Fridays   

Beginning Songwriting and Digital Saving    
MUS-07 (in-person)
Session II: Oct. 23, 30, Nov. 6, 13
Fridays 10:30 - 11:45 am
Do you have an idea for a song you would like to write? Do you enjoy music and wonder if you could make your own? This class will offer several simple ideas to get you started. It will NOT include a lot of music theory, but rather some practical ideas that might help you with the first steps. It will also include some beginning steps in saving your song ideas, such as recording on your phone and/or entering songs into music notation software. Copies of Just Press Record and MuseScore (or similar applications) are recommended.

Instructor Laura Walsh likes to play board games and write music - sometimes both at the same time.

Bike Maintenance, B
REC-06b (in-person)
Session II: Oct. 23, 30, Nov. 6, 13, 20
Fridays 10:30 - 1:30 pm (5 weeks)
*Students must bring a bike.
*Two sections of the same course; you may take either one or both.
Learn how to fix flats, adjust gears and brakes, straighten wheels, and take care of bearings, chains, and cables. Set up your bike for better riding and be prepared for all conditions – even winter! This is also a great opportunity to fix up any bike issues with a local expert!

Instructor Simon Rakower has been teaching bike repair for over 25 years in Fairbanks and elsewhere. He trained instructors to teach kids to work on bikes for the Recycle a Bicycle program in Brooklyn, NY. He dreams of a world where everyone can fix their own flats.

Blooming Boots
ART-04 (in-person)
Session I: Sept. 18, 26, Oct 2, 5
Fridays 10:30 - 11:45 am
This class is a fun and creative way to learn about a unique art form, connect with a quilting community, and leave with a beautiful piece of art to display. Using a fused quilting method, you will create a uniquely Alaskan quilted wall hanging, featuring a pair of flower-filled Extra Tuffs. Materials fee $35; pay instructors at first meeting. The fee covers the cost of most materials. Enrollment limited to 12.

Instructors Lindy Kinn and Robin Benjamin have been quilting partners since 1989, collaborating and inspiring each other to create many beautiful and one-of-a-kind quilts. Robin’s precision and careful planning balance Lindy’s jump in and then figure it out creative drive.
 

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.

Euchre: A Trick-taking Card Game    
REC-07 (in-person)
Session I: Sept. 18, 25, Oct. 2, 9
Fridays 2:00 - 3:15 pm
Looking for a quick card game for 4 to 6 players that involves trump, trick-taking and is very social? Euchre is a fast paced but easy to learn card game that is good for all ages. It includes some easy to learn strategy and luck! It can be played in person or on the internet. There is also a very active Euchre Special Interest Group (SIG) that is always welcoming new members to continue to practice the game. Come learn the game your instructor has been playing since childhood! Enrollment limited to 20.

Instructor Mary Burtness is teaching this course (along with support of veteran Euchre players). She has enjoyed playing this game her whole life in person and has found it to be a great way to play online with family and friends.

Finding Democracy
HIS-09 (in-person)
HIS-09-Z (distance-delivered)
Session II Add-On: Nov. 20
Friday 10:30 - 11:45 am (one meeting)
*The course is based on the instructor’s book, Finding Democracy Through the Lens of a Young German Woman, 1944-1950.
Follow the exciting journey of a young German woman as she survives WWII and chronicles the postwar U.S. occupation of a small Bavarian town during a pivotal time in modern history. This true story offers insights into the influence the Americans had on her understanding of democracy after experiencing Nazi fascism, inviting reflection on the concept of freedom, the power of personal choice, and the fragile building of democratic ideals. This course examines the postwar challenges faced by the U.S. military as they sought to denazify Germany, rebuild a self-governing country along democratic lines, and create an ally in response to the emerging threat of Communism. Key challenges included a hunger crisis, the integration of dislocated civilians into society, and countering the real fear that another demagogue would arise again to exploit underlying societal attitudes. The lessons and warnings from eighty years ago continue to hold relevance today.

Instructor Margaret F. Merritt, Ph.D. is an educator, author, and outdoorswoman. After decades of writing and publishing in scientific literature, she has focused her research and writing on historical biographies to share true stories that entertain, inform, and inspire.

