December 9, 2004 - 4:00pm
People 55 and over who love the idea of life-long learning are invited to attend an ElderCollege open house at Malaspina University-College's Nanaimo campus (900 Fifth Street) on December 17 from 1 to 3 pm in the Royal Arbutus Room. A second open house will be held on January 14 at the Parksville/Qualicum Centre from 10 am to noon. (100 Jensen Street)
Information will be available about courses available during the ElderCollege spring semester, which begins the week of January 17.
"People can learn more about ElderCollege and speak to some of our instructors about their courses," said Val Alcock, an ElderCollege volunteer.
ElderCollege began in Parksville 10 years ago. Due to popular demand, the program expanded to Nanaimo last September.
Registration for ElderCollege spring classes at both campuses began on December 6. Anyone 55 or over who has an interest in learning can register for classes by becoming a member of ElderCollege. Memberships are $10 and valid from September to August 31 each year.
Once you become a member, you can take advantage of many training opportunities and courses, said Alcock. Tuition for ElderCollege members is $30 per course (lab fees may be additional).
ElderCollege is a participatory learning experience where there are no exams or quizzes. Courses are lively, fun and full of discussion. All instructors are volunteers.
The ElderCollege Board is always looking for new instructors in any area of interest, Valcock added. "If you have a topic that you think can be offered over a two hour course for a duration of six weeks, then please submit a proposal to the ElderCollege Board," she said.
Valcock said many seniors who take part in ElderCollege classes have broad interests. "They also have the time to explore and thoroughly enjoy learning. ElderCollege gives seniors the opportunity to expand their horizons and make new friends," she added. "The whole experience is very positive."
One of the highlights of the ElderCollege spring line-up of courses is a new Saturday morning speakers series, which offers lectures on current and relevant topics including the traditional uses of plants (medicinal and spiritual), medical/ethical issues in health care, salmon farming, palliative care, art in medicine/medicine in art and sex and seniors. The speakers series runs over six consecutive Saturdays from February 5 to March 19, 10 am to noon at Malaspina’s Nanaimo campus.
Another highlight is a discussion group of the popular Fringe Flicks film series. TheatreOne’s selection of independent films provides an opportunity for participants to view and discuss current alternative films on the big screen.
In the Knox lecture and luncheon series offered in Parksville, Malaspina and the Knox United Church will jointly sponsor a series of lectures that deal with today’s issues, including conflict resolution and non-violence, school-yard bullying and economic violence. Participants meet for a light lunch, listen to an hour-long lecture and then meet with the speaker after the lecture for further discussion.
Other ElderCollege courses available during the spring semester include yoga, computers, bridge, backyard birding, law for seniors, sketching, writing poetry and economics. For a complete listing of available courses and where they are offered, refer to the ElderCollege Spring 2005 brochure, available through Malaspina University-College’s Centre for Continuing Studies at 1-866-734-6252.
To register for the ElderCollege Nanaimo open house on Dec. 17 from 1 to 3 pm, or the Parksville/Qualicum open house on Jan. 14 from 10 am to 12 noon, call (250) 248-2096 or toll free 1-866-734-6252.
Tags: In the Community
