Education is a lifelong process that is the theme and drive behind Scotia-Glenville’s venture in adult learning seminars. The district offering lifelong learning sessions to the public, ranging from bonsai care to financial planning.
`We are hoping that there is an interest from not only our staff but from our community members as well,` said Joseph Kavanaugh, organizer and assistant district superintendent.
The monthly seminars will fall on the last Wednesday of each month throughout the school year.
Kavanaugh said the idea came to him after reading about a similar program sponsored by Cornell University in Ithaca. He said while he knows Scotia-Glenville is not Cornell, he feels they can offer the same type of service to a community that appreciates the learning process.
`We have retired teachers, government officials and other volunteers who are more than happy to tap into their expertise and experience and share it with the general public,` said Kavanaugh.
The sessions are not to be mistaken as solely educational.
In October, Assemblyman Jim Tedisco, R-Schenectady, will be discussing community issues. With election season, the district feels the seminar will prove to be useful.
The November seminar will feature retired science teacher Pauline Muth. Muth is an internationally known bonsai artist and president of the American Bonsai Society.
`I am happy to share my love for gardening. It takes patience and knowledge to truly understand the art of bonsai, and I look forward to sharing it,` said Muth.
Kavanaugh said the district is excited about the seminars because they are so different in context.
In February and April, the sessions will center on PBS award-winning documentaries.
Former district teacher Jean Rose will discuss the `Eyes on the Prize,` a documentary of the Civil Rights movement. The film traces stories of human social change.
The other film will be `Swim for the River,` a story of a local man who swam the Hudson River from the Adirondacks to New York City as a plea for public environmental awareness. The film features Chris Swan, who swam through water filled with sewage, hydroelectric dams and PCB contamination in an effort to shed light on need for change to the river.
`The PBS video screenings will be followed by discussion groups. We are excited about linking staff, retired and active, with our community. We hope the monthly programs will have something to offer everyone. We are just getting off our feet and hope that people will spread the word about what the district is offering,` said Kavanaugh.
The seminars will all be held at Scotia-Glenville High School, Room A-90, from 3:45 p.m. to 5 p.m. Advance registration is required. Information is available by calling 386-4339.“