Session II   

Session II: Mar. 20, 27
Thursdays 11:00 am - 2:00 pm (Two meetings)
*Meets at 1790 Old Pioneer Way, Fairbanks, AK 99709. 
*Two sections of the same course, please only register for one.
If you took the nativity scene class, this two-day class is a great time to add "extras" to your set, like camels, cows or angels and shepherds. If you have never worked with salt dough, come learn how. It's an inexpensive, easy to work with medium - great for teaching the grandkids. Enrollment limited to 5.
Instructor: Carla Reardon (see ART-04)
 

Session II: Apr. 3, 10
Thursdays 11:00 am - 2:00 pm (Two meetings)
*Meets at 1790 Old Pioneer Way, Fairbanks, AK 99709. 
*Two sections of the same course, please only register for one.
If you took the nativity scene class, this two-day class is a great time to add "extras" to your set, like camels, cows or angels and shepherds. If you have never worked with salt dough, come learn how. It's an inexpensive, easy to work with medium - great for teaching the grandkids. Enrollment limited to 5.
Instructor: Carla Reardon (see ART-04)
 

Session II: Mar. 21, 28, Apr. 4, 11
Fridays 3:45 - 5:00 pm
*Students will need to bring a sewing machine and supplies (a materials list will be provided after registration).
Learn how to sew a Kuspuk! This class covers step by step instructions on cutting out and sewing an Alaskan Kuspuk with a sewing machine.
Instructor Michelle Amstrup is the owner of a local sewing pattern company called Alaskan Patterns. You can find her patterns at alaskanpatterns.com
 

Session II: Mar. 21, 28, Apr. 4, 11
Fridays 12:15 - 1:30 pm
*Participants should bring comfortable, non-marking shoes with smooth soles, and water. 
The Charleston began in the 1920 and had its roots in several African American dances. In the 1930 - 40 a version was incorporated into Lindy Hop. It is danced to traditional big band jazz.
Instructors: Stan Justice and Barb Lorz (see DAN-02)

 

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)

Session II: Mar. 20, 27, Apr. 3, 10
Thursdays 12:15 - 1:30 pm
*Participants should bring comfortable, non-marking shoes with smooth soles, and water.
*Each 4-week session stands alone; you may take either one or both.
Come learn the basics of English Country Dancing! Enjoy wonderful music from the 1700s to present, and be social and physically active with others in an easy walking format. All dances will be taught step-by-step, then called as we progress through the centuries of this wonderful dance form. The most challenging thing will be remembering which is your left hand or right hand, how to walk, and then turn in a circle! Partners are not necessary.
Instructor Dennis Rogers has been dancing and playing this form of music since the 1970s.

This course is FULL, and the Waitlist is CLOSED. 

Session II: Mar. 20, 27, Apr. 3, 10
Thursdays 10:30 - 11:45 am
*Each 4-week session stands alone; you may take either one or both.
The more you do, the more you can do! A combination of strength training, stretching, and cardio will get you out of the house and your heart pumping. Enrollment limited to 20. 
Instructor Gina Jay finds movement essential in order to maintain her independence and sanity! She studied exercise and nutrition, was an exercise physiologist in cardiac rehab, and recently became certified as an MS Fitness Specialist. She now tries to incorporate daily movement for her mobility-challenged body.
 

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.

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

Session II: Mar. 21, 28, Apr. 4, 11, 18
Fridays 2:00 - 3:15 pm (5 weeks)
*Participants should wear comfortable shoes and clothing.
*Each 5-week session stands alone; you may take either one or both.
Taoist Tai Chi offers a pleasant form of exercise which incorporates stretching and relaxation. It is a mind/body activity which, when practiced diligently, is capable of improving balance, strength, range of motion, and overall well being. 
Instructors Kate Hedstrom and Rob Cermak teach Tai Chi with the local chapter of the Taoist Tai Chi Society. They both have well over a decade of experience of learning and instructing the form, and have found many benefits from the practice.

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.

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

Session II: Mar. 21, 28, Apr. 4, 11
Fridays 12:00 - 2:30 pm
*Each 4-week session stands alone; you may take either one or both.
Two-time Oscar winner Maggie Smith (1934-2024) appeared in classic Shakespeare stage plays to the fantastical film world of Harry Potter. Over her long acting career, she appealed to old and young generations, in diverse roles from the young ingenue to her classic Downton Abbey Dowager. During 2 sessions, we will view 8 films: her work with directors like Robert Altman, screen writer Julian Fellowes, solo and in ensemble casts including Judy Dench and Daniel Radcliffe. Join us on the Nile, the Orient Express, in Rolls Royces, seedy vans, and on brooms to be swept away.
Instructor and UAF retiree Ron Inouye serves as your film filter in the helter skelter of too much everything. Films are the preserved distillate of time, place, people, and history. What do you expect from someone who spent a career with libraries and museums? He free ranges in the terrific film collections of the Rasmuson and Noel Wien Libraries, and high-grades the DVDs at the Literacy Council’s “Forget Me Not Books and Media.”

