Catherine Hammond
Registration for the upcoming semester of New Adventures in Learning, a lifelong learning program, begins in mid-December when registration packets go out to current members. Many new classes are coming, as well as are several past favorites. These include subjects from science or technology to recreational topics, along with a wide range of other subjects.
Dick Vogel, former staff scientist in the Theoretical Division of the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory and a member of the “Hardtack” Hydrogen Bomb task force test in the South Pacific, shares his experience watching a Hydrogen bomb detonated. “DNA, Genes and Aging” comes from past Bio-Science Director for the Kentucky Doctoral Program in Gerontology, Daniel Richardson. Bobbie Reed, a former biomedical researcher who studied some genetic and non-genetic causes of disease and worked on DNA sequencing to identify genes and study their association with disease, looks at tools “genetic engineering has given scientists to alter the genetic code” in the session “Designer Genes.” To help members better understand A.I. devices, Robert Leneway presents “Hey Siri, Let’s Chat About Alexa, Google Home & Other Voice Activated A.I. Devices.” In a special class, “Real Research: Assessment of Balance and Fine Motor Skills,” members learn how balance and fine motor skills are assessed by researchers, and then individually participate in the research itself under the direction of Dr. Sydney Schaefer, Dr. Daniel Peterson or a member of their Arizona State University research team.
Michael J. Buscaglia presents “Bocce: A Perfect Game for Senior Citizens.” An introduction on how to play bocce and the benefits of the game for seniors, this class will begin at the Sun Lakes Center for a presentation. Then, the group will travel independently to the Sisk Park bocce ball field. Cheryl Hovde repeats her popular “Introduction to Mahjongg” and “Mahjongg: Part 2.”
Complete descriptions of these classes and many others, as well as additional information about New Adventures in Learning, can be found on the website at www.newadventures.info. Non-members can request the forms they need to join and then register by calling 480-857-5500 or visiting the Sun Lakes Center of Chandler-Gilbert Community College, located at 25105 S. Alma School Road, Sun Lakes, AZ 85248.
Registration by mail or at the Center continues throughout the semester. However, early registration ends on January 12, 2018, and many classes fill by that date. Classes begin February 5, 2018. An all-volunteer organization, New Adventures in Learning is affiliated with Chandler-Gilbert Community College. If you are a new member or need to renew your dues this month, the fee will be $25 for the spring and summer semesters both. Add an additional $15 college registration fee each semester you enroll in one class or more.