Lifelong Learning

Learn for the love of it! Discover something new, plan your next trip, or an amazing meal. A variety of interesting classes are offered throughout the year for adults who enjoy the fun and excitement of learning new things. We offer classes in diverse areas such as history, science, nature, music, current events and places of interest in the Big Bend region.

Our affordable programs are open to anyone 18 years and older. Schedule virtual family time together with your adult children and grandchildren, even if they live out of town. With virtual classes, people can participate from any location with internet access. 

Classes are currently offered on Zoom. If you would like to learn how to use Zoom, please call 850-891-4000 and Senior Center staff will set you up with a volunteer who can help you over the phone or computer. Or click here for our Zoom guide.

For more information, email Maureen.Haberfeld@talgov.com

Geologic Hazards: Volcanoes
Thu., July 8 1:30 – 3 p.m. 

Volcanic eruptions are some of Earth’s most dramatic and violent agents of change. Not only can powerful explosive eruptions drastically alter land and water for tens of kilometers around a volcano, but tiny liquid droplets of sulfuric acid erupted into the stratosphere can temporarily alter our planet’s climate. Eruptions often force people living near volcanoes to abandon their land and homes, sometimes forever. Lifelong Learning coordinator and geologist, Maureen Haberfeld, will discuss the science behind volcanic activity. The class will cover volcanic materials, types of volcanoes, different volcanic hazards, volcanic areas in the United States, and some of the world’s most well-known volcanic eruptions.

Virtual class on Zoom. $5 fee.

Patagonia 
Thu., July 22, 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. 

Join world-traveler Tom Friedman and virtually travel to Patagonia, near the bottom of the world. This virtual adventure begins in Buenos Aires, Argentina then to Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire), the world’s southernmost city, and the Tierra del Fuego National Park. Cross the border into Chile and encounter the Patagonian version of the Grand Canyon. Next up is a Cape Horn, the southernmost point in the Americas. Observe beavers and large glaciers at Wulaia Bay. Virtually travel by zodiac to the edge of Pia, Aguila and Condor Glaciers. On Magdalena Island we’ll meet thousands of Magellanic Penguins. The Torres del Paine National Park (Blue Towers) is magnificent with views of glaciers, rugged hiking, and strange landscapes. We’ll complete our virtual trip by returning to Argentina to view the magnificent Perito Morena Glacier which rises 240 feet over the water and unlike most glaciers, is not retreating.

Hybrid class live at TSC and on Zoom. Fee $5.