Seniors for Creative Learning readies for fall semester

By Jamie Schnell

schnellj@knoxfocus.com

Seniors for Creative Learning is a nonprofit, volunteer-driven organization dedicated to encouraging individuals age 50 and older to learn new things and enjoy new experiences. SCL offers informal educational and social opportunities with lecture-based courses including instruction from former University of Tennessee professors as well as local professionals.

Denise Schmoyer, secretary of the SCL Curriculum Committee, first learned of the organization from the UT noncredit course catalogue. “I really enjoy it. Many people have worked hard to keep SCL running for over 25 years.  I wanted to help it continue, so I volunteered for the Curriculum Committee.”

SCL President Joe Clarke explained the development of Seniors for Creative Learning was driven 25 years ago by transportation challenges in senior students getting to the UT campus. There was a need for easier access and a tailored curriculum for that specific age group.

Clarke told The Focus that they want to grow their current 80–100 member base and find the best speakers locally that are responsive to what the members would like to learn about.

With classes ranging from history and science to senior concerns and sports, there is certainly something for everyone.

Programs and instructors lined up for this fall include:

– “FBI’s Response to Terrorism” (Special Agent Michelle Ernst and Detective Brandon Stryker)

– “The Pros and Cons of Nuclear Energy” (Keith Meriwether)

– “Bird Love: Courtship and Pair Bonding” (Stephen Bales)

– “History of the Tennessee Valley Authority” (Henry Wilson, PhD.)

– “How AI is Affecting Your Healthcare” (Tami Wyatt, PhD)

– “Artemis Vs. Apollo Lunar Programs” (Bradley Thomson, PhD.)

– “River and Rail Theatre Company” (Kenneth Herring)

– “Exploring the Possibilities of Regenerative Agriculture” (Benjamin Steltenkamp)

– “The Melungeons-Past, Present, and Future” (Aaron Collins)

– “Gardening with Native Plants” (Sara Bryant)

– “Appalachian Bear Rescue” (Greg Grieco)

– “Civil Wal Generals” (Tim Vane)

– “Tennessee Theatre’s 612 Project” (Becky Hancock)

– “B4 Stage4” (Ben Harrington and Sara O’Brien)

– “WDVX: Broadcasting Around the World from Gay Street” (Nelson Gullett)

– “Horticulture for Health” (Derrick Stowell)

– “Wildlife Rehabilitation” (Marybeth Rood)

– “How Knoxville Helped Create a National Park” (Jack Neely)

– “Around the World in 180 Days” (Noel Kuck)

– “Second Harvest Food Bank” (Elaine Steno)

– “The Cal Ripken Baseball Experience” (Kat Wojciechowski) and

– “From Batboy to Congressman” (Former Congressman Jimmy Duncan).

Field trips for SCL members include trips to Knoxville’s Jewelry TV, Elkmont, and the Appalachian Clubhouse. The semester will end with a luncheon celebration for members.

SCL is supported by membership fees, the University of Tennessee Center for Professional Education & Lifelong Learning and the John T. O’Connor Center.

The membership fee is $40 per person or $65 for two people per semester, with additional costs for field trips. If you are interested in attending your first lecture for free, call (865) 974-0150, or to learn more about Seniors for Creative Learning and view the specific program dates, visit tinyurl.com/SCLInformation.

Registration for fall classes is ongoing and classes run September 17 through October 31. One may enroll at any time during the semester. Classes are offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the John T. O’Connor Center at 611 Winona Street in Knoxville.

What’s next year look like for the SCL?

“We are hoping to have a program on the Scopes Trial as it will be the 100th anniversary next summer,” Schmoyer told The Focus. “Also, if possible, we want to take a field trip to the new Knoxville stadium.”