The Center for Lifelong Learning is designed to provide older adults with diverse and accessible opportunities for intellectual stimulation, social engagement, and personal growth. The Center is a place where curiosity is awakened, health is nurtured, and where lifelong learning is promoted in a warm and welcoming community.
Friday, September 11, 2026 | 3:00 pm
Atrium of the SCCC Performing Arts Center
To register for this free event, call the Sussex County Division of Senior Services at 973-579-0555 ext. 1225 for information.
Retirement often brings new questions and decisions related to health care, Medicare, home care, legal planning, housing, finances, caregiving, and long-term support. This interactive panel program brings together local professionals from a variety of fields to share helpful information and answer audience questions.
The program will begin with brief introductions from each panelist, followed by an open question-and-answer session. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, learn about available resources, and hear from trusted local professionals who work with older adults, retirees, and their families.
Panelists will include:
Janeen Brady - an independent insurance agent and owner of Skylands Health Benefits, specializing in Medicare and retirement-related insurance planning, helping individuals make informed decisions about their healthcare coverage and long-term financial security.
Kathleen Perlett - Director of Care and Community Relations for Preferred Care at Home, an accredited agency that provides care to the elderly so they can age in place with dignity in their home or where they call home.
Tamryn E. Valenzuela - Chair of the Trusts & Estates Practice Group at Laddey, Clark & Ryan, LLP, where she focuses her practice on estate planning, estate and trust administration, elder law, guardianships, special needs planning, and fiduciary litigation.
Khushali Trivedi of Vedikh Dynamic Rehab LLC
Light refreshments will be served.
Attendees should park in the lower main parking lot directly outside the Performing Arts Center. There is an elevator in the lobby of the building. The Atrium is directly at the top of the stairs or make a right out of the elevator and a left to proceed to the atrium.
Friday, September 25, 2026 | 11:00 am-2:30 pm
Atrium of the SCCC Performing Arts Center
To register for this free event, call the Sussex County Division of Senior Services at 973-579-0555 ext. 1225.
For Carla Zimowsk, what began as a grade school assignment grew into a lifelong passion that led to uncovering family mysteries, publishing in the Chicago Genealogist, and exploring how technology鈥攆rom online searching to AI analysis鈥攃an transform family history research. Join Carla Zimowsk as she shares stories, tools, and tips to inspire your own genealogical journey. Subsequent "Deeper Dive" topics can be offered virtually.
Light refreshments will be served.
Attendees should park in the lower main parking lot directly outside the Performing Arts Center. An elevator is available in the building lobby. The Atrium is directly at the top of the stairs, or make a right out of the elevator and a left to proceed to the atrium.
Friday, October 2, 2026 | 3:00 PM
Atrium of the SCCC Performing Arts Center
To register for this free event, call the Sussex County Division of Senior Services at 973-579-0555 ext. 1225.
Join Ally Reeves, adjunct instructor at SCCC, as she explores line dance, a form of social dance and a wonderful activity for people of all ages that is continuously growing in popularity. Curious to learn about it? Using both research and her own experiences as a line dancer for the past 9 years, this presentation will cover a variety of topics. Ally will present both the positive mental and physical benefits of line dancing, brief demonstrations of actual line dances, and tips for those interested in trying line dance for the first time. By the end of the presentation, attendees may find that they are inspired to join a line dance floor near them!
Light refreshments will be served.
Attendees should park in the lower main parking lot directly outside the Performing Arts Center. There is an elevator in the lobby of the building. The Atrium is directly at the top of the stairs or make a right out of the elevator and a left to proceed to the atrium.
Saturdays: October 3, October 10, October 17, October 24, October 31, & November 7
Time: 10:00 am-12:00 pm
Location: Finch Art Gallery, Room C105 (located by the entrance to the 鈥淏鈥� building)
Cost: $30
Registration: Call the Sussex County Division of Senior Services at 973-579-0555 ext. 1225 for information and to register.
Join Professor Michael Hughes at his perennially popular six-part Introduction to Drawing class. The class emphasizes developing observational drawing skills and hand-eye coordination. Basic drawing elements such as line, proportion, perspective, composition, texture, and the study of light and shade are investigated through various perceptual and conceptual approaches. Open to beginning students as well as those who want to refresh their skills before moving on to more advanced studio courses or students are welcome to repeat! Professor Michael Hughes is a practicing artist and member of the Fine Arts Faculty at SCCC.
