CORNWALL, Ontario – It’s back to school season, and not just for kids.
Encore Education Centre will be offering 37 programs this fall, from learning how to use an iPad to understanding broadcast radio.
Classes are intended for senior and older adult participants. They are offered five days a week, with program specific scheduling. Some programs will include multiple weekly sessions, while others may be offered for only one day. Fees fluctuate depending on the length of the program, but drop-in sessions are $20.
“It’s lifelong learning simply for the sake of broadening your horizons and making new friendships,” said Dorothy Forrester, Chair Person on the Board of Directors for Encore Education.
The centre relocated to 146 Chevrier Ave. in June after leaving General Vanier Intermediate School. The classroom is now on the ground level and is easily accessible.
“We believe our new location will bring out a lot of people who have mobility issues,” said Forrester.
In the spring, when presented with the challenge of finding a new location, multiple participants highlighted the importance of the program to board members.
“In the interval, I bet I had 20 people call me and say, ‘you can’t close this program, it’s our lifeline,’” said Forrester.
According to Forrester, the program attracts inspiring participants, including one who is over 100-years-old, and one who makes the weekly commute from Kingston.
Two of the most popular sessions offered with the centre include writing courses and a ‘hot topic’ discussion period. These weekly sessions have offered reflection on new and exciting topics, and have inspired attendees to write and publish biographies.
Classes are hosted by local doctors, professors from McGill and a variety of community members.
“We are using people from the industry, retirees with an expertise in that area,” explained Duncan MacPhee, Board Member of Encore Education.
The centre will be holding an open house on Saturday, Sept. 8 starting at 1:30 p.m. to go over fall program opportunities.
The fall schedule can be found online at encoreseniors.ca and on Facebook at Cornwall Encore Education Centre. The centre offers mailed schedules, and provides information at their new location.
