On-Ground Courses (In-Person)   

Financial Planning & Investing can be a challenging, confusing process. Join us as we teach you our simple 3-Phase process that we use to evaluate, invest, and protect our clients' nest-egg. In this in-depth workshop we will bring our focus to the ins and outs of building an efficient investment portfolio. We will also cover a multitude of relevant topics including, but not limited to: adequate insurance coverages, estate-planning must-dos, and evaluating the need for professional help.

Jane Goodall describes awe as being amazed at things outside yourself. She believed chimps felt awe. We too can cultivate moments of goose bumps, warmth, and openness to the vast mystery of life often felt in nature, music, visual art, literature, spirituality, birth and death, and more. Whether it’s seeing a child walking for the first time or talking a simple walk in an autumn morning or listening to a special song, Come and learn how scientists recently have demystified this wonderful emotion of awe and are showing us practical ways to have small moments every day that increase our sense of happiness and wellbeing. This class will be a field guide how awe moments can bring more curiosity, a sense of belonging, to help release grief, depression, and difficult aspects of growing older in difficult times. Cultivating more moments of awe in your life is a gift for your own self-care and well-being, but also for everyone around you.

This unique course will present experts from five different disciplines of our criminal justice system who will answer questions in a conversational format with Professor Panneton. Representatives from the police, the D.A. and public defender offices, the judiciary and corrections will share how their decades of experience shaped their perspectives on how we handle crime in our communities. Their opinions will also serve to promote provocative class discussion.

Create a 1-2 page Legacy Letter to express core values, beliefs, life lessons and dreams to share with family and friends as a way to inform and influence the future. What do you say in a Legacy Letter? Who will receive it? When is a good time to write your letter? Is a letter or a short booklet featuring words of wisdom, art or photos a better choice for you? See sample letters as "starters" and review a series of questions to engage reflection during class as you write.

With the fast pace in technology such as smart phones, smart watches, tablets, browsers, and social media, the senior community has become an attractive target for on-line hackers. The risk of losing money, reputations, and even identity is a real and impending danger for everyone. Yet, there's no option to stay off line while business is increasingly being conducted on-line. This class explores the dangers and offers the techniques to stay safe on-line and to protect privacy. This class will provide the details on how to stay safe in the Microsoft, Google, and Apple ecosystems.

He’s a versatile entertainer and cinematic heavyweight who defies expectation. Often embracing acting roles that lean into his unconventional physicality, he has established a prolific career spanning over five decades as an actor, director, and producer. He embraces the dark humor of the stories he tells and the physicality of his roles, as we’ll see as take a look back at four of his films from the 1980s, some of which he directed as well as starred or co-starred in. In this class we’ll be watching and discussing: “Romancing the Stone” (1984); “Throw Momma from the Train” (1987); “Twins” (1988); and “The War of the Roses” (1989).

We are living through some trying and difficult times and way overdue for some movies that make us feel good again. These films come from a variety of genres, from Sports to Romance to Outerspace. Each has it's own unique positive story and uplifting message. Join us to watch and discuss the following films: National Velvet (1944) with Elizabeth Taylor & Mickey Rooney; Galaxy Quest (1999) with Signorey Weaver and Alan Rickman; Princess Bride (1987) with Robin Wright & Cary Elwes; ET: the Extra Terrestrial (1982) with Dee Wallace and Drew Barrymore (making her first major screen appearance). Each of these films has a rating of 7.3-8.0/10 from IMDB (the internet movie data base) and offers a momentary escape to another place and time.

Difficult times continue to vex us and often leave us with a feeling of dread. It's about time for some MORE feel-good movies. Movies that make us remember, reflect and smile. These films bring uplifting films from familiar story lines, including Sports, Music, Fantasy and Teen Angst. Please join us for a lively discussion after watching the following 4 films: Remember the Titans (2000) with Denzel Washington and Will Patton; Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971) with Gene Wilder and Jack Albertson; A Hard Day's Night (1964) with The Beatles; Ferris Bueller's Day (1986) with Mathew Broderick and Mia Sara, Each of these movies has an IMDB rating of 7.5-7.8 /10 and 3 or 4 * from Roger Ebert review with a story line that will touch your heart as well as your memories.

California's water conveyance system is one of the largest in the world. This class will explore why it was constructed, ongoing operational challenges, and future limitations. We will learn about the hydrologic cycle and how California's climate and geography limit water resources. We’ll examine competing water uses over time, and study the State Water Project and the Central Valley Project. Key legal, environmental, economic, and political considerations will be discussed, along with future proposed changes to the system.

