Have you ever wanted to play a musical instrument but have never had a lesson? Or if you have tried and failed, this course is for you! You will be introduced to all the basic reading skills you will need for playing and reading music plus learn the fundamentals of the piano keyboard. Materials are an instructional CD, keyboard chart, music paper, etc. If you are a complete beginner, this class serves as an introduction to INSTANT PIANO. Materials fee $20, cash or check payable to instructor.

Learn secrets your piano teacher never told you in this 3-hour session. Students will learn all the chords needed to play any song, any style, and any key. Students will then perfect their technique at home using the student manual. A cash or check payment of $29 is required for manual and supplies.

This hands-on course is designed to enhance your interior decorating skills, whether you are a beginner or have more advanced knowledge. This class offers a step-by-step educational plan to help you transform your home with confidence. You will learn how to create a detailed mood board, master color palettes and color flow, and design spaces that reflect your unique style. From creating a relaxing outdoor area to developing a home theater or planning a kitchen makeover, this course will provide fresh ideas and practical tips to elevate your projects. Discover where and how to shop, avoid costly mistakes, and achieve professional-looking results. You will see inspiring before-and-after examples and participate in a hands-on field trip to Fringe Benefits in Marietta (transportation not included).

Students will learn stitches such as peyote, herringbone, and netting. Additionally, students will be able to work with wire and learn some new bead weaving techniques. A supply fee of $70 is payable to the instructor at the first class.

In this course, you will learn how to process all the photographs that you take with your digital camera, manage them for easy access and prepare them for whatever project you so choose. The course will go through the layout and functions of the main editing tools in each program. Then we will work through the seven different modules of Lightroom (Library, Develop, Map, Book, Slideshow, Print & Web). Finally, you will learn how Photoshop can be used in conjunction with Lightroom to create Panorama, HDR and other composites for more advanced projects. Adobe software subscription is not included in course fee.

This course provides students with the opportunity to explore the fundamentals of creating realistic atmospheric perspective and textures within a natural exterior environment, as well as creating compositional balance. We will draw a variety of scenes from photographic observation that include elements such as rock formations, mountains, grass, foliage, and water. The Drawing medium we will be using for this course is Graphite. A suggested supply list is available.

For oil and acrylic painters with some experience. Work on your own projects with guidance and technical assistance from a practicing professional painter. The instructor will stress design, value relationships, color and emotional impact. There will also be opportunities for Alla Prima still life and Plein Air to keep your skills growing. Through a combination of Individual and group critiques, you can judge the effectiveness of your work and find solutions and inspiration to move to the next level in your art. Join us in this casual but productive class.

A class for new painters! Learn how to paint in a loose and impressionistic style from a qualified professional painter. Progress from the basics of composition to design, values, color mixing and brushwork. Learn how to paint "Alla Prima" —from life with a lighted still life and the landscape from projected photos. Plus explore the portrait from life and more! 

This beginner-friendly class will introduce you to the basics of working with polymer clay. Throughout this course, you will learn essential techniques such as rolling, shaping, blending, and baking polymer clay. A suggested supply list is available so you'll know what to bring.  

This course will focus on the fundamentals of constructing the underlying armature of the head and how to place the features accurately using the basic rules of human proportions to ultimately achieve a realistic Portrait. In this class, we will also cover how to construct and render the individual features of the head (eyes, ears, nose, and mouth) from different perspectives. The primary medium used in the class will be graphite. A suggested supply list is available.

The Zentangle Method is a form of meditative drawing that uses repetitive patterns called “tangles” in combination with dots, lines, curves, and orbs to create beautiful pieces of abstract art.   Learning and practicing this form of art can increase the overall sense of personal wellbeing.  Students will learn up to thirty-two tangles and complete eight projects.  A recommended supply list is available.

You can make new friends and enjoy scheduled activities in the OLLI Club Room. Sit and chat awhile, check out a book, surf the Internet, or join a card or other table game...it's all available in the Club Room, a special members' only area of KSU Center. To schedule a tour or for more information, please contact 470-578-6881. We look forward to showing you around our facility. Register online or please call 470-578-6897. Membership privileges include 10% off any OLLI class (except when noted), free coffee, free internet, and computer use, regularly scheduled Bridge and Mah Jongg, OLLI library access and social events. Membership fees are $60 a year from July 1st through June 30th. Fees are prorated at a rate of $5.00/month if you join after July. A prorated fee is applied once OLLI Club Room Membership is added to your cart.

The Sullivan Brothers, WWII, and the Iconic "Kissing Sailor" Photograph Join us for an unforgettable lunchtime session as Hal Burke shares the emotional history of the five Sullivan Brothers and their tragic yet heroic legacy. Learn about the pivotal moment in World War II when the brothers' service aboard the USS Juneau ended in a devastating loss. Hal will also explore the powerful historical connection between this story and one of the most iconic photographs in American history; Alfred Eisenstaedt’s famed Life Magazine image of the “Kissing Sailor” taken in New York’s Times Square on V-J Day, August 14, 1945. Bring a brown bag lunch, invite a friend, and join us for this informative, interesting, and free lecture! Registration is required.

