Tuesday Courses   

This course is a one-week introductory “boot camp” for absolute beginners who want to learn the basics of playing American mah-jongg (AMJ). This five-day series of hands-on play and practice activities is limited to two tables of four or five students each. Instruction will cover the game materials and the rules of play. This is not for people who have played before and want to get back into the game. Intermediate or advanced game play strategies are not part of this activity. At the conclusion of this boot camp, students will understand the game materials, objectives and rules of play, and be ready to form a group of beginner players to continue their AMJ play. Each variation of mah jongg (American, Chinese and Japanese Riichi) has a unique play style and set of rules.

NOTE: The required reference text is provided by the instructor. Text fee is $10, payable at the first class, cash only, please. Please commit to the full week of classes. Missing one class can disrupt the learning experience for all participants. Class will meet in Room C on Tuesday, Jan. 6.

This course is a one-week introductory “boot camp” for absolute beginners who want to learn the basics of playing American mah-jongg (AMJ). This five-day series of hands-on play and practice activities is limited to two tables of four or five students each. Instruction will cover the game materials and the rules of play. This is not for people who have played before and want to get back into the game. Intermediate or advanced game play strategies are not part of this activity. At the conclusion of this boot camp, students will understand the game materials, objectives and rules of play, and be ready to form a group of beginner players to continue their AMJ play. Each variation of mah jongg (American, Chinese and Japanese Riichi) has a unique play style and set of rules.

NOTE: The required reference text is provided by the instructor. Text fee is $10, payable at the first class, cash only, please. Please commit to the full week of classes. Missing one class can disrupt the learning experience for all participants. Class will meet in Room C on Tuesday, Jan. 6.

In this class, students will acquaint themselves with the parts of the guitar, string names, how to play a basic scale, how to tune a guitar, how to play basic guitar chords and possibly more advanced skills. A book on guitar chords is recommended but not required. The class includes learning how to play a few easy chords and, time permitting, more advanced chords. Students will have the option to learn a song of their choice. Class will include a workshop session. Some previous musical experience is helpful but not required. 

NOTE: Students must provide their own guitars.

Ready to expand into your next level of consciousness? In his book “A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose,” world acclaimed spiritualist Eckhart Tolle takes us beyond our own lives to show that we can create a new, more loving world. This involves a radical inner leap of consciousness from identification with ego to a new way of transformative thinking that few of us have achieved. In this highly interactive course, you will have opportunities to bring to the group specific Tolle passages that you would like the group to explore for clarification and deeper meanings. We will create a “collective consciousness” that uses members’ shared experiences and insights to reveal new interpretations of Tolle’s unique ideas for the evolution of human awareness.

NOTE: Students are encouraged to read the book before class meetings and make notes on topics to present for group discussion.

In this mostly lecture class, we’ll cover the basics of stocks, bonds, real estate and alternative investments before moving on to address how to combine various asset classes into a diversified portfolio. Investment vehicles such as mutual funds and exchange-traded funds will also be discussed, as well as passive versus active investing, market timing, investor behavior, socially responsible investing and tax considerations. At the end of the class students will have the tools to either do their own investing or be able to evaluate what their advisers are doing. No prior investing experience is required. Expect some class discussion and home assignments. 

NOTE: The content provided in this class is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide specific financial, investment, tax or legal advice. 

Discover the art of creating with clay in this hands-on, beginner-friendly ceramics course. Over eight weeks, students will explore the fundamentals of hand building techniques, including pinch, coil and slab construction, while learning how to shape, texture and join clay. The course will also cover surface decoration methods, glazing and an introduction to the firing process. Each week builds on core skills, guiding students from simple functional forms to more creative, sculptural projects. By the end of the course, participants will have completed a collection of unique ceramic pieces and gained a strong foundation in working with clay. No prior experience is needed, just a willingness to get a little messy and experiment!

NOTE: Total cost to participate is $200 ($25 per session). Signed liability waiver required to participate.

Enchanting miniature fairy gardens in teacups, terrariums or other containers are fun to make for yourself or as gifts for others. This course will cover designing and assembling the scene in a container of the student’s choice. Students will also learn to make certain elements from scratch (acorn birdhouses, anyone?). In the three class sessions, students will have the opportunity to make one or more garden scenes. Teacups and materials will be provided. No prior fairy experience is required.

