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During each class, a French cinema masterpiece will be presented and followed by a brief discussion. The films represent a variety of genres, Comedies, Musicals, Noir and more. Here is the list of movies:
- A nous la liberté (Freedom for all), René Clair, 1931, which inspired Chaplin’s Modern Times.
- Le Salaire de la Peur (The Wage of Fear), HG Clouzot 1953.
- Les 400 Coups (The 400 Blows), François Truffaut, 1959.
- Le Mépris (Contempt), Jean-Luc Godard, 1963.
- L’Armée des Ombres (Army of Shadows), Jean-Pierre Melville, 1969,
- Z, Costa-Gavras, 1969, Oscar Best international Movie,
- Les Aventures de Rabbi Jacob (The Mad Adventures of Rabbi Jacob), G. Oury, 1973,
- Anatomie d’une chute (Anatomy of a Fall), Justine Triet, 2023

Come for a RAFFLE PRIZE drawing! This is an educational event via ZOOM 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. It’s also important to know that you can change or amend your existing plan to better meet your specific needs. There will be 3 Medicare related sessions.
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.

The third session will cover how to decipher your medical bills. For example, I just got a bill from my doctor. Do I pay it or does the insurance company pay it?

Leader: Diana Dillman, Medicare Options Specialist License #4189213

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, and explore the differences between action cameras like GoPro and others. Bring your charged device to each class.
Prerequisite: Comfortable using your charged devices.

THIS CLASS IS FULL.

Discover how AI can simplify everyday life! From AI assistants and scam detection to health tools and creative hobbies, this hands-on course introduces practical AI applications for older adults. No tech experience needed. Just curiosity and a willingness to explore the possibilities of AI in a fun and engaging way. If possible, participants are encouraged to bring a laptop or tablet to try things out during class.

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.

The art of songwriting is one that just about anyone can learn. Whether or not you’ve tried your hand at music composition in the past, this class will give you the opportunity to get creative, or receive re-assurance to continue your passion for songwriting. The class will be an interactive, exploration of songwriting, tools, techniques, including guest artists sharing their process and work. It is useful to have some playing skill with a musical instrument, such as guitar, uke, or piano, as well as some vocal ability. However, this is not a requirement – collaboration with other participants in the class is encouraged. Each class participant will write and develop a song during the session, receiving feedback and support along the way, with a final “special event” performance of our class songwriters 

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 
Time for questions and personalized ZOOM lessons with Frank to help to learn to play the GUITAR .
This class is in conjunction with the Friday Bluegrass Jam.    No charge for the workshop.

FREE! 
Time for questions and personalized Zoom lessons with Frank to help to learn to play the MANDOLIN.
No charge for workshop.

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

Questions?? Contact frankswatek@hotmail.com

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.

Maximizing your online presence with AI integration.
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 site. All devices are welcome, but know how to use your device if you want the full experience. Enjoy this class by just learning about the most important tools of Internet communications. 

THIS CLASS IS FULL.

Learn everything about the camera app on your Apple device. Using camera settings, how to take pictures. Learn the photos app, photo editing, making albums, creating slide shows, how to store photos. 3rd party apps will be reviewed and accessories discussed.

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 individual natural singing abilities and musicianship. Performances will be scheduled when we are fully prepared. Bring $5.00 for music. A pencil with eraser and a 1” BLACK 3 ring binder are required.
First two weeks (July 10 & 17)   class meets at  

Our Savior's Lutheran Church      370 Junipero Avenue       Long Beach, 90814      

Clash of Wings (Part 2)  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 nightmare 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 take note of the technical developments of the time— new aircraft, new weapons, new tactics-- and the leadership is evaluated.

More laughter featuring a few more of my favorite comedy movies from the past. These will further our study of the many comedy genres. This session continues the laughs with films I have enjoyed and I hope you will too! Most are not the mainstream comedies you would expect, but rather overlooked films that deserve a second chance.

