UpDate - Vol. 14, No. 15, Page 5
December 15, 1994
Virden Center's Elderhostel program a success

     Imagine searching for buried treasure on the Delmarva coast,
exploring an oil skimmer, learning Civil War marching drills or just
spending the evening singing, dancing and exchanging stories with new
friends.
     A week at the beach is fun in itself, but these activities can
insure a rip-roaring good time. The only catch is participants must be
at least 55 years old, since these sessions are hosted by the
Elderhostel program at the University of Delaware Virden Conference
Center in Lewes.
     The international Elderhostel program was founded in 1975 by
Marty Knowlton, a social activist and former educator, and David
Bianco, a university administrator. They combined the youth hostel
concept, where people met fellow travelers, with the folk schools of
Europe, where older adults handed down age-old traditions.
     Today, there are more than 1,900 institutions associated with the
international Elderhostel program. Adults from the U.S., Canada and 47
overseas countries have found a unique way to meet similar-minded
people who enjoy learning and sharing ideas.
     In 1990, Elderhostel was brought to the University's Virden
Center in Lewes. Four programs were run during the first year, and
that number has doubled every year since. From 1994 through next June,
37 programs are scheduled.
     "The guests have fun," Michael Mulrine, conference manager and
Elderhostel coordinator, said. "That is the main reason for the
success of the program."
     Comments from participants reveal many satisfied customers. Jim
Abdella of Jamestown, N.Y., wrote an article for a local hometown
publication about his experience at the Virden Center. The column,
entitled "Just Here and There," gave a positive overview of his
experiences at Virden's Elderhostel, and, he wrote, "I have to tell
you that we had so many high notes, laughter and memories that I don't
know where to start."
     Other guest evaluations have been equally complimentary. A North
Carolina participant called the Virden Center the best of 47
elderhostels he has attended.
     According to Mulrine, the Elderhostel policy requires that guests
be 55 or older. They may bring a spouse or companion if they are 50 or
older. There are no educational requirements. All that is required is
an inquisitive mind and a desire to meet new friends. Although 75
percent of those who attend are married couples, singles are welcome.
They may be paired with other singles for lodging. Most guests are
retired professionals who want to continue learning.
     Participants take three noncredit courses over a five-day period.
Some of the Virden Center's most popular offerings include: "You and
the Civil War: Drama, Drill and Your Ancestors-Yanks or Rebs in the
Woodpile?," "Recovering Our Buried Past-Shipwrecks and Treasures of
the Delmarva Coast" and "Europe Crosses the Atlantic-Sailing on the
Sea of Maritime History."
     Touring the College of Marine Studies and the Zwaanendael Museum,
reminiscing with the Bill Earl's Lewes Men's Community Chorus and
delving into the history of Lewes with local historian Hazel
Brittingham are just some of the extracurricular activities, according
to Mulrine. Young picture contests and telling stories of how people
met their spouses are just two of the ways life experiences are shared
in the evenings.
     Show and Tell is a unique Virden Center invention that gives
everyone a chance to show off their talents. Singing, dancing or
displaying photography or crafts are favorites. Tap dancing was one
guest's specialty, according to Mulrine. She had the outfit and the
music, but she didn't have the floor because all were carpeted.
     The Virden Center staff created a stage for her by supplying a 4'
x 8' piece of plywood, and her performance was a success.
     Lodging is provided at the Virden Center. All rooms have private
bath, a screened porch and limited maid service. Meals are considered
by many to be reason alone to sign up.
     "Our catering service is fantastic," Mulrine said. "They prepare
and serve three meals a day, paying special attention to presentation
and any special needs. We receive many compliments on the service."
     Mulrine is always searching for new courses. He offers free room
and board at the Virden Center for any instructor and his or her
spouse. Each course consists of 1-1/2 hours per day for five days.
     Mulrine said he is excited about two new programs being added
next summer. John Kelly, associate professor of criminal justice, will
teach "Great Crimes of the 20th Century," and Raymond Callahan,
professor of history, will present "Churchill."
     Mulrine does not limit instructors to faculty members. Anyone who
has a specialty they enjoy sharing with others is welcome. Several
instructors are needed for each program.
     "I look for instructors who are interesting personalities and who
can gear programs to the older population," Mulrine said. "Our best
instructors involve the guests as much as possible rather than
lecturing exclusively."
     Prospective instructors can contact Mulrine in Lewes at 645-4110.
Free catalogs on Elderhostel programs in the U.S., Canada and overseas
can be obtained by writing to: Elderhostel, P.O. Box 1959, Wakefield,
MA 01880-5959.
                                                        -Cynthia Davis