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FREE EVENT FOR OLLI MEMBERS

At 63, Jill Chalsty boarded a ship alone, grieving her husband’s death and battling cancer. What began as a voyage around the world became far more than a trip. In this lecture, Jill shares the story behind her memoir Packets of Hope, inviting participants to travel alongside her through the ports she visited, the people she met, and the reflections that transformed personal adversity into strength and global impact.

Jill demonstrates how one person’s courage can create ripples that span continents. Participants are encouraged to read her memoir, available free at www.packetsofhope.com, before the presentation.

Raffle Prize Drawing!

This is an educational class highlighting the importance of knowing when you can sign up for Medicare in order to get the most of your Medicare benefits and avoid late enrollment penalties. Learn how or why you can change or amend your existing plan to better meet your specific needs.

The first session will cover the 4 parts of Medicare: Part A-Hospital Care, Part B-Medical Care, Part C-Medicare Advantage, and Part D-Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage Plans.

The second session will cover the differences between HMO, PPO, and Supplemental/ Medigap plans and how to decipher your medical bills. "Do I pay this hospital bill or does the insurance company pay it?"

THIS CLASS IS FULL.

Join this exciting four-week class where flat paper transforms into amazing 3-D worlds! We will learn how to use simple card stock to build incredible models.

FREE EVENT FOR OLLI MEMBERS....

Discover how AI can make retirement more engaging, healthy, and creative. Learn how to use AI tools to manage finances, plan travel, improve health, explore hobbies, and keep learning new things. This friendly class shows real examples of AI in everyday life—no technical experience required.

FREE EVENT FOR OLLI MEMBERS!

Artificial Intelligence is making photo editing faster and easier than ever. In this class, you’ll learn how free AI tools can improve lighting, sharpen images, remove unwanted objects, and restore old photos with just a few clicks.

We’ll also explore simple apps that work on iPhone, iPad, Android, Windows, and Mac so you can enhance your photos on almost any device.

Find out how easy it is to build your own website, blog, chat or webinar. Make your own site or watch how it is done. We will explore popular website builders, including use of AI tools with WIX. Learn strategies to reach your intended audience, attract visitors to your site, enhance communications through social media channels, build loyalty, and maintain your website, blog or chat. All devices are welcome, but know how to use your device well. Enjoy learning about the most important tools for Internet communications.

Want to film your life and the lives of your family and friends? You can use the camera on your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or an action camera like a GoPro. Learn how to shoot, edit, and enhance videos on each device, when it is best to use which one, filming techniques, smartphone video apps, useful accessories, plus creating scripts, background music, voice narration, editing tools, and AI as a tool to do and edit videos. Discover how to connect your work to other devices, achieve the best video quality, frame rates. Bring your charged device to each class.

Prerequisite: Experience using your devices.

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. 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

NEW LOCATION FOR SUMMER

The more advanced recorder players participate 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”. Bring your own recorder, either soprano or alto.

Learn to play the Recorder. Stay and listen in or keep practicing with the Intermediate group.

Bring your own recorder to class.

Contact Fran Wenger at olli@csulb.edu for details.

THIS CLASS IS FULL.

Join me for a 6 week journey that bridges ancient wisdom and modern wellness coaching. This course is designed for those seeking to navigate life’s transitions with more clarity, intention, and ease. Each session is designed to engage both the body and the mind. We begin with 45 minutes of Somatic Grounding—utilizing gentle breathwork, guided meditation, and chair-supported movement to calm the nervous system and sharpen focus. The second half of the class transitions into a Professional Coaching Workshop. We will explore the 6 Pillars of Mindful Living and learn how to apply these timeless principles to our daily habits, relationships, and state of being. Come to explore and discover what is possible for you.

THIS CLASS IS FULL.

