Learning As A Lifestyle – Never Stop Learning

I know it is cold outside and the weather is miserable this time of year. These frigid days are a good time to curl up with a good book. If you don’t mind getting out on these cold nights, I suggest the Athens State Book Club meetings.

The Athens State Library sponsors a book discussion group that meets once a month during the fall and spring semesters. Anyone is welcome! Reading selections are chosen by members. There are no fees, and there is no pressure to join or participate. Meetings are held at the Center for Lifelong Learning on the scheduled day at 7:00 pm.

The February selection, “K Blows Top: A Cold War Comic Interlude Starring Nikita Khrushchev, America’s Most Unlikely Tourist,” written by Peter Carlsen, will be discussed on Tuesday, February 16. The book chronicles Khrushchev’s 1959 trip across America. If history is not your thing, you might prefer the March selection “Silas Marner” by George Eliot which will be discussed on March 15.

If reading doesn’t ring your chimes, the Center is offering other events you might consider.

The first is the Hand Gun Safety Course. In the first session, Thursday, January 28, from 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm, you will learn liability and handgun laws in Alabama, the psychology of defense, handling and storage issues, how to maintain your handgun, how to hold your hand gun, and the fundamentals of handguns. This session of the class will be held at the Center for Lifelong Learning and refreshments will be provided.

The second session, Saturday, January 30, from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, will be taught at the firing range. You will receive directions from the instructor on Thursday. Remember to bring your handgun to class both days. DO NOT bring your handgun loaded; remove the ammunition prior to entering the building. You will need to bring your ammunition with you to the range.

The fee for the Hand Gun Safety Course is $65 per person. You can register in person at the Center, by calling 256-233-8260 or go online at www.athens.edu/CLL.

Another event is the Sweet Melodies Valentine Lunch, which is scheduled for Friday, February 12, from 11:30 am – 1:00 pm, at the Center. On a day when romance is in the air, nothing will warm your heart more than sweet melodies sung the way they were meant to be. Join us for a wonderful lunch event and music provided by Barry Kay. Kay was born in Huntsville and raised in Lacey’s Spring, Alabama. He graduated college with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Birmingham-Southern College and is a local favorite in Athens. Bring your best friend or beau and bask in the warmth of friendship and “sweet melodies.”

The fee for this event is $40/couple. You can register in person at the Center or call 256-233-8260 or go online at www.athens.edu/CLL.

One other class offered in February is the Business 101 course, cosponsored with the Decatur Morgan County Entrepreneurial Center. This is an all-inclusive 9-week class that includes real world expertise from small business owners. Participants will be involved in strategic planning and the establishment of a solid foundation It is designed for entrepreneurs with a new business start-up, for owners of a growing business, employees of small business that desire to add value and support in their job, and anyone desiring knowledge of entrepreneurship and how to start a business.

This class is offered on Mondays, February 22 – April 25, from 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm, at the Center for Lifelong Learning. The fee is $350 per person. You can register in person at the Center or call 256-233-8260 or go online at www.athens.edu/CLL.

Keep watching the website for more classes in March, and never stop learning.
By: Wanda Campbell
Center for Lifelong Learning – 121 South Marion Street, Athens, AL 35611 – 256-233-8262