CoOL Offers Enjoyable Learning Experiences for People Rich With Life Experience
Learning with – and from – your peers is the essence of CoOL, NECC’s College of Older Learners. If you are 50 or older, we invite you to come expand your mind, and social circle, by participating in, or even leading, a three to six-week seminar/lecture/course in the fall or spring, exploring a topic of interest.
What Attracts People to the College of Older Learners?
- Being part of a vibrant community
- Sharing a joy of learning with others
- Exploring issues relevant to individuals who are 50+
- Uncovering hidden interests and potential
- Sharing knowledge and passion for a topic with others
- Recognizing that a life of learning is a life well spent
College of Older Learners Course Offerings
Each fall and spring, you can choose from a variety of CoOL seminars/lectures/courses. Topics vary and range from Meditation, yoga, and Tai-Chi to senior theater, television production, gardening, and more. Typically, classes meet once a week for a five-week period. Most courses cost $35 and some courses have additional costs (such as purchasing a book or other class-related material such as a yoga mat).
We welcome you to propose an idea for a new CoOL course offering. For details please call 978-556-3110.
It’s Easy to Register!
Just call Enrollment Services at 978-556-3700 and let us know which course you would like to attend. We will send you a letter and a campus map one week prior to the start of your course with the location, dates and times. Parking tags will be mailed to those attending courses not offered at the Haverhill Opportunity Works building.
Don’t Miss: The CoOL Seminar Showcase
Seminar leaders will give a brief presentation of the courses offered in the Fall
Date/Time: Wed, September 4, 2019, 2:00 –4:00pm
Location: Hartleb Technology Center, TC-103B, on the Haverhill Campus
Upcoming Seminars/Lectures/Courses
Mad Scientist Horror Movies from the 1930's-1960's
Mad Scientist Horror Movies from the 1930’s-1960’s
Have fun watching and discussing scary “mad scientist” films from this era. If you dare!
Lecture Leader: Ruth Young
Course Information
Dates/Time: Mondays, 10:00 to 12:00 pm, September 9 through October 7
Location: Haverhill
Cost: $35
CRN: 550 Course Number: COOL1169 Section: OWA
Tai Chi to Improve Health
“Tai Chi to Improve Health”
Developed for the Arthritis Foundation, this workshop teaches the Sun Form followed by Qigong meditation to blend your mind and Chi.
Facilitator: Allen Drelick
Course Information
Dates/Time: Will be offered Winter/Spring 2020
Location: Haverhill Campus
Cost: $35
CRN: Course Number: Section:
Walking for Fun and Exercise
Walking for Fun and Exercise
These walks will be in wooded areas, not on paved walkways. The walks will be no more than 2 miles round trip with time for photographs, water and a snack.
Facilitators: Lillian and Brian McGinty
Course Information
Dates/Time: Monday, 1:00 to 3:00 pm, September 9-meet and greet in Haverhill; 4 walks Sept 16 through October 7
Location: Haverhill
Cost: $35
CRN: 545 Course Number: COOL1140 Section: OWA
Why Can't We Just Sing Along?
Why Can’t We Just Sing Along?
We will write songs – funny, biographical, spirituals, pop or folk. We will sing songs from the decades and decades of American music. We will learn a bit about music theory. For the Young at Heart! Students are asked to bring a writing journal to class.
Seminar Leader: Philip Cosgrove
Course Information
Dates/Time: Tuesdays, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, September 17 through October 15
Location: Haverhill
Cost: $35
CRN: 548 Course Number: COOL1167 Section: OWA
The Science of Prayer and Healing – Accessing your Indwelling Power
The Science of Prayer and Healing – Accessing your Indwelling Power
In this 4 week session we will explore prayer and healing from a perspective that integrates a non-traditional view of science, spirit and the power of intention.
