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If you are not familiar with CRI, you have a new opportunity for a brain-tickling, delightful time. CRI is the lifelong learning program at Edmonds College that has been around for almost 30 years. It offers non-credit, college-level courses at a modest cost. There are no examinations or grades. Students come to classes for the enjoyment of learning.

“We don’t think much about smell until we lose it.” So says Dr. Reitha Weeks, instructor for the upcoming class for the Creative Retirement Institute (CRI) titled Exploring the Sense of Smell and Fragrance. The class runs Feb. 17 and 24.

Offered in partnership with Edmonds College, the Creative Retirement Insitute is continuing its efforts this fall to provide affordable, quality learning opportunities for adults in a fun, supportive environment. Of the 30 classes being offered fall term (all taught online), nine have started and five are complete. The classes have ranged in size from eight to 66 students.

Higher education has been impacted at all levels by the worldwide pandemic, and even continuing education has had to pivot its approach to educating students of all ages and reflect the realities of today's college campuses.

Around the holiday table this year, there were likely a good number of discussions about current events, covering topics from modern technology’s influence on modern life to the future of democracy.

“Jazz is a dialect, a certain language.” So says Brent Jensen, instructor for a new Jazz Appreciation course coming to the Creative Retirement Institute (CRI) at Edmonds Community College winter term 2020. And Jensen is definitely a person who should know.

Do you have an inquisitive mind? Then the Creative Retirement Institute is for you. CRI at Edmonds Community College is for adults who are interested in a life-long learning adventure This is the place to meet energetic, creative people with common interests.

One Edmonds Community College instructor says lifelong learning might be the secret to staying young. CRI anniversary CRI members celebrated the program’s 25th anniversary on July 11 at the Point Edwards clubhouse in Edmonds, Wash. Donn Charnley: middle, second row from the top. Carol Crawford: far right, bottom row. “I feel like I’m only 68,” said 90-year-old Donn Charnley, who has taught geology classes at Edmonds CC’s Creative Retirement Institute (CRI) for 15 years. The institute is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year and is a member-driven program that offers a variety of non-credit classes, meaning no homework, no exams – just a passion for learning.