Wednesdays   

Session I: Feb. 12, 19, 26, Mar. 5
Wednesdays    9:30 am - 12:00 pm
This class will practice the little things: Fixing mistakes, picking up dropped stitches, directional decreases, reversing cables, reading charts, how to choose yarn, whatever else you haven't figured out. You need to know how to knit, purl, and cast on. Enrollment limited to 12.
Instructor Gail Davidson has been knitting since dinosaurs walked the earth.

THIS COURSE IS FULL. Please click the "Add to Waitlist" button below. 

Session I: Feb. 12, 19, 26, Mar. 5
Wednesdays 5:00 - 6:15 pm
*Meets at the Making is Learning Lab in the Bunnell Building, room 143.
1790 Tanana Loop, Fairbanks, AK 99775
Explore the empowering world of 3D printing in this beginner-friendly course. Learn how to design and print your own unique creations while mastering the basics of this transformative technology. From practical tools to personalized art pieces, 3D printing offers endless possibilities to bring your ideas to life. Gain hands-on experience with user-friendly software and equipment, and leave with a completed custom print and the skills to continue innovating. Enrollment limited to 12.
Instructor Sean Holland is the Associate Director of Learning Innovation at the UAF Center for Teaching and Learning. Zach Cureton-Hazard is a member of the instructional design team at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Center for Teaching and Learning. Zach has a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and is a certified secondary science teacher in Alaska.

Session I Add-On: March 11
Tuesday 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
*Two sections of the same course, please only register for one.
Do you set your glasses down and lose track of them? Beaded straps allow you to set them down across your neck and never lose them again! Learn how to make attractive, simple, fancy, or cool beaded straps for your eyeglasses. Bring the glasses or sunglasses you want them to fit on. All supplies are provided. This involves stringing beads; it is "close" work so bring appropriate eyewear. Enrollment limited to 5.
Instructor: Carla Reardon (see ART-04)

Session I Add-On: Mar. 12
Wednesday 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
*Two sections of the same course, please only register for one.
*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 (see ART-04)
 

Session II Add-On: Apr. 14
Monday 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
*Two sections of the same course, please only register for one.
*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 (see ART-04)
 

Session I: Feb. 12, 19, 26, Mar. 5
Wednesdays    12:15 - 1:30 pm
*Participants should bring comfortable, non-marking shoes with smooth soles, and water. 
Have fun learning how to do line dancing! You will learn the main elements of line dancing and a few basic steps. Dances covered will include: The Electric Slide, Cupid Shuffle, Hillbilly Shoes, Canadian Stomp, Wobble, and if time permits, others. These are very basic dances which anyone can learn with ease.
Instructor Michele Mouton has been line dancing for over 35 years and has taught line dances in several venues. She loves to share her skills and get others dancing.

Session II: Mar. 19, 26, Apr. 2, 9
Wednesdays    12:15 - 1:30 pm
*Participants should bring comfortable, non-marking shoes with smooth soles, and water. 
If you have some experience in line dancing or took a Beginning Line Dancing course, you may enjoy this course! We will cover more complex line dances like The Wolf, Give Me Shivers, Good Times, Romeo, and Give It To Me. Each course meeting will start with a warm up and review of a beginner line dance.
Instructor: Michele Mouton (see DAN-01)

This course is FULL, please add yourself to the waitlist using the button below. 

Session II: March 19, 20, 26, 27
Wednesdays & Thursdays 4:30 - 5:30 pm (2 weeks)
*Course will be held at the Birch Hill ski trails.
This class is for skiers who have had little to no formal instruction in skate skiing OR are trying to improve and up their game a bit. Ideally, participants in this class have experience in classic skiing, however, this is not a requirement. The goal is to learn additional techniques on varied terrain so you can be more confident and efficient on any trail.     Enrollment limited to 12.
Instructor Sven Grage is looking forward to spending time with students on the trails and loves teaching others about cross-country skiing.

Session I: Feb. 12, 19, 26, Mar. 5
Wednesdays    2:00 - 3:15 pm
*Offsite course, various locations
Have you ever wondered about, or turned up your nose at, gluten free, dairy free or vegan foods? Or perhaps you have been diagnosed with an allergy or are sensitive to a common ingredient and don’t know where to go out to eat. Or perhaps you aren’t aware that alternatives are both delicious and available. In this class we will visit four food establishments in Fairbanks that either specialize in or offer alternative foods to common allergens. Classes will include a short information session on common food allergens and need for alternatives. Tasting fee: $20, please pay the instructor at the first meeting. Enrollment limited to 7.
Instructor Renee King is a retired RN, recently relocated to Fairbanks, and has a gluten sensitivity.

