On-Ground Courses   

This class will explore the history of Earth from the formation through the geologic history and the present time. How did our planet come to be? What is the impact of atmospheric oxygen? What creatures have come before us? Are humans changing the Earth forever? The class is based upon the book, "A Brief History of Earth: Four Billion Years in Eight Chapters" by Andrew H. Knoll. Class members are invited to but not required to read the book.

This class will explore the history of Earth from the formation through the geologic history and the present time. How did our planet come to be? What is the impact of atmospheric oxygen? What creatures have come before us? Are humans changing the Earth forever? The class is based upon the book, "A Brief History of Earth: Four Billion Years in Eight Chapters" by Andrew H. Knoll. Class members are invited to but not required to read the book.

Two current iconoclasts claim that art and literature can be sources of emotional growth that “experts” undervalue. Alain de Botton (“Art as Therapy”) and Angus Fletcher (“Wonderworks”) show how artists and writers have dealt with psychological issues in ways that can still help us today. No outside reading expected, and you will learn whether you want to explore this topic further. We will use the word “therapeutic” only in a broad, general sense, not related to professional psychotherapy or the field of Art Education.

In Summer of 2022, my father and I traveled around the world. A few years before, in 2017, my parents and I spent 3 weeks in India. Join me for great stories and captivating pictures from our trips to the Netherlands, India, Nepal and Singapore.

This class will showcase the music and the artists of rock's greatest decade. You’ll watch a variety of music videos and interviews with the artists and learn their compelling personal stories. In Los Angeles, the Eagles, Linda Ronstadt, Little Feat and Steely Dan created a rich musical legacy. Soul music exploded with artists like The Isley Brothers, Earth, Wind, & Fire, Al Green, the O’Jays, and Hall & Oates. In the late 70s New Wave/Punk came along with exciting new artists like the Police, Talking Heads, the Ramones, Elvis Costello, and the Cars. Disco dominated Top 40 with the Bee Gees, Donna Summer, and others.
We’ll also go down South for the stories and music of the Allman Brothers and Lynyrd Skynyrd. And, you’ll learn the stories behind classic 70s album covers.

Have a book you want to finish? This workshop is designed to help authors who have the first part of a novel or memoir drafted and want to get it done. In just 5 weeks, you'll learn to use character, plot and setting to avoid "the muddle in the middle" and create a satisfying ending. Topics include: character-driven plotting, budgeting your time, and wrapping up subplots. In-class writing exercises and one-on-one conferences will set you up for success! This hands-on workshop is open to novelists and memoirists of all experience levels.

Are you willing to pay a little more for your favorite steak and wine to win the war in Ukraine? How is the increased price of your food basket here in California related to the war in Ukraine? The first days of the war: difficult questions that no one wants to answer. How to bring victory closer and the role of negotiations in this process. Restoration of Ukraine: how much will it cost? who will pay? how long will it take? What will the future Ukraine be like? What is its strength and what is its weakness? The demographic situation in Ukraine and other post-war countries - what is common and what is the difference? Will it be a new European power, a member of NATO? In the next two hours, together we will try to answer these and some other pressing questions.

Are you willing to pay a little more for your favorite steak and wine to win the war in Ukraine? How is the increased price of your food basket here in California related to the war in Ukraine? The first days of the war: difficult questions that no one wants to answer. How to bring victory closer and the role of negotiations in this process. Restoration of Ukraine: how much will it cost? who will pay? how long will it take? What will the future Ukraine be like? What is its strength and what is its weakness? The demographic situation in Ukraine and other post-war countries - what is common and what is the difference? Will it be a new European power, a member of NATO? In the next two hours, together we will try to answer these and some other pressing questions.

Let's celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the film To Kill a Mockingbird, winner of 3 Academy Awards and nominee for a total of 16 more! Join us to watch and discuss this groundbreaking film, learn more about the director, Robert Mulligan; screenwriter, Horton Foote; and leading man, Gregory Peck. Author Harper Lee's instantly successful novel became a classic of modern American literature, winning the Pulitzer that same year. Two years later the bidding began with Universal coming out on top. The book is read in high schools and colleges across the country and is one of the titles most often listed on the American Library Association's annual "Banned Book List". Currently, the stage version of Mockingbird is being performed on Broadway.

