On-Ground Courses   

Have you and your loved ones had meaningful conversations around your end of life wishes? How about their end of life wishes? Often we avoid these conversations or assume that our loved ones will know what to do for us, but this time in our lives deserves more attention and care. Even if you have your basic advance care directive documented, you are invited to explore the process of including loved ones in your planning and wishes through awareness and conversation. This 90 minute course will provide interaction around common scenarios we find ourselves in when end of life is approaching, and how we can better prepare ourselves with basic tools and ideas around starting meaningful conversations. Walk away from this class with a tool kit including a legal advance care directive document, the Five Wishes (the advance directive with a heart and soul), as well as tools to guide difficult conversations and answer potential legal questions. Advance care planning is a process that takes place over a lifetime, all are welcome to engage in this experience no matter where you are in your planning process.

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.

Everyone has a story! Where do you get ideas? Meaningful objects? Family traditions, children or travel? Your “firsts” and “favorites”? Practice brainstorming techniques and be inspired by writing prompts to begin your collection of life stories to enjoy and share. Multiple handouts to keep up your writing practice.

You love Champagne, but you know there's a lot more know and understand about this fascinating beverage! In this class you'll gain a much deeper understanding of the delicious complexities behind champagne. What's included: a guided tasting of 6 champagnes, sparkling wines and prosecco’s, 2 hours of live class discussion. This class is perfect for the wine enthusiast and / or Professional seeking to master the effervescent world of Champagnes and sparkling wines. We'll focus on what grapes are used to make champagne, champagne production, champagne's proper service, storage and food pairings.

Is anyone listening? Explore and practice listening skills that can lead to: better relationships; increased confidence and self-esteem; and respectful conversations. Learn 7 Keys to effective listening and eliminate habits that prevent listening. There will be time to practice with others and to experience respectful listening.

Is anyone listening? Explore and practice listening skills that can lead to: better relationships; increased confidence and self-esteem; and respectful conversations. Learn 7 Keys to effective listening and eliminate habits that prevent listening. There will be time to practice with others and to experience respectful listening.

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.

D-Day June 6, 1944, was one of the most important days in World War II. Well, D-Day is the word described to the day. The amount of planning, Work, logistics and luck played a huge part in it success this class will discuss that while D-Day is the tip of the iceberg. Most of the work was done before.

A broad and in depth view of Dylan's life and music.  We will cover his music from l960's to the present.
The course will also include biography and Dylan's work as a painter. The course will include film and music.

Using important decisions made by U.S. presidents and landmark Supreme Court rulings, we will apply a series of ethical criteria to some of these historic decisions. Ethical thinking not only involves making judgements of right and wrong, good and bad, but also the motivations and intentions of the decision makers. Using ethical criteria developed by psychologists Maslow, Kohlberg, and Glasser, we will build a broader view of the potential factors that affected these decisions and that can be applied to our modern times. This course will encourage class participation discussing these decisions.

Robert Redford and Jane Fonda made 4 films together.  They began their careers in their early 30's and through each film created what is routinely referred to as "movie magic".  Join us to watch and discuss their amazing 4 films: The Chase (1966); Bubber (Redford) has broken out of prison and headed home to his wife, Anna (Fonda) who's having an affair with his best friend, Jake (James Fox. Barefoot in the Park (1967); Neil Simon's stage play comes to the silver screen. An unlikely pair of newlyweds, he's a "stuffed shirt" lawyer and she's an independent-minded free spirit, trying to find their way in 1960's New York City. The Electric Horseman (1979); She's a successful New York journalist on the trail to get the "real story" of a washed-up Rodeo Cowboy who's stolen an $16 million dollar horse. Our Souls at Night (2017); A widow and a widower have been neighbors for years but don't know each other until they decide to sleep together.

This course is an overview of a week spent with the meteorologists of Penn State University.  We'll learn about forecasting fundamentals, weather analysis, satellite imagery, observational networks, severe storms, weather on the web, hurricanes, emergency management and human impact.  A demonstration of the Mountain Rain or Snow interactive citizen science data collection will be included.

This course is an overview of a week spent with the meteorologists of Penn State University.  We'll learn about forecasting fundamentals, weather analysis, satellite imagery, observational networks, severe storms, weather on the web, hurricanes, emergency management and human impact.  A demonstration of the Mountain Rain or Snow interactive citizen science data collection will be included.

