FLAIR keeps retirees active

FLAIR guest speakers have included Lydia Kuhn, Fresno County librarian, who lectured on "The Presidents' Wives: The Women Behind the Men." With her is FLAIR President John Knorr.

by April Schulthies

It's often said that learning never ends. That's the whole reason behind FLAIR (Fresno Learning Activities in Retirement).

FLAIR is an educational opportunity (offered through the Interdisciplinary Gerontology Program) geared for people over age 55 who just can't stop exercising their gray cells. FLAIR is now in its eighth semester.

"FLAIR provides an opportunity for older adults to be connected to the university," said Alta Hall, manager of the Geriatric Education and Research Center.

The course does not require homework, and no grade is given, according to Hall. The program provides a series of lectures that features topics like "Major Developments at California State University, Fresno," "Harps at Play: The History of Harps and Musical Selections," and "Legacies and Legends of the San Joaquin Valley." Locations vary; the Nov. 20 FLAIR meeting was held at Channel 24, where FLAIR attendees got an inside glimpse of the workings of a Valley television station.

Twice a semester, the FLAIR group goes on a field trip. This year the group toured the Mariposa History Center and California State Mineral Museum in October and Kearney Mansion in December.

"This is all locally organized and grass roots motivated," said Dr. Elizabeth Ness Nelson, sociology chair.

"The individuals who participate are enthusiastic," said Dr. Glen Doyle, director of the Interdisciplinary Gerontology Program, which sponsors FLAIR. "They like meeting new people in an educational setting."

With FLAIR membership, participants get library privileges, free parking and discounts to Fresno State theater performances.

Meetings are held Friday afternoons from2 to 4 p.m. The winter FLAIR series started the third week of January and ends the first week of May. The Fall 1999 series begins the second week of September and ends the first week of December.

Although it is sponsored by the Gerontology Program, FLAIR is largely self-sustaining. FLAIR is always looking for speakers and campus experts. If you are interested, or know someone who would like to attend, contact Lue Hopkins, FLAIR coordinator, at ext. 8-2534.