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).
New, Personal Growth & Enrichment Program, Fall 2020
If you are interested in leading a seminar or have class suggestions, please complete our Instructors Needed online application. Applications for paid seminar leader positions for the Fall 2020 semester are welcome at this time. Courses under this new program will consist of 6-8 week Study Units, open to the public, that fall under the following areas; Art, History, Local Interest, Aging, Literature, Writing, Science, Gardening, Health and Fitness. Please note on your application, under “additional information” that it should be forwarded to Sandy Zappala, Program Manager.
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, January 22, 2020, 2:00 –4:00pm
Location: Hartleb Technology Center, TC-103B, on the Haverhill Campus
Upcoming Seminars/Lectures/Courses
Tai Chi for Health
Tai Chi for Health
This popular 8 week program was developed for the Arthritis Foundation. It
includes a warm-up for the joints followed by QiGong meditation to
blend your mind with your Chi. This seminar includes the Sun Form for
balance and strength.
Facilitator: Allan Drelick
Course Information
Dates/Time: Thursdays, 11:00 to 12:00 pm, January 23 through March 12
Location: Haverhill
Cost: $79
CRN: 115 Course Number: COOL1111 Section: OWA
Yin Yoga and Meditation
“Yin Yoga and Meditation”
This seminar combines Yin Yoga with Meditation. We will work on
passively holding poses in a meditative way.
Facilitator: George Medelinskas
Course Information
Dates/Time: Tuesdays, 10:00 to 12:00 pm, February 4 through March 3
Location: Haverhill Campus
Cost: $35
CRN: 174 Course Number: COOL1180 Section: OWA
The Rise of European Fascism
The Rise of European Fascism
A mostly lecture course looking at how Fascist movements originate
and grow in several European countries who consider themselves
“democratic” from the late 19th century into the 1930s.
Lecture Leader: Steve Russell
Course Information
Dates/Time: Tuesdays, 2:00 to 4:00 pm, February 4 through March 3
Location: Haverhill
Cost: $35
CRN: 175 Course Number: COOL1181 Section: OWA
Reading Wuthering Heights
Reading Wuthering Heights
We will read the fabulous “Wuthering Heights” by Emily Bronte and
discuss the novel and the lives of the Bronte sisters. Participants will
need a copy of the novel.
Seminar Leader: Barbara Stachniewicz
Course Information
Dates/Time: Wednesdays, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, February 5 through March 4
Location: Haverhill
Cost: $35
CRN: 176 Course Number: COOL1182 Section: OWA
How to Become a CoOL Seminar Leader or Co-Leader
How to Become a CoOL Seminar Leader or Co-Leader
A three-day fun class where you’ll learn tips on researching topics,
creating presentations, facilitating class discussions and hands on
practice with classroom computer and audio-visual equipment. Please
bring a flash drive to class. Registration is required.
Seminar Leader: Judy Flieder
Course Information
Dates/Time: Thursdays, 2:00 to 4:00 pm, February 6 through February 20
Location: Haverhill
Cost: Free
CRN: 177 Course Number: COOL1138 Section: OWA
Good and Evil in the Movies – Exploring Dr. Jekyll and
Mr. Hyde
Good and Evil in the Movies – Exploring Dr. Jekyll and
Mr. Hyde
We will read Stevenson’s original story and view several movie
versions. We will discuss good and evil and whether we have “good”
and “evil” sides.
Seminar Leader: Ruth Young
Course Information
Dates/Time: Mondays, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, March 30 through May 4 (no class 4/20)
Location: Haverhill
Cost: $35
CRN: 179 Course Number: COOL1183 Section: OWA
Why is DNA so important?
Why is DNA so important?
DNA is in every cell. It is a code that defines both the sameness and the
diversity within a specie. This seminar explains how it happens.
Lecture Leader: Arthur Yarranton
Course Information
Dates/Time: Mondays, 2:00 to 4:00 pm, March 30 through May 4 (no class 4/20)
Location: Haverhill
Cost: $35
CRN: 180 Course Number: COOL1184 Section: OWA
Je Me Souviens (I Remember) French Canadian History &
Culture in New England
Je Me Souviens (I Remember) French Canadian History &
Culture in New England
We will explore the historical background and reasons for migration
as well as the role of religion, language, literature, food, music and
community in preserving heritage.