This hyflex class, both Zoom and on Campus, will make you smile with an occasional chuckle.

Time to grab the popcorn and get ready to enjoy your afternoon.

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.

Welcome to the “United Nations of dance & music!” This recreational folk-dance class meets Wednesday afternoons in the Women’s Club of Bellflower. We discover that common step patterns underlie traditional dances from various world cultures. Schottiches, Syrtos, Sambas and Polkas, Horas, Pravos, Halays and Tamzaras fill our dance cards. Intriguing rhythms challenge our brains; sustained movements provide cardio exercise; and camaraderie and the joy of dance induces us to smile inside and out. Research in brain activity suggests that synchronous movement with a group activates both sides of the brain and enhances endorphins. Other benefits of dancing include increased strength, balance, coordination and agility. The musical styles, ranging from rousing to peace-inducing, call forth a wide range of feelings as well as a sense of community. Comfortable shoes that allow for lateral movement are recommended. The facility has a responsive wooden floor ideal for dancing.

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

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.

Looking for cool stuff this summer? Sign up for 'Four Stories - Four Weeks' and you'll be reading and discussing stories by excellent writers, some familiar and some you've never read before--all this in the company of others who love reading adventures.   New time for Summer.

The class will focus on geopolitical hot spots, including updates on China’s internal challenges, China vs. US and our global allies, the global impact of technology, Health Care and other new geopolitical challenges.

Join Jeff to watch and discuss these favorite movies:

Tough Guys- a comedy with Kirk Douglas and Burt Lancaster

A Place in the Sun- Liz Taylor and Montgomery Clift

Sunset Boulevard- Gloria Swanson

Son of Flubber- A Walt Disney classic comedy

Top Hat- Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers

Seven Chances- Classic Buster Keaton short comedy 

All About Eve - with Betty Davis 

Pickup on South Street- Film noir with Richard Widmark

Swiss Family Robinson- an adventure classic with Tommy Kirk

This class will feature a Shakespeare play each week with the intention of making the plays understandable in modern times. We will try to explain the play both in the time period, and when it actually took place and the time period it was written. Shakespeare can be considered the Norman Lear or Woody Allen of his time. Come see why.

THIS CLASS IS FULL.

Have you ever thought about starting a family tree or an extensive genealogy and did not know where to begin? Maybe you have shoeboxes filled with portraits, old documents, and other items that would be useful if only they were organized? This is your chance to begin this project! First you have to identify a method of creating a lasting legacy. Then gain a familiarity with genealogical websites. Next explore a range of online resources useful for genealogical research. And finally, determine whether DNA is a useful option. The time and energy put forth with this project will be well-worth it –the completed project will be a mainstay in your family, especially if many family members already have passed. Family members: children and adults, will treasure the memories and learn similarities they have to their ancestors—this alone is a treasure.

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

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.

This class will show you how to create a look that is uniquely you. You will know what colors best complement your skin tone. You will learn about your body type and what clothing styles best complement it; this can assist in looking pounds thinner just by knowing what clothing styles work for your body type. You will learn what fashion personality you have; to help when making clothing selections. Do you know what face shape you have? Knowing this will assist you in selecting glasses, earrings and hair-styles. I will show you how to create a Core-Wardrobe in your fashion personality, your body type and in clothing colors that best complement you. Learn how to use accessories to create more looks from the clothes you already have, saving you time and money.

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. 

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
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

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 IS FULL.

Did you study French in high school or college and wish that you could have continued your studies? Have you been brushing up on French using Duo Lingo but feel a need to have feedback from a live French-speaking person? If so, this course is for you! Come to refresh your memory and ignite your ability to speak and understand French. 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

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 ukelele; but diverse instruments such as acoustic bass, banjo, harmonica, and keyboards are welcome.
 

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. 

