Welcome to Lifelong Learning at Wofford

Special Events   

Scattered throughout our four terms we offer many one-time special events that includes trips, social events, lectures and our popular Lunch and Learn series. Members and non-members can enjoy these one-time offerings by signing up and checking out through our online registration process. Once you are registered, we will send you a reminder about 3-5 days prior to each event so you don't miss out on the fun.  Please be sure to carefully read the event details before signing up. Cancelations within a week of our Special Events will not be refunded. 

  • SPECIAL EVENT: Connect and share: Ending poverty in our country 
  • Leader or Host: Scott Neely
    Fee: $10.00
    Day of the Week: F, Date: 5/1/2026 -- 5/1/2026
    Time: 1:00 PM -- 2:30 PM
    Location: Central United Methodist Church (opens in new tab) Upper Room
    Connect and share. The idea is so simple it seems absurd: by connecting with people different than we are and sharing our resources with one another, we can provide for the mutual thriving of us all. In other words, we can end poverty and heal our divided culture. We will discuss the ancient theological and contemporary economic data supporting this idea, delve into our inspiring and fraught history as a nation, balance the creativity of competition with the generativity of cooperation, and speak candidly - and kindly - with one another in dialogue about the implications this idea has for our democracy today. This will be a short 90-minutes to transform how we live together. Come build the future.
 

  • SPECIAL EVENT: Hummingbirds: Flying jewels 
  • Leader or Host: Pam Torlina
    Fee: $10.00
    Day of the Week: F, Date: 5/8/2026 -- 5/8/2026
    Time: 10:00 AM -- 11:30 AM
    Location: Central United Methodist Church (opens in new tab) Fellowship Hall
    Discover the fascinating world of hummingbirds in this engaging presentation focused on their life history and unique adaptations. Learn how these tiny birds survive and thrive through remarkable behaviors, specialized flight and feeding strategies, nesting habits, and incredible migratory feats. You'll learn about how these tiny birds have evolved to survive in diverse habitats and the important roles they play in the ecosystem. This program is perfect for all nature enthusiasts!
 

  • SPECIAL EVENT: Life stories 
  • Leader or Host: Linda Powers Bilanchone
    Fee: $0.00
    Day of the Week: F, Date: 4/10/2026 -- 4/10/2026
    Time: 10:00 AM -- 11:30 AM
    Location: Wofford College Campus (opens in new tab) 
    We will join our fellow Lifelong Learners to share our own life stories and find connections and common interests as well as have fun! Where did you grow up? What's your favorite leisure time activity? We'll be surprised: "You loved horseback riding as a teenager, too?" You love collecting seashells?" You get the idea. Just easy, casual conversation for an hour where we learn more about the people we see every time we take part in Lifelong Learning at Wofford.
    This event will be held on Wofford's campus.
 

  • Lunch and Learn Series : Teresa Kopec, Bird and wildlife photography for beginners
  • Fee: $15.00
    Date: Thursday, 3/26/2026
    Times: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
    Location: Central United Methodist Church (opens in new tab)  Activities Room

    Avid bird and wildlife photographer, Teresa Kopec will present photos and discuss how to get started in this exciting hobby. Get all the tips on camera gear, locating birds and wildlife, organizing and editing photos and more. Even if the wildlife you are capturing is your grandchildren, you’ll get a lot of information on how to take your photography to the next level.

    A box lunch from Firehouse Subs is included with your registration fee.
 

  • Lunch and Learn Series : Richard Meehan, Grindall's Ford: 1700s local pioneer community
  • Fee: $15.00
    Date: Thursday, 4/2/2026
    Times: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
    Location: Central United Methodist Church (opens in new tab)  Fellowship Hall

    Before Spartanburg was officially incorporated, Grindall's Ford on the Pacolet River served as a hub for trade and community activities. Settlers relied on this ford for their daily travel. Between 1768 and 1780, they fought the Cherokees out of the Pacolet River Valley, established farms, built several churches, operated Wofford’s Ironworks and set up gristmills, sawmills, trading posts and taverns. When the Revolutionary War reached the area in 1780, many men became Patriots and served in the Spartan Regiment. However, some Loyalists, like Captain Alexander Chesney, fought for King George III in the Fairforest Loyalist Militia. Neighbors fought against neighbors.

    A box lunch from Firehouse Subs is included with your registration fee.
 

 
  • Lunch and Learn:  John Simmons, Spirituality and alligatorsis full. Click the add to waitlist button below.
  • Days: Th   Date: 4/9/2026 - 4/9/2026, Times: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM        
    Location: Wofford College Campus (opens in new tab)  Burwell Building: Anna Todd Wofford Room
  • What could be spiritual about alligators? John Simmons' talk will provide information about alligators on the SC Coast and how they help in the study of human disease processes.

