Special Events   

True lifelong wellness isn’t just about chasing youth. It involves building and maintaining a body that allows you to live fully, move without fear, and maintain your independence! This course is designed specifically for adult learners who want to take a proactive approach to their longevity. We will cut through the confusing fitness trends to focus on the core pillars of physical health: strength, endurance, balance, and mobility. We will also cover key topics like nutrition and recovery! Students should be able to complete light physical activity.

This is a two-hour event.

If you do not see the "Add to Cart" button, there are 3 possible reasons. 1) Registration has not opened yet. Registration begins for Annual Members November 17 and for Friends November 19 at 9 a.m. 2) You are not logged in (Click Sign-In). 2) You have not added a Membership to your cart or renewed your membership.  

What if art could do more than decorate a city? Join Taylor Emmons, founder of Tailored Impact, for an interactive exploration of art and culture as civic infrastructure. We’ll begin with a guided mural tour through downtown Spartanburg, exploring how public art can shape community identity, activate spaces, support local businesses, and create connection. We’ll end at Bond Street Wines where we’ll explore national examples of art as civic infrastructure. Students are responsible for their own transportation to Bond Street and any refreshments that you may want to purchase at the event.

This event is 1.5 to 2 hours in length.

If you do not see the "Add to Cart" button, there are 3 possible reasons. 1) Registration has not opened yet. Registration begins for Annual Members November 17 and for Friends November 19 at 9 a.m. 2) You are not logged in (Click Sign-In). 2) You have not added a Membership to your cart or renewed your membership.  

This session focuses on Artificial Intelligence, particularly Deep Learning and Generative Artificial Intelligence, and Intelligent Software Agents. Deep Learning can solve such complicated problems as the shape of medically important protein molecules (2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry). Generative A.I. creates new text, computer code, and images (e.g., Chat GPT). Intelligent Software Agents perform complex tasks online. The philosophical issues associated with A.I. will also be explored.

This is a 90-minute event.

If you do not see the "Add to Cart" button, there are 3 possible reasons. 1) Registration has not opened yet. Registration begins for Annual Members November 17 and for Friends November 19 at 9 a.m. 2) You are not logged in (Click Sign-In). 2) You have not added a Membership to your cart or renewed your membership.  

Every pet owner should know what to do when seconds count. We will understand the lifesaving skills needed to respond to emergencies involving dogs and cats. Participants will learn how to check normal vital signs, recognize signs of distress, respond to choking emergencies, provide rescue breathing, and perform pet CPR while awaiting veterinary care. Designed for pet owners of all experience levels, this event provides the knowledge and confidence to act quickly during a pet emergency.

This is a two-hour event.

If you do not see the "Add to Cart" button, there are 3 possible reasons. 1) Registration has not opened yet. Registration begins for Annual Members November 17 and for Friends November 19 at 9 a.m. 2) You are not logged in (Click Sign-In). 2) You have not added a Membership to your cart or renewed your membership.  

Learn the art of creating beautiful, delicious charcuterie boards in this hands-on workshop designed for beginners and food enthusiasts alike. You’ll discover how to properly cut and serve a variety of cheeses, fold and style cured meats, prepare and arrange fresh fruit, and build a board that is both visually stunning and balanced in flavor. Along the way, you’ll learn entertaining tips, professional styling techniques, and the design principles that transform simple ingredients into edible art. Each participant will create and take home a beautifully styled charcuterie board, along with the skills and confidence to recreate impressive spreads for gatherings, holidays, and everyday entertaining. A $50 fee will be added to your cart to cover the cost of food and a keepsake board to take home.

This is a two-hour, one-time event.

If you do not see the "Add to Cart" button, there are 3 possible reasons. 1) Registration has not opened yet. Registration begins for Annual Members November 17 and for Friends November 19 at 9 a.m. 2) You are not logged in (Click Sign-In). 2) You have not added a Membership to your cart or renewed your membership.  

We have items with special meaning for us: artwork, souvenirs, ceramics, furniture, jewelry, etc. Eventually these items will pass to the next generation or end up in thrift stores. You'll learn how to catalog those items with photographs and descriptions of their origins, their costs, and anything to help your heirs decide the fates of those items. In the first of two sessions, the instructor will show you how he created his heirloom inventory. In the second, you'll share the progress you've made on yours.

This is a two-session event, meeting for 90 minutes each session.

If you do not see the "Add to Cart" button, there are 3 possible reasons. 1) Registration has not opened yet. Registration begins for Annual Members November 17 and for Friends November 19 at 9 a.m. 2) You are not logged in (Click Sign-In). 2) You have not added a Membership to your cart or renewed your membership.  

Join Spartanburg City Police Lieutenant Daniel Gordon for an eye-opening workshop everyone should take! During the two-hour session, you will learn about Situational Awareness. Topics will cover the basics of knowing your surroundings, how to react, and basic tips, tricks, and advice when it comes to personal safety. There are some self-defense techniques, but this also covers where to park, having your keys in your hands, looking up while you walk, internet safety, and much more.

This is a two-hour event.

If you do not see the "Add to Cart" button, there are 3 possible reasons. 1) Registration has not opened yet. Registration begins for Annual Members November 17 and for Friends November 19 at 9 a.m. 2) You are not logged in (Click Sign-In). 2) You have not added a Membership to your cart or renewed your membership.  

