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- Navigating Retirement Investing in a Changing Economic Landscape
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Economic conditions constantly change, impacting retirement planning and investment strategies. In this class, Steven Cliadakis from OLLI sponsor Altum Wealth Advisors will explore how shifts in inflation, interest rates, fiscal policy, and geopolitical tensions can affect portfolios. Participants will review various investment options, such as CDs, Treasurys, index funds, ETFs, and others, and learn how to allocate them within diversified portfolios. The class includes insights from leading economists and key principles of portfolio construction and risk management, providing practical guidance to help align investments with personal retirement goals.
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- 24-Form Tai Chi
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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 class meets twice a week.
This class counts toward the 3-class limit.
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- Tap Dance Is Fun: Section 1
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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.
Wear comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement and tap shoes, preferably with low heel.
This class counts toward the 3-class limit.
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- Sapiens I: Humanity before Agriculture
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Instructor: Jesse Frey, OLLI at University of Arizona
Dates: 7/14/2026 - 8/18/2026
Days: Tu
Times: 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Sessions: 6
Location: Online Learning
Room: Link to be Provided
Fee for À La Carte Members: $55.00
Fee for Unlimited Members: Included
This class is the first in a planned four-class sequence based on Yuval Noah Harari's Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind. Together, the sequence follows the long arc of human history from the origins of the universe to the modern scientific age. This course focuses exclusively on part one of Harari's book, prehistory from the big bang to the threshold of the agricultural revolution. The purpose here is to explore the evidence underlying the starting point for Harari's story of how evolution produced an unremarkable primate – that's us, Homo sapiens – that sort of by accident came to dominate the planet. Throughout the class, particular attention is given to separating well-established evidence from interpretation and informed speculation.
This class from OLLI at the University of Arizona will be recorded. OLLI-UA recordings can take up to a week after the class meeting to become available.
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- Identifying and Quick Sketching Birds at Llano Seco Unit
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Instructor: Azure Kurth, Carolyn Short
Dates: 11/17/2026 - 11/17/2026
Days: Tu
Times: 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Sessions: 1
Location: Outdoor Experiences
Room: Various Locations
Fee for À La Carte Members: $15.00
Fee for Unlimited Members: Included
The Upper Butte Basin Wildlife Area, Llano Seco Unit hosts massive numbers of Pacific Flyway migratory birds in November. Taking our sketchbooks, binoculars, field guides, and cameras, we'll meander along the 1/2-mile walking trail and stop at two observation platforms allowing us to observe and quickly sketch bird poses and behaviors. We'll identify key species: green-winged teal, American wigeon, northern shoveler, mallard, pintail, bufflehead, snow geese, white-fronted geese, swans, ring-necked ducks, sandhill cranes, and raptor species.
Further instructions will be given prior to the workshop. Binoculars and journaling materials required.
This class requires additional forms. Review the outdoor class forms information before attending class.
This class counts toward the 3-class limit.
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- In Search of California's Vanishing Flora
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Instructor: David Popp
Dates: 9/15/2026 - 9/15/2026
Days: Tu
Times: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Sessions: 1
Location: Outdoor Experiences
Room: Various Locations
Fee for À La Carte Members: $15.00
Fee for Unlimited Members: Included
Get an introduction to California native plants and basic botany in the field as we saunter in search of California native wildflowers.
Further details will be provided prior to the class. Dress appropriately and be prepared to face the elements of nature.
This class requires additional forms. Review the outdoor class forms information before attending class.
This class counts toward the 3-class limit.
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- Backyard Stewardship
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Join Butte County Fire Safe Council staff to learn about backyard stewardship at the intersection of wildfire resilience, responsibility, and ecosystem health. The first class session will be in the classroom discussing the Firesafe Council's new guide at backyard scale. The second class session will be outdoors discussing the topics in application to a local backyard.
This class requires additional forms. Review the outdoor class forms information before attending class.
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- Using B-Line Services in Butte County
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Instructor: Amy White
Dates: 9/22/2026 - 9/22/2026
Days: Tu
Times: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Sessions: 1
Location: Online Learning
Room: Link to be Provided
Fee for À La Carte Members: $15.00
Fee for Unlimited Members: Included
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 will be recorded.
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- The Battle of Vercors: How a Stronghold of the French Resistance Fell
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Vercors, an alpine fortress in the French Alps, saw many French Resistance fighters join the movement in 1944. The fighters were set to disrupt German activities to support the Provence Landing. This class will look at what happened and why through the eyes of the instructor's father, a teen at the time, who was pulled into the Resistance movement at the eleventh hour. We will read excerpts of his book about his unbelievable experience during this battle that remained controversial for many years.
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- Spiritual Principles
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Spiritual principles are ways of being, doing, and thinking that help us move through life with greater awareness. They are an inner compass helping us to respond to challenges with clarity and purpose. These are fundamental truths from many traditions.
