Saturday AM   

In this OLLI workshop we will discuss Agatha Christie’s famous character Hercule Poirot. He of the “little grey cells,” the outsized ego and amazing deductive abilities of even the most convoluted mysteries. Christie remains a best seller whose suspenseful narrative style still leaves many of us unable to figure out any of her endings ahead of time! Come discuss with the two Annes why this author remains fresh and engaging. New in-person workshop. Format includes discussion.

When we think of Beethoven, we commonly think of his 5th and 9th Symphony (which includes the famous Ode to Joy), the Moonlight Piano Sonata and the piano piece, Für Elise. However, he composed many other great symphonies, piano sonatas, choral and vocal works, concertos, chamber music, and an 0pera. In this workshop we will discuss and listen to some of these other works by Beethoven via audio and video presentations. Journey along with us as we discuss how this piano virtuoso evolved into a revered composer, how his life and music were influenced by historical events and how he persevered through the onset of deafness, physical maladies, and family and relation ship issues to ultimately become one of the giants of Western Music! New in-person workshop. Format includes lecture and discussion.

Tired of regimented tour groups, feeling cramped by tight itineraries, and frustrated with crowded tourist sites? Are you ready to go “free range” without a travel agent and explore the world on your own terms without the constraints of the travel industry? Learn to live in other cultures, meet interesting locals, and enjoy a more immersive experience without the restrictions of short term packaged tours. In this workshop, an experienced traveler will share some techniques and strategies for a more fulfilling and affordable approach to travel. New in-person workshop. Format includes discussion.

We’re in our 70’s (or more). The kids are in their 50’s (or more.) What should we do now to pass things along in an orderly way so the kids won’t say... “What a mess!” This is a two-session interactive workshop on getting your “stuff” organized. Each attendee will leave with their own to-do list. There is a lot to discuss! Wills and trusts. Listing account numbers. Adding names to accounts. Writing down passwords. Determining beneficiaries. Clarifying who has power of attorney. Giving things away. Emptying the basement/attic. Creating a safe document location. And so on. New in-person workshop. Format includes lecture and hands-on learning.

In this course we will discuss the importance of composer George Frideric Handel and his work for the royal court in London in the 1700s. The class includes a video documentary on Handel’s famous Water Music, which will provide insights into the town of London, the river Thames as well as what a major event was the first performance of the Water Music ON the river. The video includes an historically accurate performance of the work. New in-person workshop. Format includes lecture, discussion, and film.

Today, armed conflicts are ongoing around the world. At times, it may seem that there are no rules in war. Fortunately, there are rules in war, and they can make a difference. “Even War Has Rules” is a dynamic discussion of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and how it governs armed conflict. It will address topics such as the sources of law and rules that apply to armed conflicts; the fundamental principles of IHL that guide the devel opment of these rules; and how IHL protects people and places during armed conflicts. By the end of the class, participants will achieve a general understanding of IHL and will be better able to evaluate the actions of parties to armed conflicts. Repeat remote workshop. Format includes lecture and discussion.

How can 7-minute cartoon episodes about a dog family in Brisbane, Australia be loved by 3-year-olds, their 30-year- old parents, and 60+ year-old grandparents? How has this show become an international phenomenon since its debut in October 2018? What can kids, parents, and seniors learn about life from this non-glitzy, colorfully animated cartoon series? Come and spend a couple hours learning a little about its beginnings and discussing/ analyzing some of its “special” episodes. If you don’t know anything about Bluey, here’s a short video on why adults love it: THE CARTOON THAT BROKE ADULTS: Why Bluey Works This workshop will be mostly discussion — not lecture — and is a “pilot” for a possible 8-week course in the Spring of 2027. New in-person workshop. Format includes lecture, discussion, and film.

Traditionally, menopause is described as causing some rather minor discomfort and inconvenience: hot flashes, a little sleep disturbance, some weight gain, etc. In fact, some 70 bodily organs and systems depend on estrogen to function, and menopause — which causes a near-total shutdown of estrogen production — leads to things like cognitive impairment; diabetes; osteoporosis and osteo- arthritis; clinical depression (or behavior misdiagnosed as bipolar disorder or even schizophrenia); sharp increases in cholesterol without any changes to diet; muscle loss; vertigo; lung and kidney disease; bowel cancer and IBS; sleep apnea; frozen shoulder; and a number of autoimmune conditions. In 2022, a new Women’s Health Initiative refuted many of the findings of a 2002 study and concluded that the benefits of MHT far outweigh the risks for a large percentage of women. Yet many gynecologists continue to resist prescribing estrogen to patients who are good candidates for it. This is your chance to ask questions, learn about the reality of meno- pause, and decide whether MHT makes sense for you. New in-person workshop. Format includes lecture and discussion.

After a short, guided meditation, participants will be given a prompt and then will put pen to paper and write what they hear in their hearts. After writing for about 25 minutes, those that are so moved will share what they have written. Based on Proprioceptive Writing, this method helps us to clarify what and how we feel or think and the sharing helps to create a safe community of support. New in-person workshop. Format includes hands-on learning.

We will explore the important role of music in championing workers’ rights, supporting unions, and fighting workplace injustices. This workshop will include watching archival footage of songs sung at labor protests, reviewing song lyrics, reading short pieces — and singing! New in-person workshop. Format includes discussion, film, and hands-on learning.

Many important outcomes in our lives are the subject of, and are dependent upon, negotiation with persons who have influence over these outcomes. For example, we must often negotiate for the purchase of a new home, and/or for the sale of a currently owned home. We negotiate for the purchase of an automobile, new or used. We often find ourselves negotiating our salary and other employ ment terms, such as benefits, with existing or new employers. Many more events in our lives depend upon negotiation for successful or at least acceptable outcomes. There is an art to negotiation and negotiation skills that can help improve outcomes. In this class, we will explore the art and skills that must be developed in order to maximize the likelihood of achieving successful negotiated outcomes. New in-person workshop. Format includes discussion.

In this workshop we will learn the basics of Zen Buddhism and then explore how both Zen practice and the journey through our later years can provide perspectives on our past regrets, fears for the future, sense of self, and relationships. New in-person workshop. Format includes lecture and discussion.

SUGGESTED BOOK: Practical Zen: An Invitation, Tim Baehr

This workshop will discuss the history of the Second Amendment. In addition, we will discuss recent Supreme Court interpretations of the Second Amendment and the ongoing litigation to apply these interpretations to modern day gun regulations. The ability/inability of states to address gun violence based on recent judicial rulings will be a part of the workshop discussion.  Formats include lecture.