Kick off the holiday season with OLLI and friends on a day trip to the historic Tate House. Enjoy the beauty and charm of this stunning pink and white marble mansion, festively decorated for the holiday season. We’ll indulge in a delicious buffet lunch before touring the home and its beautifully decorated rooms. This special outing is the perfect way to celebrate the start of the holidays. Transportation is included, so just sit back, relax, and enjoy a memorable day filled with good company and holiday cheer. Space is limited. Don't wait to register. Seats will go fast!

Learn Basic Ballet Barre with stretching to improve strength, flexibility, and balance, all in a safe and non competitive environment. Then enjoy a low impact aerobic to improve stamina and brain power. Finally completing the class with a relaxing cool down. 

The America Heart Association's Basic Life Support (BLS) course prepares students to promptly recognize several life-threatening emergencies, give high-quality chest compressions, deliver appropriate ventilations, and provide early use of an automated external defibrillator (AED). BLS Provider Manual is required and can be purchased at https://shopcpr.heart.org/bls-provider-manual. Who should take this course? This course is designed for healthcare professionals, other personnel, or anyone who needs or wants to know how to perform CPR and other basic cardiovascular life support skills in a wide variety of in-facility and prehospital settings. What does this course teach? High-quality CPR for adults, children, and infants The AHA Chain of Survival, specifically the BLS components Important early use of an AED Effective ventilations using a barrier device Importance of teams in multirescuer resuscitation and performance as an effective team member during multirescuer CPR Relief of foreign-body airway obstruction (choking) for adults and infants

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) brings to its members a free hearing screening with Dr. Laurie Nelson, who carries a Doctorate and Masters in Audiology. She is also the owner of the Marietta Hearing Center. Screenings will take approximately 10 minutes per person. Registration is required due to limited space.

Kick off your weekend with a little yeehaw and a whole lot of fun at our Saturday morning Line Dancing class! You’ll learn the proper steps, rhythm, and technique behind today’s most popular line dances – plus a few of the classics- so when it's time to hit the floor at weddings, parties, or country line dancing nights, you’ll be ready to shine! Each class is taught by an experienced instructor who breaks each dance down step by step. New to line dancing? We recommend wearing comfortable sneakers to help you move safely while learning the steps. No partner is needed, and no experience is required. Come for fun, leave with real skills (and some great new friends)!  

A gentle combination of Pilates and yoga designed to provide a full body stretch, strengthen your core muscles, and keep you energized for the rest of your week.  Feel the difference moving and breathing with intention can make in your life.

Ideal for seniors, joint-friendly Pilates increases strength and flexibility through gentle toning exercises and can be adjusted to suit all fitness levels. Boost your stamina and muscle tone without the risks of high impact exercise. Wear loose clothing and bring a towel or yoga mat. Students must sign a waiver prior to class.

In this beginning class, everyone will be shown QiGong and Tai Chi forms and postures that will help improve balance, strengthen and tone muscles, improve concentration, and encourage an overall sense of health and well-being. Students will also be taught QiGong breathing and relaxation techniques. This is done without high-impact/strenuous activity.

This course, expanded from its precursor QiGong/Tai Chi I, will have the same beneficial breathing and exercise techniques but with more advanced skills.  Everyone will be taught Yang style 48 form Tai Chi as well as advanced QiGong style forms and meditation. Regular practice of Tai Chi calms the mind, improves balance, and enhances overall mobility, endurance, flexibility, and muscle strength.  Completion of QiGong/Tai Chi I recommended unless there is prior Tai Chi experience.

This course, expanded from its precursor QiGong/Tai Chi II, will utilize the same beneficial breathing and exercise techniques but with more advanced skills.  Everyone will be taught Yang style 24 and 48 form Tai Chi as well as advanced QiGong forms and meditation. Regular practice of Tai Chi calms the mind, improves balance, and enhances overall mobility, endurance, flexibility, and muscle strength.  Completion of QiGong/Tai Chi II recommended unless there is prior Tai Chi experience.

Making real improvement in your life begins with self-awareness and understanding others. This requires finding your “true” self, and learning how we all see the world through our own distorted lenses. By becoming aware and accepting of your unconscious fears, motivations, desires, and how you respond to stress, you can find your natural path to overcoming the obstacles holding you back from better relationships, decisions, purpose, and happiness. The “secret sauce” to unlocking life-changing personal growth and happiness is the Enneagram, which is a unique, powerful, and practical personality/self-development system that creates awareness of why we each uniquely - yet predictably - think, feel and behave as one of 9 common patterns or “types.” Understanding this “why” that is driving your behavior is the critical first step to improving your ability to manage your emotions, behavior, and life. Whether you seek a better relationship with your spouse/family/friends/colleagues, are working through a new life stage, or simply want to find your true self and happiness, this course will introduce the concepts and real-life examples of how you can use the Enneagram to energize and transform your life in the way that matters most to you.

