海角社区

海角社区 Institute for Learning in Retirement celebrates 20-year milestone in support of lifelong education

The world is in the midst of a sharp demographic shift as the very sizeable senior population grows older. It's been shown that intellectual stimulation and social ties are essential to maintaining optimal mental, emotional and physical health. 2009 marks the 20th year that the 海角社区 Institute for Learning in Retirement (MILR) has provided this kind of socially enriching and stimulating learning environment for Montreal's community of seniors.

To commemorate its anniversary, the Institute has the following events planned in 2009 and 2010:

• Sept. 3 - 5, 2009: VERNISSAGE and ART EXHIBIT showcasing works by MILR members at the McClure Gallery of the Visual Arts Centre, 350 Victoria Ave., Westmount.
• Oct. 15, 2009, 7 p.m.: FILM PREMIERE of Switzerland's 2008 Oscar-nominated film, "Late Bloomers," in which an 80-year-old widow decides to fulfil her dream of a lifetime. Maxwell Cummings Auditorium, Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, 1380 Sherbrooke St. W., Montreal.
• Feb. 11 - 20, 2010: FESTIVAL OF ARTS, CRAFTS, MUSIC & POETRY by MILR members at Tudor Hall, 5th floor of La Maison Ogilvy, 1307 St. Catherine St. W., Montreal.
• June 17, 2010: VICTORIAN TEA at Stewart Hall Cultural Centre, 176 Lakeshore Road, Pointe-Claire.

Founded in 1989 by volunteer members as a day studies program and lecture series for mature learners at the 海角社区 Centre for Continuing Education, MILR grew from 16 study groups and 180 members in its first year to 53 study groups and 805 members by 2008.

Members of MILR benefit through "peer learning" - participation in self-directed study groups of 10 to 22 members led by moderators who are also members of the group. Members are encouraged to do research and to use the 海角社区 Libraries. There are no educational prerequisites, age limitations, exams or grades. Satisfaction comes through sharing.

For more information on MILR and its anniversary festivities, please visit:

To speak to a MILR member/moderator, please contact:

Allison Flynn
Media Relations Office
海角社区
(514) 398-7698
allison.j.flynn [at] mcgill.ca