Institute for Learning in Retirement (ILR) spring semester at Co-Lin features four workshops, a movie day, a special fun day with bingo and snacks, three luncheons and a year-ending picnic.
A luncheon featuring a Co-Lin Choir choral performance and celebrating Valentine’s Day followed by the movie, Letters to Juliet about visits of the heartbroken to a wall to write notes to Shakespeare’s tragic heroine – Juliet Capulet, started the new semester this week, while a Chair Yoga class conducted by Co-Lin Fitness Instructor Cheryl Myers that meets every Tuesday, continued into the new term after beginning as a workshop in the fall.
ILR, a Co-Lin-sponsored membership organization, provides continuing education experiences for retired and semi-retired older adults who define their own informal educational goals based on their choices and talents and pursue them at their own pace. Members, who design the group's program, come from wide ranging backgrounds and bring varied experiences to the organization. Co-Lin staff administers ILR, and the college provides facilities for the organization, which is fully funded by member dues.
Also on the ILR spring calendar are:
February 23. A nutrition workshop conducted by Leah Embry at the Wolf Den, a new grill-hangout on the Co-Lin campus for students and the wider Wesson community. Embry says a few simple steps and a small amount of nutritional knowledge can make a huge difference for people just trying to take care of themselves. His discussion will look at aging, nutritional supplements and healthy lifestyles. Following the workshop, participants can order milkshakes and smoothies ($5-$8) at the Wolf Den. 2 p.m.
March 2.
Luncheon prepared and served by Co-Lin culinary students at the Anderson Building on the college’s campus. $9. 10:30 a.m.
March 9.
Original Cypress painting workshop led by Dawn Marks. $25, including supplies. Thames Center on the Co-Lin campus. 1 p.m.
April 4. Luncheon with entertainment provided by pianist Steve Russell. $12. Thames Center on the Co-Lin campus. 10:30 a.m.
April 4. History workshop led by a member of the Co-Lin Centurions, the college history club. Subject to be confirmed, but may focus on the history of Angola, the Louisiana prison. Thames Center on the Co-Lin campus. 12 noon.
April 18. An afternoon of bingo. Prizes and light refreshments, fun and fellowship. Thames Center on the Co-Lin campus. 1:30 p.m.
May 16.
The ILR year ends with a picnic at Slay Wilderness. Bring your favorite meat, casserole, vegetable, salad and/or dessert. Tea and drinks provided, fun and fellowship. Slay Wilderness is at 2142 Tyson Road, Wesson, off Highway 51 going north towards Hazlehurst. 10:30 a.m.
The ongoing Chair Yoga class meets at 10 a.m. every Tuesday at the Thames Center on the Co-Lin campus. The fee is $10 for each session.
For information, contact Co-Lin Program Coordinator and Events Coordinator Erin Johnson (erin.johnson@colin.edu, 601-643-8702).
ILRs 2023 officers are Tommy Sasser, president; Sarah Lloyd, vice president; Joy Wesbrooks, secretary; Nora Berch, associate secretary; Martha Lightsey, treasurer; and Bettie Bullard, immediate past president. At large board members are Kim Whittington, George Huffman and Dian Summers. Committees are Luncheon/Lecture (Bob Arnold, chair; Allen Cupit and Sylvia Buie), Scholarship (Mary Ann Smith, chair; Dianne Clopton and Sonya Cowen), Decorating (Jennifer Vaughn, chair; Cherie Langston, Brenna Smith, Lanell Strait, Martha Lightsey and Sylvia Buie), Finance (Martha Lightsey, chair; Marilyn Brown, Mary James and Lanell Strait), Governance (Jean Ricks, chair; and Zoula Huffman), and Hospitality (Diane Clopton, chair; Sarah Lloyd and Linda Wall).