The Art of Song: Songwriters’ Circle will be an interactive and collaborative class sharing original material in formative or advanced stages, supported by discussions on writing technique, structure, and process. The goal will be to encourage group interaction, feedback, and mentoring. Instruments will be encouraged in the gatherings, with opportunities to improvise and suggest music development. Both beginning and experienced songwriters are welcomed. The prior songwriting class Art of Song: Songwriting Workbook will be provided as a reference.

This class will examine three important conditions that cause people to believe misinformation and lies that weaken our democracy.

Especially important in a democracy is a commitment to a ”Just War”. How is that different from “War”? A discussion of the principles of a “Just War” will be included

THIS CLASS IS FULL.

What to buy, when should you buy new devices, and basic usage of devices. Most frequently used apps will also be covered in class.

Increase your Guitar playing skills with this group of musicians. Peer learning with a Focus on The Fundamentals.

Questions?? Contact frankswatek@hotmail.com

NOTE: NEW TIME   12:30 - 2:30   Location is St Gregory's Episcopal Church  Hall   

Explore contemporary nonfiction books in this engaging book club for lifelong learners. We examine works on politics, history, public policy, and current events through thoughtful conversation, critical thinking, and shared reflection in a welcoming environment. This summer, our readings trace how the global competition for strategic resources shapes geopolitics, conflict, and economic power. We begin with an exploration of the six essential raw materials that underpin modern civilization, from microchips to construction. We then turn to four decades of rivalry in the Middle East, a region holding much of the world's energy resources. At a moment when supply chain disruptions, trade policy, and energy security dominate headlines, these books offer crucial context for understanding how the scramble for materials drives international relations, technological advancement, and regional instability. Together, they reveal why control over physical resources remains central to global power, and how resource competition continues to reshape alliances, economies, and conflicts worldwide.

Summer books: July 31 – "Material World" by Ed Conway

August 28 – "Black Wave" by Kim Ghattas

Prerequisite: Bridge 1 or knowledge of Bridge 1 materials.

 Prerequisite: Bridge 1 and 2 or knowledge of Bridge materials.

Topics include: preempts and The Law, leads and carding, 2 club strong opener, 1430 and slam bidding, finesses, defensive thoughts, plus an in-class tournament for master points. Pay the additional $20 card fee to the LB Bridge Center.

Whether you are an experienced singer or have always desired to sing, this creative chorus is for you. Together we will gain confidence in our natural singing abilities and musicianship. Performances will be scheduled when we are fully prepared.

Fee for music scores. A pencil w/eraser and a 1” BLACK 3 ring binder are required.

Unlock the mystique of an ancient oriental language! Vivid Chinese language learning materials and a focus on interaction, much in-class practice, helps students acquire basic conversational ability. Learn how to participate in daily conversations in Mandarin Chinese. Links to helpful online learning portals will supplement the course.

Class meets twice a week - Tues / Thurs.

Note: This class is a continuation of this topic. Prior attendance is not required.

Clash of Wings is a wide-ranging survey of the great air campaigns of World War II extending from the first bombs dropped in Poland to the atomic weapons exploded in Japan. It covers all theaters from the frozen steps of the Soviet Union to the heat of Pacific jungle fighting. In each theater, the principal focus is on the people doing the fighting, and it is important to note that the ordinary soldiers, sailors, and airmen fought with dignity and courage irrespective of their country or their cause. As each campaign is analyzed, we will note the technical developments of the time— new aircraft, new weapons, new tactics-- and the leadership is evaluated.

Ground Education, a local nonprofit Group that works alongside Long Beach Unified School District to build and teach in public school gardens, will host OLLI members in an ADA compliant 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 visitation 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. .

FREE EVENT FOR OLLI MEMBERS...

With a half-million cardiac arrests each year, CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) can help save a life if a person’s breathing or heart stops. Why Is CPR Important? Keeping the blood flow active - even partially – extends the opportunity for a successful resuscitation once trained medical staff arrive on site. ALSO: Learn about support for women and the threat of Heart Disease. Come to find out more about the “Red Bags of Courage"

THIS CLASS IS FULL.

