as inspirational words to help move us more intentionally and peacefully through the chaos and uncertainty of this life. This class is only for those who are familiar with the four agreements or have taken the "Living the Four Agreements" class.

The natural world can be a very dangerous place, especially living in an evolving planet 66 to 220 million years ago. Over a period of nearly 160 million years, dinosaurs evolved from relatively small omnivores to fast carnivores with bigger, sharper teeth and claws and tremendous bite strength and to herbivores with defenses of more and bigger horns and spikes, thicker armor, and incredible size. Other survivor adaptations including behavior, camouflage coloration and intelligence are inferred from recent scientific discoveries. Other creatures which evolved and competed with the dinosaurs grew to incredible sizes and ornate skeletal features which are still topics of much discussion. This class will examine many of these evolutionary changes that may or may not have been beneficial.

This class is for both beginning and experienced birders. Through observation and the use of your binoculars, field guides, and birding apps, class participants learn to identify birds in their natural habitat. We will meet once a month at different birding locations for field trips that may involve 1-2 miles of walking.

This class is for students who have taken the "Birding in the Chico Area" class more than once. We will not cover birding basics and will spend more time in the field. We will meet once a month at different locations for field trips that may involve 2-3 miles of walking.

Experience an engaging two-hour aviation field trip that brings local air history and aircraft operations to life. Begin with a warm welcome and overview of aviation basics before heading outdoors for a guided walk along the flight line to explore Cal Fire's aircraft, a vintage 1929 biplane, and Aero-Flite's air tanker operations. Conclude with an in-depth hangar tour.

Chico State's tradition of academic excellence goes back more than 130 years. With over 800 faculty members and 14,000 students, the University's teaching and learning community is thriving. Discover the imagination, cutting-edge research, and expertise that flourishes in our own backyard!

The University Farm is a "living laboratory" for agricultural education, literacy, and research in Northern California. Join us for a guided tour showcasing our fields, labs, and hands-on learning spaces, including the new Agricultural Education Center and Jay Gilbert Farm Store. This state-of-the-art facility features modern classrooms, collaboration areas, and a student-run retail space with farm-produced goods. Explore how the farm supports experiential learning, community engagement, and the next generation of leaders in sustainable agriculture.

Does your life spark joy? If not, decluttering with feng shui can help. Clutter is not bad, but it is a great teacher. Feng shui teaches that where you have clutter in your spaces reflects where you're stuck in your life. Without this level of understanding, you can declutter but it may return. This will be a fun and interactive class, and you will learn a bit about yourself in the process.

This class includes short presentations (talks, slides, videos) followed by discussions on all sorts of current US and world topics involving history, government, policy, science, technology, literature, education, culture, and many more. Participants are welcome to make presentations, suggest topics, discuss, or just listen. Special guests are also welcome to present.

Do you draw, write novels, knit, paint, collage, hook rugs, embroider, or make any other art or craft? Do you need an impulse to get you going? Instead of doing it alone, come to the OLLI Creation Zone. We will have tables (with plastic sheets covering them to allow for messiness) and chairs set up. You bring yourself, your ideas, and your materials. No instruction, no demands, just a group of people creating in comradery.

Friends and family love getting handmade cards. Come join us and discover basic techniques and tips for making beautiful cards. And the best part is that it's fun!

We will examine current controversies about federal government initiatives reported in popular media. In general, these issues relate to provisions in the US Constitution called the separation of powers. Why did the founders design this? How is it supposed to work? Our sources will be news articles, opinion columns, and letters to the editor. We will use the learning through conversation method to understand these public policy issues. We will not attempt to propose solutions.

We will examine current controversies about federal government initiatives reported in popular media. In general, these issues relate to provisions in the US Constitution called the separation of powers. Why did the founders design this? How is it supposed to work? Our sources will be news articles, opinion columns, and letters to the editor. We will use the learning through conversation method to understand these public policy issues. We will not attempt to propose solutions.