Finding Democracy
HIS-09 (in-person)
HIS-09-Z (distance-delivered)
Session II Add-On: Nov. 20
Friday 10:30 - 11:45 am (one meeting)
*The course is based on the instructor’s book, Finding Democracy Through the Lens of a Young German Woman, 1944-1950.
Follow the exciting journey of a young German woman as she survives WWII and chronicles the postwar U.S. occupation of a small Bavarian town during a pivotal time in modern history. This true story offers insights into the influence the Americans had on her understanding of democracy after experiencing Nazi fascism, inviting reflection on the concept of freedom, the power of personal choice, and the fragile building of democratic ideals. This course examines the postwar challenges faced by the U.S. military as they sought to denazify Germany, rebuild a self-governing country along democratic lines, and create an ally in response to the emerging threat of Communism. Key challenges included a hunger crisis, the integration of dislocated civilians into society, and countering the real fear that another demagogue would arise again to exploit underlying societal attitudes. The lessons and warnings from eighty years ago continue to hold relevance today.

Instructor Margaret F. Merritt, Ph.D. is an educator, author, and outdoorswoman. After decades of writing and publishing in scientific literature, she has focused her research and writing on historical biographies to share true stories that entertain, inform, and inspire.

Great Decisions 2026, II
HIS-04 (in-person)    
Session II: Oct. 23, 30, Nov. 6, 13
Fridays 12:15 - 1:30 pm
*This course is free to attend and does not require OLLI membership.
*Participants can buy their own Great Decisions 2025 Briefing Book from the Foreign Policy Association website for $35. https://fpa.org/bookstore/
Global and Domestic challenges affect all our lives. Get info you need to figure out what's happening and discuss it with others. This program was developed by the Foreign Policy Association. Read the briefing book at home, watch expert video analysis in class, then participate in group discussion.

Topics for 2026 Session II:
Ukraine and the Future of European Security
Multilateral Institutions in a Changing World Order
U.S. Engagement of Africa
The Future of Human Rights and International Law 
Facilitator: Paolo Greer

OLLI Films, I: Journeys Around the World
FLM-04 (in-person)
Session I: Sept. 18, 25, Oct. 2, 9, 16
Fridays 2:00 - 5:00 pm (5 weeks)
Where are we: In this world or in Alaska? Films transport us through stories, visualizations, actors and directors, to new/old/imagined places. Let's first journey to other parts of the globe, the later into bits of Alaska hiding in plain sight.

Session I (All With English Subtitles)
The Farewell (2019, 98 mins, mandarin)
Persepolis (2007, 95 mins, French)
Parasites (2019, 132 minutes, Korean)
All Together (2011, 96 mins, French)
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry (2023 108 mins, English)

UAF retiree Ron Inouye enjoys films and particularly the resulting social commentary of the viewers. How successful were the directors and actors? Through discussion often we learn from each other more than may have been intended by the script, dialog, and the editing.

OLLI Films, II: Journeys in Alaska
FLM-05 (in-person)
Session II: Oct. 23, 30, Nov. 6, 13, 20
Fridays 2:00 - 5:00 pm (5 weeks)
Where are we: In this world or in Alaska? Films transport us through stories, visualizations, actors and directors, to new/old/imagined places. Let's first journey to other parts of the globe, the later into bits of Alaska hiding in plain sight.

Session II (English Audio, No Subtitles)
Spirit of the Wind: The George Attla Story (2014, 98 mins)
The Great Alone (2016, 82 mins)
Strangers on the Earth (2017, 97 mins)
Into the Wild (2007, 148 mins)
The Frozen Ground (2013, 105 mins) or Big Miracle (2012, 107 mins)

UAF retiree Ron Inouye enjoys films and particularly the resulting social commentary of the viewers. How successful were the directors and actors? Through discussion often we learn from each other more than may have been intended by the script, dialog, and the editing.
 

HL-04 (in-person)
Session II: Oct. 23, 30, Nov. 6, 13
Fridays 3:45 - 5:00 pm
*Part II builds on concepts learned in Part I, the instructor recommends you take both if you can.
Learn techniques to take control of your subconscious mind to enhance skills and let go of outdated beliefs and patterns. Learn about hypnosis, the subconscious mind, effective self hypnosis techniques, and how to craft effective auto suggestions for yourself. Experience group hypnosis and take from this course powerful tools that you can use to change your life in positive ways.

Instructor James Conner, PHD, CCHT, is certified with the non-profit American Council of Hypnotist Examiners as a clinical hypnotherapist and master hypnotist. He also maintains a private practice in Fairbanks.

Teaching for OLLI
SOC-05 (in-person)
Session I Add-On: Oct. 16
Friday 2:00 - 4:00 pm (one meeting)
*This class is free to take. Come help our instructor pool grow!
Do you want to give back to OLLI? Do you have some talent, skills or knowledge to share but are not quite sure how to organize and run a class? This class will take you from your idea all the way to writing and submitting a class proposal. This two-hour class will examine some aspects of putting together a great class and time to develop your ideas with the other attendees.

