SVV OLLI Course List #1-126   

Enjoy the gentle art of wool applique, utilizing felted wool that is easy to work with. You will learn hand embroidery stitches to applique your pieces to a background. You will finish the class with a piece of art that can be used in many ways, that will be demonstrated in class. A $20 class fee will be required. The fee covers wool, embroidery floss, and pattern. Please bring embroidery needles, small sharp scissors, and a thimble.

If the phrase "There's no place like home", or if your dear doesn't give a damn, then you may be familiar with some of the 365 films released in 1939. The impact of 1939 films still resonates today. This class discusses the influences that created the perfect storm with accompanying film clips.

Music cleanses the mind and frees the soul. We'll listen to some of the world's greatest classical music composed by Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, Dvorak, Franck, Mussorsky, Saint-Saens, Vaughan-Williams, Copland, Barber, and Bernstein. Thanks to YouTube, we'll watch performers close-up in their home concert halls. This is not an analytical class. We'll simply listen and briefly say how the music makes us feel.

Creating an estate plan that effectively addresses your needs and those of your loved ones can be challenging. If you're unsure where to begin, join attorney Jon Linford for an insightful discussion on how to avoid common mistakes in estate planning. He will cover a range of topics, including probate, changes in the law, nursing home costs, capital gains tax, retirement plans, divorce, healthcare documents, and how to communicate your wishes to your loved ones.

Discussion of what Medicare Parts A and B cover, how prescription drug plans work, and how Medicare supplemental plans and Advantage plans (Part C) help to cover remaining health care costs. Paper copies of documents shown are provided.

Discussion of what Medicare Parts A and B cover, how prescription drug plans work, and how Medicare supplemental plans and Advantage plans (Part C) help to cover remaining health care costs. Paper copies of documents shown are provided.

We trace the Volcker shock, the Greenspan Put, the LTCM crisis, the dot-com crash and today’s Crypto turmoil. Examining mortgage securitization, deregulation, and derivatives’ role in the Great Recession, we ask: Who saved capitalism—too big to fail, or too big to jail? Lessons, consequences, and why in today's anti-regulatory environment, it could so easily all happen again.

We will greet each other, center ourselves, deep breathe, do 40 minutes of gentle yoga stretches, and 20 minutes of relaxation and meditation on the floor. Bring a mat, and enjoy the bliss of becoming one in mind, body, and spirit.

Spring brings freshness and young beauty to nature. It's also a GREAT time to freshen our personal physical spaces to reflect the new growth happening outside. Our INTERNAL spaces need the same attention -- identifying and transforming habits, beliefs and self-talk that no longer serve us in order to make room for budding new growth, peace and happiness. Let's have fun clearing some mind clutter!!!

This form of Tai Chi was designed by Dr. Paul Lam with a team of medical and Tai Chi experts. All high-risk movements have been removed and replaced with ones that are safe and more effective for health. The program is proven effective by medical studies and supported by arthritis foundations worldwide.

This course examines narcissism as a spectrum, exploring its symptoms, expressions and the ways such behaviors are frequently normalized within contemporary culture. We address the self-doubt and self-blame commonly experienced by those in narcissistic relationships, and analyze the psychological patterns that drive narcissistic dynamics. Particular attention is given to the impact of these patterns on intimate, family and workplace relationships. Through discussion and applied frameworks, we consider tools for recognizing unhealthy dynamics, setting effective boundaries, and cultivating more balanced, grounded, and resilient connections.

Thinking a little foggy? Forget where you put your cell phone? Join our class to learn brain-power boosts. We'll solve puzzles, do memory exercises, and practice physical stretches. We'll talk about good brain-nutrition, and take quick walks outdoors to clear the brain and re-oxygenate our bodies. Share your favorite techniques for remembering, and learn from others.

By presenting relevant concepts and data, this on-going course aims to equip each participant to be an educated consumer of news on a wide range of economic topics. Discussions will be fact-driven and nontechnical; no formal economics training is required.

