Learning is one of the best teachers of life, and learning through education does not have to end when a lifelong career transforms into the golden years of retirement. Seniors in our community are coming together for community and educational learning with the Seniors Learning for Fun program.
The Seniors Learning for Fun program has a mission to help senior citizens and retirees find adult education through an enjoyable experience. This experience is demonstrated through the program’s many courses that are offered during the day in a social environment with the assistance of the West Kentucky Community & Technical College (WKCTC.) The program’s goal is to present economically stimulating events for the enjoyment of senior citizens 55 years or older and early retirees.
“The program helps us keep our minds alert and teaches us new things,” says program participant and board member Mike Bosch.
For more than 20 years, the Seniors Learning for Fun program has found interesting and unique subjects to keep seniors and early retirees active in the community and continuously learning to expand their horizons.
“The experience is the best part, and I also thoroughly enjoy meeting the speakers. I’ve been able to keep in touch with some of the speakers and get further involved in projects that I’m interested in. You never know what kind of network you are going to establish in these classes. The connections each of us have the opportunity to make is just amazing,” says program participant and board member John Corivello.
Each semester, the program hosts classes on a variety of topics from speakers that come from diverse backgrounds, some of which who are community leaders. In the past, the program has hosted classes about how to use modern technology, education on political topics, literature, science, and more. Cathy Warmack, a board member, and participant, also recalls classes taught by the local sheriff’s department and police department on safety topics that benefit seniors.
A field trip is chosen for each semester, and the trips vary depending on what opportunity arises. In the fall of 2021, the participants will take a field trip to Fort Massac State Park. Betty Schuppert, board member, and participant says, “Getting together with people close to your age and enjoying the learning experience is what this program is all about. We get to learn so much about places many of us probably wouldn’t see otherwise. It’s like one big family getting together.”
Some of the participants’ favorite field trips from past semesters include a trip to the Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Discovery Park of America in Union City, TN, and visits to Paducah establishments, including the Market House Theatre, Oscar Cross Girls & Boys Club and the Paducah Symphony Orchestra.
“I’ve really enjoyed the surprises I’ve gotten from attending the courses and field trips. There have been classes on fascinating topics. I remember a class where someone spoke about a mission trip they did to Cuba. It’s always interesting to find out more about the places we may know little about,” says program participant and board member Cathy Hunt.
The program is very affordable for each participant costing $30 for any number of classes attended during the semester. Fall enrollment for the program is currently taking place, but those who are interested are encouraged to join the program at any time during the fall or spring semester. The money raised from the program gives back to West Kentucky Community & Technical College students through scholarships. Students apply for the scholarships, and the selection committee from WKCTC chooses the winning recipient.
“West Kentucky Community & Technical College is so proud to sponsor this group. I’ve been with the group for about four years now and just love working with them! They are great and always have wonderful ideas,” says Tina Clark, a representative from West Kentucky Community & Technical College.
To enroll in the fall classes for the Seniors Learning for Fun program, call Tina Clark at (270) 534-3821 for more information and how to register. The price per participant is $30 for the entire semester. The first program will take place on September 2nd.
