Medford Courses   

This introductory course, taught by four instructors at the Rogue Valley Genealogical Society Library, is designed to give a solid foundation for pursuing genealogy and researching your family and ancestors. The classes will cover: conducting research online and in libraries, organizing research, the U.S. census and researching digitized newspapers as well as how to use Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.org. There will be two assignments: filling out an Ancestor Chart for personal use and preregistering for a free FamilySearch.org account before class 4. Instruction will be 1½ hours, including a 30-minute break, followed by a one-hour hands-on practice session. RVGS has computers available for the practice sessions, but students are encouraged to bring their personal laptop. 

NOTE: The Rogue Valley Genealogical Society Library has a kitchen, and students are encouraged to bring their own lunch or snack to eat during the half-hour break.

If you can hold a pencil, you can do this. Zentangle comes from the words “Zen” and “tangle” (entangled, interwoven) and combines creativity with meditation. Zentangle is an easy method to learn because it consists of structured patterns. Stroke by stroke, simple lines are repeated onto paper. With every line, you can dive further into the world of tangles. In a short time, tangles turn into amazing 3D, graphic, elaborate and beautiful tiles. They are unplanned, abstract, black and white. The practice calms, relaxes and is fun. 

NOTE: Students should be prepared with pens, other drawing supplies and Zentangle tiles. A complete materials list will be sent to registered students. Depending on personal preferences and supplies already owned, the cost could range from $20 to $45. 

Slow down, tune in and be amazed: Join us to experience the magic of nature journaling using a simple, flexible framework that you can use anywhere, any time. Whether you’re art-phobic or you’re a plein-air painter, whether you’re a scientist or a poet or both or neither, this course is for you — this approach to journaling is accessible to everyone! The course includes three two-hour sessions. The first session will be indoors on the Rogue Valley Manor campus, with a short trip outside. The second and third sessions will be primarily outdoors on the RVM campus, with gentle walks to find journaling subjects. Each session will include a mix of interactive lecturing, instruction, “follow-along” demonstrations, journaling time and group discussion. 

NOTE: This course will include walking outdoors on the RVM campus. Participants will need to be able to dress comfortably for outdoor conditions and sit on benches or in a camping chair while journaling. Liability waiver required to participate.

This course will be an introduction to astronomy, specifically observational astronomy. Students will learn how to look in the night sky without a telescope to see constellations, identify planets and discern lunar phases. This class will specifically focus on our Southern Oregon skies in spring. Students will get a chance to practice their knowledge by observing in the North Medford High School Planetarium. The planetarium features a Digistar 7 system, a fully digital system capable of manipulating space and time with real-time data and stellar computer graphics. The course will be half online lecture, half lab-based in the planetarium. There is no background knowledge necessary; all levels of learners are welcome.  

NOTE: The course will alternate between online instruction using Zoom one week followed by lab-based practice of concepts at the North Medford High School Planetarium the next week. Weeks 1, 3 and 5 will be online and weeks 2, 4 and 6 will be at the planetarium. Liability waiver required to participate.

Using research-backed strategies, the AARP Smart Driver course has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of accidents, help you become more proficient in the current rules of the road, improve your defensive driving techniques and help you with safe vehicle operation in today’s demanding driving environment. This course will focus on the vital relationship between the driver, vehicle and road, and look at how factors such as aging, medications and alcohol can impact driving. You’ll also learn about the latest vehicle safety features and technological advancements. Importantly, you will learn how to identify when it’s no longer safe to drive and how to find alternative travel options. This course may qualify you for a multiyear discount on your auto insurance. 

NOTE: A required materials fee of $20 to $25 (discount for AARP members) includes a comprehensive 120-page Participant Guide. Both days are required for course completion and the insurance discount. The fee will be collected on the first day by cash or check made out to AARP. Credit cards will not be accepted.