Experience the joy of orchestral music by playing with the Grass Valley Symphony Orchestra, a music-loving community ensemble. Our weekly rehearsals focus on musical growth, music appreciation, performing music from contrasting periods, 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.

Most of us want to live a long, healthy and happy life with our remaining years, not one that is merely without disease. Happiness and well-being is important as we age and can affect our physical, mental and emotional well-being. Abraham Lincoln said, "Most folks are about as happy as they make their minds up to be." He has a point. We do have choices and there is a lot we can do to experience happiness and live our life at an optimal level, even with chronic conditions. Happiness is a choice focuses on practical and helpful tips to optimize our everyday life as aging adults. Join us for this fun series to learn more about the habits of happy people and create your very own happiness plan. You will be glad you did.

In our death phobic culture we avoid one of our most significant life events. Conversations about death, dying, and grief are an alternative to the silence and shame around death, a balm for our personal and cultural fears, an aid to normalize the process of dying and prepare us for making end-of-life decisions. Applying effective listening empowers us to get comfortable with talking about our mortality.

In our death phobic culture we avoid one of our most significant life events. Conversations about death, dying, and grief are an alternative to the silence and shame around death, a balm for our personal and cultural fears, an aid to normalize the process of dying and prepare us for making end-of-life decisions. Applying effective listening empowers us to get comfortable with talking about our mortality.

AI has brought benefits to senior community by enabling independence, safety, and social connection through smart home technology, virtual assistants, and health monitoring. Some technologies provide assistance in daily tasks, medication management, and fall detection. Seniors now have more tools to enhance aging in place. However, technologies also bring about complexities, data security, and data privacy. This class will explore both benefits and challenges so the senior community can adapt and adopt what is beneficial and alleviate challenges.

"They say you don't choose your times, but I was drafted into the Soviet Army just as the Soviet Union was choosing to fall apart. I went in as a young man with a life dictated by the state, and I emerged during a chaotic collapse that erased the USSR. This is a story about the brutal physical and mental forging of character, the chilling paranoia of KGB surveillance, and navigating the profound instability of a failing superpower. It was a time when the world was falling down around us, and I want to share where we found the strength to carry on."

"They say you don't choose your times, but I was drafted into the Soviet Army just as the Soviet Union was choosing to fall apart. I went in as a young man with a life dictated by the state, and I emerged during a chaotic collapse that erased the USSR. This is a story about the brutal physical and mental forging of character, the chilling paranoia of KGB surveillance, and navigating the profound instability of a failing superpower. It was a time when the world was falling down around us, and I want to share where we found the strength to carry on."

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.

Join us as we examine the events of November 22, 1963, and the days that followed. We’ll explore questions surrounding standard investigative procedures, review two subsequent investigations, and examine why many Americans continue to question the findings of the Warren Commission.

The class will also consider evidence involving key witnesses, film footage, police radio communications, acoustical analysis, and forensic findings that have fueled theories of multiple shooters. Roger Peterson brings a unique perspective to the discussion, having personally met and spoken with several people who witnessed the assassination.

Come explore the evidence, the unanswered questions, and the investigations that continue to shape the debate surrounding one of the most controversial events in American history.

The life and work of Japanese-British author Kazuo Ishiguro, 2017 Nobel Laureate in Literature, will be explored. His novel The Remains of the Day and its film adaptation will be the primary focus of the course. 
 

The life and work of Japanese-British author Kazuo Ishiguro, 2017 Nobel Laureate in Literature, will be explored. His novel The Remains of the Day and its film adaptation will be the primary focus of the course. 
 

This is a chance to sit in a circle with fellow OLLI students and discuss a variety of foreign affairs issues related to Latin America such as the future of Cuba, China's Aggressive Influence, the Panama Canal, the Trump-alike in Argentina, Columbia and the drug trade, the Monroe Doctrine in Venezuela. Readings will be provided to assist the conversation.

This is a chance to sit in a circle with fellow OLLI students and discuss a variety of foreign affairs issues related to Latin America such as the future of Cuba, China's Aggressive Influence, the Panama Canal, the Trump-alike in Argentina, Columbia and the drug trade, the Monroe Doctrine in Venezuela. Readings will be provided to assist the conversation.

