Lifelong Learning at Tallgrass Creek

Each month, Tallgrass Creek neighbors enjoy impressive tours of one of the nationally acclaimed museums in Kansas City, Mo.—without ever leaving their homes. The unique presentations were created during the past year for residents of the Erickson Living community in Overland Park, Kans., and air on Tallgrass Creek’s in-house television station.

Staff videographer Rod Zeigler goes on location to record the tours, which are conducted by the experts at each museum. He includes accompanying footage and information about the museum’s background and the surrounding neighborhood.

“Our tours are led by each museum’s most-knowledgeable people,” says resident Harlan Stamper. “With the information Rod adds, it’s a very personal and engaging experience.”

The premiere showing of each tour includes an interactive discussion between Tallgrass Creek residents and top museum officials. “Even if you visited the museums in person, as we did prior to this year, I don’t think you would get this level of attention,” says Harlan.

Virtual visits

The tours are coordinated by Tallgrass Creek’s nine-member lifelong learning committee, which is chaired by Harlan, a former partner in one of Kansas City’s largest law firms. He quickly gives credit for planning to Myron Sildon, also a retired attorney involved in numerous civic activities.

“Myron is well-known in the community and has many contacts,” says Harlan. “We’re fortunate to have him on the committee.”

Community members have “toured” Kansas City attractions such as the Nelson Art Museum, known for its extensive collection of art from around the world; Union Station, the 100-year-old grand train station that now houses a planetarium, science center, and multiple exhibits; and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, the world’s only museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating African American baseball and its impact on social advancement in America.

Additionally, residents enjoyed a virtual tour of the country’s official World War I Museum, home to the most comprehensive collection of World War I objects in the world. Future plans include tours of the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library in Independence, Mo., and other impressive sites. Other popular features include a tour of the Kansas City Zoo conducted by the attraction’s chief executive officer. Residents will also virtually visit the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, one of the most technologically and architecturally advanced performing arts centers in the nation.

Prior to the pandemic, the lifelong learning committee hosted frequent in-person presentations by health care leaders, journalists, sports personalities, and other notables. The committee also coordinates presentations conducted by the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, which creates innovative learning environments for those age 50 and older.

The professional lecturers are associated with the University of Kansas and always include time for questions and comments after each discussion. Past lectures include extensive overviews of entertainer Frank Sinatra, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, the wives of U.S. Presidents during the Civil War, and more. Osher programs are currently available for residents to view from the comfort of their apartment homes via Tallgrass Creek’s in-house television station, with in-person gatherings being planned for the near future.

Resident presentations

The committee also coordinates monthly “Tell Your Story” presentations, where community members share personal stories from their lives and experiences. The popular presentations help residents learn about their neighbors, some who are authors, artists, and retired business professionals. Resident Mary Guindon, a Ph.D. and retired professor of counselor education at Johns Hopkins and Kansas State universities, recently shared her career and life experiences.

“I like learning about people and that’s what these presentations are all about,” says Mary. “It’s been interesting going through all my photos and files to create my own presentation.”

Earlier this year, the lifelong learning committee teamed up with the community’s diversity and inclusion committee to sponsor a special presentation about civil rights leader Martin Luther King. The inspiring and informative show aired on Channel 1851 and was produced and hosted by resident Bill Lynn, the former chairman of the lifelong learning committee.

“It’s presentations like Bill’s, our virtual museum tours, and all the other educational offerings here that promote an active learning environment,” says Harlan. “We’ll keep finding ways to make that happen.”

Want to learn more about how residents keep it interesting at Tallgrass Creek? Call 1-800-709-1688 or request more information today.

About Tallgrass Creek: Tallgrass Creek, one of 20 continuing care retirement communities managed by Erickson Living®, is situated on a scenic 65-acre campus in Overland Park, Kansas. The not-for-profit community of more than 760 residents and 375 employees is governed by its own board of directors, affiliated with National Senior Campuses, who provide independent financial and operational oversight of the community. Additional information can be found at TallgrassCreek.com.

Written by Mary Bush