Thursday   

No composer did as much as Franz Joseph Haydn to create and develop the Classical symphony and quartet. "Papa" Haydn had a wonderful nature and a great sense of humor, which shows in his music. Using a series of lectures by Robert Greenberg as core material, we will explore the life and the music of this foundational composer whose 104 symphonies, 68 string quartets, and 62 piano sonatas are widely played today. (His 123 baryton trios are not popular, but we will sample one.) We will have a live music presentation with performers from the Eastman School of Music. Join us for this broad introduction to the life and the creations of this giant of Western music.

Joy for seasoned hikers! This hike of 5-7 miles begins with a drive in of 8-10 miles on dirt and gravel road. The hiking trail has good switchbacks on this steep, uneven terrain along with unstable rocks. We will start at about 6,000 feet of elevation with approximately 1,800 feet of elevation change throughout the hike. The Dixie Fire of 2021 burned this beautiful landscape, but it is showing lovely signs of regeneration. We will learn about this area as part of our adventure.

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.

The Butterfly Valley Botanical Area is located just north of Quincy, elevation 3,800 feet. The area includes the California pitcher plant, a rare and unusual insect eating plant that only grows in scattered boggy areas from southern Oregon down through Northern California, as well as 4 other species of insectivorous plants, 12 species of orchids, and 9 species of ferns. Get an introduction to California native plants and basic botany in the field as we saunter in search of California native wildflowers.

We'll hike a moderate 4.5 miles with 450 feet of elevation gain along Colby Creek, on forest trails, and through meadows filled with wildflowers. The trailhead is at 4,750 feet, high enough to escape the valley heat. 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!

The Doon Grade Trail is part of the old railroad bed that went from Chico, through Magalia, and all the way to Stirling City. We will be on the middle part east of Magalia. Get an introduction to California native plants and basic botany in the field as we saunter in search of California native wildflowers.

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.

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

How many times have you heard, "Dance like nobody's watching"? This class is the antidote to movement inhibition. Your cells are itching to move to the beat, perfection not required. We'll play, connect, and converse through music and movement in a fun, safe, inclusive setting. If you just love to move, show up and share it!

Learn how to adapt your living space for safe and independent aging. Download valuable resources, including the HomeFit Guide, and take the first step toward a more livable home. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your home for a better quality of life.

We will examine current controversies about federal government initiatives reported in popular media. In general, these issues relate to provisions in the US Constitution called the separation of powers. Why did the founders design this? How is it supposed to work? Our sources will be news articles, opinion columns, and letters to the editor. We will use the learning through conversation method to understand these public policy issues. We will not attempt to propose solutions.

If you can't draw, know that it's not your fault. You weren't taught properly. First published in 1979, Betty Edwards' Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain applied brain science to drawing instruction. Using her teaching techniques to bypass our internal barriers and connect us to our innate ability to draw, we learn we can do more than we believed. If you want to start exploring art classes but still draw like a child, start here. Stick-figure level drawing skill is perfect and welcome.

In this class, you will explore essential water safety skills, discover how watercraft design influences performance, and practice proper techniques for entering, exiting, and maneuvering the vessel. The class also covers paddle design and a range of effective paddle strokes. It's an excellent introduction for anyone looking to build confidence and have fun on flat or slow-moving water.

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.

This class is an introduction to watercolor. We will focus on learning the basics of technique, color mixing, blending, and familiarizing ourselves with the medium of watercolor. Some classes will be dedicated to techniques; in other classes we will be creating finished works. The class will help you to feel more confident in your watercolor practice.

This introductory class will provide an overview of Hinduism, the religion of India that originated about 3000 years ago. It will include a brief history about the origin of Hinduism and the contributions to it from different sources, the religion of Hinduism and its many components, the different philosophies that underpin the religious practices, including the non-dualism of Vedanta; and the interactions between Hinduism and Judaism, Christianity, Islam. Also covered in the class are the rituals, practices, customs, and festivals related to Hinduism.

Friends and family love getting handmade cards. Come join us and discover basic techniques and tips for making beautiful cards. And the best part is that it's fun!

Sports and politics have always been connected, even when athletes and fans try to claim they're separate. From the original Olympics to Jesse Owens competing in Nazi Germany in 1936, to Muhammad Ali's resistance to the Vietnam War draft, the two have been intertwined – whether we like it or not. This class explores the historical relationship between sports and political movements, as well as how politics has shaped the world of sports. We'll examine how teams, leagues, and athletes have navigated race, gender, laws, and nationalism in a seminar setting that encourages discussion and participation.

Play table tennis with other members. You will receive paddles and balls, get basic instruction on strokes and footwork, and enjoy friendly games with fellow OLLI members. Whether you're completely new to table tennis or returning to a favorite pastime, this fast, fun, low-impact activity is a great way to sharpen your reflexes, stay active, and enjoy time with friends.

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.

Join us for dinner and a show! We will enjoy a pre-show dinner followed by a play at a local theatre. Dinners are optional and will be scheduled closer to the dates of each performance. Come enjoy local talent and socialize with fellow show lovers.

This all-new sequel to The Magic of Film Scores shifts the spotlight from the score to the songs, dance and lyrical storytelling that gave film musicals their unforgettable sparkle. From the nimble tread of the feet of Fred Astaire to the hip hop history of Hamilton, we'll journey through nearly a century of toe-tapping, heartstring-pulling movie magic. Explore the evolution of musicals on screen, from the glamour of MGM to bold, socially conscious stories. We'll also trace rock's rise in cinema, including a session on The Beatles films, spotlight pop and jukebox musicals of the 21st century, and dedicate a session to jazz in biographical and noir-inspired films.

Get an introduction to California native plants and basic botany in the field as we saunter in search of California native wildflowers.

Get an introduction to California native plants and basic botany in the field as we saunter in search of California native wildflowers.

Bring your binoculars and enjoy spring birding at the Red Bluff Recreation Area. The 2-mile loop trail takes us on paved paths through oak woodlands, flowering grasslands, and riparian areas along the Sacramento River. You'll see a variety of birds, wildflowers, and scenic views of snow-capped mountains. There's a botanical garden with a picnic area where we can eat lunch. Both beginning and experienced birders are welcome.

We'll enjoy river views along a hiking and biking path along the Sacramento River Trail in Redding. The path is generally paved path with several elevation changes. The elevation changes and path conditions offer some tripping hazards. The hike is approximately 5.5 miles in a loop that will take us back to our starting point. Trail traffic is not heavy but we will likely encounter other trail users.