Group for retirees with intellectual curiosity

Retired West Islanders looking for some intellectual stimulation should take note a long-running McGill University study group is setting up shop in Ste. Anne de Bellevue this fall.

The McGill Institute for Learning in Retirement (MILR), run for 19 years downtown, will offer three weekly study groups at MacDonald College starting Sept. 22. Each group will run for 10 weeks. The three subjects in these member-led discussions will be 'The Immigrants' (Tuesdays from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.), 'Montreal and Montrealers in the Movies' and 'Nature vs. Nurture (Either way, it's all my parents' fault).' The latter two will be held Wednesdays from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Dollard des Ormeaux resident Sylvia Neiss and her husband have both been MILR members for several years now.

"It's very interesting, people come from many walks of life," she said. "They're retired teachers, lawyers or engineers who are still interested in learning. People come from all over the Montreal area to socialize and share their knowledge."

MILR board member Miriam Tees said they are moving their study groups to McGill's Ste. Anne campus this fall because they have many West Island members who requested the change. "This is our first attempt to hold them outside the city centre," she said.

The peer-led learning organization has about 600 current members, Tees said. "Most people come to us from word of mouth," she said. "The people who come are fascinating, some had very distinguished careers."

Tees, who did a Master's degree in early music history after retiring, has led her own study groups in music.

These study groups are led informally by peer moderators and active participation is encouraged. There are no educational prerequisites, age limitations, exams or grades.

There is an annual membership fee of $85. An orientation meeting for new members will be held on Sept. 11 at 11 a.m., at the MILR office located at 688 Sherbrooke St. W. suite 229, Montreal. For more information on registration, call 514-398-8234, e-mail milr.conted@mcgill.ca or check www.mcgill.ca