Learning in Retirement

Are you 50 or older? Have a curious mind? Want to explore new interests and learn new skills with a group of like-minded people? Would you like to meet new friends, and have some fun at the same time? Nelson and Area Learning in Retirement Society is a non-profit organization run by seniors for seniors, working in partnership with Selkirk College.
 
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Who We Are

Learning in Retirement (LiR) offers our 50+ community the opportunity to explore old and new interests in a relaxed and stimulating learning environment. LiR, a volunteer not-for-profit organization, works in partnership with Selkirk College to develop and provide a diverse program of speakers, courses and other activities for its members.

LiR officially began in 2009 and by 2020 had grown to a membership of 400. During the fall, winter and spring semesters there are guest speakers, interest groups, trivia quizzes, courses and field trips.

Check out the latest journal for schedules, news on past activities and more information on LiR.

LiR Journal

Become a Member

Besides membership, volunteering is a great way to develop and keep your skills sharp while you help to keep LiR vital in the Nelson area. There are eight board committees to volunteer for: program, social, communications, membership, finance, archives, safety and audio/visual.

To learn more, volunteer or contact the board, please email Nelson LiR

Register for LiR

Check back for courses for Winter/Spring 2024.  Registration will open Friday, January 12 at 12:30 pm. 

Courses

Armchair Travellers

Join us every week to hear about the adventures of our LiR members from the comfort of a classroom.

Beginner Line Dancing

This class will introduce dances to all kinds of music, mostly country. We will learn about 10 dances, keeping steps and dances at a beginner level.

Board Games

Come play board games and learn some new ones! Bring your favourite game to each session and join our LiR interest group.

Chinese Art Appreciation

Explore the main styles of Chinese art & philosophy through paintings & sculptures. Zen will guide us through thousands of years of development, showcase his art & demonstrate the relevance of this ancient art.

Circle Dance

Learn traditional circle dances from different cultures and traditions in eastern and central Europe, i.e. Greek, Macedonian, Romanian, Hungarian

Deepening Relationships - A Guide

In a post-Covid world, it's harder to make meaningful friendships. This workshop will provide tips on finding, maintaining, repairing, and deepening relationships.

Embrace Reiki Energy

Learn Reiki for stress relief and healing. It's spiritual, not religious, with easy meditations to use in your daily routine.

Find Your Wings on the Ukulele

This seven-session course is aimed at folks with an advanced beginner or intermediate-level foundation on the ukulele and seeking greater confidence, freedom, and joy in this fun and versatile instrument.

Ideas Cafe

The emphasis will be on eclectic, relevant, informative, and amusing pieces by the participants. There will be a weekly segment of a current event that is related to history and how it affects today's world.

Iona's World: More Than a Book Club! Adventure #2

Join our book club to explore the world of Iona Wishaw's book series. We will discuss the books, touch upon historical events, and plan field trips to the settings. In this course, we will examine Book #3, An Old, Cold Grave, and Book #4, It Begins in Betrayal.

Iona's World: More Than a Book Club! Adventure #3

Join our book club to explore the world of Iona Wishaw's book series. We will discuss the books, touch upon historical events, and plan field trips to the settings. In this course, we will examine Book #5, A Sorrowful Sanctuary and #6, A Deceptive Devotion, in the series.

LiR Intro To Ukulele

Learn to play Ukulele with chords and strumming patterns. Accompany yourself or other singers with music selected by the group.

Living and Learning from Grief

Grief is a natural part of loving someone. This course is for anyone who has experienced loss. Through readings and activities, participants will learn about the stages of grief, debunk myths, and build resilience.

Monthly Trivia Quiz

Light-hearted quizzes to help stimulate the "little grey cells." Teams compete for snacks and toonies.

Pine Needle Baskets

Learn pine needle basket weaving basics and leave with a small basket made with pine needles and artificial sinew.