The Secret Is Out

            Not just a summer camp for kids, the center offers a wide variety of programs and retreats throughout the year for adults – SML residents and visitors alike – from its picturesque lakeside location in Franklin County. Antiquing, watercolor painting, digital photography and introduction to computers are just a few of the topics offered.

            Dennis Crowley, the center’s program director, called it education in its purest form.

            "Learning simply for the sake of learning," said Crowley, a former college administrator. "No tests, no homework. Learning because you want to. That should be what’s important."

            Crowley and his wife Linda, a speech therapist, moved to SML from New York, not to retire but to continue working in a location they love. For the past eight years, his focus has been developing 4-H Center adult programs, which he said are divided into two areas of emphasis – Elderhostel and Adult Education programs. They’re offered primarily March through June and August through November.

            Elderhostel is an international program for people 55 and older, Crowley said. Participants from around the country converge on the 4-H Center for multi-day, educational courses that include meals and lodging. Course topics are diverse and include titles such as "A Virginia Sampler: Exploring Blue Ridge Mountain History" and "Victory at Virginia Tech: The Making of a College Athletics Power."

            Although local residents are welcome to register to attend Elderhostel programs, the center also provides daytime-only Adult Education courses.

            Union Hall resident Marianne Arnold attended one of the most popular of the programs, "Antiquing with ‘Colonel’ Bill.’" A collector of antique dolls, Arnold said she enjoyed and greatly valued the information and tips provided in the course, which was presented by antique specialist Bill Clutz of Union Hall.

            "I was very impressed," she said. "The ‘Colonel’ showed us how to recognize real antiques versus reproductions by pointing out what signs to look for, how to identify old from plain old fake."

            Class members also were encouraged to bring in antiques of their own, which were then used to teach value and age appraisal, Arnold explained. The class visited the Blue Ridge Antique Center near Rocky Mount on the program’s second day for more hands-on assessment.

            Tom Malishaucki, also of Union Hall, was quick to admit "Computers for the Barely Computer Literate" was a program that appealed to him, as it accurately described his technological skills.

            "The instructor, Clay Jackson, is an old Army guy and knows everything about computers," Malishaucki said. "He started with the basics, explaining how the signal travels through the air. He gave us tips on defragging, getting rid of cookies and other things we should always do. He taught us how to copy, paste and basic, general-use techniques. He also allowed time for discussion of personal computer problems, using those to give us all more information."

            The center’s extensive computer lab enabled each student to work at his or her own computer station, he added. Malishaucki was similarly impressed by the 120-acre facility itself, which sits on a scenic spot overlooking the lake.

            "It’s easy to find, in a beautiful setting and the atmosphere is great," he said.

            In addition to hotel- and dormitory-style lodging, the center features 15 meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 400 people. Wireless internet access and audio and visual equipment also are available. For outdoor events, including concerts and weddings, two pavilions are located on the property.

            As for the Adult Education program topics, Crowley said there is no particular formula for choosing them; his 32 years of experience and suggestions by participants help in developing ideas. Crowley said he seeks out instructors from colleges and universities in the area, tapping into their areas of expertise. Other qualified talents – such as Clutz and Jackson – are utilized as well.

            "Some programs work, some don’t. I thought belly dancing would be a popular program, but only one person signed up," Crowley said with a smile. "A lot of guys offered to come and watch, but they didn’t want to dance."

  Crowley said he plans to offer the antiquing and computing programs again this fall, along with others like watercolor painting that have been popular in the past.

A full listing of the upcoming Adult Education and Elderhostel programs is available online at skelton4hcenter.org. For additional information, contact Crowley at 721-2759, ext. 264 or dcrowley@vt.edu.