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 four 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; To register please call 978-556-3700. For details please call 978-556-3110.
Upcoming Seminars/Lectures/Courses
Theater Talk?
Theater Talk
This seminar discusses local theater, and the craft of acting; participate in a little improvisation, and perform a short comedy, done as a dramatic reading without memorization.
Seminar Leader: John Proctor
Course Information
Dates/Time: Thursdays, 2:00 to 4:00 pm, September 6 through October 18
Location: Haverhill
Cost: $35
CRN: 551 Course Number: COOL1144 Section: OWA
Radioactive Menace! Horror Films of the 1950's
“Radioactive Menace! Horror Films of the 1950’s”
Fear of radiation from atomic tests in the 1950’s spawned an industry of horror films. We will watch and discuss five of the best.
Lecture Leader: Ruth Young
Course Information
Dates/Time: Tuesdays, 2:00 to 4:00 pm, September 18 through October 16
Location: Haverhill Campus
Cost: $35
CRN: 546 Course Number: COOL1139 Section: OWA
Take a Group Walk for Fun and Exercise
Take a Group Walk for Fun and Exercise
Newburyport and Andover offer lovely woodsy walks. Enjoy the beauty of nature and conservation in a different location each week.
Facilitators: Lillian and Brian McGinty
Course Information
Dates/Time: Tuesday, 1:00 to 3:00 pm, September 18 Meet and Greet, Haverhill; 4 walks September 25-October 16
Location: Haverhill
Cost: $35
CRN: 547 Course Number: COOL1140 Section: OWA
Maintain the Good Life Through Weight Loss and Lifestyle Changes
Maintain the “Good Life” Through Weight Loss and Lifestyle Changes
Learn new skills, and tools to motivate and inspire you while achieving your health/weight loss goals. Richard has helped people lose over 20,000 pounds.
Lecture Leader: Richard Curtin
Course Information
Dates/Time: Wednesdays, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, September 19 through October 17
Location: Haverhill
Cost: $35
CRN: 548 Course Number: COOL1141 Section: OWA
Reading in the Time of the Butterflies
Reading in the Time of the Butterflies
We will read and discuss Julia Alvarez’s novel and discuss the Dominican Republic history that inspired her book. Please purchase copy of the novel.
Lecture Leader: Barbara Stachniewicz
Course Information
Dates/Time: Wednesdays, 2:00 to 4:00 pm, September 19 through October 17
Location: Haverhill
Cost: $35
CRN: 549 Course Number: COOL1142 Section: OWA
Marijuana
Marijuana
Seminar learners will research and discuss the history, legalization, medicinal and recreational uses of marijuana, while exploring positive and negative side effects and social impact.
Seminar Leader: George Medelinskas
Course Information
Dates/Time: Thursdays, 10:00 am to Noon, September 20 through October 18
Location: Haverhill
Cost: $35
CRN: 550 Course Number: COOL1143 Section: OWA
Exploring the Universe Through the Hubble Space Telescope
Exploring the Universe Through the Hubble Space Telescope
Examine spectacular images of our solar system, our galaxy and beyond from the Hubble Space Telescope and explore what they show us about the Cosmos.
Lecture Leader: Jerry Bourdon
Course Information
Dates/Time: Fridays, 2:00 to 4:00 pm, September 21 through October 19
Location: Haverhill
Cost: $35
CRN: 552 Course Number: COOL1134 Section: OWB
Ireland's Great Hunger
Ireland’s Great Hunger
This seminar will examine the tragic Irish Famine of 1845-1850, the social and historical aspects of which had long term and far reaching results.
Seminar Leader: Mary Ellen Morris
Course Information
Dates/Time: Mondays, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, October 15 through November 5
Location: Haverhill
Cost: $35
CRN: 553 Course Number: COOL1145 Section: OWA
Tai Chi to Improve Balance and Strength
Tai Chi to Improve Balance and Strength
Developed for the Arthritis Foundation, this program teaches the Sun Form followed by Qigong meditation to blend your mind and Chi.
