Events Continued - The Lake-Front Magazine

In The Spotlight
Senior College Gets New Name
Plans underway for new Spring Classes
Garrett Institute of Lifelong Learning (GILL) is the name selected for the senior
college initiative being launched at Garrett College through the division of Continuing
Education and Workforce Development (CEWD). In addition to the name,
which was voted in unanimously by those present at a recent planning meeting,
organizational positions were filled. GILL officers will be as follows: Chair, Kitty
Lauer; Vice Chair, Barb McClosky; Secretary, Judi Schiff; and Treasurer, Robert
McClosky
The concept for GILL was developed over the last several months by a group
of local residents interested in providing educational opportunities which will be
selected by the members for the members. “What is key here is that the Institute
members own this,” Lauer emphasized.
Also fundamental to GILL is the development of programs of study rather than
individuals classes. The purpose is to provide deeper and broader consideration
of a subject by studying it from various angles. Members who were present at the
meeting voted for the following topics to be offered this May: Current alternative
energy sources; Spring flowers; History of Garrett County; and Health, to include
nutrition, cooking, and exercise. For each class scheduled, a GILL member is the
volunteer coordinator who will find an appropriate instructor.
“The time frame for each class in May is six hours spread over four 90 minute
class session. This is the model that GILL will follow, but other arrangements are
feasible,” explained Sue Fowler, the CEWD program director who is working with
this group.
An additional “Lunch and Learn” class, featuring DVD’s on the brain and its
functions will also be offered to members at no charge. There will be a one-time
minimal introductory membership fee for the first group of classes to be offered
this May,” Fowler said.
Other ideas for possible classes, for now and in the future, were also noted.
They include genetic modified organisms, managing finances, wine and food pairings,
American Constitution, Gettysburg, tax preparation, robotics, problem solving,
local authors, languages, local crafts/artisans, sailing and water sports, cultural
geography, and local small businesses.
In addition to developing a curriculum, the GILL group plans to create a web
site to disseminate information on classes and activities. “Our meetings will be
held on the last Monday of the month at 1 p.m. Any one who is interested in becoming
involved with the GILL planning process is welcome,” Fowler said.
For further information, persons may contact Fowler at susan.folwer@garrettcollege.edu
34 -The Lake-Front TM -March, 2013