Uncategorized

Cookie Week is Back!

Posted by: Karen Long
Categories: Uncategorized

With apologies to Emma Lazarus:

Give me your Chocolate, Oatmeal raisin and sugar
Your Nut-Filled recipes yearning to be eaten
The glorious overflow from your oven.
Send these tasty, golden brown, crispy and chewy confections.
A table will be ready to display their wonder.

 

Please bring a dozen homemade or store-bought cookies to share with your classmates on Oct. 13, 14, 15. Please use a disposable tray, plate or box to put them on, and label your cookie and your name (if you’d like).

The Academy LOVES COOKIES!

 

Continue reading

Good Afternoon, We are Conducting a Survey …

Posted by: Karen Long
Categories: Uncategorized

The Academy really wants YOUR opinion.

We are using a company called Survey Monkey to help us understand your thoughts about The Academy. Once you click on this link, you’ll be directed to that Website to fill out a quick survey (about five or 10 minutes, we promise).

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Academy2015Survey

We’d like to make your Academy experience better and suitable to your needs.

Of course, you can always email us any comments or questions at [email protected], but we’d appreciate you participating in this survey, which wraps everything up in a nice neat package for us.

Thanks in advance for your participation in this survey and The Academy for Lifelong Learning.

 

 

 

Continue reading

Red Carpet, Discount Films, Free Dessert

Posted by: Karen Long
Categories: Uncategorized

Sounds like a fun night out!

Join us for the premiere

Academy Night at Film Festival Flix

for more inspirational short films.

                                            Wednesday, August 19

Landmark Theatre – Greenwood Village

6:15 - Red carpet/cash bar

7:00 - Showtime
Followed by ticket holder dessert reception

As many of you learned at the Short Film Festival last month, the same group that provided those Films holds a monthly Film Festival. Your ticket includes a “red carpet” reception, cash bar, movies and dessert!

$5 off the ticket price for Academy members who purchase their ticket(s) online in advance. Tickets are regularly $14 apiece.

(Sorry no discount available at the door)

To purchase tickets,

To purchase tickets,

1) click here to go to the Film Festival Flix website and scroll down to “upcoming events”. 

2) Click “Purchase Tickets now” and find the Evening of Exceptional Shorts Aug. 19. 

3)  Click “Buy Tickets”

4) Then click “Enter Promotion Code” which is right above “order now”.  Enter “Academy”

5) Then click “Apply” and then “order now”.

 Come see why so many people are falling in love with independent film and the Academy’s fall class “Indie Film Inspiration,” starting Sept. 22, 9 Tuesdays from 10 a.m.-noon. Click here to read more about it. Indie Film Inspiration Course

 


Continue reading

IN MEMORIAM: LARRY DUGGAN

Posted by: Karen Long
Categories: Uncategorized

With the recent death of Larry Duggan, The Academy has lost one of its six founders, a dear friend and a tireless supporter who left an indelible mark on our community of lifelong learners.

Though Larry graduated from a one-room school, he went on to earn an engineering degree at the University of Colorado and rose to the vice-presidency of a major corporation in the large-scale construction industry, where he was valued for his skills in project-cost planning and crisis management.

Throughout his life Larry “always wanted to learn something new,” recalled Marlene Chambers, his domestic companion during his later years. Over The Academy’s first decade, Larry enrolled in 49 courses, ranging from economics, science and history to dozens of music and art classes. His enthusiasm for The Academy led his sisters, Mary Beery and Helen Glunz, to attend classes; later, Mary served with distinction on our board.

Larry’s passion for art and music climaxed in years of service as both a Denver Art Museum docent and acourse leader of early Academy classes on museum architecture and Broadway musicals. Though he might often appear reserved and unassuming, Academy participants sharing his classes came to recognize and appreciate his wit and keen analytic intelligence.

