As Mother Nature loosens her wintery grasp, Crossville’s Center for Lifelong Learning’s spring catalog of classes is sure to bring sun and smiles to our city.
Online registration begins March 2 for classes that will begin March 6.
“Don’t miss this semester’s offerings that range from the arts to technology with variety galore in between,” said Sue LeDoux, an area writer who promotes the program. “To check out the classes or to register, go to www.roanestate.edu/CLL.”
Classes will take place in the Cumberland Business Incubator (the smaller building on the campus at 2567 Cook Road, Crossville) unless otherwise posted.
Participants can pay $40 and enroll for as many classes as they’d like throughout the year. Enrollment for the spring semester is $20. Some classes may have a small materials fee.
Email cllteam@cllcrossville.org for information. LeDoux said someone will get in contact.
Classes for spring session include:
Design a One-of-a-Kind Card. One session: Wednesday, April 1, 1-3 p.m. In this class, Deb Mauch—a skilled card crafter for 15 years—will teach beginners how to create a unique greeting card for their chosen occasion. Besides learning the terminology, students will explore creative ways to personalize the card with multi-layer fonts, pre-cut greetings and more. The class fee is $7; the instructor will provide tools and materials.
iPad Basics. Two sessions: Thursdays, March 26 and April 2, 9-10:30 a.m. “Has the iPad you recently acquired raise more questions than answers?” LeDoux asked. “What about IOS versus Windows, and how does one organize files and photos?” Tim Pickel has been a fine arts teacher and Apple Creative teacher for 33 years and will walk participants through the functions of all things Apple.
Graphic Design Made Easy with Canva. Two sessions: Thursdays, March 26 and April 2, 1-3 p.m. Courtney Havirlek and Greg Gibson are educators with a wide range of skills, including technology. In this class, they will present an overview of Canva, a platform/app used to create flyers, posters, brochures, and infographics with text, graphics, and photos. Participants should bring their laptop to class.
Practical Computer Security Practices. One session: Wednesday, March 25, 1-2:30 p.m. Dave Korb, with a degree in electrical engineering and 35 years in information technology, brings his expertise on general computer security practices to this class. He will cover a wide range of topics, including operating systems, malware protection, passwords and password managers, and virtual private networks (VPN).
After the Bubble Bursts: Retirement Strategies for a Market Collapse. One session: Monday, March 23, 10:30 a.m.–noon. With more than 35 years in the financial services industry, Stan Stillwell examines the historical context for market collapse, and strategies to leverage specific asset classes before and after such a collapse. His goal is to help retirees minimize their financial risk.
The Battle of Mossy Creek. One session: Thursday, March 12, 2:30–4 p.m. David Needs, with degrees in political science and minors in history and military science, brings a unique perspective to this look at the Battle of Mossy Creek. Although one of many battles fought in East Tennessee, it epitomizes the decision-making roles that junior and non-commissioned officers played on both sides of the Civil War.
Lewis and Clark: The Great Adventure. Two sessions: Wednesday, March 11 and March 18, 1-2:30 p.m. Dewayne McGhee, a history teacher for 20 years in Cumberland County, will take students on this historic journey. Starting with its political motives, students will learn about the Corps of Discovery and the challenges of trekking toward the unknown. The second class will introduce students to indigenous nations, scientific discoveries, our unique geography and cultural landscape.
What If? Counterfactual History and the American Experience. One session: Tuesday, March 24, 10–11:30 a.m. J.C. Davis, a history teacher and professor for many years, brings his experiences of reenactments and collections of stories and artifacts to this class that asks, “What if?” relative to pivotal moments of America’s past. How would alternative outcomes have reshaped the United States over the last 250 years? Explore the answers together.
My Baker’s Dozen: Lessons in Life and Statesmanship from Sen. Howard H. Baker Jr. One Session: Wednesday, March 25, 10–11:30 a.m. Alan C. Lowe is the current executive director and CEO of the Atomic Museum of Science and Energy and the K-25 Atomic Energy Campus in Oak Ridge, TN. With a background as director of several presidential libraries, he brings a wealth of knowledge about Baker, the longtime U.S. senator from Tennessee. In this class, he will examine Baker’s life, leadership, and 13 lessons drawn from Baker’s legacy, including conflict management, building consensus, and more.
Tablets to Tablets: From Stone to Digital. One Session: Wednesday, April 1, 10–11:30 a.m. Copper Jackson brings his interest in the role of technology in self-expression, free speech, and media democratization to this class. He will discuss how technology (smartphones and social media) affects the ability to read and think deeply.
