Director’s Corner

We Are Not Blobs!
Susan Perschbacher, WISE Director

At the latest New Member Orientation, participants shared why they were joining WISE. When one of the first people exclaimed “I am not a blob!” we all laughed. Like him we do not want to become lumps without definition in these later years of our lives. Another new member joked, “I am learning not to be a blob.”

“I love to learn” was a common theme—many of us want to learn new things: history and politics for those immersed in medicine and science throughout their careers, appreciation of art history for managers and engineers, literature for those working in human services. WISE is a re-entry into the liberal arts for those who haven’t taken courses in many years.

Another new member told us she wants to exercise new areas of her brain. Using our brains is very important in these later years. Perhaps in WISE we should wear thought wave counters (akin to step counters) to keep track of time we spend thinking about ideas in classes, reading the required books, and participating in discussions. We are stretching our brains.

A member who admitted she wants to relieve boredom that set in since retirement drew sympathetic laughter. Another man said he finds himself figuring out what to do with his time. In WISE we spend time in productive and enjoyable ways while maintaining the relaxed way of life that retirement offers. By attending classes and events we have a schedule of diverse activities and a more adventuresome way to feel productive and engaged.

Several people commented that WISE is a way to meet other people who share a love of learning. We have a community where new relationships are developed, where people new to Worcester find a way to establish themselves in the area. WISE provides a venue and atmosphere where retired and semi-retired individuals can mingle and share experiences.

Based on my research on the process of making meaning in late life, I believe an important ingredient to WISE classes and activities consists in bringing together our diverse life experiences. Sitting in classrooms, we share interactions that are broader and more complex than those of younger learners. In an ongoing search for dignity and meaning, we bring a depth of knowledge to our WISE experience contributing to ongoing development of our knowledge and our selves.

New Members Warmly Welcomed to WISE

by: Kathy Drew, Orientation Coordinator

WISE committee chairs and board members gathered on September 6^th in La Maison to welcome nearly forty of our new members who had registered for fall classes. Enjoying refreshments prior to the meeting allowed new and old members the opportunity to begin to meet each other individually and to quickly discover how eagerly everyone was awaiting the start of our new fall session.

Kathy Drew, the Orientation Coordinator, opened the meeting with a heartfelt welcome to all the new members. She explained that orientation had been designed to be a special time when new members could informally share their life focuses before WISE, and how each of them decided to become a member of the organization. The current members were encouraged to share a bit about themselves, how they have served the organization, and why they have become committed lifelong learners.

The outpouring of enthusiasm for WISE class offerings, events, and people was contagious and immediately spread throughout the gathering. New members have come to WISE from very broad and fascinating backgrounds. They discussed their work experience in business, finance, education, medicine, insurance, music, social work, retail, self-employment, high tech, travel, engineering, spiritual direction, and software development. Interests ranged from ham radio, art and music, to dance, travel, hospice, and of course, grandchildren. Members were retired, semi-retired, working as volunteers, or even starting new careers.

Perhaps the greatest connection among those present at the orientation was an overwhelming interest in learning, growing, having fun, and becoming all that you can be. WISE has attracted many caring, new members who have joined the organization with rich and varied skills and interests. However the most outstanding characteristic evident at this gathering was the members’ openness to learning, growing, and sharing the journey with others like themselves. WISE has expanded its membership with sixty-five new members. All of our members are most fortunate to be immersed in the stuff of life that matters as we begin again our amazing selection of classes and activities! We are most grateful to all of the new members who have joined WISE! Let’s all enjoy the ride!

2018—2019 WISE Book Club

One of the extracurricular activities created by members for themselves is the
WISE BOOK CLUB. It deliberately meets when classes are not in session and
Is open to any interested member. Below is the list of books chosen for this
academic year. Contact Joyce Abdow-Dowd if you are interested in joining at
jadjd6@townisp.com

Portrait of a Lady by Henry James

Monday October 22^nd, 2:00—4:00

Marriott Room, Taylor Hall

Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

Wednesday, January 9^th, 2:00—4:00

Marriott Room, Taylor Hall

The Bully Pulpit by Doris Kearns Goodwin

Monday, March 18^th, 2:00—4:00

La Maison Salon

Mrs. Osmond by John Banville

Tuesday, May 7^th, 2:00—4:00

Marriott Room, Taylor

An American Marriage by Tayari Jones

Tuesday, June 11^th, 2:00—4:00
Marriott Room, Taylor

Back to School Pictures

Save the Date 

While the special events for the coming year have already been finalized, we are always interested in what members think. Suggestions for future speakers or events should be referred to Cookie Nelson, oreocookster@gmail.com, the chairman of the Special Events Committee.

Members will receive details from the WISE Office as time gets closer to the event. This is just a preliminary notice of what a WISE membership offers beyond the popular courses. Also, don’t forget to check emails for details on the WISE Movie Club and Book Club!

18 October

WISE Day Trip to New Britain Museum of American Art

10 November

Art Museum Docent trip to Peabody Essex Museum
WISE members invited to join

15 November

Brown Bag Lunch Lecture in La Maison

8 December

Art Museum Docent trip to Metropolitan Museum in NYC
WISE members invited to join

13 December

Annual Holiday Lunch at Val’s Retaurant