Students must bring their own drawing supplies. Basic tools should include a large newsprint pad and a very basic drawing kit containing charcoal pencils, graphite drawing pencils, charcoal sticks, and an eraser. Pre-registration is required, and space is limited.
Attendees should park in front or behind the Horton Mansion (handicap parking only) or in the Main Parking Lot at the entrance to the campus. The classroom is located on the main level of the Art Gallery Building; press 鈥�2C鈥� if you take the elevator from another floor.
Part One: Friday, October 16, from 9:00 am-12:00 pm, C202
Part Two: Friday, October 23, from 9:00 am-2:00 pm, Location TBD
(Rain Date: Saturday, October 24, from 9:00 am-2:00 pm)
Cost: $200 (includes all materials, equipment, & instruction)
Registration: Call the Sussex County Division of Senior Services at 973-579-0555 ext. 1225 for information and to register.
Raku is a gas glaze firing process which originated with Japanese tea ceremonial pottery. Each work begins as a wheel-thrown vessel; after undergoing the Raku reduction process, it acquires a unique and individual character. The work is brought up to approximately 1800 degrees then removed from the kiln and placed into cans with combustible materials. The cans are covered; the fire pulls oxygen elements from the glazes with unpredictable metallic results distinctive to Raku.
Attendees should park in front or behind the Horton Mansion (handicap parking only) or in the Main Parking Lot at the entrance to the campus. The classroom is located on the mezzanine level of the Art Gallery Building; press 鈥淢鈥� when taking the elevator.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026 | 10:00 am-12:00 pm
NJ School of Conservation, 1 Wapalane Rd. Sandyston, NJ
To register for this free event, call the Sussex County Division of Senior Services at 973-579-0555 ext. 1225.
As a College Center for Lifelong Learning partner, the New Jersey School of Conservation has been inspired by the Monarch Teacher Network to encourage students to explore nature with all their senses while building a deeper appreciation for the environment. After discovering a natural area, students create ephemeral land art using only materials found in nature, then bring their artwork to life through creative writing. By blending environmental exploration, art, and literacy, students develop creativity, communication skills, and a lasting respect for nature, diverse cultures, and one another
For more than 50 years, Patrice Kealy has shared her passion for science, history, and the arts with children and adults throughout New Jersey. Her career has included marine science education, environmental education, sailing instruction, and serving as an interpretive park ranger at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. She also participated in the Soviet-American Sail, a diplomatic and environmental expedition across the Atlantic. An avid photographer, artist, and writer, Patrice is a published illustrator and is currently writing a middle-grade fiction novel.
Directions & Parking:
1.Take Route 80 (East or West) to Exit 34 for Route 15 North.
2.Go about 20 miles on Route 15.
3.The road turns into Route 206 North at a wide intersection (Wawa on corner).
4.Continue straight on Route 206 North about 8.5 miles, passing the main entrance to Stokes State Forest.
5.About 1.5 miles after the park entrance, turn right onto Flatbrook
Road. (There鈥檚 a sign on the corner for the YMCA.)
6.Follow the road around the sharp right bend and continue about 1.5 miles.
7.Turn right on Skellenger Road toward SOC and Lake Ocquittunk.
(Don鈥檛 turn into the cabin area.)
8.Continue straight about 1 mile to the SOC Campus, staying left at the forks (passing campsites along the way).
9.When you reach the first red building you will make a right, followed by your first left.
10.Parking is located along the edge of the large open field known as the Corral.
What to Bring/Wear:
A sturdy pair of shoes for walking on trails
Reusable Water Bottle
Insect Repellent
Small Backpack
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Raingear (if rain is in the forecast)
Warm Layer (depending on forecast)
Wednesdays: November 4, 11, & 18
Time: 1:00 pm-4:00 pm
Location: C202
Cost: $65 (includes all supplies)
Registration: Call the Sussex County Division of Senior Services at 973-579-0555 ext.1225 for information and to register.
Professor Sherry Fitzgerald is very excited to present a series of beginner workshops where attendees will explore brushes and how to use them, color theory, and mixing paint in fun and rewarding exercises leading to creating a step-by-step
painting.
Studio Session One: Acrylic Painting Basics
In this introductory workshop, attendees will explore what is needed to get started painting with acrylics: different types of brushes, fun painting experiments to learn brush techniques, basic color theory, exploration exercises in mixing paint to create a color wheel, and further experimentation with color attributes of hue, saturation and value in preparation for the next workshop. All supplies will be included.