We will explore the following principles this term: acceptance and letting go, forgiveness for self, gratitude reboot, everything is energy, and divine paradox.
This class counts toward the 3-class limit.
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- The Gentle Art Studio: An Eight-Week Sketchbook Journey
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Instructor: Cris Guenter
Dates: 9/15/2026 - 11/3/2026
Days: Tu
Times: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Sessions: 8
Location: Online Learning
Room: Link to be Provided
Fee for À La Carte Members: $55.00
Fee for Unlimited Members: Included
Join us for a relaxed, welcoming eight-week art series designed for beginners and anyone returning to creativity. Using a single sketchbook throughout the class, you'll build a simple, enjoyable creative habit – one page at a time. Each week explores a new approach: gentle drawing, marker basics, watercolor, watercolor pencils, colored pencils, smartphone photography for inspiration, and maintaining your sketchbook practice. No experience or perfection needed – just curiosity. By the end, you'll have a sketchbook filled with your artwork. Please bring the same sketchbook each week.
Simple Supply List
Please don't feel you need to purchase everything at once. Start with what you have, and we'll build from there. The focus of this class is creativity – not materials. Simple supplies work beautifully.
Required:
- One sketchbook (9"x12" or similar, with mixed media or watercolor paper if possible)
- A pencil and eraser
Recommended (we will use these throughout the class):
- A small set of watercolor paints (basic student set is perfect)
- One or two paintbrushes (medium round brush is a great start)
- A small set of colored pencils (such as Prismacolor, or any brand you enjoy)
- A black waterproof pen or fine-tip marker
- A simple set of watercolor pencils (optional, but fun to explore)
Helpful to have:
- A small cup for water
- Paper towels or a cloth
- A smartphone for photo inspiration
Optional:
- Any art supplies you already own and would like to use
This class will be recorded.
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- Fairy Tales and Their Tellers
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In this class, we will look at old tales, their tellers and illustrators, and transitions from spoken to written literature. Fairy tales, a.k.a. magic tales, are very old and both stable and shapeshifting. People have enjoyed them in cartoons, Victorian nurseries, peasant huts, and even courts like Versailles. The original, oral forms of magic tales are violent, coarse, and sexually explicit. Sometimes governments, priests, or schoolmarms compelled changes. Sometimes, writers. There will be nine tellers with at least nine tales sent to class members.
This class considers different tales each term. Anticipate increased attention to illustrators and the history of books this term. Tales to expect this term include "Beauty and the Beast," "The Fisherman and His Wife," "The Emperor's New Clothes" and a tale from One Thousand and One Nights.
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- Aviation History: Post-World War II Aviation Vignettes
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Instructor: Gary Hendrickson
Dates: 9/15/2026 - 11/17/2026
Days: Tu
Times: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Sessions: 10
Location: The Social Chico (opens in new tab)
Room: Bradley 2
Hybrid Class: Zoom Link to be Provided
Fee for À La Carte Members: $55.00
Fee for Unlimited Members: Included
You may choose to attend this hybrid class in person or online. The Zoom link will be provided to all registered participants.
This continuation of personal experiences from the instructor's participation in military, agricultural, and aerial firefighting aviation will include aviation stories from after World War II. This term's vignettes will emphasize the local history of agricultural flying and aerial firefighting.
This class will be recorded.
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- Exploring Mixed Media Collage
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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!
This class counts toward the 3-class limit.
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- Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention: Section 1
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Tai Chi for Arthritis was developed in 1997 and is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Arthritis often gets worse without proper exercise. Tai Chi for Arthritis helps to improve muscular strength, flexibility, balance, cardiorespiratory fitness, and clarity of mind. The gentle and slow movements help to improve the flow of energy and healing, and it is enjoyable and calming.
Wear flat shoes and comfortable, loose clothing.
This class meets twice a week.
This class counts toward the 3-class limit.
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- Yoga for You
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This all-levels hatha yoga class welcomes all bodies and abilities. Jeanne teaches "to the room," adapting the practice to meet the needs of those present. Drawing on her background in dance, kinesiology, and massage, she offers a comprehensive, informative, and enjoyable experience. Classes include breathing (pranayama), chanting, yoga philosophy, and asana practice to enhance range of motion and circulation while we stretch, strengthen, and relax.
There is an additional $10 studio fee payable to the instructor at the first class meeting.
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- Tuesday Tunes
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You may choose to attend this hybrid class in person or online. The Zoom link will be provided to all registered participants.
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!
This class will be live only and not recorded.
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- Make an Altered Book
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Did you ever want to color, draw, or write in a book as a child? Give yourself free rein in this workshop. You can do all those things and more. It is called an altered book. You can draw or stamp in it; add collage, stickers, ribbon, paper tape, photos, or memorabilia; and much more. We will explore what can be done with a gently used book by altering and embellishing it. This is something you can continue at home.
