Spring semester is here for older (aka “lifelong”) learners, with registration underway both in Fairbanks, through the OLLI program, and in Anchorage’s OLE.
OLE stands for “Opportunities for Lifelong Education” and while courses are open for all ages, they are designed for learners age 50 and older. Members pay $200 per year, which allows them to register for as many courses as they like.
Spring semester classes begin the week of Feb. 12. A full catalog with course descriptions is available on the OLE website. There truly is something for everyone, including perennially popular language learning, fitness and art classes. But if you’re looking for something new or different, how about an everything-you-need-to-know primer on raising chickens, exploring the various breeds and discussions on meat vs. eggs, housing, predator management, and medications to keep your hens healthy? There is also a four-week class, “Backyard Beekeeping in Alaska,” taught by Tim Huffman, who manages the 49th State Brewery’s thriving apiary near Ship Creek and teaches local beekeepers how to keep their colonies alive and well.
Some classes are virtual via Zoom, others in-person in a classroom setting, or a hybrid of both.
For more information, visit http://www.oleanchorage.org, call 907-231-0095 or email info@oleanchorage.org.
OLLI in Fairbanks
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the University of Fairbanks offerings are for adults age 50 and older and the class descriptions and schedule are on its website.
OLLI uses a lottery-based registration system, with applicants submitting their request and classes assigned by drawing. The drawing was held Jan. 25. Names of those not drawn, or registering later, will go onto a waitlist and enrolled in remaining open seats on a first-come, first-served basis.
Class sessions begin Feb. 12.
Members pay $35 per year plus $15 tuition per course. Or Unlimited Memberships are available, $185 for the year with no per-course tuition. You must be a member to register for classes.
For more information, call 907-474-6607, email uaf-olli@alaska.edu or visit https://uaf.edu/olli/.
