SLR London
Society for Learning in Retirement N6G 1G5 London, ON, Canada

Winter semester groups begin the week of January 18th! Looking for something to pass the lockdown weeks? We have spaces left in discussion and study groups, such as: The History of Space Exploration; It's a Mystery!; The Social Impact of Disease in History; Invasive Species; Canada in the Next Decade; London Heritage Issues; Let's Talk About Death and Dying. And a new membership is only $15 from now until September. Come join us on Zoom! Details on our wesbsite at www.slrlondon.com.

Zoom coffee break coming up this Wednesday afternoon! Be there or B square! (Oops, did I just give away how old I am?)Zoom coffee break coming up this Wednesday afternoon! Be there or B square! (Oops, did I just give away how old I am?)

Winter Online Courses begin the week of January 18th. If you've been waiting, don't wait any longer - there are still a few spaces left. We are in lockdown, folks! Make some new friends online, and have some fun while keeping the brain fog away!

On December 22nd some 60+SLR London members attended our first online Holiday Party, because not even a pandemic can keep us from celebrating the season. Musical entertainment from our President, Michael Johnson, a series of almost-appropriate jokes from Brenda Jackson (an annual tradition) and team Xmas game-playing made for a lively couple of hours. As promised, there was hilarity galore. We thank the organizing committee and look forward to more online social events until we can get together in 'real time and space' once again!

Brrr...Winter's coming...and so is our Winter Online Course Brochure. Not yet a member? There's no better time to join.Brrr...Winter's coming...and so is our Winter Online Course Brochure. Not yet a member? There's no better time to join.

Credit for our cover photo goes to Twyla Atchison, member of the SLR Photo Club.

From and to all the members of SLR London - Happy Holidays. Imagine yourself in this idyllic setting enjoying a traditional English Christmas!

Each year, in February, SLR London members celebrate Founders Day in honour of the men who founded our organization. We are sad to announce that one of the founders and developers of SLR, Raymond Gladwell, passed away on Saturday, October 31, 2020, just one week after celebrating his 87th birthday. From his obituary published in the London Free Press: After his retirement he spent 6 years as the Executive Director of Westminster College where he developed the Society for Learning in Retirement program which continues to run to this day. It is due to his vision that seniors continue to have this opportunity for learning. Raymond will be missed by all who knew him and SLR will continue to celebrate his vision and carry on his legacy.

Our SLR members are nothing if not resilient. The players in the Society for Learning Ukulele Group (SLUG's) did not let the first snowfall of the season deter them from their scheduled outdoor socially-distanced practicing, Bravo!

Just think, if you were a member you could join our 2020 Holiday Party on Zoom on December 22nd! Never too late to become an SLR member. Reduced rate now to join for the balance of our season. And there are spots still available in some of our courses starting in the third week of January. Visit our website at www.slrlondon.com for more info. Don't miss out on the fun!

Mid-term course offerings are now available through our website. Ranging from 2 to 6 weeks, they cover such topics as our National Film Board, USA and the World Ahead, A Shavian Experience,Ted Talks on Health and Well-Being, Laughter in the Media, Online Scrabble, My Favourite Book, and much more. Winter is coming fast...get online to share some knowledge and laughter with other seniors. www.slrlondon.com

Online courses have been going swimmingly! With that in mind, our volunteers have been inspired to create some new offerings to keep members connected, enlightened and entertained during the upcoming weeks as the rain, wind and ongoing pandemic keeps us inside. Stay tuned for further details!

Two Discussion Groups have already 'sold out'. If you haven't registered yet, don't be disappointed - register online today!Two Discussion Groups have already 'sold out'. If you haven't registered yet, don't be disappointed - register online today!

Don't forget - Online registration for Winter courses begins Nov. 30th at 9 a.m.Don't forget - Online registration for Winter courses begins Nov. 30th at 9 a.m.

UPDATE: Our first-ever Online courses are underway. We are all adapting fairly well to the new 'venues', i.e. our own homes! Occasional technical glitches, but we are getting them all resolved as they crop up. And...big news...our SLR little lending library has reopened one morning a week, thanks to dedicated volunteers. Now we can actually drop in to Grosvenor Lodge to stock up on some good reading and puzzles for the winter. And those of us who cleared out some of our own books now have somewhere to donate them. Looking forward to my first trip back to our venerable home base, (suitably masked and distanced, of course).

Are you getting your Zoom on? Courses are starting next week and we are practicing our Zoom etiquette. Still a few spaces left open in some groups. If you are new to Zooming....we'll gladly show you the ropes!

WHAT WILL YOU BE DOING THIS FALL? THERE IS STILL TIME TO GET INTO ONE OF OUR ONLINE ZOOM COURSES. ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP IS JUST $20 AND MOST STUDY AND DISCUSSION GROUPS ARE $40. CHECK OUR OUR WEBSITE AT SLRLONDON.COM AND FIND OUT HOW EASY IT IS TO JOIN AND BECOME PART OF OUR WELCOMING ORGANIZATION. REGISTER ONLINE OR USE THE PRINTED FORM OPTION. ALL CLASSES START THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 14TH.

