Get information on Wallace State WaLLi program at August 1 meeting
HANCEVILLE, Ala. — Area residents 50 and over who want to learn more about the Wallace State Lifelong Learning Institute (WaLLi) will have the opportunity to get information about the program and sign up for the next semester or the year at an Aug. 1 meeting from 2 to 4 p.m., on the 12th floor of the Bailey Center.
WaLLi was launched in 2016 as a revitalized program for area residents aged 50 and up. Enrollment is currently at 250, with members coming from Cullman, Blount and Morgan counties. It is open to all area residents, with enrollment offered by semester or by year. Membership is $40 per semester for fall and spring and $30 for the summer semester, or by year at $99 annually starting each August. =
“Whether you enroll by semester or annually, you really get a lot for your investment,” said LaDonna Allen, director of the WaLLi program. During the meeting, Allen will go over what all is offered to WaLLi members and allow those who sign up for the year a head start on registering for trips, activities and classes planned for Fall 2018. Annual membership also includes a WaLLi T-shirt.
WaLLi membership includes access to the Wallace State Wellness Center, WaLLi courses, seminars from community partners, trips, social luncheons, free admission to many Wallace State athletic and cultural events, discounts on WSCC Services and more. Weekly activities include exercise classes, volleyball games, yoga classes and a walking group. Each semester is filled with educational opportunities and lectures, games, arts and crafts, movies, and more. In addition to recurring member favorites, each semester brings a new list of activities and trips.
The schedule for Fall 2018 includes an American History Trip to Montevallo and Columbiana and a thrift store trip with stops at Unclaimed Baggage in Scottsboro and stores in Arab and Albertville. Closer to home, the group will visit Cullman Oktoberfest and the Cullman County Fair.
Allen said WaLLi members enjoy the fellowship of getting together and making new friends. “They enjoy the socialization, the trips and we all enjoy the great food when we eat out or have our monthly potluck luncheons,” Allen said. “It is a wonderful group where members support each other and learn new things.”
Allen said this fall will also feature a Living Well series of classes. Students from Wallace State’s Physical Therapist Assistant program will work with them on health topics geared toward mature adults including, among other topics, fall prevention and fall-proofing your home, back safety and measuring their gait. Ballroom dancing classes will return for the fall, with any WaLLi member welcome to take the classes, with or without a dance partner.
As an added benefit, WaLLi members are eligible to join the Wallace State Alumni Association at the student rate of $15 per year. This affords them a discount on trips planned by the Alumni Association and discounts to supporting merchants and organizations.
WaLLi members do incur additional costs with some classes and trips, and most meals are Dutch treat during planned outings. But the costs are kept at the minimum, Allen said.
Unassociated with WaLLi, Allen pointed out that Wallace State offers a Senior Adult Scholarship program. The program allows area resident 60 and older to take classes at the college tuition free, with only $29 in fees to be paid for each class. Contact Financial Aid at 256.352.8182 or financialaid@wallacestate.edu for information about the Senior Adult Scholarships.
For information about WaLLi, call 256.352.7818 or email walli@wallacestate.edu or visit www.wallacestate.edu/walli.