Seminar Leader: Mark Palermo
Course Information
Dates/Time: Tuesdays, 1:00 to 3:00 pm, September 17 through October 8
Location: Haverhill
Cost: $35
CRN: 551 Course Number: COOL1170 Section: OWA
France in the 19th Century: From Defeat to La Belle Époque
France in the 19th Century: From Defeat to La Belle Époque
This interactive seminar will explore the history of France from 1815 to 1914 and look at the cultural and political developments of that era. We will see how France struggled with its revolutionary legacy and its ambition to project itself as a European and global leader.
Lecture Leader: Stephen Russell
Course Information
Dates/Time: Tuesdays, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, September 17 through October 15
Location: Haverhill
Cost: $35
CRN: 552 Course Number: COOL1171 Section: OWA
Photography for the Fun of It
Photography for the Fun of It
Each week we will view and discuss fundamental photographic concepts. During the week, the class will take photos demonstrating these concepts and present them in the next class. For the first class bring your camera (regular or iphone) and five 4×6 prints of your favorite photos.
Seminar Leader: Paul Golobski
Course Information
Dates/Time: Wednesdays, 10:00 to 12:00 pm, September 18 through October 16
Location: Haverhill
Cost: $35
CRN: 546 Course Number: COOL1132 Section: OWA
Thinking of Leading a Class?
Thinking of Leading a Class?
This is a free three-week class on how to present a class for 5 weeks and prepare for Showcase. We will research a topic, prepare a PowerPoint slide presentation and prepare for Showcase. Hands-on practice with a computer and audio-visual equipment. Registration is required.
Seminar Leader: Bonnie Pearlman
Course Information
Dates/Time: TBD
Location: Haverhill
Cost: free
CRN: Course Number: Section:
Reading “Little Women”
Reading “Little Women”
We will read and discuss Louisa May Alcott’s novel and consider several video versions of the story. Please read the first five chapters for the first class session.
Lecture Leader: Barbara Stachniewicz
Course Information
Dates/Time: Wednesdays, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, September 18 through October 16
Location: Haverhill
Cost: $35
CRN: 553 Course Number: COOL1172 Section: OWA
Arts and Aging
Arts and Aging
This interactive 3 week class focuses on the artist within all of us, as we examine the interest of arts and aging.
Lecture Leader: Katrina Everett
Course Information
Dates/Time: Fridays, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, September 20 through October 4
Location: Haverhill
Cost: $25
CRN: 554 Course Number: COOL1173 Section: OWA
Poetry is Not a Foreign Language!
Poetry is Not a Foreign Language!
Come discuss the nature of poetry, reading accessible poems by some famous and modern poets. Bring a pocket folder to hold handouts. Reading needed between sessions!
Seminar Leader: Edie Daley
Course Information
Dates/Time: Mondays, 1:00 pm- to 3:00 pm, October 21 through November 25 ( no class 11/11).
Location: Haverhill
Cost: $35
CRN: 555 Course Number: COOL1174 Section: OWA
The American Industrial Revolution in the Merrimack Valley
The American Industrial Revolution in the Merrimack Valley
This 3 week course will show how the Industrial Revolution transformed the Merrimack Valley from its rural origins to a bustling center of industry while transforming society along the way.
Lecture Leader:Rich Padova
Course Information
Dates/Time: Mondays, 2:30 to 4:30 pm, October 21 through November 4
Location: Haverhill
Cost: $25
CRN: 558 Course Number: COOL1175 Section: OWA
Yin Yoga
Yin Yoga
This class combines Indian Yoga with Chinese Taoism. Emphasis is on passively holding poses easily to mobilize and strengthen our joints, ligaments and deep fascia. A gentle meditative yoga. Bring a yoga mat. The class will take place in the Fitness Center on the Haverhill campus.
Facilitator:George Medelinskas
Course Information
Dates/Time: Tuesdays, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, October 22 through November 19
Location: Haverhill
Cost: $35
CRN: 549 Course Number: COOL1168 Section: OWA
“A Terrible Beauty is Born” (W.B. Yeats), Irish History from 1850 to Independence
“A Terrible Beauty is Born” (W.B. Yeats), Irish History from 1850 to Independence
We will follow Ireland’s journey, post famine, from English rule to independence by examining the land
ownership, rebellion, treaties and Civil War events. Attention will be paid to leaders such as Michael Davitt, James Connolly and Michael Collins.
