Learning something new every day is the goal of the Lifelong Learning program, which offers senior citizens of Erie County the opportunity to keep their gears shifting by growing in knowledgelong after classroom time has expired.
The upcoming lecture will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. June 20 and will feature Kunchok Youdon, a student at the University at Buffalo and an exile from Tibet.
“Glimpses of Tibet” will feature information about the culture and political climate of Tibet and better prepare seniors for the fall visit from the Dalai Lama when he is to accept an honorary degree from UB.
“The new senior population is really interested in education,” said Patricia Doweling, RSVP Director of Lifelong Learning. “UB offers free classroom audits, but have not been getting the senior response they had hoped for.”
Dowling said she thinks because of the many obstacles students face like parking and crowded classrooms, seniors have held back from participating.
That is why “Glimpses of Tibet” will be held at Canterbury Woods, 705 Renaissance Drive, Williamsville, where seniors will be comfortable to learn in their own environment.
Art and Wellness Director at Canterbury Woods Gail Siskin said she has had an overwhelming response from the community.
“I can only take 20 people outside of the 203 appointments I already have in my residence,” she said. “I have no way of knowing about how many people, so people must register due to limited enrollment.”
Siskin said she has been working with UB for several years, as well as a variety of local educational institutions to bring seniors ongoing learning.
“This is an attempt to provide seniors throughout Erie County an opportunity to enrich their lives through education and promote wellness,” she said.
For more information or to register, call Siskin at 929-5800.
Contact Melanie Larsen at 693-1000, Ext. 158, or larsenm@gnnewspaper.com.
