For the Star Journal

Programs are set for the upcoming Learning in Retirement session at Nicolet College. More than 40 different programs will be featured in the winter/spring session which runs Jan. 21 through May 22.

“I’m continually impressed with all of the new and interesting classes our members put together,” said Brenda Peltier, the Learning in Retirement coordinator. “The knowledge and life experiences they share are nothing short of remarkable.”

Some classes will meet only once for a couple of hours while others will be part of a series that meet once a week over several weeks.

The hallmark of each is learning just for the fun of it. “There are no tests or grades, simply groups of people getting together to learn new things and share a common interest,” Peltier explained.

Upcoming offerings will cover a broad range of subjects mostly presented by members themselves along with a few guest presentations by subject experts. Classes will be held in several Northwoods communities including Eagle River, Minocqua, Woodruff, Rhinelander and Antigo.

One of the many unique topics will be Motorcycling Women Feb. 20 with Petra Pietrzak, who has been riding for decades and continues to do so in her retirement years. She’ll discuss what it takes to build riding skills and manage the risks involved. Those attending will also vicariously enjoy some touring adventures in beautiful places, encountering amazing people along the way.

For those with an interest in the local legal system, former Oneida County Assistant District Attorney Steve Michlig will draw on his 27 years of experience to explain misconceptions, quirks, and oddities in the criminal justice system during this presentation Feb. 21. He’ll explain why it makes sense for a defendant to confess and then plead not guilty and whether criminals really get off on technicalities. Participants are encouraged to come with questions, comments, and concerns.

Native American culture will take the spotlight March 8 with the “Everything You Wanted to Know About Powwows” presentation. Participants will learn about many different aspects about powwow celebrations, including the Grand Entry and the significance of various dancers and their regalia. Powwow etiquette will also be highlighted.

On the health and medical front, offerings include Experimental Animals in Biomedical Research, the Development of Noninvasive Heart Care, National Alliance on Mental Illness, Strength Training for Seniors, and Just Cataracts.

Natural resource courses will include Traditional Green Building, Environmental Ethics in the Field, the Green Funeral Movement, I Love Wisconsin River Trip, National Parks – America’s Best Idea, and the ever-popular Ced’s Nature Series.

Tours in coming months will include a visit to the Raptor Education Group where they rehab birds of prey, the Eagle River Historical Museum, the UW-Madison Agricultural Research Station in Rhinelander to learn about potato breeding, Ponsse’s facility to learn about high-tech logging, the Live Aquaria at Drs. Foster and Smith, and the tour of Hillestad Pharmaceutical facility.

Nicolet’s Learning in Retirement program currently has about 300 members. Annual membership is $45. Memberships run from July 1 to June 30 of the following year. Members can join at anytime during the year and take as many or as few classes as they desire.

More information about the LIR and the upcoming winter/spring session is available at nicoletcollege.edu/lir. For more information, call 715-365-4491.