Miami launches programs for retirees at its VOALC in West Chester Twp.

What: Miami University Institute for Learning in Retirement program

When: Wednesdays, Oct. 12-Nov. 9

Where: Miami Voice of America Learning Center, West Chester Twp.

More information: Visit www.muohio.edu/ilr or call (513) 529-8500.

WEST CHESTER TWP. — Entering its 15th year, Miami University’s Institute for Learning in Retirement program isn’t about bingo or basket weaving.

It’s about literature, history, arts, technology and science.

Now these types of activities — and others — are coming to the Miami Voice of America Learning Center in West Chester Twp. in October, Miami announced on Wednesday.

“Typically, the programs offered at senior centers while enjoyable are not programs of substance,” said Judy Macke, senior program assistant. “ILR is fitness for the mind. You’re never too old to learn. There’s a lot left to be learned.”

The programs — which are for those 50 and older — at the VOALC will be every Wednesday from Oct. 12 to Nov. 9. It’s part of more than 35 courses ILR offers for the fall term, which is from Oct. 10 to Nov. 11.

“It’s a good, broad menu, and it will be fun,” said Dave Macejko, Director of Advancement for the VOALC. “It’s good not only for West Chester and Liberty (townships), but people will travel a good distance for it. An added benefit is having it right off the highway.”

Classes offered are: exploring options for a comfortable financial future; exploring the cincinnati art museum; living green, saving green; and a wine tour of the United States.

Noon-hour brown bag seminars and “Cinema Comedy Classics” in the evening also are offered.

“These are wonderful programs,” said Tom Hayden, who heads the volunteer group and is a retired Lakota Local Schools superintendent. “It keeps you engaged. It keeps you sharp on what are important things for a lot of folks.

“The facility is a real gem in the community, and it’s another opportunity to use it to its fullest.”

A grant from the Davis-Wendell Fund of The Community Foundation of West Chester/Liberty is helping launch the first year of ILR programming at the VOALC.

A single membership fee of $100 enables participants to take as many classes as they wish this fall. A one-time rate of $75 is available to first-time ILR members.

For more information, visit www.muohio.edu/ilr, or contact ILR by email at ilr@muohio.edu or phone at (513) 529-8500.

Contact this reporter at (513) 755-5113 or smatthews@coxohio.com.