The COVID-19 pandemic forced in the cancellation of ElderCollege courses halfway through the last winter session.
But this did not deter planning for the continuation of EC offerings and the executive immediately set to work to learn new skills and make new plans to keep the volunteer-run organization relevant and viable.
Although face-to-face classes will not be possible this fall, the CVEC executive asked its volunteer course conductors if they would consider offering classes as a pilot project using the internet. Because of the newness of the program and the need to try out new educational methods, it was decided to offer the classes at no charge to members.
Membership will still be required, but the fee has been slashed to $5 for the 2020-21 year. By dipping into a contingency fund, the free offerings have been made possible. (COVID-19 certainly meets the standard for an emergency.)
Thanks to the positive response to the request for presenters, ElederCollege will offer 25 diverse courses and three lectures during this pilot project. Most of these will be offered via Zoom, with class sizes dependent on the delivery format. For discussion-led courses, class sizes will be small but for those using a lecture-style, a large number of participants can be accommodated. Online access is easy and instructions are given when you register. You will also find instructions in the ElderCollege monthly bulletin, The Connector, found on the EC website, at www.nic.bc.ca/eldercollege-cv
Come and join us! We encourage new members and all previous members to sign up for something of interest. There will never again be an opportunity like this to sample courses at no cost. Registration begins the week of Sept. 21, but access to information is available on the website. Visit www.nic.bc.ca/eldercollege-cv for course listings, registration information and our current and past monthly bulletins. Some information is also on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/ComoxValleyElderCollege