     

 

Website Tip! There is no charge to add yourself to the waitlist. Adding yourself helps us know the interest for the offering and in many cases we can add more seats, please add yourself!

 

  • Lunch and Learn Series  Donnie Eggleton and Kaye Savage, Glendale: A small town with a big history
  • This class is FULL and is not accepting any more registrations. 

    Instructor:
    Dates: 4/16/2026 - 4/16/2026
    Times: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

     

 

  • Lunch and Learn Series : Spyder Harrison/JJ Walker: Fifty years of radio insanity
  • Fee: $15.00
    Date: Thursday, 4/23/2026
    Times: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
    Location: Central United Methodist Church (opens in new tab)  Activities Room

    Fifty years of Radio Insanity; Spyder Harrison shares his ride through more than half a century behind the mic. It begins with a teenage DJ in a Hialeah warehouse doing an afternoon drive to an FM country station; continuing through a cow field radio station in Starke, Florida; and on to major markets like New York City, Miami, Philadelphia, Detroit, Washington, D.C., Minneapolis, Kansas City and Tampa. For the past 23 years, the journey has gone nationwide on SiriusXM. Along the way it has included multiple air names, wild stunts, fierce radio wars and the untold stories behind the scenes.

     

    A box lunch from Firehouse Subs is included with your registration fee.
 

  • Lunch and Learn Series : Jaclin DuRant, SC Adopt-a-Stream community science program
  • Fee: $15.00
    Date: Thursday, 4/30/2026
    Times: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
    Location: Central United Methodist Church (opens in new tab)  Activities Room
    South Carolina Adopt-a-Stream (SC AAS) is a statewide volunteer water quality monitoring program that empowers community members to protect and improve water quality through education and certified volunteer monitoring. SC AAS coordinator for the Upstate, Jaclin DuRant, will share a brief overview of the program’s four different protocols: freshwater stream, tidal saltwater, macroinvertebrate and lake monitoring. Water quality data collected by SC AAS volunteers helps establish baseline site conditions, increases community awareness and engagement and sparks investigation with local partners when pollution threats emerge.
    A box lunch from Firehouse Subs is included with your registration fee.
 

  • Lunch and Learn Series : Gretchen Smith, St. Luke's Free Medical Clinic: Who and how we serve
  • Fee: $15.00
    Date: Thursday, 5/7/2026
    Times: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
    Location: Central United Methodist Church (opens in new tab)  Activities Room
    St. Luke’s Free Medical Clinic provides compassionate, comprehensive healthcare to uninsured low-income adults living in Spartanburg County. This presentation offers an inside look at who we serve, the medical and pharmacy services we provide and the growing needs in our community. We will discuss uninsured residents who fall into the healthcare gap, earning too much to qualify for Medicaid, yet unable to afford private insurance, and how St. Luke’s serves as their medical home. Join us to explore the impact of our volunteer-based model, community partnerships, and how you can be part of expanding access to quality care.
    A box lunch from Firehouse Subs is included with your registration fee.
 

  • LOCAL TRIP: Magical month of May on Lake Jocassee 
  • Fee: $65.00
    Max Enrollment: 12
    Day of the Week: Tu
    Date: 5/12/2026 -- 5/12/2026
    Time: 10:00 AM -- 1:00 PM
    Location: Off Campus Devil's Fork State Park
    Ah, May! Mild air, warm sunshine, and sparkling waterfalls surrounded by bouquets of flowering shrubs define this month. What a perfect time to enjoy Lake Jocassee on a comfortable pontoon cruise, learning the history of the land while visiting one beautiful spot after another. Join us!  WHAT TO BRING: lunch or snacks; appropriate layers of clothing, including a windbreaker or raincoat and sensible closed-toe shoes; binoculars and/or camera; and last but not least, a sense of wonder! Students are responsible for their own transportation and carpooling is recommended. 
    This event begins at 10:00; allow for 90 - 120 minutes travel time. The rain date is Friday, May 15. If you cannot attend the rain date, a refund will not be provided.
 

