Prescott   

This is a paired lecture/tour combination with a topic in the classroom on a Tuesday and then guide the group on a tour to see the ideas in action that Thursday. This week will feature Michael Byrd on Yavapai County water restoration and quality, and a tour of the Urban Creek Restoration Project, downtown Prescott, ($15 for the tour paid directly to Michael Byrd, on top of OLLI fees.) 

Learn to play mahjong, a complicated game that takes time and concentration to learn, but is loved by many around the world. We will play American mahjong, following the National Mahjong League rules. All students will need the 2025 National Mahjong League card, which OLLI will purchase at an additional cost to you of $14. An easy to use mahjong guide will be available for purchase, but is not required. Please commit to attendance as space is limited.

Casual supervised bridge play for people who have a basic knowledge of bridge and are interested in improving their game. Discussion of bidding and playing strategies will also be part of the class.

Learn to play Texas Hold'em poker, the world's most popular poker game. You will be introduced to poker terminology, ranking of hands, table action, etc. You will learn when to bet, raise and fold. By the end of the class you will have played in live and tournament games for fun and should be comfortable playing at any hold'em table anywhere. Knowledge of playing poker is helpful but not mandatory. Please be able to attend all (or at least most) of the classes so we'll have a full table.

Week one we will be exploring alcohol ink. Week two, paint pouring. Week three, we will do bottle painting. Week four - dried flower application. Week five - fabric painting. And finally week six we will make cards. On top of the OLLI class fee, a $35 supply fee is due to the facilitator the first day of class. This will include all the paints, ink and dried flowers needed to complete the projects.

Popular canasta style card game. Does not require a lot of strategy, anyone can learn this fun game. The goal is to accumulate the most points by creating "melds" (sets of cards) and going out before your opponents. It is ideal for fostering engagement because of its simplicity, teamwork, and the strategic balance between individual and group play.

Enjoy virtual museum tour from videos about the lives and times, the genius and enduring accomplishments of the Impressionists as our modern world was taking shape. Find a new appreciation of their art and painting as it became popularized. Enjoy the style, subject, and function of Impressionist painting by artists such as Monet, Renoir, Cassatt, Cézanne, Toulouse-Lautrec, and Van Gogh. Your facilitator will share personal photos and stories of some of the places and artists covered.

Line Dancing for Seniors! Come join the fun and learn 6 new line dances. No previous experience needed. We promise to go slowly. Wear your cowboy attire and dance along to some of the best known oldie but goodies from Country Western music. Line Dancing is great exercise and you will have a real feeling of accomplishment as you become part of the coordinated steps!

Each week one of 4 different speakers will discuss one diverse, fascinating female 20th century artist famous for her abstract art. Hilma af Klint, a pioneering abstract mystical painter. Lee Krasner, painter and visual artist, married to Jackson Pollack. Ani Albers, artist and printmaker, wife of Josef Albers. Maya Lin, architect, designer and sculptor renowned for Viet Nam Memorial.

If you are looking to exercise your mind in new and interesting ways, then this course is for you! You will work cooperatively to solve a variety of different kinds of puzzles (lateral thinking, visual, language, and reasoning), decode brain teasers and riddles, learn how optical illusions work, and perform group activities in a FUN and non-stressful environment. Leave your preconceptions behind and engage in a stimulating mental workout for your brain.

Retirement is one of the most anticipated times in life. But many focus solely on financial planning overlooking other aspects of personal fulfillment. Join us and empower yourself to design a future where you will truly thrive. This class will be a supportive environment where members can engage in lively discussions, connect with like-minded individuals and gain tools and insights to design a retirement that aligns with your values, passions and dreams. Please bring a notebook to write in.

Ready to write your memoirs? This class is for you. Your stories may be for your family or for yourself to better understand your own history. You'll discover ways to organize your thoughts in memoir form using the "I" point of view. We'll practice some writing tips and receive supportive positive feedback from class members. New members are welcome.

This class will look at the writing of poetry. Included will be short poems and haikus, free verse poems, rhymed poems, nonsense poems and whatever. Participants will be urged to try their hand at each of the poetry types and read their work in the classroom setting. Zoom will be an option if a participant can't attend one week.

Aimed at learners with little or no knowledge of Spanish, this class is designed to facilitate competence in very basic survival Spanish. By the end of the course, participants should be able to: 1) introduce themselves and others; 2) use numbers from 1-10,000 in the context of personal contact information, travel, and monetary transactions; 3) describe, order, and purchase food. This class includes no formal instruction in vocabulary and grammar.

Added section! Line Dancing for Seniors! Come join the fun and learn 6 new line dances. No previous experience needed. We promise to go slowly. Wear your cowboy attire and dance along to some of the best known oldie but goodies from Country Western music. Line Dancing is great exercise and you will have a real feeling of accomplishment as you become part of the coordinated steps!

We show recent films that have garnered international recognition. All are thought-provoking, with great acting. We also may include a relatively older film shown over the years in our collection. We show the film right through, take a brief break, and then have a discussion, which is part of the class. It's always interesting to hear the class members' impressions.