Join us for a rare opportunity to visit the Dye Creek Preserve, managed by The Nature Conservancy, with a resident scientist. Melding ethnobotany, geology, birds, flora, and fauna in the Park Fire burn scar, this uneven, rugged at times, moderately challenging trail is rocky in spots yet gentle uphill with one small creek crossing. The hike is 5 miles round-trip with 725 feet of elevation change over two miles. With a steady pace, we will reach the welcoming destination of Campo Seco Ridge.

In this class intended as a primer for estate administrators Dana and Tara Campbell from OLLI sponsor Dana L. Campbell, Attorney At Law will explore the intricacies of probate and of trust administration. We will discuss strategy, requirements, and dangers lurking in the administration of estates. If you are currently administering an estate or may be responsible for an administration in the future, please join us for discourse and fellowship. You are not alone! We will also briefly touch upon why administering a trust is so much easier than having to complete a probate.

Join experts from River Partners for walking tours of the landscapes they've transformed from flood-prone farmland into native habitat for ecosystem, community, and economic wins at the Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park and Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge. You'll learn how restoring California's historic floodplains improves habitat and biodiversity for an array of imperiled species, boosts flood safety for vulnerable communities, supports clean and abundant water supplies, provides important outdoor recreation that improves public health, stores greenhouse gases naturally to improve California's climate resilience, and more.

Sutter Buttes State Park is one of the newer state parks in California and has no public access. We will meet with park staff for an exclusive tour of the beautiful Peace Valley where we will learn about the unique geology of the land, explore several historic and prehistoric cultural features, and observe and identify abundant wildflowers and birds. This is a 3-4 mile moderately difficult cross-country hike over uneven, rocky terrain with some short, steep hills and possible stream crossings.

Want to watch some great and interesting movies? In this class we'll watch and discuss some of our favorites. Each meeting will feature a representative movie from a different genre.

Physical well-being allows us to live our longest, most capable, and fulfilling lives. Come ensure your well-being through mobility exercises. We'll practice balance, strength, agility, and flexibility movements that improve your mobility. Each class follows a similar routine that can be done at home, allowing you to look after the health of your body for many years to come. All ability levels are welcome. Your body will thank you!

Physical well-being allows us to live our longest, most capable, and fulfilling lives. Come ensure your well-being through mobility exercises. We'll practice balance, strength, agility, and flexibility movements that improve your mobility. Each class follows a similar routine that can be done at home, allowing you to look after the health of your body for many years to come. All ability levels are welcome. Your body will thank you!

"Folkloric" means "for everyone" – all ages, all abilities. If you can walk, you can dance; if you can talk, you can sing. This interactive class weaves together lecture, movement, live percussion, and discussion to explore embodied practices that preserve culture and build community. Participants learn through doing, engaging mind, body, and spirit in traditions that entertain, educate, and strengthen. As a bonus, when you're done, you won't need a trip to the gym.

In For the Time Being, naturalist Annie Dillard explores how the sacred reveals itself in our modern, scientifically-oriented world. Her protagonists are the Baal Shem Tov, an eighteenth-century Hasidic rabbi, and Teilhard de Chardin, a twentieth-century Jesuit paleontologist. She brings the mystery of birth, the Chinese Emperor Qin's ten thousand terra-cotta soldiers, and an extended visit to modern Israel into her quest. Dillard asks, "Given things as they are, how shall one individual live?" Join this learning through conversation seminar to explore with her.

No composer did as much as Franz Joseph Haydn to create and develop the Classical symphony and quartet. "Papa" Haydn had a wonderful nature and a great sense of humor, which shows in his music. Using a series of lectures by Robert Greenberg as core material, we will explore the life and the music of this foundational composer whose 104 symphonies, 68 string quartets, and 62 piano sonatas are widely played today. (His 123 baryton trios are not popular, but we will sample one.) We will have a live music presentation with performers from the Eastman School of Music. Join us for this broad introduction to the life and the creations of this giant of Western music.

This class is for people who have studied some French in the past. We study basic French grammar, usage, pronunciation, and vocabulary. The focus is communicating with others in written and spoken French.

This class is centered around a French book. The class reads aloud, followed by translation into English, with some discussion of vocabulary, grammar, and the plot. We will review grammar when questions about usage or form come up, and class sessions may focus on specific grammar topics.

