NEWSFLASH
April 20, 2020
New Opportunities for Distance Learning Courses
Check the list for new opportunities. Sign up via the RSVP link for each course below.

Title: How to Let Go and Feel Freedom in Challenging Times
Instructor: Suzanne Mark
Description: This interactive course teaches a method of non-dual inquiry that allows you to release any stressful feeling on the spot, including, shame, guilt, anger, sadness, fear, and depression. When you feel an unwanted thought, or feeling, simply ask yourself the easy questions and you may feel tightness leaving your body. In its place, you may feel relaxation. Tension and mind chatter may subside. This may help break stressful patterns of thought/behavior that cause feelings to recur. Many have felt more confident and relaxed even in situations that were avoided. We cover practical tools and applications for life situations you wish to address: e.g., health, motivation, conflict, need for approval, empowerment, peace and well-being, etc. Practical, FUN and experiential. No prior experience required.
Start Date: Wednesday, April 22, at 1:00–2:30 pm. Seven sessions on Wednesdays, plus support nights to help students integrate their learning.
Distance learning methods/tools to be used: Interactive Lecturing on Zoom-based Video conferencing, PowerPoint, Emailing handouts, a few YouTube Videos (short)
Maximum number of students: 30
Questions: Contact the instructor at info@suzannemark.com

Title: P@s$w0rdz (Offered for a second time this term)
Instructor: Steve Weyer
Description: Do you finally have the time to strengthen the security of your accounts?
- Understand what makes passwords strong -- or weak (like the course title).
- Discover if an account has been hacked, and when to change its password.
- Generate strong memorable passwords for your devices
       and random passwords for online accounts.
- Reduce stress and declutter your brain by remembering just one master password;
       a "password manager" app can store, encrypt and fill-in all of your online logins;
       in particular, I will demonstrate 1Password (and discuss others).
- Amp up security for sensitive accounts: provide unique secret answers,
       add recovery information, and enable 2-Factor Authentication (2FA) via phone or app.
Start Date: Monday, May 11/Wednesday, May 13/Friday, May 15 from 10:00–Noon (three sessions in one week)
Distance learning methods/tools to be used: Zoom (video & screen sharing)
Maximum number of students: 20
Note: Only one person per household may sign up for this class even if more are interested as the spouse/partner could share the same video/audio connection
Questions: Contact the instructor at saweyer@gmail.com

The following classes are still accepting students:
Title: Anthro is Fun: Dogs and Denisovans
Instructors: Victoria Leo and Rick Baird
Description: The Ice Age was a pivotal period of human prehistory: in the period from 100,000 to 10,000 years ago, dogs were domesticated, forever changing human society, and the human genome was irrevocably changed by the admixture of DNA from both Neandertals and Denisovans. Dogs (and cats and chickens), as well as non-human DNA, have immeasurably enriched our biology and our civilizations. One click into the class website allows you to enjoy all the videos, text and photos, presented step-by-step. You are encouraged to email the instructor with questions. There will be live phone call-ins via Zoom every week. If you have Internet access, and can click on a link, you are tech-savvy enough for this class!
Start Date: Although the class officially began on April 6, most of the work is self-paced and students are welcome to join now. Approximately seven sessions. The schedule of Zoom sessions will be announced in the virtual classroom, and there will be a post-Zoom video for anyone who can't make it.
Distance learning methods/tools to be used: Email, text, video, and Zoom. (Please note, course materials are incompatible with FireFox, but work with other browsers.)
Maximum number of students: Unlimited
Questions: Contact the instructor at victoria.leo.reiki@gmail.com

Title: Caregiving for Alzheimer's: A Personal Journey
Instructor: William Harris
Description: The stress of caregiving is a major concern for someone whose loved one has been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s; especially in this time of “stay at home” requirements. This course will provide an overview of the issues, the impact of the diagnosis, and the resources available to the caregiver. We will discuss coping strategies for the patient and caregiver. We introduce specific issues typically discussed between the caregiver, loved one, lawyer, and financial planner. These may include advanced directives, end-of-life choices and ethical issues, changes to a will or trust, and strategies for dealing with medical expenses. Classes will consist of “lectures” using PowerPoint slides, and Zoom, which will allow for electronic interaction. NOTE: Student must have access to a computer and the app Zoom.
Start Date: The class will meet via Zoom for six sessions -- two times per week (Mondays and Wednesdays) for three weeks, May 4 through May 20, 9:00-10:30.
Distance learning methods/tools to be used: PowerPoint slides, and Zoom
Maximum number of students: 30
Questions: Contact the instructor at oregond1duck@yahoo.com

Title: Classical Music for the Pandemic
Instructor: Peggy Evans
Description: Classical Music for the Pandemic: a look at relatively short classical music works (e.g., a movement of a symphony, not the whole work), which may speak to students at this challenging time.
Students will be contacted by email twice a week to the end of the term. Each email will include several works. Each work would be described (history, musical style, form) plus there would be links to recordings and a score (if available). The works would come from western European classical music and its several historical periods, including music for the church. Students will be encouraged to suggest works to be included and to email questions which will be answered privately or in the next class email. Students will work through this material at their own pace.
Start Date: The class is self-paced, and students may add at any time.
Distance learning methods/tools to be used: Email
Maximum number of students: Unlimited
Questions: Contact the instructor at mevans@mind.net

