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This is the longest of the six major Yang-style tai chi movements, taking about 25 minutes to complete. Tai chi is known for developing balance, strength, and flexibility. It is a form of meditation in movement. In this class you will learn the first third of the forms, or about 36 moves, in a workshop environment.

This is the longest of the six major Yang-style tai chi movements, taking about 25 minutes to complete. Tai chi is known for developing balance, strength, and flexibility. It is a form of meditation in movement. In this class we will review the first 36 forms in a workshop environment. Additional forms will be taught as the group is ready.

This is the shortest of the six major Yang-style tai chi movements, taking about six minutes to complete. Tai chi is known for developing balance, strength, and flexibility. It is a form of meditation in movement. In this class you will learn all 24 forms and by the end be able to join other groups wherever you go.

This study group is designed to be a journey through what neuroscientists have learned so far as to the how of human brain function, i.e., how neural pathways guide us to be functional living beings and how such pathways develop. The study group is based on the book Brainscapes by Rebecca Schwarzlose. Schwarzlose uses the term "brainscapes" to describe the various maps in the brain (made of neurons), how they develop, and how they allow us to respond to our environment and to "remember, imagine, learn, and think the way we do. " We will work our way through the book with recommended reading assignments and use our meeting times to try to embellish upon and/or add to the themes of each reading, to hear your comments, and do our best to respond to your questions. Extensive science background is not necessary. Any expertise you wish to contribute will be a welcome addition.

The continent we call home, North America, has a complex heritage of physical landscapes and human cultures. In this class, we will examine the geology of this continent, and then we'll relate it to human geography. We will look at the different regions of the United States and Canada and try to explain the challenges of holding them together as just two nations.

This class will help you understand what math is and not how to do math. It presents the development of math from an historical perspective, from the Enlightenment to the present. No tests or homework!

Inner peace is a lifetime journey done with discernment but not judgment. The only requirement is a willingness to know how much one ruminates about the past or tries to predict the future. This happens while missing what is happening in the present time. In this discussion class we will be aware of a possible runaway ego. The ego can be a good thing or a destructive thing. Awareness can end the destructive ego cycle. This class's specific content changes from term to term.

Join us for a leisurely walk of up to four miles on a mostly level path. Let's connect with nature in a way that stimulates our senses and unclutters our minds while enlivening our bodies with easy walking. Let your to-do list take a backseat for a while and allow the nurturing energy of Mother Nature to slow you down as you appreciate the tranquility of your surroundings.

This acrylic class is for the absolute beginner as well as more experienced painters. We will follow step-by-step instructions to create our paintings while also learning why and what we are doing. Paintings will be completed over several class sessions. All materials are provided.

In 1932 Aldous Huxley created an imaginary future to examine the benefits and liabilities of living in a eutopia based on peace, prosperity, and stability. Does the quest for happiness conflict with liberty, knowledge, and progress? Join this learning through conversation seminar as we explore a future world order organized according to the alleged principles of Henry Ford. Published 92 years ago, Huxley's masterpiece confronts many of today's national and global issues.

This class will examine the art and architecture of later South Asia (India and Pakistan) from the time of the introduction of Islam in 711 CE to the present. We will consider the social, religious, and political context for the various monuments. Special focus will be given to the Mughal Dynasty and the culture that influenced the creation of Taj Mahal.

In this one-day class, participants will learn how to use four ingredients (flour, yeast, salt, and water) to make many kinds of bread, just like those lovely French baguettes. This class is based on the book The New Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day.

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.

Our exploration of the Earth, Solar System, and Universe continues. As always, we will discuss ongoing discoveries in astronomy, planetary sciences, and Earth sciences. Information will be conveyed using short videos, awesome photos, understandable/fun graphics, and class discussions. We will have several guest speakers from the University of Arizona's Astronomy, Planetary Sciences, and Geosciences Departments. Science Fiction Theatre continues, with short clips highlighting a century of sci fi movies and TV shows. And of course, there will be Geo-feature of the Week, What’s for Launch?, and Books of the Week. Please join us for this continuing journey of discovery and adventure. Being in an earlier Astronomy/Geosciences class is neither a prerequisite nor necessary to understand and enjoy this class.

