KCC News 2020

KCC offers learning options for those reaching their senior years

KCC offers learning options for those reaching their senior years

Seniors Stay Connected Through Elective Courses At Kingsborough Community College

When Martin Smielowitz retired from the New York City Board of Education as a health and physical education teacher after 30 years, he looked for more to do in his spare time. At age 56, the Gravesend/Sheepshead Bay resident signed up for a computer class under the My Turn program at Kingsborough Community College. That was in 1989. Today, more than 30 years later, Smielowitz keeps coming back.

“The need to use my brain keeps me coming back and to mingle with all the other My Turners,” explained Smielowitz, who was a recipient of KCC’s 2020 Bronze Student Service Award. In addition, Marty has been a volunteer in the program. In 2001, he started an ESL (English Second Language) program, which matches a My Turn student with an ESL student to tutor in English.

The My Turn program was founded in 1981 to give New York State residents, age 60 and over, an opportunity to audit any of the more than 400 college classes at KCC tuition free.

The director of the My Turn program is Susan Lavin, who has more than 25 years of experience developing and delivering specialized programs for people over age 50. She is also the founder and coordinator of the “50+ Wellness Program” at KCC, which provides enrichment and wellness classes, as well as one-day workshops to help seniors improve their quality of life.

In fall 2015, Lavin began working with the National Council on Aging and Kingsborough Community College to introduce a new program called the Aging Mastery Program, “Live Well – Do Well – Age Well.” It combines goal setting, daily practices, and peer support to help participants make meaningful changes in their life. The program has grown and is now being offered in two locations in Brooklyn and another in Queens.

Lavin recently launched a guest speaker series on Zoom that is designed to keep ages 50+ students, alumni and community seniors connected during the pandemic. This series is scheduled on Wednesdays from 3:15 p.m. to 4 p.m. Each week, a variety of topics are discussed by a professional, ranging from health and travel to insurance and community engagement.

“Accessibility is easy; students who don’t own a computer can call in on their phone,” Lavin said.

The Aging Mastery Program is offering FREE Specialty Winter Workshops, online via Zoom, for the 50+ population. Registration opens January 21. For more information on the My Turn and the Aging Mastery programs and registration, email: susan.lavin@kbcc.cuny.edu or call 718-368-5079.

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CONTACT: Cheryl Todmann | cheryl.todmann@kbcc.cuny.edu | C: (646) 897-2508 | T: (718) 368-6760

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