Fractals are repeating patterns of infinite complexity and design. They are found in both mathematics and nature and are truly beautiful to behold. They are generated by repeating simple equations. Snowflakes, pinecones and pineapples are examples from nature. We’ll also look at some mathematical fractals like The Mandelbrot Set and dive into The Golden Sequence.

Fractals are repeating patterns of infinite complexity and design. They are found in both mathematics and nature and are truly beautiful to behold. They are generated by repeating simple equations. Snowflakes, pinecones and pineapples are examples from nature. We’ll also look at some mathematical fractals like The Mandelbrot Set and dive into The Golden Sequence.

The American artist Georgia O'Keeffe's life, literary and visual oeuvres, and contributions to modernism will be studied.

The American artist Georgia O'Keeffe's life, literary and visual oeuvres, and contributions to modernism will be studied.

Experience the joy of orchestral music by playing with the Grass Valley Symphony Orchestra, an ensemble of music-loving amateurs. Our weekly rehearsals focus on musical growth, appreciation, and a warm atmosphere of mutual support. Making music together builds community, and each semester concludes with a public concert. The Grass Valley Symphony Orchestra welcomes instrumentalists of all skill levels. New and prospective members are encouraged to sit in on a rehearsal before joining.

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 the topics. Members will need to purchase GREAT DECISIONS, 2026 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 2026 Topics

1. America and the World: Trump 2.0 Foreign Policy
   Trump’s return has marked a break from 80 years of U.S. foreign policy leadership, embracing an “America First” approach. This chapter explores the risks of isolation and diminished influence in relation to Trump 2.0 foreign policy.
   By G. John Ikenberry
2. Trump Tariffs and the Future of the World Economy
   Trump’s aggressive trade and tariff policies have shaken global economic norms. What’s the rationale behind this radical shift in economic policy, and what are the implications for multilateral trade and geopolitics?
   By Michael Mastanduno
3. U.S.-China Relations
   Relations with China remain tense, with tariffs, military modernization, and pressure on Taiwan. Does Trump have a coherent China policy, and will his tariffs on Rare Earth minerals be effective? What are America’s strategic options?
   By Oriana Mastro
4. Ruptured Alliances and the Risk of Nuclear Proliferation
   U.S. alliance skepticism may drive countries like Japan and South Korea to reconsider nuclear options. What are the implications of the Trump administration’s rethinking of the U.S. alliance system for regional and global security? Will this new uncertainty alter the way allies and rivals in various regions make decisions about security and nuclear weapons?
   By Gideon Rose
5. Ukraine and the Future of European Security
   With reduced U.S. support for NATO and Ukraine, Europe faces strategic uncertainty. The Trump administration has signaled an intention to reduce its security role in Europe. What are America’s stakes in NATO and Europe’s strategic dilemmas, and how might Europe respond?
   By Thomas Wright
6. Multilateral Institutions in a Changing World Order
   Can multilateralism survive amid shifting global power and rising nationalism? This chapter examines the future of global cooperation across trade, health, and finance.
   By Scott Bessent (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)
7. U.S. Engagement of Africa
   Africa’s geopolitical role is growing. What lessons can the U.S. learn from China’s presence there, and how might it strengthen ties, especially with leading nations like Nigeria? What tools of statecraft might the U.S. bring to its engagement with Africa?
   By Jendayi E. Frazer
8. The Future of Human Rights and International Law
   As democracy and human rights retreat globally—and the U.S. pulls back—how can civil society and legal norms remain effective in a divided world? What is the role and force of international law in this era of impunity?
   By Jose Enrique Alvarez

Cribbage is a card game that can be played in pairs, threesomes, or groups of four. If you enjoy playing cards, strongly consider adding cribbage to your repertoire. Many consider it to be one of the most enjoyable card games, as it is relatively simple to learn, yet full of decision making and strategy. Fun for the entire family.

A brief introduction to the religious beliefs, practices and values of Eastern Religious Traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism. We will explore the history of each of these religions, as well as their philosophy, mythology, rituals, practices, beliefs and values. Special consideration will be given to the impact of these traditions on the modern western world.

A brief introduction to the religious beliefs, practices and values of Eastern Religious Traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism. We will explore the history of each of these religions, as well as their philosophy, mythology, rituals, practices, beliefs and values. Special consideration will be given to the impact of these traditions on the modern western world.

