Lifelong Learning Highlights

Please consult your CareMerge calendars and weekly announcements for specific dates and times. All programming subject to change based on COVID-related recommendations to maintain health and safety of residents, staff, and visitors.

Larry Walsh’s “Cycling across America to Self-Discovery"

“Your job has been eliminated.” After serving 7 years in the Army and working for 28 years in the pharmaceutical industry, Larry Walsh stepped away from corporate life and cycled into the heart of America to fulfill his lifelong dream of riding across the country. He purchased a Surly Disc Trucker touring bike and began his 3,120mile ride from California to Florida. Cycling over treacherous mountains, through open plains, unforgiving deserts, and over 200 unique small towns, Walsh not only discovered a new world and new people, but he uncovered a side of himself that he thought was long forgotten—one filled with true grit and determination. Join Walsh on his trip across America and see what it feels like to experience life one pedal rotation at a time.

Vincent York’s Hands-On History of Jazz

Enjoy this new session as Vincent York introduces the audience to the deeper meaning and history of Jazz. Vincent plays and demonstrates how the evolution of diverse music styles contributed to the birth of jazz. It’s a hands-on, multimedia experience with audience participation, singing, and music. Vincent York was born into a family of musicians and a life of music. Vincent toured with the Duke Ellington Orchestra until he formed his own band in 1977. He has recorded or played with noteworthy jazz artists such as Marcus Belgrave, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, Aretha Franklin and Martha Reeves. As bandleader, Vincent York draws on his wealth of understanding and local professional artists to unveil the story of jazz to audiences of all ages.

Virtual Lecture by the Art Institute of Chicago: Aztec Art and the Fragility of Empire

Aztec art drew on the Mesoamerican past, citing works from the ancient cities of Teotihuacan and Tula to lend authority and legitimacy to the new empire. But this engagement with the past also provoked reflection on the inevitable end of empire and the cyclicality of time, themes that resonate as the five hundredth anniversary of the Spanish invasion of Mexico unfolds this year. In this illustrated lecture, Claudia Brittenham, University of Chicago, discusses how Aztec art reflects this engagement with this historical past.

Kevin Wood portrays President Abraham Lincoln

Kevin Wood has made appearances at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, the Lincoln Heritage Museum, and more. As President, Mr. Lincoln ably led our nation through its darkest days. In addition to providing a firsthand account of his own life and times, “Mr. Lincoln” will speak on rising from obscurity to the highest office in the land, valuing education, liberty, freedom, democracy, equality, and opportunity. 11

Detroit Public Theatre’s “Detroit ‘67”

To kick off an all-new partnership, you’re invited to attend a three-part community program with Detroit Public Theatre’s Co-Producing Artistic Director, Sarah Winkler and Connectivity & Engagement Manager, Madelyn Porter. In May, Winkler and Porter will visit All Seasons to discuss the history and vision of the Detroit Public Theatre and give us an exclusive snapshot of the development process of their upcoming production of the acclaimed play “Detroit ’67” written by TONY Award nominated daughter of Detroit, Dominique Morisseau. On June 3rd, we will attend a special matinee performance with students, for an intergenerational audience experience. The week following the performance, Winkler and Porter will return to All Seasons for a facilitated discussion about the themes, highlights, and questions raised by this unique production.

Arnie Collens presents “Florida Flowers, Birds, & Butterflies”

Arnold Collens is a lifetime Detroiter and graduate of Wayne State University’s School of Business and College of Education. In recent years, Arnie’s love of photography has taken him to the Center for Creative Studies and Oakland Community College. Over the last 17 years he’s walked the streets of Detroit looking at change, recorded images, and immersing himself in city history. Arnie engages groups by sharing his interest in community, history, nature, art and changes in architectural landscape. When in Florida, Arnie serves as a naturalist and day captain at Audubon’s flagship facility in Naples: Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary.

Detroit to Chicago: A trip down Memory Lane along Michigan Avenue - The Old Chicago Road

Join Jon Milan and Gail Offen as they take a visual road trip from downtown Detroit, across Michigan, to Chicago's world-famous Magnificent Mile. Along the way we'll look at Detroit's delicious Coney Island hot dog wars, take a peek at Corktown to see where the Tigers once held court, and check in on the progress of the newly-reborn Michigan Central Railroad Station. We'll learn about the colorful cultural enclaves along the way, rich in history and tradition, as we pass through Irish, Arabic, African American and Native American neighborhoods and regions. It's a nearly 300-mile pathway through roadside America. Gail Offen is an adjunct professor of advertising at Lawrence Technological University, and an award-winning creative director, writer and branding specialist. She is a co-author of several books: ”Grand River Avenue: From Detroit to Lake Michigan,” “Iconic Restaurants of Ann Arbor,” and “Michigan Haunts: Public Places and Eerie Spaces.” Jon Milan is a Detroitbased freelance author, pianist, music historian, and corporate communications manager. He has written five books, three co-authored with Gail Offen, as well as “Detroit: Ragtime and the Jazz Age,” and “Old Chicago Road.”

Weekly Technology Workshops

Led by the Life Enrichment Team and technicians from the Baldwin Public Library, these hands-on workshops are geared to meet residents’ everychanging technology needs, ranging from smartphone and tablet use to photography tutorials. Our world is increasingly a digital one. If you’re having trouble keeping up — or just want to expand on what you already know — get up to speed with the computer classes at the Library. From basic skills to socialmedia tips and design programs, everything you need to thrive online is here.

Memoir Writing with Robbie

Robbie Terman is an archivist and published author who is on a mission to ensure the past is not forgotten. She brings history to the public through exhibits, presentations, social media, and has contributed to numerous publications. She also regularly teaches courses in writing, genealogy, and preserving your personal archives. Robbie believes that every day is a chance to make history and strives to help others contribute their own stories for the enrichment of future generations.

Connections and Smiles with Tamara Zoner

Join Speaker and Happiness Trainer, Tamara Zoner, to learn the actions and habits of happiness! Based on the NY Times Bestselling book, Happy for No Reason, and research in happiness and positive psychology, Tamara will share the tools that you can begin using to bring greater happiness into your life. A show-not-tell single mom to three awesome kids and a karaoke enthusiast, Tamara demonstrates how to create a life you love! She was the Director of Life Enrichment for four years at All Seasons West Bloomfield and has a six-year background in senior living.

Zach Guida presents Michigan Governors History Series

Dive into the depths of Michigan history as we examine the legacies of Michigan Governors throughout the state’s history, from the battle for statehood to today. Join Zach Guida, your Director of Life Enrichment, as he facilitates this compelling lifelong learning series.

Quizzo Trivia in the Bistro - Quizzo is a competitive trivia game that challenges you to think and stay on your toes . Did you know? We get a dopamine hit every time we experience the feeling of mastery – the feeling of knowing that we know something . And everyone has one area, one body of knowledge, about which they are – or think they are – an absolute expert! Join us in the Bistro for a professional, themed, curated trivia led by Quizzo!