Step into the glow of cozy living. Join us for a morning of warmth, community and the art of slowing down. Learn how to bring Hygge (the Danish art of comfort and contentment) into your home and heart this season. Learn ways to help your home and your life feel cozy and fulfilled. Dress in comfy clothes, wear fuzzy socks if you have them, and bring a blanket. Leave feeling inspired, refreshed and ready to make your home a cozy haven for the months ahead. Light snacks and a drink will be provided along with handouts and ideas to implement instantly! A $5 fee will be added to your cart to cover the cost of snacks and materials.

If you do not see the "Add to Cart" button, there are 3 possible reasons. 1) Registration has not opened yet. Registration begins for Annual Members November 17 and for Friends November 19 at 9 a.m. 2) You are not logged in (Click Sign-In). 2) You have not added a Membership to your cart or renewed your membership.  

A focused class for players comfortable with American Mah Jongg basics (NMJL rules). Learn essential defensive strategies to read the table, avoid dangerous discards, and protect your hand. Build confidence in knowing when not to call, how to pivot safely, and how to minimize risk while staying in the game. Play smarter, lose less, and elevate your overall strategy.

This is a one-time, two-hour session.

If you do not see the "Add to Cart" button, there are 3 possible reasons. 1) Registration has not opened yet. Registration begins for Annual Members November 17 and for Friends November 19 at 9 a.m. 2) You are not logged in (Click Sign-In). 2) You have not added a Membership to your cart or renewed your membership.  

Are you a baseball fan? Do you love to learn about local and state history? How much do you know about the history of black baseball in South Carolina? This presentation will touch on all of those "bases." Students will learn how South Carolina’s African American baseball history is perhaps the greatest of any state. Be prepared to be in awe of the kind of rich talent and history our state possesses. Let's learn about the great unknown history of our state's black baseball stars and to bring their legacy "out of the shadows.”

This is a 90-minute event.

If you do not see the "Add to Cart" button, there are 3 possible reasons. 1) Registration has not opened yet. Registration begins for Annual Members November 17 and for Friends November 19 at 9 a.m. 2) You are not logged in (Click Sign-In). 2) You have not added a Membership to your cart or renewed your membership.  

It's winter and chilly outside (well, most days!). Come get warmed up inside with old and new Lifelong Learning friends to celebrate a great Winter Term together. You will enjoy three different kinds of soup, corn muffins and yeast rolls, cookies and tea. Let's enjoy one another and a belly full of yummy goodness. Sure to warm you to the bones! 

Please arrive by 11:30 when the soup will be served.

If you do not see the "Add to Cart" button, there are 3 possible reasons. 1) Registration has not opened yet. Registration begins for Annual Members November 17 and for Friends November 19 at 9 a.m. 2) You are not logged in (Click Sign-In). 2) You have not added a Membership to your cart or renewed your membership.  

Narrated by Academy Award-winner Lupita Nyong'o, Worlds Beyond Earth tells the story of the surprisingly dynamic worlds that orbit our Sun. Based on authentic scientific data from groundbreaking space missions, Worlds Beyond Earth takes viewers on an exhilarating adventure through our cosmic neighborhood. 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. Following the event, grab some of your Lifelong Learning friends and head downtown for an early dinner or a beverage. Students are responsible for their own transportation to the planetarium. Registration for this event closes on January 21st.

This is a 35-45 minute presentation.

If you do not see the "Add to Cart" button, there are 3 possible reasons. 1) Registration has not opened yet. Registration begins for Annual Members November 17 and for Friends November 19 at 9 a.m. 2) You are not logged in (Click Sign-In). 2) You have not added a Membership to your cart or renewed your membership.  

Celebrating 100 Years of the Cleveland Bell Tower at the Historic Church of the Advent. We will learn about the 100th anniversary of the ringing of the bells—the first bells to ring in Spartanburg. We will learn the rich history behind how the Advent Bells came to Spartanburg. We will follow that with a tour of the stained glass windows to discover the artistry, symbolism, and craftsmanship in the sacred art. To complete the tour, we will investigate the surrounding, historic cemetery.

The tour will last approximately 2.5 hours.

If you do not see the "Add to Cart" button, there are 3 possible reasons. 1) Registration has not opened yet. Registration begins for Annual Members November 17 and for Friends November 19 at 9 a.m. 2) You are not logged in (Click Sign-In). 2) You have not added a Membership to your cart or renewed your membership.  

Plastic is one of the most widely used materials in modern life, and one of the most persistent pollutants on Earth. We will view the new documentary “The Story of Plastic” to learn about the scale of the problem and the growing evidence about what plastics do to humans and other living things. We will share our reactions to the film, discuss solutions to the plastics crisis, and talk about next steps for our community and ourselves. See trailer.

This is a two-hour event.

If you do not see the "Add to Cart" button, there are 3 possible reasons. 1) Registration has not opened yet. Registration begins for Annual Members November 17 and for Friends November 19 at 9 a.m. 2) You are not logged in (Click Sign-In). 2) You have not added a Membership to your cart or renewed your membership.  

Enjoy an afternoon wine and cheese drop-in while viewing an art exhibit, speaking with artists, and learning about the opportunities offered by Blue Spirit Studio. Join us to see what all the buzz is about in the Spartanburg Arts Community. Students will provide their own transportation to the studio. Please note that there is no disabled parking. Seating at this event is limited, so students should be able to stand for long periods of time. 

This is a 90-minute event.

If you do not see the "Add to Cart" button, there are 3 possible reasons. 1) Registration has not opened yet. Registration begins for Annual Members November 17 and for Friends November 19 at 9 a.m. 2) You are not logged in (Click Sign-In). 2) You have not added a Membership to your cart or renewed your membership.