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WISE Bulletin: November 2016
Created by the WISE Communications Committee
Editors: Elaine Bloom and Sandra Hakkarainen
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In This Issue with its Theme of Volunteering
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 WISE - The Opportunity of Now
By Pat Hurton
Like so many of us, I redefined my life several times as a result of retirement, loss of a spouse, and moving. I left Cape Cod after 12 years (yes, I did it backwards) and moved to Grafton where I soon discovered that I had a lot of time on my hands, no involvement in volunteer activities, little intellectual stimulation, and few social activities with others.
Fortunately, a friend told me about WISE. My first concern was “Are there tests and grading?” I was delighted to hear the answer -- “No.” After getting over that first hurdle, I went to the WISE web page, signed up for two classes, and was hooked on a great lifelong learning process. I wished I had the confidence that I saw with the Assumption students – who looked much too young to be in college. However, I soon discovered that my life experiences were valuable to the class discussions and that I could not have related as well had I been 20 – or at least that was what I rationalized.
I found that WISE provides lifelong learning opportunities which take on a variety of different forms, and many are not in the traditional learning classroom environment. I realized that lifelong learning is a continuously supportive process, which stimulates and empowers. I am learning about subjects that I had no interest in previously or no opportunity to pursue.
While attending classes, I realized that I could integrate learning with my passion for volunteer work for non-profit organizations. Why do I volunteer? It’s quite logical. When you give of yourself, the payback is enormous. When you apply your talents and experience in areas of your own choosing, you gain self-esteem, a sense of pride, and self-gratification about your contributions. Your sense of self-worth is heightened by what you do and by the relationships that are formed with others.
I volunteered for one WISE committee and then found several other opportunities to use my previous experiences. I became a member-at-large on the Council, a member of the Strategic Planning Committee, and chair of the newly-formed Outreach Committee. Through this volunteer work, I am gaining a better perspective of how WISE operates, forming new friendships, and contributing to our member-driven organization. For me, volunteering is another form of learning.
I urge you to ask your friends, family, and neighbors to become WISE members. If you wish, volunteer for a committee. WISE allows you to engage energetically or quietly. There’s a spot for everyone. You will get much more back than you put into the process.
For additional information about WISE volunteer opportunities, please contact me at pjhurton@yahoo.com.
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 WISE Leadership: Class Assistants for 2016-2017 Session B courses
Listed below are the volunteer Class Assistants who keep attendance, pass out evaluation forms, and provide pertinent information to students in each class. We extend heartfelt gratitude to Bobbi Corn for enlisting and coordinating over thirty WISE members for this enterprise. Class Assistants are there to help group leaders and class members as well. If you would like to be a Class Assistant for the upcoming C or D sessions, please contact Bobbi Corn at bobbizcorn@gmail.com.
B1 Bob Fancy, for American Cinema in the Seventies, at Briarwood
B2 Elaine Moore, for Jesus: The Misunderstood Jew, at Jewish Community Center
B3 Anna Krendal, for S.N. Behrman, from Worcester to Broadway, in Kennedy 119
B4 Bobbi Corn, for The Federalist Papers, in Kennedy 119
B5 Anne Schneider, for Frost/Hemmingway, Inner, Outer Weather, at Plourde
B6 Zelda Schwartz, for Florence, Cradle of the Renaissance, in Kennedy 119
B7 A Look at Language and Linguistics, Class Cancelled
B8 Sandra Congden, for Meeting Gods and Mortals at Worcester Art Museum
B9 Sondy Padow, for Understanding the Art Museum, at Worcester Art Museum
B10 Joe Corn, for War in the Pacific, in Kennedy 119
B11 Josette Kaplan, for Immigrant Women in American Fiction, in Kennedy 119
B12 Bonnie O’Brian for Gifts from a Celtic Isle, at Plourde Rec Center
B13 Joe Corn, for American Environmentalism, at Southgate in Shrewsbury
B14 Dave Gilligan, for Trade, Wealth of Nations and America First, in Kennedy 119
B15 Barbara Groves, for Opera for Everyone, in Kennedy 119
B16 Paul Schwartz, for Worcester Infrastructure, at Broad Meadow Brook Audubon
B17 Bob Dyer, for Landmark Decisions of US Supreme Court, in Kennedy 119
B18 Ellen Cutler, for Operas of Tchaikovsky, in Kennedy 119
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Wanted: Second Vice President
By Zelda Schwartz
The opportunity to reinvent yourself in retirement years is a daunting yet creative experience, whether you are choosing WISE courses, making new friends, or thinking about leadership positions within WISE to help drive its mission. As nominating chair, it’s my privilege to invite members to consi der applying for the exciting role of Second Vice President of WISE!