On parle français dans cette classe, sans traduction (si nous avons de la chance). On doit avoir l'envie d'entendre et de parler mieux le français, et peut-être un jour le parler couramment. Il n’y a pas de textes.

California's temperate climate allows an amazing array of plants to be grown locally. Edible gardens, pollinator gardens, native gardens, contemplative gardens, and demonstration gardens are some of the many varieties to tour. Inspired by the successful model of the "Arts & Eats" OLLI class, "Garden Gourmands" will focus on touring the art of garden landscapes combined with eating locally. Join Master Gardeners as we explore different area gardens followed by a no-host lunch at various local eateries to enjoy the bounty of Butte County.

California's temperate climate allows an amazing array of plants to be grown locally. Edible gardens, pollinator gardens, native gardens, contemplative gardens, and demonstration gardens are some of the many varieties to tour. Inspired by the successful model of the "Arts & Eats" OLLI class, "Garden Gourmands" will focus on touring the art of garden landscapes combined with eating locally. Join Master Gardeners as we explore different area gardens followed by a no-host lunch at various local eateries to enjoy the bounty of Butte County.

Stretch your body and relax your mind with one hour of gentle yoga. The instructor specializes in making yoga accessible to everyone at any age or physical condition. There is always a way to practice yoga. This class will include some discussion and lecture on the philosophy of yoga.

This is a video montage class of the greatest and most impossible sports scenes. Watch great moments from the NBA, NFL, NHL, MLB, golf, bowling, tennis, soccer, and boxing. See and hear the most unbelievable March Madness buzzer-beaters, great sports calls made by the original announcers, the best walk-off wins, and original network TV sports themes from the '60s, '70s, and '80s. Let's see if some of the class leader's memories match yours. This is a class for your enjoyment, so just sit back and watch.

Joy for seasoned hikers! This hike of 5-7 miles begins with a drive in of 8-10 miles on dirt and gravel road. The hiking trail has good switchbacks on this steep, uneven terrain along with unstable rocks. We will start at about 6,000 feet of elevation with approximately 1,800 feet of elevation change throughout the hike. The Dixie Fire of 2021 burned this beautiful landscape, but it is showing lovely signs of regeneration. We will learn about this area as part of our adventure.

Join Enloe Community Health for a three-part lecture series. Each class will cover a unique topic led by a local medical expert from Enloe Health with time for questions. The series is designed to support a healthier you.

Learn how to adapt your living space for safe and independent aging. Download valuable resources, including the HomeFit Guide, and take the first step toward a more livable home. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your home for a better quality of life.

A half-hour walk immersed in nature prepares us to sit with our sketchbook journals and observe, question, draw, paint, and write about what we see, hear, and feel – focusing on our senses, curiosity, and the observation process over perfecting an end product. We'll explore Upper and Lower Bidwell Park, Indian Fishery, and the Genetic Resource & Conservation Center (Chico Tree Farm). Participants provide their own art materials and choose their subjects. There is no official art instruction. Some basic techniques and many online supplemental materials are provided.

The Butterfly Valley Botanical Area is located just north of Quincy, elevation 3,800 feet. The area includes the California pitcher plant, a rare and unusual insect eating plant that only grows in scattered boggy areas from southern Oregon down through Northern California, as well as 4 other species of insectivorous plants, 12 species of orchids, and 9 species of ferns. Get an introduction to California native plants and basic botany in the field as we saunter in search of California native wildflowers.

The Doon Grade Trail is part of the old railroad bed that went from Chico, through Magalia, and all the way to Stirling City. We will be on the middle part east of Magalia. Get an introduction to California native plants and basic botany in the field as we saunter in search of California native wildflowers.

Explore the basics of beading in this introductory class. Learn what types of materials to use depending on the project and various techniques to create bracelets, necklaces, or earrings. All materials are provided.

Explore the basics of beading in this introductory class. Learn what types of materials to use depending on the project and various techniques to create bracelets, necklaces, or earrings. All materials are provided.

