Retire 'to' something rather than 'from' something

Tri-C Westshore Campus will be one of the exhibitors at the Exploring 50+ Expo, providing information about their Encore 55+ lifelong learning programs. Photo by Jennifer Yoo

High schools and colleges usually host an orientation fair highlighting all the extracurricular clubs as well as social and service opportunities that a prospective student can partake in. This is usually an exciting time for a new student, looking for ways to engage and enrich their campus life. 

Once we begin "adulting" these fairs are non-existent, yet it seems that it would be quite helpful to have such a venue during key transitional times like retirement, for example.

Retirement planning is generally a term that refers to the financial aspects of retirement. While this is obviously of paramount importance, there is so much more to retirement than the financial piece, and the more we can be prepared, the more successful our retirement will be.

That was part of the inspiration behind the first "Exploring 50+ Expo" co-hosted by the Westlake Center for Community Services and Westlake Porter Public Library. The event will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 24, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Westlake Center for Community Services, 29694 Center Ridge Road.

Whether you are newly retired, thinking about retiring, or far into your retirement, you will learn about all kinds of local opportunities to enrich and enjoy.

Exhibitors will highlight areas for recreation, learning, travel, leisure, exercise, the arts, health, as well as ideas for transitioning to an "encore career," since many people are wanting to scale down, but still remain in the work-force in a less stressful, less demanding capacity. There will also be clubs and civic organizations highlighting and answering questions about what they do and how they contribute to the community.

Always thought you'd like to check out Toastmasters for example? They'll be there. Interested in genealogy? Meet the genealogical society. Curious about pickleball? Come see what this actually looks like. Wonder what the Kiwanis, Rotary and Lions actually do? You'll find out.

Over 20 exhibitors will be there with visual displays, information and some interactive opportunities as well. Try to Zentangle. It's simpler than it looks. If you have ideas that aren't represented, write them in and the Westlake Community & Senior Services staff will follow up with you. You are sure to learn something new. Visit all the tables and be entered into a drawing for a gift basket.

This is a free community event. For more information, call Lydia Gadd, Westlake Community & Senior Services Director, at 440-899-3544.