Tuesdays   

107 Days at Sea: The Journey That Changed Everything 
LIT-03-Z (distance-delivered) RECORDED
Session I Add-On: Oct. 13
Tuesday 10:30 - 11:45 am (one meeting)
At 63, Jill Chalsty boarded a ship alone, grieving her husband’s death and battling cancer. What began as a voyage around the world became far more than a trip. In this lecture, Jill shares the story behind her memoir Packets of Hope, inviting participants to travel alongside her through the ports she visited, the people she met, and the reflections that transformed personal adversity into strength and global impact. Jill demonstrates how one person’s courage can create ripples that span continents. Participants are encouraged to read her memoir, available free at www.packetsofhope.com, before the presentation.

Instructor Jill Chalsty, founder of Overcoming Obstacles, has empowered over 180 million young people worldwide through life skills education. Her journey of loss and cancer inspired Packets of Hope, illuminating the power of love and service.

Absolutely Beginning Ukulele: Songs in the keys of A, D, and F
MUS-06 (in-person)
Session II: Oct. 20, 27, Nov. 3, 10, 17
Tuesdays 10:30 - 11:45 am (5 weeks)
This class will introduce very beginning students to the ukulele. We will learn chords A, F, F#m, Bm, Bb, C, D, Dm, and E and a few more and 2-3 more songs each week that use those chords.  By the end of the class, you will be able to play at least 10 more songs on the ukulele.
*This class requires that you have a soprano, tenor, concert, or banjolele ukulele AND a tuner (can be your phone).
*This course is meant as a follow-up for the Session I course, but if you can take only one, either is fine!
The more you play, the better you'll get. We will have drop-in guest teachers (hopefully) to give students more one-on-one coaching. Don't worry, playing the ukulele is guaranteed to put you in a good mood during class and each time you practice.  Enrollment limited to 25.
Instructor: Cindee Karns (see MUS-02)

Absolutely Beginning Ukulele: Songs in the keys of C and G
MUS-02 (in-person)
Session I: Sept. 15, 22, 29, Oct. 6, 13
Tuesdays 10:30 - 11:45 am (5 weeks)
This class will introduce very beginning students to the ukulele. We will learn chords C, F, G, Am, Em, and D and a few more and practice 2-3 songs each week that use those chords.  By the end of the class, you will be able to play at least 10 songs on the ukulele.

Instructor Cindee Karns picked up the ukulele after she retired from teaching 8th graders in North Pole. She played with the Alaska Jumping Fleas in Anchorage and is now playing with The Raven Guitar group and other likely characters around town.

American Presidents and Midterms 
POLI-01 (in-person)
POLI-01-Z (distance-delivered) RECORDED
Session I Add-On: Oct. 12 - 15
Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs 2:00 - 3:15 pm
*This course meets for 4 consecutive meetings.
This course reviews the U.S. Presidency during Midterm elections. We will cover the political development of the presidency, the role midterms play in relation to presidents, and the final two classes will discuss current events in relation to students' interests in the topic.

Dr. Amy Lovecraft is a Professor of Political Science at UAF where she has worked since 2001.

American Presidents and Midterms 
POLI-01 (in-person)
POLI-01-Z (distance-delivered) RECORDED
Session I Add-On: Oct. 12 - 15
Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs 2:00 - 3:15 pm
*This course meets for 4 consecutive meetings.
This course reviews the U.S. Presidency during Midterm elections. We will cover the political development of the presidency, the role midterms play in relation to presidents, and the final two classes will discuss current events in relation to students' interests in the topic.

Dr. Amy Lovecraft is a Professor of Political Science at UAF where she has worked since 2001.

Beginning Waltz
DAN-07 (in-person)
Dates: Oct. 9, 16, 23, 30, Nov. 6, 13, 20
Fridays 12:15 - 1:30 pm
*This course starts late and runs for 7 weeks.
*This course meets at the Pioneer Park Dance Hall! 2300 Airport Way, Fairbanks, AK 99709.
*Participants should bring comfortable, no marking shoes with smooth soles, and water. 
While the class covers the basics of waltz we include more advanced tips so experienced dancers get something out of the class. We love having some ringers in the class! We find that changing partners frequently helps a lot with learning. You don’t need to sign up with a partner - we can adjust on the fly if we have a greater number of leaders or followers! Our focus is on having fun in a supportive environment.

