|
As we move into Spring, a time of renewal, transition, and the promise of growth, we welcome new members, participants, and email subscribers to IRP Detroit. Everything we do is a group effort, and everyone is welcome and encouraged to be part of the group.
The beauty of spring is watching as strongly rooted nature blooms and blossoms while Passover celebrates renewal and redemption, and graduations culminate years of preparation. For IRP Detroit, it is also a coming out celebration, sprouting public events and activities with the upcoming a presentation about the remaking of Northland Center, the Dave Bennett Quartet providing a lively evening of entertainment, a private tour the Detroit Opera House, a private cruise along Lake St. Claire, and the promise of more in-person learning.
IRP Detroit is a strongly rooted adult education community and I’d like to drop in some quotes from the past: Leon Lucas z”l, a founding member, explained in one of our first newsletters (July 1986) that we are “focused on … individuals committed to learning, and willing to share their interest, expertise and experiences” and “Every member may serve as a learner and/or as a leader.” In October 1986, Bebe Barnett z”l, also a founding member, commented that “our “retirees” act more like jugglers adroitly rotating their many interests” and “Most of us wish we could squeeze in one more study group, and our appetite for interesting participation keeps growing.” And Irving Panush z”l, a charter member, wrote about the greatest challenge education offers, “that of discovery – to constantly renew our inner capabilities for growth and maturity in the fulfillment of our quest for knowledge.”
The 1986 newsletter also had a call-out from Judy Samson z”l, our first director, with a list of “Groups in Search of a Facilitator.” Several months ago, I started a list that grew to 70 study/interest/discussion groups we had proposed, started or sustained in the past, (email me if you’d like to see the list) and as in 1986, we are looking for more facilitators. And we’ve always been open to new groups and fresh ideas. While garnering quotes for this article, I came across a past group that I was not aware of - a vintners group with wine tastings. So, we not only have room for everyone, we are also open to a diverse range of ongoing groups and topics.
Enjoy the springtime and let’s all find fun learning and building IRP Detroit together all year long.
| 
