Ann’s Choice Lifelong Learning Academy Celebrates 10 Years

Intellectual growth doesn’t stop in retirement for residents at Ann’s Choice, an Erickson Living developed and managed retirement community in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Through the Ann’s Choice Lifelong Learning Academy (ACLLA), residents have the opportunity to attend lectures by distinguished professors on a variety of exciting and diverse topics including anthropology, art, mythology, history, science, and more. The popular program is celebrating its tenth anniversary.

On April 1, Dr. Kelly Kirby, professor of Art History at Moore College of Art & Design, launched ACLLA’s spring semester with a lecture titled “What’s Not Apparent in Apparel.” The interesting talk provided historical, cross-cultural examples of how politics, economics, and culture influence trends and fashion. Upcoming lectures include Leonard Bernstein: The Making of a Maestro; Vladimir Putin: What’s He Up To; and The Birth and Death of Stars.

Totally resident-run, ACLLA’s more than 60 committee members organize, publicize, and manage the program. The lectures are held in the community’s 300-seat-capacity performing arts center with overflow venues when needed. Each lecture costs $15 with a discounted rate if a resident enrolls in more than four lectures.

ACLLA’s Co-Chairs Nancy Bulera, Trudi Hertfelder, and Carolyn Gilson work with more than 60 resident volunteers to organize the 30 lectures per year (15 a semester; spring and fall).

“Residents enjoy participating in lively and thought-provoking lectures with top-notch college-level presenters, some of whom have come back to us for the entire ten years that we have been in existence,” said Bulera. “One resident said this is the college education she was never able to get.”

Each year, proceeds from ACLLA are donated to Ann’s Choice charitable funds. This year, ACLLA will contribute $58,000 to the scholarship fund for students who work in the campus restaurants, staff appreciation fund, and the Benevolent Care Fund.

About Ann’s Choice: Ann’s Choice, one of 20 continuing care retirement communities developed and managed by Erickson Living®, is situated on a scenic 103-acre campus in Warminster, Pennsylvania. The community is located in Bucks County and is home to nearly 2,000 residents. Additional information about Ann’s Choice can be found at AnnsChoice.com.

Photos:

1) Co-chair Nancy Bulera, Program Development Committee head Maureen Guim, Dr.
Kelly Kirby, Co-chair Trudy Hertfelder, and Co-chair Carolyn Gilson

2) Dr. Kelly Kirby from Moore College of Art & Design gives a lecture at Ann’s
Choice Lifelong Learning Academy on April 1.