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100 D-Days follows the rise and fall of the Japanese Empire from its invasion of Manchuria and China in the 1930s to its ultimate defeat under the weight of American bombs. We look at the vastness of the Asia Pacific combat theater, the development of the largest fleet ever seen – before or since – and explore how the perfection of the aircraft carrier and aviation in general were the central fact of the war in the Theater. Learn about the breathtaking early victories by the Japanese Army and Navy in Southeast Asia and the Pacific and the role of aircraft in this remarkable string of naval and military success. And follow the turn of the tide as the weight of American industry asserted itself against the Japanese invaders. Using extensive video clips, animated maps, and images, we will cover the first naval engagements where neither side saw the enemy except from the air. Finally, we will trace the development of the B29, the most expensive weapons system in history, and how firebombing, conventional and atomic, brought victory and changed the face of warfare.

In 1848 William and Ellen Craft, a young enslaved couple, did the impossible: they escaped from Georgia disguised as a white master with his black slave. Pursued and in danger of being retaken and tortured, they went public, speaking and touring northern states before fleeing to England. This class will be a deep dive into their history and encourage developing your ideas out loud. At heart, this is an American love story between a man and a woman, a couple and a country.

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 class brings to life the words of renowned second-century Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius: "Your ability to control your thoughts – treat it with respect. It's all that protects your mind from false perceptions – false to your nature, and that of all rational beings." You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength. Come to class and discover how we can trick ourselves into believing everything the brain says.

Join us for a leisurely walk of up to four miles along the tree-lined shore of Paradise Lake. 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 back seat for a while and allow the nurturing energy of Mother Nature to slow you down as you appreciate the tranquility of your surroundings.

This is an introductory class on how to effectively shop at thrift and consignment stores. These types of stores are a great way to enjoy and reap the benefits of buying fashion and household items without paying high-end retail prices. We will also discuss how to repurpose many items found in your home and garage. Class meetings will be a mix of in the classroom and out and about at thrift stores.

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 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.

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.

We will look at the Australian continent's artistic history since its colonization by the British in 1788. Topics include expeditionary artists, Australian Impressionism, women artists 1880-1960, Australian and Californian aesthetic connections, Australian photography, and what Robert Hughes called "the last great art movement of the 20th century": Aboriginal art.

Join us to learn more about the various services B-Line, Butte County's public transit provider, offers for older adults and people with disabilities.

This class engages in a group study of the book Complete Spanish Step by Step, Premium 2nd Edition, by Barbara Bregstein, beginning with chapter 3.

This class engages in a group study of the book Complete Spanish Step by Step, Premium 2nd Edition, by Barbara Bregstein, beginning with chapter 7.

Join North State Symphony Music Director Scott Seaton for an exclusive look at the creative process behind the monumental work Symphonie Fantastique by Hector Berlioz, a work that expanded the orchestra, revolutionized musical form, and redefined the possibilities of program music. Begin with a pre-rehearsal lecture, followed by an open rehearsal, and wrap up with a Q&A. Witness the artistry, collaboration, and passion that bring music to life in this unique and immersive experience.

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.

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

Everyone has heard about Captain Hook and Long John Silver, but what happened when a real pirate lost a limb at sea? Learn about maritime prosthetics for real Golden Age sailors, the relationship of able seamen towards the disabled, and whether Lord Nelson wore an eye patch. Pirates may have been remorseless criminals, but they were also forward thinking in that they offered accidental death and dismemberment insurance to their brethren. Come for stories about life at sea and the perils of battle, scurvy, and alcoholism – and what they can teach us about today's attitudes toward disability.

