General News

Join Us at Boom! this Sat. Register Now!

Posted by: Karen Long
Categories: Academy Events, Articles of Interest, Community Partner, General News

The Academy helped host Boom!, a day dedicated to the the upside of aging. We sponsored a few booths and took our experts to this roadshow.

Headliners:

Judith Viorst, Best Selling Author, lunchtime speaker, Noon
Ashton Applewhite, Aging Activist, 4 p.m.

Special Guest Stars:

Woody Emlen, Panelist for Lifelong Learning, Board Member, The Academy, a.m.
Patricia Cox, “Write to Save Your Life,” Course Leader, The Academy, p.m.

Aging is Optional, Finding Purpose, Brain Health, Creativity, Lifelong Learning, Encore Movement, Meditation, Conscious Aging, Financial Gerontology, Caring for Caregivers, Life Reimagined, Volunteering/National Service, Social Enterprise, Technology, Embracing Aging, Philanthropy, Cannibus, Entrepreneurship.

Here’s Who We Brought

Woody Emlen, Board Member, organizer of Cutting Edge Research from the Anschutz Campus
Emlen Woody

Patricia Cox, Course Leader, Write to Save Your Life2-Cox-Patricia

 

Continue reading

Profile: Thoroughly Modern Ellie

Posted by: Karen Long
Categories: Articles of Interest, General News, Member Profiles, Speakers/Members in the News

We are so proud to have had Ellie Greenberg serve as Social Science Chair on The Academy’s Curriculum Committee. Ellie has brought us Academy classics like “All Rise! Our Courts” and Steve Bernard’s courses over the past three years.

A life of learning and social change

Printed on: 

Centennial’s Ellie Greenberg helped organize Martin Luther King’s visit to Littleton in 1964. Photos by Peter Jones

At 82, Centennial’s Ellie Greenberg isn’t done yet

BY PETER JONES
STAFF WRITER

Elinor Greenberg – known as Ellie to her friends – was a strange neighbor when her family built a house in what was then greater Littleton in the late 1950s.

Having received her master’s degree in speech pathology in 1954, she was on the faculties of the University of Colorado and Loretto Heights College at a time when many women were attending the June Cleaver school of stay-at-home moms.

Greenberg and her late husband Manny were also Democrats during a period when the south suburbs were strongly dominated by Republicans.

What’s more, the Greenbergs were outspoken civil-rights activists, even as segregation and white flight to the suburbs were playing out in Arapahoe County.

Last but not least, the family was Jewish.

“One of my motivations for moving out here is I wanted my children to grow up knowing what it is like to be a minority,” Greenberg said. “I felt that was a much better preparation for life.”

As the mother of three continued her career and education for decades, eventually receiving her doctorate in 1981, Greenberg found time to take a leadership role in Littleton’s small, but passionate, civil-rights movement, eventually welcoming an unlikely visit from Martin Luther King Jr.

“My career was in higher education, but it was about creating access to opportunity,” Greenberg said.

Decades later, the activist-educator would travel to Germany’s Dachau concentration camp as part of a high-profile delegation that would be the basis for a local television documentary called Journey for Justice.

Over the years, Greenberg would author nine books, including 2008’s critically popular A Time of Our Own: In Celebration of Women Over Sixty….

Full article here
Ellie Greenberg in The Villager

 

 

 

 

 

Continue reading

One-Day University Aug. 12 is FREE

Posted by: Karen Long
Categories: Academy Events, Articles of Interest, Featured Courses, General News, Uncategorized

Invite your friends who mayn’t have experienced the learning and community The Academy for Lifelong offers for the FREE One-Day University on Wednesday, Aug. 12 from 10 am-1 pm.

Print an Academy ODU flier here

One-Day University, Course Round-Up, Registration & Breakfast!

 Wed., Aug. 12, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

 ONE-DAY UNIVERSITY–We like to call it the ODU.  This is a fun way to see your friends and get a little taste of what Fall 2015 courses at The Academy look like. And, yup, it’s free. Come to one or more of the 45-minute presentations throughout the day.

10:15           Female Songwriters of a Generation: Joni Mitchell to Bonnie Raitt,  Paul Turelli

11:15           Hidden Heroes of the Holocaust,  Judy Schwartz

11:15           Bridge:  Learn the 2 Most Important Agreements in the 2 Over 1 Bidding Convention, Sally Kneser 

12:15           The American Dream: Rumors of its Death Are Greatly Exaggerated,  Jim Kneser

COURSE ROUND-UP FOR FALL ‘15.  Many of our fall course leaders will be onsite to share details of their classes.  This is a great opportunity for more learning with our amazing course leaders, and to help you (and hopefully the scads of friends you invite) to narrow down which classes to take. We’ll have some breakfast vittles to keep your energy up.

REGISTRATION ASSISTANCE! Having trouble printing your registration form?  We will have printed forms and friendly helpers if you need assistance completing them.  Drop-off registration will also be available.

No Reservations Required!  Pick Up a Friend, Come on Down!
8081 E. Orchard Rd. Greenwood Village

 

Continue reading

Academy hosts own Firework Superstars!