This class features exercises that focus on strength and flexibility as well as balance and range of motion, using your own body weight or light dumbbells.  Wise Fitness accommodates all fitness levels to help build a stronger core, tone muscles, improve posture and encourage a confident smile.  Wear exercise clothing and bring a towel or yoga mat.  A signed waiver is required at the start of the first class session.

A gentle combination of Pilates and yoga designed to provide a full body stretch, strengthen your core muscles, and keep you energized for the rest of your week.  Feel the difference moving and breathing with intention can make in your life.

New to Yoga or looking for a refresher? Ideal for all fitness levels, this class introduces the fundamentals of yoga where you will learn basic postures, gentle stretches, and simple breathing techniques to improve your flexibility, balance, and overall wellbeing. Each class emphasizes proper alignment and modifications so you can practice safely at your own pace. A signed waiver is required at the start of the first class session.

Have you started your family history research, taken a family history (genealogy) course, or been overwhelmed by all of the digital information? Are you not finding the information you are looking for or finding hundreds of potential clues? If so, this family history course is for you as it delves deeper into how to use the digital family history (genealogy) resources to their fullest extent! Learn how to: Research effectively using some of the main genealogy websites (Ancestry, FamilySearch, MyHeritage, Heritage Quest, Newspapers, Fold3, etc.), keep your research information organized, and evaluate genealogy productivity tools and determine the best one for you. By the end of the course, you will be able to locate more records for your ancestors and find the best tools for your research.

In this third part of our look at the 1960s, we’ll wrap up the counterculture and explore the student protest movement, the Space Race, and the moon landing. We’ll also examine the JFK assassination, the Vietnam War, and memorable events of 1969, including Super Bowl III, Chappaquiddick, the Tate-LaBianca murders, and Woodstock. This lecture/discussion class invites you to share your own memories and perspectives. Attendance in Parts I and II is not required.

This lecture/discussion course examines America’s war on terror, both domestic and foreign, from the early 1800s to the present. Topics include Jefferson’s war against the Barbary Pirates, the Ku Klux Klan, post-WWI bombings, the Weather Underground, and the Iran Hostage Crisis. We’ll explore key events, figures, and military operations, with opportunities for participants to share their questions and perspectives.

This lecture/discussion course continues the study of America’s war on terror from 1978 to the present. Topics include the Unabomber, the roots of 9/11, key terrorist attacks, U.S. and Israeli responses, and major counterterrorism operations. Video segments and films will enhance the discussion, and students are encouraged to share their thoughts and questions. Attendance in Part I is not required.

The stalemate at Cassino and Volturno is broken, a landing to outflank the German defenses at Anzio- Nettuno. Once again, a combined American- British landing force is forced into a defensive beachhead. Like Salerno in 1943, German counterattack prevents a breakout. For nearly six months the Allies fought to break out of their beachhead. When they finally do in May, they advance to Rome. The city falls into Allied hands-on June 4, 1944, two days before D-Day.

The iconic image of Rosie the Riveter symbolizes the ways American women contributed to the war effort during World War II. This course goes beyond Rosie and explores the critical yet often underrepresented roles of women during World War II. This class sheds light on the women who served as factory workers, nurses, spies, codebreakers, pilots, soldiers, resistance fighters, and community leaders.

This course examines the role of photography in documenting the Holocaust from multiple perspectives, including those of perpetrators, victims, bystanders, and liberators. Through critical analysis of visual materials, we will explore how photographs served as tools of propaganda, acts of resistance, evidence of atrocities, and records of survival.  Emphasis will be placed on understanding the context in which images were created, the intentions behind them, and their ethical implications. By engaging with a range of photographic sources, participants will develop a deeper understanding of how genocide was witnessed, represented, and interpreted through the camera lens.

At the outbreak of war, the United States had a minimal number of ships, the Confederacy had none. Over the course of four years, both sides ramped up their floating forces with each adopting different tactics. During this course, we will explore various actions on the high seas as the Federals attempted to strengthen the blockade and capture Southern ports, while the Confederacy deployed commerce raiders to wreak havoc upon Northern merchant ships. In addition, we will also look at various brown water naval engagements - action, which occurred on rivers instead of at sea. Optional Text: War on the Waters, James McPherson, University of North Carolina Press, 2012. ISBN 9780807835883. 

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Improvements in digitizing and uploading centuries-old documents have afforded more researchers than ever the ability to dig into mysteries of the past. This hands-on, interactive workshop is designed for novice or amateur historians interested in pursuing independent research from the comfort of their own homes. We will first examine how to fine-tune historical research questions; then we will explore methods in identifying, navigating, and sifting through relevant archives. Finally, students will select a document from a digital archive of their choice to either complement their current research interest or kickstart a new project.

North America has a varied climate suitable for many kinds of agriculture. The people who settled the continent starting 15000 years ago found a variety of agricultural conditions which resulted in the cultivation of a great variety of food. This is their story.

