40 North Shore Towers Courier n June 2015 Migdal Jewish Book Club to discuss “The Dovekeepers” Wednesday, June 17 at 2pm in the Coleridge Lounge Led by Arlene Augenbraun and Bern Rosenthal, the group will discuss Alice Hoffman’s “The Dovekeepers,” the acclaimed historical novel that combines the story of the Jews held by the Romans at Masada with a dramatic narrative. “Hoffman births literature from tragedy… a story of strong, intelligent women wedded to destiny by love and sacrifice… intriguingly complex… An enthralling tale rendered with consummate literary skill.” —Kirkus Reviews You Never Stop Learning NST Residents Flourish in Unique Lifelong Program BY AL DRATTELL More than 20 residents of North Shore Towers are members of a unique senior group that meets during the day throughout the year at Hofstra University. Called PEIR, for Personal Enrichment in Retirement, it is one of hundreds of lifelong learning programs in the United States, based mainly in colleges and universities. However, it is unique since the students are the teachers. “Students present programs that run the gamut, from U.S. and world history to science to engineering to law to economics to finance to the performing arts, among others,” says Building #3 resident Al Drattell, a PEIR member since 2010 and a member of its governing Council, “and part of the excitement for a presenter is learning new subjects that interest him or her, and may even be far afield from what one did in their working life.” PEIR has more than 200 members who meet at Hofstra four days a week. “We meet 12 months of the year. The summer program, however, is normally curtailed to two days,” explains Drattell. “There’s no homework, no exams, nor is attendance taken. PEIR helps people give new meaning to their lives as retirees.” PEIR members are part of the Hofstra student community, taking part, if they wish, in many oncampus presentations and events, as well as using the school’s facilities, such as its excellent libraries. In addition to classes, PEIR members enjoy a welcoming social life—at lunch and on special trips and outside events such as an annual dinner/dance. Members range in age from the mid-50s to the 90s. Some have been members for 30 years and more. They include academics, teachers, lawyers, doctors, dentists, engineers, accountants, social workers, housewives, nurses, business owners and executives, financial planners, government and non-profit organization administrators, and more. “The tuition for PEIR,” Drattell said, “is often much less than other colleges/universities charge for similar but often more limited programs.” NST residents interested in knowing more about PEIR should call Drattell at 718-631-5228, or Bradley Kaye, Hofstra’s Associate Director of Lifelong Learning and Community Programs, at 516-463- 4824. PEIR class, discussing the Supreme Court “I am still reeling from THE DOVEKEEPERS–from the history Alice Hoffman illuminates, from the language she uses to bring these women to life. This novel is a testament to the human spirit and to love rising from the ashes of war. But most of all, this novel is one that will never be forgotten by a reader.” —Jodi Picoult, author of “Sing You Home” All are welcome.
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