Posted by: Karen Long
Categories: Articles of Interest, General News, Member Profiles, Speakers/Members in the News, Uncategorized

Congratulations to newly appointed Colo. Supreme Court Justice Rich Gabriel and Academy Board member Dr. Toni Larson!

Justice Rich Gabriel served as one of the Academy’s speakers in the Academy’s “All Rise! Our Courts” class, most recently in Spring 2015. He usually gave the module regarding civil cases. The course, which has been going on for about five years, features attorneys and judges with first-hand courtroom experience and was designed by the Colorado Bar Association and the Colorado Judicial Institute’s Our Courts program to explain how State and Federal courts actually work—and how judicial procedures help keep the law fair and impartial. Topics have included:  The selection and evaluation of federal and state judges, differences between practices followed in criminal and civil cases, bankruptcy basics, divorce and family law, our rapidly changing immigration law, and how Abraham Lincoln’s commitment to equality and liberty transformed our system. For more on Our Courts:  http://ourcourtscolorado.org/

 

Follow the link to the formal announcement on the Colorado Courts webpage: Colo Supreme Court gets new Justice-court

 

Toni Larson

One June 25, 2015, Lt. Governor Joe Garcia declared it “Dr. Toni Larson Day,” for her unrelenting volunteer efforts for the state of Colorado and the National League of Women’s Voters. At the Academy Larson has been sparring on and off with Jim Kneser in some of his Critical Economics courses over the years and hosted last summer’s “Academy Voter Update.” As of July 1, The Academy is thrilled to have her on its Board of Directors.

Dr. Toni Larson served as executive director of Independent Higher Education of Colorado, a nonprofit organization that conducts the government relations work for Colorado College, Regis University, and the University of Denver.  Prior to this position she served in several capacities in the League of Women Voters. Currently, her main volunteer activities include the League of Women Voters of the United States (Vice President), Colorado Association of Nonprofit Organizations (co-chair, Public Policy Committee), and homeowners’ association board (President). She has been an affiliated faculty member at Regis University and an adjunct faculty member at the University of Denver.  Dr. Larson received a B.A. from Colorado College where she majored in English and minored in Zoology.  Her Master’s in Nonprofit Management is from Regis University, and she has a Ph.D. in Higher Education with an emphasis on policy studies from the University of Denver.

Continue reading

Back to School: Sept. 10 Health Insurance Commentary

Posted by: Karen Long
Categories: Academy Events, General News

The American Healthcare System:  the Present and the Future

Back to School Presentation and Registration Event

Thursday, September 10, 1- 3 p.m.

Dr. Bill Wright talks to Fred Margolin about the presentation he just gave at The Academy about the state of health care, how things might change how we’re affected.

On Thursday, Sept. 10, we heard from Bill Wright, Executive Medical Director and President of CPMG (Colorado Permanente Medical Group), who provided a candid discussion of what some call “an ideal healthcare system,” vis-à-vis the Kaiser model and the Affordable Care Act. How does prevention and chronic care management fit into improved patient outcomes? Wright gave a balanced discussion and educated us on the different models of healthcare and what the future may look like.

Dr. Bill Wright, Executive Medical Director and President has served in a variety of administrative positions during his 21 year career including physician-in-charge of the Kaiser Permanente Smoky Hill Medical Offices, regional department chief for Family Practice, chief of Primary Care Departments, associate medical director for Primary Care and Quality, associate medical director for Primary Care Operations and associate medical director for external relations.  Dr. Wright was CPMG’s associate medical director of market and networks charged with assessing and developing community network relationships with the medical group in partnership with Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Colorado.

This was a free event and included with your membership benefits. If you missed this, join us next time!

 

 

 

 Click here to join us on Facebook

Continue reading

We’re Listening & We Didn’t Make This Up

Posted by: Karen Long
Categories: General News, Uncategorized

If you’re finishing up a course at The Academy this Spring and have any feedback for your course leaders, board of directors or staff, we would love to hear it!

Please call 303-770-0786 to leave a message

or email [email protected]

Here’s just some of what we’ve heard so far:

“America’s Religious History from 1860 was terriffic. He (Ted Stainman) is a great teacher!”

“There hasn’t been a bad speaker in the Cutting Edge Medical Research from Anschutz Campus course this term. They’ve all been top notch.”

“The contrasting points of view in Academy Town Hall has been sorely missed by some of us Academy members. Keep up the good work.”

“Your maps series has restored our faith in the Academy. Thanks for planning this excellent course. I look forward to your Baroque class in the fall.”

“I just wanted to let you know that I’ve observed Mary Ann in action during my 2 stints at the welcome desk in the afternoon and I am really impressed with the efficient way she gets things done. She is always smiling, calm and courteous as she zings around ORCC helping course leaders with equipment, gently prodding Subway for more coffee, keeping the cookie trays full (upstairs and downstairs), and, most importantly, interacting with Academy members.”

Thanks everyone and please keep it coming (we like gentle critiques, too!)

