Session II   

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)

Adventures in Dry Wool Felting
ART-09 (in-person)
Session II: Oct. 22, 29, Nov. 5, 12
Thursdays 3:45 - 5:00 pm
Dyed wool is a versatile material that can be used to make realistic 3-dimensional objects or a landscape or animal portrait using a few simple techniques. Both techniques will be explored in this class. No prior experience is necessary. Needles and felting bases will be provided. Materials fee $15, pay instructor at first meeting. Enrollment limited to 12. 

Instructor Laurel Devaney likes to divide her time between gardening, bird research, and exploring different art forms.

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.

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.

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.

Calligraphy for the Holidays
ART-06 (in-person)
Session II: Oct. 19, 26, Nov. 2, 9
Mondays 10:30 - 11:30 am
This class is for students who already know the basics of calligraphy, whether through OLLI or learned elsewhere. In this class we'll focus on envelopes, invitations, art pieces, and multiple easy ways to make your calligraphy more striking and decorative. The instructor will walk you through your projects to help you get your best results. You'll be expected to have a basic calligraphy set already. The instructor will provide a wide variety of (cool) additional materials for free. You’ve learned calligraphy, now let's learn how to put it to use to add some magic to the holidays! Enrollment limited to 12.
 

Curated Criterion Cinema, II
FLM-03 (in-person)
Session II: Oct 21, 28, Nov. 4, 11, 18
Wednesdays 2:00 - 5:00 pm (5 weeks)
Explore the Criterion Collection through a dual lens of timeless world masterpieces and gritty international crime cinema. From J-Noir gems and French polars to essential human dramas, this course unearths restored rarities that captured the cultural zeitgeist. Join us to examine how sharp cinematography and diverse storytelling styles have preserved cinema's most powerful visions.    

Instructor Jeffrey Simonson has been watching and studying cinema, and attending film festivals for over 30 years.

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.

English Country Dancing For All, II
DAN-05 (in-person)
Session II: Oct. 22, 29, Nov. 5, 12, 19
Thursdays 12:15 - 1:30 pm (5 weeks)
*This course meets at the Pioneer Park Dance Hall! 2300 Airport Way, Fairbanks, AK 99709.
*Participants should bring comfortable, non-marking shoes with smooth soles, and water.
*Part II builds on concepts learned in Part I, the instructor recommends you take both if you can.
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 you 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. 

Euchre Strategies for the Experienced Player    
REC-09 (in-person)
Session II: Oct. 19, 26, Nov. 2, 9
Mondays 2:00 - 3:15 pm
Have you been playing Euchre for awhile? Ready to learn some new strategies? A group of experienced Euchre players will be teaching some advanced and “personal” strategies they use to make the game more interesting. The class will feature one to two new strategies a class and then time to play to practice those and other strategies. It will be a fun class to increase your skills and just have fun playing the game at a new level. Come join the fun! 

Instructors Mary Burtness, Bruce McIntosh, et al are experienced players who want to share their skills.

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.

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

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.

Improving Our Art: Watercolors
ART-08 (in-person)
Session II: Oct. 21, 28, Nov. 4, 11
Wednesdays 12:15 - 1:30 pm
Focusing on Watercolor, we will observe the different effects materials, atmospheric conditions, and timing may make to our results. By exploring paintings published in art magazines and books, we can improve our own art through critique. We will note the importance of design to give impact to our paintings and to lead the viewer’s eye. Students will bring watercolor materials; the instructor will share materials, and we will play! Enrollment limited to 6.

Instructor Helen Howard has been a member of the Fairbanks Watercolor Society since about 2002. She has taken many workshops and courses from Vladimir Zhikhartsev and other excellent teachers in Alaska and elsewhere.

Intermediate Guitar: Songs of Paul Simon    
MUS-03 (in-person)
Session II: Oct. 19, 26, Nov. 2, 9
Mondays 12:15 - 1:30 pm
If you can play songs in major keys of A, C, D, G, E and want to learn more this is the class for you! We are focusing on the music of great American songwriter Paul Simon. This class will have more emphasis on fingerstyle techniques but we will also work on strumming and rhythm. Enrollment limited to 10.

Instructor Arlene Slocum learned to play guitar in OLLI classes! She manages the Pioneer Park Pickers and plays at jams and open mics and folk festivals.

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.

Introduction to Reiki
RB-01-Z (distance-delivered)
Session I: Sept. 24, Oct. 1, 8, 15, Oct. 22, 29, Nov. 5, 12
Thursdays 12:15 - 1:30 pm
*Starts a week late, runs for 8 weeks.
Reiki is a gentle Japanese healing practice that promotes relaxation, balance, and the body's natural ability to heal. In this introductory course, you will explore the foundations of Reiki, including what energy is and why it matters, the body's energy system, the seven major energy centers (chakras), the Reiki Principles, intuition, self-healing practices, and traditional Reiki hand placements. Through discussion, guided experiences, and practical exercises, you will learn ways to incorporate energy awareness and self-care into everyday life. This course provides a comprehensive foundation in Reiki and prepares students who wish to pursue Reiki Level I attunement and certification in the future.

Instructor Janneane Moody is a Reiki Master Teacher who has been practicing Reiki since 2017. She is passionate about helping others explore energy awareness, self-healing, and personal well-being through practical, accessible Reiki education.