In this class, you will explore essential water safety skills, discover how watercraft design influences performance, and practice proper techniques for entering, exiting, and maneuvering the vessel. The class also covers paddle design and a range of effective paddle strokes. It's an excellent introduction for anyone looking to build confidence and have fun on flat or slow-moving water.

This introductory class will provide an overview of Hinduism, the religion of India that originated about 3000 years ago. It will include a brief history about the origin of Hinduism and the contributions to it from different sources, the religion of Hinduism and its many components, the different philosophies that underpin the religious practices, including the non-dualism of Vedanta; and the interactions between Hinduism and Judaism, Christianity, Islam. Also covered in the class are the rituals, practices, customs, and festivals related to Hinduism.

This low-impact, physically active kayak adventure is a great way to view the ecology of the area. There is abundant wildlife, including many species of waterfowl and raptors. We will be paddling on open flat water in either a single or tandem kayak. Our paddling trip will take us to an island in the Thermalito Afterbay.

This low-impact, physically active kayak adventure is a great way to view the ecology of the area. There is abundant wildlife, including many species of waterfowl and raptors. We will be paddling on open flat water in either a single or tandem kayak. Our paddling trip will take us to an island in the Thermalito Afterbay.

If you can't draw, know that it's not your fault. You weren't taught properly. First published in 1979, Betty Edwards' Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain applied brain science to drawing instruction. Using her teaching techniques to bypass our internal barriers and connect us to our innate ability to draw, we learn we can do more than we believed. If you want to start exploring art classes but still draw like a child, start here. Stick-figure level drawing skill is perfect and welcome.

Knitting with others is a wonderful learning environment. This class is designed to give knitters who have mastered the basic stitches of knit and purl a chance to work on a project of their choosing while we chat and share ideas online with other knitters. All levels of ability are welcome! Gale contributes to the class by offering tips and suggestions for patterns, yarn, and tools based on her years of knitting experience.

Join us to play games, socialize, and have fun. We have Rummikub, Qwirkle, Sequence, Mexican Train, card games, and more, from the well-known to the obscure. Bring a game to share or just show up and have fun.

Join us to play games, socialize, and have fun. We have Rummikub, Qwirkle, Sequence, Mexican Train, card games, and more, from the well-known to the obscure. Bring a game to share or just show up and have fun.

California Master Gardeners provide educational outreach from University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) offices throughout the state. The mission of the Butte County Master Gardeners is to extend research-based education and technical assistance throughout the non-commercial gardening community and to foster successful gardening practices by helping individuals make informed decisions about plants, pests, and the environment, with an emphasis on sustainability. Join us as we address a wide range of fascinating subjects.

If you haven't visited the Butte College Campus recently, here is your chance to join us on a wonderful campus tour. A student guide will help us explore various buildings, educational programs, and a bit of Butte College history. The tour will end at the new Science Building, where we will be given a sneak peek at the adjacent planetarium. Participants must be comfortable navigating steps and walking or standing for up to two hours. All walking paths are paved.

Join us for an outdoor adventure exploring an interesting town. We will meander at a leisurely pace for 2 miles. Participants must be comfortable walking and standing for up to two hours. This class will include viewing and discussing murals that depict events, people, and sights that have been drawing people to Oroville since the Gold Rush.

Join us for a leisurely hike of 3-6 miles with no elevation change at the Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge Rio Vista Unit. We will observe native and other vegetation and wildlife. The trail borders the Sacramento River so we may see some birds and otters in the river. There will be information about the history of this and other units, as well as the change from riparian habitat to cultivated land and back to riparian habitat.

This experiential workshop teaches practical mindfulness skills to reduce stress, increase emotional well-being, and support a more grounded daily life. Each session includes guided meditation, gentle awareness practices, and group reflection. You will learn mindful breathing, body awareness, emotional regulation, and compassion practices, along with strategies for applying mindfulness during challenging moments. No prior experience is needed. By the end of the class, you will have tools for greater calm, clarity, and resilience.