Using a BBC biography and Robert Greenberg's lectures as core materials, we will explore the life and the music of this revolutionary composer who changed forever how music is written and performed. Despite deafness becoming almost total, Beethoven wrote music which was groundbreaking, amazingly profound, and supremely beautiful. A live performance of a chamber work by University of Rochester's Eastman School of Music students will be part of the class.

This class is for people who know how to play the basic A to G chords on guitar, although class members may bring other stringed instruments to play, e.g. mandolin, bass, ukulele, banjo, harmonica, or squeeze box. Or sing along without an instrument! Songs and lyrics will be emailed each week, featuring artists like Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, The Beatles, The Everly Brothers, The Drifters, and other favorites from the 1950s and 1960s.

This class uses a group study of the book Complete Spanish Step by Step, Premium 2nd Edition, by Barbara Bregstein, beginning with chapter 1.

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

What is behavioral finance and how does it work? What is the psychology behind risk-taking and investing? What makes people feel the way they do when making financial decisions? In this class Steven Cliadakis from OLLI sponsor Altum Wealth Advisors will highlight the theories of leading behavioral finance academics and discuss how they attempt to explain irrational investor behavior. The goal is to explore how we may develop a better understanding of our cognitive and emotional selves to help us make better financial decisions.

This class is for students who have taken the "Birding in the Chico Area: All Levels" 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.

This class is for both beginning and experienced birders. Through observation and the use of 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.

No previous Tai Chi experience is necessary. All the movements are slow and gentle, and no martial arts applications will be taught or practiced in this study group. These methods may help lessen body pain, correct spinal misalignment, cultivate a sense of internal energy, and rest the mind. Participants can wear comfortable roomy or stretchy clothing and some soft tai chi shoes or socks to wear on their feet.

Chico State's tradition of academic excellence goes back more than 130 years. With over 850 faculty members and 13,000 students, the University's teaching and learning community is thriving. Discover the imagination, cutting-edge research, and expertise that flourishes in our own backyard!

Five OLLI members who love collage will share techniques and projects each week. Come and make art!

Economics plays a central role in the functioning of every aspect of society. It plays this role primarily through the actions of governments at the federal, state, and local levels. Given the centrality of its role, this class will address a set of prominent policy issues where economics is at their core. We will explore these issues in detail, including their origins as policy matters, the underlying data and evidence, and what policy levers are available to deal with them. The focus will be on what the economics profession collectively understands to be true about the issue. The structure of the class will be an initial lecture on the US economy. Subsequent lectures will be standalone, taught by a subject matter expert – all of whom have a PhD in economics. Potential topics include climate change economics, healthcare economics, economic inequality, autonomous vehicles, and many more. The topics presented will be determined by what is most topical at the time of the class.

The purpose of this class is to engage in conversation in Spanish. The instructor will provide a topic from a list generated by participants and a brief instruction on vocabulary and sentence frames which will facilitate discussion. Participants will then converse in multi-level groups. Each class will also include a short pronunciation exercise to help the participants improve their Spanish fluency. Participants should have at least an advanced beginner knowledge of Spanish.

A scintillating review of current themes in the media will be discussed in each class. Class members present a topic, discuss it, then open the floor for discussion and debate. Poetry, literature, scientific discovery, and educational progress are examples of the issues addressed. Special guests are 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.

This class is about the creative thinking process, how to develop it, and how it applies across a broad spectrum of topics such as invention/innovation, the arts, industry, creative problem solving, repurposing materials, bio-inspired design, and improvisation. Class members will draw on their unique talents, knowledge bases, hobbies, and interests to complete the challenges introduced. The class will be playful and interactive and ranges in subject matter from the silly and fantastical to tackling serious world problems.

