Trilogy of Letters

WHY I ENJOY WORKING FOR ELDERWISE

Let me tell you about the organization I work for – Elderwise; a group of seniors with an unquencable thirst for knowledge and a passionate desire to provide learning opportunities for other like-minded seniors in Southeast Michigan.

This inspirational group enjoys exciting and thought-provoking classes set in a stimulating environment at Cleary University, Ann Arbor. The staff there, once wary of having a bunch of ‘elders’ moving in on their patch, now enjoy their wit and good humor, and are truly amazed at their capacity for lifelong learning.

What is so amazing about them? Well, they work extremely hard at providing continuing education programs by recruiting enthusiastic and knowledgeable instructors – from university professors and specialists in matters important to seniors, to Elderwise members with something interesting and special to share. The emphasis is always on learning, growth and enjoyment! Classes are varied and frequent member surveys ensure they have ‘got it right’ regarding curriculum and member involvement. Everyone is made to feel welcome and I can’t remember a time when there wasn’t laughter coming from the classroom at some point or another.

I am so glad to have the opportunity of working with this motivated team, who tirelessly volunteer their time and effort to carry on the vision they had back in the early 1990’s. For all you seniors out there, fifty-five and over, who have a love of learning and seek opportunities for camaraderie and friendship, please think about joining Elderwise. I promise you won’t ever regret it!

Pat Butler
Elderwise Administrator

ELDERWISE PARTICIPANTS HAVE LOTS OF KNOWLEDGE!

I wanted to briefly follow up on the recent letter about the Elderwise senior citizen organization. I have been teaching a course at Elderwise twice a year for the past four years called "Taking Apart the News". The Elderwise members that sign up for this class bring a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience to the discussion. They are people who not only care about the news and the world, but also welcome the chance to spend time in an engaging atmosphere with others who have similar interests. At the heart of the entire Elderwise concept and inherent in all of the classes is the opportunity to continue learning in a friendly environment, which is offered at very low cost at the Cleary University location.

Al Chambers, Ann Arbor
Elderwise Presentator

ELDERWISE PROVIDES UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY

The recent letter from Pat Butler, Administrator of the Elderwise Learning in Retirement Program, gave needed perspective on this unique organization. I received the Elderwise 2009 Winter Program of classes recently. The many opportunities for a rich variety of learning experiences always exceed my expectations. This variety of classes gives new meaning to what it means to be a senior and enjoy learning devoid of exams and homework. Classes on theater, music, books, history, science and psychology highlight these programs. Facilitators volunteer their talents and keep coming back with the universal comment that the Elderwise people attending are an engaged, thoughtful and friendly group. As a long time member of Elderwise I can echo these sentiments.

Bob Southgate
Elderwise Past Curriculum Chair

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