Dive into six great films featuring Tom Hanks. This six-week course spotlights Hanks’ diverse characters, from leaders, heroes and advocates for justice to flawed but redemptive human beings. This course offers an intimate look at Hanks’ unique contributions to cinema while fostering spirited discussions among participants. Movies are Sully (2016), Greyhound (2020), News of the World (2020), Bridge of Spies (2015), The Green Mile (1999), Philadelphia (1993). Movies are watched on your own.

English Country Dance (ECD) is the sort of dancing you’ve seen in Jane Austen movies. It’s fun, friendly, not too strenuous, and doesn’t require dance experience. This form of dance involves two or more couples dancing a series of patterns in a variety of formations like circles, squares, and two long lines. Whether the music is jaunty or lyrical, historical or contemporary, you will enjoy moving to music in this “on-your-feet” and social class. No partner required. $5.00 fee to facilitator to cover music costs.

Nothing says Springtime like April showers or Easter or Opening Day of the baseball season. During this session we learn all about, enjoy, and review some Springtime offerings from the heyday of the Musical. Singin’ in the Rain, Easter Parade, and Take Me Out to the Ball Game are just part of the lineup this time! There's also Calamity Jane, 7 Brides for 7 Brothers, and Gigi. Come join the fun & camaraderie of the Movie Matinee as Cindy, Bonnie, and Don welcome you to Springtime in the Movies!

TED is a nonprofit devoted to spreading ideas via short powerful talks on a variety of topics. You’ll receive an email with links to the 3-5 TED talks you need to watch before our scheduled discussion, plus background information, additional resources, and questions to keep in mind while viewing the talks on your own. Then we’ll meet in person to discuss the thought provoking, innovative, and inspiring talks.

TED is devoted to spreading ideas via short powerful talks on a variety of topics. You’ll receive an email with links to the 3-5 TED talks you need to watch before our scheduled discussion, background information, and questions to keep in mind while viewing the talks on your own. Then we’ll meet over Zoom to discuss the thought provoking, innovative, and inspiring talks.

A laymen’s exploration of A.I. and why we might (or might not) care. What does AI mean, how will it affect jobs, products, services and – most concerningly – our personal data privacy. Five years ago, the course facilitator teamed with the former head of the Machine Learning Lab at Stanford to start a company using AI to help predict job success. Using this experience as a “case study” this course will explain – in terms we can all understand – what AI means and what it might mean for us.

What do pamphlets, products, PowerPoints, web pages, and publications all have in common? There are all designed or they should be. Join us on a journey to improve your visual design skills. A course for anyone who writes, creates, publishes, or produces. Learning the principles used by graphic and visual designers can change your perspective. In 5-one hour classes we’ll look at the the good, the bad, and the ugly of design as we build your visual design prowess.

The iPhone Health App and Apple Watch have been out for a decade, helping people monitor and improve their health. This class will explore the watch sensors and their measurements, how to understand the information they provide and and how to get more from them. You must have an Apple Watch Series 6 or later, and an Apple iPhone XR or later. I will be teaching course based on features contained in the Apple Watch iOS 11 and iPhone iOS 18. I recommend you upgrade to these versions.

This class will offer suggestions of restaurants to review in the greater Tri-City area. We'll go to new places and some former favorites, order, dine, and report back to class regarding the entire experience. Plan to eat out by yourself, with someone special or a group, your choice. The reviews are mostly informational and sometimes quite funny. This class will immerse you in the social aspect of OLLI. Sign up and join the fun.

Our bodies are designed to maintain health and function. Every cell contains an innate intelligence to maintain balance even when faced with episodic stressors by possessing the resilience and vital reserves to combat challenges. If stress becomes chronic and unresolved it will cause imbalances, loss of function, and ultimately disease. We will look at how our bodies are designed to maintain wellness, the effect of imbalances, and how to restore and maintain vitality as nature intended.

This class will offer suggestions of restaurants to review in the greater Tri-City area. We'll go to new places and some former favorites, order, dine, and report back to class regarding the entire experience. Plan to eat out by yourself, with someone special or a group, your choice. The reviews are mostly informational and sometimes quite funny. This class will immerse you in the social aspect of OLLI. Sign up and join the fun.

Let's go on an exhilarating journey through key concepts of the Constitution & constitutional law and their impact on our daily lives. From right to privacy and free speech to state/federal balance of power, explore how constitutional principles influence healthcare, education, civil rights & more. Discover how these foundational ideas shape society and protect freedoms. Join us for respectful, thoughtful discussions that may challenge your perceptions and deepen your understanding.

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.

In this class, we will discuss The War to End All Wars and its effects on not only the world but also the strategies and technological evolution. First, we will cover the strategies employed in previous wars. Next, we will move into the evolution of trench warfare and the tactics employed to break through the lines of stagnant warfare. Furthermore, we will discuss the adoption of new tactics such as specialized units, tanks, artillery, chemical weapons, and the growing idea of air superiority.