American World’s Fairs (1851 to 1984) were more than spectacle; they were windows into the nation’s evolving identity. In this class, we will survey several U.S. World’s Fairs and discuss the influence they had on architecture, consumer culture, transportation, entertainment, and daily life in America. Through these discussions we’ll explore how innovation, optimism, progress, and power were displayed at the Fairs through America’s material culture.

No description of the world we live in is complete without data. Let's examine what the numbers tell us about both world and American demographics, economy, health, education, environment and politics - both at present and over time. We'll also look at how the US compares to other wealthy countries.

Participants are invited to give short (10–20 min) presentations on a key issue shaping American democracy—covering such aspects as governing principles, current challenges and global comparisons. Each presentation will be followed by open discussion aimed at fostering civic awareness, critical thinking, careful listening and respectful dialogue. Together we will deepen understanding of community values and engage in meaningful conversation about America’s changing role in a changing world.

Over a three-week period, we will explore historical aspects of Black Hills mining and the mining towns of Jerome, Clarkdale, and Clemenceau. In week one, we will detail histories of the two largest mining companies: United Verde Copper Company and United Verde Extension. Week two will delve into the Verde Valley railroads. Special guest Cody Ely, ranger at Jerome State Historic Park, will present this session. Week three will highlight the smelters and their processes in the communities.

This is the Second presentations celebrating the 250th anniversary of the strength, courage and intellectual wit of those who laid the foundation for the American Experiment. Having explored John Adams through McCullough's interviews last fall, we now turn to George Washington, who McCullough called "Our Greatest President." In this series, we will segue between McCullough and various Washington biographies to enlighten and expand our knowledge of what we know of The Father of our Country.

Discover the stories of five remarkable women who helped shape the history and spirit of the Grand Canyon. From Ada Bass, Mary Colter, Polly Mead Patraw, Bessie Hyde, and Katie Lee, these trailblazers reveal how women found creativity, courage, and purpose in one of America's greatest landscapes. Join me to explore their legacies and lasting influence.

Over the years OLLI has purchased many titles from Great Courses. We have access to over 250 titles that can be streamed from your home. If you sign up for this class, you will be given access to the Prescott OLLI account, and can stream at will for the session. Learn about music, history, mindfulness, science and travel.

Experience a captivating demonstration of mentalism and mediumship with Dred (Fred Osborn) and Amber (Debbie Osborn). With your participation and interaction (and permission), Dred will take a ride through your mind, extracting random information from your thoughts! By holding an object of yours, Amber will demonstrate how energy retains information about you. She will give psychic or mediumistic messages for some attendees, time permitting.

Learn more about The Mahabharata, originating in Ancient India, one of the richest, most layered epic works in world literature. Reverberating still, after 5,000 years. It is a master class in storytelling, philosophy,. ethics, politics, phycology, and spirituality all live inside it at once, with The Bhagavata embedded within. It's reach extends far beyond India and South Asia. It has been studied for understanding how to act, live, and to find answers to almost any question that could come up in one's daily life.

Metaphysics addresses the experience of brushing up against the Veil; the borderland between your experience as a body of sensation & perception, and your experience of "yourself." Topics may include Dreams, Near Death Experiences, Astral Travel and the relationship between Reincarnation, Karma and Past Life Recollections. This topic is not from a scientific view. It's an experiential approach. If you choose, you will be able to share your metaphysical experience.

Come along on a true story drawn from conversations with my Spirit Guide: an unexpected journey into consciousness, selfhood, and deeper reality. I share how I was taught to truly see, create, and move toward what our hearts desire -- and how these ideas connect with how our brains stitch a whole world from tiny sensory inputs. No preaching, just an invitation to look inward, clarify what you want, and live with more love, authenticity, and agency. Practical, hopeful, and surprising. Always.

The living world of plants is a realm of movement and change. At first we may not see those changes, but by honing our observational skills and enhancing our creative power of thought we can enter this living world where forms are undergoing constant transformation and metamorphosis. Plants call upon us to transform ourselves if we are to gain true knowledge of them. This will be our challenge … and our joy.