Session II: Mar. 21, 28, Apr. 4, 11
Fridays 12:15 - 1:30 pm
*Participants can buy their own Great Decisions 2025 Briefing Book from the Foreign Policy Association website for $35. https://fpa.org
*OLLI members attend for free.
"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 2025 Session II:
International Cooperation on Climate Change
The Future of NATO and European Security
AI and American National Security
American Foreign Policy in the Middle East: Taking Stock and Looking Ahead
Facilitator: Shirley Liss

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

Session II: Mar. 20, 27, Apr. 3, 10
Thursdays 2:00 - 5:00 pm
Various aspects of the Vietnam War will be examined through movies.
The Quiet American: lead-up to Vietnam war
They Were Soldiers: first major battle
Red Cross Donut Dollies: the lighter side
Jackknife: PTSD and the issues faced by returned veterans and their caretakers
Instructor Nancy Smoyer served as a Red Cross recreation worker in Vietnam in 1967-68. She was a therapist at the Vet Center, runs the yearly veterans Stand Down and volunteers at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC.

Session II: Mar. 21, 28, Apr. 4, 11
Fridays 3:45 - 5:00 pm
*Each 4-week session stands alone; you may take either one or both.
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.

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 II: Mar. 20, 27, Apr. 3, 10, 17
Thursdays 10:30 - 11:45 am (5 weeks)
What would it be like to be a mediator? This Beginning Mediation course will show you. You will begin by learning 3 fundamental communication skills for mediators to resolve conflicts. Then you’ll apply the skills in role-played mediations, with students as both mediators and disputants. This hands-on class will be useful for everyone, and the roleplaying will be fun! No experience necessary. Bring a friend! Enrollment limited to 16.
Instructor Dave Frey managed a successful peer mediation program at Tanana Middle School for 16 years. He also worked part time as a mediator, primarily in child custody cases.

Session II: Mar. 21, 28, Apr. 4, 11
Fridays 2:00 - 3:15 pm
*An optional purchase is suggested, Mike & Me: An inspiring guide for couples who choose to face Alzheimer's together at home, which can be found for purchase here in various formats https://a.co/d/7blVqWi (Paperback is $17.99)
This course is designed for participants who have had their lives impacted by dementia and Alzheimer's, either through a loved one or as a caretaker. After Rosalys' husband, Mike, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2002, she felt overwhelmed with the idea of managing such a challenging disease. Over the next 10 years of Mike's illness, Rosalys and Mike discovered tools and strategies for maintaining his dignity, keeping him safe, and staying in love. This course will delve into those tools and strategies that allowed for Mike to live his life to the fullest until the very last day.
Instructor Rosalys Peel is a Registered Nurse, Lamaze-certified educator, and a Gottman-certified couples' relationship facilitator. She is also the author of the award winning book Mike & Me: An inspiring guide for couples who choose to face Alzheimer's together at home, which is the course textbook.

Session II: Mar. 18, 25, Apr. 1, 8
Tuesdays 12:15 - 1:30 pm
*If you have taken this course through OLLI before, please do not register for it; let others have a chance to try it.
Intended for learners with little or no experience in the language, this condensed course covers the basics of Spanish communication for everyday social and travel situations. Develop speaking, listening, and reading skills for meeting people, traveling, dining, and shopping in Spanish. Whether you have a trip coming up or simply want to be able to say ¡Sí! when someone asks you ¿Hablas español?, this course is for you!
Instructor Caroline Colquhoun, PhD, is assistant professor of Spanish at UAF.

Session II: Mar. 18, 25, Apr. 1, 8
Tuesdays 10:30 - 11:45 am
*Bring a 6 string guitar and a good attitude!
*This is a two-part course; sign up for one or the other, or both.
If learning to play guitar is on your bucket list, this could be your start! Each course we will learn to strum a chord and sing a familiar song. By the end, you will have dozens of songs available to you - right at your fingertips! Part II will be more focused on playing in a group and the etiquette involved, as well as feeling comfortable while doing it. Enrollment limited to 5 for part I; increased to 10 for part II.
Instructor Emma Centers started playing guitar in an OLLI class. She enjoys playing and performing with other music lovers.

Session II: Mar. 18, 25, Apr. 1, 8
Tuesdays 2:00 - 3:15 pm
Each week we’ll meet a great obscure cartoonist and explore their work.
A lifelong comics aficionado, beginning with Carl Barks’ Donald Duck, Instructor Greg Hill insists on sharing that interest with patrons of public libraries and OLLI.

