Classes & Special Events   

THIS CLASS IS FULL.

Ever been curious about an app, but don’t know how to get started using it? Join this class and choose from popular free apps like; WhatsApp, LinkedIn, YouTube, Uber, Google Maps, Eventbrite, or AI apps like Canva, IoT, invideo AI, Bluesky, Gemini, Llama, Copilot. Many are part of the social media environment. Or you could learn about gifs, memes, or how to navigate the huge selection on Amazon, the App Store, or Google Play Store. This hands-on class helps you practice using the apps you choose. You can learn on all devices and platforms, including computers or mobile devices. Please bring a charged mobile device to class.

THIS CLASS IS FULL.

FREE SPECIAL EVENT
Attendees will learn the basics of the U.S. Space Program including: the Explorer Program, the Apollo Project and the Hubble/Webb Telescope and will view the moon and other astronomic features. They will be able to identify basic locations of the moon while using a telescope and be able to understand the key events of the U.S. space program.

This class is designed to take your skills to the next level. You will expand your chord knowledge and speed in changing chords. In addition, you will learn new strumming patterns and fingerpicking to enhance the joy of playing music. and make you a better player. Completion of Beginning Ukulele and or a solid understanding of chords and ability to transition between chords is required.

We will begin the class learning the guitar nomenclature and how to tune the guitar. We will go through strumming techniques, and then through basic chord structures and how to change from one chord to another. Finally, we will work on playing our favorite song. Students need a guitar-steel or nylon string (preferred) guitar and a smile!

FREE EVENT
Explore thought-provoking, contemporary nonfiction books in this engaging book club for life-long learners who want to stay informed and connected to the world. In this discussion-based course, we’ll explore compelling books on politics, history, public policy, and current events— examining how these topics shape our society and daily lives. Each session invites thoughtful conversation, critical thinking, and shared reflections in a welcoming and intellectually stimulating environment.

Class will meet twice (July 25 and August 29). Students are expected to have read the book before each meeting. Summer books:

July 25 – Poverty, by America by Matthew Desmond

August 29 – The Sum of Us by Heather McGhee Leader: 

For Beginners and players who played previously. Learn to play the modern way. Each class includes the play of 8 hands for these topics: introduction to bridge, opening a major, opening a minor, no trump, Stayman, transfers, opening leads, attitude, carding, 1 NT Forcing and 2 over 1.

Pay an additional $20 card fee to the LB Bridge Center.  Class starts early on June 23. 

Prerequisite: Bridge 1 or knowledge of Bridge 1 materials. Topics include: major suit transfers, “Standard American” bidding, “Two Over One” bidding one no trump forcing, overcalls, takeout doubles, negative doubles, plus an in-class tournament for master points. Pay an additional $20 card fee to LB Bridge Center.

THIS CLASS IS FULL.

Ground Education, a local nonprofit group that works with Long Beach Unified School District to build and teach in public school gardens, will host OLLI members in an ADA compliant local classroom setting and explore the great green world of container and small space gardening. Together we will learn about benefits of vegetable gardening in containers, start seeds in small trays, create a garden journal, discuss soil, plant selection, watering, daily maintenance, and possibly have a visit to a local school garden. We hope that OLLI members will gain confidence and knowledge to grow their own veggies and other plants in containers. Class limit: 10 

Stay informed and have your say on the news of the day. Instructors will choose a few current event topics each week, give a brief presentation for each and then ask for thoughtful comments and questions from the class. These discussions are very much valued and are the core of the class. Class members are also encouraged to choose a topic of their own and present it for discussion.  Class leaders will change weekly. 

THIS CLASS IS FULL.

Spirit of Aloha comes alive in hula! Learn basic hula with graceful movements while embracing Hawai’i’s rich history. Be kind to your body with low impact storytelling through dance and music that brings you joy. No experience required. All levels welcome. More than an enchanting dance, “Hula is the language of the heart, therefore the heartbeat of the Hawaiian people.” - King David Kalākaua
* Learn hula with safe, low impact dance movements.
* Hula with no need to be perfect but to dance with joy and aloha.
* Understand Hawai’i’s proper hula movements and its history of storytelling.
This is a basic hula class – for beginners, non-dancers, enthusiasts, or former dancers who want to re-visit hula for pure joy.

Explore Islam's relevance in modern society, from countering social media's impact on self-worth to balancing modesty and progress. Discover Islamic prophecies related to contemporary issues, examine Islam through Biblical perspectives, and understand Muslim American contributions. Delve into Shariah law's principles and adaptability. This course offers a comprehensive, thought-provoking journey through Islam's timeless wisdom and its application to current challenge

In this four-session class, we will explore how portraits combine gesture, posture, facial expression, fashion, and props into a powerful language of self-expression. Some of its elements are timeless and easily recognizable; others are specific to the historical period in which they were created. We will compare case studies from ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome through the present day, bringing our life experiences to the conversation. By the end of the class, participants will be ready to apply their broader understanding of portraiture when visiting historic sites and museums.

Learn the fundamentals of finger style, Travis picking, finger rolls, thumb independence, and chord melodies. Review knowledge of chords and positions. Learn a variety of song styles, including: traditional, folk, country, blues, and jazz.

Learn everything about how iPads work. How to add apps, and what each individual apps can do. Move apps into folders, use control center, dock, find my apps, camera and photos apps, apple pencil, apple air tags, and apple settings. We will discuss any apps the class wants to learn There are iPads available to use in the class if you are thinking about buying your own!

