ElderCollege Delta marks its 10th anniversary this year.
The organization offers a range of courses, without the pressure of exams, around South Delta for those over 50 during spring and fall semesters.
"Just because you're getting older, doesn't mean you stop learning. You can learn something every day," says Pat McCabe, who's been involved with the organization for nine years, taking courses on Shakespeare as well as being part of the ElderCollege Delta Singers.
In Tsawwassen, course locations tend to cluster around KinVillage Community Centre while ElderCollege has longstanding commitments from Cedar Park Church and Augustine House in Ladner.
In the fall of 2003, with former Delta council member Ann Claggett as its first chairperson, ElderCollege Delta offered nine courses, notes past chair June Morin.
"We had no idea what to expect and we were absolutely overwhelmed and gratified," Morin says, recalling the group's first general registration. "From there it just kept growing."
There are about 25 courses on tap for the current fall semester as well as three field trips and a special public presentation in conjunction with Delta school district, says Paulette Tattersall, chairperson of ElderCollege Delta's council.
Students come from all walks of life, she says.
Beth Sparks, who got involved with ElderCollege Delta last year, is recently retired and says she never really left school, from kindergarten through to a PhD. "There's not a thought in my mind of ever stopping learning new things," she says.
Tattersall explains that ElderCollege is a grassroots organization and "only one of two such colleges in B.C. that does not receive support from an institution of higher learning such as a college or university."
Most third-age learning colleges are supported by providing instructors and classroom space, whereas ElderCollege relies on the community for both, she adds, noting the Rotary clubs of Ladner and Tsawwassen have helped with donations towards a scholarship program that permits seniors of limited means to take courses.
For more on the group, or to check out available courses visit www.kinvillage.org/elder_college. The group is always looking for instructors and help at the council level.
