The Enid News and Eagle, Enid, OK

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August 22, 2008

Exercising the brain with Lifelong Learning classes

By Kasey Fowler, Staff writer

Lifelong Learning Institute is entering its 15th year and will be providing four classes for adults 55 and over during the fall semester.

Classes begin Sept. 16 and continue for eight weeks to Nov. 6. Classes meet on Tuesday and Thursday.

Classes being offered this semester are “A Peripatetic Historical Quest: The British Navy and Beginnings of Modern Foreign Policy,” “Weekly Update,” “Arts in World Religions” and “History and Development of China.”

John L. Cromwell, a native of Enid and businessman, is teaching “A Peripatetic Historical Quest: The British Navy and Beginnings of Modern Foreign Policy.” The class will survey the Napoleonic era, the 19th century, the impact of rapidly changing technology on all navies and how this led to competition with Germany for naval supremacy at sea before World War I and then again before World War II.

Julie Baird, executive director of Leonardo’s Discovery Warehouse, is teaching “Weekly Update.” The class will focus on current, local, state, national and international events and how they impact daily lives.

Ken Kelsey, teacher at Northern Oklahoma College Enid and Northwestern Oklahoma State University-Alva, is teaching “Arts in World Religions.” The class will look into religious art and architecture that spans the centuries and the globe, as well as famous, familiar pieces and less well-known pieces.

Richard Stephens, founder and CEO of LINKS International, is teaching “History and Development of China.” The class will discuss how the geographical location of China controlled its development, the rise of emperors and dynasties and the rise of modern China.

Lifelong Learning Institute provides learning opportunities for adults 55 and over. Lorene Harnish, administrative director, said the program is all about learning.

“There are no tests, no grades, no homework, no stress,” she said.

The classes give senior adults the opportunity to keep working their brains and learn new subjects, said Brenda Faust, who has taken several classes previously.

“I have really enjoyed the history and art appreciation classes. One reason I moved to Enid after I retired was I was looking for opportunities like Lifelong Learning,” Faust said. “It has helped me keep my mind stimulated and make friends. I have learned things I probably wouldn’t have learned otherwise.”

Karen Randall agrees the classes help work the brain.

“If you have never attended classes, you should. It is wonderful. It does help exercise your brain,” she said.

The class will meet at Central Christian Church, 1111 W. Broadway.

For information about membership, schedule, classes, location or facilities, call Harnish at 234-1975.

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