  • SOCIAL EVENT:  Matinee and popcorn The Searchers
  • Price: $10.00
    Date: 3/27/2026 -- 3/27/2026
    Day of the Week: F
    Time: 1:00 PM -- 4:00 PM
    Location: Wofford College Campus (opens in new tab) Olin Theater
    It's time to get your cowboy on and join us for a silver screen favorite with John Wayne and Natalie Wood in "The Searchers." Our favorite web reviewer Rotten Tomatoes gives a great summary of the movie: In this revered Western, Ethan Edwards (John Wayne) returns home to Texas after the Civil War. When members of his brother's family are killed or abducted by Comanches, he vows to track down his surviving relatives and bring them home. Eventually, Edwards gets word that his niece Debbie (Natalie Wood) is alive, and, along with her adopted brother, Martin Pawley (Jeffrey Hunter), he embarks on a dangerous mission to find her, journeying deep into Comanche territory. Most enjoy the incredible scenery and technicolor aspects of the film, calling this one of John Wayne's best films. You'll have popcorn and drinks to make this matinee a great way to spend the afternoon with other Lifelong Learners, and our amazing film connoisseur Ray Merlock will again provide pre and post overviews of the film, making it a truly great way to watch the film. 
    This event is held in the Olin Theater on Wofford's campus. Students provide their own transportation to the event.
     
 

  • Mosaic creation workshop with Emily Patterson

    • This offering is full. Click the add to waitlist button below.
    • Days: F   Date: 4/17/2026 - 4/17/2026
      Times: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM        
      Location: Central United Methodist Church (opens in new tab) Education Building Activities Room
    • Join us for a hands-on mosaic creation event where creativity takes center stage! Participants will choose from mosaic bases such as coasters, wall hangings and more. You’ll then select from a wide variety of tiles and decorative pieces to design your own unique mosaic. After arranging and gluing your pieces, you’ll be guided through mixing and applying grout to complete your mosaic treasure. All supplies are included, and your finished piece will go home with you the same day. No experience required. A $25 materials fee to cover all supplies needed for the event will be added to your shopping cart when you register.

Website Tip! There is no charge to add yourself to the waitlist. Adding yourself helps us know the interest for the offering and in many cases we can add more seats or schedule another section, please add yourself!

 

  • Ole Station Roastery: Coffee tasting and roasting with Darryle Hodges

    • This offering is full. Click the add to waitlist button below.
    • Days: F   Date: 4/17/2026 - 4/17/2026
      Times: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM        
      Location: Off Campus  
    • Ole Station Roastery is a historic gem. This 1940s station, which once served as the heartbeat of the Reidville community, is a place where neighbors convene to kickstart or wind down their days, so it holds a special significance to this day. You will see how they roast green coffee beans and make the different roasts, followed by a tasting of all roasts to show how coffee is graded. Come savor a cup of excellence in the company of kindred spirits! Afterwards, feel free to check out the gift shop or coffee shop and enjoy a muffin or scone. Students will be responsible for providing their own transportation to this event in Woodruff. 

Website Tip! There is no charge to add yourself to the waitlist. Adding yourself helps us know the interest for the offering and in many cases we can add more seats or schedule another section, please add yourself!

 

  • SOCIAL EVENT:  Picnic and games at Central Park 
  • Price: $5.00
    Date: 5/7/2026 -- 5/7/2026
    Day of the Week: Th
    Time: 4:00 PM -- 7:00 PM
    Location: Central United Methodist Church (opens in new tab) Central Park
    Let's celebrate this amazing community we are building at Central UMC with our preschool friends, Central members and Lifelong Learners. Everyone is invited to bring a packed picnic basket, blanket or chair and come enjoy Central Park, located behind the Education Building and next to the parking garage. We encourage everyone to bring a dessert to share (since we all love dessert) for the community table. Soft drinks and water will be provided. If you want to bring something else to drink, please do not bring glass bottles. We will have napkins and cups available. Lawn games including Corn Hole, Ladder Ball and Bocce will be provided. We may also have a special guest or two. Music and laughter will fill the air as we enjoy an afternoon together to celebrate the many memories and new friendships made this school year.
     
 

  • LOCAL TRIP: Set the scene: A guide to beautiful table décor 
  • Fee: $5.00
    Max Enrollment: 25
    Day of the Week: F
    Date: 5/1/2026 -- 5/1/2026
    Time: 10:00 AM -- 11:00 AM
    Location: Off Campus 
    Master the basics of table setting and decorating to wow your guests every time! Explore essential techniques for crafting refined, well‑designed table settings and décor. Students will provide their own transportation to this event located at Stafford's of Spartanburg.
 

 

  • Vibrations for balance: A sound bath journey with Emily Nelson

    • This offering is full. Click the add to waitlist button below.
    • Days: F   Date: 4/10/2026 - 4/10/2026
      Times: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM        
      Location: Wofford College Campus (opens in new tab)  Richardson Dance Studio
    • Step into a restorative sound bath designed to calm the mind and renew the spirit. With crystal singing bowls and tuning forks, the presenter will guide participants through a soothing journey of vibration and resonance that melts away stress, restores balance and invites deep relaxation. No experience is needed—simply bring a yoga mat, pillow or blanket, settle in, and let the waves of sound wash over you. Leave feeling refreshed, centered and connected.

