QUESTION: I am about to retire and have mixed emotions about it. While I hope to enjoy some free time I’m concerned about missing intellectual stimulation and social interaction that you have while working. Do you have any suggestions for filling this gap?
ANSWER: As we enter new phases in our lives there will always be questions about those changes. I do have a suggestion that may fill the gaps you mention.
Don’t know if you have heard about the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute known as “OLLI” but this could be just what you are looking for. In Ventura County “OLLI” is headquartered at CSU Channel Islands and serves those 50 years of age or older who believe that “curiosity never retires.”
The catalog for late spring classes just arrived. The classes are for those still in love with learning. They have no grades – no tests – and — no homework. The spring classes are scheduled from March through May at seven locations throughout the local area.
In addition to classes held at CSU Channel Islands they are located in Agoura Hills, Camarillo, Ojai, Newbury Park and Ventura.
Subjects are varied – there is something for music lovers, history buffs, the arts, the law and the problems we face in today’s society. There is something for all interests.
Classes will start on March 26 and registration is currently in process. There are three levels of membership: Basic Membership where you pay for classes a la carte; Session Membership where you pay $200 for an unlimited number of classes in a session and Annual Membership where you pay $500 for an unlimited number of courses for the fall and spring sessions.
Membership also has other benefits – there are educational tours, academic field trips and volunteer opportunities.
From reviewing the catalog it appears to be another semester full of interesting subjects. For more information about the program or to register for a class or two call (805) 437-2748 or Google “OLLICI.”
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HAPPENINGS:
TODAY – March 14 – 1:00 to 3:00 pm – Parkinson’s Disease Support Group – “BIG and LOUD” presented by Two Trees Physical and Therapy and Wellness – at the Lexington Assisted Living, 5440 Ralston Street in Ventura. No reservations needed.
SUNDAY – March 18 – 2:00 to 3:30 pm – Music Comes Alive – “Forever Rod” – a tribute to Rob Stewart featuring his greatest hits from the 70’s and 80’s – at Goebel Adult Community Center, 1385 E. Janss Road in Thousand Oaks. Tickets are $5.00 and available at Goebel’s front desk.
WEDNESDAY – March 21 – 1:30 to 3:00 pm – Seminar – “Let’s Do Spring Cleaning” – let’s talk about how we can control clutter – at Westlake Village Civic Center, 31200 E. Oak Crest Drive in Westlake Village. For information call (805) 495-6250.
SATURDAY – March 24 – 6:00 pm – Poetry at the Carnegie – “The Jackson Wheeler Series – at Carnegie Art Museum, 424 South “C” Street in Oxnard. Tickets are $5.00 – members are free.
MONDAY/TUESDAY – March 26 and 27 – 1:00 to 5:00 pm – AARP Smart Driver Course – Full Course – at Simi Valley Senior Center, 3900 Avenida Simi in Simi Valley. – $15 for AARP members; $20.00 for non-members. You must register in advance.
TUESDAY – March 27 – 4:00 to 5:30 pm – Seminar – “Medications and the Aging Brain”- at Senior Concerns Day Care Center, 401 Hodencamp Road in Thousand Oaks. For reservations call (805) 497-0189.
WEDNESDAY – March 28 – 1:00 to 5:00 pm – AARP Smart Driver Refresher Course – at Pleasant Valley Senior Center, 1605 Burnley Street in Camarillo. Registration is required and must be made by March 21. Call (805) 482-4881 for more information.
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Betty Berry is a senior advocate for Senior Concerns. The advocates are located at the Goebel Adult Community Center, 1385 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks CA 91362 or call (805) 495-6250 or e-mail bberry@seniorconcerns.org (please include your telephone number.) You are invited to submit questions on senior issues.
