ElderCollege Chilliwack has a new semester starting in October with a range of intriguing course offerings for lifelong learners.
New this year is the Android Tablet course, says Carol Lees, ElderCollege coordinator.
"The Fall semester begins the week of October 1, and we are offering a roster of courses that appeal to every interest, from fine arts to technology," she says.
There are 23 courses for 2014 being offered to enrich lives and expand knowledge.
"Some are new, some are revised and some are back by popular demand."
Other than computer courses, many of the regular classes offered every semester, contain all new content and new presenters. That information is also on the website.
The computer courses in particular are always in great demand, as members enjoy keeping up to date with the latest technological advances — and keeping up with the grandkids.
ElderCollege has a membership of more than 500. There are course titles on photography, theatre, genealogy, cooking and finances for example.
One of the more popular sessions is the Cell Phone Tutorial. It's the fourth year they've offered it.
It attracts between 12 and 15 students and is presented on back-to-back Saturdays, says Bryan Strip, facilitator of the Cell Phone Tutorial.
"Through the good graces of local school system, they obtain an equal number of high school students who work with the seniors," he says.
The one-on-one experience of the Cell Phone Tutorial is intensive and interactive, and therefore very effective and popular.
"Many seniors are being urged by their children and grandchildren to carry a cell phone, so they can stay in touch," he said.
But some have a tough time figuring them out, hence the idea for the course.
"We know there are high school students out there who are enormously talented when it comes to these things, so the thinking was to put them together."
They even have an easy-to-use personal hearing system courtesy of a grant from the Soroptimists International of Chilliwack.
Registration for the fall semester of ElderCollege 2014 begins on Tuesday, September 16 at the Landing Sports Centre (formerly Ag Rec), 45530 Spadina Ave.,
Doors open at 1:30 p.m. for seat number pick-up, and registration is 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
After September 16 , registration continues by mail and at the office – Room 1367, Building A, UFV Chilliwack, Canada Education Park campus, 45190 Caen Avenue, Chilliwack, until the classes are full (note office hours above). 604-702-2611, email Elder.College@ucfv.ca or see www.ufv.ca/eldercollege