This is an on-going crafts class that explores different crafting projects, tools, techniques and mediums. Projects are varied and chosen with the class interests in mind. Projects may have a supply fee for specific materials needed. Students need to bring a basic tool and supply kit that will support the current project. This class is for mid to high skill level students. Experience in card making, crafts, basic art skills, tools and techniques is required.

Food is one of life’s great connectors -- inspiring us and sparking great conversations. This flexible, participant guided workshop invites members to explore all things culinary — from cooking and baking techniques, to global cuisines, food memories, traditions, ingredients, and trends.

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. 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

FREE CLASS FOR OLLI MEMBERS!

Are you curious about…. How did traditional dances of Bulgaria get preserved during 400 years of Ottoman occupation? What’s the difference between social and ritual dances? In what formation were dances done in ancient Greece? Why can dances in which dancers strike sticks together be found in diverse regions of the world? After a brief warm up (often improvisational movement) we devote a few minutes to exercises to maintain posture, balance and strength then learn dance step patterns for traditional dances from multiple cultural traditions. We also learn a bit about the history and communities that generated the dances. Čočeks, Horas, waltzes, Sârbas, Pravos, Kolos keep our hearts, knees and feet gaily moving to a variety of rhythms. Dance incorporates social, cardio, cognitive and expressive activity—an ideal combination to maintain lifelong health. Comfortable shoes that allow for lateral movement and turning on a responsive wooden floor are recommended.. Your OLLI membership is required. The class is FREE

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.

THIS CLASS IS FULL.

“When you read a short story, you come out a little more aware and a little more in love with the world around you.” — George Saunders If you want to read short stories that leave an impact long after reading them, sign up for “Four Stories, Four Weeks” to discuss a classic or contemporary work each week in the company of readers who enjoy storytelling in the short form.

Designed for both new and experienced Mac users looking for a refresher, this class covers the basics, including the differences between the Mac and Windows interfaces and how to customize the Mac to work more like Windows, if desired.

We’ll explore iCloud, Apple’s cloud service, and discuss recent improvements in (and how to use) many of Mac’s built-in apps for file management, photo management and editing, web browsing, document creation, content sharing, and password management.

Additionally, learn how to integrate your Mac with other Apple devices like iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches to boost productivity and creativity. Handouts will be provided, and there will be plenty of time for questions.

Growing and cooking with fresh herbs. The thought is exciting to some, and perhaps a bit intimidating to others.

But whether you are a seasoned gardener or just a beginner, join us to learn tips I have gleaned from my 45 years of experience in selecting, growing, harvesting, and even cooking with these incredible plants. Perhaps, with just a little stroll to your own kitchen garden, or a few steps to windowsill pots, you can gather the treasures for which man once sailed to faraway lands.

Location address will be sent 5 day prior to class.

THIS CLASS IS FULL.

We will begin the class learning the guitar nomenclature and how to tune the guitar. Next, we will go through strumming techniques. Then we will go through basic chord structures and how to change from one chord to another. Finally, we will work on playing our favorite song.

THIS CLASS IS FULL.

Rancho Los Cerritos We will meet on site at the Rancho Los Cerritos, a national historic site located in the heart of Long Beach on the ancestral homeland of the Tongva people. The historic adobe house was constructed in 1844 and over the years has served as headquarters for cattle and sheep ranching, tenant housing, a private residence and currently a museum. Our interactive study of Rancho history will include house and garden tours, hands -on activities, visits from living history characters from the Rancho's past and exploration of artifacts.

Come, enjoy Jeff's favorite movies. Offer a suggestion if you have a favorite!

1. The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance: John Wayne, Jimmy Stewart

2. The Bride Came COD: Bette Davis, James Cagney

3. Rebel Without A Cause: James Dean, Natalie Wood

4. The Third Man: Orsen Welles, Joseph Cotton

5. Freebie And The Bean: James Caan, Alan Arkin

6. Young Frankenstein

7. D.O.A... Edmund O'brien

THIS CLASS IS FULL.

