We like to think of ALL (Acadia Lifelong Learning) as perhaps one of Acadia’s best kept secrets. ALL has been offering a fantastic variety of courses, programs, and events to the Annapolis Valley’s growing population of senior adults for over 10 years. However, for most of us, it’s still probably not one of the first things that comes to mind when we think of Acadia University.
Having just unveiled the latest program calendar (PDF) and entered our second decade of operation, there’s no better time than the present to reflect on ALL.
Teaching a different kind of course
ALL courses range from individual expeditions (ex. Chimney Swifts) to 4-8 session courses covering any number of topics, and our network of ALL instructors is as diverse as the courses themselves. Instructors are local experts with a wealth of experience, and in many cases, they’re also experienced teachers in other contexts. ALL instructors enjoy the classroom experience because they’re passionate about their subjects: ALL provides a unique chance to reach an audience of mature, engaged learners in an intimate environment.
This year’s talented team of instructors includes experts from all fields and walks of life. Sign up for an ALL course and you might learn from Peter Riddle, who directed Acadia’s School of Music for over 10 years; Jennifer White, a former oil industry professional who now teaches Yoga; Peter Walker, a retired foreign service officer; or Brit Podolinsky, chef and former restaurateur.
Many of our instructors teach ALL programming each year, although often the topic of their course will change. Despite this, they develop a dedicated following, as ALL Program Coordinator Jessica Bradley points out. “We find that many students enroll for an instructor’s course regardless of the exact topic. Students develop familiarity with both the course and the general subject matter, and they’re eager to learn more.” One of many examples is Dr. Graham Daborn, Acadia biology professor emeritus. Dr. Daborn focuses on a new subject every year—from Managing Fundy Resources to The Magic of Water—and his courses are consistently in high demand.
Changes for 2011-2012
In some ways, the progression of ALL programming is similar to the way academic programming changes year-to-year. While each year shows progression and includes new content, there are a number of mainstays and must-haves. We try to maintain a balance of arts, science, and lifestyle programming. We also provide at least several courses that are particularly interactive and activity-driven.
A number of perennial favourite courses and instructors return for 2011-2012, including Twila Robar-DeCoste (art), Rick Penney (photography), and Susan Haley (writing). This year also marks the resurgence of Bridge courses, a familiar favourite.
Of course, several completely new courses will also be offered. Agar Adamson presents the Future of Government in Canada, which is a subject that’s perhaps more complex than ever. Sherman Williams’ Cape Split Experience will explore a section of famed Fundy shoreline without the traditional full length hike to Cape Split.
Collaborating
One of the best things about ALL is how participatory it is. Without the direction of the ALL board, the enthusiasm of the general membership, and their combined efforts in promoting the programming, ALL certainly wouldn’t be the success it is today. “Our members are the program’s best advocates,” Jessica says. “Over time, they tend to become more involved in ALL, and they’re often very active in providing feedback and helping promote it. They’re part of their education in a very different way than a traditional university student.”
The annual calendar of offerings is very much a product of the membership itself. ALL is governed by an Advisory Board that includes 10-12 members who often form the driving force behind the programming, bringing forward comments and concerns. As active participants in courses themselves, the Board Members are keenly aware of the classroom experiences.
Aside from the direction of the board and general feedback, we also issue a member survey at least once a year, which provides insight on everything from the type of course content to scheduling. Members provide a great deal of input on what types of courses should offered, and the program calendar consistently includes particular areas of interest like arts and fitness.
The calendar debuts at our annual summer potluck, the most attended event of the entire year. All participants are encouraged to take calendars with them. Members often have the sense that the program is underappreciated, and they take calendars with them to share with their family, friends, and to other community groups.
ALL Artistry
2007-2012 ALL Calendar covers
What better way to showcase your students’ talent than putting their work on the front of your brochure? For the last number of years, one of ALL’s trademarks has been featuring member artwork on the cover of the annual calendar. Each year of ALL programming typically includes several painting or sketching classes, and we’ve been eager to share the talents of our membership. “Featuring cover artwork provides a big example of how lifelong learning can reawaken talents or help people to discover new interests and skills,” explains Jessica.
We begin by taking recommendations from instructors and putting a general call out to our members. Understandably, not everyone is keen to have their work featured publicly, but we’re always fortunate enough to receive suitable submissions. Typically, only one piece is featured on the cover, with this year’s cover being the exception that proves the rule. Unfortunately, sometimes not all the art is suitable: it can be difficult to properly reproduce certain pieces, particularly sketches.
Instead of one dominant image, this year’s calendar features pieces from three of our members: Linda Francescutti, Betsey Harwood, and Dennis Nash. To learn more about these talented artists, please visit the calendar artists’ profile page.
And finally…lunchtime
If you’re under 50, it may seem that ALL isn’t for you—yet, at least. But some activities organized under the ALL banner are truly all-inclusive.
The ALL Brown Bag Lunch Series is a weekly gathering where attendees can munch on a packed lunch while hearing from an interesting speaker. Join us Thursdays at noon in Acadia’s Fountain Commons, where we bring a variety of local speakers to share their expertise, insights, and adventures in a casual setting. Last year’s lunches included everyone from local cartographers, the Red Cross, and Halifax’s Canada Games organizers to Acadia University President Ray Ivany. The lunches are often recorded by EastLink for broadcast on community television.
Lunch topics this fall include climbing to the Mount Everest Base Camp, the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, Katimavik, coyotes, Blomidon and the mythology of the Wabanaki First Nations, and local resources such as the Annapolis Valley District Health Authority, the Kentville Research Station, and EHS.
