Bluffton University’s Institute for Learning in Retirement (ILR), an educational program for retirees, is offering nine courses on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays this spring, beginning March 31.

Each course costs $35; the cost to take three or more is $100. Registration and, if applicable, course fees 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 JP Schumacher, ILR director, at 419-358-3346 or [email protected].

Spring courses include:

Civil War History
Mondays, March 31-May 5, 9-10:30 a.m.

The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady
Mondays, March 31-May 5, 10:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Edith Holden made the first entry in her diary on Jan. 1, 1906. The book had been undiscovered for 70 years until it was found recently on the shelves of an English country house.

Wildflowers
Mondays, March 31-May 5, 1:30-3 p.m.
The class will include outdoor—weather permitting—as well as indoor activities. Participants should bring binoculars if they have them.

Agatha Christie
Wednesdays, April 2-May 7, 9 a.m. to noon
Six films will be screened—one about Christie’s life and the others, adaptations of five of her mystery novels. 

Needlefelting
Thursdays, April 3-24, 1:30-3 p.m.
There is a limit of 12 students, who will learn a needlework technique in which fibers are entwined without the need to sew. The class will meet in The Lion and Lamb Peace Arts Center classroom; basic tools and supplies are included in the $20 course fee.

Yard Games
Thursdays, April 3-May 8, 1:30-3 p.m.
Comfortable clothing and tennis shoes are recommended for the class, which is also limited to 12 students.

Continuing with Islam
Thursdays, April 3-May 1, 9-10:30 a.m.
This continuation of a winter class will look at the evolution of Islam as it has become a global religion.

Fair Trade
Thursdays, April 3-May 8, 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
The focus will be on India and chocolate, with opportunities for tasting samples and viewing films.

Antiques with Anne
Thursdays, April 3-17, 1:30-3 p.m.
Anne Stratton, an antiques appraiser and judge, will cover such topics as identification and desirability, buying and selling, and where to start downsizing.