Cribbage is a great card game for two people: fast, unpredictable, and portable. Though the game has many rules, this class will take you through all facets of the game, step by step. By the time you have finished this class, you will not only know the game well, but you will also know how to teach the game to others. If you already know the game, come play with us. Been looking for someone to play with? Maybe you will find a new friend and opponent here!

This is a moderate out and back hike totaling 4 miles along picturesque Deer Creek. The trail meanders under a forest canopy, which we will admire in its seasonal beauty. Features to enjoy along our journey include stream crossings, some short steep rocky ascents and descents, waterfalls, and basalt cliffs towering above us on the walls of the canyon. We will hike at a leisurely pace, enjoying the flora and fauna along the way.

Have you ever heard radio hosts say, "I hate annuities," "Annuities are bad," or "Annuities have lots of fees"? In this class Miste Cliadakis from OLLI sponsor Altum Wealth Advisors will demystify what you may have heard about annuities. For example, you may not know that there are four main types of annuities, that some annuities have zero fees, that some annuities are liquid, or that some annuities act much like a CD. Annuities can be complex investment products, and they may not be suitable for everyone. Learn the pros and cons of the various annuities.

Most women have a variety of casual friends with whom they socialize, yet many women feel they don't have deep emotional closeness with enough of those friends. They long for more intimate friendships where they feel truly known at a deeper, more personal level. This class will explore how to develop deeper meaningful friendships between women, as well as share our own experiences. Topics will include friendship myths, types of friendships, unhealthy friendships, steps in developing meaningful friendships, and mutual sharing and self-disclosure in friendships.

Most women have a variety of casual friends with whom they socialize, yet many women feel they don't have deep emotional closeness with enough of those friends. They long for more intimate friendships where they feel truly known at a deeper, more personal level. This class will explore how to develop deeper meaningful friendships between women, as well as share our own experiences. Topics will include friendship myths, types of friendships, unhealthy friendships, steps in developing meaningful friendships, and mutual sharing and self-disclosure in friendships.

Industrial growth, soaring immigration, westward expansion, and technological innovation – all of these were characteristics of the period in US history known as the Gilded Age. American artists such as Winslow Homer, John Singer Sargent, and Mary Cassatt flourished during this time. Wealthy industrialists invested in European and Asian art and brought it to their private collections and American museums. This class will pull these elements together to portray the American art scene as the US entered the 20th century.

Have fun exploring the many possibilities for creating your own unique characters. Learn to draw cartoon heads and bodies, along with all their features. Learn how to bring your characters to life and give each their own unique personality. You will learn how to make them talk and think. Enjoy exploring single- and multi-panel comic strips. Absolutely no drawing ability required. All that's needed is a pencil and some inexpensive paper.

This class is for those who know the basics of Bridge and want to improve their game. Each session begins with a lesson followed by play of hands related to the day's topic with guidance from the instructor.

Join this four-week session where we will delve into the fascinating world of earthquakes. We'll take a journey through the seismic history of our planet, from ancient tremors to modern-day earthquakes, including the legendary San Francisco quake of 1906. Another notable example we will look at is much older. Scientists recently reported on an ancient earthquake that occurred roughly 4,000 years ago in northern Chile that may be the biggest earthquake in human history. It is thought that it resulted in the human population abandoning the coastline for a thousand years. We'll also uncover the basic mechanics of earthquakes, exploring their causes, effects, and the science behind them. Lastly, we'll look at the techniques scientists use to try to forecast these natural phenomena, as we explore the question of whether earthquake prediction is possible.

We will design collages on the covers of blank composition books, then write inside the notebooks about the collage pieces and other art provided for viewing. Composition books will be provided by the instructors.

This class is designed to assist you in planning the transfer of your wealth to a spouse, children, grandchildren, and any other people or organizations you want to benefit from your estate. OLLI sponsors Dana and Tara Campbell will explore the advantages and disadvantages of different methods for wealth transfer to enable you to make better decisions regarding your own estate. Plan on both lecture and discussion as many exciting things can be learned from information and experiences of participants.

