Exercise & Recreation
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Strong Women and Brave Men
EX1 Session I & II: Sept. 9 – Nov. 8
Mondays & Fridays 8:45 - 10:00 am
8 weeks, double class fee.
Must start on September 9 and plan to continue for 8 weeks. (Optional 9th week.)
This beginning strength-training program was designed for middle aged and older women, but it works for men too! Strength training helps control weight, blood sugar and cholesterol, and increases independence, bone density. Sleep quality improves; falls, depression, and arthritis pain are reduced. Wear comfortable clothes and stable shoes with socks. The first class is an orientation. You will fill out a health checklist and may need a health care provider’s clearance.
Lead instructor Jennifer Schmidt, retired Fairbanks Regional Public Health Center nurse, has over 30 years of nursing experience and has taught StrongWomen classes for OLLI since 2005. Several new StrongWomen instructors will assist.
Dancing to Classical Music
EX2 Session I: September 16, 18, 23, 25, 30, Oct. 2, 7, 9 *Starts 9/16
Mondays & Wednesdays 3:30 – 4:30 pm
Since the time of Queen Elizabeth I, people have danced to current popular music, which until about 1825 meant short variations and excerpts from classical music tunes. The activity started in England and it quickly gained popularity throughout Europe because the dances combine sociability and music with easy-going indoor exercise. We will do historical dances from England, which are slow and easy, and use walking steps to do simple figures. Wear non-slippery shoes. No partner is required. This class is open to experienced dancers who have taken previous dance classes offered through OLLI, and local dancers.
Instructor Ken McFarland has been teaching dancing since 1973 with certification from the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society and the Country Dance and Song Society. He taught in schools and founded performing groups in California prior to moving to Alaska in 1997, where he started the Fairbanks English Country Dancers.
Pilates Method of Body Conditioning
EX3 Session I: Sept. 10, 17, 24, Oct. 1
Tuesdays 10:00 – 11:00 am
Held at North Star Ballet Studio, Fairgrounds
Pilates is a unique system of stretching and strengthening exercises developed nearly a hundred years ago by Joseph H. Pilates. It strengthens and tones muscles, improves posture, provides flexibility and balance, unites body and mind, and creates a more streamlined shape. Students should wear comfortable clothing. All exercise props will be provided. Enrollment limited to 15.
Instructor Sue Faulkner is a comprehensively certified Pilates instructor at North Star Ballet. She teaches group classes as well as private and semi-private lessons at the fully equipped Pilates studio at the North Star Ballet.
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Introductory Bike Maintenance: Learn to Love Your Bike
EX4a Session I: Sept. 10, 24, Oct. 1, 8 *No class 9/17
Tuesdays 1:30 – 4:30 pm
EX4b Session I: Sept. 11, 25, Oct. 2, 10 *No class 9/18
Wednesdays 8:45 – 11:45 am
Two sections of the same class; register for one only.
Learn how to fix flats, adjust gears and brakes, straighten wheels, and take care of bearings, chains, and cables. Set up your bike for better riding and be prepared for all conditions – even winter! Bring your bike!
Instructor Simon Rakower has been teaching bike repair for 27 years in Fairbanks and elsewhere. He recently trained instructors to teach kids to work on bikes for the Recycle a Bicycle program in Brooklyn, NY. He dreams of a world where everyone can fix their own flats.
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Geocaching “101” Alaska Style
EX5 Session I: Sept. 11, 18, 25, Oct. 2
Wednesdays 3:45 – 5:00 pm
Geocaching is “hide and seek” using million-dollar satellites, hiding Tupperware in the woods. You’ll learn how to play this exciting game and get a glimpse into both the history and culture of geocaching. Imagination and humor a must! Bring your own GPS or smartphone if you have one. Dress for the day’s weather; you’ll be going outdoors and doing some walking.
Instructor Tony Roof is a lifelong Alaskan, retired volunteer firefighter, father and husband who loves the great outdoors & geocaching, who wants to share this game with you.
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Pickleball
EX6 Session I: Sept. 12, 19, 26, Oct. 3, 10
Thursdays 4:30 – 5:50 pm
Held at UAF Student Recreation Center, Court 3
OLLI parking permits are not valid at the SRC.
Pickleball has been described as “the fastest growing sport you’ve never heard of.” It is played on a badminton-size court with a perforated plastic ball (similar to a whiffle ball) and paddles similar to large ping pong paddles. All equipment is provided. Be aware that pickleball is a very physical sport that requires moderate activity with lots of movement. Street shoes are not permitted on the courts; you must carry in a separate pair of clean dry court shoes. Equipment fee of $10 payable to the instructor at the first class; facilities fee of $6 (covers SRC use) payable to OLLI. Enrollment limited to 12.
Instructors Rachel Thomas, Alan Armbruster and Marcia Boyette are members of the UAF Pickleball Club who are eager to share their love of the sport.