How, why, and to what end did a single German mother traverse the Atlantic to study and paint insects? This session examines the life and times of seventeenth-century naturalist, entomologist, and artist Maria Sibylla Merian. She was highly-regarded for her scientific illustrations and groundbreaking work on the life cycle of insects—a passion she had pursued since early adolescence. But Merian achieved even greater renown after her journey, with her daughter, to Surinam (Dutch Guiana) at the age of 52. After documenting the lives of South American insects, she published her findings by way of innovative scientific illustrations and commentary. We will also examine the transformation of Marien’s reputation over time: her work was posthumously challenged in the nineteenth century but finally rehabilitated in the next to even greater acclaim.

In 1640, as Dutch ships rounded into the Salvador’s Bay of All Saints, a lone priest railed at God for abandoning the Portuguese. By now, the Netherlanders had fully implemented their “Grand Design” on Brazil, seizing much of the Brazilian northeast. Should Bahia fall, so too would Portuguese America. How did the elite and marginalized Portuguese men and women--on both sides of the Atlantic—not only defeat the Dutch, but also oust them from nearly the entire western hemisphere? This session, shared by the author of The Battle for Brazil, will feature unexpected archival finds from Lisbon, Madrid, and The Hague. The Dutch challenge for “white gold”—sugar—and unlikely resistance that followed, influencing not only the course of Brazil’s history, but the shape of the South Atlantic world.

The Battle of the Atlantic was the longest continuous military campaign of World War II, spanning from 1939 to 1945. This vital struggle determined whether Britain and the Commonwealth could maintain their lifelines to North America and later to the Soviet Union. This course will explore the German U-boat war against Allied shipping and naval forces during the war. It will discuss the various submarine types used by the Kriegsmarine and the equipment and technology used by the Allies to counter this threat. We will discuss the various phases of the Battle of the Atlantic, with a focus on the American forces, including the comparative successes and failures during each phase. The course will also explore why the Allies were eventually more successful in the Battle of the Atlantic compared to the Japanese anti-submarine effort in the Pacific Theater of Operations.

In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, this lecture/discussion class explores the American Revolution. Topics include the causes of colonial discontent, key events like the Boston Massacre and Tea Party, major battles from Lexington and Concord to Yorktown, the Declaration of Independence, and pivotal figures such as Benedict Arnold. Videos from history and Hollywood will enhance the discussion, and students are encouraged to share their thoughts and questions.

The U.S. Constitution outlines the powers of the president in Article II. The founders discussed the presidency at length before deciding on the structure that we have today. Eventually, they wanted a strong and nimble executive but not a monarch. While there are specific enumerated powers given to the president, many have pushed the limits to expand their position. They have often assumed implied powers during a national crisis or by reading between the lines. From a passive administration to an active executive, each president has made the office “his own,” and every president has always been controversial. Hopefully, reviewing some of our presidents will reassure the class on the stability of the republic, regardless of the president.

The United States, from 1945 to 2025, was an island in a turbulent sea. At the end of WWII, the United States would undergo a series of changes, both frightening and benign, all of which were initially unexpected by the American people. How our country responded to these challenges is covered in this class.

Exploring your family history (genealogy) is a journey that begins with you and takes you to the past to find your ancestors supported by facts, family stories, and traditions. Join the journey in family history research to find those long-lost relatives using resources available at genealogical/historical societies, government entities, libraries/archives, and in your possession. The research methodology focuses on U.S. records but can be applied worldwide. Learn how to: create a research plan, organize information, and cite your sources, research various records including cemetery/church, census, city directories, courthouse, immigration, land records, military, migration, newspapers, passport, probate, ship, vital (birth, death, and marriage), wills, etc., identify genealogy software that works for you. By the end of the course, you will be able to create a resume for your ancestors. Are you ready to start your journey, jumpstart your stalled research, or learn new research methods? If so, this course is for you.

Allies land in Italy, September 3-9, 1943. British at Calabria and Taranto and the Americans at Salerno. An invasion of Italy, a second front in mainland Europe. A campaign that will not end until May 1945. It would tie down considerable German forces in Italy. Joseph Stalin, the Soviet leader, had been strongly pressuring Churchill and Roosevelt to open a “front" in Europe, which would lessen the German Army's focus on the Eastern Front and Russia. Two Allied armies would advance up the Italian Peninsula until stopped at the German defense, the “Gustav Line” and a mountain top named Monte Cassino. The campaign would come to a sudden halt because of weather, terrain, supplies, and politics.

This hands-on session will provide you with simple tips and tricks to cut down on the digital clutter on your phone and computer. Topics will include organizing files and home screen apps/widgets, and the options available to clear storage space on your local devices and in the cloud.

Downsizing can be an exciting opportunity or an unfortunate necessity. What features in a house or rental are most important to you as you transition to a smaller space? Learn valuable tips and tricks that will save you money and benefit you as you downsize to a smaller home. Learn how to choose the right moving company for your needs. How to maximize your space in a smaller home. Receive guidance to help you cope with the emotional challenges of downsizing and avoid feeling overwhelmed or stressed. Discover how to select the perfect paint color and create a cohesive color palette. Learn the best flooring options for your new space, how to hang artwork properly, and how to use lighting effectively. Get tips on arranging furniture for both functionality and style, plus smart storage and organization solutions. Find out what to do with clutter and excess items- and so much more.