The North State is home to rich, diverse public lands: refuges, parks, forests, and reserves. Your public lands provide vital wildlife habitat and protect our natural resources. On this field trip, we'll explore Gray Lodge with guidance from a California Department of Fish and Wildlife Naturalist and enjoy an easy 2-mile nature walk on level paths. We will identify birds, enjoy stunning views of the Sutter Buttes, and learn about this haven for over 300 species of wildlife. Come explore your public lands with us!

Collage is a creative medium accessible to people of all artistic skill levels. We'll explore the world of collage by using different papers and techniques. There is no wrong way to create a collage. It is simply a matter of layering color, texture, and patterns. And it's fun!

Feng shui teaches that your spaces are a reflection of your life. If some part of your life is out of whack, your spaces will indicate that. The motto is: change your spaces, change your life. You'll learn to see where you spend time (home, office, car) from a new perspective and get useful solutions (called "cures") to help shift your spaces. This class shows you that these modifications can help enhance and balance your life.

Everyone can have better balance! Balance improves with practice under safe and friendly conditions. Participants will explore balance while sitting, standing, and moving through space, including walking in all directions. Participants will learn how various factors affect balance (and what to do about it), including muscle strength, flexibility, vision, vestibular sense, proprioception, coordination, and cognition. Come experience the art, science, and joy of re-establishing your body's stability and mobility.

Mobility declines with age, but more so if we're not active. Come enhance your physical and spiritual well-being through exercise. We'll practice balance, strength, and flexibility movements that lead to increased mobility. Each class follows a similar routine that can be done at home, allowing you to look after the health of your joints for many years to come. Please wear comfy clothing. Your body will thank you!

American folk music experienced a commercial revival from the late 1940s through the mid-1960s. Its roots in support of the labor movement, and later embrace of anti-war protest songs, earned many performers the label of "communist pinkos." Other performers, however, cultivated a clean-cut, down-home, all-American image. We will explore the history of this dichotomy, then play and sing the songs known collectively as "folk music." Bring your instruments, your voice, and your curiosity. Leave your inhibitions at home and be prepared to have a good time!

We will explore the subject of human enhancement and consider the social implications of the alterations humans are capable of making to themselves and others. Whether a tattoo, the consumption of a drug designed to boost performance, or the surgical alteration of the body, we have a rapidly advancing ability to alter our biology and, in so doing, to challenge cultural norms and potentially threaten long-established social structures. Is this hubris? Do alterations offer the promise of enhancement or threaten peril? Join the discussion!

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. If you are new to French, consider instead "French for Travelers" for an introduction to the sounds and expressions of French.

This class will focus on grammar, usage, creating French sentences, and improving listening skills, plus reading French stories.

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.

Let go of stress and come home to yourself. Over millennia, the sages of the Himalayan Yoga Tradition developed highly effective methods of movement, relaxation, and meditation. In this study group you will learn foundational practices from the Himalayan Yoga Tradition. Each session will have three phases: gentle movement and breathing, deep relaxation, and meditation. Members can expect to leave this class refreshed. Please note that the movements taught in this study group are not acrobatics. They are suitable for people with no yoga experience. If you've attended yoga classes and found them to be too strenuous or otherwise challenging, this study group is for you.

Embark on a journey to inner peace with these tranquil yoga sessions. This class is designed to calm the mind and foster a deep connection with your inner self through gentle movements. Participants will engage in exercises performed both seated on the floor and through simple standing postures. This class is open to all, regardless of prior yoga experience. Please bring a yoga mat. While not essential, you're welcome to bring any personal yoga props to enhance your practice.

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.

"Great Decisions" is the Foreign Policy Association's public education program about US foreign policy and global affairs issues. We will cover four of the Foreign Policy Association's topics and add some additional topics that are of interest to the class.

We'll start at Green Gate and hike through Upper Bidwell Park into Lower Bidwell Park, coming out near Five Mile at Centennial Avenue. Binoculars are suggested for views, landmarks, and bird viewing. Expect elevation changes of approximately 1,000 feet and a hike 5+ miles in length. Our pace will be steady with occasional stops. The trail is rigorous; expect hills and uneven ground.