Seminar Leader: Mary Ellen Morris
Course Information
Dates/Time: Tuesdays, 10:00 to 12:00 pm, March 31 through April 28
Location: Haverhill
Cost: $35
CRN: 181 Course Number:COOL 1185 Section: OWA
What’s So Special about the Mona Lisa Anyway?
What’s So Special about the Mona Lisa Anyway?
Michelangelo, Leonardo, Raphael and others – a look at their lives and
struggles in tumultuous times and their individual contribution to style
and the advancement of technique.
Seminar Leader: Ben Coughlin & Nancy Clark
Course Information
Dates/Time: Tuesdays, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, March 31 through April 28
Location: Haverhill
Cost: $35
CRN: 182 Course Number: COOL1161 Section: OWA
Making Mandalas
Making Mandalas
Mandalas have been used for meditation, relaxation and self-discovery.
We will explore this ancient art form using different tools and mixed
media. No artistic skills are required. Bring a pad of 11” x 14” mixed
media art paper (sold in art supply stores).
Facilitator: Donna Childs
Course Information
Dates/Time: Wednesdays, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, April 1 through April 22
Location: Haverhill
Cost: $35
CRN: 183 Course Number: COOL1186 Section: OWA
Global Warming 2.0 — Can We Adapt?
Global Warming 2.0 — Can We Adapt?
Climate change is considered a global human catastrophic risk. This
course will discuss plans about how we can adapt to this unexpected
reality during the next 100 years.
Lecture Leader: Robert Young
Course Information
Dates/Time: Wednesdays, 2:00 pm- to 4:00 pm, April 1 through April 22
Location: Haverhill
Cost: $35
CRN: 189 Course Number: COOL1189 Section: OWA
Chanting
Chanting
Explore Chanting as a means for healing, relaxation and mindfulness.
Learn about different traditions of chanting.
Facilitator:George Medelinskas
Course Information
Dates/Time: Thursdays, 10:00 to 2:00 pm, April 2 through April 30
Location: Haverhill
Cost: $35
CRN: 184 Course Number: COOL1187 Section: OWA
Exploring Traditional Chinese Culture
Exploring Traditional Chinese Culture
Students will be exposed to Chinese traditional culture in five
different topics: Chinese music, Classical dance, Tea ceremony, Qi
Gong meditation and the meaning of Chinese ancient characters and
calligraphy.
Seminar Leader:Sun Ling Liew
Course Information
Dates/Time: Thursdays, 2:00 am to 4:00 pm, April 2 through April 30
Location: Haverhill
Cost: $35
CRN: 185 Course Number: COOL1188 Section: OWA
Worry Less, Live More
Worry Less, Live More
Worrying is the mind’s way to problem solve. This seminar will offer
simple tools and techniques on managing our worry habits so we can
live our life with peace of mind.
Seminar Leader: Tom Ellis
Course Information
Dates/Time: Thursdays, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, April 2 through April 30
Location: Haverhill
Cost: $35
CRN: 186 Course Number: COOL1164 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, class members will take photos
demonstrating these concepts and present them in the next class. For
the first class bring your camera or thumb drive and 5 or 6 of your
favorite photos.
Seminar Leader:Paul Golobski
Course Information
Dates/Time: Fridays, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, April 3 through May 1
Location: Haverhill Campus
Cost: $35
CRN: 187 Course Number: COOL1132 Section: OWA
Exploring the Universe Through the Hubble Telescope
Exploring the Universe Through the Hubble Telescope
Explore our solar system, our galaxy (the “Milky Way”), other galaxies,
and the edge of space and time through images from the Hubble Space
Telescope.
Lecture Leader:Jerry Bourdon
Course Information
Dates/Time: Fridays, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, April 3 through May 1
Location: Haverhill Campus
Cost: $35
CRN: 188 Course Number: COOL1134 Section: OWA
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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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