Join us for an 8-week musical odyssey that not only celebrates the profound ability of music to whisk us away on global adventures without leaving our seats, but also delves into the rich history of various modes of transportation such as planes, trains, boats, automobiles, and more. Explore timeless classics with over 100 tracks and videos from Bing to Beyoncé, spanning the Great American Songbook (including Broadway, film, jazz, and standards), rock, folk, country, soul (including R&B and Motown), and hip hop. From literal travels to metaphorical journeys, this series promises to inspire, educate, and entertain, leaving you with lasting tunes of travel, adventure, and romance. Each session offers a dual exploration: uncovering the stories behind these tracks and providing a historical overview of how our fascination and love of travel is so intricately connected with music.

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!

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.

In his legendary career as a director, Alfred Hitchcock created dense, suspenseful films filled with flawed heroes, charming villains, and moral ambiguity. In this four-week online class, we'll consider some of Hitchcock's very best films, focusing on two films each week that share a common theme. Students should watch the films on their own; in class, we'll look at brief film clips and discuss key elements. Whether you've enjoyed Hitchcock films for many years or you're just discovering them, this is a chance to go deeper into the mind of a brilliant, complicated man and the surprising, confounding, entertaining world he created on film.

Join us on a journey of discovery along Oroville's Museum Mile! The City of Oroville owns and operates five city museums: the Oroville Chinese Temple, the C.F. Lott Home, the Pioneer History Museum, the Feather River Nature Center & Native Plant Park, and Bolt's Antique Tool Museum. Each museum tells a part of the story of this region's rich heritage. Enjoy docent-led tours each class and dig deeper into the stories, artifacts, and lives of this unique Northern California town.

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. During this outing, we'll explore the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge in Willows, which attracts over a million wintering waterfowl. On a leisurely 1-mile Wetlands Walk, led by visitor service staff, we'll learn about the refuge system, wetland management, and visiting waterfowl and songbirds. After lunch we will take the auto tour. Come explore your public lands with us.

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

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!

Flexibility declines with age, but more so if you're not active. Come rejuvenate your mental, physical, and spiritual well-being through exercise. We'll practice balance, strength, and flexibility movements that lead to enhanced mobility. Each class follows a similar pragmatic routine that can be done at home. Consistent practice with exercises that increase your range of motion means you'll be looking after the health of your joints for many years to come. Comfortable clothing recommended for ease of motion.

Through lectures, videos, and discussions, we will consider five Spanish artists – Velázquez, Goya, Sorolla, Picasso, and Dalí – who had major impacts on the movements of realism, impressionism, cubism, and surrealism. Participants will receive emails with something to read, something to watch, and a discussion preparation exercise in advance of each class meeting.

When Franz Schubert died at age 31, he had completed well over 1,000 works. But very few of his instrumental compositions had received even a single performance during his lifetime. Many were only discovered decades after his death. This class looks primarily at music he wrote in his last two years. This is one of the greatest bodies of work written over a similar interval by any composer, even though his health was rapidly failing. We will watch and discuss videos of solo piano works, trios, a quartet, a quintet, symphonies, choral music, and some of his last songs.

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.

Each week we will read from George Simenon's Le Chien Jaune, featuring Inspector Maigret. By dissecting grammar and usage, we further our facility with the French language. Plus, we expand our vocabulary!

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.

This class will focus on French pronunciation, politesse, and practicalities – the vocabulary and idioms helpful as an introduction to French and for travelers in French-speaking countries. While classes are conducted mainly in English, they will include more basic French than in the past. Come prepared to exercise your brain and facial muscles as you dive into the beautiful French language.

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.

Golden Beaver Distillery is one of only a few distilleries in the country that use primarily rice. Learn about the unique process distiller Kris Koenig uses and how it sets Golden Beaver apart from other distilleries. You will also have the opportunity to taste whiskey, with surprising flavors of the season.

"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.

This set of three lectures examines America's relationship with guns and gun violence from colonial times to the present with special focus on the emergence of a uniquely American gun culture, a powerful gun lobby, and the social and political challenges states, communities, and lawmakers have faced over time. We will also look at how gun technology and gun accessibility have emerged as deeply polarizing issues in twenty-first century America. The class will also look at the issues of crime statistics and gun control using international comparisons as points of reference.

