Wesson Seniors Stay Active and Engaged with Co-Lin ILR Programs
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Special to Wesson News
Institute for Learning in Retirement (ILR) members can improve their cooking skills in March and April workshops the Co-Lin-sponsored membership organization is offering in its spring semester program.
On March 20, Jennifer will lead a workshop on making sour dough bread and Co-Lin chef Chris McSweyn will conduct a cooking workshop on April 28 with a meal he prepares in the process.
In addition to the workshops, the ILR spring semester has already featured February and March luncheons with two additional ones scheduled on April 9 and May 14. The ILR travel calendar has special day trips to New Orleans on March 25, Meridian, Mississippi, on April 16 and Summit, May 7. Throughout the semester, Cheryl Myers is leading weekly chair fitness exercise classes on most Wednesday that provide a safe and accessible way for seniors to stay active and improve their physical and mental well-being.
The February 18 luncheon at the Thames Center featured the Co-Lin choir and the March 5 luncheon prepared by culinary arts students at the Anderson Building featured Strings of Friendship.
A painting workshop scheduled on February 23 was cancelled due to a back injury of the instructor, Dawn Marks, and will be rescheduled for later in the semester. Likewise, a February 24 day trip that included a train trip from Gulfport, Mississippi, to Mobile, Alabama, was cancelled to be rescheduled at a later time.
ILR provides continuing education experiences for retired and semi-retired older adults. In ILR, participants define their own informal educational goals and pursue them at their own pace, based on their own choices and talents. 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.
The ILR spring semester program:
Every Wednesday.
Cheryl Myers will lead one-hour chair fitness yoga classes. Exercises can be modified to accommodate various fitness levels and abilities, focusing on improving strength, balance and flexibility. $10 per class. 10:30 a.m. Thames Center. Contact Cheryl Myers at (601)-757-2133.
March 20.
Jennifer Case teaches how to make sour dough bread, including a starter. Cost includes starter, jar and first feeding of starter. Participants need to bring a glass bowl, wooden spoon, tea towel, small bowl with a lid for discard after pouring off and refeeding starter and ingredients – 3 ½ cups of unbleached all purpose organic flour, salt and sugar. The instructor will provide butter that will be melted and filtered well water. While making their sourdough starters, participants will eat good food and have fun in a social atmosphere in which all can learn and enjoy the craft. Limited to 10 participants. Four can still sign up. Cost is $45 (including starter, jar and first feeding for starter). Class starts at 8 a.m. and will take about three hours. Thames Center on the Co-Lin campus.
March 24.
Day trip to New Orleans includes matinee dinner show with buffet style luncheon and Victory Belles performance of toe-tapping favorite popular patriotic World War II era tunes, entrance to WW II museum and the film Beyond All Boundaries. $150 cost covers travel on professional motor coach.
March 31.
Co-Lin Spring Spectrum Band Concert. 7 p.m. Rea Auditorium on Co-Lin Wesson campus.
April 9.
Luncheon at the Anderson Building on Co-Lin campus with meal prepared by Co-Lin culinary arts students and entertainment provided by Co-Lin Jazz Band. 10:30 a.m. $10.
April 15.
Day trip to Meridian, Mississippi, includes tour of Dann’s Falls at Enterprise, Mississippi. Wear tennis shoes to ascend and descend the high steps. Enjoy lunch on your own at the famous Wiedmann’s Restaurant in Meridian and then visit the Meridian Museum of Art. Travel on Professional Motorcoach. Cost is $65
April 28.
Cooking demo led by Co-Lin Chef Chris McSweyn. Participants will learn cooking secrets as McSweyn prepares a meal for them. $25. 2 p.m. Co-Lin Thames Center.
May 7.
Day trip to Summit, Mississippi, includes private painting class at The Happy Easel Art Studio from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., a light lunch of sandwiches, cookies and drinks during the class, shopping in downtown Summit if time permits and travel. Cost is $45.
May 14.
Luncheon prepared by Co-Lin Chef Chris McSweyn. Entertainment to be determined. $14. 10:30 a.m. Co-Lin Thames Center
April 3. Fentanyl and Narcan: Saving Lives Through Awareness and Action. Workshop conducted by Ashley Washington, Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist. 10:30 a.m. Co-Lin Thames Center.
For information, contact Co-Lin Program Coordinator and Events Coordinator Erin Johnson at (601)-643-8702 and erin.johnson@colin.edu.
The Institute for Learning in Retirement is a member-driven organization. Its 2025-2026 officers are George Huffman, president; Sarah Lloyd, vice president; Joy Wesbrooks, secretary; Lanell Strait, associate secretary; Ketti Breaux, treasurer; Bettie Bulliard, immediate past president; members-at-large Jackie Abrams, Mary Jane James and Mary Lou Barlow.
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