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.

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

Session II: Mar. 17, 24, 31, Apr. 7
Mondays 10:30 - 11:45 am 
Learn to take photographs on your smartphone. In this course we will explore exposure, composition, and lighting. We will have an overview of the technological knowledge of how to operate the iPhone or Android to suit your photography needs and show you how photography works fundamentally. You’ll be taught all about the artistry and creativity that are involved at the root of the photo-taking process. And lastly, we will define key vocabulary terms like frame rates, JPEG, and megapixels. 
Instructor Alyssa Enriquez is a photo-based artist and arts educator residing in Fairbanks, Alaska. Alyssa completed her MFA in Photography at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and earned her BFA in Fine Art Photography from Academy of Art University in San Francisco, California.

Session II: Mar. 17, 24, 31, Apr. 7
Mondays 5:30 - 6:45 pm
*Meets at UAF Student Recreation Center (SRC). Parking is free after 5:00 pm. The facility fee for SRC has been combined into the tuition for this course, which is why the price is $35.
*Two sections of the same course; members may only register for one.    
*If you have taken this course through OLLI before, please do not register for it; let others have a chance to try it.
For those who have taken a beginner course and are familiar with rules and scoring, and those who want to build on previously learned skills, and improve their technique. This is an advanced beginner course, please do not sign up if you are a beginner or have never taken a pickleball course before - this may be challenging. Enrollment limited to 12.
Instructor Bill Chedister has previously taught pickleball classes for OLLI and loves the game. He will be joined by other OLLI members and members of the Farthest North Pickleball club for instruction

Session II: Mar. 17, 24, 31, Apr. 7, 14
Mondays 12:15 pm - 3:15 pm (5 weeks)
*Students are required to bring a bike.
What does YOUR bicycle need? This is your chance to work on your own bike maintenance project with help from an expert bike mechanic. Let Simon know ahead of time what you want to work on so that he can bring relevant tools. Enrollment limited to 12.
Instructor: Simon Rakower (see REC-02)

Session II: Mar. 18, 25, Apr. 1, 8
Tuesdays 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Sudoku doesn't require any math - just pattern recognition and that's great for the brain. First 2 weeks you will gain the skills to be comfortable with easy to medium puzzles. The last 2 weeks we will do 3 different puzzle varieties using your new knowledge. Everyone gets two Sudoku books and more will be available to purchase. Enrollment limited to 10.
Instructor: Carla Reardon (see ART-04)

Session II: Mar. 20, 27, Apr. 3, 10
Thursdays 3:45 - 5:00 pm
A team variation of the board game "Trivial Pursuit" using an older edition where only seniors will know the answers. Will include Alaska Trivia questions. Exact format determined by how many sign up. There will be prizes for the winning teams!
Instructor Shirley Liss is just a senior who likes games and card playing (and OLLI staff thinks she’s pretty great!!).

Session II: Mar. 17, 24, 31, Apr. 7
Mondays 3:45 - 5:00 pm
Bears of the World, with an Alaskan focus for Naturalists. This class is for Naturalists presenting and assessing bears of the world in the context of Alaska. 
Instructor Falk Huettmann, PhD, is a Professor in the Biology and Wildlife Department, Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska-Fairbanks. His research interests are in wildlife/habitat modeling, GIS and remote sensing, and data management worldwide.

This course is FULL, and the Waitlist is CLOSED. 

Session II: Mar. 20, 27, Apr. 3, 10
Thursdays 2:00 - 3:15 pm
How do ocean currents work? What forces lead to ocean currents? Will climate change alter ocean currents? This course will cover the three major drivers of ocean currents: tides, winds, and buoyancy, how they impact the ocean, and the role of climate change. No math, lots of pictures and diagrams!    Dr. Kay McMonigal researches the role of ocean currents in climate, using insight from ships and climate models.

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. 18, 25, Apr. 1, 8
Tuesdays 10:30 - 11:45 am
The Plays & Poems of Shakespeare have been performed and taught for hundreds of years. Aside from their obvious place in the Humanities, they are also amazingly accurate guides to the Human heart for each of us as individuals. But how were they created? What are the patterns and methods Shakespeare used to create his works and make them so timeless? We will look "under the hood" at the life, times, desires, and influences that all worked their magic into the spells we still rehearse... for 'All the world's a stage' and tho' we are all 'merely players', we should study the parts we are given, inside and out.    Instructor GregRobin Smith directs The Washington Shakespearean Festival and performs at Renaissance Faires, where he studies and shares the world of Shakespeare through recreation and interaction. A member of The American Guild of Variety Artists, he is also a musician, and presents programs as Benjamin Franklin.