Beginning with simple words and phrases is hardly new news! I will try to combine methods as practiced in the US Army Language School (when I was there, now the Defense Language Institute, West Coast) and The Berlitz Corporation. Learning should be enjoyable and students will be speaking and hearing from day one. Additionally, familiarity with German and Spanish are helpful as there are always parallels among European languages. We aim for a good second-grade appreciation for the language written, heard and spoken! Learning the Cyrillic alphabet is important, along with pronunciation and word recognition.

THIS CLASS IS FULL.

This class will offer you an opportunity to develop skills in cutting and tearing, composition, color and texture leading to a finished collage and a strong artistic statement.

This session we will finish reading O. Henry Prize-winning short stories, selected by Amor Towles, from the 2024 edition of The Best Short Stories: The O. Henry Prize Winners. This is an opportunity to read outstanding stories from both new and wellknown authors, published or translated in English. For comparison, a few classic stories published earlier may also be considered. 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.

This will be our last use of this anthology: The Best Short Stories 2024: The O. Henry Prize Winners, Amor Towles, Guest Ed., with Jenny Minton Quigley, Series Ed. (New York: Vintage Books, 2024.  Please arrange access to this anthology to use for the class discussions. It is available in several formats: Kindle, paperback, Audible

THIS CLASS IS FULL.

This course will introduce participants to Spanish 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 a positive learning environment that supports each learner regardless of current proficiency level. Beyond beginners are preferred.

THIS CLASS IS FULL.

This course introduces basic principles of Tai Chi Chuan through the learning of the classic movements of Yang Style tai’ chi. It is meant for Beginners. Through demonstrations and practice of movements students will apply five basic principles: relaxation, separation of weight, waist turn, upright body and virgin hands. While Tai Chi has its roots in Taoist philosophy and the martial arts of Qi Gong, this form of Tai Chi was developed primarily for its health benefits.

If you are familiar with basic principles of Tai Chi Chuan and have practiced in the past, come to this Intermediate class in the classic movements of Yang Style tai’ chi. Students will apply five basic principles: relaxation, separation of weight, waist turn, upright body and virgin hands. While Tai Chi has its roots in Taoist philosophy and the martial arts of Qi Gong, this form was developed for its health benefits. It seeks to create balance, flexibility and strength and awareness and connection between the body, the mind and the animating life force of Tao. Beginners meet on Tuesdays.

Each week class participants will have a prompt to which they can respond to share a significant story in their lives. We will learn to share, in the tradition of the “Hopi Story Holes” to help weave the fabric of our lives as community.

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.

THIS CLASS IS FULL.

This is a great introductory or refresher course. We cover the Elements and Principles of Art. Whether you are a beginning artist, intermediate or seasoned veteran that just needs a refresher, this class can help you let go of your inner critic and boost your confidence and art skills. We use a wide variety of materials for the fun experience of it. I do encourage the intermediate artists to push themselves a little bit harder. I promise you will see growth in your work.

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. Mike gives lessons from 10:00 - 12:00, but all students contribute to the class by sharing experience, feedback and critiquing each other’s work. Students decide on their own hours to work independently or with lessons.

This new operating system has more new features than ever, including a dedicated Password app that stores your passwords, passkeys, Wi-Fi passwords and more. Others help customize your iPhone’s home page and an expanded Control Center. Photos improvements allows you to remove people and objects from images, and see your photos by collections you now can browse by topic. You also will hear how to record a phone call, then transcribe that sound file into text. We’ll also touch briefly on the AI-powered features that only a few iPhone models currently can operate.

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.

THIS CLASS IS FULL.

Everyone has a story to tell or several 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 a classroom environment that is attentive and supportive. It offers a sense of intimacy, spontaneity, and possible surprise. This OLLI writing class meets in person. Each week ALL class members will read a story they have written outside of class. Come join our lively readings and discussions.

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.

Enjoy practicing flexibility, strength building, and balance through 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.

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!! Come and join our yoga community, and you will learn to stretch, breathe, laugh, and make friends! Come as you are— all levels are welcome!