Session II: Mar. 19, 26, Apr. 2, 9, 16
Wednesdays 2:00 - 5:00 pm (5 weeks)
*Each 5-week session stands alone; you may take either one or both.
Films & Photography    "Film Noir (dark film) are films primarily based on hardboiled crime fiction novels from 1940 - 1960. These films have loosely-defined characteristics, but always present the darker side of humanity. In each course meeting, we’ll explore one aspect of film noir, then screen a representative film, followed by a short discussion. Ten titles will be chosen from Wikipedia's list of classic film noir.
Instructor Jeffrey Simonson has been watching and studying cinema, and attending film festivals for over 30 years.

Session I: Feb. 12, 19, 26, Mar. 5
Wednesdays 2:00 - 3:15 pm
Alaska Native Elders view aging holistically and enjoy sharing their lessons and experiences to help others embrace aging on their own terms. This course will share lessons and experiences based on Jordan's 17-year study on what supports Alaska Native Elders to age successfully and provide you with tips and recommendations to create your own successful aging journey. 
Instructor Jordan Lewis is Aleut and Sugpiaq from the Native Village of Naknek and the Director of Research for the Center for One Health Research at UAF. He has been studying Alaska Native successful aging for 17 years and enjoys sharing Elders' stories and wisdom to help everyone learn how to age well.

This course is FULL, please add yourself to the waitlist using the button below. 

Session II: Mar. 19, 26, Apr. 2, 9
Wednesdays 10:30 - 11:45 am
This course deepens personal skills of inquiry into habits of mind that cause suffering, or delight. Each session begins with a guided mindful practice for 10-15 minutes. A brief discourse on an element of mindful practice will take us into an axial question for collaborative inquiry for the final segment of class. Writing to discover (aka journaling) is a powerful method for expanding our zone of awareness, and the axial questions will be prompts that we take home for continued practice inward all week. 
No experience needed. A sincere interest in the nature of mind, philosophy or self-inquiry is helpful.
Instructor Steve Levey has taught world history and world religions in public schools. He is a mechanic, business owner, father, and more recently spent the last 5 years exploring Insight Meditation. Steve uses a broad, open and inclusive approach to this investigation into the nature of mind.

Session I: Feb. 12, 26, Mar. 5, 12
Wednesdays 12:00 - 2:00 pm

*Class dates have been changed due to instructor availability.
We’ll discuss 10 - 12 poems written recently and a few from long ago, all of which are “remarkable” (i.e., re-readable, entertaining, or odd) for their style and/or content. Some works will be by poets perhaps unfamiliar to you, but we’ll also study distinguished poems by renowned and/or “popular” writers, all of whom make the experience of reading an interactive and occasionally playful event. Join us in learning more about poetry whether or not you participated in previous “Remarkable Poems” OLLI courses. 
Instructor Joe Dupras, Professor Emeritus of English (UAF 1979-2010), has taught OLLI courses featuring novels as well as surveys of poetry.

This course is FULL, please add yourself to the waitlist using the button below. 

Session II: Apr. 16
Wednesday 12:00 - 1:30 pm (1 meeting)
*Meets at Raven Landing’s Dining Hall (1222 Cowles St. Fairbanks, AK  99701)
*For an extra $5 at Raven Landing, you can enjoy a cup of soup and bread during the presentation.
The release of “The Queen of Fairbanks” in May 2024 drew readers who were curious about Fairbanks' famous bag lady, Irene Sherman. The first printing sold out in just six months as Tricia often spoke on Irene’s remarkable life. But the story behind the book is just as interesting. In this session, Tricia will discuss the steps to publishing, how the manuscript remained fluid during critical decisions about storytelling, and why she chose self-publishing after releasing two dozen other books through traditional houses. She’ll also talk about alpha readers, self-confidence (or lack of it), and the role of dumb luck. Enrollment limited to 25.
Instructor Tricia Brown is a UAF alum who once led the News-Miner features staff, then served as editor in chief of Alaska magazine before entering book publishing. The Queen of Fairbanks is her thirtieth book in a list that includes reading for children as well as adults.

Session I: Feb. 12, 19, 26, Mar. 5
Wednesdays 10:30 - 11:45 am
The outer world is increasingly polarized and distressing and we seem to have less control than ever. What can we do? How can we cope? Can we help? A lifetime of cultural conditioning, unquestioned inherited thoughts and beliefs, got us here. To change our predicament, we must upgrade our perceptions and thinking. Thoughts become beliefs become behaviors become habits become physical reality. As we each elevate our own attitudes, we change our own world. What's better yet, feelings and thoughts are contagious. Together we can even change THE world. It starts with you and me.    
Instructor Ginny McDowell has been stretching to shift from her head to her heart, for its inspiration and intuition. The heart is a happier, peaceful place. Come join her there.

