What do you want to learn? What do you want to teach?
LifeLong Learning at PebbleCreek is gearing up for an even bigger schedule of classes for next year—-and you’re invited to help us determine the offerings!
Classes, some of which are a single session, others which spread out over a few weeks, cover a broad array of subjects that are suited for an enrollment of 10 to 50 people. Past offerings have included topics as diverse as handwriting analysis and gardening in the desert, bread baking and digital photography, armchair travels and football for wives.
As many of the classes have been taught by PebbleCreek residents, 2016—2017 is your chance to shine! Do you have an idea for a class that you would like to teach? Is there a subject that you’d like to know more about? Do you want to be part of a memoir writing class?
Please contact Mary Gangl at 236-9613 with your ideas and suggestions and help make this year of LifeLong Learning an enormous success.
LLL participates in PC events to show what’s available
To help residents know about all that is available here:
“How did I ever have time to work?” said one resident.
“So much to do, so little time,” said another.
Yet when new homeowners learn about LifeLong Learning at PebbleCreek, many become LLL regulars, signing up for the enewsletter, attending lectures and registering for classes and trips.
New homeowners learn about LifeLong Learning through the HOA’s orientation sessions. The LifeLong Learning team is thrilled to be invited to make a brief presentation at the orientation about its programs to help new residents understand the wide variety of options they have in the PebbleCreek Community. Many people say the existence of the LifeLong Learning programs was key in their decision to buy in PC. Others are astounded that there are regular lectures, classes, trips and a movie series as well as special events.
LLL also displays information about our programs at the annual KareBears Health Fair in February. Jeff Young is enthusiastic about the important role we play in mental health and the opportunity to introduce our programs to many surprised residents. It’s also our opportunity to meet people who attend our lectures, classes and trips and get feedback from them. We typically add at least 50 people to our enewsletter mailing list at this event.
If your organization would be interested in learning more about the LLL programs for 2016–2017, contact Jeff Young at [email protected] and ask about a brief presentation to your group. And we always bring a door prize.
LLL season hits record numbers, again!
As PebbleCreek’s population expands, LifeLong Learning increases its programs to meet the growing demand. As we look back at the expanded season that just ended, it is clear that residents of PebbleCreek appreciated the classes, lectures, trips and special events offered this year.
Thirteen trips — up from 10 the year before — were enjoyed by almost 500 people, including several that were repeats from earlier years so newer residents could enjoy them. Trips are limited in size by the requirements of the places we visit, so it is always good to sign up for them early. The trip committee, already hard at work, hopes to expand the number of trips yet again.
This season we offered 24 classes, six more than in the previous two years. Almost 500 people took classes which ranged from ancient maps to opera, Arizona history to video recording. An expanded series of classes on cooking and nutrition were well received and many of the classes were at capacity soon after registration opened in October. Many of the classes are taught by PebbleCreek residents; if you have a topic you’d like to teach, let us know by sending an email to [email protected].
The newest addition to LifeLong Learning’s programs — TED Talks — proved to be a great way for residents to have structured, informative and lively conversations around a series of topics. Other Special Events included a display of residents’ collections and a presentation by mystery authors which were particularly popular with book clubs that enjoy the presenters’ books.
The 16 Monday Morning and six Premier Lectures covered a wide range of topics. PebbleCreek’s own Bob Young shared years of Energizer Bunny commercials, while we learned from our neighbor Arnott Duncan that the Duncan Family Farms are among the largest growers of organic vegetables. Their produce is in practically every organic salad mix sold across the country. We climbed Mount Everest with Haley Ercanbrack and explored outer space with Jerry Ross.
Next year, due to the planned construction program in the Renaissance Theatre, some lectures will be held in the Tuscany Falls Ballroom. The best way to keep up on LifeLong Learning news is through the enewsletter. If you aren’t receiving it, send an email to [email protected].