History is full of events that seem unbelievable except they are completely true. This course will visit a baker's dozen of these oddities. You'll be appalled, amused, and astounded. Do you know about the dancing plague of 1518? Did you know that a bushel of oysters almost destroyed the British Fleet in WWI? Learn some of the history you were never taught.

People have fashioned 3-D figures out of clay since the beginning of time: sculpture! This series will explore the evolution of sculpture from the earliest figures to those made during the fifteenth-century Renaissance. We will look at cultural incentives, materials, patrons, and artists. We will follow the thread as artists use sculpture to express ideas about life.

Cathryn has made and given away holiday cookies for fifty years. In this class, she will share three cookie recipes that are refrigerated before baking and then baked in a few minutes any time you desire. She will make one of the doughs during class and show how to prep all three for baking. You can optionally make the dough ahead of time and bake along with Cathryn.

The darkness of the arctic winters gives Russian holidays special meaning. From Christmas festivities to New Year celebrations, from palaces to peasant villages, these holidays feature folk customs, family traditions, foods, fairs, and religious rituals. Join us to explore these traditions and their changes that occurred during the Soviet Union.

This class explores the emergence of tyrants in European history. It examines how Western political philosophy has played out in the real world of ancient Greece and Rome, the Middle Ages and the twentieth century. History does not repeat, but it drops hints. Just now a good number of historians are saying if America turns into an autocracy we should have seen it coming. We will be looking at historical indicators.

Being able to sketch or draw is a foundation for creating art in a variety of mediums and helps in explaining ideas and thoughts. This class will address beginning graphite pencil drawing approaches and techniques. Participants will actively draw in every class session while learning to construct simple to more complex drawings along the way. Join us to explore drawing together.

Participants will learn about the importance of water safety, how the design of the watercraft affects how the vessel performs, how to enter and exit the vessel, paddle design, and a variety of paddle strokes. This class is a great way to gain the necessary skills to have fun and be confident when participating in other kayak adventures on flat water and slow-moving water.

The session will focus on events leading to US involvement in Vietnam culminating in an avoidable war with casualties over 2 million, including 58,000 Americans. There will be a discussion of the history of Vietnam, the French colonial era, the rise of Ho Chi Minh and the Viet Minh, South Vietnamese politics, and US policy decisions. There will also be a detailed examination of the conduct of the war, with an emphasis on the tactical decisions leading to heavy casualties among Americans and their communist opponents. This will be an interactive session soliciting questions and comments.

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.

In 1997, Don Miguel Ruiz published The Four Agreements. He writes that we have, mostly unconsciously, agreed to living as what he calls "the domesticated human," leading lives that can be unfulfilling and difficult. The four agreements can create the experience of inner freedom and contentment. In class, we will discuss each agreement and ways to apply them in everyday life. Familiarity with the book is helpful but not necessary. Just come and learn how to live a more wholesome life!

The class will examine common flaws in logic which lead to questionable conclusions: opposites and falsehoods, blame and responsibility, paradoxes, fallacies, emotions, etc. The goal is to become aware of one's own blind spots that are obstacles in the search for truth.

This class delves into Motown's golden era from the 1960s to the 1970s, highlighting its breakthrough songwriting, iconic artists, and profound social influence. Learn about Motown's innovative processes that crafted timeless sounds and how it navigated racial barriers, adapting to cultural shifts to achieve global acclaim. Over eight weeks, we'll spotlight over two dozen artists and groups, featuring more than ninety seminal tracks and videos spanning from 1957 to 1983. Discover the stories behind legendary songwriters and the development of unique talents that defined Motown's new sound. We'll examine how Motown's strategies in artist development and music production helped it transcend its era and leave a lasting legacy. The series concludes by reflecting on the end of Motown's golden era and celebrating its first twenty-five transformative years. Join us to appreciate the magic of Motown and its enduring impact on music and culture worldwide.

