By Marlene Robertson
Unless you’re from another planet, you’re sure to know the song, My Favourite Things, from The Sound of Music.
One of my favourite things is summer, and it’s been so very nice since it finally arrived.
I’ve got my little garden pretty much in order, although my tomato plants reported me to the plant protection people for putting them into the cold ground. But even they have succumbed to the warm weather and are blooming and producing tiny green babies like crazy.
I’ve done a lot of reading, walking and just plain bumming around, which are also near the top of my favourite-things list. After a busy year, it seems a perfect time to kick back a little and recharge the old engines.
When August arrives I find myself still savouring those lazy, hazy days of summer, but also jumping ahead to the fall and wondering what wonderful surprises are in store for me.
And be darned, if one of those wonderful surprises didn’t arrive in the mail – my new ElderCollege fall course calendar.
To me it’s like Christmas in August, so let’s see what’s being offered come September.
By page three I’ve already seen three courses I would like to take: Discussion Group – How to Save the World, with Mayta Ryn; Greek Comedy and Roman Satire, presented by the ever-popular John Edwards; and Aging Reversal: An Ayurvedic Approach, with instructor Paul Colver.
Greg Fraser is presenting Canadian Prime Ministers: Public and Private Lives – from 1867 to present; and the ‘you had better sign up right now or you won’t get in’ course, Vancouver Island History 1774-1871, has David Hobson at the helm once again and takes place at the Nanaimo Museum.
Tim Schewe will be back with the popular Brushing up for Seniors and Safe Driving for Seniors, and there’s a new course called Retirement Planning with Stuart Kirk.
Whether you’re interested in birding, want to learn how to play bridge, get in shape with yoga or learn how to meditate, ElderCollege has the course for you.
The Sociology of Inequality, with David Allaga instructing, Religion in an Age of Science, featuring Shane Andre in the pulpit, and Introduction to the Night Skies, starring David Prud’homme, are all tempting.
There are so many courses I want to take I’m wondering if my husband will miss me if I’m away until Christmas.
There are lots of reasons to become a member of ElderCollege including meeting new people, challenging yourself to learn, exercising your aging brain and just plain having fun.
An annual membership is only $15 for those who have reached that wonderful age of 50 and beyond, and space permitting, partners of ElderCollege members are able to attend classes for an additional fee of $15. What a deal.
For more information or to sign up for classes, please call 1-866-734-6252 or e-mail pqcampus@viu.ca.
I guarantee Elder College will become one of your favourite things.