As our LLL season ends, planning begins for the next
Do you have some ideas for next year’s programs?
Over the past decade, some of the best lecturers and teachers have been folks recommended by residents. Sometimes residents with a particular background have offered to teach or lecture (see www.lifelonglearningatpc.org/about/pcteachers). Please let us know if you are interested.
At other times, residents have recommended people they know from their professional lives or folks who will be visiting PebbleCreek and would be willing to give a Monday Morning Lecture.
There are some, but not many, requirements:
First, we do not have classes or lectures that are self-promoting, such as a chiropractor or audiologist seeking patients.
Second, we do not have speakers or classes on political or religious topics.
Third, we vet potential speakers and teachers to be sure they are good speakers who are knowledgeable about their subjects.
So, if you have a suggestion, please let us know! Ideas for classes should be sent to Mary Gangl, [email protected], 623-236-9613. Ideas for speakers for Monday Morning or Premier Lectures should be sent to Dennis DeFrain, [email protected], 623-535-3102.
Lifelong Learning celebrated several firsts this year
Emily Grotta
The 80 volunteers who are part of the LifeLong Learning at PebbleCreek team thank you for your support, participation and involvement which made this the best season yet in LLL’s history.
With the opening of the LLL Center last fall, LifeLong Learning entered a new chapter in its history. The LLL Center, which occupies the former dance studio in the Eagle’s Nest Activities Center, serves as a hub for all LLL activities. Regular office hours make it possible for residents to stop by to register for activities, to purchase Premier Lecture tickets and have their questions answered. Almost all classes were held in the Center and meetings that had been held in volunteers’ homes were moved to the Center where needed files and reference materials are now stored.
The very successful Sunday Series — three free afternoon programs focusing on the fine and performing arts — was a first for LifeLong Learning. Attendees were very enthusiastic, so we will be holding them again next year. Save the last Sunday in January, February and March for these programs and watch for details over the summer.
The third of the Sunday Series was the culmination of the first PC READS. LLL encouraged book groups to read Belgravia by Julian Fellows. In the afternoon members of many PebbleCreek book groups participated in a discussion of the book and the period in which it occurred led by Fred Williams and Nancy Brown. LifeLong Learning will continue PC READS next year. Susie Nee is coordinating this effort; please share information about your book group with her at [email protected], 303-548-7807.
Also new this year: a fundraising effort to help us complete the furnishing of the LLL Center, attract speakers who demand higher fees and keep our fees and prices reasonable. As of March 10 almost $16,000 had been donated. If you wish to show your appreciation for the programs the LLL volunteers plan and execute, please go to www.lifelonglearningatpc.org/donate.
Other highlights of the season: the expansion of TED Talks to six Thursday afternoons and the 16 trips, including many to places never before visited by LLL. There were many sold-out lectures, trips and classes; confirmation that the programs are of interest to residents.
While the season is at an end, planning for next year is already underway. The team is vetting teachers, lecturers, locations and special program options. We are already dreaming about new programs to meet the needs and interests of our ever-expanding PebbleCreek community. As always, we welcome your comments, ideas and referrals.
Many of us will be spending time this summer planning for the coming year. While we will not be holding regular office hours until late September, the LLL Center will be busy with teams working on LLL programs. If you have a question, please send it to [email protected] and it will be directed to someone who can help you.
Off season notice
During the off-season LifeLong Learning will not be holding regular office hours. If you have questions, please send an email to [email protected] and it will be answered.
Regular office hours will resume in late September at the LLL Center in the Eagle’s Nest Activities Center.
Have a wonderful summer!