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. Students may join at any time.
*Distance learning methods/tools to be used: Email, text, and video. (Please note, course materials are incompatible with FireFox, but work with other browsers.)
Zoom usage is optional and only needed for students who wish to participate in weekly live sessions and ask questions in video (instead of email).
Maximum number of students: Unlimited
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: May 4. 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
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
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.
Title: DIY FUNdamental Stock Analysis for Beginners
Instructor: Marcia Couey and Michael Smith
Description: Learn how to evaluate high-quality growth stocks and whether they are selling at a fair price. We use the same FUNdamental analysis methods as taught by BetterInvesting (
www.betterinvesting.org) to more than 5 million investors. Learn how to form sound judgments, compare values between companies, make wise strategic portfolio choices, do research online, and document your judgments. Internet-based stock analysis tools and various research websites help us make judgments. This online class is part lecture, part activity workshop. Beginners and repeaters are welcome!
Start Date: Monday, May 4, 9:30–10:45 AM.
Note: 15 hours in 1 hour segments (may go to 75 minutes with questions and new technology issues with the first 6 sessions.) Sessions will start at 9:30 am and end at or before 10:45 am, meeting Monday through Thursday in weeks 1, 2 and 3, and Tuesday through Thursday in week 4. Last session on Thursday, May 28.
Distance learning methods/tools to be used: Email, pdf examples, YouTube videos, online analysis tools at BetterInvesting, and GoToMeeting.
Note: Students will need a Mac or PC desktop, notebook, or Chromebook, and a working printer. Tablets and smart phones DO NOT work for Novices and Beginners to learn this material.
Ideally, students have a headset (with a mic); alternatively, they can watch the lectures/workshops on their computer and use a phone for the discussion.
Maximum number of students: 20
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 29 at 10:00 a.m. 90 minute sessions. (5 sessions)
Please note: New starting date.
Distance learning methods/tools to be used: Zoom
Maximum number of students: Unlimited
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. Students may join at any time.
*Distance learning methods/tools to be used: Email, text, and video. (Please note, course materials are incompatible with FireFox, but work with other browsers.)
Zoom usage is optional and only needed for students who wish to participate in weekly live sessions and ask questions in video (instead of email).
Maximum number of students: Unlimited
Title: Native American Women Change Makers: Leading From the Earth
Instructor: Louise M. Paré
Description: Native American women are often framed in terms of colonial patriarchal values, needs, and guilt that distort the reality of who they are. When the voices of native women break through the layers of stereotypes by telling their lives through their poetry and prose, they define themselves and their communities on their terms. Explore the stories within the lives of Native American women poets, scientists, and social activists. Discover the meaning of Native American female sacred spirits. Explore the impact of colonization on the lives of Native American women as we get “woke” as sister nations.
Start Date: Tuesdays through June 2. Meets weekly for two hours, 2:00-4:00 pm.
New students are welcome to join the class at this time.
Distance learning methods/tools to be used: Email, text, videos, FaceBook and Zoom.
Maximum number of students: 15
Title:
OLLI Goes to the Virtual Ashland Independent Festival
Instructor:
Lorraine Vail, with Kathy Roselli, Dave Ferguson and local filmmakers
Description:
Regretfully, the 2020 Ashland Independent Film Festival (AIFF) was cancelled. Fortunately, Festival staff curated a “virtual” film festival (May 22-June 14) for independent cinema fans, and
OLLI Goes to the Virtual Ashland Independent Festival
was created. This is an opportunity to view unique films that are not likely to be shown elsewhere, plus the latest and best from our local filmmakers. The films are streamed on Film Festival Flix and can be viewed on a TV or PC. Nine full-length films and the
Locals Only
series will be discussed via Zoom. You choose how many films to view and how many class discussions to join. A brief description of the films will be available on April 30. On May 6, a Zoom meeting (optional) will provide more information and answer questions on the films and the viewing logistics.
Please note:
Enrolling in the class is a great way to express your support to AIFF and the work they do to ensure independent cinema is present in our community. The streaming channel subscription is $9.99 and a feature film rents for $7.99. Best of all,
a subscription includes
free access to the wonderful collection of 35 shorts, including NASA’s
CineSpace winners
. A subscription is not required for the
37 short films from our community of local filmmakers and filmmaking students. If you are an AIFF member, you receive a free subscription to the channel and a number of feature film vouchers depending on your membership level.
Click here for details
.
Start Date:
May 22, first film; May 24, 2:00-3:30, first meeting. Five sessions, plus film viewing.
Each feature film shows one day only during a 4- to 24-hour period. The “shorts” show continuously from May 22–June 14. The nine films chosen for discussion show on May 22, 23, 25, 26, 29, 30, and June 1, 4, 5.
Five class discussions at 2:00–3:30 pm on May 24, 27, 31 and June 2, 5. The June 2 discussion is devoted to the Local Filmmakers series and four local filmmakers whose films are showing will join us.
Distance learning methods/tools to be used:
Zoom for class discussions. FilmFestivalFlix channel for viewing films (TV or PC).
Maximum number of students:
Unlimited