Discuss, plan, and prepare a simple altar in memory and in honor of friends and family you have lost. Some people observe holidays like Day of the Dead and All Souls Day that specifically honor loved ones who have died; for others, the upcoming winter holiday season and dark winter days can be a time to think of those who have died. The altars we build will give us a concrete, personal way to celebrate our departed loved ones with art, photos, and writings.

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.

Join us for two outdoor adventures, each approximately 1-3 miles on flat, even surfaces, as we explore interesting spaces in our community. We'll meander at a leisurely pace learning about the flora, fauna, history, and other highlights in the areas we visit. Participants should be comfortable walking at least a mile and standing for about 2 hours.

The Medicare Annual Open Enrollment Period (AEP) for Part D prescription drug plans and Part C Medicare Advantage plans begins October 15 and ends December 7. This Medicare FAQ class will offer beneficiaries options for their healthcare needs in the coming year. Passages HICAP Medicare counselors will be on site and ready to perform AEP Part D prescription drug plan comparisons and plan changes for attendees who wish to reevaluate their current plan.

Each week we'll view a feature-length documentary or two shorter films. The films will generally feature a performer or composer, the impact of their environment on their music, and the impact of their music on other musicians and on society. Or the focus might be on a style of music from swing to country, jazz to rock. This is a class for the open-minded and intellectually curious because, paraphrasing Mick Jagger, you might not always hear what you like, but sometimes you just might like what you hear.

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.

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.

This workshop is for anyone who has volunteered to help a nonprofit or tried to start a nonprofit themselves, including the delights and dilemmas of service and leadership in the nonprofit context. Content includes nonprofit basics, board member roles and responsibilities, and challenges and opportunities for elders in the context of the nonprofit life cycle. There will also be opportunities to explore specific questions and concerns raised by participants. This class does not provide legal advice.

Each week we'll watch a favorite movie available on Netflix or Prime. The instructor will choose and present the first film. In the five weeks that follow, class members will have an opportunity to choose and present a favorite film. The presenter must have seen their suggested film. The class will vote on which film to watch for the following week. If no one volunteers, the instructor will choose the film to discuss and may or may not introduce the film. Class members are welcome to attend the discussion whether they have seen the film. This is a chance to share and revisit old favorites or new. There may be a charge to watch some of the films.

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.

Since the 2008 Great Recession the United States has faced three separate, but overlapping, crises: stagnant economic growth, accelerating domestic political polarization, and geopolitical challenges to its post-World War II hegemonic status. This class will examine how the Obama, Trump, and Biden administrations have addressed and/or contributed to those crises. The class will conclude with a focus on how those crises are affecting the 2024 presidential election.

Join us as we learn to power the mind. We will discuss topics on ways to love your brain, prevent cognitive decline, and improve your overall mental health. This class will incorporate a few lighthearted and joyful activities, including crafting, mindfulness, and cooking sessions.

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.

Observe the Chinook salmon, or king salmon, spawning season up close as we kayak beside them in the Feather River. We'll start with a brief safety and how to paddle lesson. Then we'll travel downriver to view the spawning salmon. You'll learn about the lifecycle of the salmon and the Feather River, and have a chance to see Oroville in a whole new way.

Observe the Chinook salmon, or king salmon, spawning season up close as we kayak beside them in the Feather River. We'll start with a brief safety and how to paddle lesson. Then we'll travel downriver to view the spawning salmon. You'll learn about the lifecycle of the salmon and the Feather River, and have a chance to see Oroville in a whole new way.

This class will discuss favorite science fiction authors, their books, and the human, political, and scientific issues they raise. The books and authors will be chosen by Sydney from suggestions by participants. This is a fun, free-flowing gathering of science fiction enthusiasts. Please join us and bring your ideas, insights, and suspension of disbelief.

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!

Sharpen your drawing and watercolor skills as we paint and sketch together on a variety of subjects. The purpose of this class is to provide a supportive community for those who work to keep their journal practice alive. We will share ideas and sometimes our favorite art materials, the ones that make this practice all the more fun. With seasonal sights available to us as examples, plan on some brilliant pages in your sketchbook.

