A Year in Review / What’s Next

This has been a good year at the Center for Lifelong Learning. We increased our membership from 875 to 1116. It is good to know we are growing.

This year we hosted several big events. In February, we held the first Spoon and Croon Valentine Lunch. Over 60 people brought their sweethearts, best friends, or a sibling to hear Jack Sauers sing old favorites. We will be repeating this event in the New Year with our Sweet Melodies Valentine Lunch. Mark your calendar for February 13, 11:30 -1:30 at the Ballroom on the ASU Campus. Watch for details in our catalog coming out right after Christmas.

We also hosted law enforcement representatives from around the state in our Active Shooter Training that was held in March. This training helped deputies and officers know what to do when someone was shooting up a school or mall. More than 50 people attended this event.

In April we celebrated our second birthday with a dance party that kicked off our new Swing Dance class. Participants has such a good time dancing the night away they joined the Beginners class to learn the Lindy, East and West Coast Swing, and so much more. Classes were so popular we also offered the class in Decatur. Next year we will be kicking off the Dance class with a Sweetheart Dance on Friday, February 14. Even if you don’t know how to dance, you can bring your sweetheart to the dance and learn a step or two. Call 256-233-8262 for details.

During the summer months we hosted several camps for kids. Campers had a great time painting, learning to babysit, playing instruments, and learning the basics of drama. More than 100 kids attended this summer and we hope to see more next year. Our new summer camp brochure is coming out the end of February – watch for information in your mailbox, newspaper, or on our website – www.athens.edu/CLL.

We will be hosting several new things in 2014. In January we will kick off the Our Town series. Like politics? Like pie? Even if you have lived in Athens all your life, this series will introduce you to “Our Town.” Forget the pie charts and pies-in-the-sky. Getting the real rundown on how City Hall works and how your officials are working for you. Join us for mouthwatering pie and stimulating conversation as we get to know our city better, one piece at a time.

The opening session will be What You Didn’t Know About Annexation with Mayor Ronnie Marks and Dr. Jess Brown talking about why annexation should matter to you. Find out how annexation affects voting, taxation, and school districts. We will be serving apple pie for this discussion. The date is Tuesday, January 21, from 1:30-2:30 at the Center for Lifelong Learning.

Learning is a process and it is the everyday learning that helps us grow and makes us wise. We hope to see you at the Center in the New Year. I wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Center for Lifelong Learning – 121 South Marion Street, Athens, AL 35611
By: Wanda Campbell