Going back to school is a spring thing for seniors in Macomb County

Starting Monday, seniors can register for Macomb Organization for Retiree Enrichment (MORE) at Macomb Community College, offering 60 classes and trips that are both educational and inspiring. A trip to Anton Art Center for example, could lead one to take a pottery course and after a class on astronomy who knows? Seniors might be prompted to join an astronomy club. MACOMB DAILY FILE PHOTO

By GINA JOSEPH

Seniors love spring for many things including the opportunity to attend the interesting classes offered by Macomb Organization for Retiree Enrichment (MORE) at Macomb Community College.

Sixty personal enrichment courses running April 1-May 17 will range from health and wellness to science, nature to local history. Also part of this year’s program are five excursions to local points of interest and the return of Museum Theater trip offering seniors an opportunity for fun and social activities.

“The love of learning is the common denominator of those who participate in MORE,” said William Wood, director of cultural affairs and community engagement for MCC.

The courses each last approximately two hours with time reserved for a question-and-answer period.

Highlights of the spring semester include:

The Discovery and Importance of the Dead Sea Scrolls

Rev. Dan Lewis will discuss the Dead Sea Scrolls, which are considered by many as one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Reverend Lewis is the primary adult teacher at Old Mariners’ Church in Detroit and lectures worldwide on ancient biblical studies.

Introduction to Astronomy

This class offers a basic orientation to astronomy through the discussion of the evolution of observational astronomy. It will cover how the ancients used the stars to improve their lives and how observational astronomy evolved through the Middle Ages up to modern times. Introduction to Astronomy is presented by instructors Bob Berta and Angelo DiDonato.

Unlock the Wisdom Vault: ChatGPT, Your Virtual Knowledge Companion for Retirees

Learn what’s possible with artificial intelligence and ChatGPT. The session is led by Kevin LaBonty, an IT professional with more than 30 years’ experience who is the director of business information systems at Macomb Community College and oversees key technology initiatives including artificial intelligence.

A Brief History of American Film Part I

This session will broadly trace the history of American film, taking a close look at important films and filmmakers of American cinema beginning with the late 19th century. Presenter Dawn Barath taught high school language arts with a concentration on film studies, theater and American and British literature for 35 years at Lake Shore and Detroit Public Schools.

Field trips this spring will include visits to the Michigan Military Technical Historical Museum, Anton Art Center and a wine tasting at the Filipo Marc Winery. Some excursions may include additional fees and limits on the number of attendees.

Also returning this semester is a trip to the Museum Theatre and a presentation of two mini plays written by Michigan playwright Joseph Zettelmaier that follow a fictional soldier, Jacob Musgrave, from Michigan farmer to serving in the Union Army in the 24th Michigan Infantry Regiment of the Iron Brigade. Zettelmaier is a four-time nominee for the Steinberg/American Theatre Critics Association Award for best new play.

All of the courses are taught by subject matter experts and cover a variety of topics that often inspire seniors to take what they’ve learned to the next level.

Visiting Anton Art Center for example might lead to a painting or pottery class and who knows how many seniors might want to join a community theater group or even a local astronomy club following this year’s courses.

The MORE courses and excursions are offered in four packages.

A special package of four courses for $44 is available for first-time attendees. Other levels of participation include eight courses for $64, 12 courses for $90 and 16 courses for $112. All classes will be held in the Lorenzo Cultural Center, located on MCC’s Center Campus in Clinton Township. Refer to the course catalog for more details.

“Macomb’s lifelong learning program offers numerous opportunities for area residents to explore areas of interest, discover hidden talents and just have fun,” said Wood.

To view the course catalog and to register, go to LorenzoCulturalCenter.com/More.  For more information, email MORE@macomb.edu.