Session I Add-On: Mar. 12
Wednesday 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Humanity and Earth are experiments of creation. We are physical beings, observing life in linear time with our five senses, and endowed with the free will to design and create our “best” lives. We don’t feel free; we’re too busy doing what we SHOULD to develop our dreams. Our thoughts influence our reality more than we realize, and we have the power to create a far more pleasant life for ourselves NOW, even in hard times. That’s why we’re here! We came to uplift the world. It works better if we can believe that!
Instructor: Ginny McDowell (see RB-02)    

Session I Add-On: Mar. 12
Wednesday 2:00 - 3:15 pm (1 meeting)
This course is a simple call out for the nightly dreams of my aging generation. Attendees should be prepared to share their dreams and be willing to give their impressions/thoughts as others do the same. We are all the authors of our own dreams so consider this a writers’ workshop on the fascinating novels we all wrote of and from our lives.
Instructor Mike Hopper (recently retired child/adolescent psychologist)has been listening to dreams (in addition to having them) since his graduate years as a sleep and dream researcher. 

Session I: Feb. 12, 19, 26, Mar. 5
Wednesdays 10:30 - 11:45 am
Pollinators provide essential services in most of Alaska’s wild landscapes, ensuring successful reproduction for many kinds of plants. This course will explore the amazing diversity of Alaska’s insect pollinators (it’s more than bees and butterflies), discuss some of the threats they face, and suggest things you can do to help wild pollinators thrive in your own neighborhood.
Instructor Jess Rykken is the Insect Collection Manager at the University of Alaska Museum of the North and previously worked for Denali National Park. Over the last dozen years she has conducted pollinator surveys all over the state. She enjoys sharing her passion for pollinators with all types of audiences.

Zoom Section

Session I: Feb. 12, 19, 26, Mar. 5
Wednesdays 10:30 - 11:45 am
Pollinators provide essential services in most of Alaska’s wild landscapes, ensuring successful reproduction for many kinds of plants. This course will explore the amazing diversity of Alaska’s insect pollinators (it’s more than bees and butterflies), discuss some of the threats they face, and suggest things you can do to help wild pollinators thrive in your own neighborhood.
Instructor Jess Rykken is the Insect Collection Manager at the University of Alaska Museum of the North and previously worked for Denali National Park. Over the last dozen years she has conducted pollinator surveys all over the state. She enjoys sharing her passion for pollinators with all types of audiences.

Session I: Feb. 12, 19, 26, Mar. 5
Wednesdays 3:45 - 5:00 pm
Science is tackling aging on a broad front. Not only is it seeking to cure the specific diseases of aging like heart disease, Alzheimer’s and kidney disease, it is searching for ways to slow, halt or even reverse aging. Aging has been successfully slowed in many animals and even reversed (temporarily) using advanced techniques. Even in humans! We will review where the science is today and where it might go tomorrow. Along the way, tips will be provided on how you can improve your life expectancy (hint: you already know a lot of them).
Instructor Ray Collins was raised in the Alaskan Bush. He has 3 degrees from UAF so far, and is now working on a PhD studying aging.

Zoom Section

Session I: Feb. 12, 19, 26, Mar. 5
Wednesdays 3:45 - 5:00 pm
Science is tackling aging on a broad front. Not only is it seeking to cure the specific diseases of aging like heart disease, Alzheimer’s and kidney disease, it is searching for ways to slow, halt or even reverse aging. Aging has been successfully slowed in many animals and even reversed (temporarily) using advanced techniques. Even in humans! We will review where the science is today and where it might go tomorrow. Along the way, tips will be provided on how you can improve your life expectancy (hint: you already know a lot of them).
Instructor Ray Collins was raised in the Alaskan Bush. He has 3 degrees from UAF so far, and is now working on a PhD studying aging.

This course is FULL, please add yourself to the waitlist using the button below. 

Session II: Mar. 19, 26, Apr. 2, 9
Wednesdays 3:45 - 5:00 pm
Join us to learn about the numerous plants of Alaska! Basic Plant ID, native and non-native species, ways that invasives are being mitigated and how you can contribute to the native plant community. Enrollment limited to 25.
Instructors UAF PhD student Elizabeth Whitney and Fairbanks Soil and Water Natural Resource Specialist Hazel Berrios plan to take folks on a journey through Alaska, according to plants! Both individuals have 10 + years of cumulative plant and ecology experience to help guide students through the course.

Session II: Mar. 19, 26, Apr. 2, 9
Wednesdays 10:30 - 11:45 am
Boys are falling behind at school and college. Men are struggling in the labor market. Fathers face new challenges. This course, based on Richard Reeves' Of Boys and Men, will address these issues via lecture and lots of discussion. Reading the book is not required, and both women and men are welcome! Enrollment limited to 24.
Instructor Dave Frey retired from a career in youth development. He has taught numerous OLLI courses. Dr. Leif Thompson is a retired family physician with a special interest in men's health.

