8 workshops highlight Institute for Learning in Retirement fall semester at Co-Lin

By Bob Arnold

Whether you want to prepare quick, convenient meals to nurture a busy life, learn crafts and painting for your spare time, manage a small pond on your property to fish, attract wildlife or enjoy the beauty, or better understand your heritage, the Institute for Leaning in Retirement (ILR) fall semester at Co-Lin is jam-packed with opportunities for those with special interests in post-work lives to expand skills and knowledge.

This semester, ILR has eight learning-filled workshops and four monthly luncheons on its calendar.  Mississippi State University Extension agents will lead four of the workshops and art instructor Dawn Marks will return to conduct another painting on cypress wood workshop.

An organization for persons aged 50 and older who are retired or semi-retired, ILR provides learning opportunities that are both fun and serious for them, according to the educational goals they define based on their own choices and talents and at a comfortable pace.  Members, who come from wide ranging backgrounds and bring varied experiences to the organization, design its program.  Co-Lin, as the ILR sponsor, staffs and manages the organization, which is fully funded by member dues.

ILR hosted its first fall semester luncheon on September 4 featuring a meal prepared by Co-Lin culinary students at their Anderson Building study venue on the Wesson campus.  On September 9, ILR members attended the first fall semester workshop – “Fold & Go Meals” -- in which Mississippi State University Extension Agent LaToya Evans them how to make quick, convenient food, such as sandwiches and wraps, to enjoy while pursuing their busy lives.

ILR’s fall semester also includes:

• September 11.  Workshop.  “Indian Heritage in Lawrence & Lincoln Counties” conducted by David Higgs and Joy Wesbrook.  Thames Center at Co-Lin.  10 .m. 

• October 2.  Luncheon.  Co-Lin culinary students will provide lunch for ILR members at the Anderson Building.  Entertainment provided by Brookmont Strings Plus.  $10.  10:30 a.m.

•  October 7.  Workshop.  “Making Tile Coasters,” a DIY class led by Mississippi State University Extension Agent LaToya Evans.  Thames Center at Co-Lin.  $5.  10 a.m.

• October 21.  “Workshop.  “Pond Management” conducted by Mississippi State University Extension Agent Tristan Peavey.  Thames Center at Co-Lin.  10 a.m.

• October 28.  Workshop.  “Original Cypress Painting,” conducted by Dawn Marks, who will guide participants in creating a Christmas scene on wood to take home for holiday decorating.  Thames Center at Co-Lin.  $25 fee for art supplies.  2 p.m.

• November 4.  Luncheon.  Thames Center at Co-Lin.  $14.  10:30 a.m.  

• November 11.  Workshop.  “Food Mixes in a Jar,” led by Mississippi State University Extension Agent LaToya Evans continues to look at preparing and serving quick meals for busy people.  Thames Center at Co-Lin.  $5.  10 a.m.

• November 13.  Workshop & light lunch.  “Making Foral Christmas Decoration” conducted by florist Myrtle Cartwright.  Soup and salad served.  Thames Center at Co-Lin.  $14.  10:30 a.m.

• December 9.  Workshop.  “Making Pressed Flower Dishes,” conducted by Mississippi State University Extension Agent LaToya Evans, will teach participants how to turn ordinary dishware into a work of art with pressed flowers.  Thames Center at Co-Lin.  $5.  10 a.m.

• December 10.  Luncheon.  With Christmas music as entertainment, attendees will enjoy a traditional Christmas meal prepared by Co-Lin Chef Chris McSweyn.  Thames Center at Co-Lin.  $14.  10:30 a.m.

For information, contact ILR Coordinator Erin Johnson:  erin.johnson@colin.edu or 601-643-8702.  Visit the ILR Facebook page at Facebook@ILRCoLin.