Have you ever thought about starting a family tree or an extensive genealogy and did not know where to begin?

NOW - 4 weeks starting July 6

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

FREE EVENT FOR OLLI MEMBERS

I just published a book that should be of interest to OLLI members. In Justice Across Generations my co-author and I develop a theory of intergenerational justice - what we owe to each other across age groups and what we owe the future yet to be born - and apply it to several public policy areas, namely education, the development of AI, the national debt, climate change, and race. Your participation is appreciated! .

What does it mean to truly flourish? In this lively gathering, you will explore a practical, joyful framework with elements for designing a more active, balanced, and connected life. Each week, with interactive activities, we reflect, share, and co-design small choices that add up to a life well lived.

Every session comes alive with wisdom and music. Expect fresh inspiration for living well

Turn life wisdom into positive change. We invite lifelong learners to become community leaders who spark hope and action for community wellbeing. We will explore the science behind the social determinants of health, the common good, and how movements grow. Working in a collaborative pod, we will design a real-world community service project. Connect with an opportunity to join the growing Lifewell Sharing Movement as Los Angeles prepares for LA28.

THIS CLASS IS FULL.

Movement with low impact, non-aerobic practice to prevent disease, protect your health, increase concentration with meditation. Do nothing that hurts or feels uncomfortable.

This course takes you on a journey through the stories of resistance and rebellion among enslaved people in the Americas. We’ll dive into famous uprisings like the Haitian Revolution, the Amistad Rebellion, and Nat Turner’s Uprising, as well as some lesser-known fights for freedom in places like Brazil, Cuba, and the Guianas. You’ll get to look at firsthand accounts and expert research to figure out what drove these movements, how they were organized, and what they accomplished.

THIS CLASS IS FULL.

In this class, participants prepare memoirs that detail memorable life experiences. Each week, members have the opportunity to share the essays they have written in advance. Participants are asked to honor an 800-word/5-minute reading time limit in order to accommodate all class members. Each author will receive supportive feedback related to his/her submission. Discovering one’s personal writing style, voice, and effectiveness are part of the fun we enjoy in this class.

It gives me great pleasure to host our cinematic journey during the summer session.

Although each prior session hasn’t followed a central theme, the movies I chose this time arranged themselves quite neatly in a theme. We’ll see an “Oldie,” an animated film, a foreign film, a drama, a comedy and a new category; films about Los Angeles. The balance are movies I thought excellent. I choose films for their excellent writing, dialogue, acting, and their overall aura. If you enjoy delving more deeply into this art form enhanced via a group discussion, then this is the place to be. We will continue our quest to find the answer to: “What makes a movie a timeless masterpiece?”

OPEN TECH LAB Fridays 1:30 - 3:30

Come to the Tech Lab and check out the computers and software. (Windows 11, Mac iOS, Chrome OS /ChromeBook and Linux) Talk technology with Wes Peck who can help with explaining the functions of a Mac or PC. We're also looking for volunteers to assist others with devices / phones or Pads. Come visit and take advantage of using the Lab computers for any project you might have.

Send an email with your questions to olli@ csulb.edu

How can we create a beautiful, intimate experience as we move from this lifetime to our final “sunset”?

I/we will start by turning the fearful unknown into a known by exploring our options for palliative care, hospice care, end-of-life doulas, some alternative treatments and more. It is human to want to do things “our way”. This is true throughout life and possibly no more important than towards the end. We do need to understand our options; who can support us (and loved ones) in this, thus create the experience we all want and desire.

Thirty plus years in the Emergency Department and teaching about our directives has allowed me to be witness to life, death and everything in-between.

Join me to empower yourself and loved ones through this knowledge.