Instructors Barb Lorz and Stan Justice have taken numerous dance classes from many different instructors. They take what works from those classes in their teaching style. They have taught for OLLI for several years.

Beringia and the World Beyond
HIS-02 (in-person)
HIS-02 (distance-delivered) RECORD
Session I: Sept. 15, 22, 29, Oct. 6, 13, Oct. 20, 27, Nov. 3, 10, 17
Tuesdays 12:15 - 1:30 pm (10 weeks)
This extended course will explore both past and prospective ways to increase the natural enjoyment of our region, for residents and visitors. Enrollees and invited guest discussants are expected to contribute to the ultimate breadth of topics covered here, and to the organization of future OLLI explorations of the Beringia region of Planet Earth.

Instructor Dave Norton is a retired UAF adjunct research faculty member.

Beringia and the World Beyond
HIS-02 (in-person)
HIS-02 (distance-delivered) RECORD
Session I: Sept. 15, 22, 29, Oct. 6, 13, Oct. 20, 27, Nov. 3, 10, 17
Tuesdays 12:15 - 1:30 pm (10 weeks)
This extended course will explore both past and prospective ways to increase the natural enjoyment of our region, for residents and visitors. Enrollees and invited guest discussants are expected to contribute to the ultimate breadth of topics covered here, and to the organization of future OLLI explorations of the Beringia region of Planet Earth.

Instructor Dave Norton is a retired UAF adjunct research faculty member.

Coping with Prostate Cancer: A Discussion With Survivors
HL-01 (in-person)
Session I: Sept. 15, 22, 29, Oct. 6
Tuesdays 10:30 - 11:45 am
This is an opportunity for men to share experience, anxiety, and advice about this major cause of cancer in our country. Rich hopes to recruit some professional presence, and invites any of those with experience to attend.

Instructor Rich Seifert is a prostate cancer survivor who wants to share with men (and helpful wives) what can be done and how to learn more about this disease.
 

Create a Barn Quilt
ART-11 (in-person)
Session II Add-On: Nov. 17, 19, 20
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 2:00 - 4:30 pm (3 meetings)
You will learn how to plan, draft and paint a 2x2 foot barn quilt, creating a unique piece of art to display. A materials fee of $10 (collected at the first class) will cover the cost of primer and paint. Before the first class you will receive instructions on how to choose, purchase and prepare your board for painting and where to find barn quilt patterns for inspiration. Materials fee $10, pay instructor at first meeting. Enrollment limited to 10.

Instructor Sandy Lachman took the Barn Quilt class last fall and taught the class last spring. Experienced quilters will be assisting students as they draft and enlarge their patterns for painting.

Easy as Pie, I
FF-01 (in-person)
Session I: Sept. 15, 22, 29, Oct. 6
Tuesdays 12:15 - 1:30 pm
*Each 4-week session stands alone; you may take either one or both.
Do you enjoy the taste of from-scratch, homemade pies? In this class we will eat pie, talk about pie, and you will get a recipe for each pie. Session I will be dessert pies, like Dutch Apple. Session II will be main dish savory pies, like Chicken Pot Pie. There is no in-class cooking. Materials fee $10; pay instructor at first meeting. Enrollment limited to 13.

Instructor Emma Centers grew up in a farm area where pie was a regular part of a good diet.
 

Easy as Pie, II
FF-02 (in-person)
Session II: Oct. 20, 27, Nov. 3, 10
Tuesdays 12:15 - 1:30 pm
*Each 4-week session stands alone; you may take either one or both.
Do you enjoy the taste of from-scratch, homemade pies? In this class we will eat pie, talk about pie, and you will get a recipe for each pie. Session I will be dessert pies, like Dutch Apple. Session II will be main dish savory pies, like Chicken Pot Pie. There is no in-class cooking. Materials fee $10; pay instructor at first meeting. Enrollment limited to 13.

Instructor Emma Centers grew up in a farm area where pie was a regular part of a good diet.