This open position offers an amazing opportunity to enter a team-training experience with a defined time commitment. As Second Vice President, you can learn more about our history, as well as organizational and substantive aspects of the WISE program -- soon to enter its 25th year. This position includes membership on the Council, Curriculum Planning Committee, and Strategic Planning Process.
Qualifications: The nominating committee is looking for an energetic WISE member eager to assume a four-year commitment of leadership, first as Second VP and then as First VP, with the anticipation of becoming president of our exciting Lifelong Learning Institute. This position does not require years of previous membership, because enthusiasm and willingness to train are more significant qualifications. Please think long and hard before deciding to join our leadership team, then throw your hat into the ring. Debating skills are not necessary! Anderson Cooper is not a member of WISE.
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Our Finance Committee is Looking for Two  Good People
By Chris Liazos
First of all, let me tell you the purpose of the Finance Committee. "The WISE Finance Committee shall, working closely with the WISE Director and Council, oversee the general financial status and health of the organization, review and make recommendations related to significant expense, oversee and recommend means of raising additional revenue for the organization, and engage in long-time planning."
Currently, we have three members: Chuck Perkins, Marsha Addis, and Chris Liazos, who work closely with President Joseph Corn, ex-officio, and with the WISE Director Susan Perschbacher.
At this time, we are seeking members who have some experience in Finance or grant writing to consider joining our Finance Committee. We need two additional members to help us meet our mission. So, if you like numbers, coming up with creative ideas, and would like to help WISE, we have a place for you.
Interested? Please call Chris Liazos at 508 852-2461 or ctliazos@yahoo.com.
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Can you be a Mentor for a Day?
By Filomena Cesareo
The Women's Initiative is looking for women to volunteer for their financial literacy conference for 8th grade girls. Participating students are from Worcester East Middle School. The conference is split over two days, but volunteer mentors are only asked to be available for one day.
Monday, November 21, 2016 or Tuesday, November 22, 2016
from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm at Assumption College.
If you are a woman with a background in the field of business, media and communications, sports, insurance, legal services, non-profit, biotech, real estate, health services, homemaking, finance -- or someone who cares to make a difference -- you have what it takes to be a great mentor.
As a mentor, you will assist girls with Dollar $cholar activities in a conference setting. Facilitators will present fun and interactive activities that teach basic money management and life skills; you will guide and encourage your small group's participation, and feel good about being part of the introduction of these valuable tools for success.
Please consider lending your life experience for a day, and really make a difference. Sign up today! Contact Caroline Russell at caroline.russell@unitedwaycm.org or (508) 757-5631 ext. 275.
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 Save The Date
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Brown Bag Lunch with speaker from Preservation Worcester. RSVP to the WISE office to reserve a dessert and beverage.
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Down-payment deadline for WISE Costa Rica trip
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Holiday Luncheon on Assumption campus
A future flyer from the WISE office will provide details
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In Memoria
Michael Lebeaux (1-year member)
Cynthia Taylor (20-year member)
They will be missed.
Want to honor or memorialize someone? WISE gratefully accepts contributions made out to “Assumption/WISE” and sent to 500 Salisbury Street, Worcester MA 01609.
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Mission Statement
The Worcester Institute for Senior Education (WISE) at Assumption College is a member-directed organization providing lifelong learning opportunities for older adults.
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