The feminist Mexican author Laura Esquivel reimagines early 20th century Mexico, fusing     the social, the political, and the folkloric. Her 1989 novel Like Water for Chocolate will be studied and compared with the film adaptation. 

The feminist Mexican author Laura Esquivel reimagines early 20th century Mexico, fusing     the social, the political, and the folkloric. Her 1989 novel Like Water for Chocolate will be studied and compared with the film adaptation. 

The Mexican film series (2024-2026) adaptation of Laura Esquivel's 1989 novel Como Agua Para Chocolate (Like Water for Chocolate) expands upon the 1992 film, focusing on the historical context of the Mexican Revolution. Musical voices of contemporary Latin musicians strengthen the imaginative interpretation of this classic tale documenting the spirit of Mexican women. The film series is performed in Spanish with English subtitles.

 

The Mexican film series (2024-2026) adaptation of Laura Esquivel's 1989 novel Como Agua Para Chocolate (Like Water for Chocolate) expands upon the 1992 film, focusing on the historical context of the Mexican Revolution. Musical voices of contemporary Latin musicians strengthen the imaginative interpretation of this classic tale documenting the spirit of Mexican women. The film series is performed in Spanish with English subtitles.

 

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 

Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple are Agatha Christie’s best-known detectives.  In this class we will look at two novels featuring these sleuths: "Death on the Nile" and "The Body in the Library".  While the two novels seem very different—Miss Marple and Poirot have little in common and the settings of the novels couldn’t be much further apart—we will think about the ways in which both books resonate with each other.  For example, in what ways do the respective settings function as characters? What is the role of the detective (beyond simply solving the central puzzle)?  How do the novels comment on or reflect social and cultural conventions? 

The Constitution of the United States was created during the summer of 1787 in the Assembly Room of Independence Hall four years after the Treaty of Paris secured American independence. What happened at these epic meetings? Learn about George Washington’s role at the convention, Alexander Hamilton’s 5-hour speech, the tension between the large and small states, and the dramatic moments when the convention came close to failure. Thankfully, James Madison kept articulate notes of each day, and we will learn what unfolded at this convention that will lead to a deeper understanding of our Constitution.

Our class on Mozart will feature symphonies, piano concertos, string quartets, and a potpurri of delighful music by the "miracle" God created in Salzburg. 
 

Our class on Mozart will feature symphonies, piano concertos, string quartets, and a potpurri of delighful music by the "miracle" God created in Salzburg. 
 

Our class on Mozart will feature symphonies, piano concertos, string quartets, and a potpourri of delightful music by the "miracle" God created in Salzburg. 
You did not have to take Pt 1 to take Pt 2 

Our class on Mozart will feature symphonies, piano concertos, string quartets, and a potpourri of delightful music by the "miracle" God created in Salzburg. 
You did not have to take Pt 1 to take Pt 2 

Monthly gathering to discuss books ranging from historical fiction to non-fiction and classics. Short presentation by member of group focusing on facts about author, historical settings or other aspects of the book sets the tone for informal discussion of book. Participation is encouraged. Members will need to obtain their own books. Opening selection is "A Time In Between" by Maria Duenas. Full reading list will be provided upon registration.

Membership Required - No course fee

Monthly gathering to discuss books ranging from historical fiction to non-fiction and classics. Short presentation by member of group focusing on facts about author, historical settings or other aspects of the book sets the tone for informal discussion of book. Participation is encouraged. Members will need to obtain their own books. Opening selection is "A Time In Between" by Maria Duenas. Full reading list will be provided upon registration.

Membership Required - No course fee

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.

Whether you've never played golf, are new to the game, or are a seasoned golfer, this fun, hands-on course will help you discover the many physical, mental, and social benefits of golf. Learn simple techniques to improve your putting and swing while enhancing focus, balance, flexibility, and confidence. Along the way, explore how golf fosters connection with nature, friendship, and a mindful approach to lifelong wellness. With easy, adaptable instruction, you'll gain skills you can enjoy for years to come—regardless of age or ability.

