NEWSFLASH
April 23, 2020
New Distance Learning Courses
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
 Questions: Contact the instructor at lvail627@gmail.com

Title: Organizing and Sharing Digital Photos Using iCloud
Instructor: Neal Strudler
Description: This course was designed to help participants take, organize, store, edit, and share digital photos. Emphasis will be on using Apple Photos on the iPhone, Mac, and iCloud. Students will learn to: manage iCloud, store photos and videos, perform basic edits, set up albums and slideshows, share photos, search and organize photos by person, location, and activities, and remove duplicate photos. Privacy and security issues will also be discussed. Participants should be able to use Zoom for video conferencing and have a basic comfort taking digital photos, accessing the web, and running basic applications.
Start Date: May 5 (Tuesday); 4 Sessions (5/5, 5/12. 5/19. 5/26) 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Distance learning methods/tools to be used: Course website and Zoom (demonstrations on iPhone and Mac, discussion of issues, Q&A)
Maximum number of students: 25
Questions: Contact the instructor at nstrudler@gmail.com

Reopened for new students:
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
Questions: Contact the instructor at dcaraher@gmail.com

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. 
Click here  for syllabus.
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
Questions:  Contact the instructor at  LMPARE849@aol.com

The following classes are still accepting students, and technology use has changed on those starred:
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
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: 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
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: 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: 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. 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)
Students may join at any time.
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. 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
Questions: Contact the instructor at victoria.leo.reiki@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
Facilitate a Conversation Connection
OLLI members are looking for creative ways to connect outside of remote classes, too. Remember our Conversation Connections? These are one-time meetings on a specific topic of discussion. No preparation or teacher required, just someone to facilitate the conversation so everyone has a chance to talk about something that interests them. If you're inspired to facilitate a remote Conversation Connection, please contact Social Crew Lead Rob Joseph at rolite@mind.net to learn more. There is no end to the possible topics, and there is a wide range of both low- and higher-tech options for ways to "meet" remotely.
Watercolor Art Salon is Still Open
Event: OLLI Watercolor Art Salon
Facilitator: Charlie Noble
Description: Watercolor artists, wannabe watercolor artists! Join in for an internet art salon. We will show a piece of our work and have a positive discussion. We will discuss problems, successes and solutions of our work. A chance to come together in these difficult times from the safety of our own homes. This will be an easy-to-use Zoom event.
Date: Friday, May 8, 3:00 pm, approximately 90 minutes.
Distance meeting methods/tools to be used: Zoom
Maximum number of participants: 15
Questions: Contact Charlie at crnoble1@hotmail.com
Member-to-Member Remote Tech Support
Member-to-member tech support is now 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.
Community Resources
April 28 is the last day to register or to update your voter registration in order to vote in the May Primary Election. Fortunately, you can take care of it online at: https://sos.oregon.gov/voting/Pages/registration.aspx