No prior experience with printmaking necessary. Hands-on class with all materials and tools supplied for the first class session, we will even supply a pencil for you to take notes. Explore the art, history, materials, of this modern interpretation of a printing process dating back to the early 19th Century. Make one-of-a-kind prints by applying ink to a soft GELLI® printing plate and manipulating the ink in a variety of ways that transfers to paper for display or repurposed to a variety of art and craft projects. If you have seen GELLI® printing demonstrated on YouTube, and you’d like to try the technique before buying a lot of equipment; this is the class for you. Please read the syllabus for more information about SUPPLIES or materials needed.
Contact Peter for supplies...     Note: Class Limit 15

It’s an exciting time to have a smartphone. But every year there are more interesting features, and sometimes it’s hard to keep up with all the changes. Learn about a wide range of iPhone features and services ranging from phone care to current Apple AI, how to manage your email, messages, and contacts, the different ways you can personalize your iPhone, how to stay safe or private when you are using your phone, how to edit and organize all those photos you’ve taken, how to take advantage of the iPhone’s health features and much more.

If you’re passionate about food, this workshop is for you. Embark on a culinary journey as we explore food together. Regardless of your background or experience level, join the conversation as we dive into foodrelated topics. We’ll learn from each other by sharing recipes, techniques, equipment, and resources. Topics will vary based on the group’s interests and may include guest speakers, demonstrations, and live meetups. Sessions combine meetings on Zoom with field trips, demonstrations, cookalongs, recipe exchanges, and more. Join us this term to explore new topics and expand culinary horizons. Let’s dish!

Movement with low impact, non-aerobic practice to prevent disease, protect your health, increase concentration with meditation. Do nothing that hurts or feels uncomfortable. Objectives: Develop better balance; increase physical strength by stretching muscles, tendons; and supply greater amounts of oxygen to the body through deep breathing. Equipment: BRING YOUR OWN POLE. Purchase a collapsible painter’s extension pole that opens to 3-4 “ longer than your height, with rubber (not plastic) end caps (Ace Hardware or Lowe’s). Wear tennis shoes and loose, layered clothing.

Due to the JCC activities during Summer, the Needlework Café will be meeting at a new time, but still same location! Ongoing students will bring a project to work on in class with assistance from the instructor as needed. 

THIS CLASS IS FULL.

 Beginning students will have the opportunity to learn either knitting or crochet. They will learn basic stitches, stitch abbreviations and simple pattern interpretation. Beginners please bring size 4 worsted weight yarn (look on yarn package for this information) and either size 8 knitting needles or size H crochet hook.

FREE EVENT
This class will consist of attendees cleaning twenty million year old fossils. A power point presentation of paleontology of dinosaurs and shark teeth will be shown. Attendees also will complete a paleontology field map. The presentation will conclude with people understanding the basis of fossilization, digging up dinosaurs and documenting them.

This class provides an opportunity for more advanced players to play in a group. Students will analyze and interpret the music and improve their playing! Join us as we progress along the “path to perfection”. This class is for “beyond beginners”.  Class starts after Campers are done at the church location. 

This class is designed for anyone who wants to improve the flow of energy throughout their body and work on balance. My Tai Chi process will enhance your overall system harmony and incorporates many different styles. My teachings are open and available to anyone who wants to heal and feel fluidity in their life. Students may find that, over time, they exude a glow or energetic illumination!.   NOTE: time change to 11:30.  

This class will cover information about travel requirements in USA and overseas. We will discuss air travel, cruising, and car trips. In addition, we will discuss travel apps for your apple devices, Insurance, TSA, passports, accessories for your devices, and information that will make travel easier.

FREE EVENT
This presentation gives students the opportunity to first learn about various eye conditions that affect a significant portion of the population and the experiences of having these conditions. Students will learn about optical devices designed to assist those with vision loss. Additionally, this course explains Braille Institute’s role in assisting members of the blind and low vision community in living their most fulfilling lives.

These sessions will explore how American workers get cheated out of wages, a situation that takes billions out of paychecks every year. Despite state and federal laws, the problem has become so severe as to constitute the norm rather than the exception in some industries. We will explore the history of wage payment; the origins of overtime; how different industries compensate workers; exemptions from certain laws; child labor violations, and what we can do to address the problem. Supplemental materials will be provided to all students. Your instructor promises to keep it light and easy to understand. 

Linux is an alternate computer operating system that is part of the FOSS (Free Open Source Software) movement. Learn about its history and why you may want to consider using it on your computer. With all the changes currently happening within the computer industry, many people have perfectly good computers that are being rendered obsolete. For many a Linux based system will do all they require without having to buy a new computer or software. We will explore what is available, how to get and install it, and how it differs from the Windows and Mac operating systems.

Yoga is for Every Body! Chair Yoga provides the full advantage of yoga’s amazing health benefits including relaxation and a feeling of well-being with adaptations for all levels of flexibility. This class uses yoga exercises, breath, energy work, affirmation and visualization as relaxation and mindfulness techniques. Students report better balance and stress management skills, along with increased strength and flexibility as a result of Chair Yoga! This Energy Medicine Yoga model is based on Lakshmi Voelker Chair Yoga (LVCY) and the Eden Energy Medicine model of Donna Eden.
NOTE: Class will be on ZOOM only July 11 and 18.  After that you can choose to attend at the church location or Zoom in from home.

The ancient yoga principles for living a good life are noble and aspirational. The five moral restraints (nonviolence, not hoarding, not stealing, not lying and not giving into excessive desires) and the five moral observances (purity, contentment, tolerance, study expansion and surrendering) will be presented in accessible ways to implement in daily life. Come enjoy and experience a novel way of maneuvering through today’s challenging world.