Ireland is well known for its great writers, from Jonathan Swift to W.B. Yeats, James Joyce, Samuel Becket, Seamus Heaney, J.M. Synge, and George Bernard Shaw, among many others. Today that tradition is carried on by a growing list of excellent modern Irish writers. We will read and discuss one book by each of four authors. We will also examine the social, political, and economic environment that shaped their writing. Reading these authors will provide a useful introduction to Irish literature today and hopefully spark your interest to explore more Irish writers and their works.

My Neighbor's Voice (MNV) is committed to encouraging respectful conversations about the things that matter most. Using MNV Listening Cards, we focus on universal community questions ranging from American culture to civic rights and responsibilities, spiritual thought to health and environment, and more. During class, we have a moderated listening practice with our cards. Each participant takes turns answering questions and listening to their neighbor answer a related question. At the end of several listening rounds, we open the forum up for free discussion on the topic of the day.

World War II was the first modern mass media war. Radio, newsreels, and movies were heavily censored, or actually produced, by governments. This mass media was generally accepted as news rather than the propaganda it actually was. Many misconceptions have persisted and been reinforced by movies, documentaries, and "skewed" official "histories." For example, to this day, we don't often admit that we missed Nagasaki. Stop by and get the details.

W.B. Yeats, in his essay "The Celtic Element In Literature," spoke of visions of a world expressed by people who "believed that trees were divine, and could take a human or grotesque shape and dance among the shadows." Once a powerful people who dominated much of Europe, the Celts were reduced to a few small groups after the Roman invasions. However, their mythology survived, thanks largely to the efforts of medieval Irish and Welsh monks who wrote down the stories.

Join us for dinner and a show! We will enjoy a pre-show dinner followed by a play at a local theatre. Dinners are optional and will be scheduled closer to the dates of each performance. Come enjoy local talent and socialize with fellow show lovers.

Play pickleball with other members. In this class, you will receive paddles and balls, enjoy light instruction for beginners, and have plenty of time to practice skills and play games with fellow OLLI members. Whether you're brand new to pickleball or looking to sharpen your game, this fun, social class is a great way to get active and learn one of the fastest-growing sports in the country.

This class is for people who already know how to play the A-G chords. We play and sing 3-, 4-, and 5-chord songs by Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Johnny Cash, the Everly Brothers, and other musicians from the '50s, '60s, and '70s. The class is mostly to practice feeling comfortable with playing guitar while singing. There is some instruction on more advanced guitar playing. Bring a guitar, ukulele, or other stringed instrument, or you're welcome to come just to sing along with the class.

Reading poetry helps you to know things more fully; it commands your attention; and it can sustain good conversation. In this class, participants select poetry from favorite sources to read aloud with fellow enthusiasts.

Each week the class will read poems by an individual poet, a collection of poems on a specific subject, or a collection of poems in a specific style. A wide range of poets and poetry will be presented, from classic to contemporary. We will discuss poetry from the perspective that the poet creates the work but the reader activates it.

In this class Steven Cliadakis from OLLI sponsor Altum Wealth Advisors will discuss how tax law changes, inflation, falling interest rates, and a changing economy may affect your investments and retirement plans. The class will cover various investment vehicles, such as CDs, Treasurys, index funds, ETFs, alternative investments, and others. Hear the financial market perspectives of respected economists and explore investment trends and best practices. The class will highlight key principles of financial planning and how they can be applied to your personal retirement goals.

Step inside one of California's most iconic breweries to get the full behind-the-scenes experience at Sierra Nevada Brewery. Learn about the company's history, its brewing process, and its innovative and industry-leading sustainability efforts. See the copper kettles where each batch begins, learn how the hops shape the flavor of each beer, learn about the magic of fermentation, and watch the packaging line in action. You don't have to be a beer lover to make this brewery worth a visit.

Sing and/or play popular gospel songs. Bring your voice, guitar, violin, cello, harmonica, squeeze box, or other instrument and join a group of people singing and playing for fun. This is not meant to be religious. It's just a place to enjoy great music. Join us!

Unlock the secrets to a healthier mind and enhance your cognitive well-being. This interactive class will explore the six essential pillars of brain health. You will gain valuable insights and practical strategies to support and enhance your brain health, empowering you to lead a more vibrant and fulfilling life. Join us and take the first step toward fostering a healthier mind.