Zoom Section

Session II: Mar. 19, 26, Apr. 2, 9
Wednesdays 10:30 - 11:45 am
Boys are falling behind at school and college. Men are struggling in the labor market. Fathers face new challenges. This course, based on Richard Reeves' Of Boys and Men, will address these issues via lecture and lots of discussion. Reading the book is not required, and both women and men are welcome! Enrollment limited to 24.
Instructor Dave Frey retired from a career in youth development. He has taught numerous OLLI courses. Dr. Leif Thompson is a retired family physician with a special interest in men's health.

Session II: Mar. 19, 26, Apr. 2, 9
Wednesdays 12:15 - 1:30 pm
Genital cutting practices exist around the world. Some are voluntarily chosen by adults, but more often they are imposed on children who lack the capacity to consent. We will attempt a gender-neutral position as we explore cultural, religious, anthropological and historical perspectives, as well as medical, psychological, ethical, and legal frameworks. Normal sexual anatomy/function will be covered as a reference point to what is altered or removed by these practices, and help explain the loss experienced by many of those affected. Warning: sexually explicit and sometimes disturbing images will be shown during this class. Class discussion will be encouraged!
Instructor Leif Thompson is a retired physician who now works to raise awareness on the harms of childhood genital cutting practices, regardless of gender. He serves on the board of directors for several organizations who advocate for genital autonomy, and is a Peer Support Facilitator for men harmed by circumcision.

Zoom Section

Session II: Mar. 19, 26, Apr. 2, 9
Wednesdays 12:15 - 1:30 pm
Genital cutting practices exist around the world. Some are voluntarily chosen by adults, but more often they are imposed on children who lack the capacity to consent. We will attempt a gender-neutral position as we explore cultural, religious, anthropological and historical perspectives, as well as medical, psychological, ethical, and legal frameworks. Normal sexual anatomy/function will be covered as a reference point to what is altered or removed by these practices, and help explain the loss experienced by many of those affected. Warning: sexually explicit and sometimes disturbing images will be shown during this class. Class discussion will be encouraged!
Instructor Leif Thompson is a retired physician who now works to raise awareness on the harms of childhood genital cutting practices, regardless of gender. He serves on the board of directors for several organizations who advocate for genital autonomy, and is a Peer Support Facilitator for men harmed by circumcision.

*This course has switched days with the Wills & Estates course listed in the printed catalog.

Session II Add-On: Apr. 14, 15
Monday & Tuesday 10:30 - 11:45 am (2 meetings)
*OLLI membership is not required.
*Course runs for 2 consecutive meetings in Add-On II.
Since the SECURE Act took effect in 2020, almost all beneficiaries will have to take the total amount of inherited retirement accounts out within a 10 year period of time, resulting in higher taxes, due sooner. We’ll discuss the SECURE act and alternative strategies to reduce your income tax and to pass, to your beneficiaries, your remaining retirement account values in the most tax efficient way. We’ll explore the relationship between IRA withdrawals, taxability of Social Security and Medicare part B payments, and how to leverage your giving power with Qualified Charitable Distributions(QCDs) from your IRA. We would encourage those attending to bring their statements or have them available to participate in this activity. In-person enrollment limited to 26.
Facilitator and presenter: Teresa Chepoda Usibelli, Major Gift Officer with UAF. Lecturer Dick Harsin, CPA, CFP®, loves helping people achieve their ideal retirement.

Zoom Section

*This course has switched days with the Wills & Estates course listed in the printed catalog.

Session II Add-On: Apr. 14, 15
Monday & Tuesday 10:30 - 11:45 am (2 meetings)
*OLLI membership is not required.
*Course runs for 2 consecutive meetings in Add-On II.
Since the SECURE Act took effect in 2020, almost all beneficiaries will have to take the total amount of inherited retirement accounts out within a 10 year period of time, resulting in higher taxes, due sooner. We’ll discuss the SECURE act and alternative strategies to reduce your income tax and to pass, to your beneficiaries, your remaining retirement account values in the most tax efficient way. We’ll explore the relationship between IRA withdrawals, taxability of Social Security and Medicare part B payments, and how to leverage your giving power with Qualified Charitable Distributions(QCDs) from your IRA. We would encourage those attending to bring their statements or have them available to participate in this activity. In-person enrollment limited to 26.
Facilitator and presenter: Teresa Chepoda Usibelli, Major Gift Officer with UAF. Lecturer Dick Harsin, CPA, CFP®, loves helping people achieve their ideal retirement.