This workshop will celebrate Earth Day 2026 whose theme this year is “Our Power, Our Planet.” Course will cover the history of solar power from ancient civilizations up until today. Various case studies will be discussed that examine both low tech and high tech solutions to harnessing the power of the sun. Learn how WW II era shortages of natural resources, the 1970’s energy crisis and modern day marvels of engineering set the stage for our place in the sun today.

Transgender issues are currently in the news. Many of us grew up in a time when this was not discussed and our knowledge base might be limited and/or influenced by social media, heresy or political beliefs. This science based class will focus on the chromosomes, DNA, hormones and genes affecting transgender people. Come share your perspective, experiences, knowledge and questions.

In this workshop, we will explore the fascinating world of communications within various animal species. We will discuss the main types of communication, including auditory, visual and chemical forms. Specific examples with be discussed for whales, primates, canines and seals. We will also discuss the major effort to decipher the language of sperm whales. The objective is for the first time ever to understand what a non-human species is thinking and to communicate with them.

This class offers us an opportunity to reflect and ponder some deep questions, while honoring our own inner voice. Each week we will be invited to answer important questions of Life, Love and Being. Digging deep to find our own profound meaning and truths, we will write toward clarity and inspiration. Writing and sharing together without judgment or critique, we learn and grow, building trust and loving kindness, and listening with respect and an open heart. All are welcome.

Ignite your STARlight: An Experiential Journey Within- Participants of all backgrounds will relax and delight in a luminous journey of wonder, play and inner discovery. Blending science, nature, symbolism, and using our creative imaginal intelligence, we explore and expand the brilliance of our innermost STARlight. Comfortable clothing is suggested. A $5 materials fee per participant will be collected during the first week for keepsake creations.

An Empathy Circle is a structured dialogue process that effectively supports meaningful and constructive dialogue. It is a lifelong practice. An Empathy Circle increases mutual understanding and connection by ensuring that each person feels fully heard to their satisfaction. The practice is the most effective gateway practice for learning, practicing and deepening listening and empathy skills, as well as, nurturing an empathic way of being.

Let’s explore painting, plumbing, electrical, and other repairs. Handle leaky faucets, running toilets, water shut-offs, preventing drain problems, switches, receptacles/light replacements, and main power shut-offs. Know your fuse box. For paint, pick colors, prep, select brushes and rollers, apply masking, learn techniques, and dispose of unused paint. For roofs, understand how to work with someone to determine problems and when to replace them. Don’t get taken by disreputable contractors!

In Classroom 1-1/2-2 hours each, weekly lesson plan handouts and assignments, 5-10 minute in class writing and critique from prompts, stand alone essay based memoir topics, essays in progress readings and critique. Participants will produce three 1,000 word essays to be compiled into a document for each participant. Sample prompts: Influencers, A Childhood Friend, A Favorite Place, A Memorable Journey, others as chosen by participants or the facilitator.

All poetry is the "Song of the Heart", whether it is expressing romantic love, grief, wisdom, or a praise of Nature. This is a collaborative class of reading poetry that sings to each of us, and writing and sharing our own poems of the Heart. This class will not focus on the scholarly writing of poetry. Everyone is a poet at heart and capable of expressing their feelings. No experience writing "poetry" is required. Please join our "choir" and express yourself through the song of Poetry.

Organize your thoughts, photos, artwork, letters, diaries, and emails. We will write in class and at home - yes, homework. Bring paper, pen, and/or laptop. Your first chapter will be on your grandparents, second chapter on your parents, then chapters about your life divided into 15-year segments. Writing topics will be suggested, and your work edited. You may read your work aloud to the class, if you like.

Poetry is in and all around us! During this class, we will enter the pleasurable, exciting world of poetry as we pay attention to and savor language. The journey will include learning about and experimenting with different poetic forms, ranging from open free-verse to forms with repetition and rhyme. Within a supportive, encouraging environment, we will work on our own poems and at the end, put completed ones into a hand-made booklet.