Older Adult Learning Community one of Poconos' 'best-kept, not-so-secrets'
There are acronyms for just about everything today, but there is one that promises to enrich the lives of those who participate. That is TOALC, translated to The Older Adult Learning Community. This may be one of the best kept, not so secret, organization with programs in the Poconos.
As mentioned in an earlier article, TOALC is launching its summer course programs beginning Monday, May 22. The organization was organized by seniors to support lifelong learning and enriched social connections in 2002 and has flourished by tapping into the many talented individuals living here in the Poconos.
Gregory Nulle, TOALC’s Vice President and Programming Committee Chair proudly speaks of all the exciting programs offered throughout the year. There is the winter/spring session that runs from January to March, the summer session, May to July and the fall session, September to November. Each one has a bevy of classes that cross a wide range of topics and includes outings as well.
There is an average of 60 classes offered each “semester” and there is an average of 200 participants in each one. Although the word seniors is used, the classes are open to any adult. Register for as many classes as you would like for the reasonable $45 per semester fee. As Nulle says, “We believe in the importance of lifelong learning to stay young in mind and spirit.”
More from Debbie Kulick: Book by former Pocono Record reporter is worthwhile read into history of Tocks Island dam
Plenty of classes on offer
The classes, that are not excursions, are held at the East Stroudsburg Presbyterian Church, located at 55 Smith Street in East Stroudsburg. All the class leaders have personal or professional subject enthusiasm they want to share. During COVID lockdown the organization stayed open to keep the members socially connected.
Wondering what is being offered during the summer semester? Here is a sampling in each category being offered. Events and trips offered include the Disney 100 exhibition at the Franklin Institute, a paddle trip and picnic at Tobyhanna State Park, Solo Acoustic concert of Blues, Classic Folk and Rock music, theater parties at Shawnee Playhouse, Summer 1975 Blockbuster movie at Pocono Cinema and a tour of Tannersville Cranberry Bog.
On the Arts and Crafts front, there will be classes for drawing, acrylics, Chinese Brush painting, quilting, Plein Air painting demonstration, a watercolor workshop and there is a Photography Club.
Perhaps you are looking to get more exercise. Plenty of choices here too. A sampling such as Fieldstone Farm hick, golf and disc golf, a walking group, Tai Chi, Birdwatching, Chair exercises, yoga, ballet for seniors and ageless grace Neuroplasticity exercises. There are Literature and writing classes with local authors, a creative writing group, and book discussions, plus more.
Interested in local and world issues? TOALC has that covered too. Current event discussion groups, a Tocks Island Study group, global issues discussions and more. In this world of STEM focus, science related classes will address everything from Artificial Intelligence to the Psychology of both humor and music to the domestication of the horse and dog, the miracles of language and memory as well as a New York Science Times discussion group.
Classes that focus on religious and spiritual topics include Bible discussion, Eastern Spirituality, Judaism and meditations. For those looking to socialize, there will be groups and classes for dramatics, a choral group, an instrumental ensemble, Mah Jongg, Scrabble and luncheons.
For the Do-It-Yourselfer, there is Home Maintenance and Repair and some cooking related classes. There is a Dementia Workshop for Caregivers planned as well. So many options, you’ll need to have a calendar to schedule all you can do and learn!
To learn more, get on the TOALC mailing list or register for some of those amazing classes, call them at 570-422-7810, email them at infor@theoalc.org or visit their website: theoalc.org.
The office is located at the East Stroudsburg Presbyterian Church (55 Smith St, East Stroudsburg) and is open Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The registration deadline for this semester is Wednesday, May 17.
Debbie Kulick writes a weekly column for the Pocono Record and Tri-County Independent. She serves on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic as an EMT.
This article originally appeared on Pocono Record: Older Adult Learning Community offers plethora of programs in Poconos