Join us for this beginner's guide to navigating the heavens. We will consider an eclectic mix of mythology, historic viewpoints, and current events in meteorology, astronomy, and cosmology. Eyes to the sky!

Have you ever found yourself wanting to be an author? Join our discussion as we begin with your initial idea and follow various routes to publication. We will consider many different genres and formats (fiction, non-fiction, poetry, textbook, technical, essays). By the end of our interactive session, you will have the tools to research your idea and transform it into words. We will discuss various avenues to get published, and the challenges associated with each. There will also be discussion about marketing your work. Bring your ideas, your problems, and your enthusiasm to write!

In this class you will learn the nature and characteristics of a moral or ethical dilemma, along with a technique for identifying, addressing, and solving the dilemma. New dilemmas will be provided for each class period. You will be encouraged, but not required, to bring your own suitably anonymized dilemmas to class for discussion and analysis.

This class covers writing and conversation in Spanish. The class will be conducted mostly in Spanish; English may be used for support. Participants will have the opportunity to speak and to write short compositions for review and discussion. The class may have native speakers and professional Spanish educators as guest speakers. There is nothing like having a professional Spanish educator to help learn Spanish conversation.

Located at the corner of Fifth and Salem Streets, the Stansbury Home was built by Dr. Oscar Stansbury, a local physician, in 1883. Owned by the City of Chico since 1976, it is operated by the Stansbury Home Preservation Association as a historic house museum. This tour will include Dr. Stansbury's office, with its display of the tools used in his practice, as well as rooms used by the Stansbury family with original interiors and furnishings intact.

Located at the corner of Fifth and Salem Streets, the Stansbury Home was built by Dr. Oscar Stansbury, a local physician, in 1883. Owned by the City of Chico since 1976, it is operated by the Stansbury Home Preservation Association as a historic house museum. This tour will include Dr. Stansbury's office, with its display of the tools used in his practice, as well as rooms used by the Stansbury family with original interiors and furnishings intact.

Join us for an empowering self-defense class designed exclusively for OLLI members. In this fun, dynamic, safe, and practical session, Senior Grandmaster Azad, renowned for training tens of thousands of people in personal safety, will teach you real-world strategies to protect yourself at home, in public, and beyond. Learn simple but powerful techniques to stay safe, enhance awareness, and defend yourself effectively. This class is for people of all abilities.

Join us for an empowering self-defense class designed exclusively for OLLI members. In this fun, dynamic, safe, and practical session, Senior Grandmaster Azad, renowned for training tens of thousands of people in personal safety, will teach you real-world strategies to protect yourself at home, in public, and beyond. Learn simple but powerful techniques to stay safe, enhance awareness, and defend yourself effectively. This class is for people of all abilities.

Play table tennis with other members. You will receive paddles and balls, get basic instruction on strokes and footwork, and enjoy friendly games with fellow OLLI members. Whether you're completely new to table tennis or returning to a favorite pastime, this fast, fun, low-impact activity is a great way to sharpen your reflexes, stay active, and enjoy time with friends.

Tai Chi for Arthritis was developed in 1997 and is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Arthritis often gets worse without proper exercise. Tai Chi for Arthritis helps to improve muscular strength, flexibility, balance, cardiorespiratory fitness, and clarity of mind. The gentle and slow movements help to improve the flow of energy and healing, and it is enjoyable and calming.

This class will introduce you to basic foundational skills in establishing a composition for a photo, using the rule of thirds, and considering the values in a photo. This content will be followed by an introduction to the many photo editing tools available on an iPhone and how to use them with the photos you have taken. If you have taken this class previously, you are welcome to take it as a refresher.

Tap dance involves rhythmic, percussive, and precise movement of the feet while promoting the flow and individual style of the entire body. Classes will include warm-up, structured movement phrases that will build in complexity, and creative explorations. All levels are welcome. Good standing balance is recommended.

