SANFORD — Retirement is about to become more enjoyable and interesting with the launch of Central Carolina Community College’s new Center for Creative Retirement. 

The CCR, operated through the college's Department of Continuing Education, is dedicated to promoting life-long learning through programs, classes and activities for those in a stage of retirement. 

“Retirement has a different meaning in the new economy,” said Stelfanie Williams, the college’s vice-president for Economic and Community Development. “There is no specific retirement age or lifestyle. People are working longer and seeking intellectual engagement throughout the course of life. The CCR is about cultivating quality of life for those in or considering active retirement.”

Some offerings will overlap with the college’s traditional enrichment courses, she said, but the CCR will also incorporate some vocational-related offerings. It will also work collaboratively with local partner agencies that serve retirees and seniors.

The Center for Creative Retirement kicks off with a special event from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Sept. 8, at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center. The kickoff will offer samples of the types of classes, seminars and activities available through the Center.

An informal meet-and-greet will be followed by a brief presentation on the history of Lee County by local photographer and historian Jimmy Haire, an overview of an upcoming spring wine tour by Dawn Nestor, and a presentation on financial literacy by certified financial planner Dargan Moore.

The keynote presenter for the kickoff will be Cindy Horrell Ramsey, CCCC Lee County director of Continuing Education. She will speak about her book, "A North Carolina Icon Brought to Life: Sea Stories of Sailors Aboard the U.S.S. North Carolina."  

Vonda Reives, winner of the 2009 Lee County Idol competition, will provide entertainment for the event. Light refreshments will be served.

“Central Carolina Community College is here to serve all segments of the community,” said CCCC President Bud Marchant. “Retirees and those approaching retirement have always enjoyed the variety of courses we have offered, from curriculum to personal enrichment. This Center will provide an opportunity to focus on classes and activities of particular interest to the many retirees and near-retirees in our community.”

The Center will offer programs at the college’s campuses in Chatham, Harnett and Lee counties, as well as at the college’s Lifelong Learning Center at the W.B. Wicker Business Campus in Sanford.

 

Classes already scheduled include “Second Blooming for Women: Growing a Life That Matters After Fifty,” “Memories that Matter: Enriching Memoir,” “Tai Chi for Health,” and oil painting, floral design, and basket weaving. There is a charge for classes.

The Center will also offer free seminars on a variety of topics of interest to retirees or those planning for retirement: “Prepare for Retirement and Beyond,” “Financial Literacy,” “Poor Richard's Guide to Health and Fitness,” and “The History of Lee County.”

A Wine Tour is planned for the spring. 

“For now, the Center is actually an institute model with series of courses offered, but the designation of ‘Center’ is with an eye for growth and establishment in a college facility as the offerings expand,” Williams said. “As well, the programs hope to center on the needs of businesses, agencies, and individuals with an interest in retirement. Much of the impetus for activities will come from those who participate.”

For more information about Center programs, come to the kickoff. Information is also available at the college’s Web site: www.cccc.edu/ccr or any of the offices of the Continuing Education Department: Chatham County, (919) 545-8025, Harnett County, (910) 814-8823, or Lee County, (919) 775-2122, ext. 7793.