Ostoyich first became involved with Lifespring when a friend suggested he attend a meeting about the formation of the program. “My wife and I showed up at the meeting, not knowing what it was going to be. We got excited about it when we saw the caliber of the people involved, how professional they were and how dedicated. Their enthusiasm was contagious.”
Usually a program like this is backed by a university, he says, so Lifespring is unique in being sponsored by the town. Ostoyich says their support has been very helpful, and the group has already repaid the seed money that the town gave them to start the program.
The emphasis at Lifespring is as much on community as it is on learning. Susan Kahl, now a member of Lifespring’s curriculum committee, says she found it was difficult to meet people when she first moved to Saugerties five years ago. She gave Lifespring a try, and as she says, “they had me at hello.”
She says that the people who attend these classes are “vibrant, interesting, open, and extremely friendly.” Lifespring is “a different type of learning community,” she says, “a totally different atmosphere from other adult education classes, possibly because it is run as an all-volunteer organization. These are people who want to do, give, learn, share, and meet other like-minded people. It’s a breath of fresh air for your brain and your general well-being.”
The fall semester is now closed to registration, but for more information about upcoming special events at Lifespring and courses for spring 2012, visit www.lifespringsaugerties.com or call 246-2800 x452. l