Did you study French in high school or college and wish that you could have continued your studies? Have you been using Duo Lingo or other online classes but want to have feedback from a live Frenchspeaking person? If so, this course is for you! Come to refresh your memory and ignite your ability to speak and understand French through a variety of modalities. Guided conversations, vocabulary building, review of essential grammar, and training in proper pronunciation will be supported by a little reading, a little writing, and songs. This course is for those with some knowledge of French and is not intended to be a first-time experience in learning French.

NOTE:  Parlons Francais is offered twice each week. The same content will be presented on Mondays and Saturdays. Please register for your preferred section and thank you in advance for not asking to make up absences by attending the other session Parlons Francais is offered twice each week in order to optimize the classroom experience. The same content will be presented on Mondays and Saturdays. Please register for your preferred section and thank you in advance for not asking to make up absences by attending the other.

THIS CLASS IS FULL.

Did you study French in high school or college and wish that you could have continued your studies? Have you been using Duo Lingo or other online classes but want to have feedback from a live Frenchspeaking person?

THIS CLASS IS FULL.

We are a group of amateur musicians, instrumentalists and vocalists, beginner to experienced, gathering to have fun and make music. We play and sing together while developing our personal instrumental skills. Basic song sheets with chords of favorite Folk, Blues, Country and Pop tunes are compiled in the Session’s Songbook and are provided digitally. The Jammin’ class is built around the guitar and ukulele; but diverse instruments such as acoustic bass, banjo, harmonica, and keyboards are welcome.

It turns out the vast majority of headaches, security issues, tech expenditures, and e-waste are preventable. Throuŕh my books, podcast, and speaking tour, I de-mystify and explain the IT industry in plain Enŕlish. Topics I explain:

- The core components of a computer/ tablet

- Why Antivirus software is obsolete

- WHY software becomes more complicated every day

The Four New Threats:

-Legalized Spyware -Cryptolocker/Ransom/Hostaleware

-Update Attacks

-Support Scams AND MORE…..

As we contemplate retirement, many of us seek greater meaning ..., many of us seek greater meaning in health, work, relationships, community, learning, creativity, or spirituality, yet the path forward often feels uncertain. This workshop series offers an opportunity to reflect on what matters most, and intentionally shape your next chapter. Designed to be accessible and practical, the series helps you create a focused, realistic plan for transformation. Drawing on behavioral science research, we explore meaning, purpose, resilience, mindset, and habits, and apply these ideas to your life. Through guided reflection, creative exercises, peer collaboration, and a simple online interactive workbook that supports iterative reflection, you will gain new perspectives, clarify what gives your life meaning in retirement, and define achievable goals. You will leave with practical strategies to launch your next chapter, overcome barriers, and an accountability group to support continued progress momentum.

The class will read together weekly chapters of a children’s book and discuss using The Icons of Depth and Complexity (to be distributed prior to first class meeting). Reading will be structured such that the entire book will be completed in the 8 week session. There is a great deal of joy and community building when the class reads together. This component is missing from many book clubs. The Icons of Depth and Complexity help readers delve into books on a much deeper level than a free form discussion, helping the reader to use higher order thinking skills and critical thinking. The students need to purchase the book (or may be found in a public library) "When You Reach Me" by Rebecca Stead and they also will need a composition writing book.

THIS CLASS IS FULL.

 Tuscan and Roman Italian Gothic, Renaissance, and Mannerism Periods

This session we will read short stories from those collected in A Century of Fiction in The New Yorker 1925-2025. These stories include “classic” stories by well-known authors, lesser-known stories by prominent authors, and just plain excellent stories. Each week we will read a short story and discuss our responses to what makes the story unique: themes, techniques, characters, atmosphere, etc. All class members participate, contributing multiple views of the same story. The results are stimulating, entertaining and sometimes surprising. Our source anthology is: A Century of Fiction in The New Yorker 1925-2025, Deborah Treisman, Ed. (New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2025) It is available in several formats: Kindle, print, Audible. 