Please bring a wood, an iron, and a putter if you have them. Clubs and balls will be provided for those who need them.

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.

Take complete control of your financial future with this practical 4-week seminar designed specifically for retirees who want to understand every aspect of their financial plan. Whether managing investments independently or working with an adviser, you'll master building portfolios, optimizing income, minimizing taxes, and legacy planning. This hands-on course empowers you to make informed retirement decisions, evaluate professional recommendations, and identify when you need expert guidance. Learning to understand every aspect of your financial plan with confidence. By the end, you'll have the knowledge and tools to own your financial strategy and navigate retirement with greater peace of mind and control.

Take complete control of your financial future with this practical 4-week seminar designed specifically for retirees who want to understand every aspect of their financial plan. Whether managing investments independently or working with an adviser, you'll master building portfolios, optimizing income, minimizing taxes, and legacy planning. This hands-on course empowers you to make informed retirement decisions, evaluate professional recommendations, and identify when you need expert guidance. Learning to understand every aspect of your financial plan with confidence. By the end, you'll have the knowledge and tools to own your financial strategy and navigate retirement with greater peace of mind and control.

Take complete control of your financial future with this practical 4-week seminar designed specifically for retirees who want to understand every aspect of their financial plan. Whether managing investments independently or working with an adviser, you'll master building portfolios, optimizing income, minimizing taxes, and legacy planning. This hands-on course empowers you to make informed retirement decisions, evaluate professional recommendations, and identify when you need expert guidance. Learning to understand every aspect of your financial plan with confidence. By the end, you'll have the knowledge and tools to own your financial strategy and navigate retirement with greater peace of mind and control.

Retirement is a time to embrace both activity and renewal. This course explores the importance of sacred rest and self-care in creating a healthy, meaningful retirement. Through discussion and reflection, participants will discover practical ways to balance doing with being, manage stress, find renewed purpose, and nurture emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. Join us to explore how intentional rest can lead to greater joy, peace, and fulfillment in this new stage of life.

An exploration into California’s signature mountain range. Geology and geography - glaciers, weathering and time. Review its rich fauna and flora, its diverse suite of plants and animals, and its endless ecological associations. A review its environmental history and rejoice in its historic contributions to the conservation movement. What roles climate change, drought, and fire have on the future of John Muir’s “Range of Light.”

Paul Newman was an American actor, director, producer, race car driver, philanthropist, and entrepreneur, whose career spanned seven decades across film, television, and theater. He was nominated for all four EGOT awards (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony), winning an Academy Award, a British Academy Film Award, and seven Golden Globes. Join me in watching four of his greatest films: Cool Hand Luke, The Hustler, The Verdict, and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

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.

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. 

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.

According to Jewish legend, in 1700BC a man named Abraham put his faith in a god named YHVH, and in return was instructed to "look up now at the sky and count the stars if you can. So uncountable will your descendants be." Those words, as it turns out, were prophetic. This course surveys the history, literature, beliefs and practices of the Abrahamic religions - Judaism, Christianity, and Islam - religions which taken together comprise over half of the world's population.

According to Jewish legend, in 1700BC a man named Abraham put his faith in a god named YHVH, and in return was instructed to "look up now at the sky and count the stars if you can. So uncountable will your descendants be." Those words, as it turns out, were prophetic. This course surveys the history, literature, beliefs and practices of the Abrahamic religions - Judaism, Christianity, and Islam - religions which taken together comprise over half of the world's population.

*You did not have to take Part 1 to register for Part 2. 

This course will explore the origins of the presidency, including what the Framers of the Constitution expected from the office. We will look at various theories that presidents have developed about the office. The class will then review our first president, George Washington.

As California's population ages, many seniors and families are unprepared for the rising costs of long-term care. California's Medi-Cal rules changed in 2026, affecting eligibility, gifting, asset transfers, and planning strategies. This course will explain the new rules in clear language and discuss ways to protect your home, savings, and future care options. Learn common mistakes families make, available resources, and why planning before a health crisis matters.

Got a book you're struggling to finish? This 5-week workshop is for you. Work with a professional editor to create a satisfying ending for your target market and avoid the top five mistake authors make. Learn to use plot, character, and setting to find the flow of the story. A portion of each session is spent writing manuscript pages based on exercises completed in class while the instructor conducts one-on-one conferences with students. Zoom option available!

