Want a chance to hear what it’s like to be a secret service agent? Or to get a few pointers on accessing the Internet? How about brushing up on your French or Spanish?
Older adults will get an opportunity to do all of that – and more – when the Greater Lakewood Shepherd’s Center begins its weekly Adventures in Learning program on January 8 at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 3204 Skillman.
“We’re pretty proud of the group we were able to put together,” says Charlie Beth Young of the center. “What’s even more important is that all of the people who present the programs donate their time.”
The program runs through February 26. More than a dozen classes, activities and events will be offered. Among the highlights will be a lecture from former Secret Service agent Mike Howard, whose duties included protecting Lyndon Johnson’s children and Lee Harvey Oswald. Also scheduled are contract bridge sessions, bible study groups, and travelogues.
The cost is $17 for the entire eight-week session, and participants can pick from any class or event. For information, or to register, call 214-823-2583.
Who done it?
When Betty Brown came up with the idea for Mystery Loves Company at the Lakewood Library, she wanted to give mystery fans a chance to learn about new writers and new books.
So far, it has worked very well.
“I know they’re always looking for new authors,” says Brown, the library’s manager, “and this has turned out to be a good chance to hear the people who love them talk about new authors.”
This month’s meeting, set for 6 p.m. January 25 at the library, 6121 Worth at Abrams, will focus on British Commonwealth mysteries. That range includes everything from the traditional English mystery popularized by Dorothy L. Sayers and Agatha Christie to the not-so-traditional books of James McClure, who writes about South African policeman Tromp Kramer, and William Marshall, whose series about the Yellowthread Street police station in Hong Kong is a particular favorite of Brown’s.
The discussions are exceedingly free-form, says Brown, who starts things out but is only one of the participants afterward. Anyone who comes is encouraged to talk about their preferences.
For information, call the library at 214-670-1376.
Open house
Anyone who is anyone at Woodrow Wilson – from principal Nancy McLaughlin to the members of the Latin Club – will be on hand at 7 p.m. January 20 at the school for its annual open house and new student orientation.
“We have such a pretty building, and so much going on, and this a great chance for everyone to see it,” says Karen Stone, who is helping the school’s PTA arrange the event. “It gives us a chance to try and reach new people who might not ordinarily find out about Woodrow.”
Among the participants will be the school’s department chairmen and chairwomen, who will discuss advanced placement classes at Woodrow; each of the school’s athletic coaches; and representatives from the student council. There will also be performances from theater groups and tours of the school. Stone says prospective students can even sign for sports and activities.
For information, call Woodrow at 214-841-5100.
Hit the road
The Skillman/Southwestern Branch Library’s Mid-Winter Travel Series debuts at 3
