Higher education

We're among the 19 Columbia Falls area residents attending senior classes at Flathead Valley Community College every Friday.

The FVCC bus picks us up at North Valley Senior Center at 11:15 a.m. Enrollment was announced for 158 senior students for the first session six weeks ago.

We arrive at the college just in time for lunch in the cafeteria. It's been interesting to listen to Jane Karas, college president, and other staff members during the noon hour. They have updated us about future goals, events underway, special features and other aspects of the college.

We questioned if it would be possible to have the senior classes in the fall as well as spring. Apparently this is under consideration.

A couple of us made it to our classroom without any problems the first Friday. The second Friday, we started out and learned someone had moved the building. Helpful young students directed us to the correct route to the building. Others showed us the proper halls, and we found the classroom, just slightly late for class.

The third week, we were so speedy we turned the lights on in the room before instructor and others arrived.

We did find our way to the bus, parked behind the cafeteria, the first day. After that, the bus driver courteously met several of us in front of the building our classes are located in.

Classes studied by seniors from throughout the Flathead include everything from line dancing to jewelry making, painting to mythology.

I enjoyed Montana history sessions last year. I felt that a couple of us rather intimidated the instructor. We were both born in Columbia Falls and stacked up 158 years of local history between the two of us. Of course, most of his discussions centered around Jim Bridger, Lewis and Clark, and other early explorers.

Seriously, I feel we are all enjoying the various classes as well as learning more about selected subjects. Of course, there is the social angle meeting others, some newcomers as well as longtime residents.

Riding the FVCC bus back to the North Valley Senior Center concludes the outing.

Speaking of helpful students at the college reminds me of a recent conversation. A friend asked why I didn't mention friendliness and helpfulness of residents at the post office. We both have been grateful and appreciate it when other post office patrons hold the doors open for us. This occurs whether we have an armful of packages or not.

This happens even when we have our red hats on and they can't see the white hair.

Gladys Shay is a longtime resident and columnist for the Hungry Horse News.