This hands-on course is designed to enhance your interior decorating skills, whether you are a beginner or have more advanced knowledge. This class offers a step-by-step educational plan to help you transform your home with confidence. You will learn how to create a detailed mood board, master color palettes and color flow, and design spaces that reflect your unique style. From creating a relaxing outdoor area to developing a home theater or planning a kitchen makeover, this course will provide fresh ideas and practical tips to elevate your projects. Discover where and how to shop, avoid costly mistakes, and achieve professional-looking results. You will see inspiring before-and-after examples and participate in a hands-on field trip to Fringe Benefits in Marietta (transportation not included).

In this course, you will learn how to process all the photographs that you take with your digital camera, manage them for easy access and prepare them for whatever project you so choose. The course will go through the layout and functions of the main editing tools in each program. Then we will work through the seven different modules of Lightroom (Library, Develop, Map, Book, Slideshow, Print & Web). Finally, you will learn how Photoshop can be used in conjunction with Lightroom to create Panorama, HDR and other composites for more advanced projects. Adobe software subscription is not included in course fee.

In this course, we continue our journey of learning and move well beyond the basic functions and care of your camera. We take an exciting journey into the world of photography as art and the development of your artistic eye. We talk in depth about composition and find out how to control and use light and shadow. We create art from common objects, learn about portraiture and group arrangement, spend a whole session on photo editing and learn about how to succeed in photo competitions. Come join us and learn how to create art with your photography.

This class is open to students who have completed the Italian conversation classes and feel comfortable speaking Italian. You will continue to improve and grow in your Italian proficiency and become more confident by reading books and speaking in class.  Ci vediamo in classe! A presto!

This course is perfect for adults with a basic knowledge of Italian who are eager to improve their speaking skills. Focused on enhancing conversational abilities, this class offers a dynamic environment where you will engage in discussions on various topics, expand your vocabulary, and refine your pronunciation. Through guided conversations, you will gain the confidence to communicate more fluently and naturally in Italian. This is not a beginner class—come ready to speak and take your Italian to the next level!

In this beginner's Italian class, you'll start learning the essentials of the language and how to connect with native speakers. You'll master introducing yourself, sharing where you're from, and talking about where you're going. You'll also learn how to tell the time, discuss the weather, and talk about the days of the week and seasons. Along the way, we'll explore fun facts about Italy's regions and practice talking about our families. If you're ready to begin this exciting journey, don't hesitate—join the class and let's get started

Are you ready to improve your Italian? Have you successfully completed Italian II? If yes, then you are ready to jump into a new class. We will dig into the most important tenses for communicating daily, we will learn the “passato prossimo” and we will practice how to speak with others. The past tense is the most common tense used so let’s continue to learn this beautiful language. See you all in class! Required book: Italian: A Self-Teaching Guide, 2nd Edition ISBN: 978-0471359616.

Continue your journey in learning  "la bella lingua". If you have already taken the previous classes or if you have already been exposed to the italian language, this is the class for you. Be ready to speak more in Italian and to deepen your knowledge. we will continue talking about the culture and traditions of Italy in a fun way. Ci vediamo!.  If you are not sure of your level of fluency, please contact the office to schedule a time to be evaluated by the instructor.

This course is designed for students who have completed all four levels of Italian, or those capable of reading and understanding the language and carrying on basic conversation. Students will read chapters each week from easy reader books in Italian, reinforcing pronunciation, comprehension, and storytelling while reviewing grammar and sentence structure. Weekly readings will be provided by the instructor.

This course is intended for students who have completed Italian Language through Simple Readers I or who are comfortable reading short Italian texts and holding basic conversations in the language. Building on the foundation of level I, students will read longer and more complex chapters with greater emphasis on fluency, comprehension, and discussion. Weekly readings will be provided by the instructor.

Let’s learn to sign!! This course is designed to introduce students to American Sign Language (ASL), the language of the Deaf Community. Students will learn greetings, basic introductions, everyday vocabulary along with some aspects of Deaf Culture. Upon completion of this ASL Class, students should be able to engage in basic conversation with individuals that are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing. Class size is limited.

In this course, students will learn new vocabulary, phrases, and simple sentence structure to apply to previous ASL knowledge. The instructor will use an online curriculum along with in-class handouts and a textbook. The course, Beginning American Sign Language (ASL I) is a prerequisite to this class.

This course focuses on the many facets of independent publishing. In addition to the most common forms, novels and memoirs, the instructor will offer expertise in developing other subject material and alternative formats. Students will have the opportunity to find the best platform for their work, and develop useful publishing strategies.