Starting at age 60, age related muscle loss occurs at a rate of 3% per year and bone mass declines at an average rate of 1% per year. In this class, older adults aged 60 and older will learn how, through a combination of strength conditioning and better nutrition, they can reverse these trends. And in the process, feel stronger, have higher energy levels, and greatly increase the odds of their living a longer and healthier life. This is lecture/demonstration class.

Join me in watching three movies that celebrate America's love of baseball. We'll start with "The Sandlot," the story of a group of boys who play an endless game of baseball in a vacant lot. Next we'll watch "The Natural," which recounts the experiences of Roy Hobbs, an individual with great "natural" baseball talent. And we'll conclude with the popular "A League of Their Own," the story of the women's baseball league. 

This class culminates our three weeks of American history and governmental studies. The oldest known American Cookbook is “American Cooking” published in 1796 by Amelia Simmons. We plan to cook and eat many of the recipes from this book to celebrate our 250 years as a nation. This class has two options (sign-up for one of the two:

Option #1 - Sign up to actually cook one of the recipes (to be assigned) from the “American Cooking” Cookbook which you will be provided for free. You will share your dish in class (A Zoom Call with Terry McAteer is required). No cost except for foodstuffs. Those who sign up for Option 1 do not need to sign up for Option 2, as you will be sharing your prepared dish with the class.

Option #2 - Come join the colonial celebration in having a “catered” lunch with your fellow OLLI students.

This class culminates our three weeks of American history and governmental studies. The oldest known American Cookbook is “American Cooking” published in 1796 by Amelia Simmons. We plan to cook and eat many of the recipes from this book to celebrate our 250 years as a nation. This class has two options (sign-up for one of the two:

Option #1 - Sign up to actually cook one of the recipes (to be assigned) from the “American Cooking” Cookbook which you will be provided for free. You will share your dish in class (A Zoom Call with Terry McAteer is required). No cost except for foodstuffs. Those who sign up for Option 1 do not need to sign up for Option 2, as you will be sharing your prepared dish with the class.

Option #2 - Come join the colonial celebration in having a “catered” lunch with your fellow OLLI students.

An introductory course for individuals to learn and practice writing personal life stories as narratives or creating a memory book. Features story starter techniques, sharing meaningful objects, questions as memory prompts, and option to create a themed story collection. "Life Reflections Resource Booklet" includes handouts, sample questions as prompts and resources for additional study.

You will get to know in detail our 16th President-our greatest President-in the first 3 sessions of our class. I will conclude with a class on Lincoln in literature and film. I will assign at least one book on Lincoln to read for the Course. I have a lot of choices-more books have been written on him than any individual in U.S. History. I will conclude our class lectures with 2 classes on Civil War facts that will fascinate your friends and family.

Come and play Classical Chinese Mahjong as codified by the British Mahjong Association. Some experience playing Mahjong would be beneficial, but not necessary. Bring your Mahjong set, if possible.
Membership required - no course fee.

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

Set between the Spanish Civil War and the Second World War, Spanish author María Dueñas examines dressmaking as an avenue affording women economic freedom coupled with opportunities for political intervention. This historical fiction novel studies the context for the subsequent film class, The Time in Between. Excerpts of Las Sinsombrero, women writers of the Generation of 1927 will be comparatively studied.

Set between the Spanish Civil War and the Second World War, Spanish author María Dueñas examines dressmaking as an avenue affording women economic freedom coupled with opportunities for political intervention. This historical fiction novel studies the context for the subsequent film class, The Time in Between. Excerpts of Las Sinsombrero, women writers of the Generation of 1927 will be comparatively studied.

This class introduces adults simple, accessible meditation practices designed to reduce stress, improve focus, and support emotional wellbeing. Through guided breathing, gentle body awareness, and relaxation techniques, participants will learn practical tools to calm the mind and restore balance. No prior experience is required, and the practices can be easily integrated into daily life for lasting benefits.

Monthly gathering to discuss books ranging from historic fiction to non-fiction and classics. Short presentation focusing on facts about author, historical setting or other aspects of the book sets the tone for informal discussion of book. Members will need to obtain their own books. Opening selection is "The Measure" by Nikki Erlick. Reading list will be provided upon registration.

Monthly gathering to discuss books ranging from historic fiction to non-fiction and classics. Short presentation focusing on facts about author, historical setting or other aspects of the book sets the tone for informal discussion of book. Members will need to obtain their own books. Opening selection is "The Measure" by Nikki Erlick. Reading list will be provided upon registration.

This class is designed for people who have already taken the Beginning Memoir course, though all are welcome, and I will provide handouts for newcomers to acquaint them with the material. Every week students are given prompts, which they may choose to respond to.

