There has never been a better time to be retired or be about to retire in Monmouth County. Everyone is beginning to catch on to the fact that retired people have a lot to offer and the time to devote to the possibilities inherent in lifelong learning.
Brookdale Community College in Lincroft understands that there is a niche to fill, and it is not only for college-bound young people. The college has just opened a brand-new initiative for the growing senior population that is entering what some call the “third age.”
The new Center for Creative Retirement was introduced at a “Breakfast at Brookdale” event to inform the public of the program.
The event was very well attended by people from all over the county: Marlboro in the western end of the county and Long Branch in the east; Matawan in the north and Belmar in the south.
Sponsored by Outreach, Business and Community Development and Brookdale’s Noncredit Division, the program began with a taste of the new learning, social and cultural experiences that the center will provide.
Rina Van Rixoort, director of community services and marketing at the college,
noted that many older people have the opportunity to do and learn things they didn’t have time for when they were younger.
“This is a very different retirement group, and this program is part of the college’s commitment to the community,” she said at the end of the program.
The breakfast included a sampling of classes. “Behind the Headlines – The Jewish World” was presented by Rabbi Brooks R. Susman of Congregation Kol Am, Freehold. Susman, who joked that he is somewhat of the same vintage as the attendees, talked about the changes in how the public is getting news. He said he was concerned because today’s news doesn’t include historical background. As an example of what his class entails, he analyzed a couple of current issues based on their historical context. His delivery was lively and he was obviously knowledgeable and passionate about his subject.
He told the audience of folks age 60 and up that they are probably the most important population today because they vote, they read, they listen and they take time to think.
“It is important for us to be here. There are things to fulfill our days and our nights. When we retire, we are not retiring from something but to something,” Susman said.
The next speaker was Gina Torella, who presented a sampling of the art she discusses in her class “How to Look at a Work of Art.” An adjunct art teacher at Monmouth University, West Long Branch, and at Brookdale, she showed a number of images on a screen and discussed various elements, like balance, rhythm and movement that unify a piece of art.
Dillies Pilevsky, a retired educator, talked about her lifelong passion for reading and for “The Short Story as a Modern Literary Form,” the title of the class she teaches at Brookdale. After a lively sampling of the kinds of stories that she recommends for her class, she said, “The joy of my life is to teach senior citizens.”
Right now there is a waiting list to get into her class. The college is trying to figure out a way to remedy that, she said.
Arlene Saltz, manager of the Volunteer Center of Monmouth County, presented an overview of the more than 300 volunteer opportunities for retired people. She said a lot of people, when they retire, miss the structure and camaraderie of work. They can fill that need in a number of volunteer organizations.
“People need a sense of community,” she said, adding, “People who volunteer live longer. It can be an important part of life.”
She said it is important for retired people to do something, whether it is volunteering on a one-on-one basis or as part of a group. She encouraged people to check out the Volunteer Center Web site at www.voluntermc.org or to call her at (732) 728-1927.
There are a number of other classes offered this fall. “Bring Back the Oldies – TV Classics”; two classes on global and environmental issues: “Protecting the Land to Protect the Sea” and “The Underwater Wonders of New Jersey,” as well as brunch and theater offerings that include “Brunch and Broadway: ‘Our Town’ “; “Lunch and Laughter: ‘Mere Mortals’ “; and “Memorable Music and Brunch.”
In addition, there are Friday morning lectures like “Dutch Treat,” a journey through art and literature; “New Insights, Classic Literature: ‘Brave New World’ “; and “The Pursuit of Happiness,” in which people will learn the simple yet profound principles underlying the journey to happiness.
There are also health and fitness classes and more than 20 escorted regional day trips to choose from. Some of the classes are held at the Brookdale campus in Freehold Township. Prices for the classes vary.
As Susman said, “Brookdale is a college for the community, not just a community college.”
Visit the Brookdale Internet Web site at www.brookdalecc.edu/bcd to view the complete fall 2007 non-credit course bulletin or call (732) 224-2108.