Jena Necrason, Program & Events Coordinator
By Jena Necrason, Program and Events Coordinator
Now in its ninth year, Inquire is Wake Robin’s lifelong learning program that selects a series of topics, often resident suggested, and explores them over a series of lectures and events. Inquire has offered courses on 20th-century education, Canadian history, American history, brain science, literature, Vermont agriculture, conservation, gardening, Lake Champlain, computer technology, performing arts, economics, government, energy, food systems, and more. Inquire has collaborated with universities and colleges from all over the northeast, as well as area businesses, non-profits, and top-notch regional arts organizations.
Here is what we were up to for the past couple of months:
The Future of Work Lecture Series
Enormous advances in technology will transform the workplace of the future in unimaginable ways. Artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and the “gig economy” will result in a workplace unlike what any of us have experienced. This three-part series offered an overview of what the workplace of the future will look like, and what skills will be needed to succeed.
Confronting the Challenge of Climate Change Lecture Series
Climate change may be the most critical issue facing humanity and the natural world in the 21st century. This series helped us gain a broader and deeper understanding of the significance of this central issue, with the opportunity to examine the climate situation in the Northeast and Vermont, explore public opinion, and explore what we can do to make a positive difference.
We had two intergenerational workshops
Local high school students spent Sunday afternoons with a group of our residents teaching them about new technology and mobile device use/trends. And we had a group of residents take part in the nationally acclaimed Sages and Seekers Program, a collaboration with the Lake Champlain Waldorf School.
We were also treated to a lecture by author Bill Mares on Beekeeping in Vermont and enjoyed weekly Ukulele lessons with local musician Clare Innes from Ukulele Shenanigans.
Things have been busy in our lifelong learning program this spring!