Line Dancing, II
DAN-03 (in-person)
Session II: Oct. 21, 28, Nov. 4, 11
Wednesdays 12:15 - 1:30 pm
*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. 
*Part II builds on concepts learned in Part I, the instructor recommends you take both if you can.
Have fun learning how to do line dances. You will learn the main line dance steps and popular line dances. Dances may include but not limited to: The Electric Slide, Cupid Shuffle, Hillbilly Shoes and Wobble. More newer dances may include: The Door, Honky Tonk Highway, Boots On The Ground, and Footloose. Each class meeting will start with a warm up, followed with review and then a new dance.    

Instructor Michele Mouton has been dancing for over 35 years and has taught line dances in several venues. She loves to share her skills and get others dancing.

More Zentangle Fun    
ART-07 (in-person)
Session II: Oct. 19, 26, Nov. 2, 9
Mondays 2:00 - 3:15 pm
Take zentangle to the next level with more new tangles and a project-based approach to using these new tangles, as well as using the tangles already taught in the previous course last spring. Beginners are welcome! Materials fee: $20; pay instructor at first meeting. Enrollment limited to 15.

Instructor Carol Cologie is a retired teacher who enjoys art as a form of relaxation.
 

Nature Photography
PHT-01 (in-person)
Dates: Sept. 17, 24, Oct. 1, 8, 22, 29, Nov. 5, 12
Thursdays 2:00 - 3:15 pm
*This course meets for 8 weeks. Please plan to attend most, if not all, meetings.
Get out of the “Auto,” setting! This course will have you shooting like a pro! Learn about ISO, aperture and shutter speed. We’ll teach you how theseA work together and you’ll be creating stunning masterpieces in no time! Enrollment limited to 20.

Instructor Todd Whetstine professional sports and wildlife photographer who loves to teach.

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.
 

Present to Art, Present to Self
RB-04-Z (distance-delivered) RECORDED
Session II: Oct. 19, 26, Nov. 2, 9
Mondays 12:15 - 1:30 pm
Drawing from visio and lectio divina practices, we'll learn how to be present to paintings and poetry in ways that help us into deeper presence with ourselves and the Divine. Each session will combine personal reflection with conversation as we share what we notice and what it makes us think. Thomas Merton writes, “Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.” Come be a little lost and found. No experience necessary. Welcome to a space with nothing to prove and no one to impress.

Instructor Carrie Heimer is a retired teacher, a spiritual director, and a good and gentle guide through art and poetry.

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.

Sketching is for Everywhere
ART-09 (in-person)
Session II: Oct. 22, 29, Nov. 5, 12
Thursdays 10:30 - 11:45 am
This course will focus on the freedom and joy of sketching for personal reward and growth! The group will meet at UPark for the first class, for insights and methods of keeping a personal sketchbook, and the following weeks will be spent at agreed-upon locations to add to that very same sketchbook.

Instructor Ruth Segler is a retired teacher who spends her time painting and traveling. She carries her sketchbook with her wherever she goes to record the world around her and improve her observation skills! Her sketchbooks are prized possessions as they hold her memories as well as show her growth as an artist. Find her at Ruth’s Rocks on Facebook or come see her at the Farmer’s Market in the summertime!

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.

Staying Safe: Martial Arts for Seniors
EX-07 (in-person)
Session II: Oct. 21, 28, Nov. 4, 11
Wednesdays 10:30 -11:15 am
*Meets at Fairbanks Senior Center, 1424 Moore Street, Fairbanks, AK 99701
We are in a daily battle to maintain our independence both physically and mentally. Martial arts techniques have been shown to improve brain function, reaction time, and build confidence. We will do simple stretching and some fun exercises to turn you into a master of your own destiny! This class is suitable for all levels. 

Instructor Arlene Slocum is a 4th degree black belt who has been teaching martial arts for over 30 years. She leads a class at the senior center for Ancient Warriors and specializes in helping seniors with disabilities.

Strategy Board Games, II
REC-05 (in-person)
Session II: Oct. 21, 28, Nov. 4, 11
Wednesdays 1:30 - 4:30 pm
*Each course stands alone, you can take either one or both.
Each class meeting will cover a different board/strategy game. In the past, games included Wingspan, Ticket to Ride, and Harmonies. Session I will cover some of the games explored in previous Board Game courses. Session II will showcase different games from Session I, including some that are more complex. All games will be taught in class and no experience with the games is required. Materials fee: $20, pay instructor at first meeting. Enrollment limited to 12.
Instructor: Laura Walsh (see MUS-07)

Tai Chi Gung for Spirit, Mind and Body, II
EX-02 (in-person)
Session II: Oct. 19, 26, Nov. 2, 9
Mondays 3:45 - 5:00 pm
*Meets at Fairbanks Senior Center, 1424 Moore Street, Fairbanks, AK 99701
Tai Chi Gung is known as a “simple yoga.” It helps support us on our journey to longevity by helping us move with ease, breath, and awareness. Strengthen your body while calming your nervous system. Deepen your sense of inner balance and flow. Tai Chi Gung is gentle yet deeply healing as it connects you to the intrinsic powers of nature that your body already knows.

Instructor Devta Khalsa has been training as a Tai Chi Gung instructor under Master Lama Rasaji, one of twelve world masters, for five years. This form of Tai Chi Gung comes from the lineage created over three thousand years ago in Tibet by Lao Tsu.

Five Crown
REC-11 (in-person)
Session II: Oct. 22, 29, Nov. 5, 12, 19
Thursdays 12:15 - 1:30 pm (5 weeks)
Come learn and play the Five Crown card game, the game that isn't over until the Kings are WILD.

Instructor Patsy Perkins has been enjoying games for years and feels it is a good way to spend time with friends.

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.

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.