 Click here to join us on Facebook

 

 

Continue reading

Get the ‘Bird’ on the Street from George Ho

Posted by: Karen Long
Categories: Articles of Interest, General News, Speakers/Members in the News

See more of George’s bird photos before his class, Making and Sharing End-of-Life Choices on Wednesdays at 1, See Class info here

————————————————————–

Since his retirement two years ago as a practicing physician, George Ho., Jr. is now “For the Birds.”

His spectacular bird photos are on display now through March 2015, at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal.

Blue Grosbeak by George Ho, Jr.

As a rheumatologist with training in hospice and palliative care medicine for 40 years, he celebrates his retirement by teaching his course at The Academy and taking photos.

“I combine my interests in wildlife, photography and hiking into these bird photos,” says Dr. Ho.

He prints them on different types of media: canvas, metal, acrylic and glass. “It adds a dimension in presenting and enjoying them.”

George volunteers at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge where he leads “the bike the refuge” nature program in the Spring and Fall and takes photos of special events at the RMANWR.

American Kestrel by George Ho, Jr.

The Visitor’s Center at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 am to 4 pm., 6550 Gateway Road, Commerce City, CO 80022. Visit their Website at http://www.fws.gov/refuge/rocky_mountain_arsenal/

Continue reading

IN MEMORIAM: Jane Yoder

Posted by: Karen Long
Categories: Articles of Interest, General News, Member Profiles, Uncategorized

by Kathlene Sutton

With Jane Yoder’s recent death, The Academy has lost one of its gentlest souls, one of its most avid learners, and one of its most enthusiastic champions of lifelong learning.

In 2003, after Jane retired from teaching, she plunged into The Academy’s programs with a passion. In her very first term, she enrolled in six Academy courses. Ranging from beginner’s Bridge to Mozart’s The Magic Flute, The Economics of Globalization, The Trial of Socrates, Architecture as Art and Maslow: On Effective Relationships, her classes echoed the unusual breadth and depth of her interests.

Enthralled with those first courses, Jane initiated what was to become The Academy’s first series, Cities of Destiny, based on the book of the same name by renowned historian Arnold Toynbee. Reflecting her twin fascinations with “armchair travel” and the world’s cultural epicenters, the enormously popular series focused on how historic cities have shaped our major civilizations.

For the last decade, Jane continued to participate in four, five or six classes almost every term, recruiting others to join her along the way, including her daughter Connie Renner, an award-winning artist. After Jane and Connie took Sally Kneser’s two-term course on the Impressionists, Connie was inspired to offer Studio Art Basics at The Academy. Jane often had that effect on people–her passions subtly but significantly influencing those around her and moving them to enrich others’ lives as she did.

In at least one way, she has enriched everyone who has attended The Academy: early on, Jane surprised The Academy by becoming its first major donor, when she unexpectedly mailed in a substantial gift. She went on to make her gifts an annual tradition.

Continuing that tradition and honoring her extraordinary devotion to lifelong learning, her family has asked that memorial donations be sent in her name to:  The Academy, c/o Karen Long, Executive Director, 3667 S. Newport Way, Denver, CO 80237. Please email [email protected] or call (303) 770-0786 with questions.

 

Continue reading

OSHER & THE ACADEMY IN DENVER: LIFELONG LEARNING

Posted by: Kathlene Sutton
Categories: General News

Twelve years ago, the Colorado Academy for Lifelong Learning joined several nonprofit organizations offering non-credit adult learning opportunities in Denver. However, the Academy is unique among such organizations in offering superb classes in an ongoing program without a university connection (or obligation) or grants, distinguishing itself from both Osher Foundation programs and Road Scholars’ intermittent Denver events.

The Academy’s independence fosters flexibility and nimbleness in creating a curriculum constantly revised and custom-tailored to its participants’ ever-changing needs and interests. Issues-oriented classes, for example, typically tackle local ballot initiatives, the impact of the national economy on Colorado, and Denver-specific educational issues, unfettered by the concerns of an overarching institution or grant-funding requirements.

Instead, the Academy’s independence frees it to partner with organizations of every stripe—from small businesses to major cultural institutions and multiple universities. During the same term, for instance, the University of Colorado at Boulder will sponsor one of its regular Academy series on cutting-edge scientific research and the Denver Art Museum will host yet another of its “DAM Great Art” courses, featuring current and permanent exhibits. The University of Denver’s Lamont School of Music regularly offers free concerts to Academy members and their guests, as well as supplying course leaders for a rich array of music courses, such as the debut of an Academy music-composition course in 2012, which will be repeated in spring 2014 by popular demand.

One of the Academy’s biggest attractions is its affordable tuition, made possible in large part by an all-volunteer faculty. Volunteer course leaders combine a passion for their subjects with strong professional credentials and/or substantial independent research. Academy faculty in 2013 range from physicians and judges, to a retired brain surgeon, an astrophysicist, a legal expert on First Amendment issues, an independent scholar of comparative religions, a financial planner honored in 2010 as one of the top fifty women nationally in wealth management, and numerous professors and teachers of literature, history and an array of scientific disciplines.

Follow your lifelong passions, and discover brand-new ones at the Academy. “This could be page one of the best chapter in your life,” advises Academy board member Bil Buhler.

Browse the website for information about the Academy’s past, current, and future terms.

Continue reading