As a freelance editor, I'm frequently asked, "I have a draft done. Now what?" The answer is, "Rewrite." But rewriting an entire book can be overwhelming. This workshop will help you enjoy the process and give you the tools you need to get it done. Topics include: character growth, upping the stakes, self-editing, stronger beginnings and endings, and infusing theme into your story. In-class writing exercises and critiquing will set you up for success! This hands-on workshop is designed for novelists and memoirists with a complete draft of their manuscript.

T'ai Chi Ch'uan is a physical exercise, which originated in ancient China that promotes relaxation, good health, and peace of mind. The T'ai Chi Ch'uan form consists of a series of movements that involve turning, shifting one's weight from one leg to another, bending and unbending the legs, and various arms movements. Each of the individual movements has a potential for self-defense, and some are named after that use. Others are named after the movements of animals that they imitate. The form combines these movements in various combinations, which comprise its several sections and series. The movements are directed by a peaceful mind and coordinated with breathing; executed very precisely in a definite sequence known as the form, or T'ai Chi. Join us! 

Beginning Tai Chi, a gentle form of exercise. Helps improve balance, mental and physical well being. 

Tai Chi is a centuries old practice of gentle and graceful movements known as postures which are designed to build better balance, coordination, focus, stress relief, and mind/body connection. Students are encouraged to wear loose comfortable clothing. Our program features the Yang Long form.

Continuing students are introduced to further sequences of the Yang Long form and will learn the intricacies of articulation, timing, breathing and the purposes behind the moves and advanced fluidity. Wear comfortable clothing.

This three session class begins by discussing the history of the American penal system with particular attention to Governor Brown’s AB 111 prison reform legislation. The second class will find us on an in-depth tour of the Wayne Brown Correctional Jail in Nevada City, where you will visit the cell pods, chat with jailers and visit the booking room. Yes, inside a working jail! (Many thanks to Nevada County Sheriff Shannon Moon for arranging this unforgettable experience). The third class will have us debriefing the tour and discussing the future of incarceration. Limited to 20 participants.

Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Tommy Dorsey, Glenn Miller, Harry James, Helen Forrest, Billie Holiday, the list goes on and on of the big bands of the 30's and 40's with their featured vocalists and instrumentalists. Join us for an exciting and inspirational walk down memory lane as we learn about the lives they lived and listen to the wonderful music they created. Come prepared to share what you know as well. Let's have some fun!

Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Tommy Dorsey, Glenn Miller, Harry James, Helen Forrest, Billie Holiday, the list goes on and on of the big bands of the 30's and 40's with their featured vocalists and instrumentalists. Join us for an exciting and inspirational walk down memory lane as we learn about the lives they lived and listen to the wonderful music they created. Come prepared to share what you know as well. Let's have some fun!

Take an entertaining and informative musical journey through the 1960s. You'll watch music videos and interviews with the recording artists and learn their compelling personal stories. This class will cover: the Sound of Los Angeles: Mamas & Papas, the Byrds, Buffalo Springfield, the Doors, and CSN. Soul music giants: Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin, Curtis Mayfield, and Sam Cooke; Psychedelic nuggets by the 13th Floor Elevators, Love, early Pink Floyd, and Small Faces; the best Top 40 groups and hit singles (Beach Boys, Lovin Spoonful, Mitch Ryder, the Rascals, etc.), including one-hit wonders. Hard rock fireworks by Cream, Steppenwolf, Jimi Hendrix, Deep Purple, and others. The birth of Tower Records in Sacramento.

Were you in Band in High School? Middle School? Do you wish you still played? Do you consider yourself a music loving amateur performer? If so, this class is for you! Welcome to the Truckee-Tahoe Community Band. If you have the desire to play with others in an ensemble setting, and prior but not necessarily current experience, then join us on Wednesday nights for a musical adventure. We will work together to interpret and perform fun band literature. The class will culminate in a performance. Music builds community – come join us!
Membership not required for tuition-free courses. 

Truckee-Tahoe Community Chorus: The course is designed for college-aged students through seniors for the study of selected styles and periods of music culminating in the performance of selected repertoire. The course curriculum includes discussion of musical elements, composition, vocabulary and history as well as vocal technique.
Membership not required for tuition-free courses.