This class is designed for people who have already taken the Beginning Memoir course, though all are welcome, and I will provide handouts for newcomers to acquaint them with the material. Every week students are given prompts, which they may choose to respond to.

Modernization, civil rights, and democratization of Swedish society is studied in the context of cultural change, political demands, and an examination of Sweden's neutrality amidst continued global conflicts from 1968-1971.

Modernization, civil rights, and democratization of Swedish society is studied in the context of cultural change, political demands, and an examination of Sweden's neutrality amidst continued global conflicts from 1968-1971.

In this course, you will learn tools to navigate caregiving with confidence and compassion for loved ones with progressive medical conditions, disabilities, and dementia of any kind. Come and learn simple techniques to prevent burnout and calm amid chaos. Balance your emotional and physical well-being along with care-giving responsibilities, improve communication, and explore the three stages of grief for yourself and your loved one, along with finding moments of joy and gratitude daily living. In addition, learn how to deal with your loved one’s depression, or aggressive behavior, and how to make plans for what's ahead for clarity and peace of mind.

While the Civil War and the 20th century civil rights movement are widely known, the period following the war is not. This course will cover the major elements of Reconstruction involving racial injustice, white terrorism, and the government’s response during this post-Civil War era to better understand its successes, failures, and how it impacted the progress of civil rights.

This class explores the role of religion in shaping American politics and national identity from the colonial period to the present. The United States is rare among modern nations in its enduring reliance on religious language to define national purpose, with theological frameworks providing many of the basic assumptions underlying American notions of politics, power, and belonging. Beginning with Puritan covenant theology and ending with contemporary Christian nationalism, we examine how religious actors constructed the dominant narratives of America as a redeemer nation with a special role to play on the world stage. Through close reading of sermons, speeches, theological writings, and political rhetoric, we analyze how these narratives draw on literary forms like the jeremiad, prophecy, and apocalyptic vision. We also examine how those narratives of chosenness were contested over time by marginalized communities offering alternative visions rooted in different theological traditions and experiences of exclusion. Students will learn to identify the rhetorical strategies used to sacralize political power and to recognize how these contests over American identity continue to shape our present.

The T'ai Chi forms teach the practioner to keep his or her body balanced and in a central position; erect and well postured. When the body is erect every bone and inner organ is in the proper place. Keeping the spinal cord erect is the first step toward rejuvenating the body. T'ai Chi Ch'uan is beneficial to both mental and physical health. T'ai Chi can rid all parts of the body of spiritual and physical defects; it clears the mind and strengthens the brain, benefits the heart, promotes good digestion and sound kidneys. It also helps to lower blood pressure, soften blood vessels.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

Practice and review of the Yang Long Form.

Practice and review of the Yang Long Form.

In honor of America's 250th anniversary, this course explores themes from Donald Fraser's The Emergence of One American Nation. We will examine the founding era and devote time to the Declaration of Independence - analyzing its enduring role as the American creed and its influence on national identity and unity.

Back by popular demand! Can you tell an oboe's sound from a clarinet's? A French horn's from a trombone's? Put your ears on and join us!

Back by popular demand! Can you tell an oboe's sound from a clarinet's? A French horn's from a trombone's? Put your ears on and join us!

Back by popular demand! Can you tell an oboe's sound from a clarinet's? A French horn's from a trombone's? Put your ears on and join us! 

Back by popular demand! Can you tell an oboe's sound from a clarinet's? A French horn's from a trombone's? Put your ears on and join us! 

A fun, lively, informative showcase and discussion of the most iconic and impactful ads of the past 100 years, including the cultural, socio-economic, and marketplace dynamics at that time for contextual relevance to understand why the ads were created. We'll also peek into the future of advertising and go behind the scenes to learn what it takes to create iconic ads. (It's not all Mad Men, but close.) You'll never look at advertising the same way again.

The Pops Chorale, led by Artistic/Musical Director Lorin Miller, is an auditioned choral group of about 75 singers that performs with its own orchestra. The Chorale puts on two major concert series each year, in May and in December. Membership in the chorale is by audition, which takes place twice a year and can be arranged via the Chorale website,  www.thepopschorale.com. Prospective members must have the ability to both sing and dance, as each semester several professionally choreographed pieces are performed by the Chorale during each of our shows. Auditions can be arranged on the Pops Website, www.thepopschorale.com 

How long does it take for an empire to collapse? Is the collapse of the Soviet Empire truly complete? If so, what do these bloody conflicts, culminating in the war in Ukraine, on the borders of the former Soviet Union, mean? How can ordinary people survive when the empire collapses? And how are new cultural and economic systems emerging from the ruins of what is use-to-be an Empire? Alex Yarmolyuk lived at the turning point of these historical events in the USSR, and he will share his experiences and, together with you, try to answer the questions posed above.