This course cover Chapters 1-4 contained in Primera Parte (Part I) of the Textbook (see Required Textbook below). Chapter 1 will introduce students to greetings, exchanges, and farewell expressions. Students will also see words that are similar in English and Spanish. The lesson will transition into the introduction of Spanish words, their meanings, and masculine nouns vs. feminine nouns.  In Chapter 2, students will study family names and how to indicate relationships among their family and others’ families. Chapter 3 will take students to the school and classroom! Students will study the names of objects associated with school and the classroom and later identify those items existent within their own physical classroom. Chapter 4 will introduce students to regular verbs, and students will study and practice simple sentences.  Required Textbook:  978-1-63419-928—5  SPANISH IS FUN / LIVELY LESSONS FOR BEGINNERS (Book 1)

This course covers elements from Chapters 5-8 contained in Segunda Parte (Part II) of the Textbook (see Required Textbook below). Students will study numbers 0-30. The numbers will be practiced via selected areas of the textbook, in individual responses as well as group and partner activities. Students will then apply their knowledge of the numbers as they study how to tell time in Spanish.  Following a brief review of present tense ar verbs from Spanish Is Fun - Part I, students will study regular –er verbs in the present tense. The lesson will then explore colors as well as adjectives and opposites. The lesson will later proceed into a study of asking about and expressing another’s personality and character. Finally, specific components of Spanish/Latino culture will be examined and discussed.  Required Textbook:  978-1-63419-928—5  SPANISH IS FUN / LIVELY LESSONS FOR BEGINNERS (Book 1)

This course covers selected components from Chapters 9-12 contained in Tercera Parte (Part III) of the Textbook (see Required Textbook below). Students will examine the names of various professions and practice expressing one’s and others' professions. Students will then study how to describe location and temporary conditions of people and things versus permanent traits of people and things.  The lesson will expand into a study of the present tense of ir verbs along with a study of expressing actions that are happening in real time. Students will study how to express dates as well as the months of the year.  Students will then identify celebrations and events that take place during specific months. Finally, specific components of Spanish/Latino culture will be examined and discussed.  Required Textbook:  978-1-63419-928—5  SPANISH IS FUN / LIVELY LESSONS FOR BEGINNERS (Book 1)

Students will learn strategies and techniques that may reduce or eliminate certain tax liabilities. Have you ever wondered what strategies you could use that some of the richest Americans have used for decades? Many of the strategies discussed include: - Last minute end of year tax savings ideas - How to reduce and eliminate Taxes on Retirement Account Distributions - How to reduce and eliminate Capital Gains Taxes - Take Required Minimum Distributions in the most tax-advantaged way - Avoid Inheritance Tax-Traps with IRA’s, 401k’s, and other Retirement Accounts - How to pass assets generationally, while minimizing Taxes and providing Asset Protection - Learn some of the most Tax-favored ways to give money to charity and heirs - How wealthy Americans have passed assets generationally TAX-FREE, even before ROTH IRA’s were created - How to read a basic tax return for better outcomes.

Students can expect to learn: Estate planning: wills, trusts, beneficiaries Taxation: income, estate, inheritance, strategies Long-term care: insurance, Medicaid, Medicare Social Security: claiming, spousal benefits Healthcare costs: retirement expenses, planning strategies Charitable giving: tax benefits, community contributions Funeral planning: pre-arrangements, final expenses Estate distribution: family discussions, fair solutions Legal documents: power of attorney, healthcare directives Probate and administration: simplify estate settlement Tax laws: stay updated on changes Financial tools: software, retirement planning assistance

This engaging class will dive into many important considerations and planning strategies related to Second Marriages. Students will learn what families have done to protect their assets and prevent accidental disinheritance. Additionally, students will learn techniques that could provide for your spouse while potentially keeping peace in the family. For many people, charity is their ultimate beneficiary. The instructor will cover different Charitable giving strategies with their various pros and cons. Covered Topics: Basics of Estate Planning: Fundamental principles and documents to consider, Credit Shelter Trust, Revocable Living Trust, Dynasty Trust, Retirement Plan, Annuity, and Life Insurance Beneficiary Planning and Spousal Life Estates.

This 2-hour session highlights the most common Roth IRA mistakes retirees make, and how to avoid them to maximize tax-free income. Roth IRAs can be one of the most powerful retirement planning tools, but only if they are used correctly. In this class, we’ll highlight five of the most common mistakes retirees make with Roth IRAs and how to avoid them. From contribution and conversion rules to distribution strategies and tax implications, you’ll learn how to make the most of your Roth IRA for long-term, tax-free income in retirement. Students will receive a Roth IRA guide and workbook.

How to Reduce or Eliminate Taxes on RMDs - How to pay little to NO Taxes on a Roth Conversion - Tax-Free Income Ideas and Concepts BONUS: - New IRA Distribution Rules - New IRA Inheritance Rules

Medicare Plans  can be confusing!  Join us so that you can better plan your benefits strategy – or –help you guide your parents in their choices. Learn the many facets and particulars of Medicare. Gain a foundation of Medicare Part A,  B,  C (Medicare Advantage) and  D (Prescription Drug Plan) and Medicare Supplement plans.  Learn  what factors to include in choosing the right plan.   We discuss Pros and Cons of growing trend  of  working past age 65  at your employer but leaving employer benefits plan to enroll in Medicare plan to save money on premiums. 

