PEI Seniors College - What’s new for 2013-2014

as published in The BUZZ - August 2013 PEI Seniors College

What’s new for 2013-2014 Our new tagline says it all. ‘Enhancing knowledge and understanding—purely for the fun of it’ that’s what Seniors College of PEI is all about,” says David McCabe, the current College President. “And we’re very excited about the changes being introduced this year. First of all, we’re thrilled with our new logo and look, created by Kate Westphal of Graphic Detail Inc. It’s fresh and eye-catching and reflective of who we are.” Next, in response to member feedback, this year over 30 per cent of the courses are new.  They include titles such as: Photo Editing, Basic Engine Repair, Architecture, Birds and Plants of PEI, Know Your Kidneys, PEI Sport History, Spirituality—Growing Into Our Senior Years, Yoga—Stretch for Seniors, Whole Foods—Plant Based Nutrition, Bridging Friendships—The Game of Bridge, Orienteering—Map and Compass Reading, just to name a few. Many of the longtime favourites will be returning this year including: Literature—A Survey of American Literature, Film Appreciation, Island History, Music I Like, Writing From Life, Medicine In The News, Astronomy, Choral Singing, News, as well as others. Courses are open to anyone aged 50 and over. They generally run for 2 to 3 hours, one day a week, over an 8-week period. There are no formal tests or exams, the atmosphere is relaxed and the focus is on learning together and having fun. Facilitators are experts in their field, who love to share their particular passion. For a registration fee of $152, College members are entitled to sign up for an unlimited number of courses over the Fall, Winter and Spring terms. Seniors College is a volunteer operated, non profit organization and membership fees are used solely to cover operating costs. In another important new development, the College has improved their registration process. Members will now be able to register online. Registration is on a first come, first served basis and begins on September 7, at 9 am. For those without access to a computer, traditional, in-person registration sessions will be held in all three centres (Summerside, Charlottetown and Montague). Visit the College website--www.seniorscollege.ca, to obtain full course detail and updates on registration procedures. For questions or for more information contact the Seniors College Coordinator at 1-902-894-2867 or email Darlene.dee.davis@gmail.com.

PEI Seniors College What’s new for 2013-2014

As featured in The BUZZ.

PEI Seniors College is kicking off the 2013-2014 year with a number of new courses that are being offered for the first time. The focus on offering new courses came about in response to member feedback. This year over 30 per cent of courses are new.

If you are presently a member of Seniors College, or if you are considering becoming a member for the first time, consider the following courses as you make your course selections.

How about learning to cook Mexican? This course is great for members who like to eat and learn about cooking Mexican food. Participants will also learn some facts about Mexican culture that in some cases are expressed through the food.

Did you ever want to learn how to play bridge but just never had the time? The College is offering a basic bridge course that provides a well–balanced overview of bidding, play, and defence.

Need some drama in your life! Characters in Search of a Play involves both writing and acting. Participants will learn basic playwriting skills, create memorable characters and, as a group, write a short play to feature them. The play will then be performed with the writers giving life to their creations.

All About The Money will cover a range of financial topics including personal financial statements, plastic cards (debit/credit), debt management, insurance, taxation plus two additional related topic areas as identified by the participants. (e.g., On-Line Banking )

A new course will outline many of the 385 species of birds—from loons to sparrows—that we have here on PEI. Use field guides and field marks to identify birds, their notable behaviors and habitats where they are found. There will also be a little work using song for identification in the course. At the mid-point of the course a field trip for both plants and birds will be offered at a natural area close to Charlottetown.

A course in French for beginners will cover basic French pronunciation, numbers, essential phrases and verbs to communicate in everyday situations such as greeting people, introducing people, asking and giving information, and expressing needs.

Have you ever thought of line dancing? Learn the basic steps of line dancing and several dances to different music styles.

Get outside for some fun and exercise by trying the Orienteering, Map and Compass Reading course. This course covers map reading, contour interval, measurement of distance, map and compass detail, references and more.

An introduction course on meditation will teach participants how to meditate in a natural comfortable way, and explore ways one can easily incorporate meditation into daily life.

These are just a few examples of the new course offered by the college. To get a good overview the 2013–2014 program offerings visit the college website at www.seniorscollege.ca to obtain course details and updates on registration procedures. And remember Seniors College courses are available in Prince, Queen’s, and King’s Counties and anyone who has paid the Seniors College membership fee may take as many courses as they like in any location. For information contact the Seniors College Coordinator at 1-902-894-2867 or email Darlene at seniorscollege@upei.ca.