Website Tip! There is no charge to add yourself to the waitlist. Adding yourself helps us know the interest for the offering and in many cases we can add more seats or schedule another section, please add yourself!

 

  • Wine and cheese social with Hannah Simpson, Laura Derrick

    • This offering is full. Click the add to waitlist button below.
    • Days: Th   Date: 4/23/2026 - 4/23/2026
      Times: 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM        
      Location: Summit Hills  
    • Step beyond the conductor's podium and join John Young Shik Concklin, Music Director of the Spartanburg Philharmonic, as he shares stories and inspiration behind the music of the upcoming "American Dreams" concert. Now in its 96th season, the Spartanburg Philharmonic continues to bring the joy of music to our community. Connect with your Lifelong Learning friends, along with Summit Hills residents, while enjoying wine, cheese, crackers and camaraderie. With Lifelong Learning, happy hour is always in session! Students are responsible for their own transportation to Summit Hills: 110 Summit Hills Dr., Spartanburg.

       

Website Tip! There is no charge to add yourself to the waitlist. Adding yourself helps us know the interest for the offering and in many cases we can add more seats or schedule another section, please add yourself!

 

  • Writing Ukrainian Easter eggs with Vicky Holycross

    • This offering is full. Click the add to waitlist button below.
    • Days: F   Date: 3/27/2026 - 3/27/2026
      Times: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM        
      Location: Central United Methodist Church (opens in new tab) Education Building Garrett Room
    • According to Ukrainian legend, as long as Ukrainian Easter eggs are being created, evil will be contained. In this three hour event, we will learn about the history of Ukrainian Easter Eggs and what makes them special. Then we will make our own Ukrainian Easter eggs. All material is provided by the teacher. We will be creating traditional batik eggs, but will be using modern equipment. Returning students are welcome as new patterns will be provided. A $15 fee will be added to your registration to cover the costs of materials. 

       

Website Tip! There is no charge to add yourself to the waitlist. Adding yourself helps us know the interest for the offering and in many cases we can add more seats or schedule another section, please add yourself!

 

  • B-I-N-G-O!   with Vicki Banks

  • This class is in session. Contact the office at 864-274-2917 for more information.
  • Days: Tu   Date: 3/24/2026 - 3/24/2026
    Times: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM        
    Bingo, beer, big laughs and even bigger prizes! Our Lifelong Learners never miss a chance to gather and what better reason than an afternoon of bingo and hot pizza? Meet us in Milliken Science Hall while the students are away for spring break and the campus is all ours. We’ll have plenty of pizza, beer and wine as we dive into rounds of 4-corner, full-card, X marks the spot and more. Come ready for a lively, laid‑back afternoon of fun. 
 

  • Columbia, SC museum, gallery and artist studio tour  with Jane Nodine

  • This class is in session. Contact the office at 864-274-2917 for more information.
  • Days: F   Date: 4/24/2026 - 4/24/2026
    Times: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM        
    Jane Nodine will host this day trip which will include a guided tour of the South Carolina State Museum and a chance to view its permanent collections and featured exhibits plus a visit to Stormwater Studios to see its gallery and artist studios. Transportation will be provided. We will leave Central United Methodist Church at 9:00 a.m. and return by 5:00 p.m. Comfortable attire is recommended and participants should bring a bag lunch and beverage. A $30 fee will be added to your registration to cover the cost of transportation. 
 

  • Spartanburg County Public Library Planetarium Experience  with Andy Flynt, Mycah Turman

  • This class is in session. Contact the office at 864-274-2917 for more information.
  • Days: M   Date: 3/23/2026 - 3/23/2026
    Times: 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM        
    The planetarium learning center houses a 50-foot domed planetarium theatre and offers educational experiences for children, teens and adults. The center brings pedestrian traffic to the city’s historic downtown and builds countywide partnerships with schools, universities and businesses. They also connect with national partners including NASA and the National Science Foundation. The tour will include explanations about the exhibits donated from NASA and other institutions. Students will view a show presented on the dome: Capcom Go! which showcases the historical achievements of the Apollo program. “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind” Neil Armstrong. The world celebrated as the astronauts took their first steps on the Moon. But few people were aware of just how huge an effort it had taken to get them there. These Apollo 11 astronauts were just 2 of nearly 400,000 people who had worked over ten years towards this goal. But how did they do it? What did it take to put humans on the Moon? Revisit the thrilling time. Following the event, grab some of your Lifelong Learning friends and head downtown for dinner or a beverage! 
 

 

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