If you have a desire to learn new things and meet new people, New Frontiers for Lifelong Learning, a peer-led, self-directed organization of more than 300 members, operating under the auspices of Mesa Community College (MCC), may be the answer.
Opportunities for intellectual and cultural growth happen by joining interactive study groups about spirit guides, language play, Haiti, Tuscany and the national debt. TED talks include information presented and discussed about the brain, consciousness, health care, leadership, online videos, philanthropy and social change. Other topics include dysfunction of the American political system, defining your legacy, music, book reviews and more.
Social activities include luncheons, tours, traveling, plays, board and card games and concerts. Many members volunteer on the MCC campuses and in the community in many ways. A MCC student ID card gives members discounts on campus and in the community.
Classes meet on the MCC campuses at Southern Ave. and Dobson Road; McKellips and Power roads; Mesa Active Adult Center, at 247 N. Macdonald St.; and Red Mountain Active Adult Center, at 7550 E. Adobe Road, as well as other locations in Mesa.
Before each spring and fall semester, an open house is held for interested individuals to learn about the organization and meet the teachers and facilitators who are New Frontiers members. Not all teachers are members.
The next open house will take place on Friday, Sept. 9, on the fourth floor of the Downtown Center, located at 145 N. Centennial Way, from 1 to 3 p.m. Park in the parking garage on the second and third levels only. An elevator and stairway lead to the fourth floor.
After paying $80 per year, members can register for as many classes as their schedules will allow. A few classes require materials at a fee. Those fees will be collected in the class.
The open house will be a time to join and pay the $80 after learning about the group. Registration for classes will take place starting on Tuesday, Sept. 20, by computer only, if the fee is paid. For those who do not have computers or a friend with one, arrangements will be made. Those arrangements will be explained at the time of the open house.
For more information, visit the New Frontiers for Lifelong Learning website at newfrontiers.mesacc.edu. For answers to additional questions, send an email to communications@newfrontiersaz.org. If you want information by mail, write to Mesa Community College, New Frontiers for Lifelong Learning, Office of Community Partnerships, 7110 E. McKellips Road, Room M222, Mesa, AZ 85207. You also can call (480) 461-7497.