Facilitator: Allen Drelick
Course Information
Dates/Time: Mondays, 2:45 to 4:00 pm, October 15 through November 19, No class November 12
Location: Haverhill
Cost: $35
CRN: 554 Course Number: COOL1111 Section: OWB
Discovering More of Historic New England
Discovering More of Historic New England
Immerse yourself in the history of New England as we explore various historical topics through the work of Historic New England. Each week we will discover a new and fascinating topic such as women preservationists, the history of old Newbury, Gropius House and Bauhaus movement, and hats and shoes. In addition travel to two Historic New England properties, our Haverhill Facility and Swett-Isley House in Newbury.
Lecture Leader: Sarah Jaworski
Course Information
Dates/Time: Tuesdays, 10:00 pm to 12:00 pm, October 16 through November 13
Location: Haverhill
Cost: $35
CRN: 555 Course Number: COOL1120 Section: OWB
How Will Rising Sea Levels Affect New England?
How Will Rising Sea Levels Affect New England?
These lectures describe how the combined effects of global warming and sea level rise can affect our New England weather, coastlines, and economy.
Lecture Leader: Dr. Robert Young
Course Information
Dates/Time: Tuesdays, 10:00 am- to 12:00 pm, October 16 through November 13
Location: Haverhill
Cost: $35
CRN: 556 Course Number: COOL1146 Section: OWA
Be a Better Communicator by Understanding Yourself and Others
Be a Better Communicator by Understanding Yourself and Others
Learn about better communication by assessing your personality and other personalities, being an active listener, improving your self confidence and emotional flexibility.
Lecture Leader: Judy Junker
Course Information
Dates/Time: Tuesdays, 2:00 to 4:00 pm, October 16 through November 13
Location: Haverhill
Cost: $35
CRN: 557 Course Number: COOL1147 Section: OWA
A Historical Look at the Merrimack Valley
A Historical Look at the Merrimack Valley
A 3-week overview of Merrimack Valley history from the time it was first explored by the English and French-Canadians in the 1600’s to today.
Lecture Leader:Rich Padova
Course Information
Dates/Time: Wednesdays, 2:30 to 4:30 pm, October 17 through October 31
Location: Haverhill
Cost: $25
CRN: 559 Course Number: COOL1149 Section: OWA
Death Cleaning and Organization
Death Cleaning and Organization
Don’t leave stuff for others to take care of when you die. Organize your living space. HOUSE work is required in this hands-on course! Notebook needed.
Lecture Leader:George Medelinskas
Course Information
Dates/Time: Wednesdays, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, October 17 through November 14
Location: Haverhill
Cost: $35
CRN: 558 Course Number: COOL1148 Section: OWA
Retirement: Creating Happiness & Sense of Purpose in Your Vital Years
Retirement: Creating Happiness & Sense of Purpose in Your Vital Years
Explore tools and suggestions for planning and enjoying retirement. We will be using “What Color Is Your Parachute? For Retirement” by Nelson & Bolles. Purchase of book optional.
Lecture Leader:Tom Ellis
Course Information
Dates/Time: Thursdays, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, October 18 through November 15
Location: Haverhill
Cost: $35
CRN: 560 Course Number: COOL1150 Section: OWA
Non Traditional Healing
Non Traditional Healing
Explore techniques such as Reiki, herbal and nutritional approaches, and others once considered out of the mainstream. Quantum healing experiments may challenge your view of reality!
Lecture Leader:Mark Palermo
Course Information
Dates/Time: Thursdays, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, October 18 through November 15
Location: Haverhill Campus
Cost: $35
CRN: 561 Course Number: COOL1128 Section: OWB
From Memories to Memoirs: Your Stories, Your Words
From Memories to Memoirs: Your Stories, Your Words
Everyone has a story inside waiting to be written. Join us for a fun, informative workshop that will help you turn memories into memoirs.
Lecture Leader:Bridget Rawding
Course Information
Dates/Time: Fridays, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, October 19 through November 16
Location: Haverhill Campus
Cost: $35
CRN: 562 Course Number: COOL1151 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/lectures/courses 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.
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