According to founding executive director Sally Kneser, Larry’s most transformative role at The Academy lay in his key contributions “behind the scenes” in the organization’s formative years. “Larry was exceedingly important in thinking through the big picture and providing guidance to the whole [founding] group, especially me,” she noted. But Larry also put his ideas into action, she said, shouldering major responsibilities in structuring organizational operations, drafting essential legal documents and marketing the educational program.

Larry’s extraordinary management and organizational skills and his inspired efforts during The Academy’s fledgling years have left us all a rich legacy, whether or not we were fortunate enough to know him.

To honor that legacy, his family has asked that memorial donations be sent in his name to The Academy (PO Box 630072, Littleton 80163). Please write “Larry Duggan” in the notes section of your check.

By Kathlene Sutton

Larry Duggan and Jim and Sally Kneser open Academy registration forms at the beginning of another great registration season.

 

Back row: Gail Sweeney, Marlene Chambers, Sally Kneser, Larry Duggan, Judy Brand, Joleen Goff, Iris Fontera
Front: John Shell, Joyce Meyers, Don Theobald
These members made up the 2005 Academy marketing committee

 

 

 

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

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

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

Ebola: Preparing for a Substantial New Challenge, Feb. 12

Posted by: Karen Long
Categories: Academy Events, Community Partner, Uncategorized

Please join us for our Back to School Lecture
Ebola: Preparing for a Substantial New Challenge
Thursday, Feb. 12
1-3 p.m., Please join us for a snack and scintillating conversation after the event!

Is a “new normal” of scary infections upon us?

Join virologist Dr. Eric Poeschla, formerly of the Mayo Clinic and now the Head of the Division of Infectious Diseases at CU’s School of Medicine, and epidemiologist Dr. Michelle Barron, Medical Director of Infection, Control and Prevention, at the University of Colorado Hospital as they discuss Ebola—the disease, the science, the epidemic and the challenges it presents to the health care system. Get the facts on how Ebola causes disease, where it comes from, how epidemics are managed, the value of quarantines, updates on Ebola treatment and prevention, and understand the deep need for supporting research so that in the future we can prevent these outbreaks before they happen!

NO RSVPs needed, please bring a friend.
We will be taking registrations that day.

Program takes place in the Auditorium, on the 2nd floor, at 8081 E. Orchard Rd, Greenwood Village

Park near Door 11 (not in the FIT DTC spots, you could get towed!)
***BUT, If it’s snowy or icy, DO NOT PARK NEAR DOOR 11, park in the basement (entrance on southeast side of the building), and take the elevator to the 2nd floor. 

Continue reading

Cute Grandkids & The Academy-All In One Place

Posted by: Karen Long
Categories: Uncategorized

It’s here, search “Academy for Lifelong Learning” on Facebook

We invite you to continue your lively class discussions with us on Facebook.

-WHY WOULD YOU EVER?:

-You can talk about your class at The Academy. ”Say, that Jim Kneser, he sure knows how to whip up a frenzy…” or “Did you go to the Climate Change Field Trip to the National Ice Core Lab last week?” or find out about new Academy happenings.

-You can post interesting tidbits you’ve heard about ANYTHING! and add to your class discussion.

-It’s FUN!

-HERE’S WHAT WE’RE GOING TO TELL YOU ABOUT:

-The Academy Scene.  Tune in for sneak previews of spring courses, profiles of course leaders, plans for winter break and other glimpses of life around the Academy.
-Just So You Know.  We are all drawn to the greater “community of the mind” that attracts us to The Academy. We’ll highlight some of the less-publicized performances, exhibits and special events in the metro area that might have missed your radar.
-Artists in Residence.  To no surprise the Academy has many artists and writers among our members.  We’re proud to note their various performances, exhibits and publications, as we learn of them.
-Members’ Voices.  We invite you to share your appreciation for Academy courses and other performances, exhibits, lectures, movies, books and special events your friends in The Academy might enjoy.
CLICK THE FACEBOOK ICON BELOW TO GET YOUR ACADEMY DOINGS! 

Continue reading