Yoga
EX7a Session I: Sept. 18, 25, Oct. 2, 9 *no class 9/11
EX7b Session II: Oct. 16, 23, Nov. 6, 13 *no class 10/30
Wednesdays 2:00 – 3:00 pm
Two sections of the same class; register for one only.
If you would like a slower, gentle and mindful approach to yoga poses with some individual assistance, this class is for you. The poses of yoga are just one part of the whole of yoga and we will explore breathing and meditation techniques too. Poses can be adapted for individual challenges but be prepared to be gently challenged at times. Bring your sticky mat, blocks and strap (if you have them), and something to put under your head during relaxation.
Instructor Marsha Munsell, part owner of Heart Stream Yoga and a nutrition educator for UAF Cooperative Extension, has taught yoga for over 10 years and has studied many mind-body disciplines for 23 years. Her experience brings a keen eye for safety and an open mind for acceptance.
Zumba Gold (I & II)
EX8 Session I: Sep. 20, 27, Oct. 4, 11 **NOTE: Dates changed after catalog was printed.**
Fridays 2:00 – 3:00 pm
EX9 Session II: Oct. 15, 22, 29, Nov. 5
Tuesdays 11:15 am - 12:15 pm
Each session stands alone; you can register for either one or both.
Enjoy an exhilarating dance-fitness workout with zesty Latin music. It’s fun and easy to follow. Zumba Gold takes the Zumba formula and modifies the moves and pacing to produce a lower impact workout.
Instructor Laurie Miller (Session I) is licensed to teach both Zumba and Zumba Gold. Carol Pankhurst (Session II) is a licensed Zumba Gold instructor.
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Taoist Tai Chi (I & II)
EX10 Session I: Sept. 13, 20, 27, Oct. 4, 11
EX11 Session II: Oct. 18, 25, Nov. 1, 8, 15
Fridays 3:30 – 4:30 pm
Session II is a continuation of Session I. Participants may start in October only if they have previous experience.
Explore the beginning moves of the 108-move Tai Chi set. Learning Tai Chi can improve balance, flexibility, and strength. In doing so, it provides a means to enjoy a more active life at any age. Participants should wear loose fitting, non-restrictive clothing and comfortable shoes that allow movement while giving a feeling of connection to the floor.
Instructors Dave and Mary Nebert are Tai Chi enthusiasts and instructors with the local chapter of Taoist Tai Chi. Dave says he became interested in Tai Chi a few years back when he realized he wasn’t getting any younger and that aging can adversely affect the ability to enjoy life.
Games for Brains – Young and Old
EX12 Session II: Oct. 14, 21, 28, Nov. 4, 11 *5 weeks
Mondays 2:00 – 3:15 pm
The brain loves novelty! Come learn some new games that challenge the child in all of us. This is a repeat from Fall 2012 with just a couple of new games; returnees are welcome!
Week 1: Strategy Games
Week 2: Word Games
Week 3: Cards and Dice
Weeks 4 & 5 will be based on the will of the group as determined in week 2 or 3. Possible topics include Basic Bridge, Puzzles, Active Games for Little Players, Games for Teens, or Homemade Games. Another option would be to select favorites you would like to share from your own game closets. The idea is to keep our brains alive, learn some new games and possibly find ways to make connections with the kids in our lives through fun activities we can do together.
Instructor Patty Meritt is a UAF professor of early childhood education and past president of the Farthest North Bridge Club.
Basic Pistol
EX13a Add-On II: Nov. 16-17
EX13b Add-On II: Dec. 21-22
Saturday 9:00 am - 3:00 pm, *Held at 5.5 mile Chena Hot Springs Rd.
Sunday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, *Held at Alaska Fish & Game Indoor Shooting Range on College Road morning; Chena Hot Springs Road afternoon
Two sections of the same class; register for one only.
A 12-hour, hands-on course about handguns and how to safely shoot them. Learn the fundamentals of shooting, with an introduction to revolver and semi-automatic parts and operation. Discuss how to choose the right gun for you, how to properly and safely shoot, and how to clean and store your gun. Each participant will shoot about 100 rounds per person, one-on-one with an instructor. Materials fee of $90, payable to instructor at first class, covers use of guns, ammunition, and range time. Enrollment limited to 10.
Instructor Dave Miller is a 50-year Alaska resident, NRA certified firearms instructor, lifetime NRA member, and hunting guide. He is passionate about gun safety and proper handling.
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NEW! NOT IN THE PRINTED CATALOG
Dancing to Classical Music II
EX14 Session II: Oct. 14, 16, 21, 23, 28
Mondays & Wednesdays 3:30 – 4:30 pm, UPark gym *Last class 10/28.*
A continuation of EX2, Dancing to Classical Music. Prerequisite: Participants must have taken a previous OLLI Dancing to Classical Music Class, or have experience in English Country Dancing. Not suitable for beginners.
Instructor Ken McFarland has been teaching dancing since 1973 with certification from the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society and the Country Dance and Song Society. He taught in schools and founded performing groups in California prior to moving to Alaska in 1997, where he started the Fairbanks English Country Dancers.
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