Friday 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.

Let’s say you’ve moved beyond “total beginner” as a watercolor painter and are ready for a new challenge. You’ve been told to focus on major shapes and values to create good compositions, but you’re not sure how. You’ve heard about negative space, but no one has shown you how to work with it. For many watercolorists, negative painting is the game-changing technique that helps them start seeing major shapes and understanding how to use the spaces in between them. Each live, two-hour Zoom class (with breaks) begins with a PowerPoint lecture, discussion and Q&A, followed by an in-class painting session. Outside class, plan to spend two-plus hours watching online videos, reading articles and painting. Experienced beginners and intermediate painters are welcome. 

NOTE: Students will need to use a private Padlet online bulletin board and be able to download and print materials. The instructor will send a detailed syllabus, suggested supply list, instructions and outline drawings for projects. Students can use their existing watercolor materials. Additional material costs will vary. 

Learn how to evaluate high-quality growth stocks and determine whether they are being sold at a fair price. We use the fundamental analysis methods as taught by BetterInvesting (www.betterinvesting.org) to over 5 million investors over the past 75 years. Learn how to form sound judgments, compare values between companies, make wise strategic portfolio choices, do research online and document your decisions. Students evaluate a company and practice articulating their judgments during workshops. This class combines lectures, activity workshops and one hour per week of outside video education and online tools practice. This class is a prerequisite for the spring course, DIY FUNdamental Stock Analysis: Beyond Beginners. 

NOTE: Maximum benefits will be achieved by attending all eight sessions. Equities are for educational purposes only; no recommendations will be made. We do not present alternate investment strategies. Penny stocks, ADRs, ETFs, index funds, mutual funds, financial advisers, cryptocurrencies and foreign stocks will not be discussed. Newer Windows or Mac OS versions only. 

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. 

Interested in cultivating a mind full of wonder? In this class you will learn and use seven rich, beloved practices adapted from Zen Buddhism for being alive in the moments of your ordinary day and drawing on mundane moments to cultivate wonder-mind. Students will explore the topic of wonder by engaging with self-designed experiences based on a framework of practices that will be offered in the course. Through sharing experiences, dialogue and applying the practices in your everyday life, you will end the course fully prepared to build upon your class experiences — you may find yourself living in wonder! No prior knowledge or experience is needed for this course. All are welcome! 

Family relationships are often a significant theme in film and often highlight the multifaceted nature of friendship, love, conflict, betrayal and forgiveness. In five award-winning narratives, European and Asian filmmakers explore the consequences of choices made within family settings, reflecting on how relationships can shape identity, moral values and, ultimately, destinies. The films will provide the content through which we can examine the influence of familial structures on character development and plot progression. Students are asked to view the films before the discussion.

NOTE: All five films are on the Criterion Channel. You can view all the films as many times as you like for a single-month fee of $10.99. Also, if you are new to the Criterion Channel, you can view all films at no charge during a free 14-day trial.