By the time Dick Feldman, a retired University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point philosophy professor and his wife, Lois, had participated in 15 Elderhostels around the world, they decided it would be fun to develop a lifelong learning program closer to home.

The next step in their plan was to sit down with interested others from the community and UWSP to decide how to proceed. They were convinced, with all the knowledge and expertise available in Central Wisconsin, an informative and educational program without any travel demands could be popular with area retired people.

Two years later, Learning Is Forever (LIFE) has become a resounding success with nearly 150 members who attend classes on a variety of topics such as politics, religion, media, music, film and many other fields of interest.

During its early stages, the program also brought together former neighbors who didn�t know each other well �Feldman and Jim Schuh, a retired broadcaster, as members of the planning team. The men and their spouses had lived three doors apart for nearly 20 years and rarely crossed paths until Feldman asked Schuh for his thoughts about beginning a retirement learning organization. They were joined by fellow retirees Barbara Inch, Mary Croft, Isabelle Stelmahoske, Bernie Hlavac and Bill Johnson in bringing LIFE to life.

The organizers emphasize the diversity of both the programs and the organization�s members. "We have people from Wisconsin Rapids, Marshfield, Amherst, Mosinee, as well as Stevens Point and Plover. We�re hoping as the word spreads, to draw more people from throughout Central Wisconsin," Feldman said. "Our association is not just for university retirees either. We have a good mix of both university and community members. In fact, people don�t have to be retired to participate as long as they can take the time to attend classes during the day."

Most classes have been held mid-day and early evening at the university, but this fall the group may hold meetings in other locations in the community. Also, a field trip to the Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis will be offered this summer. The LIFE program runs throughout the spring, summer and fall and is on hiatus from November to February.

Feldman and Schuh agree on the joys of teaching adult students who really want to be there. Feldman has led sessions about Thomas Jefferson and will teach classes on ancient Greek drama. Schuh recently led a series of sessions evaluating the media in society. "More than half our members have access to the Internet," he says. "They�re interested in the availability of instant information and how it�s affecting our lives."

Coker-Nelson enjoys the mix of people and the interaction of community and university. "That�s what really hooked me on this endeavor," she says.

People interested in attending LIFE classes may contact Sheila Bannister Gross at UWSP Extension. Dues are $60 per year. There is no attendance taken, no homework and no exams. Members may choose which programs they want to attend.

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