How long does it take for an empire to collapse? Is the collapse of the Soviet Empire truly complete? If so, what do these bloody conflicts, culminating in the war in Ukraine, on the borders of the former Soviet Union, mean? How can ordinary people survive when the empire collapses? And how are new cultural and economic systems emerging from the ruins of what is use-to-be an Empire? Alex Yarmolyuk lived at the turning point of these historical events in the USSR, and he will share his experiences and, together with you, try to answer the questions posed above.

On our country’s 250th Anniversary, this course will be a great way to commemorate the key events that led to our independence. Using surprising details and stories, we will pinpoint the moment that began the Revolution in the minds of the colonists which led to many of the well-known events we will study including the Boston Tea Party, Lexington and Concord, signing the Declaration, Valley Forge, and several key battles.

From Tangier to Madrid, an economically and politically engaged seamstress participates in the prelude to Spain's Civil War. Detailed historical context for this Spanish film series will be studied in the Spanish Literature class Maria Dueñas Examines The Time in Between.

From Tangier to Madrid, an economically and politically engaged seamstress participates in the prelude to Spain's Civil War. Detailed historical context for this Spanish film series will be studied in the Spanish Literature class Maria Dueñas Examines The Time in Between.

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!

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.

Our goal is to normalize conversations about death. We cover how we can plan for our own death and communicate our wishes to our family, friends and caregivers. We'll talk about the role of a death doula as well as the steps to take in advance to prepare for our death. We will discuss dying at home after-death care and new options for environmentally friendly burial or cremation. After the presentation, there is time for Q&A and discussion of death-related topics that come up for you.

Our goal is to normalize conversations about death. We cover how we can plan for our own death and communicate our wishes to our family, friends and caregivers. We'll talk about the role of a death doula as well as the steps to take in advance to prepare for our death. We will discuss dying at home after-death care and new options for environmentally friendly burial or cremation. After the presentation, there is time for Q&A and discussion of death-related topics that come up for you.

This course will present a compilation of photography gathered from numerous nature photo-safaris to Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. It will cover geology in the Rift Valley and many of the lakes and volcanoes. We will visit several of the national parks from Samburu in the north to the Okavango Delta in the south. The wildlife here includes reptiles, mammals, and a multitude of birds. If you ever contemplated a trip to Africa this short course should whet your appetite.

Does wine need to be expensive to be good? Discover a whole new world of budget friendly wines, rated 90 points and above for $15 dollars or less. The Wine price tag dilemma? Wine can seem expensive due to many factors: marketing, the cost of grapes and barrels. What's an Oenophile to do? To help make sense of this wine dilemma, Sierra College, OLLI's Sommelier, Mark DeVincenzi, will readily navigate you through a tasting of budget friendly wines and you'll soon understand why expensive wines are not always very good! This tasting experience is much more than just what's in the bottle.

This class is designed to support strength, mobility, balance, and mindfulness at any stage of life. Through gentle yet effective movement, breathwork, and relaxation techniques, we cultivate resilience in both body and mind. Rooted in the wisdom of yoga and informed by modern wellness practices, this class emphasizes joint health, core stability, flexibility, and nervous system regulation. Whether you're new to yoga or a seasoned practitioner, Yoga provides a welcoming space to honor your body’s needs, improve overall well-being, and move with greater ease in daily life. 

Yoga Nidra is a state of deep relaxation of the body while the mind remains awake and aware. It is helpful in stress reduction, health improvement and visualization. In this class, the instructor will guide you through this meditation and teach you how to access it yourself. The only physical requirement is that participants must be able to get down to and up from the floor or other surface like a recliner and be able to rest quietly for about 45 minutes. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat or blanket to lie on and a pillow for your head.

The T'ai Chi forms teach the practioner to keep his or her body balanced and in a central position; erect and well postured. When the body is erect every bone and inner organ is in the proper place. Keeping the spinal cord erect is the first step toward rejuvenating the body. T'ai Chi Ch'uan is beneficial to both mental and physical health. T'ai Chi can rid all parts of the body of spiritual and physical defects; it clears the mind and strengthens the brain, benefits the heart, promotes good digestion and sound kidneys. It also helps to lower blood pressure, soften blood vessels.