Tap dance involves rhythmic, percussive, and precise movement of the feet while promoting the flow and individual style of the entire body. Classes will include warm-up, structured movement phrases that will build in complexity, and creative explorations. All levels are welcome. Good standing balance is recommended.

How many times have you heard, "Dance like nobody's watching"? This class is the antidote to movement inhibition. Your cells are itching to move to the beat, perfection not required. We'll play, connect, and converse through music and movement in a fun, safe, inclusive setting. If you just love to move, show up and share it!

Our eyes exhibit age-related changes in performance as we get older, particularly as we reach our 60s. Some of these changes are perfectly normal and don't signify any sort of disease process. And though cataracts can be considered an age-related disease, they are common in older adults and can be readily corrected with surgery. Benjamin Gilbert and other doctors from OLLI sponsor Chico Eye Center explore these common changes, as well as more serious age-related eye diseases. Understanding more about our aging eyes and what we can do as we notice changes can help improve our eye health and overall quality of life.

The Constitution of the United States, established in 1787, created the government that we have today. There were many flaws in this document, and over 200 years there have been many attempts to amend the Constitution, beginning with the Bill of Rights. Currently there are 27 amendments, and they all deserve investigation from an historic perspective.

The Basque people have lived in northern Spain for thousands of years. Who are they and where did they come from? Why did they settle there? What makes them unique? We will discuss these questions, and more, as well as the unique culture and attitudes of these people today. The presentation will include photos from a recent visit to Spain.

Vercors, an alpine fortress in the French Alps, saw many French Resistance fighters join the movement in 1944. The fighters were set to disrupt German activities to support the Provence Landing. This class will look at what happened and why through the eyes of the instructor's father, a teen at the time, who was pulled into the Resistance movement at the eleventh hour. We will read excerpts of his book about his unbelievable experience during this battle that remained controversial for many years.

Socrates spent his life "examining" men in public places: the agora (marketplace) and Lyceum (a gymnasium). He became a celebrity and was, at the age of 47, rudely caricatured by the comic poet Aristophanes in Clouds. In his 60s, Socrates met a handsome young nobleman, Plato, then in his late teens, and convinced him to give up poetry in favor of philosophy. In 399 BC, Socrates was convicted of impiety and corrupting the youth and sentenced to death. After the death of Socrates, Plato wrote some 26 dialogues, four of which touch on the last days of Socrates.

The Cousins' War, as it was called contemporaneously, that ripped apart the ruling Plantagenet family in England affords some insights into competitions for leadership, control, and alliances, even in the present day. Join us as we dissect the complicated relationships that played out in 15th-century England and ended with the throne occupied by the first Tudor king, Henry VII.

Start your Tuesday with music and songs. Join us in a fun, informal sing-along. Bring your voices and/or musical instruments. The operative word is "fun." If you like music, you will like this class. All levels welcome!

This class is an introduction to watercolor. We will focus on learning the basics of technique, color mixing, blending, and familiarizing ourselves with the medium of watercolor. Some classes will be dedicated to techniques; in other classes we will be creating finished works. The class will help you to feel more confident in your watercolor practice.

If you have painted with watercolor and would like to take it to the next stage, this class is for you. We will practice sketching and developing a deeper understanding of planning and painting while adding our own individual style. We will practice brushwork and take our time developing each piece.

Join us for our Wednesday morning park walks! If you want to start a walking habit, add to your daily step count, spend a morning with old and new friends, or just enjoy beautiful Lower Park, lace up your shoes and join us. Each week, you have the opportunity to choose a 1-mile route looping at Hwy 99 or a 2.8-mile route looping at the 2nd bridge (Cedar Grove).

Grab your sketchbook and assorted art materials! The goal of this class is to complete a piece of art during each weekly session. To do this, we will observe or listen to something inspiring, briefly discuss it, and then create our own original piece of art. Prior to each session, the instructor will share the specific art materials she will be using. Participants are welcome to follow along with the instructor or take off in a direction of their own.

Movies like The Thomas Crown Affair portray art theft as ingenious and sophisticated. Reality is usually quite different. We will examine thefts that have occurred over the last 100 years and attempt to answer a number of questions: How common is art theft? Is it profitable for the thief? If not for profit, why do people steal art? Do thieves act alone or are more thefts accomplished by teams? Are most stolen artworks found? And, of course, what do the Mona Lisa and The Scream have in common?