There is an additional $45 materials fee payable to the instructor at the first class meeting. All materials will be provided. If you have a gently used book that you would like to use, you are welcome to bring it.
This class counts toward the 3-class limit.
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- Healthier You
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Instructor: Claire McClure
Dates: 9/15/2026 - 10/6/2026
Days: Tu
Times: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Sessions: 4
Location: Enloe Conference Center (opens in new tab)
Room:
Fee for À La Carte Members: $0.00
Fee for Unlimited Members: Included
Join Enloe Community Health for a lecture series. Each class will cover a unique topic led by a local medical expert from Enloe Health with time for questions. The series is designed to support a healthier you.
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- Learning to Speak Dragon
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Fear and anxiety can feel like facing a dragon – but what if you could learn its language? This class offers an overview of stress and anxiety while teaching you how to understand and work with your body's natural systems to transform panic into peace. Through topics such as the triune brain, mindfulness, heart rate variability (HRV), and the aging brain, you'll gain practical tools to calm your mind, regulate your emotions, and build resilience.
This class counts toward the 3-class limit.
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- Women & Money: Pause Before You Pay to Spot Scams Early
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Join this informative and supportive class from Miste Cliadakis from OLLI sponsor Altum Wealth Advisors designed to help women recognize and avoid common scams. Get up to date on current scams including artificial intelligence (AI) scams, how to recognize them, and steps to take to feel safer.
This class is for women only.
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- Human Evolution
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Are you wondering if some of your friends are part Neanderthal? Was Herb Caen correct when he intimated that Chico is the cradle of civilization? We'll address these questions after a brief introduction to such topics as DNA, natural and artificial selection, and genetics. We can even discuss the question of whether or not we're still evolving and where our species might be heading regardless of the outcome of the next election.
All materials necessary for class discussion will be provided by email or by direction to readily accessible, free online resources.
This class counts toward the 3-class limit.
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- Addiction 101
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Substance use disorders are often confusing and frustrating for family, friends, and communities. Learn about the science of addiction, the treatment realities, and the psychopharmacology of common drugs in the North State. This presentation will leave your head spinning with data and brain scans that explain what we know about this complex disease of the brain.
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- Reading Poetry for Insight and Enrichment
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Instructor: Kate Foley
Dates: 9/15/2026 - 11/17/2026
Days: Tu
Times: 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Sessions: 10
Location: Online Learning
Room: Link to be Provided
Fee for À La Carte Members: $55.00
Fee for Unlimited Members: Included
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.
This class will be live only and not recorded.
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- The Power of Words: Euphemism, Metaphor, and Mindset
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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.
This class counts toward the 3-class limit.
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- Creative Journaling
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Come play with color, patterns, and textures. These can be a catalyst for creativity and a way into journaling. You do not have to be an artist. No drawing or painting is required; this is not an art class. There are no rules, and this is not a diary. Journaling is recommended for self-reflection, stress relief, and self-expression, but often is not easy to do. We will use hands-on activities to get unstuck and help you to journal.
There is an additional $55 materials fee payable to the instructor at the first class meeting. All materials will be provided; if you have a journal you are currently using, feel free to bring it.
This class counts toward the 3-class limit.
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- Writing Short Plays
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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.
This class meets in person September 15-October 13 and online October 20-November 17.
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- Let's Keep Knitting!
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Instructor: Gale Ulvang
Dates: 9/15/2026 - 11/17/2026
Days: Tu
Times: 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Sessions: 10
Location: Online Learning
Room: Link to be Provided
Fee for À La Carte Members: $55.00
Fee for Unlimited Members: Included
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 recorded.
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- United States Politics: An Update
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The premise of this class is that the United States is undergoing unprecedented historical, political, and economic turmoil and crises, underscored by a re-ordering of the post-World War II geopolitical world order. Therefore, in order to understand the current state of things, this class will provide an assessment of United States politics within a historical context. The class will also situate United States politics within the context of the ongoing geopolitical realities.
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- Golden Beaver Distillery Tasting
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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.
There will be no additional tasting fee for this class.
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- Understanding Alzheimer's and Dementia
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This engaging presentation offers information on Alzheimer's disease and dementia, highlighting the latest research and FDA-approved treatments, practical brain health tips, and ways to support people impacted by this disease.
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- Thoughts, Beliefs, Values, and Awareness: Section 2
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The way we live our lives is a reflection of our inner being. This class is for those who want to have a deeper, more fulfilling personal life. There will be writing and discussion exercises that will help get you more in touch with your inner self. We will explore avenues for insights into the question, "Who am I?"
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- Master Gardener Lecture Series
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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.
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