An active and engaging class for individuals within 5 years of Retirement or who have recently retired. This class will focus on information needed in order to make important and lasting decisions for living your best financial life in Retirement, including: How to make the right pension decision Different strategies for taking Social Security How to maximize retirement income Tax-free retirement income strategies Advanced Roth IRA strategies-even if you are already retired! 401k advantages and disadvantages in retirement Estate Planning documents to be updated in retirement How to keep your financial affairs private and avoid probate Basics of Revocable Living Trusts Dynasty Trusts-not just for the wealthy! Asset protection

Students can expect to learn: Social Security basics: eligibility, benefits, claiming Claiming strategies: optimal retirement age, spousal benefits Earnings limits: impact on benefits, tax implications Survivor and disability benefits: eligibility, considerations Coordination with other retirement income sources Social Security statements: how to access and understand Filing options: online, in person, and by phone Taxation of Social Security benefits Maximizing lifetime benefits: delay vs. early claiming Family benefits: spouse, dependent, and survivor benefits Social Security changes: updates and adjustments Personalized retirement income planning strategies

NEW TAX LAW ALERT! This two-part class will help retirees navigate the sweeping changes introduced in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). What do Retirees need to know about the new tax law? Session 1: Learn the new provisions of the OBBBA, including updates to income tax rates, deductions, retirement accounts, estate tax exemptions, and other rules that can directly impact retirees. Session 2: Discover practical, hands-on strategies to help you potentially reduce your tax bill in retirement. One of the safest ways to increase the return on your money is to legally pay less tax. In this session, your instructor will show real-life strategies to reduce tax bills in retirement.

Retirement should be about freedom, family, and peace of mind, not worrying about paperwork or leaving behind a financial mess. Yet too many retirees unknowingly make avoidable mistakes in their estate planning, mistakes that can cause unnecessary stress, cost, and conflict for loved ones. This engaging and practical class will walk you through 13 of the most common estate planning mistakes and show you how to avoid them. Instead of complicated legal jargon, you’ll hear clear explanations, real-life examples, and easy-to-understand strategies that can help protect your family, your assets, and your legacy.

Intermediate (+). Want to get comfortable playing notrump? This class will cover all aspects of notrump in depth: when and how to bid notrump, play of the notrump hand, and defense against notrump contracts. Topics include: Playing to the First Trick, Holding Up a Stopper, Long Suit Establishment, and the “Mysterious” 2NT bid. Textbook: Adam Parrish’s “When to Bid Notrump (And How to Play It).” Students are responsible for the purchase of the textbook.

Intermediate. This is a class for students already familiar with basic bridge bidding and play in accordance with the Standard American Bidding system. Topics will include: All About No Trump, Takeout Doubles, Negative Doubles, Weak Two Bids, Forcing Bids, Opening Leads, and Big Hand Bidding and Play. Textbook: Dorothy Hayden Truscott’s classic Bid Better, Play Better. Students are responsible for the purchase of the text.

Beginner/Intermediate. This is a class for students who want to be comfortable opening the bidding and responding to the opening bid of their partner.  We will learn how to compete when our opponents get in the “auction”.  Overcalls, Preemptive Bidding, and Takeout Doubles will be introduced. The most popular bridge conventions-Stayman and Jacoby Transfers-will be covered. Returning to bridge after a life hiatus? This is the class for you! Textbooks: Audrey Grant’s “Improving Your Judgment 1-Opening the Bidding,” Bridge Basics 2-Competitive Bidding,” and Bridge Basics 3-Popular Conventions” will be used. Students are responsible for the purchase of the texts.

This intermediate class is for students wanting to improve their performance in modern competitive bidding and play.  Popular conventions and play strategies will be covered.  Topics will include Cue/Control Bids, High Level Preempts, Roman Keycard Blackwood 1430, Jacoby 2 NT and Splinter Bids, and effective defensive signaling of attitude and count. It is not necessary to have taken “Bid and Play Better” to register for this class. Textbooks: Marty Bergen’s “Points Schmoints!” and Barbara Seagram’s “Quizzes.” Students are responsible for the purchase of the texts. Both books are great fun and will enhance the student’s understanding of the class experience.

Have you collected lots of treasures over the years?  Want to know how to value them?  Want to know how to dispose of them?  This class is a workshop designed to help people downsize their treasures without giving the valuable ones away.  We will discuss what is currently selling, how to research the values of specific items and the pros and cons of estate sales.

Downsizing can be an exciting opportunity or an unfortunate necessity. What features in a house or rental are most important to you as you transition to a smaller space? Learn valuable tips and tricks that will save you money and benefit you as you downsize to a smaller home. Learn how to choose the right moving company for your needs. How to maximize your space in a smaller home. Receive guidance to help you cope with the emotional challenges of downsizing and avoid feeling overwhelmed or stressed. Discover how to select the perfect paint color and create a cohesive color palette. Learn the best flooring options for your new space, how to hang artwork properly, and how to use lighting effectively. Get tips on arranging furniture for both functionality and style, plus smart storage and organization solutions. Find out what to do with clutter and excess items- and so much more.

