Bluffton University's Institute for Learning in Retirement (ILR), an educational program for retired individuals, is offering eight courses from March 28-May 4 and one on Wednesdays from May 11-June 1.

The spring term costs $80, which enables participants to take as many of the courses as they wish and to join in other ILR activities. Individuals may take an individual course for $30.

Registration and course fees, if applicable, are due at the time of registration. Most classes will meet in the ILR classroom, located in Shultz Hall of Riley Court on campus.

To register or for more information, contact Janet "J.P." Schumacher, ILR director, at 419-358-3346 or [email protected] classes beginning the week of March 28 include:

Bird Watching 101 - Yolanda and Myron Cline, ILR members
Mondays 9-10:30 a.m.

The course is scheduled to include a field trip to Crane Creek on Lake Erie, an internationally famous bird-watching spot during spring migration.

Germany - Emil Zeigler, retired doctor and ILR member
Mondays 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Zeigler will discuss the history of the community and ethnic region in southwest Germany where he spent his formative years. He will examine daily life in the village of Mehrstetten and its unique customs and traditions. A few autobiographical vignettes will be added, with attention dedicated to his adjustments to a new life in the United States.

Colloquium - Guest speakers
Mondays 1:30-3 p.m.

Among the topics will be growing up with gospel music, comic book history, innovative reading programs in local elementary schools and the history of Native American flutes.

Writing to Preserve Life Past and Present through Prose or Poetry Ruth Naylor, retired English teacher and pastor
Wednesdays 9-10:30 a.m.

Participants will be encouraged to write, in the genre of their choice, about experiences and insights important to them. Prompts will be provided. Writing will generally be done outside class, with the opportunity, but not requirement, to share it in class.

Arthropods II: Arachnida and Crustaceans
Fran Core, retired science teacher and ILR member
Wednesdays 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Scheduled for study are spiders, scorpions and other arachnids; shrimp, lobsters, crabs and fellow crustaceans; and several related arthropods.

Master Gardening - Guest speakers-
master gardeners, floral designers and an herb specialist
Wednesdays 1:30-3 p.m.

A variety of gardening techniques will be explored, including tricks for making plants grow, herb gardening and creating floral design. Following the course in June will be an optional all-day garden tour.

Adventures in Film Noir
David Adams, WLIO-TV film critic and Lima city councilman
Thursdays 9-11:30 a.m.

ILR classroom (first and third weeks) and Stutzman Lecture Hall (second and fourth weeks)
The class will screen two of the most influential 1940s films noir, "Double Indemnity" (1944) and "The Third Man" (1949), as well as excerpts from "Chinatown" (1974) and "Body Heat" (1981). Characteristics and style of films noir will be discussed.

Mah Jongg
Margie Bush, retired teacher and member of the Allen County Mah Jongg Club
Thursdays 1:30-3 p.m.

An $8 material fee will be added for this course, an introduction to the Chinese game resembling poker and gin rummy. Class size is limited to 20 students.

Woodworking - Wednesdays, May 11-June 1, from 10-11:30 a.m. in Sauder Visual Arts Center

John Rich, a retired farmer, craftsman and ILR member, will teach the class, a basic, beginning woodworking workshop using hand and power tools. Participants will make such items as cutting boards, cooking utensils and puzzles of their design. Cost is $30 plus a $5 material fee.