Join us for a collaborative read of Shakespeare's The Tempest, a play about colonialism and the dispossessed. You'll be encouraged, but not required, to join in the discussion. This class is for beginners and Shakespeare veterans alike. You will want your own copy of the play, but any good standard edition will do. E-mail Jack (jdayer@ucdavis.edu) for guidance.

This class is an introduction to any version of Apple's iPhone. We will cover the basic structure and functions of the iPhone as well as how to navigate your device using your voice and fingers. The class consists of lectures and hands-on exercises. Most importantly, you will learn how and where to find the answer to the all important question, "How do I…?"

Where safety meets socialization! Join Butte County Public Health for walks around Chico and learn about how to be a safer pedestrian every time you leave your house. Pedestrian safety is an important topic, as everyone is a pedestrian! During this class we will go for social walks, identify how we can get around safer, and get to know each other all at the same time. Safety items will be provided to participants of the class and each walk is about 1.5 miles long.

This Civil War class will meet at the crossroads of political ideology, military history, military strategy and tactics, literature, oratory, journalism, photography, song, and poetry – all contributing elements in our attempts to better understand The War of the Rebellion, the effects of which continue to the present and shape our Union. We will humbly study the military actions of Grant, Meade, Lee, and Longstreet and also peruse the words of Lincoln and Whitman, Emily Dickinson and Frances Watkins Harper, William Seward and William Tecumseh Sherman, Ambrose Bierce and Stephen Vincent Benét, and others.

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.

Spiritual principles help us follow a path to experience life with strength and resilience. These are fundamental truths that are universally accepted and passed on over many years and through many traditions. As suggested in The Eye of the I by David R. Hawkins, MD, PhD, we will talk about some of the following principles: attitude, humility, kindness, giving up guilt, willingness to realize that "truth" is dependent on context, acceptance, and non-attachment.

Because the Sun is now near the peak of its 11-year cycle, sunspots are in the news these days. The Chinese observed sunspots with the naked eye around the tenth century. In 1611 Galileo and Harriot employed telescopes to study them. Their existence, proving that celestial bodies are imperfect, was not welcomed by the Catholic Church. Sunspots, huge storms on the Sun's surface, eject clouds of energetic ions that, if they reach Earth, create auroral phenomena. Such storms routinely disable communication satellites and can disrupt electric power systems. A repeat of the Carrington Event of 1859, the largest known solar storm, could seriously damage electric power transmission equipment and require costly repairs.

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.

Want to hear some interesting stories? Each class session will feature someone telling their life story. Students will have the option of being filmed and given a flash drive with the recording as a keepsake. This token of remembrance can be passed onto one's family or friends. A memoir book will be available to students and a list of possible topics to address when giving their talk. Everyone has a story to tell. Come and share yours!

We use our senses and memories to help us navigate daily life. Applying them when visiting galleries and museums can be as enlightening as reading labels. This class explores the connection between viewing art and our personal experiences. For example, your awe at the Grand Canyon can be similar to your awe when seeing Michelangelo's David. In advance of each class, participants will receive emails with playful exercises and recommended readings and videos. Each of the five classes will focus on a separate discipline.

Around 2-2.5 billion years ago, one prokaryotic cell engulfed another, forming a symbiotic, mutually beneficial partnership. Almost every living thing we see today is directly descended from that chimeric couple, as they gave rise to eukaryotes. We will explore the environmental conditions that favored this symbiosis, why the presence of the engulfed cell required a complete remodeling of the host cell's organization, and the many important biological consequences of the symbiosis. We will also briefly discuss the only other known examples of engulfed endosymbionts evolving into organelles.

This is one part of a three-term presentation of David Blight's online Yale University class. Four broad themes are closely examined: the crisis of union and disunion in an expanding republic; slavery, race, and emancipation as a national problem, personal experience, and social process; the experience of modern, total war for individuals and society; and the political and social challenges of Reconstruction.