Tempist fugit! Online classes begin in a little over 2 weeks from now! And the question is: what plans have you made for this Fall when the weather, combined with Covid, will keep you once again inside your home and wondering what productive endeavor to undertake to dispel boredom and loneliness and keep engaged? We have a compelling lineup of online courses from which to choose: from current issues to literature, aging concerns to science, history to cannabis.... For the full array of our offerings visit our website: https://slrlondon.com/. Registration is done most efficiently and effectively online. You can pay by credit card (Visa or Mastercard) or cheque. If you pay by cheque, you can mail it or drop it off at the Coach House from 10-12 today, tomorrow or Monday. (After next Monday, we will notify you if any further drop-off times are scheduled.) Stay involved and keep those brain cells active from the safety and comfort of your home!

The new etiquette for our 2020 online adventures!

Online Registration begins tomorrow at 9 a.m. Set your alarm! Online Registration begins tomorrow at 9 a.m. Set your alarm!

Woo Hoo! Our Fall 2020 Brochure is out! If you are a member you will have received one by email. If you are not a member (yet) you can check it out on our website under 'Courses' on the Menu. Online registration opens at 9 a.m. Monday Aug. 17th. If you are not comfortable registering online, our office in the Coach House behind Grosvenor Lodge will be open that day only from 10 to 12 noon , to accept registrations with payment. All courses will be online for the foreseeable future. NOTE: Membership renewals are also due at this time...see details on the brochure. www.slrlondon.com

UPDATE: We have now had a number of Zoom 'coffee breaks' with our members. From the first 15 minutes we have expanded to almost 45 minutes, and are alternating between Tuesdays at 9:30 and Wednesdays at 1:30 pm. Participants are assigned to small 'break-out rooms' where we can discuss various topics, and have the chance to rejoin the main group at the end. This has been a great way to make new friends and will continue until we can all join our September courses, and who knows? Maybe this will become an ongoing activity!

Many of our members met in our first- ever Zoom virtual coffee break yesterday, something which we hope to repeat each Tuesday for the time being. For a number of them, it was their first time on Zoom, so it was great training for upcoming virtual courses and discussion groups. It was great to see so many smiling faces, both familiar and new. If you are a current member, you will continue to receive email updates about events such as this. And, remember, if you are a current paid-up member, you are welcome to join the SLR LONDON MEMBERS-ONLY GROUP on Facebook, which is a closed group for members to share interesting posts, comments, humour, etc. Membership will be verified for all those who apply to join the group.

PLEASE NOTE: As of today, April 1st, our new website is fully functional, and the old site will be discontinued. Please visit the new site at www.slrlondon.com and let us know how you like our new streamlined look, by sending an email to us with any comments or suggestions.

CANCELLATION NOTICE: SLR and COVID-19 as of MARCH 18 Considering the need to do whatever we can to protect our members, the Board of Directors has regretfully made the following decisions:... The planned Open House is cancelled There will be no Spring courses All Spring and Summer social events are cancelled The Annual General Meeting is postponed to a date yet to be determined Face-to face meetings of standing Committees are cancelled For the time being we will not be able to respond to telephone calls or messages. Please communicate by e-mail ([email protected]) and we will do our best to respond. The Board is planning to assess the situation by the end of June. On an optimistic note, if conditions allow, we plan to offer courses in the Fall. The Board thanks you for your understanding and cooperation. Remember, physical isolation does not necessarily mean social isolation. Stay in touch with your friends and family by phone, Facetime, or Skype. LET'S BRING BACK PHONE CONVERSATIONS! Jeff Keenor, Board Chair

Wonderful turnout for our annual Founders' Day Lunch at the Highland Golf & Country Club. 95 members and guests heard Dr. Glen Belfry of UWO's School of Kinesiology enlighten us about recent research on Exercise, Health and Aging. After, of course, a delicious buffet luncheon! (photo credit: Michelle Lise Moore)

Are you a trivia fan? If you were a member of SLR you could join us at our big Trivia Games Night on March 12th at the Highland Golf and Country Club, for the low cost of just $20. Not a member? Contact us by email or telephone to find out how you can become one.

Coming up...If you are an SLR Member... FOUNDER'S DAY LUNCH Thursday Feb. 13 at 12:00 noon Highland Golf and Country Club Cost: $25 ... The 26th anniversary of SLR will be celebrated at this event with a three-course lunch and a guest speaker following the meal. Dr. Glen Belfry from the School of Kinesiology at Western University will be giving a presentation on "Selected Research on Exercise, Health and Aging".

SLR is pleased to announce that once again this term, the helpful students from Western Computer Club are available to help our members with their 'techie' problems on a one-to-one basis - advice only - no repairs! If you are a member, you will get an email with details of how to access this free service, or you can check it out on our members page! Just another great benefit of SLR membership!