This course is for anyone interested in ancient Egyptian civilization. We will trace the rise of Egypt from a scattering of villages along the Nile to the greatest power the world has ever seen, through the lives of the pharaohs. Egypt ruled the Near East because of its great kings and queens. As the world's first nation, Egypt's power was concentrated in the hands of the Pharaoh. Because of this political structure, the nation could do great things - if it had the right ruler.

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.

Aristotle says, "It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it." No idea, belief, or opinion is out of bounds in this class, and everyone can express their thoughts. Let us have a lively, entertaining, and, most of all, informative discussion.

This session is Part II of the Immigration Series. Current immigration events are fluid. We'll discuss past immigration policies comparing these policies to current situations. The class format will continue to be: lectures, videos, guest speaker(s), when available, and discussion. New students are welcome, space permitting.

Peter Zeihan is a geopolitical analyst who comments on the world at large. He is the author of four books including The Accidental Superpower, 2014, The Absent Superpower, 2017, Disunited Nations, 2020, and The End of the World is Just the Beginning, 2022. This class will follow the logic of Zeihan’s arguments as he comments on the effect of demographic change and the withdrawal of the United States from the World stage and the future as a consequence of these changes.

This is a DVD course by OLLI favorite Patrick N Allitt, a history professor at Emory University. We explore the processes of Western history and show how they become the stuff of myths, legends, movies, political speeches, and continuing claims about the exceptional character of the United States. Explore the expansion of the original 13 colonies beyond the Appalachian Mountains, the discoveries of Lewis and Clark and other explorers, the struggles of the native Indian people, the Mexican War, and subsequent acquisition of the southwest from Mexico, as well as the role of the West in the American Civil War.

This learning group continues our interactive discussions about foreign affairs, major international events, and selected global issues of interest. The facilitator, and guests, use brief presentations to generate discussion. We review recent events and headlines, lesser-reported events, and updates and follow up on previous discussions. We exchange ideas through open talks. Bring your viewpoint and share opinions and comments. Join the conversation.

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.

Join us on moderate hikes of up to 5 miles on rocky and sometimes steep terrain and experience the beauty and diversity of some of the many trails in our area. You will need to be in good physical condition and accustomed to hiking at higher elevations and temperatures. A description of the hike and directions to the trailhead will be emailed to participants before each hike.

Our bodies are our vehicles throughout life, it is essential to maintain them. We will establish a strong body awareness with slow, controlled movements focusing on the following: balance, lengthening in the spine, symmetry, coordination, flexibility, and building core strength. As our bodies change with time, physical issues, and limitations, we must honor precisely where we are. Our bodies send us signals and warnings. If we learn to pay attention, we can avoid pain, downtime, and medications.

Our bodies are our vehicles throughout life, it is essential to maintain them. We will establish a strong body awareness with slow, controlled movements focusing on the following: balance, lengthening in the spine, symmetry, coordination, flexibility, and building core strength. As our bodies change with time, physical issues, and limitations, we must honor precisely where we are. Our bodies send us signals and warnings. If we learn to pay attention, we can avoid pain, downtime, and medications.

The PCT is a roughly 56 mile trail around the City of Prescott, divided into 11 segments. We will hike segments 1-6 which range in length from 5-9 miles and contain a lot of elevation change. These are the prettiest and most challenging segments of the PCT and are not beginning or easy hikes. They range from 2 to 4+ hours. Breaks will be taken as needed. Each week I will send an email describing the segment we are about to hike and directions for where and when to meet. Hope you will join us.

This is a paired lecture/tour combination with a topic in the classroom on a Tuesday and then guide the group on a tour to see the ideas in action that Thursday. Our first week will feature Eric Moore on birds of Yavapai County, and a bird walk at Watson Lake. Our second week Rich Peterson will present on hydroponic flower and vegetable gardening, with a tour of Yavapai College Greenhouses, Chino Valley. The third week will feature Michael Byrd on Yavapai County water restoration and quality, and a tour of the Urban Creek Restoration Project, downtown Prescott, ($15 for the tour.) Finally, Jeff Schalau will present on planning, planting, and maintaining a 12-month vegetable garden and a tour of his home garden. Skips the week of April 21st.

Scientist Dr. Alan Hugenot had a near death experience in his 20s, sparking a lifelong investigation into consciousness survival. In his book he clearly explains how Quantum Theory provides the scientific basis for this, and how it refutes the First Principles of Newtonian Physics. His conclusions are based on scientific research into past lives, evidential mediumship and remote viewing. Following his book and related videos, we'll explore how this impacts our understanding the material world.

We live in an age where the cosmos is being imaged in ways that are not possible from Earth's surface. We will discuss the stories behind some of these images starting with the Sun through the eyes of the Solar Dynamics Observatory. Then some of our planets courtesy of the Cassini and Galileo orbiters. We will examine our galaxy Through the Kepler and Spitzer Space Telescopes. Beyond we use GALEX and Hubble space telescopes, Chandra X-ray Observatory, and the WMAP space observatory.

Memoir writing begins with writing down your life's stories. Each week participants write a short thematic story. We read them aloud and then receive constructive comments. We create a safe and confidential environment where we hear and appreciate our stories.