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NEW EIN WEB POSTINGS FOR APRIL
Under MANAGING YOUR LLI
Social Issues & the Judiciary
– OLLI, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Thursdays at the IRP – Institute
for Retired Professionals, New York City
Older Adult Learning Opportunities in Australia
& New Zealand
Sunday Programs – Cedar
Crest, NJ
Planning for the Future – OLLI Program,
Alaska
New Lecture Series on South America
– OLLI, Michigan
LLI Fitness Classes – LLI, Chesterfield,
VA
Under UPCOMING CONFERENCES
Presenters for Midwest Conference
– Institute for Continued Learning, IL
LLI News
LLI News for April
Under LLI CELEBRATIONS
LLI Celebrations & Congratulations
for April
UPDATE ON NEW ENGLAND/EAST REGIONAL CONFERENCE
Registrations are now being accepted for the June 3-5, 2007
New England/East Regional LLI Conference in Potsdam, NY. The
hosts, the SOAR program at SUNY Potsdam are planning an exciting conference.
Visit www.potsdam.edu/SOAR/conference
for all the details and to register.
UPDATE ON MIDWEST REGIONAL CONFERENCE
Conference planners have mailed out Call for Papers brochures for the
upcoming conference being sponsored by the Institute for Continued Learning
at Roosevelt University in Schaumburg, IL from August 19-21,
2007. Learning, Leadership, Innovation is the conference title
and advance planning is well underway. Be sure to get your proposals
back to them right away to help ensure the success of this conference.
Visit the EIN web site for more information, or the ICL web site at
www.roosevelt.edu/icl.
EMAIL CONTACTS
EIN tries to keep emails to all the programs to a minimum. But we do
need to contact you from time to time. So please set your email system
to receive our emails. We have been getting bouncebacks at an alarming
rate, so at least two dozen of you are not in the loop. You are missing
out on important information, etc. If necessary talk with your IT person
to make sure that emails can get through from EIN. Your email programs
need to be set to receive mail from nancy.merz-nordstrom@elderhostel.org.
Needless to say if your email address changes please notify us. Thank
you.
MULTIPLE LLI LOCATIONS
If your LLI has more than one location, please send us the contact information
for that location too. One of the goals of the Elderhostel Institute
Network is to list as many LLIs and ALL their locations as possible.
That way the more than 80,000 visitors to the Elderhostel web site can
see where to find lifelong learning in their own communities. Even if
the contact person, phone number, email and web site addresses are the
same for each of your programs, by listing all the locations you will
be letting people know about all the lifelong learning opportunities
to be found in their neighborhoods.
EIN thanks Virginia Martin, Program Director of the Osher Lifelong
Learning Institutes in New Hampshire for sending along the information
for their two new locations in Concord and Exeter/Seacoast.
WELCOME TO A NEW LLI
EIN was very privileged to be part of the very successful Open House
on March 1st for the new Stonewall Communities Lifelong Learning Institute,
hosted by Wheelock College in Boston. This program is the first ever
LLI to be designed specifically by and for the LGBT community but open
to all. They will offer 8-week courses, as well as “Lunch &
Learn” events, social networking opportunities and more. LLI members
will have access to various facilities and programs at Wheelock College,
and if the Open House was any indication, Wheelock College has some
fascinating service learning and intergenerational opportunities that
they are delighted to have LLI members take part in. Some of the courses
offered in this first semester include “Drinking and Eating in
Colonial Boston,” “You: the Owner’s Manual –
A Guide to the Human Body and How to Keep it Running Smoothly,”
“ElderQuest,” and “Genealogy: Finding Your Ancestors
from the Mayflower to the Notorious.” Welcome Stonewall Communities
Lifelong Learning Institute!
A REMINDER
Thanks to several requests EIN has recently received, it’s time
to remind everyone that (1) We no longer supply labels of Elderhostel
participants to LLIs for purposes of soliciting new members, and (2)
EIN no longer publishes an Annual Director of affiliated LLIs. That
information can now be found on our web site at www.elderhostel.org/ein/intro.asp
under the FIND A LIFELONG LEARNING INSTITUTE link right on the
HOME PAGE.
ELDERHOSTEL COMPLETES RESEARCH PROJECT
Elderhostel recently completed a major research project that resulted
in a publication entitled “Mental Stimulation and Lifelong
Learning in the 55+ Population.” This research grew out
of our desire to better understand our participants by studying how
they are different from other older adults, and thereby to offer guidance
to Baby Boomers on how to age with equal success.
The methodology of this research was two-fold (1) focus groups and (2)
a qualitative survey of the national 55+ sample population. A series
of 15 focus groups were conducted in October 2005 in Waltham, MA, Columbus,
OH and Encino, CA to begin to understand the range of activities that
older adults believed provided mental stimulation. Focus group comments
and responses were analyzed and a list of various activities was included
in the follow up survey. The survey was then sent to a national sample
of adults, age 55+ and to a sample of Elderhostel participants who had
participated in an EH program within the past 12 months.
