Friday   

It seems the war in Ukraine will shape the 21st century in many ways. Suddenly, the history of eastern Europe has taken on a new importance for an understanding of what is going on. That is a major thesis of Yale's distinguished historian, Timothy Snyder, in his class "The Making of Modern Ukraine," available to the public at https://online.yale.edu/courses/making-modern-ukraine. We use his lectures to introduce each of our sessions in this two-semester class. In tandem with Professor Snyder's insights, we use a range of supplementary materials to foster an understanding of the region and its place in global affairs. Events as they unfold will provide a continuing source of class discussion.

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!

This is a moderate 3-4 mile out and back hike along picturesque Deer Creek. The trail meanders under a forest canopy, which should be at peak foliage color this time of year. Features to enjoy along our journey include stream crossings, waterfalls, and steep 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.

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.

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.

Mary Beard is is a professor of classics at the University of Cambridge, fellow of Newnham College, and Royal Academy of Arts Professor of Ancient Literature. She is unusual in that she is a popular TV personality while being well-respected by her peers. This class begins with her 4-part overview of the Roman Empire and continues with her examination of the lives of ordinary Romans in the series Meet the Romans. The class concludes with her exploration of Pompeii and programs about Caligula and the most famous Roman of them all, Gaius Julius Caesar.

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 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.

OLLI students will have an opportunity to view an exhibit at Chico Art Center and write about the art. This class is for beginning writers as well as experienced ones. Jean Varda and Joan Goodreau, authors and OLLI members, will guide students through the art-to-writing process.

Building on the techniques learned in the beginning-level class, you'll learn to transform the basic dough into more beautiful, specialty seasonal bread. Prerequisite: "Artisan Bread Making: Beginning."

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, and it is a prerequisite to "Artisan Bread Making: Advanced."

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.

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.