Title: Constructing Crosswords
Instructor: Steve Weyer
Description: Have you wondered about what goes on behind the scenes for designing and publishing a crossword puzzle?
- Understand formats, conventions, tools
- Brainstorm and place theme entries
- Arrange grid blocks (black squares)
- Fill-in other words
- Craft imaginative, challenging clues
- Revise, submit for publication.
Focus: US newspaper-style, symmetric, themed 15 x 15 puzzles, e.g., New York Times (NYT)
Examples include an OLLI-themed puzzle!
Start Date: Monday, May 4/Wednesday, May 6/Friday, May 8/10:00–Noon (3 sessions)
Distance learning methods/tools to be used: Zoom (video & screen sharing)
Maximum number of students: 20 (Class size increased to allow more students)
Note: Only one person per household may sign up for this class even if more are interested as the spouse/partner could share the same video/audio connection
Questions: Contact the instructor at saweyer@gmail.com

Title: Crosswords: Sites & Solving
Instructor: Steve Weyer
Description: Would you like to find crossword puzzles that might distract, entertain or challenge you, and improve your solving skills?
- Discover web sites with crossword puzzles to print or solve, and applications for solving offline.
- Learn about vocabulary, clues, themes, tools.
- Practice solving crosswords together.
This is an abbreviated form of my regular introductory course; for more about what will be covered/not covered: https://communicrossings.com/crosswords
Start Date: Monday, April 27 and Wednesday, April 29 at 10:00–Noon (2 sessions)
Distance learning methods/tools to be used: Zoom (video & screen sharing)
Maximum number of students: 20 (Class size increased to allow more students)
Note: Only one person per household may sign up for this class even if more are interested as the spouse/partner could share the same video/audio connection
Questions: Contact the instructor at saweyer@gmail.com

Title: Estate Planning 101 in the age of COVID-19
Instructor: Cheri Elson
Description: This three-session course introduces you to estate planning, looking closely at the components that make up a comprehensive plan. We will examine how Wills and Trusts work together, along with powers of attorney and advance directives for healthcare. We will explore how an estate plan may also come into play during our lives and not simply at death. This class will provide you with a thorough understanding of what an estate plan is and why it is important. We will also discuss how COVID-19 and Social Distancing affects our ability to execute an estate plan. No previous knowledge is required.
Start Date: April 22 at 11:00 am. Three sessions. Must register by April 22.
Distance learning methods/tools to be used: Email, supplemented with PowerPoint slides shared via video conferencing (or emailed handouts).
Maximum number of students: 100
Questions: Contact the instructor at cheri@ashlandoregonlaw.com

Title: Five Records That Changed Us (well, me anyhow)
Instructor: Denny Caraher
Description: Each week I will talk about an LP that had a major cultural and musical impact and is still relevant today. I will play excerpts from the albums via Zoom but everyone should have listened to the recording before class. The first record will be “Sweethearts of the Rodeo” by The Byrds and the other four will probably be of that era. 
Start Date: Wednesday, April 22 at 10:00 a.m. 90 minute sessions. (5 sessions)
Distance learning methods/tools to be used: Zoom
Maximum number of students: Unlimited
Questions: Contact the instructor at dcaraher@gmail.com

Title: Landscapes Revealed: The Geology of our Local Region
Instructor: Karen Grove
Description: This course will be an abbreviated version of “See like a geologist: the landscape around you”. Learn the basics of our region: how it displays 300 years of geologic history; why the Rogue Valley is a valley; the stories sedimentary rocks tell about our region’s history; how our region fits into the larger tectonic picture. A new blog will be posted online each Monday morning; Q&A sessions will be available to participants during the week via zoom.
Click here for syllabus.
Start Date: April 20. The class is self-paced, and students may add at any time although late additions may miss some Zoom sessions.
Blog will be posted by 9 AM every Monday from April 20 – May 11. (4 sessions).
Q&A sessions via Zoom will be available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-4:40. (8 sessions)
Distance learning methods/tools to be used: Blogs online (only need regular internet service to access), Zoom for optional Q&A sessions
Maximum number of students: Unlimited
Questions: Contact the instructor at kgrove41@gmail.com

Title: Mindfulness, Meditation and Creativity
Instructors: Victoria Leo and Rick Baird
Description: Mindfulness, meditation and creativity are all well-studied techniques that can enhance your problem-solving ability and allow you to maintain a joyful, playful heart in difficult times. The videos and text in this three-week class introduce you to fun, easy creative explorations, as well as mindfulness and nine different forms of meditation. Try everything and find what activities work best for your specific needs. Weekly interactive videoconferencing via Zoom allow you to ask questions, while you work at your own pace and in your own time. Email is always available, for immediate questions and for learners who prefer anonymity.
Start Date: April 15. Three Zoom sessions. The schedule of Zoom sessions will be announced in the virtual classroom, and there will be a post-Zoom video for anyone who can't make it.
Distance learning methods/tools to be used: Email, text, video, and Zoom. (Please note, course materials are incompatible with FireFox, but work with other browsers.)
Maximum number of students: Unlimited
Questions: Contact the instructor at victoria.leo.reiki@gmail.com

