The Garrett Institute for Lifelong Learning (GILL) group, operating under Garrett College Continuing Education and Workforce Development, has released their spring schedule for the month of May. The classes for the month of June will be announced at a later date. GILL learning experiences are developed by the organization’s members based on group interests. The topic sessions are coordinated by volunteers who select presenters for each topic identified.
‘Mah Jongg Day’ will be held at the Garrett College McHenry campus on May 2nd at 10 a.m. with morning instruction for beginners and afternoon play to reinforce all that was learned. Past participants have enjoyed the time spent with new friends, the challenge, and the reinforcement of retention, problem solving, and strategic thinking skills. The class will be taught by experienced Garrett County Mah-Jongg players, Judith Merriman and Sally Lazorchak.
A ‘Windmill Presentation and Tour’ with Jay Gasner, Regional Manager of Exelon Corporation, is scheduled for May 9. Participants will meet at 12:15 p.m. at the Garrett College Southern Outreach Center (former Oakland Armory) parking lot in Oakland and will carpool to the desired destination. The group will be able to see a close up look of the windmills that operate on Backbone Mountain at Eagle Rock Rd.
On May 16, a session, ‘Un-Hot Topics’ is scheduled for GILL members at Uno Chicago Grill Deep Creek (downstairs) from 12 noon until 2 p.m. Ann Stuck will lead the group in an interactive discussion. Hot Topics offers an opportunity for participants to enjoy lunch, a lively discussion on relevant topics, and the fellowship of fellow GILL members. Participants are responsible for the cost of their own lunch.
‘The Battle of Gettysburg’ is a two-part presentation by Jay Clark, a former National Park Ranger who worked for years at Gettysburg and also at the Pearl Harbor Memorial. On May 17 and 24 from 6-8 p.m., participants will meet at the Garrett College Southern Outreach Center in Oakland. The first session will offer an overview of the campaign with an emphasis on the three-day battle. The second session will focus on certain topics with additional issues chosen by the class.
‘Tour of Emmanuel Episcopal Church and Tunnels’ will take place on May 22 at 11 a.m. Participants will meet at 9:30 a.m. to carpool to Cumberland’s historic district. This church is built on the foundations of Fort Cumberland, where George Washington began his military career, and earthwork tunnels remaining from the fort run under the church. These tunnels were later used as a station on the Underground Railroad. The cornerstone of the current native sandstone building was laid in 1849 and completed in 1851. The church contains original Tiffany stained-glass windows from three different periods and a scale model of Fort Cumberland.
‘The Rock Maze’ exploration begins on May 30 at 10 a.m. (rain date is scheduled for May 31). A 12- minute hike on mostly level ground travels through rhododendron forests, leading to a rise with a limestone outcropping that has worn into a maze of magical paths to explore. Kevin Dodge, director of natural resources & wildlife technology at Garrett College, will add his knowledge and humor to the day. Participants will need to bring a picnic lunch and are encouraged to bring a camera.
If you are not a GILL member and wish to join in order to register for a session, please contact Garrett College Continuing Education and Workforce Development at 301-387-3069. More information on the Garrett Institute for Lifelong Learning is also available by contacting Jean Tumbarello at jean.tumbarello@garrettcollege.edu or www.garrettcollege.edu/GILL.