Studio Session Two: Value and Color
In this fun workshop, attendees will experiment with value and color by painting an image in black and white values and translating those values into a color painting in preparation of the next workshop. All supplies will be included.
Studio Session Three: Create a Painting Step by Step
In this workshop, attendees will create a vibrant color painting using the skills practiced in the previous workshops. Attendees will be guided through a single artwork from start to finish to practice skills covered in the previous workshops. All supplies will be included.
Attendees should park in front or behind the Horton Mansion (handicap parking only) or in the Main Parking Lot at the entrance to the campus. The classroom is located on the mezzanine level of the Art Gallery Building; press 鈥淢鈥� when taking the elevator.
Friday, November 20, 2026 | 3:00 pm
Atrium of the SCCC Performing Arts Center
To register for this free event, call the Sussex County Division of Senior Services at 973-579-0555 ext. 1225.
Join Tony Lombardo as he examines various indigenous Native American village sites and rock shelters that existed long before European settlers moved west from the coastal region to settle what is now Sussex County. Particular attention will be paid to sites surrounding the Town of Newton, as well as those located in Andover and Sparta Townships. The Skylands Archaeological Research Program will also present archaeological research currently underway. The aim of this presentation is to bring greater understanding and appreciation of Pre-Contact Native American peoples that once inhabited what current residents of Sussex County now call home.
Light refreshments will be served.
Attendees should park in the lower main parking lot directly
outside the Performing Arts Center. There is an elevator in the lobby of the building. The Atrium is directly at the top of the stairs or make a right out of the elevator and a left to proceed to the atrium.
Monday-Thursday | 9:00 am-4:00 pm
(Monday, September 14-Thursday, December 17)
Please note: There are no labs on October 12 or November 26-November 29.
Library & Science (L) Building, Room L202
The computer lab is free to use.
Come to campus to practice your computer skills in the College鈥檚 Open Lab staffed with tech-savvy student assistants.
It is recommended that attendees park in the College鈥檚 Upper Parking Lot behind L Building and walk across the pedestrian bridge that connects the Library Building. There is an elevator available.
Monday-Friday | 11:00 am-12:00 pm
(Monday, September 14-Thursday, December 17)
Please note: There College is closed on October 12 and November 26-November 29.
Building E, Gymnasium
Come to campus to exercise during the open walking times in the gymnasium. The gym is free to use. Attendees participate on their own and should check in with security before their first walk by calling 973-300-2223 or visiting the security post near the Horton Mansion.
Parking: It is recommended that attendees park in one of the College鈥檚 Upper Parking Lots (lot 5, 6 or 8). The gym is on the main level of the E Building.
Friday, December 4 | 12:00 pm
Atrium of the SCCC Performing Arts Center
To register for this free event, call the Sussex County Division of Senior Services at 973-579-0555 ext. 1225. Registration opens November 1; space is limited.
Come join us as we kick off the 鈥渕ost wonderful time of the year鈥� with a Winter Holiday Luncheon Buffet.
We鈥檙e also celebrating the wonderful work done by the County鈥檚 Division of Senior Services. You will have an opportunity to meet Senior Services Division and Center for Lifelong Learning staff and learn about the programs and services available to Sussex County seniors through the Division of Senior Services, the College, and the Center.
Attendees should park in the lower main parking lot directly outside the Performing Arts Center. An elevator is available in the lobby. The Atrium is directly at the top of the stairs or make a right out of the elevator and a left to proceed to the atrium.
The Sussex County Division of Senior Services will also host these area events:
CAREGIVER EXPO
Thursday, October 22 | 3:30鈥�6:30 pm
Farmstead Golf & Country Club, Lafayette
Seminars and Exhibits
SALUTE TO MILITARY VETERANS
Sunday, November 1 | 1:00 pm
Sussex County Fairgrounds
Parade, Entertainment, and Exhibits
For more information about these events, call the Sussex County Division of Senior Services at 973-579-0555 ext. 1225.
Sussex County residents, 65 years and older, are entitled to free tuition and fees for eligible college-level courses.聽
These聽conditions apply:
Sign up for the Sussex County Senior Services Division鈥檚 electronic monthly emailed newsletter, which includes The Center for Lifelong Learning鈥檚 programs, at or by calling 973-579-0555, extension 1225, to subscribe.