Alfred Hitchcock was always fascinated with voyeurism and the interplay between voyeurism, filmmaking, and film watching. In this class, we'll consider four of Hitchcock's best films and explore his obsession with people watching other people. Participants should watch the films on their own; in class, we'll look at brief film clips and discuss key themes. Expect another lively trip into the mind of a brilliant, complicated man and the strange, disturbing world he created on film.

Hike 5.3 miles with 450 feet elevation gain along a bluff as we enjoy the Sacramento River and spectacular views of Lassen Peak. There's a bit of a climb to Paynes Creek Point, offering more picturesque views including Mount Shasta. Birds, flowers, and geology abound. Fun hike, plenty of birds, flowers, and geology for all. Bring your A game; we all have something to share. Fitness is necessary for this hike.

This class will begin with the high Renaissance sculpture, baroque, and classical all the way through modern and contemporary sculpture. We will consider why sculpture was made, its purpose, and who paid for it, as well as the influence of culture on this important evolution.

This initial HOOFers class brings together women interested in participating in our hiking community. We focus on trail safety, basic navigation skills, sharing our love and knowledge of local trails, aligning our expectations and abilities when planning hikes, and building a community of informed, like-minded hikers. At our first, mandatory in-class meeting we learn about each other, evaluate our packs and equipment, and share our knowledge and skills. A short PowerPoint Presentation covers basic trail safety. Three subsequent meetings are hikes.

Anti-Asian violence: A modern-day occurrence? Not at all. Fear, hatred, and racism toward the Chinese and Japanese began in the mid 1800's culminating with the incarceration of over 125,000 Japanese at the beginning of WWII, two-thirds of whom were US citizens. Join Denny Kato, a third-generation Japanese American (Sansei) and former US Army military intelligence, and discuss the how, when and why racism landed Americans in what is more accurately described as prison camps, and what we can do to countermand the effect of anti-Asian violence and racism in America today. With the continuing immigration and border crisis, we will see how the incarceration of the Japanese in WWII can repeat itself today and why we should be ever vigilant that this never happens again.

This class will be a refresher or training on essential skills for instructors. We'll talk about pedagogy and best practices, and might do some (voluntary!) demonstrations of various skills and practices. You'll walk away with some practical tools to use in the classroom and some concrete training in the craft of leading an engaging class session. This class is for anyone who already teaches OLLI classes, who might want to teach in the future, or who just has an interest in the topic.

This class will specifically introduce participants to Prismacolor pencils and how to use them. Since Prismacolor pencils have a wax base, it is important to know how to use and care for them properly. The class will cover the types of paper to use, basic procedures for color swatching, color blending strategies, layering techniques, sharpening methods, and preparing for and working on a complete colored pencil drawing. With a thoughtful approach, proper blending, and some patience, completed Prismacolor pencil drawings can look like paintings.

Have you been yearning to know all about Japanese sake? Please join John Hornick, who holds several sake certifications and interned in the Daimon brewery near Osaka, Japan, to learn the types of premium sakes and what makes them "premium." In addition, you will learn how premium sake ingredients affect taste, aroma, and regionality. We will go over the three main brewing methods and how they affect taste, the importance of rice polishing ratio, and sake terms you need to know. A list of recommended sakes will be provided to registered participants. John will lead a tasting of any sakes purchased by the course participants, but no purchase is necessary.

In 1803 the appointed US Supreme Court justices claimed the power to make judgements binding elected officials based on judicial review, and their authority to apply constitutional mandates as the supreme law of the land. The current challenges to judicial activist policymaking by the court and proposed reforms are only the latest of many such power struggles between the court, Congress, the President and the states. University of Cincinnati Professor Emeritus Howard Tolley will provide a historical overview of how those struggles have evolved as the balance of power has shifted.