NOTE: The course will not use live plants; instead, dried or artificial plants will be provided. A donation of $5 to cover materials is suggested but not required.

This course is an introduction to qigong and simple stretching patterns. Movements will be taught both as physical and energetic exercises and as methods for improving present moment awareness and mindfulness of subtle perceptions. No special clothing or experience is required. Participants should come as they are, ready to have fun with others! Although qigong can be studied for a lifetime, this brief series will give you a taste of the practices. Students will learn a set of simple movements to integrate into their daily routine. The exercises will challenge and enhance students’ flexibility, balance and coordination. The classes will include social time with other students using breakout rooms. 

NOTE: Students will have access to the instructor’s videos on his YouTube channel. A DVD and digital material are available for purchase. Since this course is online and consists mostly of active movement, students must be prepared to take complete responsibility for their own physical well-being.  A signed liability waiver required to participate. Classes will not be recorded.

This workshop is an introductory course offering practical training to enhance nonfiction writing skills. The storytelling techniques emphasized are applicable to memoir, historical articles, long-form journalism and book-length nonfiction, for both print or internet. Class materials include selected readings, posted online, that demonstrate key writing techniques practiced by successful, well-known authors. Students should expect to spend six to eight hours a week reading assignments, writing and analyzing workshop writing submissions. Students are required to submit, for analysis, four 500- to 1,000-word writing samples by midnight, Fridays, using content derived from their experience. Students will read one another’s work and share evaluations. 

NOTE: “Bird by Bird” by Anne Lamott is assigned to be read by the end of the term.

Using research-backed strategies, the AARP Smart Driver course has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of accidents, boost knowledge of the current rules of the road, improve 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, medication and alcohol can affect 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: Required materials fee of $20 to $25 (discount for AARP members) includes a comprehensive 120-page Participant Guide to bolster learning and reinforce key concepts. Both days are required for course completion and insurance discount.

Develop a passion for printing in this hands-on art class that includes art, design and printmaking. We will focus on a variety of mediums; including cyanotype, gelli prints and screen printing. Each week students will learn different aspects of what makes a good design based on composition principles such as golden ratio, the rule of thirds and the use of positive and negative shapes. Students will learn how to digitize and edit designs for screen printing using an iPad. Additional printing methods will be introduced.

NOTE: Total cost to participate is $200 ($25 per session). Signed liability waiver required to participate.

This course is designed for the person who wants to learn the fundamentals of the fastest growing sport in America. It is played by all age groups and physical abilities in recreational or tournament play. Join the fun, led by experienced instructors from the Ashland Oregon Pickleball Club. We will meet for 1½ hours a day for five consecutive afternoons. Beginning players will learn the basics: choosing a paddle, paddle position, serving, return of serve, dinking, drills, scoring and calling “out balls.” You might meet “Nasty Nelson!” An emphasis will be placed on safety, court etiquette and sportsmanship. AOPC will provide the paddles, balls and instruction. Use of the Playtime scheduler will be covered as well as courts available in our area. 

NOTE: If you have a mobility issue, this may not be the course for you. Please wear court shoes, bring a hat/visor and a hydrating drink. Eye protection is recommended. If we have inclement weather the class will be canceled. Signed liability waiver required to participate.

This course is designed for students who have taken the Absolute Beginners Pickleball course or have a rudimentary knowledge of the game. It will be taught by seasoned instructors who are experienced players. Expect to build on the basic game to include advanced strategy in play. We will meet at Lithia Park pickleball courts for 1½ hours a day for five consecutive days. There will be an emphasis on safety and sportsmanship. This skills-building class will focus on different types of serves; lobs; third shot drops or “drop shots” drives; partner communication; stacking; types of scoring; and identifying Bert, Ernie and Nasty Nelson. The last day will be a FUN round-robin in which each player will rotate play with all others. An instructor will be on each court to provide feedback.  

NOTE: Please bring a paddle, court shoes, a hat or visor, snacks and a hydrating drink. Eye protection is recommended. Students must know the basic game, such as rules/usapickleball.org, court position, basic serve, return of serve, NVZ, calling “out” balls, safety and sportsmanship. If we have inclement weather the class will be canceled. Signed liability waiver required to participate.