Lifelong Learning Program

March 5
2:00-3:00 PM

In this session, I take an age-old game and overlay it on learning across the life course, showing how each element (rock, paper, scissors) relates to healthy aging. From cradle to grave, our habits and activities impact us biologically, psychologically, and socially. Genetic predispositions and accumulated disadvantage from socioeconomic and cultural forces factor in but there is much we can do to support our own healthy aging including rooting out internalized ageism. Participants will understand how education and learning impact aging across the life course. The rock, paper, scissors model is an easy-to-remember model for balancing and engaging in learning at any life stage.

Only 1 seat remains!

March 7
7:30AM-4:00 PM

Join us on a beautiful trip to the Airlie Gardens in Wilmington, NC. Our group will enjoy a private, docent-led, history tour through paved paths. The tour is scheduled at the peak spring bloom time and includes an overview of the garden's rich history. This tour has a mild pace and plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, take photos, and ask questions without being rushed. After the tour we will visit a waterfront restaurant and enjoy a classic Wilmington meal. This day trip includes bus transportation, departing from ECU Willis building at 8:00am and returning by 5:00pm.

March 20
11:00AM-12:00 PM

During the 1st century BC, a Roman ship struck the rocks at a remote promontory near the modern-day city of Izmir on Turkey’s Aegean coast and sank in 150 feet of water. From 2005-2011, the Institute of Nautical Archaeology under the direction of Dr. Deborah Carlson at Texas A&M University excavated the remains of the ship. The primary cargo consisted of 50 tons of marble destined for an unknown temple. Maritime archaeologist Kimberly Kenyon shares her experiences helping to excavate such a monumental cargo and discusses the exciting research that helped determine the origin and destination for this ill-fated voyage. - NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

Instructor: Kimberly Kenyon
Principal Investigator and Head Conservator
Queen Anne's Revenge Conservation Lab

Kimberly, originally from Texas, moved to North Carolina to join the Queen Anne's Revenge (QAR) Project team in 2013. She is a graduate of the Nautical Archaeology Program at Texas A&M University, where she completed her MA in anthropology and earned a certificate in conservation. Her MA thesis is entitled “Reconstructing the Assemblage of Iron Artifacts from the Late Hellenistic Shipwreck at Kizilburun, Turkey.” Previously, she earned a BA in maritime studies from Texas A&M University at Galveston, minoring in both English and anthropology.

Only 1 seat remains!

March 21
8:00AM-4:00 PM

Join the Lifelong Learning program on an excursion to the North Carolina Museum of Art to see their special exhibit! Organized by the National Portrait Gallery in London and curated by Ghanaian-born and UK-based writer and curator Ekow Eshun. The NCMA is the final venue for this exhibition.

The title, The Time Is Always Now, references an essay on desegregation by American writer James Baldwin (1924–1987). Organized around three themes—double consciousness, the persistence of history, and our aliveness—the exhibition showcases works by contemporary artists including Michael Armitage, Jordan Casteel, Lubaina Himid, Kerry James Marshall, Wangechi Mutu, Toyin Ojih Odutola, and Amy Sherald.

This collective assertion and interest in figuration and representation, examining both the presence and absence of the Black figure in art history, transcends geographical boundaries. Through their work these artists invite a shift in the dominant art historical perspective from “looking at” the Black figure to “seeing through” the eyes of Black artists and the figures they depict. Their artworks illuminate the richness, joy, beauty, and complexity of Black life.

February 25, March 25 & April 29
10:00-11:30 AM

Join Polk Culpepper for a book study on American history. Class participants will read, "Lies my Teacher Told Me,” by James W. Loewen and engage in group discussion each month. Designed to introduce participants to little known and generally overlooked facts about American history, this class offers a great opportunity to learn more while challenging assumptions. You'll find this book and this class revelatory and exciting. James W. Loewen's book champions the cause of critical thinking in the age of fake news; nearly 2 million copies have been sold. Participants must purchase or visit your local library to check out a copy of the book. Jan - Chapters 1-3, Feb - Chapters 4-6, March - Chapters 7-9, April - Chapters 10-13

February 28, March 28 & April 25
2:00-3:00 PM

More Spots Open!

Do you have questions about your technology? Join Richard Langley with Happy Grandma, Senior Tech Support for a relaxed, no-judgment session where you can ask anything and get clear, simple answers.! Whether it’s sending emails, downloading apps, or just making your gadgets behave, we’re here to help! Bring your device, and let’s take the mystery out of technology—together! During this monthly, members only session we'll tackle your challenges, one question at a time.

Moved to April 29, 2025
Register by April 22, 2025

February 20, 2025
11:00-1:00 PM
Register by February 18

Many adults fall into the group of “Solo Agers”. If you are an individual (or a couple) who have no children, are living alone after death or divorce or, if you have family and children but they live far away, this is the program you don’t want to miss. There is never a guarantee that our children will step in to help as we age. A significant number of older adults are aging without children. These are a few of the reasons it’s so important to take the time to plan for your future financial security, socialization and so much more. Aging solo means it is essential to plan for future needs and determine who will be on your team to help. This program will provide much-needed planning resources for "solo agers" so we can all be prepared in a way that allows us to age gracefully. 

Share with us a pet picture, Birds at your feeder, your family, your flower garden or the nature around your home. 
We'll pick a photo every newsletter and share it with the group. All photos will be attributed to the person submitting the image. 

Starting this month: Rod's dog Loretta! 

Valentines wine tasting at Firefly wine shop

Our LLP Valentine card crew.

Daniel Lowery lecture on the Phelps Lake Canoes  

The Ted Weil Book Club.

The Neon Lights: A Study of Broadway Musicals 

Valentines wine tasting at Firefly wine shop

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ADA Accommodations

Individuals requesting accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should contact the ADA coordinator at least 48 hours prior to the event at 252-737-1018 / ada-coordinator@ecu.edu