Mondays   

Beginning Calligraphy
ART-02 (in-person)
Session I: Sept. 14, 21, 28, Oct. 5
Mondays 2:00 - 3:15 pm
If you can sign your name, you can learn calligraphy. Literally meaning "beautiful writing," calligraphy is a wonderful skill to learn and a fascinating look at how words were put down on paper, papyrus, clay, and stone throughout human existence. In this class we'll focus on learning the Italic hand, the most common form you see in use today. Once you master that you can make instant magic happen for letters, name tags, art, and a whole lot more. The materials fee covers the basics you need to continue doing calligraphy. If you cannot afford the materials fee please contact the instructor, as he likely can help. Come learn and enjoy! Materials fee: $60, pay instructor at first meeting. Enrollment limited to 15.

Instructor Larry Moen provides comprehensive therapy services as a Licensed Professional Counselor in his private practice, Uncommon Therapy (https://www.utherapy.net/). Previously he has been acting coordinator of the counseling center in Utqiagvik, manager of adult services at Fairbanks Community Behavioral Health Center, treatment director of Children's Services on the North Slope, Dean of Students at Ilisagvik College, and the creator of the social skills curriculum used by Job Corps.
 

Burlesque: Behind the Curtain
DAN-01 (in-person)
Session I: Sept. 14
Monday 3:00 - 6:00 pm (one meeting)
*This course meets at The Basement; 541 3rd Ave. Fairbanks, AK 99701.
Explore the creative world of burlesque through a behind-the-scenes look at a unique cabaret-style performance in Fairbanks, Alaska. This class will introduce participants to the process of building a themed burlesque show, from auditions and choreography to costuming, scheduling, rehearsals, and final performances. We will look at how dances and skits are developed around a common theme, and how performers work together to bring a show from early ideas to opening night. Along the way, this class will highlight the creativity, confidence, humor, theatricality, and body positivity that make burlesque such a memorable performance art.

Instructors Charlie and Rachel Blackwell are a father-daughter duo who have been lighting up the local burlesque scene for the past five years. Known for their stage presence and playful creativity they’ve performed in numerous shows throughout the community—bringing joy, humor, and a touch of sparkle to every show. With Rachel’s flair for choreography and Charlie’s natural showmanship, they create a welcoming, supportive atmosphere for dancers of all ages and experience levels. Together, they’re passionate about sharing the art of burlesque as a form of self-expression, empowerment, and pure fun.

Calligraphy for the Holidays
ART-06 (in-person)
Session II: Oct. 19, 26, Nov. 2, 9
Mondays 10:30 - 11:30 am
This class is for students who already know the basics of calligraphy, whether through OLLI or learned elsewhere. In this class we'll focus on envelopes, invitations, art pieces, and multiple easy ways to make your calligraphy more striking and decorative. The instructor will walk you through your projects to help you get your best results. You'll be expected to have a basic calligraphy set already. The instructor will provide a wide variety of (cool) additional materials for free. You’ve learned calligraphy, now let's learn how to put it to use to add some magic to the holidays! Enrollment limited to 12.
 

Empress Carlota of Mexico: From Monarchy to Madness
HIS-01-Z (distance-delivered)
Session I: Sept. 14, 21, 28, Oct. 5
Mondays 12:15 - 1:30 pm
Discover the extraordinary story of Carlota of Mexico. She was born a princess, crowned Empress in 1864 at age 24 but lost her throne, reputation and sanity within three years. Her tragic tale of bravery and betrayal spans two continents, royal dynasties, political upheaval, and war. We will witness Carlota's struggles and vulnerability in the face of monumental forces while encountering such historical figures as Benito Juarez, Abraham Lincoln, Austria's Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth (Sisi) and France’s Napoleon III along the way.

Instructor Roberta Shayo is thrilled to rejoin UAF-OLLI and looks forward to learning and growing together in the community. In addition to UAF, Roberta has been an instructor for several OLLI programs nationwide.

Euchre Strategies for the Experienced Player    
REC-09 (in-person)
Session II: Oct. 19, 26, Nov. 2, 9
Mondays 2:00 - 3:15 pm
Have you been playing Euchre for awhile? Ready to learn some new strategies? A group of experienced Euchre players will be teaching some advanced and “personal” strategies they use to make the game more interesting. The class will feature one to two new strategies a class and then time to play to practice those and other strategies. It will be a fun class to increase your skills and just have fun playing the game at a new level. Come join the fun! 

Instructors Mary Burtness, Bruce McIntosh, et al are experienced players who want to share their skills.

Fairbanks Pioneer Museum & Stampede Show
HIS-07 (in-person)
Session I Add-On: Oct. 12
Monday 12:00 - 2:00 pm (one meeting)
*Meets at Fairbanks Pioneer Museum in Pioneer Park, 2300 Airport Way, Bldg 1, Fairbanks, AK 99701
Join for an introduction on the formation of Pioneers of Alaska and the formation of the park and museum! Within the course will be a 45 minute stampede show, and plenty of time to wander through the museum.

Instructor Georgia Berry was born and raised in Alaska, and is the granddaughter of Jesse and Clara Rust. She's been serving as the Director of the Pioneer Museum since 2022.