Instructor: Mary Burtness, a veteran OLLI instructor.

Teaching for OLLI
SOC-05-Z (distance-delivered)
Session I Add-On: Oct. 16
Friday 2:00 - 4:00 pm (one meeting)
*This class is free to take. Come help our instructor pool grow!
Do you want to give back to OLLI? Do you have some talent, skills or knowledge to share but are not quite sure how to organize and run a class? This class will take you from your idea all the way to writing and submitting a class proposal. This two-hour class will examine some aspects of putting together a great class and time to develop your ideas with the other attendees.

Instructor: Mary Burtness, a veteran OLLI instructor.

The Advancing Science of Slowing Aging
SCI-03 (in-person)
Session I: Sept. 18, 25, Oct. 2, 9
Fridays 2:00 - 3:15 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’s searching for ways to slow, halt or even reverse aging! This class will focus on things that you can use in your own life (eat carrots!) that we are using in the XPrize clinical trials for health and longevity, which is a 7 year contest to reverse aging. New research on improving health span (exercise!) and the science behind it will also be discussed.

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.

The Advancing Science of Slowing Aging
SCI-03-Z (distance-delivered) RECORDED
Session I: Sept. 18, 25, Oct. 2, 9
Fridays 2:00 - 3:15 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’s searching for ways to slow, halt or even reverse aging! This class will focus on things that you can use in your own life (eat carrots!) that we are using in the XPrize clinical trials for health and longevity, which is a 7 year contest to reverse aging. New research on improving health span (exercise!) and the science behind it will also be discussed.

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.

Unleash the Power of Your iPhone Camera
PHT-02-Z (distance-delivered) RECORDED
Session II: Oct. 23, 30, Nov. 6, 13
Fridays 4:00 - 5:00 pm
*Students must have reliable internet access and an active email account.
Learn how to use your iPhone to create knock-your-socks-off photographs! All you need is an iPhone 11 or later, a free app or two, and an internet connection to take eye-popping photographs to share with others on or off social media. Topics include: lighting, composition, editing, color and B&W, portraits, landscapes, nighttime photos, abstract design, and how to get a vintage look.

Instructor Sine Anahita is an MFA Art student at UAF who only recently learned how to make her iPhone produce stunning photographs. She wants to show you what she learned, because she believes that everyone can make art if they just learn how to use the tools they are likely already carrying around in their pocket.

USAID: US Foreign Assistance Past, Present and Future 
HIS-06 (in-person)
HIS-06-Z (distance-delivered) RECORDED
Session I: Sept. 18, 25, Oct. 2, 9
Fridays 12:15 - 1:30 pm
Have you ever wondered how, where, and why the United States provides foreign assistance around the globe? The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) was the primary federal agency leading international development and humanitarian efforts—working to save lives, reduce poverty, and advance democracy worldwide.
In this four-week course, former USAID staff will explore the purpose and mechanics of U.S. foreign aid. We will trace the origins of USAID from the Marshall Plan through the Cold War, examine how the agency operated and where our tax dollars actually go, and look at real-world impacts in global health and disaster relief. Finally, we will look to the future, discussing how U.S. foreign assistance is adapting to modern challenges and politics. Whether you are a history buff, a news junkie, or simply curious about America’s role on the world stage, join us for an engaging, conversational, and personal journey into the mission of U.S. foreign aid. No prior international relations experience required!

Instructor Gary Shu currently is the Community Infrastructure Department Director for Tanana Chiefs Conference. His past experience includes over 15 years with USAID as a foreign service officer in energy and infrastructure providing technical assistance and capacity building in developing countries while living in seven overseas posts. He is joined by co-instructors, Mariam Ubilava, who served as a foreign service officer and U.S. career diplomat with the U.S. Agency for International Development and led multicultural teams in Central America, Central and South Asia, Sub-Saharan and East Africa and Eastern Europe, and Anna-Maija Mattila-Litvak, previously the supervisory development outreach and communications officer at USAID's Mission in Uganda, Haiti and other posts around the world.

