To help get you started, here’s a
sampling of regional opportunities for
lifelong learning:
Ferrum College. Afternoon and evening
classes, credit and noncredit, available
tuition-free to Virginia seniors age 65+
(must apply). Ferrum. 1-800-868-9797 or
540/365-4290. www.ferrum.edu.
Lifelong Learning Institute at James
Madison University. LLI, an affiliate of the
Boston-based Elderhostel, offers noncredit
courses, activities and trips for adults 50+.
Harrisonburg. 540/568-2923. www.jmu.edu/socwork.
Radford University. Summer institutes
and programs available in successful aging,
health and wellness and Appalachian
studies. Radford. 540/831-5845. www.radford.edu.
Roanoke City Parks and Recreation. Musical and physical fitness classes, movie
and theater events, outdoor activities,
seminars, chess, bridge, singles clubs
and senior trips. 540/853-2236. www.roanokegov.com/parksrec.
Roanoke College ElderScholar Program. A six-week theme program offered each
semester with a challenging academic
program and lectures, each followed by
a lively question-and-answer session.
Advance registration required. Salem.
540/375-2323. www.roanoke.edu.
Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and
Tourism. Aerobic and fitness classes, art,
craft, cooking, pottery and ceramic classes.
Dance classes, day and overnight trips for
senior citizens, special events, outdoor
programs, country store and flea market
for 60+. 540/772-7529 or 540/853-2679 to
be on mailing list. www.roanokecountyva.gov/parks.
Roanoke Higher Education Center. Internet and computer training classes are
available for seniors through the library.
Classes are available through member
higher education institutions: Averett
University, Bluefield College, Blue Ridge
Technical Academy, Jefferson College
of Health Sciences, Ferrum College,
Hampton University, Hollins University,
Mary Baldwin College, Old Dominion
University, Radford University, Roanoke
College, the University of Virginia,
Virginia Western Community College
and Virginia Tech. 540/767-6161. www.education.edu.
Smith Mountain Lake 4-H Educational
Center. Elderhostel programs and field trips
in a variety of topics including computers,
history, folk heritage and nature. For
adults 55+. Wirtz. 540/721-2759. www.retreatatsmithmountainlake.com.
Southwest Virginia 4-H Educational
Center. Elderhostels include instrumentbuilding
workshops, Appalachian region
field trips and Barter Theatre performances.
Abingdon. 276/676-6180. www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/southwest/elderhostel.html.
Thomas Jefferson Foundation Inc., the nonprofit organization that owns and
maintains Monticello. Two Elderhostel
programs offered each year. Year-round
special events and archaeology programs;
warm-weather Saturdays in the Garden
series. Charlottesville. 434/984-7500. www.monticello.org.
Virginia Commonwealth University/
Virginia Center on Aging Elderhostel at
Natural Bridge. Residential educational
programs, field trips in art, literature,
science, the environment and Appalachian
studies with an emphasis on local history
and folklore. Natural Bridge. 804/828-1525
or 1-877-426-8056. www.vcu.edu.
Virginia Tech On-Line Lifelong
Learning. Noncredit electronic classes
for everyone. Choose from architecture,
business, Civil War, computers, education,
marketing horticulture and more. Virginia
Tech alumni eligible for introductory
courses at no cost. Blacksburg. 540/231-1264. www.vto.vt.edu.
Retirement is a relative term, and for
many a second career or part-time job is
the ideal decision. If you’re interested in
continuing to work, these area resources
can help you find a suitable position:
Experience Works, Inc. offers
employment and training opportunities
for persons age 55 years of age and older,
who meet the federal poverty guidelines.
Flexible work options help increase skills
and abilities. 1-877-265-7876 or www.experienceworks.org.
The LOA Area Agency on Aging offers
a job information and referral program,
job placement and training and a senior
community service employment program.
540/561-6689. www.loaa.org.
The Virginia Employment Commission
maintains a database of employment
possibilities. Contact your local VEC branch
or visit www.vec.state.va.us.