Do you speak a dialect? If not, who does? Whose dialect is better? Is there good language and bad language? Who decides? This class will consider these questions and perhaps challenge some of our basic assumptions as we take a fun romp through the wonderful diversity of human language.

In Mary Shelley's gripping 1816 novel, Victor Frankenstein experimentally assembles pieces of human cadavers which he then animates, creating a "monster" with superhuman physical and mental powers. In this learning through conversation seminar, we will examine the personal, social, cultural, and ethical consequences of creating such a being.

The course will cover events in the 1920s leading up to the start of the Great Depression, including ominous parallels between the 1920s and the 2020s. We will discuss political and economic conditions during the 1930s and the early years of WWII with a detailed examination of the lives of a diverse group of Americans who provided first-hand accounts of their lives during this tumultuous period of American life. There will be a discussion of lessons learned with questions and comments solicited.

Improv, or improvisational comedy, is like acting, only there's no script. The motto of improv is "yes, and." It's about being spontaneous and listening. You're given a scenario, and you make it up as you go. Join us to build more self-confidence, use your imagination more, and have a lot of fun.

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.

This class will be full of tricks to save time, money, and/or energy and provides an opportunity to get together and share ideas. These ideas will include cleaning, cooking, gardening, camping, travel, entertaining, communication, shopping, and anything else the class as a group shows interest in.

Linguaphile by Julie Sedivy, linguist, cognitive scientist, prose writer, and poet, follows the path language takes through life from infancy, childhood, maturity, aging, and loss. A memoir of a life steeped in love and exploration of language, and an accessible overview of the science of language, Linguaphile elucidates the mysteries of language and will deepen your appreciation of language and how it permeates our lives. Whether you are interested in the sciences or the humanities, reading the book will be a revelatory experience. Michael will lead the discussion, providing suggested discussion questions and occasionally supplementary scientific background.

This is an introduction to understanding LGBTQ+ identities, experiences, and culture. We will explore key terms such as sex, gender identity, and sexual orientation, as well as common abbreviations (LGBTQIA+, etc.). We will also discuss significant events, important figures, and cultural milestones of LGBTQ+ history. This class will also discuss common misconceptions, addressing discrimination and bias as well as how to foster inclusive and supportive environments in your communities. If you're new to these topics, this session offers a welcoming space to learn and ask questions.

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.

This class will focus on DNA. We will discuss how DNA is structured, replicated, error corrected, transcribed, and translated. More specifically, we will discuss how information is stored in the sequence of the DNA and how memories are retrieved. The DNA sequence can tell us about inheritance, genetic traits, and genetic disease. The DNA sequence can also tell us who our ancestors mated with, where ethnic groups of people originated from, and where ethnic groups migrated. Environmental DNA analysis can tell us about mass genetic surveillance of plants, animals, and humans. Lastly, we will also discuss how genetic traits and diseases can be changed or corrected by gene editing. A background in the biological sciences is advantageous, but not required.

Microplastics have been making the headlines recently. Identified in the Great Lakes in 2013, microplastics have since been detected in freshwater, oceans, and municipal water supplies around the world. This class will describe the nature of microplastics, the prevalence of microplastics in the food chain, and the detection of microplastics in our bodies.

This class addresses the unique communication challenges that arise in today's diverse and fast-paced environments where misunderstandings can happen quickly. You'll learn how to approach important conversations with empathy, understand different viewpoints, and improve your listening skills. The class will cover practical strategies for navigating difficult discussions, whether in personal relationships, community involvement, or other areas of life. We discuss these strategies specially in the context of intergenerational conversations and other challenging communication moments that are specifically relevant to older adults.

Before she died in 1974, Felicia Lubliner wrote about her internment in ghettos and the Auschwitz and Gross-Rosen concentration camps in Nazi-occupied Poland. Her powerful stories were published by her son, Irv Lubliner, who also contributed the foreword and afterword to Only Hope: A Survivor's Stories of the Holocaust. Irv will share excerpts, shedding light on his mother's experiences and indomitable spirit, as well as his experience as a child of Holocaust survivors. He will pause during and after his presentation to invite questions and discussion.

