With loneliness and isolation reaching levels of epidemic proportions across the United States, many organizations have taken notice. From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to Main Streets across the globe, people are working to band together to help members of their communities forge new and meaningful relationships. One such organization combatting loneliness in downtown Harrisonburg and beyond is James Madison University’s Lifelong Learning Institute (LLI) – an organization that encourages people around retirement age to become more engaged in their community through a variety of events and programs.
We sat down with Barbara Hetzel, Director of LLI, and Steve Eiserman, Hospitality Chair for LLI about their experience working with the organization and its dual impact on its retirement-age members as well as the downtown business community.
What does LLI have to offer?
“LLI exists as an organization for people in the Shenandoah Valley. . .50 and older who are interested in involving themselves in something local that would help them to stay connected socially, intellectually, educationally, and also be able to provide them with opportunities to engage in courses, trips, [and] social activities that would allow them to continue to build and renew and find new friendships,”
The organization prides itself in offering many opportunities to its members to learn and grow while also making new connections with the community. Members have access to a wide selection of courses in a variety of disciplines each “semester” with no pressure of homework or quizzes.
LLI’s expansive catalog includes courses like “What Is It Really Like to Work at the CIA?” where participants will have the chance to hear from a former CIA political analyst, “Wild and Wonderful Flower Arranging,” where participants will learn how to create a beautiful floral arrangement, “Knitting 101,” and dozens of other classes that are experiential, educational, and encourage social interaction.
Membership also allows members the opportunity to travel with their peers for experiences that can only be achieved on-site, whether it’s down the street or beyond. A local trip being offered this fall is to BrydgeWorks Glass Studio in Harrisonburg, where participants will be able to assemble their own project to take home. They’ll also be taking a bus trip to the Shenandoah Downs where they’ll be watching a horse race.
How does programming like this impact Downtown Harrisonburg and issues of loneliness?
While courses are a hallmark of LLI’s offerings, there are additional opportunities for both members and non-members to connect with one another and the downtown Harrisonburg community. Located conveniently at the JMU ICE House located a short distance from the Water Street Parking Deck, LLI hosts “Noontime Knowledge,” seminars, free speaking events on Tuesdays from 12-1:15pm that give people the chance to hear from professionals in their respective fields.
Downtown businesses and organizations are sometimes featured industry experts during for courses and seminars. Upcoming seminars feature Charles Hendricks of Gaines Group Architects on “Living Well in Your Lifetime Home” on September 24 and Kristen Noell Evans of Massanutten Regional Library with “Genealogy 101” on November 12.
Participants are also able to commune and meet new people prior to “Noontime Knowledge” seminars at “Coffee and Company” at Drifters Cafe. Many members have found this new meet-and-greet event the perfect opportunity to try one of downtown’s newest coffee spots and explore other businesses while downtown for the day.
“I think it’s been extremely helpful for people that are relatively new to the area. Getting involved is a great way to get out, meet people, and make some great friendships that were missing.”
If coffee is not your scene, members and non-members have an open invitation to “Wine Down Wednesday” events at the Hotel Madison Lobby Bar, another venue in downtown.
“[Coffee and Company and Wine Down Wednesdays are] not structured, they’re just people getting together and enjoying each other’s company…to get people out, get them not to socialize somewhere, not just during class.”
Events like these seminars and casual meetups are impactful to downtown businesses and the community members they serve. By exposing more people to new people, new ideas, new experiences and new businesses downtown, organizations like LLI are making a difference in our small business community and the community at large.
Get Involved in LLI
LLI started in 1996, and in recent years their attendance has been on the rise, but nonetheless, they are hoping to grow membershipts and event attendees. While taking special interest in members 50 and older, all are welcome at LLI events.
Membership are an annual fee of $50, but the first year is free to ensure that it is a right fit for your needs. Memberships are valid from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. Course registration opened on Thursday, August 8th and their course catalog can be found on their website or in person at the Ice House.