Finding Your Why: Practices for Healthy Aging. One session: Thursday, March 12, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Peggy Eberhart, owner of the Brikhouse Gym Fitness Campus in Crossville, will share her knowledge of how fitness, nutrition, and other life choices support healthy aging. Learn why she believes success can be found by discovering the ultimate Why for changing lifestyles.
Mindfulness Meditation: Finding the Calm in the Present Moment. Four sessions: Tuesdays, March 10, March 17, March 24 and March 31, 2:30-3:30 p.m. Mike Croley, founder of The Tranquil Path, is a certified mindfulness meditation teacher. Each of the four sessions will begin with a discussion on the basics of mindfulness; what it is, how it works, and why it matters. Then follows a guided meditation practice to help participants slow down, breathe, and reconnect with the present moment.
Society’s Impact on Women’s Health. One session: Tuesday, March 17, 10-11:30 a.m. Anne Koci, Ph.D. and nurse practitioner, knows about the effects of marginalization on women. As a nurse practitioner and professor, she has seen how marginalization has made women more vulnerable to physical, psychological, and economic abuse. In this class, she will explain the signs of marginalization and options for women experiencing it.
Aging in Place. One session: Wednesday, March 18, 10–11:30 a.m. Allyna and Bailey Smith, both occupational therapists, will share their expertise on helping older adults live safely and meaningfully in their own homes. The class will cover age-related changes, environmental modifications, adaptive equipment, fall prevention, and more. Both are experts in the pelvic floor exercises that support the lower back and bladder.
Disc Golf. One session: Thursday, March 19, 1:30–3:30 p.m. Instructors Tom Gorman and Tom Pokorski have played disc golf since its infancy in the 1970s. From days of frisbees to today’s engineered discs, they will introduce the game with a PowerPoint presentation. Then the class will play a nine-hole round of disc golf on campus. Dress with comfortable shoes and a hat for a leisurely 1-mile walk on mostly flat grass. An experienced player will accompany each group as students learn while doing.
Radiation and Radioactivity for the Curious. One session: Monday, March 9, 9–11:30 a.m. Tom Gorman is a retired radiation protection specialist with more than 40 years of experience in radiological protection. In this class, he will delve into aspects of radioactivity—what it is, where it is, and when to worry about it. Beyond aspects of self-protection, Gorman will discuss matters including what happens to the body with exposure, real-world radiological threats, and how to protect oneself in cases of a radiologic disaster.
Crossville-Cumberland County: Past, Present, and Future. One session: Wednesday, March 11, 10–11:30 a.m. Communities evolve through engagement and purposeful teamwork. Ethan Hadley’s background in economic development and his service on the Crossville-Cumberland County Chamber of Commerce makes him an expert on how the Chamber of Commerce works with local, regional, state, and federal governments to maximize opportunities for business, residents, and visitors.
Learn About Your Government: Suffrage. One session: Thursday, March 19, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Cheryl Brown, professor emeritus of Marshall University, has taught political science for years. She will address suffrage; that is, the right to vote in political elections. It is a hard-won right, one once reserved for a select few. Brown will discuss how suffrage is a primary mechanism for social change even today.
A Chat with Joe: Cumberland County Governance and the Crab Orchard Area. One session: Tuesday, March 17, 1–2:30 p.m. Joe Sherrill is in a unique position to share Crossville’s geology, history, and government. With family roots dating back to the early 1900s, Sherrill will share how our local government organizes and functions. He will explain its structure and roles, and his belief that a government is only as good as the number of citizens who take part and vote.
Linear Algebra. Four sessions: Thursdays, March 6, March 13, March 20 and March 27, 10 a.m.-noon. Mike Williamson will introduce the class to linear algebra with the assurance that no previous math experience is necessary. Along with some history, he will tackle several major topics involving linear algebra. Students will find “solutions” to “unsolvable” problems and learn to think mathematically in higher dimensions. With a background in nuclear engineering and physics, Williamson established the Crossville Physics and Mathematics group on the Meetup app.
Mahjong for Beginners. Four sessions: Mondays, March 9, March 16, March 23 and March 30, 1-3 p.m. Starting with the basics of mahjong, the class will progress to moves and strategies. By the start of the third class, participants will be playing mahjong. It is not necessary to have a mahjong set or cards. “Sue Kizer has been playing mahjong for several years and is excited to share her love of the game,” LeDoux said. “Guest presenters will be present at each table to help students.”