Lifelong learning is more than just a notion, it’s a way of life for members of Cariboo Chilcotin Elder College.
Elders are considered to be anyone 50 years of age or older.
Courses at Elder College mean no grades, no tests, no pressure, just learning in a comfortable environment.
The next course registration is Sept. 21 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Seniors Activity Centre.
The fall curriculum of 17 courses will feature some classes that have never been taught through Elder College, as well as some old favourites.
Introduction to Furniture Reupholstery will be taught by Arnie Zimmerman, owner-operator of Done-Rite Upholstery in Williams Lake for 30 years.
He will teach basic steps involved in reupholstering small items such as armless chairs, footstools and some automotive seats.
Jean William and Cecilia DeRose will teach another new course, Plants of the Shuswap People. The two Shuswap elders will identify various plants in their native habitats and talk about traditional uses of the plants.
Canada’s Status in Today’s World, taught by retired educator John Dressler, will offer an examination and discussion of the political, economic and social factors which have led to Canada’s current position on international issues. Discussions will include globalization, world ranking, environmental issues and the future of our middle class citizens.
Playing in the Mud—Elders Play Dirty is a pottery-making course exploring different techniques with an emphasis on Raku. Course leaders are Lesley Lloyd and Buff Carnes.
George Barker, a professional geoscientist, will lead the course called A Canadian Geological Journey. The course will look at applied geology and how it relates to issues like climate change, fossil fuels and renewable energy, volcanoes, earthquakes and tsunamis.
An Introduction to Amateur Astronomy is another new course. Two basic theory sessions will help them understand the telescope and operation, star charts and basic principles of how stars and planets move.
It will involve three overnight sessions so students must be prepared to camp out leader Bill Irwin.
Where To From Here? is another new offering, examining the possibility of a life after death with Barry Fleming, a volunteer worker with the local Hospice Society.
Jeannine Morgan will assist students in learning the mysteries of cell phone use. Sessions will cover such uses as taking messages, setting alarms, calendars, cameras, shooting videos, playing music and storing phone numbers. Morgan will also teach a course in How To Read Music. She will present a simple progression with individualized instruction.
The always-popular Cariboo Tour is back, with trips through the Williams Lake Valley, Dog Creek and Soda Creek on the itinerary. Course leaders are Barry Sale and Dot Unrau.
A second Cariboo Tour will feature the roadhouses of the Cariboo, beginning in 100 Mile House, covering the Cariboo Wagon Road to Williams Lake.
A course in Calligraphy taught by retired teacher Elaine Watt will cover basic calligraphy done in the Chancery style of lettering.
An Introduction to Computers will start those who have little or no experience with computers along the technology path with leader Bob Wanless.
Computers—The Next Steps, will allow students to expand their computer knowledge in safely downloading programs and software, learning about various program features and becoming familiar with security measures, with instructor Chris Fletcher.
Bridge for Beginners with Don McKernan is designed for those who are new players, those who have always wanted to learn and those who are just “rusty.”
Diana Shklanka will be course leader for Animals in Art, Literature and Folklore.
The course will examine how animals have been depicted, realistically and symbolically, in myth, folklore, literature and art.
It will explore the roles humans assign to animals and what those roles reveal about changing relationships with the natural world.
While nominal fees are charged for most courses, Elder College will also offer a free Community Service Course on Healthy Living With Chronic Conditions, sponsored by the University of Victoria Centre on Aging.