Examining the AI World We're Entering
CA-01 (in-person)
Session I: Sept. 15, 22, 29, Oct. 6
Tuesdays 2:00 - 3:15 pm
*Recommended reading: one of two books for class discussion, The Coming Wave by Mustafa Sulerman or Generation AI by Matt Britton.
Artificial Intelligence is becoming the most transformative force in history, reshaping how we think, learn, work, and connect with others. This course examines AI’s benefits and its increasingly serious risks, including deepening inequality, eroding privacy, displacing workers, misinformation, and rewiring the brains of our children. We’ll explore the forces driving this accelerating technological surge, and its effects on daily life and society. We’ll discuss the potential impacts of Artificial General Intelligence, Artificial Super intelligence, quantum supremacy, and the Singularity and we’ll talk about what Alaskans and Americans can do to shape an AI future that either serves human values—or, perhaps, projects us into a new form of life. Enrollment limited to 18.

Instructors Roger Kaye and Rich Seifert are leading this course and will examine the current and potential impacts of the accelerating AI surge.

Fly Tying
REC-10 (in-person)
Session II: Oct. 20, 27, Nov. 3, 10
Tuesdays 2:00 - 5:00 pm
Come join us as we learn the eighteen basic fly tying procedures with a master in the craft! Materials fee: $50, pay instructor at first meeting. The fee covers everything - just bring yourself! Enrollment limited to 10.

Instructor Scott Murdock has been teaching fly tying for 20 years, and is a Gold Level Evaluator for the Fly Fishers International Fly Tying Skills program. He has also developed advanced fly tying courses for UAF! He may be joined by co-instructor Shann Jones if scheduling allows.

Guitar Jam and Learn
MUS-04 (in-person)
Session II: Oct. 19, 26, Nov. 2, 9
Mondays 2:00 - 3:15 pm
Bring your guitar and tuner so we can jam together, practice new techniques and improve our confidence level. Expect to repeat songs, bring a favorite song if you want to share, but mostly enjoy playing with a group in a supportive environment. If you are more advanced, share your knowledge. Bring tips and tricks that have helped you improve. Enrollment limited to 12.

The first time instructor Krista Holbrook picked up a guitar was at an Olli class for beginning guitar. She welcomes all levels to participate in this friendly jam.

Intro to Conversational Spanish, I
LNG-01 (in-person)
Session I: Sept. 15, 22, 29, Oct. 6
Tuesdays 2:00 - 3:00 pm
Intro to Conversational Spanish, II
Students will explore their interest in Spanish, and base what they learn on participant interest and experiences. No previous experience required, just willingness to actively engage in Spanish, as most of the class will be in Spanish! We invite you to join and have fun learning and speaking Español! Enrollment limited to 8.

Instructor Cheryl Keepers began learning Spanish in 7th grade and loved it. She brings enthusiasm to help you reach your goals, whatever they may be.
 

Intro to Conversational Spanish, II
LNG-02 (in-person)
Session II: Oct. 20, 27, Nov. 3, 10
Tuesdays 2:00 - 3:00 pm
Students will explore their interest in Spanish, and base what they learn on participant interest and experiences. No previous experience required, just willingness to actively engage in Spanish, as most of the class will be in Spanish! We invite you to join and have fun learning and speaking Español! Enrollment limited to 8.

Instructor Cheryl Keepers began learning Spanish in 7th grade and loved it. She brings enthusiasm to help you reach your goals, whatever they may be.

Introduction to Taoist Tai Chi, A
EX-04a (in-person)
Session I: Sept. 15, 22, 29, Oct. 6
Tuesdays 2:00 - 3:15 pm
*Meets at Fairbanks Senior Center, 1424 Moore Street, Fairbanks, AK 99701
Taoist Tai Chi offers a pleasant form of exercise which incorporates stretching, relaxation. It is a mind/body activity which, when practiced diligently, is capable of improving balance, strength, range of motion, and overall well being. The introductory class will start students from the very beginning, no prior experience necessary.

Instructors Kate Hedstrom and Rob Cermak teach Taoist Tai Chi with the local chapter of the Taoist Tai Chi Society of the USA. They both have well over a decade of experience of learning and instructing the form, and have found many benefits from the practice.

