Sage, the seasoned-learning program at Texarkana College for those 46 and older, has announced new offerings for the spring schedule, including classes in line dancing, how to write a memoir, painting, geocaching and mahjong.
Dr. Beverly Rowe, who created and launched the program in the fall of 2016 to engage citizens in thoughtful discussion and stimulating activities, said she's excited at how much the program has grown.
"I'm excited about the classes. I'm excited about the faculty," Rowe said. "These are some of the best at the college, and they're doing this voluntarily. They're not getting paid."
The $100 annual membership fee covers the use of class space, but does not pay the professors to teach the classes. "They are really dedicated," she added.
Rowe designed the program using a model created by the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, an academic cooperative offered across the country to give older adults opportunities to expand their academic, creative and social horizons.
Her goal was to offer 10 courses in the fall and then double that number this spring. Rowe has accomplished both, with offerings such as "The Scots/Irish Legacy in our Genes," "Who Believes What and Why" and "The U.S. Constitution," plus classes for members to learn to play or improve their skills on the ukulele and on how to play the Chinese game of mahjong.
Rowe leads a course, the Buddy Walk/Cycle group, to help members get out and be active. This class, along with the Arkansas Trails on Two Wheels, which consists of bicycle tours of Arkansas, will help condition members for what Rowe hopes will be included on the next year's schedule: a bicycle trip through Holland.
This year's trips include a tour of Cuba in March, an outlet shopping trip to San Marcos, Texas, and a summer trip to Ireland and Scotland. A few spaces are still available for those who are interested in going. Social events are also planned this spring, with Dinner and Movie scheduled this month and a Valentine's Day Potluck Dinner in February.
Rowe said bringing the older-than-46 crowd to TC helps not only the members, but traditional students, as well.
"There's such a disconnect socially," she said. "Some of our students didn't have parents, maybe didn't have grandparents, and they really need the nurturing of the older generations. So if they're on campus and taking these classes, they'll be there and can be this resource for students. I think there's only win-win in making this program successful."
A Sage course listing is available at ce.texarkanacollege.edu. Membership is $100 annually, and each class is $25. Registration is available online, or for assistance, call the Community and Business Education Center at 903-823-3270.
For more information on the programs, contact Rowe at 903-748-1235 or at [email protected].