Getting Happy with Music from the 50s and 60s
MUS-01-Z (distance-delivered) recorded
Session I: Sept. 14, 21, 28, Oct. 5
Mondays 5:30 - 6:45 pm
One of the best psychological treatments ever found for anxiety, depression, disquiet, and low energy is just listening to music from your younger years. In this class we'll listen to uplifting music from the '50s and '60s. We'll get to enjoy the songs and the memories, and to take a welcome break from the complexities and troubles of the world today.
Instructor: Larry Moen (see ART-02)

Hollywood and the H-Bomb
FLM-01 (in-person)
Session I: Sept. 14, 21, 28, Oct. 5
Mondays 12:15 - 3:15 pm
Four films, all black and white, focusing on the fictionalized consequences of the Cold War and nuclear war between the West and the Soviet Union. “On the Beach” (1959), “Doctor Strangelove” (1964), “Fail Safe” (1964), “The Bedford Incident” (1965). Stellar casting on all four films. The history and background of each film will be covered prior to viewing.

Instructor Steve Heckman is a retired Alaska State Trooper, former adjunct with Tanana Community College, and retired history teacher and vice principal of Monroe Catholic High School. He served as an officer in the United States Army stateside from 1971 to 1973.

Intermediate Guitar: Songs of Paul Simon    
MUS-03 (in-person)
Session II: Oct. 19, 26, Nov. 2, 9
Mondays 12:15 - 1:30 pm
If you can play songs in major keys of A, C, D, G, E and want to learn more this is the class for you! We are focusing on the music of great American songwriter Paul Simon. This class will have more emphasis on fingerstyle techniques but we will also work on strumming and rhythm. Enrollment limited to 10.

Instructor Arlene Slocum learned to play guitar in OLLI classes! She manages the Pioneer Park Pickers and plays at jams and open mics and folk festivals.

Jewish Food and Spirituality in Film & Literature
FLM-06 (in-person)
Session II Add-On: Nov. 16, 18
Monday & Wednesday 10:30 am - 12:30 pm (two meetings)
We will cook together, watch films, and read while exploring diverse Jewish cultures expressed through food, poetry, history, spirituality, generational wisdom, and lived experience. Materials fee: $20, pay instructor at first meeting. Enrollment limited to 20.

A teacher, a writer, and an immigrant, Dafna Young has lived and thrived in Fairbanks for over two decades.

More Zentangle Fun    
ART-07 (in-person)
Session II: Oct. 19, 26, Nov. 2, 9
Mondays 2:00 - 3:15 pm
Take zentangle to the next level with more new tangles and a project-based approach to using these new tangles, as well as using the tangles already taught in the previous course last spring. Beginners are welcome! Materials fee: $20; pay instructor at first meeting. Enrollment limited to 15.

Instructor Carol Cologie is a retired teacher who enjoys art as a form of relaxation.
 

Present to Art, Present to Self
RB-04-Z (distance-delivered) RECORDED
Session II: Oct. 19, 26, Nov. 2, 9
Mondays 12:15 - 1:30 pm
Drawing from visio and lectio divina practices, we'll learn how to be present to paintings and poetry in ways that help us into deeper presence with ourselves and the Divine. Each session will combine personal reflection with conversation as we share what we notice and what it makes us think. Thomas Merton writes, “Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.” Come be a little lost and found. No experience necessary. Welcome to a space with nothing to prove and no one to impress.

Instructor Carrie Heimer is a retired teacher, a spiritual director, and a good and gentle guide through art and poetry.

Tai Chi Gung for Spirit, Mind and Body, I
EX-01 (in-person)
Session I: Sept. 14, 21, 28, Oct. 5
Mondays 3:45 - 5:00 pm
*Meets at Fairbanks Senior Center, 1424 Moore Street, Fairbanks, AK 99701
Tai Chi Gung is known as a “simple yoga.” It helps support us on our journey to longevity by helping us move with ease, breath, and awareness. Strengthen your body while calming your nervous system. Deepen your sense of inner balance and flow. Tai Chi Gung is gentle yet deeply healing as it connects you to the intrinsic powers of nature that your body already knows.

Instructor Devta Khalsa has been training as a Tai Chi Gung instructor under Master Lama Rasaji, one of twelve world masters, for five years. This form of Tai Chi Gung comes from the lineage created over three thousand years ago in Tibet by Lao Tsu.

Tai Chi Gung for Spirit, Mind and Body, II
EX-02 (in-person)
Session II: Oct. 19, 26, Nov. 2, 9
Mondays 3:45 - 5:00 pm
*Meets at Fairbanks Senior Center, 1424 Moore Street, Fairbanks, AK 99701
Tai Chi Gung is known as a “simple yoga.” It helps support us on our journey to longevity by helping us move with ease, breath, and awareness. Strengthen your body while calming your nervous system. Deepen your sense of inner balance and flow. Tai Chi Gung is gentle yet deeply healing as it connects you to the intrinsic powers of nature that your body already knows.

Instructor Devta Khalsa has been training as a Tai Chi Gung instructor under Master Lama Rasaji, one of twelve world masters, for five years. This form of Tai Chi Gung comes from the lineage created over three thousand years ago in Tibet by Lao Tsu.

The Italian Tale of Felix Pedro
HIS-08 (in-person)
Session II Add-On: Nov. 16
Monday 2:00 - 3:15 pm (one meeting)
Much of what we know about Felix Pedro is more legend than truth. Born Felice Pedroni, he was raised near Fanano, Fairbanks’ “Sister City,” in the community of Trignano, Italy. Paolo Greer has taken many trips to Italy to learn about Felix Pedro directly from researchers, his descendants, and famiglia. The trail pointed to Felix’s cohorts and closest friends, the Costa Brothers, of whom had prospected with him over the years and had the placers next to Pedro’s Discovery Claim. Join us as we investigate the Italian tale of Felix Pedro!

Instructor Paolo Greer has lived in Alaska for more than fifty years. He also explored and prospected for gold for decades, mostly in the high Amazon jungle.