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Camp Community College’s Regional Workforce Development Center is launching a new program geared toward the 55+ population called Encore55+.

The program will kick off at noon Wednesday, Jan. 24 with an Encore 55+ Brunch at the Regional Workforce Development Center in Franklin. Come learn more about the Encore55+ Program and enjoy a delicious brunch. Included will be inspirational speaker Dr. Carletta N. Artis, Community Engagement Specialist at Camp, and musical selections by Contemporary Christian artist Jeff Zeigler. The event is free to attend. Those interested should RSVP by calling Dr. Artis at 757-569-6723 or email her at cartis@pdc.edu.

 According to Dr. Artis, who will run the program, Encore is a program that was run by Camp’s WDC for a number of years, but was discontinued around the time COVID struck.

“Encore55+ is not new, but we want to rejuvenate the energy of the program. The program is still meant for individuals who are 55 and older, but we are also open to supporting other individuals near that range, Dr. Artis said. “We want to support this group by giving them fun and challenging things to do.”

Potential classes may include photography, painting, exercise, quilting, cooking and baking, social media, arts and crafts, drawing, field trips and other social events.

“We hope the seniors that come in will actually bring their own ideas,” Dr. Artis said.

 Community engagement is another possibility. There will be opportunities for participants to mentor children.

“We want to capitalize on their wisdom and knowledge and what they bring to the table and allow them to share that back to the community,” Dr. Artis said. “We want seniors to meet new friends and be active. We want them to celebrate and enjoy the life that they have.”

 The Encore55+ program is made possible by a grant from Franklin Southampton Charities.

About Paul D. Camp Community College

Opened in 1971, Paul D. Camp Community College is a two-year public educational institution with campuses in Franklin and Suffolk, and a center in Smithfield, Va. Our mission is to provide accessible, quality higher education, workforce training, and community development in our service region, while supporting success for a diverse student population, and fulfilling the needs of our employers. This is evident in the wide array of educational opportunities and workforce training offered at the college. Educational opportunities include: associate degrees, career studies certificates in transfer and career/technical programs; credit and non-credit workforce services; training for businesses and industries; and special interest classes for the community.