Stop putting off writing that book you've always dreamed of writing! This 5-week workshop will take you step by step through the process. Learn how to use character, plot and setting to drive your novel. Or subject matter, subtopics, target reader, and theme to develop your non-fiction. A portion of each session is spent writing manuscript pages using tools and techniques learned, as the instructor conducts one-on-one conferences with students. Zoom option available.

You may not immediately recognize the name Robert Zemeckis, but you know his films. He’s a visionary director behind some of the most beloved and technologically groundbreaking blockbusters in cinematic history. We’ll explore some of his recurring themes of fate, time, and the human relationship with technology, specifically focusing on his role in pioneering digital visual effects, blending cutting-edge technology with some high-concept adventures and classic American storytelling. In this class we will watch and discuss: “Back to the Future” (1985); “Death Becomes Her” (1992); “Forrest Gump” (1994); “Contact” (1997); and “Cast Away” (2000).

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 

Meet J. Parker Whitney, who was 17 when he arrived in San Francisco in 1852 with 10 cents in his pocket. For 20 years he explored the U.S., trying his hand at various business ventures, eventually returning to Rocklin where he developed an estate that covered nearly 29 square miles. 

This course offers a practical overview of the senior care journey while emphasizing the importance of caregiver well-being. Participants will explore in-home care, out-of-home placement options, and strategies for navigating care transitions and medical settings with confidence. The course also provides essential advocacy tools to help caregivers understand their rights and effectively support their aging loved ones. In addition, meaningful self-care strategies are introduced to help caregivers sustain their own health and resilience over time.

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.

As the war in Ukraine enters its fifth year in March 2026, the conflict has moved beyond a battlefield struggle into a profound, long-term global transformation. Today, we will provide a necessary update on the current state of the frontlines, where intense attacks on energy infrastructure and shifting territorial control have created a war of attrition. We will explore how both nations have fundamentally changed Ukraine through resilience and technological adaptation, and Russia through deepening societal changes and pivot towards new alliances. Finally, we will look ahead to the long-anticipated question of peace: examining how international negotiations begin, the historical precedents for ending such deep-seated conflicts, and how a potential truce will restructure the economic, political, and daily lives of both Ukrainians and Russians for decades to come.

As the war in Ukraine enters its fifth year in March 2026, the conflict has moved beyond a battlefield struggle into a profound, long-term global transformation. Today, we will provide a necessary update on the current state of the frontlines, where intense attacks on energy infrastructure and shifting territorial control have created a war of attrition. We will explore how both nations have fundamentally changed Ukraine through resilience and technological adaptation, and Russia through deepening societal changes and pivot towards new alliances. Finally, we will look ahead to the long-anticipated question of peace: examining how international negotiations begin, the historical precedents for ending such deep-seated conflicts, and how a potential truce will restructure the economic, political, and daily lives of both Ukrainians and Russians for decades to come.

Let's understand how the U.S. Supreme Court has defined our 1st Amendment Rights to Freedoms of Speech, Press, Religion, Assembly and Petition. This is an interactive course as the students will become the Court to help decide cases. Participants will understand the limits of our rights--why you can't yell "Fire" in a theatre or bible readings on a school campus or how a Jewish community can keep out a KKK rally or Boy Scouts banning gay leaders. Come prepare to think and rethink our rights. 

Let's understand how the U.S. Supreme Court has defined our 1st Amendment Rights to Freedoms of Speech, Press, Religion, Assembly and Petition. This is an interactive course as the students will become the Court to help decide cases. Participants will understand the limits of our rights--why you can't yell "Fire" in a theatre or bible readings on a school campus or how a Jewish community can keep out a KKK rally or Boy Scouts banning gay leaders. Come prepare to think and rethink our rights. 

A story of an iconic and remarkable group of large and once-abundant fish species. The amazing history of Pacific and Atlantic salmon species – wonders of the cold waters of the northern hemisphere. Who are these fish? What is their story and, most importantly, what is their common fate?

A closeup on the many salmon species of the Pacific Northwest. Native American fish culture and the current state of the salmon fishery, beginning, where it started, on California’s Sacramento and north coast rivers and thence northwards to Canada and Alaska. A tragic story of cultural and habitat destruction, dams, water diversions and the failure of hatcheries and farms.