Based primarily on Judith Viorst's book Making the Best of What's Left: When We're Too Old to Get the Chairs Reupholstered, this class will be a combination reading and discussion group about the situation we occupy in our last years. What kind of plans should we make? Would we prefer the single life, marriage, or some other arrangement? If we seek guidance, what kind is good, and where will we likely find it?

In this class we will look at what research in neuroscience is teaching us about how the brain and mind work. We will also learn about using that knowledge to provide better care for patients. The role of AI, brain imaging, immunology, and genetics will be included. Selected topics on health, medicine and biotechnology may also be discussed.

Abraham was prepared to sacrifice his son. Hundreds of Americans frequently gathered to watch Black people lynched. Tens of thousands of Germans helped to implement Hitler's Final Solution. Police and prison guards are known to abuse their authority. Why? Two experiments deal with two possible answers: the late Stanley Milgram at Yale addressed "following orders" in 1961, and the late Phillip Zimbardo at Stanford addressed "going along with the crowd" in 1971. We'll look at both experiments (which could be a wee bit scary) in an attempt to answer the Why question.

Does your daily walk feel safe? Do you have access to crosswalks, sidewalks, and adequate lighting? We will cover the key things needed to walk and feel safe, and how to get involved in making changes. The first class meeting will be a conversation and advocacy hour. In the second class meeting you will gain experience surveying and auditing a neighborhood in Chico. Don't miss out on the opportunity to improve your community.

We'll hike a moderate 4.5 miles with 450 feet of elevation gain along Colby Creek, on forest trails, and through meadows filled with wildflowers. The trailhead is at 4,750 feet, high enough to escape the valley heat. Our pace will be leisurely, with time to take photographs, observe and identify wildflowers and birds, enjoy the views, and make new friends. Team up with other women to enjoy a fun day outdoors!

This writer's workshop serves a community of writers interested in sharing their writing and responding to other writers' work. We will focus on fiction, memoir, creative nonfiction, poetry, travel writing, stories for children, and other types of writing. Following a workshop format, this class will be an opportunity for students to receive feedback for their written work and provide meaningful support to fellow writers.

Ever watch a movie and think, "I could write something better"? Now's your chance! This hands-on workshop for beginners delivers practical techniques from working screenwriters in a supportive environment. You'll learn structure that works, create compelling characters, and master visual storytelling. Whether you're adapting your novel or exploring that idea rattling around your brain, you'll gain the skills to write your screenplay and working knowledge of what it takes to get from page to screen. No experience necessary – just stories to tell.

This all-levels hatha yoga class welcomes all bodies and abilities. Jeanne teaches "to the room," adapting the practice to meet the needs of those present. Drawing on her background in dance, kinesiology, and massage, she offers a comprehensive, informative, and enjoyable experience. Classes include breathing (pranayama), chanting, yoga philosophy, and asana practice to enhance range of motion and circulation while we stretch, strengthen, and relax.

HOOFers unites women seeking a hiking community. This is not for beginners; we hike 3-6 miles on uneven terrain with moderate elevation changes, lasting 3-6 hours including travel. The emphasis is on safety, navigation, knowledge-sharing, and building connections among like-minded hikers. A mandatory in-class meeting introduces members, reviews packs and equipment, and includes a short trail safety presentation. Three subsequent meetings are hikes.

This all-new sequel to The Magic of Film Scores shifts the spotlight from the score to the songs, dance and lyrical storytelling that gave film musicals their unforgettable sparkle. From the nimble tread of the feet of Fred Astaire to the hip hop history of Hamilton, we'll journey through nearly a century of toe-tapping, heartstring-pulling movie magic. Explore the evolution of musicals on screen, from the glamour of MGM to bold, socially conscious stories. We'll also trace rock's rise in cinema, including a session on The Beatles films, spotlight pop and jukebox musicals of the 21st century, and dedicate a session to jazz in biographical and noir-inspired films.