Introduction to Taoist Tai Chi, B
EX-04b (in-person)
Session II: Oct. 20, 27, Nov. 3, 10, 17
Tuesdays 2:00 - 3:15 pm (5 weeks)
*Meets at Fairbanks Senior Center, 1424 Moore Street, Fairbanks, AK 99701
Taoist Tai Chi offers a pleasant form of exercise which incorporates stretching, relaxation. It is a mind/body activity which, when practiced diligently, is capable of improving balance, strength, range of motion, and overall well being. The introductory class will start students from the very beginning, no prior experience necessary.

Instructors Kate Hedstrom and Rob Cermak teach Taoist Tai Chi with the local chapter of the Taoist Tai Chi Society of the USA. They both have well over a decade of experience of learning and instructing the form, and have found many benefits from the practice.

Model Trains and More
REC-08 (in-person)
Date: Oct 6
Tuesday 7:00 - 8:15 pm (one meeting)
*Meets at 1031 Alaska Railroad Depot Road, Fairbanks, AK 99701.
Spend an evening exploring the model train exhibit at the Alaska Railroad Depot! There will be many model trains (running and stationary) and cool model exhibits relating to Fairbanks, Alaska.
Instructor Alan Armbruster is a model train enthusiast and has created many of the display pieces. His current favorite is a model train that includes a pickleball court with players.

Movement Pattern Strengthening for Longevity
EX-03 (in-person)
Session I: Sept. 15, 17, 22, 24, 29, Oct. 1, 6, 8, 13, 15
Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:30 - 11:30 am
*Meets at Accelerated Fitness Alaska, 535 3rd Ave Ste B, Fairbanks, AK 99701
*This course meets twice a week for five weeks.
Instruction on strengthening movement patterns to improve function and the importance of training for strength, flexibility, mobility, stability, and fall prevention. Enrollment limited to 20.

Instructor Torrey Plunk is a decades long athlete, coach, and gym owner who helps people build strong, high performing bodies for lifelong function.

Organic Planters, A
ART-01a (in-person)
Date: Sept. 8
Tuesday 11:00 am - 1:30 pm
*Three sections of the same course, feel free to register for one or all.
*Meets at 1790 Old Pioneer Way, Fairbanks, AK 99709.
Learn to make planters from branches and birch bark. We will be using some power tools (with training). This is a one day course, but if you need to finish your project you can join us for another day. The class will be held outdoors so please dress for the temperatures. Enrollment limited to 4.

Instructor Carla Reardon has lived in Alaska since the 1970s. She enjoys a wide variety of crafts from sewing to metalsmithing, and likes to relax by reading and doing Sudoku puzzles. If you have any questions about the course, please contact her at 907-457-4836.
 

 

Organic Planters, B
ART-01b (in-person)
Date: Sept. 9
Wednesday 11:00 am - 1:30 pm
*Three sections of the same course, feel free to register for one or all.
*Meets at 1790 Old Pioneer Way, Fairbanks, AK 99709.
Learn to make planters from branches and birch bark. We will be using some power tools (with training). This is a one day course, but if you need to finish your project you can join us for another day. The class will be held outdoors so please dress for the temperatures. Enrollment limited to 4.

Instructor Carla Reardon has lived in Alaska since the 1970s. She enjoys a wide variety of crafts from sewing to metalsmithing, and likes to relax by reading and doing Sudoku puzzles. If you have any questions about the course, please contact her at 907-457-4836.

Thursday 11 am - 1:30 pm
*Three sections of the same course, feel free to register for one or all.
*Meets at 1790 Old Pioneer Way, Fairbanks, AK 99709.
Learn to make planters from branches and birch bark. We will be using some power tools (with training). This is a one day course, but if you need to finish your project you can join us for another day. The class will be held outdoors so please dress for the temperatures. Enrollment limited to 4.

Instructor Carla Reardon has lived in Alaska since the 1970s. She enjoys a wide variety of crafts from sewing to metalsmithing, and likes to relax by reading and doing Sudoku puzzles. If you have any questions about the course, please contact her at 907-457-4836.
 

