Lifelong Learning offers SunBird residents fresh perspectives and new ideas

New Adventures in Learning 2017 officers include: Lita Swanson, secretary (front left), Mary Kenny, vice president (front right), Wayne Wright, president (back left) and Bill Gates, treasurer (back right).

New Adventures in Learning 2017 officers include: Lita Swanson, secretary (front left), Mary Kenny, vice president (front right), Wayne Wright, president (back left) and Bill Gates, treasurer (back right).

Mary Lombardi Kenny

Over time, most of us get into a rut with our way of thinking and how we look at the world around us. To keep our brains strong and our minds engaged, we all need to shake things up from time to time and challenge ourselves to look at familiar topics from a different perspective or consider new ideas and information. So it isn’t difficult to understand why lifelong learning programs designed specifically for active older adults are growing strong all across the country including right here in the Valley of the Sun.

Wayne Wright, president of New Adventures in Learning, stresses the convenience of the local program. “New Adventures is our area’s lifelong learning program, and it is easily accessible to all SunBird residents. Our classes are presented throughout the year, including the summer for our year-round residents, in the Chandler-Gilbert Community College’s Sun Lakes Center, where you’ll find state-of-the-art technology in very comfortable classroom settings,” said Wright.

During the spring 2017 semester, which runs through late April, there are more than 90 classes being offered. Topics include history, science, health, humanities and so much more. Many classes start later in the semester and still have seats available. Members are encouraged to review the list of classes that can accept additional students and sign up. (The list is maintained at the Sun Lakes Center.) Some classes starting later in March and in April include:

* The Life of Abraham Lincoln

* The Making of the Constitution of the U.S.

* How to Advocate for Your Own Healthcare

* Short Stories of Nathaniel Hawthorne

* Introduction to Duplicate Bridge

* National Women’s History Project: Women Making a Difference

There’s still plenty of time to join New Adventures in Learning’s spring semester and begin your lifelong learning journey. Why wait?

New Adventures has grown during the last 18 years to include more than 500 members. An all-volunteer, not-for-profit organization, New Adventures is also a membership organization that is open to all area residents. Annual dues are $50. Members may request as many classes as they wish each semester and are enrolled in as many as space allows. There is an additional $15 college registration fee for each semester a member is actively enrolled.

Start today to enjoy the challenge and fun of learning. Join New Adventures in Learning. To get more information, visit our website at www.newadventures.info, call 480-857-5500 to request an information packet or stop by the Sun Lakes Center at 25105 S. Alma School Road in Sun Lakes.