Unlock the ancient mysteries of Mah Jongg! Whether you're completely new to the game or have a little experience, this class will provide you with the foundational knowledge and skills needed to enjoy this captivating game. Over the course of six weeks, you will: Learn the history and cultural significance of Mah Jongg, understand the basics of the game's structure, including tiles, suits, and the Mah Jongg card, master the rules and strategies for playing American Mah Jongg, practice gameplay in a supportive and social environment, develop critical thinking and strategic planning skills. Classes will include a mix of instructional lectures, hands-on practice, and group play, ensuring that you gain both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. By the end of the course, you will feel confident in your ability to play Mah Jongg and enjoy the camaraderie that comes with it!

Are you ready to elevate your Mah Jongg game?  This intermediate course builds on the basics taught in our beginner Mah Jongg course. Learn how to pick a hand faster, how to maneuver around the card to maximize your tiles, and much more, all done in a fun and easy atmosphere. Completion of our beginner Mah Jongg course or knowledge of how to play Mah Jongg suggested prior to taking this course.

In this course, we continue our journey of learning and move well beyond the basic functions and care of your camera. We take an exciting journey into the world of photography as art and the development of your artistic eye. We talk in depth about composition and find out how to control and use light and shadow. We create art from common objects, learn about portraiture and group arrangement, spend a whole session on photo editing and learn about how to succeed in photo competitions. Come join us and learn how to create art with your photography.

Come join an exciting new way to play American Mah Jongg- Siamese Mah Jongg! Together, we'll learn how to play, the subtle differences in the rules and scoring, and lots of play time. Experience playing American Mah Jongg is highly recommended.

Unlock the power in your pocket with a hands-on session for those new to the world of Android smartphones (e.g., Google Pixels & Samsung phones) or just looking for a refresher. This program will review basic setup and customization options, navigating the phone’s interface, using communication tools, and browsing the Internet. Safety and security considerations will also be discussed.

This course offers an introduction to Amazon and the selling opportunities available for third-party merchants. Students will learn how to set up a merchant's account and which type is best for you, and how to list and price products on the Amazon platform. Class will also cover how to use Amazon's fulfillment service and why.

Participants enrolled in this seminar will learn all about eBay. This includes: an introduction to eBay, eBay safety, a synopsis of opportunities available on eBay, setting up a secure seller's account, pricing strategies, putting together a complete listing, and completing the sale.

This course teaches students how to use the Microsoft Office Program, Excel. Students will learn how to: make columns of information, manipulate large amounts of data, insert basic formulas, use auto format and auto fill, and create a presentable spreadsheet. Additionally, students can learn how to make a graph from their data.

This hands-on session will provide you with simple tips and tricks to cut down on the digital clutter on your phone and computer. Topics will include organizing files and home screen apps/widgets, and the options available to clear storage space on your local devices and in the cloud.

Join Alan Lebish for an overview of some popular apps for learning languages, arts & culture, music, and much more. We will also cover some of the benefits these applications have for users in terms of cognitive health, developing new skills, social connections, and lifelong learning.

Get the full advantage of this neat gadget!  We cover all the following in this quick 3-hour class: Setup – connection to phone Review of controls within the phone for the watch Review of buttons/dials on watch Common uses – answer call, receive a text, ping my phone Fancier Features - Check my heart rate, emergency contacts

Join us for this fun and informative class with all sorts of tips, tricks, tools and “how tos” for your iPad.  You will learn how to navigate your device like a pro.  We will take you through the latest features of home screen customization, explore a few functions of the Camera and Photo apps, guide you through the App store, and share a few of our favorite tips.  Bring your own iPad or use one of ours.

Want to use your iPhone for more than making phone calls?  Learn about the built-in apps of calendar, camera, messaging, email, and Safari.  Learn the proper care for your battery, how to install/delete/rearrange apps, and discuss cloud storage.

This course is designed for those with a desire to learn how to sell on the internet. This class will introduce students to topics such as: how to get started, what options are available for a quick start up, proven methods for fast entrance into the world of ecommerce, and the utilization of various platforms.

This workshop is designed to introduce long-time computer users to the realm of OneDrive and show how to best use it. We will discuss the pros and cons of the service as well as the effects it has on locating files within your computer. Please bring your Microsoft Log in and Password so you can access the files in class to get a more thorough understanding.  

Nobody on Earth knows your story better than you—not your family, your friends, or anyone with whom you work. Some may think there’s nothing in their lives that’s spectacular enough to write about. While that may be true for some, it’s beside the point. Telling your story provides those you love with a much better understanding about who you are, and where you came from. It could also tell them something about themselves!  Josh Langston, bestselling novelist, editor, and long-time OLLI instructor will lead the class through the process of writing a memoir, from organization to execution, and just about everything in between.  His humorous, easy-reading textbook, The Naked Truth! is required and available on Amazon.com.

Discover the tricks and techniques novelist, Josh Langston uses to produce a new novel every year. Learn how to write a gripping novel using story-telling techniques; gain insight on different styles of writing and tools for editing. Participants will also receive tips on finding an agent, editor, and publisher.  Required textbook:  The Naked Novelist! available on Amazon.