This summer we welcome a new Education Director to our campus, though he is anything but new to Bay View. The Rev. Toby Jones is a lifetime resident of Bay View and the great grandson of Bishop Raymond J. Wade, for whom our bell tower and administration building are named. Toby brings an understanding of Bay View that only a fifth generation cottage dweller could.

A graduate of DePauw University and Princeton Theological Seminary, Toby is a highly trained teacher who plans to teach a course or two in our program each summer. As a year-round resident of Northern Michigan and a writing instructor at North Central Michigan College, Toby has an incredible network of future teachers and students to help fuel our education program for years to come. He is the author of two books, “The Gospel According to Rock” and “The Way of Jesus: Re-Forming Spiritual Communities in a Post-Church Age.” He will teach a course on his brand new book in late July and early August.

Our new director was fortunate enough to work in tandem with previous directors Bob and Mill Docking this winter to plan the 2010 schedule, thus guaranteeing a smooth and seamless transition. The Dockings set a high standard, and thanks to their gracious shepherding of Toby, we’re confident he won’t miss a beat. This year’s program will offer Northern Michigan 74 classes, including a wonderful array of new offerings. As always, your education committee worked hard to bring back courses and teachers who have had a genuine and lasting impact on students. You’ll want to peruse the entire list of educational opportunities as well as check the class schedule and read course descriptions.

We would like to highlight a few particularly exciting additions. The ever-popular bridge curriculum has expanded to include a beginners’ course especially for youth. Any “Grilling for Men” veterans will be thrilled to learn of our “Advanced Placement Grilling” course this year with its emphasis on marinades and accompaniments. In health and fitness, our always-terrific offerings now include Tai Chi, a basic Kripalu Yoga class, and even a “Get Fit Where You Sit” form of yoga where you never have to leave your chair!

Be sure to look carefully through our 29 study, reading, and viewing courses. What a line-up! Thanks to resident scholar David Scarrow, our Friday Forums on Current Issues will continue to bring you outstanding speakers. And what would a Bay View summer be without Barb Asbury’s amazing International Film Festival every Monday night from pre-season right through October?

We hope to register as many of you online as we possibly can this year through this web site. Of course, those who prefer to register in person (download form here) may do so either at the business office any time or from 9 a.m.-noon and 1-3 p.m. Monday, June 14, at Loud Hall. With a line-up like this season’s, we expect quite a few classes to fill up, so the sooner your register, the better your chances of getting the courses you want. (Bay View members receive a $10 discount per class.)

See you on campus! ­­­­

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