Local duo looking forward to going back to school — at 85 and 89

By Pat Bailey

Marg Ross and Eunice Goyette are like young schoolgirls awaiting a return to the classroom, they are excited about the prospect of furthering their education, while meeting new friends. The only difference — Ross is 89 and Goyette is 85.

The Leamington seniors are like hundreds of other local seniors, they want to remain active and continue to learn.

And thanks to Elder College, the 'students' will soon be back in the classroom —

learning about bridge and music.

"I look at it as an opportunity to learn something new," said Ross, who is enrolled in beginner bridge, "and socialize with others."

"I do not believe that your education ends with schooling," said Goyette, "it goes on your whole life."

Goyette, who will study the 'Classics in the County', said there is no reason for seniors to stop learning as they get older.

"I firmly believe education goes on each and every day," she added.

A lover of classical music and a fan of the Windsor Symphony Orchestra, Goyette said her course is more or less a precursor to each concert, so she believes once she becomes more knowledgeable about the music itself, it will heighten her enjoyment of the concerts even further.

Ross, who was a schoolteacher for 20 years, said, "I also saw it as an opportunity to sit on the other side of the desk."

Although she admits she has played bridge for 45 years, Ross said she is taking beginner bridge because she just wants to brush up on the rules and learn how to answer a bid properly.

The duo said they had heard about similar programs around the country. In fact, Goyette's daughter Linda taught a writing course at one in Alberta, so they were excited when Elder College came to the county.

As a senior who no longer drives, Goyette said holding courses right here in Leamington makes it so much easier for those who want to continue learning.

"Here, the college is coming to us," laughed Ross.

"As a senior, I don't want to be put on a shelf and my life stopping," said Goyette, "I want to learn more and keep my mind active."

"And as long as they're offering a program like this," she added, "I don't have to."

Elder College was started locally by retired University of Windsor professor, Lloyd Brown-John to give area seniors an opportunity to enrich their lives through continued learning and active involvement.  To read more go to www.leamingtonpostandshopper.com.