SVV OLLI Course List #1-78   

Artists give us a window on American life, often reflecting the cultural and social climate of the time in which they work. Explore the question, “What does art reveal about America?” as you join Smithsonian American Art Museum study group leaders to examine American history through the eyes of a variety of artists in four discussion-based sessions, each focused on a separate era: Seeing Is Thinking; Early America; 1861-1941: 80 Years of Change; and Contemporary Life.

Designed for both beginners who are ready to explore their family history or those who have started the journey, this session will focus on the process. Focus on your own family, gather records and pictures, and interview family. Software? Online tree? How to avoid mistakes. The session will introduce a variety of free online sources for your research. Plus a word about DNA and social media.

Getting ready to invest in a new computer? Totally confused about all of the terminology and specifications. Rob will provide some basics when it comes to picking your next machine. If you are looking for a pre-purchase buying guide, then this presentation is for you.

Microsoft’s free Security support for Windows 10 ends on October 14, 2025. After that, Windows 10 will be less secure, at a time when online crime is on an upward trend. According to the FBI, Cybercrime losses exceeded $12.5 Billion in 2023. While a lot of the responsibility for that falls on the end user, the security of your computer OS is a key factor in assuring online safety. There are multiple ways to reduce or avoid this risk, and those will be explored in depth during this program.

The World Wide Web has everything – and JB has discovered much of it. Join JB Burke for an all new Touring the Web #12. You’ll learn: how to visit the Sistine Chapel without traveling; how to use Picture in Picture in your browser; why email is such a great way to communicate; when kids in France drank wine in school; how internet traffic travels the world – it mostly isn’t via satellites; all about the origin of the QWERTY keyboard; and, of course, robots! Plus, videos and much, much more.

Please join us on a journey into the world of new ideas. We will explore a different subject each week from science, technology, space, the arts and culture.

Join us to travel the world without passports, expense, long lines at airports, cathedrals or fatigue. We will explore cultures, history and do lots of sightseeing.

Whether you are an armchair traveler or someone who never unpacks, come and join Deb & Bill to travel to destinations around the world. We will spend the 5 weeks exploring everything from exotic locations to points of interest in the USA. Expect to experience: nature, adventure, exotic locations, and history. Deb & Bill will try to provide information as well as fun stories about their experiences traveling the world. Maybe you will find some new destinations to add to your bucket list!

Celtic Colours is a rousing celebration of traditional music and cultures on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. Mark and Deb Dillon attended the event several years ago and will share their experiences with OLLI members.

Rather than relying on blind faith in scriptures as Western religions do, the Hindu philosophy of Advaita Vedanta unfolds the existence and nature of God through scriptural teachings.These teachings are extensively supported by the use of reason and rational discourse. Following traditionally trained Swami Tadatmananda's comprehensive videos, we'll explore how Advaita Vedanta impacts our understanding of the material world.

Step into the powerful world of crystals and energy grids in this transformative 4-week journey. Whether you're new to crystals or ready to deepen your practice, this course will show you how to use crystals intentionally—for healing, deepening relationships, and even supporting the energy of your plants and sacred spaces. You'll learn how to create personalized crystal grids that amplify energy, restore balance, and align with your heart’s desires. Together, we’ll explore sacred geometry, crystal combinations, intuitive activation, and the wisdom of the natural world. Please note, this class will skip July 2 (to enjoy July 4th celebrations) and resume on July 9.

We take to the out-of-doors (en plein air) to create our summer poetry. No history or counting of syllables, just fun as we take the class to favorite Sedona locales and create our poetry together--giving new meaning to Free Form Verse! Meeting "early" mornings (9am) for four (4) weeks only. Our first week we'll gather at the Sedona campus and there determine the sites for the 2nd, 3rd, & 4th sessions. Hopefully 9:00-10:30am will keep us out of the heat of the Sedona summer. Bring your notebooks! We will skip July 2nd meeting (in honor of July 4th) and resume on July 9th. Due to outdoor location, registration for this class will close on June 24.

If you are a more experienced participant, let’s dig deeper into features such as managing participants, chat, reactions, audio and video nuances, sharing, and controls. Review essential controls, especially concerning audio or video. Experience breakout rooms, polls, and backgrounds. Review signing up for a free account, downloading apps on multiple devices, and signing in with a meeting ID. Prepare to be an OLLI instructor assistant for a Zoom class.

What is a Film Festival? Why do over 100 volunteers work year after year to bring Prescott Film Festival to the community? What does it bring to the community? How can you get involved? Find the answers and more from the Founder and Director of the Prescott Film Festival, Helen Stephenson.

Julie Rogers is one of the sixteen grandchildren of western film and television stars, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. Julie shares heartwarming memories of her grandparents, describing them as humble and charismatic individuals who treated everyone equally, regardless of fame. Growing up during their peak popularity in the 50s and 60s, the author did not realize their grandparents were famous, viewing them simply as Grandma and Grandpa. They were ordinary people who lived extraordinary lives.

Chiam Rykower, who immigrated to the U.S. at age six, became a pivotal figure in the U.S. Navy, particularly through his work in nuclear propulsion. Hyman Rickover, known as "The Greatest Engineer Who Ever Lived," challenged the Navy's bureaucracy, leading to significant advancements in submarine technology and the establishment of a skilled engineering corps dedicated to nuclear power. In this course Bill Weiss will discuss, Mr. Rickover's relentless determination and innovative approach that transformed the Navy and ensured its strategic relevance in the postwar era.

What a surprise it must have been to find a giant skull while digging a well. Drew Desmond, the President of the Prescott Western Heritage Foundation and an author with significant readership, will talk of the many odd and huge human and animal remains that once lived in Yavapai County. So strange that it drew the Smithsonian Museum to check the diggings. Join us!

Join Mayor Phil Goode for a captivating exploration of the history behind the name "Prescott." Have you ever wondered why we pronounce it "Preskitt" instead of "Prescott"? Discover the fascinating factors that have shaped our nation and how they directly influenced the formation of our town. In this presentation, we’ll dive into the legacies of Col. William Prescott and William Hickling Prescott, uncovering their legendary contributions that helped shape our community into the remarkable place it is today. Don't miss this chance to gain a deeper understanding of our town’s rich history!

Beloved cellist Yo-Yo Ma has brought great joy to many, many people over a long career! Our celebration honors his unique, radiant spirit and amazing cello wizardry through performances and videos about him. At the heart of our festival is a marvelous performance of Dvorak’s treasured Cello Concerto. In addition, we are focusing on his love of the Bach Suites for solo cello and how he has grown and evolved in his concept of them over his lifetime.

The music of Ola Gjeilo is an uplifting sanctuary of sound that allows us to experience peace, and be strengthened and renewed. His main areas of composition are choral and piano.