Lecture Leader: Mary Ellen Morris
Course Information
Dates/Time: Wednesdays, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, October 23 through November 20
Location: Haverhill
Cost: $35
CRN: 559 Course Number: COOL1176 Section: OWA
What We Know and How we Learned it
What We Know and How we Learned it
We come to understand everything via experience. The factual basis of experience is contrasted with mysticism and other “isms.” Explore the contrast of experienced facts with consensus stories.
Lecture Leader:Arthur Yarranton
Course Information
Dates/Time: Wednesdays,2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, October 23 through November 20
Location: Haverhill Campus
Cost: $35
CRN: 560 Course Number: COOL1177 Section: OWA
New Discoveries in Animal Behavior
New Discoveries in Animal Behavior
From loyal household pets to the wild, animals amuse, confound and fascinate us. Explore some of the findings research reveals about why they behave the way they do.
Lecture Leader:Peter Spellman
Course Information
Dates/Time: Thursdays, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, October 24 through November 21
Location: Haverhill Campus
Cost: $35
CRN: 561 Course Number: COOL1178 Section: OWA
Retirement: Creating Happiness and Sense of Purpose in Your Vital Years
Retirement: Creating Happiness and Sense of Purpose in Your Vital Years
Whether you are retired or planning to, this seminar is for you. Learn new ways to plan for and maintain a prosperous, healthy and happy future. We will explore how to increase your social lifestyle and avoid feelings of isolation. Match your needs and values with activities that will give a sense of purpose and happiness.
Seminar Leader:Tom Ellis
Course Information
Dates/Time: Thursdays, 2:00 am to 4:00 pm, October 24 through November 21
Location: Haverhill
Cost: $35
CRN: 547 Course Number: COOL1150 Section: OWA
Creating Decorative Origami Boxes
Creating Decorative Origami Boxes
Make your own decorative origami boxes to store or gift small precious treasures! Learn this simple paper- folding art using beautiful papers and embellishments. All supplies provided by instructor. No experience necessary.
Seminar Leader:Faith Benedetti
Course Information
Dates/Time: Fridays, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, October 25 through November 22
Location: Haverhill
Cost: $35 & $10 Material fee
CRN: 562 Course Number: COOL1179 Section: OWA
Registration and Confirmation
Ways to Register
How to Register
There are several ways to register:
- Register online using FlexReg, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Use FlexReg and search for Cool courses. Follow the prompts or read instructions below on how to Sign–in, search and register for classes or get help.
- Register by phone by contacting Enrollment Services at 978-556-3700. Have your credit card ready and be prepared to provide your name, address, phone, date of birth and the course number.
- Fax: Complete the registration form at the back of our course catalogue or the registration form (PDF) from our website and fax it with your credit card information at least one week prior to the start of the course to Enrollment Services at 978-556-3171.
- Mail: Complete the registration form (PDF) and mail it with your check, credit card information or purchase order to Bursar’s Office, NECC, 100 Elliott Street, Haverhill, MA 01830.
- In Person: Enrollment Services are at the Behrakis One Stop Student Center on the Haverhill campus, or the Lawrence campus (414 Common Street).
Approximately one week prior to a seminar’s start date, you will be mailed a letter confirming your seminar attendance along with the appropriate campus map. If you are registering late, please call Sandy Zappala at 978-556-3064, for directions and/or confirmation if needed.
Parking
Most seminars/lectures/courses take place on NECC’s Haverhill Campus at the Opportunity Works Building (HOW) and no parking hang tag is needed. Temporary parking hang tags will be mailed for courses that are on the Haverhill campus but are not at the HOW building.
If for any reason you need additional information regarding parking or a guest parking hang tag, please contact Sandy Zappala at szappala@necc.mass.edu (e-mail is the preferred method of contact) or 978-556-3064.
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