Registration is now open for Vancouver Island University’s ElderCollege.
A total of 27 new courses have been added to the list since last year, and 66 courses are offered in total for the September intake.
New courses for September include home fire safety, writing mystery fiction, founders of religion, and the esoterically titled ‘Making Your Dreams Come True.’
Others include courses in Vancouver Island history, solar electric power and natural medicine.
ElderCollege is celebrating 26 years of serving the community.
The program began in 1993 and has grown to include more than 1200 members.
The first set of fall courses runs from Sept. 3 to Nov. 4. Registration is not yet open for the second set is Oct. 28 to Dec. 9.
There are also a number of one-day sessions available, that run for two to three hours each.
Courses are available in Nanaimo, Parksville and Qualicum Beach, with one in Nanoose Bay.
All courses are taught by volunteer instructors.
The program describes the coursework as “a lively classroom experience with lots of discussion but no exams or grades.”
Also new this year is a ‘Friday Forum’ on the topic ‘Navigating the Health Care System.’
There will also be a Saturday speakers series.
The first one takes place on Sept. 21 and will feature Brian Peckford giving a speech entitled ‘What really happened when our constitution was patriated.’
These Saturday speakers will take place at Nanoose Place and are open to all.
In order to register, participants must purchase a $20 annual membership in VIU ElderCollege.
For a full list of courses and locations, head to https://adm.viu.ca/eldercollege/eldercollege-courses .
Online registration is not available. Anyone interested in signing up is asked to call 1-866-734-6252.