Wednesday   

We will consider the bloody revolution in Algeria in 1954 to 1962 against the French colonial power. The rebellion brought death or displacement to 9 million natives, exiled 1 million colonists, brought Camus to despair, delivered a bomb to Sartre's apartment, returned de Gaulle to power, and destroyed the Fourth Republic.

We will continue to explore the new developments in the fields of medicine and biotechnology and how they will impact the future of our health and well-being. Topics covered will include cancer, diabetes, obesity, Alzheimer's disease, and much more.

Class members are expected to see at least one of three movies that have been selected in class each week, viewing them independently in local movie theaters or streaming on either Netflix or Prime Video. We rate each movie and then share our ratings (1-10) and viewpoints with the class. With a variety of opinions, lively discussion is guaranteed.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Inner peace is a lifetime journey done with discernment but not judgment. The only requirement is a willingness to be aware of 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.

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.

This class will discuss favorite science fiction authors, their books, and the social, political, and scientific issues they raise. There may be occasional magical journeys into works of fantasy. The books and authors will be chosen by Stephen with suggestions from class participants and former class leader Sydney Wilde. This is a fun, free-flowing gathering of science fiction enthusiasts. Please join us and bring your ideas, insights, and suspension of disbelief.

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.

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 non-fiction, 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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.