Pathways Institute for Lifelong Learning® Kicks Off Fall Classes

One of the Pathways Institute for Lifelong Learning instructors, historian Joanne Hess Siegrist, left, is assisted with an enlargement of an historic photo by ABC 27 news anchor and guest speaker Alicia Richards at the kick off event at Landis Homes.

Alicia Richards of ABC 27 television news joined about 200 attendees to a special kick off event on August 18 for the launching of the fall classes of the Pathways Institute for Lifelong Learning® at the Landis Homes retirement community campus.

This is the third semester of classes being offered in the Lancaster area. The Pathways Institute began offering courses for people age 60 and older at Messiah Village, near Mechanicsburg, in 2006 and has partnered with Landis Homes to offer courses locally.

"I hope I am like all of you," said Ms. Richards, "that I never stop wanting to learn new things and have new experiences regardless of my years."

Following her address Ms. Richards introduced about 15 of the instructors who will be offering a wide variety of classes and experiences in the fall session. There will be 30 different classes in all.

Class titles will include: "What's New in the Universe" taught by Dr. Charles Scharnberger, a geophysicist, "Did Treatments Help or Hurt the Sick in Early America" by Arlene Miller, Phd., RN, and "Literature of the Bible," with Janet Gehman, M.Ed. Other classes will be offered on "Creating Pattern Paper Collages" with free lance artist and graphic designer Judith Rempel Smucker, "Creating Your Own Bonsai and Suiseki" with Ken Chastain, retired social worker and lifelong gardener, or an evening with the Lancaster Senior Orchestra.

The concept, Stauffer said, is similar to Elderhostel, but the focus is on having interested older adults contribute and share their knowledge and beliefs -- their legacy.

All classes will be held on Landis Homes' campus 1001 East Oregon Road, Lititz, and some classes will include off-campus field trips to local historical sites and places of interest.

The courses are open to all Lancaster County residents who are 60 or older. There is a registration fee which includes enrollment in to up to 5 courses per semester. To register or to request a catalogue, call the Pathways Institute office at 717-381-3577 or email sustauffer@landishomes.org . Catalogues, forms and the ability to register on line are also available at www.landishomes.org by following the link to Pathways Institute.

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