Title: Spiritual Cinema Afternoons: Series 9
Instructor: Carl Marsak
Description: All new movies! We will watch 7 movies, both feature films and documentaries, in the privacy and safety of our own homes. Then we will come together on Zoom for 60 - 90 minutes to discuss the psychological and spiritual themes, motifs, symbols, purposes and life lessons. Each class will begin with a short attention training practice and teaching piece. The first class will be an introduction to Spiritual Cinema. Please note, some comfort with Zoom, or the willingness to learn about this tool, is required. Also, each student will need to have a Netflix account and Amazon Video loaded on their TV or computer (Amazon Prime is suggested but not required) and each movie will have to be paid for by the student.  
Start Date: Thursday, April 16. 8 sessions. Meets weekly 3:30–5:00 pm.
Note: Although this course has already begun, registration will remain open until April 22.
The assignment each week is to watch a movie, which varies in length from 90 to 130 minutes. No homework in between.
Distance learning methods/tools to be used: We will use Zoom video conferencing, which is free for the students. However, they will be expected to learn how to use the basics before the class begins. Also, each student will need to have a Netflix account and Amazon Video loaded on their TV or computer (Amazon Prime is suggested but not required) and each movie will have to be paid for by the student. 
Maximum number of students: 70
Questions: Contact the instructor at cmarsak@gmail.com

Title: The List, also known as Reality Dynamics
Instructor: Marnie Hancock
Description: " The List" is a time-honored personal development psychology for understanding and directing the subconscious mind, and for creating the reality you want. Marnie Hancock will share the theories and techniques in this course to help you remove the blocks in your world and create the reality you want. Requirements are blank paper, pens, blank index cards and a free Zoom Meeting Account. Purchase of the instructor's book, "The List AKA Reality Dynamics," for $40.00 is not required but recommended. The most important instructions for the List process will be included via PDF’s during the class.
Start Date: May 1, 9:00-11:00 am. Six sessions, May 1 – June 5.
Distance learning methods/tools to be used: Zoom and PDF Instructions
Maximum number of students: 30
 Questions: Contact the instructor at marnie@therealitydynamicslist.com
Member-to-Member Remote Tech Support
Reminder: Member-to-member tech support is available thanks to OLLI volunteers. We know many members are scrambling to increase the ability to connect remotely, whether to meet up with friends and family online or to take advantage of the many opportunities to learn while we stay safe and save lives at home. Some of OLLI’s tech savvy members have volunteered to provide some tech support to help members get connected. If you would like help with getting up to speed online, complete the request below and we will connect you with a Tech Support volunteer.
 
Please note: While volunteers will offer support to the best of their ability remotely, we cannot guarantee that every issue will be solved successfully. Please keep in mind that this process can require time and patience, too.

Click here to submit a request for tech support.
Lifelong Learning Resources
A different Andrew Lloyd Webber musical streams each week on The Shows Must Go On!, a new YouTube channel devoted to this project. Each show goes live on the channel on Fridays at 11:00 am PDT, and usually remains viewable for 48 hours afterward. Click here for more information.

The Schneider Museum of Art will present their spring programming online. This Thursday, April 23, at 5:00 pm the SMA invites you to join Visiting Artist and Scholar in Teaching (VAST) resident, Grayson Cox, for a virtual Creative Industries Discussion about his work being featured in the Museum’s upcoming exhibition Celebrating Wild Beauty. Click here for more information about the artist and the event.

Oregon Fringe Festival 2020 Fringenettes: a bite-sized version of the cancelled five day festival will be featured this Friday, April 24 at 7:30–8:00 pm with interactive chat starting at 7:00 pm , on the Oregon Center for the Arts YouTube Channel. Click here to access OCA online performances.

Explore the art of Frida Kahlo with this online exhibit at Google Arts & Culture’s “ Faces of Frida .”

April is National Poetry Month. Click here to celebrate with online readings, and other remote events and resources.

This is International Dark Sky Week, and events abound. Click here to engage with authors, educators, artists and scientists from around the world who are excited to share their passion for astronomy, our cultural connection to the stars, and life in the dark.

Chasing a Trace follows a wildlife scientist on her quest to find elusive female wolverines in the mountains of Canada's west. Click here for this fascinating short video on YouTube.
Community Resources
Ashland Senior Center has two new programs for Ashland seniors who are isolated during this challenging time of physical distancing:
  1. Adopt a Neighbor Ashland offers help with shopping and errands is a a collaboration between a community group and the City of Ashland.
  2. Senior Phone Buddy program to matches seniors for daily check-ins and socializing, created and run by the Ashland Senior Services Division.
Click here for a flier (PDF) with information on both programs.