Painting on Glass, A    
ART-05a (in-person)
Session I Add-On: Oct. 13
Tuesday 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
*Two sections of the same course, feel free to register for one or both.
*Meets at 1790 Old Pioneer Way, Fairbanks, AK 99709.
We will paint bottles, glassware, or jars with acrylic paint that you can take home and bake in your oven. Your project will then be permanent and washable. The instructor will provide plenty of glass choices, but you can also bring your own. Enrollment limited to 6.

Instructor Carla Reardon has lived in Alaska since the 1970s. She enjoys a wide variety of crafts from sewing to metalsmithing, and likes to relax by reading and doing Sudoku puzzles. If you have any questions about the course, please contact her at 907-457-4836.
 

ART-05b (in-person)
Session II Add-On: Nov. 18
Wednesday 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
*Two sections of the same course, feel free to register for one or both.
*Meets at 1790 Old Pioneer Way, Fairbanks, AK 99709.
We will paint bottles, glassware, or jars with acrylic paint that you can take home and bake in your oven. Your project will then be permanent and washable. The instructor will provide plenty of glass choices, but you can also bring your own. Enrollment limited to 6.

Instructor Carla Reardon has lived in Alaska since the 1970s. She enjoys a wide variety of crafts from sewing to metalsmithing, and likes to relax by reading and doing Sudoku puzzles. If you have any questions about the course, please contact her at 907-457-4836.
 

Protecting Alaskans from Financial Fraud
HL-05 (in-person)
Session I Add-On: Oct. 13
Tuesday 12:15 - 1:30 pm (one meeting)
This class offers an overview of financial scams currently impacting Alaskans, including investment fraud, online and phone scams, and elder fraud. Participants will learn how to spot red flags, safeguard personal and financial information, and take action if they or someone they know is targeted.

The instructors are Financial Examiners with the Alaska Division of Banking and Securities, with an expertise in securities regulation and enforcement. The division regulates state depository and non-depository financial institutions, administers and enforces Alaska's financial services laws, and provides information for consumers, investors, entrepreneurs, and regulated industries.

Remember & Invent: Handmade Books
ART-11 (in-person)
Session II Add-On: Nov. 17, 19 
Tuesday and Thursday 9:30 - 11:45 am (two meetings)
Join Northwoods Book Arts Guild members Chris and Vanessa for two days of bookmaking fun. Books will focus on memory and writing, as well as creativity and invention. Techniques for collage, writing, and bookmaking will be integrated in a lively workshop. Please bring copies of photos, letters, ephemera, or other items that will inspire memories. All tools and materials will be provided for use at the class. Materials fee $20; please pay the instructors on the first day of class. Enrollment limited to 10.

Instructors Chris Greenfield-Pastro and Vanessa DeWolf are both members of the Northwoods Book Arts Guild. They are excited to share the skills they have learned through the guild with others and both enjoy bringing the creative process to life in the form of handmade books.

Staying Safe and Protected in a Digital World
CA-03 (in-person)
Session II: Oct. 20, 27, Nov. 3, 10
Tuesdays 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Many aspects of our lives are digital and online these days. This creates convenience for us and opportunities for others to take advantage. Come learn how to stay safe in your own digital world. Find out how to use anti-virus software, how to keep your mobile phone safe, protect your data, learn good password management, and spot scams and fraud. This is a hands-on course, with real-world examples, and simple practical steps you can take to be your own "digital bodyguard." Enrollment limited to 20.

Instructor Chris Beks is a Technology Implementation Specialist at UAF. He has been working with instructional technology in higher education for the past 25 years. He is passionate about how technology can improve our life and loves to share his experiences. In the summer, he spends a lot of his time on the family peony farm.

Trivial Pursuit for Seniors
REC-01 (in-person)
Session I: Sept. 15, 22, 29, Oct. 6
Tuesdays 3:45 - 5:00 pm
A variation of the board game Trivial Pursuit. Old enough so only seniors will know answers or remember events. Also will include Alaska trivia. Prizes for winning teams. Enrollment limited to 20.

Instructor Shirley Liss is a retired senior who enjoys card and board games but can't teach her dogs how to play.