The Electoral College is a uniquely American institution. Should it be reformed, abolished, or retained? This class focuses on three questions: Why does the United States have such a complicated system for electing the President? How well has the Electoral College reflected the popular vote for President? What are some proposals for changing the current system? What are their prospects for adoption?

We will continue to explore the new developments in medicine and biotechnology and how they impact our health and well-being.

This is a participatory, discussion-based class exploring the hidden assumptions in our language. Does the way we speak influence and manipulate the way we think? Our language is replete with militaristic euphemisms and metaphors, political code words and dog whistles, and hidden assumptions about power, patriarchy, hierarchy, and identity. Many of those words and phrases are so ingrained in our lexicon that we are oblivious to the potentially manipulative power they hold over us and our way of thinking.

The experience of loneliness is a profoundly personal and nuanced, yet undeniably social phenomenon. Participants will begin by exploring the essence of loneliness and its role as a call to action, urging us to forge deeper connection with ourselves and others. We will examine our vulnerabilities and how embracing them strengthens our resilience and shared humanity. The class emphasizes practical mindful self-compassion practices to transform our relationship with solitude and loneliness, enhancing our connections with others. Through reflective exercises and guided practices, participants will learn to transform loneliness by nurturing compassion for themselves and forging meaningful relationships in their communities.

The class will present a brief history of the disposal of trash through time, regulations affecting the disposal of trash, and the history of the Neal Road Recycling and Waste Facility (landfill). Learn about the recycling and diversion of wastes from the landfill, landfill operations, monitoring, amounts of waste disposed, as well as effects of disasters, electrical power generation, equipment used, and the future of landfill and related topics.

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!

Come enjoy Paradise and walk the Yellowstone Kelly Heritage Trail with us! We will walk the trail from the top to the bottom, a little over 5 miles downhill, and experience elevations from 2800-1800 feet. The trail is paved and will provide an opportunity to see the rebuild progress and the changing landscape. We will stop at Joy Lyn's Candy Shop. The last section of the path includes an art installation by muralist Shane Grammer.

This class is an introduction to watercolor painting. We will cover techniques, color blending, color mixing, and brushwork. All materials provided.

Grab your sketchbook and assorted art materials! The goal of this class is to complete a piece of art each week during class time. For each session we will look at a photo, video clip, or artwork, briefly discuss it, and then create our own piece. Prior to each session, specific art materials that will be used by the instructor for that week will be shared. Participants are welcome to follow along with the instructor or take off in a direction of their own.

Whodunnit? This is a question every society asks when faced with a murder, and the Greeks and Romans were no different. In this class we will examine two famous cold cases from the ancient world: the assassinations of the Greek king Philip of Macedon and the Roman Germanicus, the Emperor Tiberius's heir. Who was blamed at the time? Who actually committed the crime? These are some of the ultimate cold cases in history; come join us and be a detective!

Escape the valley heat and enjoy one of the lesser-known gems of Lassen Park! This moderately challenging hike begins at the Brokeoff Mountain Trailhead at 6800' elevation, and we'll steadily ascend 600 feet in 1.5 miles. Veering off the main trail we'll hike cross-country to beautiful and seldom-visited Forest Lake. 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!

Join other women spousal caregivers to give and receive support. Talking with others who are experiencing relatable situations can be cathartic and helpful. It can also provide a safe space where stories, tips, and humor make a positive difference.

Learn fun social dances from around the world, including Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Greece, Israel, Scotland, and the United States. Line, circle, and couple dances. No partner required.

Learn to sing or play songs used in world dances. These dances are mostly international folk dance melodies used at local dance club parties. The songs may have rhythms common or uncommon to western music, such as 2/4, 3/4, 7/8, and 9/8 time signatures. Lyrics and music will be provided.

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.

Learn to write a short 10- to 20-minute play. We will cover the basics of playwriting, including format, structure, character, conflict, and dialogue. This is a workshop-style class in which we discuss concepts and techniques, share what we have written, and write short exercises to develop skills. Prompts will be offered to stimulate your ideas. There will be an opportunity for some of the plays to be performed in the annual OLLI Play Festival.