From the rainy Northwest to the snowy Sierra, California’s rich watery resources have provided both natural riches while yet fostering intense and unending political wrangling. Learn whence the water emerges, where it flows (naturally and not), and the mind-boggling engineering transfers from watershed to watershed. Can 40 million Californian's share the wealth?

Educational documentarian Catherine Busch developed a series of films and classroom lessons about the Japanese Internment in the United States.  Along with Tim Ogburn they have turned to the question, "Could it ever happen again?"  Are the conditions in the USA now similar to those that caused this black mark on American history? This short film examines the state of our nation and asks this pertinent question.  Come and meet the filmmakers and contribute to the discussion.

Educational documentarian Catherine Busch developed a series of films and classroom lessons about the Japanese Internment in the United States.  Along with Tim Ogburn they have turned to the question, "Could it ever happen again?"  Are the conditions in the USA now similar to those that caused this black mark on American history? This short film examines the state of our nation and asks this pertinent question.  Come and meet the filmmakers and contribute to the discussion.

This course explores why the founding generation framed a new constitution. The course will examine the myriad problems caused by the first American Constitution (the Articles of Confederation) during and after the revolution. We will then discuss the Constitutional Convention, the major compromises that were reached, and the organization of the government contained in the Constitution.

Stephanie Dray’s new historical novel, A Founding Mother, chronicles the amazing life of Abigail Adams. From war-torn streets to the chandeliered halls of power, hers is the unforgettable story of a woman ahead of her time—one whose voice, vision, and valor still resonate powerfully today. Celebrate the life of our second First Lady, as the country celebrates its 250th Anniversary.

Stephanie Dray’s new historical novel, A Founding Mother, chronicles the amazing life of Abigail Adams. From war-torn streets to the chandeliered halls of power, hers is the unforgettable story of a woman ahead of her time—one whose voice, vision, and valor still resonate powerfully today. Celebrate the life of our second First Lady, as the country celebrates its 250th Anniversary.

Movies misrepresented the Old West. Gunfights were not daily events.  Earp wore a badge fewer than nine years. He was a gambler, saloon operator, miner, horse racer...a "sporting man". For years he battled his reputation from two events. He outlived all the Old West icons dying in 1929 after becoming friends with Hollywood’s Tom Mix, William S. Hart, and John Ford.. One cannot know the Earp story without learning of wife Josephine. Peterson interviewed three people who knew Earp.

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

Create a timeline of your significant events and losses for reflection, clarity  and legacy.  Reviewing your past can remind you to celebrate your joys and growth, illuminate losses that influenced your actions, and bring insights about patterns and possibilities for the next stages of your life. There will be time for pairs to practice deep listening to each other’s insights.

Create a timeline of your significant events and losses for reflection, clarity  and legacy.  Reviewing your past can remind you to celebrate your joys and growth, illuminate losses that influenced your actions, and bring insights about patterns and possibilities for the next stages of your life. There will be time for pairs to practice deep listening to each other’s insights.

In 1851, San Francisco mayor Charles Brenham referred to his numerous French constituents as "one of the two great elements (with Americans) that compose the population of California." This strong French presence so early in the history of our State, remains one of the little-known facets of that world-wide epic. 
In her first session, Claudine will explore, with pictures and original texts, what triggered such a rush of Frenchmen to California from the earliest days of the gold rush. How they escaped from endless riots and the collapse of social order in their embattled nation, only to land, after a six-month voyage around Cape Horn, in a city that had no law, no infrastructure, no sanitation, no raison d'etre except for gold. They survived, prevailed, and with their special talents and skills, they helped shape the city so often called "Paris of the Pacific."
In her second session, Claudine will show how prevalent these pioneers were in the goldfields as well to the point that "French" is the most common name of nationality in the toponymy of the Gold Country. She will not only follow the success stories of three lucky Frenchmen who found a fortune on the banks of the Yuba and Bear rivers, of Claude Chana whose grand statue stands by the Freeway in Auburn, of the French village of Malakoff and North Bloomfield, but will also present little known depictions of the goldfields by early French visitors and gold seekers.