Wide Range of Senior College Classes Offered

The Senior College is offering a bakaer's dozen classes this fall, including a perennial favorite, Landscape Design, as well as a close-up view of less-visited National Parks.

Ten afternoon and three evening classes will be offered by Anacortes Senior College for its fall term, Oct. 14-Nov. 20, 2014. Classes are from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday and from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday at Anacortes Middle School.

All courses are six weeks, unless otherwise noted. The college offers courses to adults 50 years and older. Cost is $30 for a six-week course and $20 for a three-week course.

Tuesday afternoon

  • Understanding Shakespeare – Diana Farnsworth approaches the Olde English of the Bard as it is meant to be read and preformed. Rehearse and preform scenes. Learn how to write sonnets. Be immersed in all things Elizabethan.
  • Industries of Anacortes – Tom Kuhn moderates. Hear representatives from Deception Pass Distillery, Port of Anacortes, Micro Aerodynamics, Magnaphase Industries, T. Bailey, and Swinomish Casino.
  • Children's Lit for the Young at Heart – In this three-week course, Karen Eichler looks at the themes of our childhood: how they reflect social change and connect with history, math and science education. Oct. 14, 21 and 28.
  • You Can Afford to Eat Good Food – In this three-week class, Heather Burke continues her search for healthy foods and for making wise nutrition choices. Take a field trip to the market, and learn how to read labels, compare prices and shop wisely. Nov. 4, 11 and 18.

Thursday afternoon

  • Landscape Design – Ani Gurnee returns with ideas and solutions for landscaping. Share knowledge through classroom discussions and visits to nearby homes.
  • Our Changing American Culture – Dr. Michael Newbrough examines the America of our youth and explores the ways of coping with the current changes and trends in our country. Instructor and class will probe the probabilities together.
  • The Tankers of Puget Sound – In this three-week course, Ed Irish explains the type, structure and operation of the tankers which are seen daily in our waters. Oct. 16, 23 and 30.
  • Investing in Stocks and Bonds – In this three-week course, Bill Short analyzes the characteristics of stocks, bonds, cash, mutual funds, limited partnerships, etc. Learn how to develop an investment portfolio and estate plan. Oct. 16, 23, and 30.
  • Our National Parks – In this three-week course, Roxanne Parish looks at the past, present and future of our National Park System. Which were our first parks? Which are the most popular? How can we preserve our unique heritage? Nov. 6, 13 and 20.

Thursday evening

  • Criminal Procedure – Capt. Lou D'Amelio emphasizes the law enforcement of our local community. Learn the rules of arrest, how testimony and physical evidence are gathered, and court procedure. Inquire about and discuss the safety of our town.
  • Contra-Dancing – Betty and Bill Connor introduce singles and couples to the dances brought over from England. As "callers," they will lead each dance and demonstrate how the call fits the music. Learn the circle and line dancing of our heritage.
  • Our Universe: Perpetually Evolving – Tom Churchill discusses stars, solar systems, nebulae and galaxies. Explore the universe using images and information from satellites, robotic probes and space-based telescopes.

Visit seniorcollege.org for a complete course schedule, registration form and instructor biographies. For more information, call (360) 503-1255.