No one is immune from receiving deceptive emails, texts, calls, or even letters in their postbox that aim to steal their attention and money. Most people believe they can easily spot every such phishing attempt, yet millions fall for them daily. And with the rise of AI, it’s effectively now almost impossible to know just by reading the content of the message whether the sender is lying. But that doesn’t mean you can’t protect yourself! This class offers strategies to reduce unwanted and troublesome messages from ever reaching your inbox. Additionally, we’ll cover techniques that will minimize the exposure of your sensitive data from breaches and help you to know whether your sensitive information has been leaked, along with important steps to take if that’s happened

This course will introduce participants to different pieces of children’s literature. Each selection will be used to engage class members in oral Spanish skills by focusing on vocabulary development, comprehension and speaking. The instructor believes in a natural approach to language acquisition, encouraging all participants to be fully involved in the activities in a positive learning environment that supports each learner regardless of current fluency levels.

Beyond beginners preferred.

THIS CLASS IS FULL.

CLASS TIME  CHANGE - 10:00 - 11:30 AM

This class requires some (but limited) tap experience.  Classwill have a warm up, learning steps, dancing across the floor with short combinations, and a cool down with stretches. Tap will improve your coordination, balance, dance moves, and of course your mood! Tap shoes are recommended but not mandatory; give the class a try first if you’d like.

For more information you can contact the instructor via email (abianchinoolli@gmail.com)

Have you ever wanted to learn to tap dance but never got around to it? This beginner’s class will get you moving, making noise, and having fun while getting a great workout.

No experience necessary for the 11:45 class

THIS CLASS IS FULL.

Learn tips and tricks to use your devices more effectively or efficiently. How to use control center, app switcher, Siri, how to get free apps, get phone life daily tip, show health app, internet reader version, downloads, search, add to home screen, find my app, and many other shortcuts.

THIS CLASS IS FULL.

Have you wanted to know how to play the ukulele and didn’t know where to start? This beginning ukulele class will teach you how to tune and strum your uke and provide you with basic chords that will enable you to play many songs.

THIS CLASS IS FULL.

This class is designed to take your skills to the next level. It is not a beginning ukulele class.

THIS CLASS IS FULL.

We'll work on practice pieces and sharpen our skills. Build a portfolio of work in which you will see your skills growing. Paint a different subject together each week. Subjects will range from still life to nature, landscapes, animals, people, and abstract. Learn and practice new techniques. We will paint on day one so bring your materials.

This workshop offers an opportunity to improve your watercolor painting focusing on fundamental elements such as colors, value patterns, perspectives, and composition. It is intended for students who have experience with watercolors. Bring your own materials and reference photos.

Everyone has a story or stories to tell. Regretfully, they seldom are brought to life, never articulated, never shared. This class encourages us to write our stories and share them in an environment that is supportive and offers a sense of intimacy, spontaneity, and possible surprise. It is preferred that readings be done from a printed page rather than a device. Each week ALL class members will read a story they have written outside of class. Come join our lively readings and discussions

Enjoy practicing flexibility, strength building, and balance by using different yoga poses or asanas. Participants need to be able to move from a seated position on the floor to standing with ease. Learn relaxation and meditation techniques that help reduce stress, depression and anxiety. Create a flexible and strong mind/body connection.

THIS CLASS IS FULL.

Do you want to feel younger, look younger, and supercharge your brain? Do you want to improve your posture, stand taller, and walk or move with more ease, and diminish back, neck discomfort? Practicing the ancient art of yoga has produced these results for ages!!

THIS CLASS IS FULL.

Come draw with me - one line at a time. The Zentangle Method is an easyto- learn, relaxing and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structural patterns. The patterns are called "Tangles". We will create pencil and ink abstract drawings on 3-1/2" paper "tiles". No experience, planning or over-thinking required. Bring a Notebook and your own pens, pencils. A kit of materials can be supplied at first class for $10 paid to the instructor.