ElderCollege offers expanded line-up of Fall courses

Younger students aren’t the only ones heading back to school. ElderCollege is back for its second year in Nanaimo and 11th year in Parksville, with over 1,000 students aged 55 plus expected to take part in an expanded line-up of classes.

"We’re offering several new courses this year," said Jim Crist, the new chair of the ElderCollege Programming Committee. "In Nanaimo, we are offering Wine Appreciation, Bridge and Great Composers of the Romantic Era," he said. "Wine Appreciation will offer a friendly approach to wine-tasting. The course takes place at the Longwood Brew Pub and starts in September."

Several literature courses will also be offered in Nanaimo in November - the perfect time to curl up with a good book, said Crist. Also offered again this year are courses such as Computers for Absolute Beginners and Taking Great Travel Photos, amongst many others.

"ElderCollege courses are generally offered once per week for six weeks, and we offer four blocks of six-week courses each academic year," explained Nahanni Ackroyd, Coordinator of the ElderCollege program for Malaspina.

The ElderCollege program strives to offer a wide range of courses to appeal to diverse backgrounds and interests. All ElderCollege instructors are volunteers, so the program depends in large part on who is able and willing to volunteer to teach. Volunteer instructors help keep costs low, and the courses are affordable – generally $35 plus GST. Annual membership in the ElderCollege program is $10 and entitles those 55 and over to access the low-cost courses.

Interested in becoming an ElderCollege student or member? Courses begin September 12 in Parksville and Nanaimo. Call 1-866-734-6252 to find out more and to register, or visit www.viu.ca/ccs/courses/eldercourses.