Thank you to everyone who attended our Winter Open House yesterday. We had a great turnout and information sessions were lively. If you missed it, and are wondering if any spaces are still available in upcoming groups, please contact us through our email or telephone system with your questions. Courses begin the week of January 26th. Don't miss out on the fun!

Retired, or semi-retired, or about to be? Come check us out tomorrow at our Open House!

From all of us to all of you...whoever and wherever you may be ...Happy New Year!

Hey, everyone, our Winter 2020 Brochure is out! And don't forget our Program Preview is coming up on Wednesday - doors open at 1:00 at Siloam United Church. Hope to see you there!

Our Winter brochure is in the works, folks! Remember, to keep viewing our page if you wish to keep receiving our posts. Liking the posts will keep you in the loop and help us to know people are following us. Thanks!

Who doesn't love pumpkin pie?

Our free computer clinic begins this Thursday at 2 p.m. Just think, if only you were a member of SLR London, you too could avail yourself of one-on-one help with your electronic devices, provided by the oh-so-talented students from the UWO Computer Club!

Hi Everyone, We had a great Open House event and most classes are full and all will be running. However there are some openings in the following classes for last-minute registration or co-registration. Time to head back to school with friendly faces and good cheer! Non-members, you can call 519 438 3525 to find out how to join and become a part of our fun-loving and diverse group of third age learners!... STUDY GROUPS: Indigenous Canadians (3) Water (2) Favorite Screen Actors (6) Japan (3) Business Innovations (5) Potpourri (6). ACTIVITIES/WORKSHOPS: Creating Mini Presentations (2) Intermediate PowerPoint Skills (1) Be a Player (8) Lively Poets' Society (5). INTEREST GROUPS: Photography Club (3), Men's Lunch Bunch (3), Recorder Ensemble (5), SLR Singers (2).

We had an amazing turnout for our Fall Open House today at Grosvenor Lodge. Information sessions were full and we have quite a few new members. If you haven't joined or registered for a course yet, there is still time. Contact us through our website by email or telephone. www. slrlondon.ca

CORRECTION: PLEASE NOTE REVISED TIMES FOR INFORMATION SESSIONS. ............... Hi Everyone, Just a Reminder! Our Fall Open House will be held on Thursday, September 5th, from 10:00 - 1:00 at Grosvenor Lodge. There will be short Information Sessions for prospective and current members at 10:15 and 11:30. If you have a friend or two - or three - who may be interested in SLR, this is an ideal time for them to check us out. As always, free coffee and refreshments will be a...vailable. Some of our classes are already full, but there are openings in many courses. There will be representatives for all Study, Discussion and Activity Groups at the Open House if you would like to come in for a chat with them to learn more about the courses and possible study group topics. REMEMBER: Membership renewals are due now. You must be a paid-up member in order to register. We look forward to seeing you there!

For those wishing to attend a Celebration of Life for Linda Vandusen, and her son, Jeffrey Vandusen, the details are as follows: Saturday, August 3rd, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Greenhills Golf and Country Club, 4838 Col. Talbot Rd., London. Further details may be read at the website of Westview Funeral Chapel http://www.westviewfuneralchapel.com/pages/obituaries/

It is with great sadness that we at SLR London advise of the passing of Linda Vandusen, on July 16th, 2019, as the result of a motor vehicle accident that also took the life of her son, Jeffrey. Linda was a valued member of SLR and contributed to our success through her participation in the Marketing and Communications Committee for the past several years. Many members will remember her from a variety of study and activity groups and from her postings as co-administrator of ...our Facebook pages. Those of us who were privileged to know her will miss her big smile and infectious laugh, her clear and thoughtful insights, and her ready wit. Linda was passionate about her commitment to this organisation. In the words of her husband, Peter, Linda always came home from SLR renewed, invigorated and enthused about the day’s presentation and (SLR) has been one of the highlights of Linda’s retirement years. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family. Please do not hesitate to share any memories you have of Linda, and they will be passed on to Peter. See more

If you didn't make it out to our Fall Program Preview, you are in luck! We still have openings in a number of groups, but they will fill up before September. How about some of these great topics: The Supernatural and Beyond; Indigneous Canadians; Water; Favourite Screen Actors; Great Cities; Business Innovations; Creative Writing Level 2, The Lively Poets Society; Be A Player (improv); as well as spaces in our choir, ukulele, photography, recorder, and lunch groups! Check out our website and contact our number or email for more info! Remember, all current members...membership dues are renewable in the Fall so add them to your registration if you haven't already!

Yeay! Our Fall brochure is out! Very exciting new courses and1. activities included. Visit our website to view it online or pickup a copy from the foyer at Grosvenor Lodge. You can also make plans to attend our Program Preview at Siloam United Church on May 30th (see previous post) Groups will fill up quickly!