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 six-week seminar 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. 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 $30 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 contact Ben Coughlin, 978-556-3110, tedcoughlin@verizon.net.
Upcoming Seminars
Does There Have to be a Reason?
Does There Have to be a Reason?
Explore the biology and chemistry that enable the brain and nervous system to work and reason. Class members are invited to add to the discussion.
Seminar Leaders: Arthur Yarrenton
Course Information
Dates/Time: Tuesdays, 2:00 to 4:00 pm, January 30 through February 27
Location: Haverhill
Cost: $30
CRN: 183 Course Number: COOL1129 Section: OWA
'It Was the Best of Times': Reading 'A Tale of Two Cities'
“It Was the Best of Times”: Reading “A Tale of Two Cities”
We will read Charles Dickens’ novel “A Tale of Two Cities” and through discussion determine what it says about Victorians and how it applies to us. You will need a copy of the novel – any edition is fine. Read Chapters 1-4 before the first class.
Seminar Leader: Barbara Stachniewicz
Course Information
Dates/Time: Wednesdays, 2:00 to 4:00 pm, January 31 through February 28
Location: Haverhill Campus
Cost: $30
CRN: 184 Course Number: COOL1130 Section: OWA
Exploring Iceland
Exploring Iceland
This seminar will actively involve members in learning about Iceland – its history, politics, glorious geography, culture and natural resources and whatever else interests us about this beautiful country.
Seminar Leader: George Medelinskas
Course Information
Dates/Time: Thursdays, 2:00 to 4:00 pm, February 1 through March 1
Location: Haverhill
Cost: $30
CRN: 185 Course Number: COOL1131 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 at the next class. For the first class bring your camera (regular camera or I Phone) and 5 4×6 prints of your favorite photos
Seminar Leader: Paul Golobski
Course Information
Dates/Time: Mondays, 10:00 am to Noon, March 26 through April 30 (no class 4/16)
Location: Haverhill
Cost: $30
CRN: 186 Course Number: COOL1132 Section: OWA
Tai Chi for Health
Tai Chi for Health
This popular 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.
Seminar Leader: Allen Drelick
Course Information
Dates/Time: Mondays, 2:45 to 4:00 pm, March 26 through April 30 (no class April 16)
Location: Haverhill
Cost: $30
CRN: 187 Course Number: COOL1111 Section: OWA
Glorious Italy
Glorious Italy
Travel vicariously to Rome, Florence, Venice and places in between exploring art, some history, the people, food and beauty of Italy. Class participation is welcome with your questions and experiences.
Seminar Leader: Peter Spellman
Course Information
Dates/Time: Tuesdays, 10:00 am to Noon, March 27 through April 24
Location: Haverhill
Cost: $30
CRN: 188 Course Number: COOL1133 Section: OWA
Exploring the Universe Through the Hubble Telescope
Exploring the Universe Through the Hubble Telescope
Examine some of the spectacular images of our solar system, our galaxy and beyond obtained by the Hubble Space Telescope and explore what they teach us about the Cosmos.
Seminar Leader: Gerry Bourdon
Course Information
Dates/Time: Tuesdays, 1:00 to 3:00 pm, March 27 through April 24
Location: Haverhill
Cost: $30
CRN: 189 Course Number: COOL1134 Section: OWA
Reading: 'The Plot to Hack America' by Malcolm Nance
Reading: “The Plot to Hack America”” by Malcolm Nance
This seminar helps us understand cyberwarfare concepts such as bots, kompromat, trolls and CYBERBEARS as well as the intelligence apparatus of Russia and how it develops assets. Required text: “The Plot to Hack America” by Malcolm Nance. Read Chapters 1-3 to participate in class discussions
Seminar Leader: Bonnie Pearlman
Course Information
Dates/Time: Wednesdays, 10:00 am to Noon, March 28 through April 25
Location: Haverhill
Cost: $30
CRN: 190 Course Number: COOL1135 Section: OWA
Gardening Tips and Tricks
Gardening Tips and Tricks
This seminar is for novice and experienced gardeners. We will cover annuals, perennials and vegetables, discuss their growing conditions including saving struggling perennials. There will be simple assignments and oral reports and maybe a plant swap.
Seminar Leaders: Ruth Young
Course Information
Dates/Time: Wednesdays, 2:00 to 4:00 pm, March 28 through April 25
Location: Haverhill
Cost: $30
CRN: 191 Course Number: COOL1136 Section: OWA
Kundalini Yoga and Meditation
Kundalini Yoga and Meditation
Kundalini is the Yoga of awareness. Become more connected to your innermost self; find peace and ease. Practice Kriya (movement), breath patterns and meditation. Required text: “Kundalini Yoga” by Shatka Kaur Khalsa. Read Chapters 1-3 for first class.
Seminar Leader: Jane Hucks
Course Information
Dates/Time: Wednesdays, 2:00 to 3:30 pm, March 21 through April 18
Location: Haverhill
Cost: $30
CRN: 192 Course Number: COOL1105 Section: OWA
How to Become a CoOL Seminar Leader or Co-Leader
How to Become a CoOL Seminar Leader or Co-Leader
This FREE and fun 2 day class will offer tips on researching topics, creating presentations, facilitating class discussions and hands on practice with the classroom computer and audio-visual equipment – with the goal of becoming a seminar leader. You can do it!!
Seminar Leaders: Judy Flieder & Barbara Keller
Course Information
Dates/Time: Thursdays, 1:00- to 3:00 pm, March 29 through April 5
Location: Haverhill
Cost: Free
CRN: 194 Course Number: COOL1138 Section: OWA
Dealing with Difficult People
Dealing with Difficult People
Trying to communicate or reason with difficult people can be frustrating. Learn practical tools and techniques to help you deal with “difficult” people with ease and confidence.
Seminar Leaders: Tom Ellis
Course Information
Dates/Time: Thursdays, 2:00 to 4:00 pm, March 29 through April 26
Location: Haverhill
Cost: $30
CRN: 193 Course Number: COOL1137 Section: OWA
Senior Theater — John Proctor
Senior Theater — John Proctor
Students with a desire to express his or her acting talents will read
and perform an original one act play (no memorization required) in a
stress-free environment.
Course Information
Dates/Time: Wednesdays, 2:00 to 4:00 pm, March 28 through April 25
Location: Haverhill
Cost: $30
CRN: 361 Course Number: COOL1049 Section: OWA
Registration and Confirmation
How 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.
Parking
Most seminars take place on NECC’s Haverhill Campus at the Opportunity Works Building (HOW) and no parking pass is needed. Temporary permits will be mailed for a few courses that are at Haverhill but are not at the HOW building. Parking passes should be displayed on the driver’s side dashboard.
If for any reason you need additional information regarding parking or a guest parking permit, please contact Sandy Zappala at szappala@necc.mass.edu (e-mail is the preferred method of contact) or 978-556-3064.
