PEAKS events go in person in Blue Ridge

The Personal Enrichment, Action, and Knowledge Series (PEAKS), geared toward older adults in Fannin County and the surrounding region, will launch an in-person series of free events this summer on the University of North Georgia's (UNG) Blue Ridge Campus. Weekly opportunities will be held on Thursdays from June 2-July 28.

UNG's Institute for Healthy Aging and Blue Ridge Campus are coordinating with community members to arrange presentations and workshops. With programming in the mornings and afternoons on Thursdays, lunch will be provided each week by community businesses and organizations.

"Curiosity and lifelong learning are important components of healthy aging. The institute has supported this through our virtual PEAKS program during the pandemic," Dr. Chaudron Gille, UNG provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs, said. "It is exciting to be moving to PEAKS in person because it offers the additional benefit of creating community among the participants and more opportunities to partner locally."

It's about passion, life experience, and wanting to share your story with others. When people share their life stories, they connect with others and they learn from one another.

Dr. Pamela Elfenbein

Institute for Healthy Aging director

She said the advisory board includes community leaders from the chambers of commerce, assisted living facilities, faith-based organizations, and community service organizations.

"To serve the residents and these communities in north Georgia, it made sense to move this program in person for this summer," Ott said. "We want to meet our community's needs. A lot of individuals are relocating to this area to retire and they are looking for ways to connect."

Jacqueline McKee has a unique perspective on PEAKS, having begun her time as a college student at the Blue Ridge Campus and now serving as PEAKS program coordinator. She earned a bachelor's degree in human services delivery and administration, and she is now pursuing a master's degree in human services delivery and administration.

"There has been so much support for the PEAKS program from student involvement to community collaboration," McKee said. "Being a part of this program has presented learning curves, connections, and great new opportunities."

For more information or to register for upcoming events, visit the PEAKS In-Person Facebook page or email PEAKS@ung.edu.