Friday Courses   

This is the fourth class in a series describing events that help to explain today’s America. Learn how the Democratic Party turned to activism and civil rights advocacy. Witness the complete reversal of the Republican Party from its founding principles of equality to one that realigns itself geographically with the South and ideologically with states’ rights and white, male supremacy. Explore how both parties embrace neoliberal ideology to diminish New Deal policies and culture. Two historically reminiscent movements conflict: The Civil Rights movement (called the Second Reconstruction) and a neoliberal movement fueled by anti-communism, white, male supremacy and unlimited accumulation of wealth for the few. We will understand what MAGA is and how to address the issues it poses. 

NOTE: Attendance at prior courses in the series is not necessary. The course will have recommended readings from “Myth America: Historians Take on the Biggest Legends and Lies About Our Past,” edited by Kevin M. Kruse and Julian E. Zelizer, Basic Books (2022).

Cook along and let’s noodle around together! We’ll explore making a basic egg pasta from scratch and experience two delicious cuisines. From the Mediterranean we’ll make a traditional Sicilian pasta with broccoli or cauliflower, and then send our taste buds to the Far East to sample pan-Asian hoisin garlic noodles. Each day will feature side dishes to complete a meal. You’ll cook in your kitchen and I’ll cook in mine; I’ll provide recipes, demonstrations and support. Students should be comfortable in the kitchen and have basic cooking skills.

NOTE: There will be vegetarian options, but gluten-free cooking will be on your own.

Come make a crumb quilt into something useful! A crumb quilt is a patchwork made by sewing together tiny fabric scraps into blocks that in turn are pieced together to create new fabric. We’ll spend two weeks making a crumb quilt large enough to cut a pattern for a pouch, wallet, pencil case, eyeglass holder or something else you choose. During the third class, we’ll assemble our creations. This is a fun process, at the end of which you’ll have something functional to use.

NOTE: Students should bring their own sewing machines to class. You should be able to wind a bobbin and sew a curved line. You will need about $20 worth of fabric and supplies, but the scraps for your crumb quilts will be supplied. A list of supplies will be sent to registered students.

Does a lot of what you hear or read about the world concern you? Do you wish you could share these concerns with others and hear their perspectives as well? In this interactive class, we’ll discuss eight topics over 10 weeks. Each topic is from a chapter in the Foreign Policy Association’s “Great Decisions 2026” booklet. This year’s topics are: 1) overview; 2) America and the world; 3) the future of the world economy; 4) U.S.-China relations; 5) the future of European security; 6) nuclear proliferation; 7) changing world order; 8) the future of international law; 9) the U.S. and Africa; 10) wrap-up. Pre-reading for each class will be assigned. Each class begins with a brief overview of the topic, followed by discussion. Diverse viewpoints across the political spectrum are encouraged. 

NOTE: The “Great Decisions 2026” booklet is required reading and will be distributed at the first class. Cost: $35. Also required is a commitment to be respectful of points of view different from your own. 

Take your stock studies to the next level! Evaluate high-quality growth stocks selling at a fair price using the BetterInvesting (BI) online SSG PLUS tools. See www.betterinvesting.org. Find companies to study that meet BI guidelines. Learn shortcuts for collecting company research. Find essential information in 10-Ks and 10-Qs; skip the boilerplate. Present a stock to classmates using trend analysis, business modeling and revenue analysis. We require BI membership at the SSG PLUS level ($12.08 a month). This course is part lecture, part activity workshop, with outside reading and tools practice. A PDF copy of “The Stock Selection Guide & Portfolio Management Magic” is provided. This class is a prerequisite for next term’s DIY Stock Portfolio Management class. 

NOTE: DIY FUNdamental Stock Analysis for Beginners is a prerequisite for this course. Equities are for educational purposes only; no recommendations will be made. We do not present alternate investment strategies, such as technical analysis. We do not discuss penny stocks, ADRs, ETFs, index funds, bonds, mutual funds, cryptocurrencies or foreign stocks; nor do we recommend financial advisers. Newer Windows or Mac OS versions only. No iPads. BI SSG PLUS runs best on Google Chrome, and students are encouraged to download it before class begins. 

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.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to teach an OLLI course? This three-session course is designed to answer that question and to help you prepare that course. We’ll talk about OLLI demographics and the OLLI learner; hear from experienced instructors about teaching skills, course design, venues and online versus classroom teaching; the elements of a successful course and how to avoid pitfalls. Participants will also be introduced to the course proposal form and have the opportunity to work on their course with committee members. Join us to see how your dedication to lifelong learning can include the creative endeavor of course design and teaching.

NOTE: Membership not required for this course. To register as a non-member contact the OLLI office. 

This course is designed for a deepening of our innate connection with nature. Being in nature has been shown to help humans increase their well-being. Time will be given to participants to be in silence. They also will be asked to contemplate various aspects of the natural community around them. They will be given time to write if they choose and then gather again to share their thoughts and ideas. All classes will be at a local park where, depending on weather, a shelter is near. Participants will be expected to dress appropriately for the weather and be able to walk on mostly level ground. There could be slight inclines, but no steep hills. Participants may bring a notebook and pen, but it’s not required. 

NOTE: This course will take place at North Mountain Park, 620 N. Mountain Ave, Ashland. Liability waiver required to participate. This class and its activities will be based on the book “The Healing Magic of Forest Bathing” by Julie Plevin Oliansky, a local who started Forest Bathing Clubs in the San Francisco Bay Area.  

The 2026 Ashland Independent Film Festival returns to the Varsity Theatre April 23-26 with another outstanding slate of fine films from international and domestic filmmakers. OLLI members will view six preselected films over the four-day festival weekend. During the week following the festival, OLLI members will meet three times to discuss the films. The films are a mix of documentary and narrative films that have recently premiered at U.S. and international film festivals. The discussions will focus on the cinematic qualities of the films, with emphasis on the choices made by the filmmaker; the effectiveness of those choices; and the cultural, sociological and artistic content of the films.  

NOTE: Students will purchase their tickets on the Ashland Independent Film website. It is expected the price will be $12 per film.  

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. They are members of the Ashland Oregon Pickleball Club. 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, playing by USA pickleball rules and sportsmanship. This skill-building course will focus on serves; third-shot drops or “drop shots;” drives; lobs; partner communication; types of scoring; and understanding Bert, Ernie and Nasty Nelson. The last day will be a fun, fast-paced round-robin in which all players will rotate.  

NOTE: Please bring your favorite paddle, wear court shoes and a hat or visor, and bring a hydrating drink. Eye protection is recommended. If we have inclement weather, the class will be canceled. Liability waiver required to participate.