This research highlighted that there are 4 “lifelong learning”
segments in the 55+ population here in the United States:
• Focused Mental Achievers – 13% of the general population
• Contented Recreational Learners – 34% of the general population
• Isolated Homebodies – 18% of the general population
• Pessimists – 11% of the general population with minimal
participation in lifelong learning because of poor health or scant resources
Not surprisingly, Elderhostel participants fall overwhelmingly into
the Focused Mental Achievers (49%) and Contented Recreational Learners
(35%) and are involved in a wide range of activities in addition to
educational travel.
While we know that the notion of “use it or lose it” is
widely believed by the general public, this research supports a broader
and more nuanced restatement of the “use it or lose it”
proposition – that a commitment to lifelong learning and a “balanced
program of brain exercise” involving activities blending mental
stimulation, social engagement, physical activities and creative expression
is a promising and ultimately more satisfying path to “successful
aging” and possibly to long-term brain health.
To read the full report, click on the link below and you can download
the full report with Adobe Acrobat:
http://www.elderhostel.org/research/lifelonglearning/lifelonglearning.asp
LEAVE BOREDOM BEHIND
“Learn to Leave the Boredom Behind,” was the title of a
March 19th article that appeared in the LaCrosse Tribune in
LaCrosse Wisconsin. The article talked about the Learning in
Retirement program at the University of Wisconsin, LaCrosse.
Several members were spotlighted and the article gave excellent details
about the program. Congratulations LIR on a great story! To read the
entire article go to -http://www.lacrossetribune.com/articles/2007/03/19/columnists/olson.txt.
POPULAR COURSES AT THE BERGEN ILR
The ILR at Bergen Community College in New Jersey has
one professor from the faculty, Dr. Paul Eckstein, who consistently
draws a large audience for his courses. Teaching regularly for the last
six years at the ILR, more than 100 members at a time study Plato, Socrates
and other philosophy courses. These courses along with Three Western
Religions, are major attractions at the ILR.
ALL ABOUT SPORTS
The Berkshire Institute for Lifetime Learning in Western
Massachusetts offered members a very interesting class this spring.
The Sports Pages encouraged “sports nuts” to discuss and
express their opinions on a variety of different sports. Who will win
the Super Bowl? Is March Madness real? Does soccer have a future in
the U.S.? How popular are fantasy sports? All these questions and more
will be discussed and answered.
The Academy for Lifelong Learning of Cape Cod, Inc.
offered members a course entitled Sports Talk. This 12-week
course gave members a chance to second guess the moves of the managers
and coaches of their favorite teams. Both men’s and women’s
sports were discussed in an informal group setting. Active classroom
participation was desired. Topics that were discussed included steroid
use, cost, memorabilia, trivia, favorite memories, trades, sports new
of the day, etc. Members used information from newspapers, magazines,
books, TV, radio, etc.
Members of the ILR at Bergen Community College in
New Jersey will be studying Baseball in American Culture with
such writers as John Updike, Phillip Roth and Roger Angell.
At the PLATO program in Wisconsin, members shared
their stories, experience and attitudes toward the national pastime
as they looked at Baseball in America.
Yet another course, Baseball and American Dreams is being
given at the IRP at Brooklyn College in New York.
LOVE POEM PARTY
Members of the Lifetime Learning Institute at Northern
Virginia Community College in Annandale celebrated Valentine’s
Day by sharing love poems. Members wore red for the holiday, enjoyed
light refreshments and read their favorite love poems.
OLLI REACHES OUT VIA VIDEO CONFERENCING
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UMASS Boston
is now using a second facility, south of Boston to serve members who
can’t make it into the City. Cordage Park in Plymouth, Massachusetts,
is a University of Massachusetts Boston facility that serves the Division
of Corporate, Continuing and Distance Education at the University. OLLI
members using this site will be able to interact in real time with those
who are taking the same class at the Boston location.
ONE BOOK, ONE COMMUNITY
Once again, members of the OLLI program at the University
of S. Maine is Portland joined their community in the reading and discussion
of one book. This year’s selection was The Road Washes Out
in Spring, by Baron Wormser. The author, former Poet Laureate for
the State of Maine, agreed to spend the day with the participants. He
opened the day-long discussion as keynote speaker, then stayed so participants
could spend time with the author. To go along with the theme of the
book, which is living “off the grid” with no electricity
or running water, there were poetry workshops, a special showing of
the DVD Maine Women Living off the Land, and a session on Mindful
Living. A full and stimulating day was planned for those who took part
in this exciting program.
MEMBERSHIP ART SHOWS
The Academy for Lifelong Learning at Cape Cod College
in Massachusetts recently held two art shows by members. 30% of all
proceeds from the sale of paintings was donated to A.L.L. The first
show in January was so successful, a second one was held in March.
LLI ENDOWMENT
The following is taken from the March newsletter of the Lifelong
Learning Program at Coastal Carolina University in South Carolina, and
written by Norm Whiteley, president.
In response to some questions and comments I have received recently,
I would like to clarify some items about our Lifelong Learning Endowment.
