The Southern Delaware Academy of Lifelong Learning has announced that Thursday, Jan. 8, is the close of priority registration for its spring 2009 session.

Catalogs for the new classes will soon be available and include a wide selection of courses.

The Southern Delaware Academy of Lifelong Learning (SDALL) is a division of the University of Delaware and is open to everyone over 50 years of age. All teachers are qualified volunteers.

Registrations received after Jan. 8 will be processed on a space-available basis, but registrations will also be accepted after Jan. 8, and course assignments made on Jan. 14. The Academy’s membership fee is $120 and scholarships are available. The semester begins Jan. 27.

Some SDALL art classes are offered at the Rehoboth Art League: Pottery for Fun and Friends; Oil Painting workshop; Wheel Thrown and Hand Built Tableware. Art classes at SDALL in Lewes include beginning and intermediate basketry, acrylics and watercolor and form in drawing.

Computer courses include Digital Darkroom and Introduction to Microsoft Office Suite. A variety of history courses are in the curriculum: Delaware History: Five Topics of Social History; The American Revolution; A Modest Civil War Potpourri; and Victorian Women. Humanities topics are Words We Live By, Cocreating Relationships II; Poems – Some Old, Some New; When Nietzche Wept, Free Write; Writing is Good for Us; Tough Questions Group, The Role of Religion in the World. International studies brings back Great Decisions. Conversational German will continue to a new level. Wine tasters can learn new skills with The Grape Adventure.

A five-week workshop course for individual investors begins in March. A new twist is Manipulative Puzzles and Logic. Tai Chi Chuan in its short form is on the schedule, along with the basics and practice of meditation.

Many music choices will brighten winter’s days with chorus; operetta; Italian opera II; recorder ensemble playing; an introduction to four-part a capella harmony for women; legendary opera signers; famous lyricists of Broadway and Hollywood; foundations of music; part two of listening to 20th century music; and a new class, The Tango Experience.

Recreational classes include Bridge 103; English Country Dance; Walk and Talk; and Mah Jongg – beginners and experienced.

Science classes will include Earth’s Climate: Past and Future; World Birding; Spring Field Birding; Universe and the Quantum; Mobilizing To Save Civilization for Future Generations; and an introduction to geology.

SDALL is located in the Ninth Grade Campus, 820 A Savannah Road, Lewes. Travel and social gatherings are a large part of Academy life. SDALL is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.

For further registration or to receive a catalog, call 302-645-4111.