Class registration is now open for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute’s first fall term. Courses will begin on Monday, Aug. 28. The last day to register for classes will be Friday, Sept. 22.

The new term will offer several classes at the Sedona Public Library Village of Oak Creek branch. Residents will have the opportunity to learn about creating a commonplace book on Thursday, Aug. 31, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. for $15, and about paper craft art during six sessions that will run from Tuesday, Aug. 29, through Tuesday, Oct. 3, from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. for $35.

Next month will also see Charles Blum present “Understanding China” on Thursday, Sept. 14, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. for $15.

“There are two things that medical professionals will tell you that we should do throughout our lives, but particularly as we age. That’s to use our minds and our bodies,” Yavapai College Associate Dean for Lifelong Learning Linda Shook said. “OLLI is an opportunity for you to learn new subjects, or refresh yourself on topics that you thought you completely understood.”

An annual OLLI membership costs $65 for admission to the organization’s social events and free public events, or $185 for standard membership plus 20 workshops or classes across the Verde Valley or online.

The term will kick off with a talk by Yavapai College’s Dr. Perry Baker on “Biohacks from Epigenetics and the Applied Science of Longevity” on Wednesday, Aug. 23, from 10 a.m. to 11:30. This event will take place at the Prescott campus in Building 3, Room 119, and will be streamed to the Sedona Center in Room 34. Advance registration for this free event can be completed online at yc.edu/ollisvregister or by calling (928) 649-4275.

The free Brown Bag Series will return on Tuesdays beginning on Aug. 29 and run through Oct. 3 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Verde Valley Campus.

Registration is required and the presenters and topics will be announced on Monday, August 21. For more information about the series, visit yc.edu/ollibrownbag or contact Shri Srikanth at (972) 768-5792.

VOC Programs

• ““Keeping a Commonplace Book,” taught by Kristine Crandall. “Looking for a way to record quotes, anecdotes, observations — whatever comes up in daily life that inspires curiosity?” the course description asks. “Keeping a commonplace book may just be the ticket … Similar to a journal, it has its specific origin and purposes … It will also include practice in using your commonplace book for writing projects.”

“It’s an opportunity to reflect on your life experience and decide what you want to share with family or friends,” Shook said. “It’s very similar to a memoir writing course; it’s an opportunity to grow your mind.”

• ““Paper-Craft Art in Five Easy Projects,” taught by Nancy Rupert. “Make your own art cards, gift boxes, and unique paper-bead jewelry pieces,” the course description offers. “Each project involves easy measuring and paper-folding skills. Basic tools — a ruler, glue, scissors — are all that’s needed.

Materials for the class lessons are provided, along with instructions. Participants may bring additional supplies and paper for their artistic creations.” 

Shook sees this program as an opportunity to practice small motor skills and as an entry tool for artistic expression.

“You get to design, [the instructor will] give you the pattern but you create,” Shook said. “When I retire, that’s the kind of class I want to take … This is an opportunity for someone that doesn’t even know if they have any ability — but you can still create.”

• “Understanding China,” taught by Charles Blum. “China is a bundle of contradictions and complexities that outsiders struggle to understand,” the program description says. “Hints can be found in the Chinese language, ancient values, Marxist ideology, alternating periods of reform and repression under Chinese communist rule, and the powerful nationalistic response to the ‘century of humiliation’ the country endured after the Opium Wars.” OLLI’s second fall term will run from Monday, Oct. 23, through Friday, Dec. 8,with no classes taking place on Nov. 11 or during the week of Thanksgiving.

For more information and a complete listing of OLLI courses, visit yc.edu/ollisedonaverde.