Director of Lifelong Learning Alesha Aulds prepares to cut the ribbon on the new center.

The sunlit, spacious, 15,000 square-foot College of the Mainland Lifelong Learning Center opened Oct. 4 with a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Texas City-La Marque Chamber of Commerce. 

Located at 14057 Delaney Rd. in La Marque, the center houses eight classrooms, offices and a reception area for the program that now reaches 1,293 participants. 

More than 120 people attended the ceremony, including La Marque City Council Member Robert Michetich, Galveston County Commissioner Stephen Holmes, Texas City Commissioner Thelma Bowie, Texas City-La Marque Chamber Chairman Kirk Broiles, President Jenny Senter and Vice President Derek Duckett. 

Nearly double the size of the program’s previous facility in La Marque, the center houses more than 75 fitness, art, craft, technology and Spanish classes for adults. 

“We have one of the largest lifelong learning programs in the state,” said COM lifelong learning director Alesha Vardeman. 

The COM 50 Plus/Lifelong Learning Program offers classes to all adults over 18. Classes are offered at $15 per semester for those over 50.

“With this new facility we will be able to expand the program with both classes during the day and at night,” said Vardeman. “More students over 50 are waiting for retirement so evening classes are perfect for them.”

Recently added courses include iPhone/iPad for Beginners, cake decorating and origami.

The program also offers day and extended travel trips as well as lectures on topics such as safety, financial planning and health.

For more information, visit www.com.edu/50plus or call 409-933-8226.