This class will examine the Spanish flu, SARS-02, COVID-19, bird flu, swine flu, monkeypox, West Nile virus, and others. The class will discuss laboratory-acquired infections, gain-of-function research, bushmeat, traditional Chinese medicine, testing, masking, social distancing, vaccination, biocontainment lab operations, and the Strategic National Stockpile of medicine and medical devices. The important takeaway message is to focus on what worked, what did not work, and how to be prepared for the future pandemic that is just around the corner.

This class will explore the lives and legacies of Ancient Egypt's most remarkable pharaohs. From the unification of Egypt under Narmer to the grandeur of Ramses II, participants will delve into the pivotal moments that shaped Ancient Egypt's political, religious, and cultural landscapes. Each session will focus on the reigns of rulers such as Hatshepsut, Akhenaten, and Ramses II, offering insights into their enduring influence on world history. Join the class to uncover the stories behind Egypt's most powerful leaders and the lasting impact of their reigns.

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

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

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

Scott Shafer from ShaferTech and Steven Cliadakis from OLLI sponsor Altum Wealth Advisors will give an overview of various digital and analog scams, along with some tips on how to identify and avoid them. This class does not provide legal advice.

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 one of Shakespeare's more intriguing (and disturbing) plays. 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. Email Jack (jdayer@ucdavis.edu) for guidance.

We will begin in the floodplain of Big Chico Creek and travel back in time across the older deposits of the creek and into the Cascade foothills. The first route, from Five Mile to the North Rim Trail, covers a condensed sequence of the major landforms that occur in the Sacramento Valley, as well as the transition to the Tuscan Formation in the Cascade foothills. In the second route, following the Lower Trail and Yahi Trail from Horseshoe Lake, we walk up the bottom of Big Chico Creek Canyon, applying what we observed on the first route and viewing the slot canyon in the Lovejoy basalt. There will be approximately 6 miles of moderate hiking with some rocky and uneven areas. The first route has a short, steep up-and-down.

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 continue our conversations on giving up guilt, being willing to engage life, non-attachment, acceptance, what to do in conflict, and choosing a kind view of life.

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

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

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

Did Middle Eastern terrorism start with the 9/11 attack, or did it start in 1972 with the Munich Olympic attack? Was Al-Qaeda a passing phenomenon? Did the US succeed in "degrading and destroying" ISIS? Was Hamas's October 7 attack to be expected? Did killing bin Laden and al-Baghdadi put an end to future terrorism from the Middle East? These and many other questions will be examined by exploring the causes, the circumstances and the major factors in play now and then.

The largest park in the nation outside of Alaska is the Adirondack Park in New York, which comprises 6 million acres (9,375 square miles – the size of Vermont), nearly half of which is protected by state constitution to remain "forever wild" forest preserve. Although the mountains are formed from ancient rocks more than 1 billion years old, geologically, the mountains are relatively young and were created during recent periods of glaciation. We'll discuss the park's long geologic history and its fascinating culture and past, including the conflicts that led to its creation.

In 1066, the army of William of Normandy defeated the forces of the English king, Harold, at the battle of Hastings. You probably remember this from a history class at some point in your life. But, did you know that, within a few years of William’s conquest, the campaign was commemorated in a tapestry that still exists today? This class will examine the creation of the tapestry and the scenes it portrays and discuss how it has managed to survive for 950 years.

Put some music fans in the same room and sooner or later, they will ask each other, "What's your favorite song?" If we talk about rock fans, there will be some choosing "Smoke on the Water," others "Bohemian Rhapsody," some "Stairway to Heaven," and many will have other choices. With audiovisuals, stories and anecdotes, let's discuss what makes these songs great, the context when they became classics, the songwriters, the performers, their cultural significance, and if they will keep resonating across time. From the '50s until today, there's plenty of great music to talk about. Let's build our own top 100.

