Social Studies   

Session I Add-On: Mar. 10, 11
Monday & Tuesday 3:00 - 5:00 pm
Mar 10: Meets at FNSB Central Recycling Facility, 1855 Marika Rd
Mar 11: Meets at Green Star of Interior Alaska, 2134 Texaco Ave
Thanks to municipal services, waste management is something out of sight, out of mind for most of us. The destination for most of the objects in our lives sooner or later in the landfill. To minimize what we put into the landfill, we can reduce, reuse, and recycle. Green Star of Interior Alaska will provide an overview of the landscape of recycling in the Interior, revealing “behind the scenes” at the Fairbanks North Star Borough Central Recycling Facility and the Green Star of Interior Alaska electronics recycling warehouse. We will also discuss future visions of recycling in the FNSB and answer questions Fairbanksans have about recycling. Enrollment limited to 20.
Green Star of Interior Alaska is a local nonprofit serving the Fairbanks North Star Borough. Our programs encourage reuse of materials, reduction of unnecessary waste, and increasing recycling efforts in our community.

Session I: Feb. 13, 20, 27, Mar. 6
Thursdays 2:00 - 3:15 pm
This course will be focused on retirement accumulation and distribution, Social security, long term care planning and maximizing finances in retirement. Enrollment limited to 25.
Instructor Charles Spencer is a financial advisor and former K-12 teacher.

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

Session I: Feb. 13, 20, 27, Mar. 6
Thursdays 3:45 - 5:00 pm
Each week different presenters will share their photos and experiences of travel.
February 13: Thailand; Martha Hanlon and Jeannette Smith
February 20: Namibia; Sarah Swift Masterman
February 27: Traveling the Silk Road; Jim and Mary Beget
March 6: Tasmania; Kate Bull
Facilitator: Ann McCann

Zoom Section

Session I: Feb. 13, 20, 27, Mar. 6
Thursdays 3:45 - 5:00 pm
Each week different presenters will share their photos and experiences of travel.
February 13: Thailand; Martha Hanlon and Jeannette Smith
February 20: Namibia; Sarah Swift Masterman
February 27: Traveling the Silk Road; Jim and Mary Beget
March 6: Tasmania; Kate Bull
Facilitator: Ann McCann

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.

Session II: Mar. 20, 27, Apr. 3, 10
Thursdays 10:30 - 11:45 am
China has a long history and covers a vast land area. A good starting point for this all-encompassing topic is a brief overview of Chinese geography and history. We will then chat about people’s lives in areas of food, education, music, as well as how Confucius’ teachings have shaped and influenced Chinese society. As time allows, we will dabble in Chinese language, painting, and Chinese opera. Short video clips will be included in class meetings. 
Instructor Rosalind Kan is a retired highway design engineer, and currently teaches Chinese at UAF.

Session II: Mar. 21, 28, Apr. 4, 11
Fridays 10:30 - 11:45 am
*Meets at the Noel Wien Public Library, 1215 Cowles Street, Fairbanks
*If you have taken this course already, please let others sign up who may have missed out.
Learn about the many resources that are available to you with your library card! Topics will include using our online catalog, online resources, and digital materials like eBooks, eAudiobooks, and streaming video. We will start the course with a tour of our newly renovated library!
FNSB Noel Wien Public Library Reference and Adult Services Staff will lead this four week course.

Session II: Mar. 21, 28, Apr. 4, 11
Fridays 10:30 - 11:45 am
This course will explore the ethical standards applicable to Alaska’s judges and the enforcement of those standards. We will also review Alaska case law addressing judicial bias and judicial misconduct.
Instructor Paul Lyle is a retired superior court judge.

Session II: Mar. 21 
Friday 2:00 - 3:30 pm (1 meeting)
Experience gunkholing on our Hunter 38 sailboat through the Gulf Islands in 2015. Special guest on the boat was very active in OLLI. See wildlife and Chatterbox Falls.
Instructor Patty Meritt spent 13 summers with her husband Bob sailing in Washington and Canada. As a professional videographer Bob captured the best moments in this relaxing and entertaining presentation.

Zoom Section

Session II: Mar. 21 
Friday 2:00 - 3:30 pm (1 meeting)
Experience gunkholing on our Hunter 38 sailboat through the Gulf Islands in 2015. Special guest on the boat was very active in OLLI. See wildlife and Chatterbox Falls.
Instructor Patty Meritt spent 13 summers with her husband Bob sailing in Washington and Canada. As a professional videographer Bob captured the best moments in this relaxing and entertaining presentation.

*This course has switched days with Tax-wise Distribution Strategies in the printed catalog.

Session II Add-On: April 16, 17
Wednesday & Thursday 10:30 - 11:45 pm (2 meetings)
*OLLI membership is not required.
*Course runs for 2 consecutive meetings in Add-On II.
Learn how easy it is to plan your estate and leave gifts to people and charities that mean the most to your family! Philanthropic advisors for the UA Foundation will discuss giving through your retirement and estate planning and other strategies. All attendees will receive a printed will planning guide. Bring your laptop, and we will show you how to use UA’s FreeWill software. If you’ve never had time to meet with an estate planner or advisor, please feel free to schedule an appointment with Harry, Scott, or Teresa – questions are welcome, but they can give you more in-depth advice during one-on-one appointments. In-person enrollment limited to 26.
Facilitator: Teresa Chepoda Usibelli, Major Gift Officer, UAF. Presenters: Harry W. Need, Senior Director of Philanthropic Services, UA Foundation; Scott Taylor, Philanthropic Advisor, UA Foundation.

Zoom Section

*This course has switched days with Tax-wise Distribution Strategies in the printed catalog.

Session II Add-On: April 16, 17
Wednesday & Thursday 10:30 - 11:45 pm (2 meetings)
*OLLI membership is not required.
*Course runs for 2 consecutive meetings in Add-On II.
Learn how easy it is to plan your estate and leave gifts to people and charities that mean the most to your family! Philanthropic advisors for the UA Foundation will discuss giving through your retirement and estate planning and other strategies. All attendees will receive a printed will planning guide. Bring your laptop, and we will show you how to use UA’s FreeWill software. If you’ve never had time to meet with an estate planner or advisor, please feel free to schedule an appointment with Harry, Scott, or Teresa – questions are welcome, but they can give you more in-depth advice during one-on-one appointments. In-person enrollment limited to 26.
Facilitator: Teresa Chepoda Usibelli, Major Gift Officer, UAF. Presenters: Harry W. Need, Senior Director of Philanthropic Services, UA Foundation; Scott Taylor, Philanthropic Advisor, UA Foundation.

*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.