This course's goal is to analyze events that led to America's current political impasse, to determine if this is the first time in our history that we have been so confronted and, if so, how we reversed course. We will examine key concepts and practices of American exceptionalism and manifest destiny, hubris, political tradition, contempt for the Constitution, rule of law, institutional racism, role of the military and, of course, key aspects of American history. At the end, we should develop alternatives based on realism, prudence, scrupulous self-understanding and appreciation of the world as it is.

Chi Ball - A fusion class of Tai Chi, Qigong, and dance, using a small weighted ball (progressive weight) to increase core strength, flexibility, and balance. Tai Chi Ball will increase mindfulness, reduce stress, and increase your overall health.

What constitutes the “Great American Songbook”? We will begin with popular music from the theaters, music publishers, and jazz clubs of New York City from 1920 to 1960, including Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, and Cole Porter. This music has stood the test of time. It continues to nourish American popular music, as in the collaboration between Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett. We will hear original performances and also adaptations made by later singers and jazz musicians.

In the 1970s, rock splintered into many diverse styles: early in the decade it was the era of singer songwriters like Joni Mitchell, Jim Croce, Randy Newman, J.J. Cale, and Van Morrison.1970s were great time to be a rock fan. Led Zeppelin, Robin Trower, the Who, and David Bowie electrified American FM radio. Motown moved to LA and gave us a decade of R&B classics by Marvin Gaye, the Jackson Five, the Temptations, and Stevie Wonder. In Northern California, the Doobie Brothers, Grateful Dead, Steve Miller and Santana created an astonishing legacy of music. We’ll also showcase scores of the best Top 40 hit singles from the decade, including one-hit wonders. In this multi-media class you'll learn the fascinating history of rock’s greatest decade – the Seventies. You’ll watch music videos and interviews with the recording artists and learn their compelling personal stories.

Great Decisions is America’s largest discussion program on world affairs. The program model involves reading the Great Decisions Briefing Book (short sections), watching the DVD and meeting in a Discussion Group to discuss the most critical global issues facing America today. Each year, a panel of experts chooses nine topics. This year’s topics are: 1) Energy Geopolitics 2) War Crimes 3) China and the U.S. 4) Economic Warfare 5) Politics in Latin America 6) Global Famine 7) Iran at a Crossroads 8) Climate Migration.

Members will need to purchase GREAT DECISIONS, 2023 EDITION, and read the topic of the week in preparation for discussion at the first meeting. The book will be about $35 and can be ordered at: https://www.fpa.org/great_decisions/ or call 1 (800) 477-5836.

Great Decisions is America’s largest discussion program on world affairs. The program model involves reading the Great Decisions Briefing Book (short sections), watching the DVD and meeting in a Discussion Group to discuss the most critical global issues facing America today. Each year, a panel of experts chooses nine topics.
This year’s topics are: 1) Energy Geopolitics 2) War Crimes 3) China and the U.S. 4) Economic Warfare 5) Politics in Latin America 6) Global Famine 7) Iran at a Crossroads 8) Climate Migration Members will need to purchase GREAT DECISIONS, 2023 EDITION, and read the topic of the week in preparation for discussion at the first meeting. The book will be about $35 and can be ordered at: https://www.fpa.org/great_decisions/ or call 1 (800) 477-5836.

In these times of dire environmental predictions, when our beloved California ecosystems are in obvious distress, it’s time we educated ourselves. Join me to take a deep dive into Robin Wall Kimmerer’s insightful book “Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants”. As a botanist and professor of plant ecology and a Native American woman, Kimmerer brings together the newest and the oldest information about the lives and roles of plants. She is a nearly poetic storyteller with a knack for making scientific information clear to readers. Botanist and naturalist Joe Medeiros will join Joan Griffin to share his expertise. A book discussion class, we’ll meet three times in five weeks. Videos and photos will enhance our experience and understanding.

Join us! Learn and play American Mahjong in a friendly, social setting with other Club OLLI members. Members meet and practice on a regular basis. All skill levels are welcome. No supplies needed.

Membership Required - No course fee