Emeritus Collge offers spring courses around the region

Release Date: 03/18/09

Emeritus College, The College of St. Scholastica's program for lifelong learners, will offer several courses throughout the region beginning in April.

Emeritus College is a program of continuing education designed to enrich the lives of adults in relaxing environments free from the demands of examinations and assignments. Most courses meet for 90 minutes once a week for six weeks. Registration costs $38 for a six-week class, with a $5 discount off each additional class taken; text and materials fees are not included. Registration costs for classes in other formats are as listed below. For more information call (218) 723-5940 or toll free (800) 447-5444, extension 5940.

In addition to the regular complement of classes, Emeritus College will offer:

Duluth Architecture Bus Tour
This one-day event is offered from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 6, beginning at the Duluth Depot on 506 W. Michigan Street. Bob Berg, vice president of the Duluth Preservation Alliance, will highlight Duluth architects and architecture in downtown Duluth, Canal Park, and the historic East End mansion district. Admission is $17.

Music of Your Life: Favorites From the '30s and '40s
This one-day event is offered at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 16, in the Mitchell Auditorium. Join us in celebration of music from the '30s and '40s. Sing along with your favorite performers from Doris Day, Nat King Cole, Duke Ellington, and more. Refreshments will be served after the concert. Call (218) 723-5940 to register or add this event to your class registration form. Admission is $12.

The Spring 2009 Emeritus College class schedule:

DULUTH
Topics du Jour
Experience six unique lectures with six instructors. Join us to explore Lake Superior shipwrecks, help for at-risk teens in our region, historic windmills, railroading, opera, and health considerations in international travel. All Topics du Jour classes meet from 11 a.m. to noon Wednesdays in Westwood Senior Housing on the St. Scholastica campus. Fee: $38.

April 8: "Lake Superior Shipwrecks" with Thom Holden, director, Lake Superior Marine Visitor Center
April 15: "How Railroads Changed America," with Ken Buehler, executive director, Lake Superior Railroad Museum
April 22: "What's Up With Those Darned (and Wonderful) Kids of Woodland Hills?" with Cindy Finch, agency relations director at Woodland Hills
April 29: "Old Brule: A 1904 Finnish Windmill," with Jim Pellman, Old World Heritage Society
May 6: "Opera for Everybody" with Dr. Regina Zona, Opera Program director at the University of Minnesota Duluth
May 13: "Getting a Healthy Start to Your International Trip" with Sherry Johnson, Travel Medicine Specialist, St. Luke's Hospital

Gardening for Butterflies and Birds
Learn which plants attract winged creatures and how to plant low-maintenance, wildlife-friendly gardens. Wildlife gardener, Pat Thomas, who founded the local chapter of the North American Butterfly Association, will lead this course.

1 to 2:30 p.m. April 7, 14, 21, 28 and May 5, 12. St. Michael's Catholic Church, 4901 E. Superior Street. Instructor: Pat Thomas. Fee: $38.

Butterflies in our Backyards
Join naturalist, author, educator and "critter watcher" Larry Weber to examine butterflies' anatomy and life cycles. Take walks on campus to learn how to best observe and photograph butterflies.

10 a.m. to noon May 7, 14, 21. Tower Hall Room 87, The College of St. Scholastica. Fee: $30. Text: "Butterflies of the Northwoods" by Larry Weber, 2nd Edition, $15.

Why the Allies Won WWII
Come and learn why, 60+ years later, historians believe the U.S., Britain, and Russia were able to trump the Axis powers.

10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., April 9, 16, 23, 30, and May 7, 14. Lakeshore Senior Housing, 4002 London Rd. Instructor: Jerry Sandvick. Fee: $38.

TWO HARBORS
From Teddy R. to Barack O.: Presidential Decisions That Changed Us
With the U.S. becoming a superpower in the 20th century, decisions made in the White House determine peace or war, economy boom or bust, and what kind of government we have. Discuss how presidents influence the world in which we live.

1 to 2:30 p.m. April 8, 15, 22, 29 and May 6, 13. Two Harbors Public Library, 320 Waterfront Drive. Instructor: Jerry Sandvick. Fee: $38.

SILVER BAY
Slavery, Lincoln, and the Civil War
Many historians consider the Civil War the central, defining feature of the American experience, and race the central issue of our time. This course will explore these themes and the life of the central character of that defining episode. We'll look at the history of the early republic to understand the context of these issues and how they reflect larger tensions in our early history.

1 to 2:30 p.m. April 8, 15, 22, 29 and May 6, 13. United Protestant Church, 17 Horn Blvd. Instructor: William Miller. Fee: $38.

VIRGINIA
A Capable Woman: Mythical, Historical and Fictional
Using poetry and music from many cultures, meet or revisit these capable women - including characters such as Juno, Miriam and Elizabeth I.

1:30 to 3 p.m. April 6, 13, 20, 27 and May 4, 11. Virginia Public Library, 215 South 5th Ave. Instructor: Samuel Black. Fee: $38.