Tuesday, June 13, 2000

By Dan Guy, PR Intern

Wilmington -- Kids are not the only ones having fun this summer at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.

The UNCW Division for Public Service and Extended Education is hosting a Elderhostel event, June 18-21, that will explore several unique aspects of our region.

The program will focus on marine life, historic architecture of the lower Cape Fear region, the local aspects of the Civil War, and also will present a cultural overview of the area.

"We wanted to give the community an opportunity to learn more about the coastal region that we live in," said Diane Talley, director for MarineQuest and youth programs. "So far, the response from the community has been overwhelming."

Several area residents will attend this event, along with people from Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina.

Participants will spend an entire day studying marine life, including a lecture entitled "Creatures of the Deep." They will also explore historic areas of downtown Wilmington on a walking tour and attend lectures about the area's historic architecture, the last days of the Civil War here, and a cultural overview of the lower Cape Fear.

This event is currently full with a waiting list; however, a similar program is being planned for October.

The program will be led by UNCW history professor Chris Fonvielle, architecture historian Ed Turberg, MarineQuest assistant director Windi Baughman, and UNCW marine biology graduate student Tressa Thompson.

Elderhostel, Inc. is a non-profit organization which provides high-quality, affordable, educational adventures for adults who are 55 years and older. It is supported by a network of about 2,000 institutions in more than 85 countries.

Media are invited to cover this event. For more information, please contact Diane Talley, director of youth programs at (910)962-2461.