Recreation   

Kumihimo, Japanese for “gathering threads,” is an ancient Japanese art form involving the use of interlaced strands of cords and ribbons to make strong and decorative ropes. Basic Kumihimo technique will produce unique attractive keychains, bracelets, necklaces, and other decorative cord through the selection and combinations of ribbons and threads, and may also include the use of beads. Students will learn to make a flat braid “friendship” bracelet. No prior knowledge or experience is needed to learn Kumihimo. This is not the same as the previous Japanese Braiding Class.

NOTE: The instructor will email a supply list prior to the first class. Materials needed should cost between $5-$10 dollars. There are two in-person sections of this course offered, both on Tuesdays. One starts the second week of the term; the other starts the fourth week of October. 

This course is designed for students who have taken the Absolute Beginners Pickleball course or who have a rudimentary knowledge of the game. It will be taught by seasoned instructors who have taught before. Expect to build on the basic game to include advanced strategy in play. We will meet at Lithia Park pickleball courts every day for five consecutive days for 1.5 hours. 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 whereby a player will rotate play with all players. There will be an Instructor/Ashland Oregon Pickleball Club (AOPC) member at each court who will be ensuring no faults and providing feedback. A waiver must be signed prior to the first class.  

NOTE: Students are expected to have their own paddle and know the basic game, such as rules/usapickleball.org, court position, basic serve, return of serve, NVZ, calling “out” balls, safety, and sportsmanship. Players will need court shoes, a hat or visor, snacks, and a hydrating drink. Eye protection is recommended. 

Explore the wonderful world of beaten egg whites! Delicious soufflés are not so hard to master and can be made with a variety of fillings. You will be provided recipes, demonstrations, and support to make beautiful soufflés. Our savory version will be a vegetable option; our flourless dessert is a chocolate "Cloud Cake” (actually a fallen soufflé). Bonus recipes will be included. We will create together and savor the end results—I will be cooking in my kitchen while you cook at home! 

NOTE: Students should have basic kitchen skills and common equipment; a soufflé baking dish is best for our soufflé, although any straight sided dish will work. 

This course is designed for anyone with little or no knowledge of maintaining and repairing a home. Class members will learn how water, gas, and electricity come into a home and how to shut them off, how to change the filter in a furnace and clean the coils on a refrigerator, and why they should. We’ll talk about paint, how to replace a light switch or plug, fix a stuck door, what is a good set of tools, and what to watch for outside the home such as clogged gutters, water leaks, siding damage, invasive vegetation, and more. We’ll talk about the advantages and disadvantages of buying through big box stores vs. independent merchants and how to choose a contractor if needed. Above all, we will talk about what the class members want to know about maintenance and repairs to the building that keeps them safe and comfortable. You will learn to take care of your homes so your home can take care of you!  

NOTE: Each term is different as the instructor responds to the new issues that students bring to class, so as a repeat student, you will have something to gain and you will be welcomed. 

This fun and active class is designed for pickleball players who understand and play the game. The round robin is a structured form of pickleball play organized by skill level. Players will learn format, partnering, stacking (when to and how to), what hand signals mean and when to use them, types of scoring, byes, and use of different types of balls. Different types of rally scoring will be discussed vs. traditional scoring along with when to utilize each and why. The course will cover the difference in various brands of pickle balls and the details of timing used in certain types of round robin events. Players will experience the application of the information learned as they participate in the round robin and connect with fellow players. We will play a minimum of six games with rest between games at each class meeting.

NOTE: If mobility is an issue for you, this course may not be appropriate. There is a $3.00 charge for pickleballs, payable to the instructor on the first day of class. All participants must sign a liability waiver.