USAID: US Foreign Assistance Past, Present and Future 
HIS-06 (in-person)
HIS-06-Z (distance-delivered) RECORDED
Session I: Sept. 18, 25, Oct. 2, 9
Fridays 12:15 - 1:30 pm
Have you ever wondered how, where, and why the United States provides foreign assistance around the globe? The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) was the primary federal agency leading international development and humanitarian efforts—working to save lives, reduce poverty, and advance democracy worldwide.
In this four-week course, former USAID staff will explore the purpose and mechanics of U.S. foreign aid. We will trace the origins of USAID from the Marshall Plan through the Cold War, examine how the agency operated and where our tax dollars actually go, and look at real-world impacts in global health and disaster relief. Finally, we will look to the future, discussing how U.S. foreign assistance is adapting to modern challenges and politics. Whether you are a history buff, a news junkie, or simply curious about America’s role on the world stage, join us for an engaging, conversational, and personal journey into the mission of U.S. foreign aid. No prior international relations experience required!

Instructor Gary Shu currently is the Community Infrastructure Department Director for Tanana Chiefs Conference. His past experience includes over 15 years with USAID as a foreign service officer in energy and infrastructure providing technical assistance and capacity building in developing countries while living in seven overseas posts. He is joined by co-instructors, Mariam Ubilava, who served as a foreign service officer and U.S. career diplomat with the U.S. Agency for International Development and led multicultural teams in Central America, Central and South Asia, Sub-Saharan and East Africa and Eastern Europe, and Anna-Maija Mattila-Litvak, previously the supervisory development outreach and communications officer at USAID's Mission in Uganda, Haiti and other posts around the world.

Vinyasa Yoga, A
EX-06a (in-person)
Session I: Sept. 17, 24, Oct. 1, 8
Thursdays 3:45 - 5:00 pm
*Meets at Fairbanks Senior Center, 1424 Moore Street, Fairbanks, AK 99701
*Students must supply their own yoga mat.
Vinyasa yoga for all levels, from beginner on up. Must be able to get up and down from the floor. Practice will include warm-up, pranayama (breathwork), yoga philosophy, vinyasa flow (movement with breath), some core strengthening work, and stretching with final rest. We will “workshop” a pose or two each time, focusing on points of precision. Modifications for poses will be offered. 

Instructor Melanie Engram has been a yoga student for 20+ years in Fairbanks, recently earning her 200-hour teacher certification from Fairbanks Yoga, registered as RYT-200 with Yoga Alliance, Spring 2025. Melanie enjoys teaching Vinyasa yoga, aiming for her students to practice achieving a peaceful mind and strong body.

Vinyasa Yoga, B
EX-06b (in-person)
Session II: Oct. 22, 29, Nov. 5, 12
Thursdays 3:45 - 5:00 pm
*Meets at Fairbanks Senior Center, 1424 Moore Street, Fairbanks, AK 99701
*Students must supply their own yoga mat.
Vinyasa yoga for all levels, from beginner on up. Must be able to get up and down from the floor. Practice will include warm-up, pranayama (breathwork), yoga philosophy, vinyasa flow (movement with breath), some core strengthening work, and stretching with final rest. We will “workshop” a pose or two each time, focusing on points of precision. Modifications for poses will be offered. 

Instructor Melanie Engram has been a yoga student for 20+ years in Fairbanks, recently earning her 200-hour teacher certification from Fairbanks Yoga, registered as RYT-200 with Yoga Alliance, Spring 2025. Melanie enjoys teaching Vinyasa yoga, aiming for her students to practice achieving a peaceful mind and strong body.

Your Noel Wien Library! Tour and Use
SOC-08 (in-person)
Session II: Oct. 23, 30, Nov. 6, 13
Fridays 10:30 - 11:45 am
Join us as we delve into what makes the Noel Wien Library so special! Learn about how to use the library catalog, online resources, and a variety of digital materials from books to streaming video. The final meeting will be a tour of the Noel Wien Public Library!
FNSB Noel Wien Public Library Reference and Adult Services Staff will lead this four week course.

Self Hypnosis, I
HL-03 (in-person)
Session I: Sept. 18, 25, Oct. 2, 9
Fridays 3:45 - 5:00 pm
*Part II builds on concepts learned in Part I, the instructor recommends you take both if you can.
Learn techniques to take control of your subconscious mind to enhance skills and let go of outdated beliefs and patterns. Learn about hypnosis, the subconscious mind, effective self hypnosis techniques, and how to craft effective auto suggestions for yourself. Experience group hypnosis and take from this course powerful tools that you can use to change your life in positive ways.

Instructor James Conner, PHD, CCHT, is certified with the non-profit American Council of Hypnotist Examiners as a clinical hypnotherapist and master hypnotist. He also maintains a private practice in Fairbanks.