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

We will explore philosophical questions related to the meaning of life and the good life in an open discussion led by an experienced philosophy instructor. What is a good life? What would a meaningless life look like? What gives meaning to lives? What does it mean for a life to have meaning?

Most people still have not internalized the revelations of 400 years ago! This class presents core results and, more importantly, manners of thinking, starting with Galileo (but hearkening back to Lucretius and earlier) and proceeding up to Einstein, that most people are utterly unaware of. These are the underlying principles of all modern physicist-like thinking that most people don't even dream exist. Each week will introduce one more of these seemingly simple yet truly subtle and powerful realizations, with demos where possible.

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!

The majority of us do most of our research online. Fortunately for us, thousands of digitized documents are being uploaded daily. The problem can be finding them. This presentation is geared to provide you with suggestions on how to make the most of your online research. Also discussed are tips on how the internet can make you a better genealogist.

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

Bringing back an OLLI favorite: park walks! If you want to start a walking habit, add to your daily step count, spend a morning with old and new friends, or just enjoy beautiful Lower Park, lace up your shoes and join us. Choose a 1-mile route looping at Hwy 99 or a 2.8-mile route looping at the 2nd bridge (Cedar Grove).

Bringing back an OLLI favorite: park walks! If you want to start a walking habit, add to your daily step count, spend a morning with old and new friends, or just enjoy beautiful Lower Park, lace up your shoes and join us. Choose a 1-mile route looping at Hwy 99 or a 2.8-mile route looping at the 2nd bridge (Cedar Grove).

This class will explore contemporary geographical topics such as resource supply and consumption, selected environmental issues, and demographic changes, using the most reliable, easily available data sources. We will keep in mind the role that bias plays as we strive to better understand our world.

Sierra Rescue International will lead OLLI members in a one-day, 8-hour wilderness first aid and CPR training course. The training will be geared towards the hikes and walks that we do at OLLI. All OLLI members are welcome to join in and brush up on their skills. Participants will receive an American CPR and first aid card that is valid for 2 years and a Sierra Rescue International Wilderness First Aid Workshop card that is valid for 2 years.

Many people living in the West are very comfortable buying and ordering California wines, especially those from Napa Valley and Sonoma. However, there are more than 150 different officially recognized growing regions in California. In fact, the oldest grapevine in the state is in Los Angeles. In this class, we will explore some of the state's less well-known wine growing regions, especially those of Southern California, with the same curiosity and excitement as we do some of the more famous northern appellations. An optional recommended wine list will be sent out 24 hours before each class for any participants who wish to purchase any of the wines, grapes, or styles we will be discussing that week.

The North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve is a local treasure, with abundant wildflowers and waterfalls in spring. Join us for this moderately challenging 7-mile hike via Beatson Hollow and Coal Canyon. We'll traverse cross-country on paths less traveled, requiring steady balance. Terrain will be uneven with loose rocks; though mostly flat, there will be a few short, steep ascents and descents. Our pace will be leisurely, with time to take photographs, identify wildflowers, and enjoy the scenery. Team up with other women to create a fun outdoor adventure!

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.

Your book's first fifteen pages are critical. They're your one chance to captivate readers. Without a strong opening, your manuscript risks rejection before it's fully read. This class reveals the essential elements that make opening pages irresistible across genres. We'll analyze successful examples and apply these techniques to your work. Whether you're a novice with a fresh idea or an experienced writer, you'll learn to craft opening pages that demand attention and create a strong foundation for the rest of your story.

Drawing as a form of relaxation and meditation? Yes! Drawing accesses parts of your brain that are not so active in our twenty-first-century life. This will give you a break from the constant input of modern life and instead put you into a relaxing, creative space. You will learn and practice several relaxing styles of abstract, non-representational drawing in which there is no wrong way to do it. No drawing experience or "talent" required. Stick-figure drawing level skill works.