The Lifelong Learning Endowment was established to provide a long-term
secure and permanent financial underpinning for our Lifelong Learning
programs. The funds contributed are intended to be preserved as a permanent
investment in the program and only a portion of the income spent to
cover current Lifelong Learning expenses. The funds are administered
by the Coastal Educational Foundation but are tracked in a separate
endowment account established for Lifelong Learning. Of course no one
can predict circumstances that may require a change of objectives in
the future, but those objectives can only be changed with the approval
of appropriate authorities and would only occur in highly unusual circumstances.
The Lifelong Learning Board feels that one of the best ways to ensure
that our program remains financial viable, while keeping the cost of
courses at a manageable level, is to build this endowment over time.
We welcome all contributions that anyone may be able to provide as an
investment in securing the future of the program. Just make out your
check (it's tax deductible) to the Coastal Educational Foundation, mark
"Lifelong Learning Endowment" on it, and mail to: Coastal
Educational Foundation, Coastal Carolina University, P.O. Box 261954,
Conway, SC 29528-9907.
NEW CLASS FORMAT
The Jefferson Institute for Lifelong Learning (JILL)
at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville will be introducing
a new type of class in the fall of 2007. The format will be a six-class
group of discussions on various subjects in an environment encouraging
active participation for interchange of information and opinions. Rather
than a single lecturer on a subject, each of the six meetings of the
course will address a different subject. Topics will be those of general
interest, such as China, global warming, the growing disparity between
rich and poor, alternative energy sources, and homeland security.
Another possibility for interesting interchanges is the reading and
critiquing of current Op-Ed articles. They anticipate a small class
of 15-18 persons in order to create a conference environment. One discussion
group will be introduced this fall, with possibly more in the future.
SPRING MEMBERSHIP MEETING
The spring membership meeting of the Adult Learning Program
(ALP) at the University of Connecticut in Hartford, which was
held in February, featured a presentation entitled The Connecticut
Science Center: The Future of Science in the United States. Led
by Theodore S. Sergi, President and CEO of the Connecticut Science Center,
he discussed the question of why, in Connecticut and in the United States,
young people are not choosing math, science, engineering and related
fields as their major areas of study. In China, Japan, Korea, Germany
and many other parts of the world, the proportions of young people choosing
these areas of study is three to four times greater than in the United
States.
CLR OUTREACH
The Center for Learning in Retirement (CLR) at Rock
Valley College in Rockford, Illinois held two classes at the Keen Age
Center in Belvidere last fall. The first class was Spoon River:
A Journey. This class revolved around Edgar Lee Masters’
Spoon River Anthology. The second class was Angels Galore. Participants
created several angels for a variety of uses – as ornaments, package
tie-ons, a pin, or as an addition to a collection.
Both events were well received by the participants and they hope to
repeat additional classes there this coming fall.
NEW BOOKS FOR LLI COURSES
Thanks to the Lifelong Learning Institute, Inc. at Edison College
in Punta Gorda, Florida for the following book selections, taken from
their spring 2007 catalog.
The Professor and the Madman, by Simon Winchester. This is
the intriguing story of the writing of the Oxford English Dictionary.
Who is the madman, and why did the professor need him? Why are we ever
in his debt?
Expecting Adam, by Martha Bach. What happens when a young woman
in academia (Harvard) becomes pregnant and decides to bring a handicapped
child into the world. The reactions of her “enlightened”
colleagues are surprising.
The Other Boleyn Girl, by Phillipa Gregory. Before Anne Boleyn,
there was Mary, her younger sister, who bore Henry VIII two children,
including a son. Mary and her children survived, but Anne did not. Elizabeth,
daughter of Anne became queen and her half siblings, who were also her
first cousins were trusted members of her court. This is a story of
intrigue you won’t want to miss.
The March, by E.I. Doctorow. What happened to people in Georgia
and South Carolina as Sherman marched to the sea and beyond?
Sharon and My Mother-In-Law, by Suad Amiry. Sharon is Prime
Minister of Israel. The mother-in-law is the writer’s worst nightmare.
What is the connection?
NEW WEB SITES FOR LLI COURSES
Here are some resources from the March 2007 issue of “U3A Signposts.”
Current affairs & Conservation/Sci-Techs: http://www.climatecrisis.net/aboutthedvd
gives a review and purchasing details on 'An inconvenient Truth'.
http://www.shaksper.net/
SHAKSPER, is an international electronic conference for Shakespearean
researchers, instructors, students, and those who share their academic
interests and concerns.
UTOPIA - http://utopia.utexas.edu/
- provides access to The University of Texas at Austin's vast reservoir
of knowledge and cultural assets. It is available to anyone, anywhere,
at absolutely no cost.
A search engine with a difference - http://www.chacha.com
In addition http://readwriteweb.com/archives/chacha_human-powered_search.php
gives a description/review
That’s all for this month.
Nancy Merz Nordstrom, M.Ed., Elderhostel Institute Network
Nancy.merz-nordstrom@elderhostel.org
www.elderhostel.org/ein/intro.asp - 617-457-5564
“In age the passions cool and leave a
man at rest, and then forthwith his mind takes a contemplative tone;
the intellect is set free and attains the upper hand.” …Arthur
Schopenhauer
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July 20, 2008
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