Watson Homestead Readies for its 2008 Elderhostel Season

For release…….February 22, 2008

Watson Homestead Readies for its 2008 Elderhostel Season

“Elderhostel” may be one of the most misunderstood names to the uninitiated, but for thousands of seniors throughout the country, and for all the staff at Watson Homestead, “Elderhostel’ means a great deal.

2008 marks the 26th year that Watson Homestead Retreat and Conference Center, located in East Campbell, will open its doors to groups of seniors who come from all over the country to attend specific weeks of life-long learning programs.

“We’ve just been notified that based on our record-breaking success in 2007, that Watson Homestead is now among the top 50 Elderhostel sites in the country,” said Jenny Monroe, Elderhostel Coordinator. “We’ve been a super site (offering twenty weeks of programs per year) for many years, but to be in the top 50 nationwide is quite an honor.”

Watson Homestead is the largest Elderhostel site in western New York, hosting 787 participants in 2007 who came for 27 program weeks from February to December. “Our most popular programs are Finger Lakes Sampler, Hands-on Glassmaking at the Studio of the Corning Museum of Glass, Corning’s Intergenerational Experience, and Hiking the Finger Lakes Trail,” added Monroe. “Nineteen weeks of these four programs were filled in 2007 which, along with nine other single program weeks, completing our offerings.”

Local Elderhostel programs highlight the Corning Museum of Glass and other major southern Finger Lakes regional attractions. Each program week includes at least 20 hours of lecture and/or experiential learning, plus field trips, activities and camaraderie among the participants, accommodations and home cooking at the Homestead. Elderhostel is an important part of the Homestead’s business profile, amounting to over 40% of annual earned revenue.

What’s In A Name?

Elderhostel, the largest international educational and travel provider for seniors, began humbly in 1975 when two friends combined the traditional European youth hostel concept with that of the respected position of “elders” found in Scandinavian folk schools. Their idea was to use college dorms, devoid of students for the summer, to house groups of senior citizens (over age 55 at present) who would be taught college level short courses by college faculty.

Watson Homestead, Elderhostel add one

Today, Elderhostel offers over 10,000 programs in 100 countries around the world with an average annual student body of 160,000. Since its inauspicious start over 30 years ago, over four million seniors have chosen to continue learning well into their 60s, 70s, 80s and beyond.

Decades ahead of other senior learning programs, Elderhostel is poised to take advantage of the bell-curve of baby boomers reaching retirement age. “I never cease to be amazed at the energy and vitality of the “elders’ who come to Watson Homestead. They are inspiring! Many participants sign up for two or three programs per year and find consistent high quality instruction and exciting new people who are interested in the same things they are,” notes Monroe.

Locals Are Invited Too

When individual courses do not fill to capacity, regional seniors are invited to join in. Current programs on sale of this type include:

Great Swing Bands, Memorable Radio Comedians and the History of American Aviation, March 30 – April 4, 2008
Survey sounds and images of the great dance bands of the Swing Era, a dynamic period of American cultural history, using authentic original recordings. Miller, Shaw, Ellington, Goodman, the Dorseys, Basie and other giants will be covered. Laugh again at wireless comedy-variety shows, comedy teams and their sketches, situation comedy and Jack Benny. Radio historian shares his extensive collection and will direct us in a radio play performance with sound effects! Pioneer aviator, Glenn Curtiss; the motorless flight history from the National Soaring Museum; and the 20th century military collection at the Wings of Eagles Warplane Museum provide tangible history as our historian instructor fills in the gaps. Gary Yoggy and Kirk House instruct.

Glass Collectors’ Compendium, April 20-23, 2008
It’s all here in the Crystal City for this program designed for collectors of antique and/or contemporary glass using the expertise of the staff of the Corning Museum of Glass (CMoG); dealers and appraisers; local artists and collectors. Special aspects include extensive use of the CMoG collections; Steuben Glass from 1903 to today; clinics on identification, conservation, photography and packing glass. Learn how to use on-line auction sites to buy/sell glass. Plus create a blown and fused glass object yourself to add to your collection! Bring photos and/or objects for identification and appraisal. Visit hot glass studios and the home of a private collector. Become more knowledgeable in four days about “all the possibilities of glass.” Tom Dimitroff instructs.

Corning’s Intergenerational Experiences Over the Centuries (four dates for 2008)
June 29 to July 4; July 20-25; July 27 to August 1; and August 3-8, 2008
Participate in activities from the daily life of an early 19th century frontier family. Discover glassmaking past and present. Explore the natural setting of Watson Homestead with its 600 acres, creek, woods and 36’ climbing tower. Hands-on experiences include blacksmithing, open hearth cooking, tin punching and glass blowing and fusing. Field trips to the Corning Museum
Watson Homestead, Elderhostel add two

of Glass with its Studio, Innovation Center and Hot Glass show. Hike down the famous gorge at Watkins Glen. The Benjamin Patterson Inn Museum complex includes 1796 inn, one-room schoolhouse, 1800s log cabin, and agricultural exhibit. At the Glenn Curtiss Museum see “Curtiss Jenny” and other early aeroplanes. Local sightseeing, art activities and a historic architecture guided walk complete this fun-filled week for grandparents and their grandchildren ages 8 to 12.


For more information, schedules and costs, contact Jenny Monroe at (607) 962-0541 ext. 403 or by email at watsonjenny@stny.rr.com.

To view the complete listing of local Elderhostel programs, go to www.watsonhomestead.com and click on the Elderhostel at the Homestead link.

To find the Elderhostel programs offered around the world, go to www.elderhostel.org.



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Watson Homestead Conference and Retreat Center, Inc.
9620 Dry Run Road
Painted Post, NY 14870
(607) 962-0451
www.watsonhomestead.com

The Mission of Watson Homestead, established in 1955, is to provide lodging,
facilities and programs to religious, community, social service and non-profit organizations,
and individuals, for personal, spiritual and educational enrichment
through a mission of Christian hospitality for all.