South Bend, IN- Karen Bachert, South Bend, Indiana, the author of the book Quality of Life, and the host of the WHAT’S MY CRAZY LIFE ALL ABOUT? PROGRAM is now also a Facebook enthusiastic.  Bachert believes that facebook offers its members an opportunity to add new interests and dimension to their lives.  Socializing with friends, staying in touch with family, learning more about what’s happening in the community, enjoying playing online games or networking with business associates, customers, or potential customers,  are all  user- friendly activities that Bachert suggests as potential benefits of joining the online social networking group.

“Face book gives us a great outlet to connect with others,” explains Bachert who suggests that different people will find different benefits from being a part of Facebook.  There are so many possibilities.  A private family page where family members can post photos provides a good way to keep up with the happenings of grandchildren and nieces and nephews.  Family members can stay in touch sharing favorite kid quotes, photos of family events and vacations, first step milestones and, even,   “the biggest catch” proof of  recent fishing trips.  And, with just a little coaching, those with little or no computer skills can  join in fun.  Everyone can learn how to participate and use the common sense privacy controls that are appropriate. 

Rallying others in support of a cause, promoting donations or gathering volunteers for charity projects, and sharing thoughts with like-minded friends, all happen on Facebook.  Personal friends, business associates, customers and potential customers may all share the same news feed. However, for the more sophisticated online endeavors, members of Facebook sometimes choose to group their contacts and keep family, friends, and business contacts all separate. You can even create separate pages to promote your business, introduce your organizations or invite friends to special events.  Lots of different options offer everyone their own choice as to how they want to use this online network.

For more discussion about Facebook, join Karen Bachert as she hosts a Facebook Friends Get Together at Borders Bookstore, 4230 Grape Road, Mishawaka, IN on September 10, 9:30 to 10:30.   If you are already a Facebook enthusiast, you’re new to Facebook or just curious, you’re invited.  Friends, friends- of- friends and everyone! There is no charge for this event and Borders will provide free coffee and muffins for those attending.  For more information, please call Mary Wright at Borders 574.271.9930 or check-in at Karen Bachert’s Facebook page.   Facebook is fun and so is a Facebook Get Together!

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As we begin to explore the opportunities of retirement life, we enjoy the adventure - we discover new hobbies, new interests and new passions that will now become our focus for personal fulfillment. 

The transition from our working life to our retirement life
is a transition that we often anticipate with mixed emotions. We welcome the freedom to choose our own destiny and yet we hesitate with wonder as we begin to discover a new life filled with opportunities.

We look for and find the resources we seek to learn the skills we need to move forward - tech training can help us reach out to new opportunities.  Reading and research lead us to new adventures and discoveries.

Network with others who share our passion and are ready to help us discover the new world that is now a part of our lifestyle. 

Family and friends present needs that we are ready to respond to with a new sense of purpose.  Maturity matters as we reach out to help others in need.