RVC Center for Learning in Retirement

03/26/2026

Additional copies of the Center for Learning in Retirement (CLR) Spring 2026 Class Schedule catalogs are available at the Rock Valley College Bell School Road Center located at 3350 N Bell School Road, Rockford, IL. We encourage members to pick up some CLR catalogs to share with friends, family, neighbors and/or to drop off at places in the community they frequent. The current semester runs through May 15, and there are still many of the 150 different CLR classes/tours to choose from. Help us get the word out about the great things happening at the Rock Valley College Center for Learning in Retirement!

Picture Description: Cover of the CLR Spring 2026 Class Schedule featuring CLR member Jim Waddell in front of two of his colorful paintings.

Rock Valley College Community & Continuing Education

02/17/2026

"This is Ed Stein. On Tuesday, Feb. 10, I attended a CLR-sponsored tour of the new downtown Rockford Public Library. It was very interesting. It highlighted the transformation of the library from a traditional single function library to a multifunction community service facility. Everything is new and has been modernized. Besides the traditional library functions, it has a beautiful area where youngsters can explore books and they can play. It also has an area where you can learn and experiment with various technologies such as 3D printers. Finally, some of the views of the city are beautiful. Kudos to the City of Rockford for the transformation. Excellent choice CLR for providing a very interesting experience."

Rock Valley College Community & Continuing Education

01/16/2026

"Arnie Ames, CLR Media/Publicity Committee member here again with a final update on the Center for Learning in Retirement Fall 2025 semester. These photos are from the fall bus trip to see the musical “Oklahoma” at the Fireside Dinner Theatre in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. Around 100 CLR members attended and enjoyed a fabulous lunch and a memorable performance."

Rock Valley College Community & Continuing Education

01/14/2026

The Spring 2026 CLR Catalog will be mailed out soon with a wide variety of offerings! There are 150 classes to choose from. Last semester, CLR members also enjoyed a wide variety of classes including Cooking Mediterranean, Handbuilding Pottery, New France, and Assistive Technology and You.

Rock Valley College Community & Continuing Education

01/09/2026

: “This is CLR member Arnie Ames again with another update on the Center for Learning in Retirement fall 2025 semester. Here are photos from the December 4th Holiday Gala which was held at the Rockford Country Club. Over 200 members & guests attended and enjoyed a delicious lunch and entertainment by Jeff Layng and many unique door prizes. The photos were taken by CLR member Cheryl Bush. Look for the CLR Spring 2026 Class Schedule to be available around mid-January!"

Rock Valley College Community & Continuing Education

12/23/2025

: “This is CLR member Arnie Ames again with another update on the Center for Learning in Retirement’s Fall 2025 semester. Here are some pictures from CLR’s October 29th Halloween social event “Let the Ghoul Times Roll!” which included a costume contest, lunch, and entertainment by Trinadora (Janel Nelson and Ron Holm). It was a fun time for all who participated.

CLR membership is open to anyone 50 years and older and includes classes in 10 different curriculum categories, one-day and multiple-day trips, social events, and special interest groups. Membership costs $35 per year January through December and classes range from $5 to $50. Many classes are a single session and cost $15."

Rock Valley College Community & Continuing Education

12/22/2025

Happy Holidays! Reminder, all RVC locations will be closed for winter break starting Wednesday, December 24, 2025 through Thursday, January 1, 2026. We will resume regular business hours on Friday, January 2, 2026.

Happy Holidays! As a friendly reminder, all RVC locations will be closed for winter break starting Wednesday, December 24, 2025 through Thursday, January 1, 2026. We will resume regular business hours on Friday, January 2, 2026.

12/15/2025

The Keeping Fingers Nimble Special Interest Group was very busy this fall making a variety of knitted and crocheted items to donate to many organizations in the community! Group co-leaders, Mary Kay Seymour and Karen Gehrig, sorted hundreds of handmade items. In November, the group donated and delivered 575 items to 19 different places. This is quite an accomplishment! Thank you ladies!

Rock Valley College Community & Continuing Education

12/10/2025

Get an inside view of some of our Fall 2025 classes! Here are some pictures from just a few of the over 80 CLR classes held during October: “Heroes and Inspirational Stories in America’s National Park System” led by David Kroese, “What in the World is Going On” lead by Steve Renne, “Travelogue: Ireland and Northern Ireland” led by Arnie Ames, and “The Curtiss Jenny – The Aircraft that Taught America to Fly” led by Mike Frederiksen.

Shoutout to CLR member Arnie Ames for the photos and update!

Rock Valley College Community & Continuing Education

12/09/2025

It has been a very busy fall semester at the Rock Valley College Center for Learning in Retirement. Here are some pictures from just a few of the over 60 CLR classes held during September: “Galveston, Texas: America’s Deadliest Natural Disaster” led by Brad Keyes, “Broadcast Meteorology – A Day in the Life of a Broadcast Meteorologist” led by Candice King, “Working the Rockford Area Newsbeat for 44 Years” led by Fred Speer, “Cedar Bluff Cemetery Tour” led by Kathi Kresol, and “O Black and Unknown Bards” led by Dorothy Paige-Turner. CLR’s fall 2025 semester included 165 classes and tours.

Shoutout to CLR member Arnie Ames for the photos and update!

Rock Valley College Community & Continuing Education

10/03/2025

: "This is Ed Stein, CLR member. I’ve been taking various technology classes at CLR for several years. Prior to retiring, technologies on a desktop computer, a laptop computer, and a cell phone were important components of both my professional and personal life. I regularly used word processors, spreadsheets, cell phones, and other technologies. After retiring, I still need to use technology, however, less frequently. Also, technology continues to evolve. Each semester, CLR conducts classes that address a wide range of technologies, which have helped me refresh my skills, keep up with technology improvements, and learn new technologies to have a productive retirement. I highly recommend these CLR classes. Take a look at all the offerings in the Fall class catalog."

Check out the CLR website at RockValleyCollege.edu/CLR for more information about our offerings!

Rock Valley College Community & Continuing Education

[Image Description: Quote from Ed Stein, CLR Member: "CLR ... helped me refresh my skills, keep up with technology improvements, and learn new technologies to have a productive retirement."]

07/31/2025

The RVC Center for Learning in Retirement (CLR) Fall Kick-Off & Annual Meeting will be Tuesday, August 12 from 10 AM to 12 PM. Come to the Starlight Theatre on Main Campus to check out what CLR has to offer seniors (50+), pick up the fall CLR class schedule, and register for fun and interesting fall classes and events. There will be entertainment provided by Chip Messiner, local musician, and complimentary refreshments. This is a FREE event and ALL are welcome!

Seating is available starting at 9:30 AM. Close parking available in RVC Lot 1 (off Mulford Rd.). Golf cart transport will be available. For more information, access the event details linked in this post!

Rock Valley College Community & Continuing Education

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