Local learning institute recognized with state history award

FARMINGTON HILLS — Last winter, nearly 100 people had the opportunity to learn some interesting facts about history associated with Michigan.

That opportunity came from classes that were offered by the SOAR Lifelong Learning Institute during its 2024 winter semester. SOAR stands for the Society of Active Retirees.

The institute’s winter term is organized around a theme, and the theme chosen for 2024 was “Made in Michigan: The Influence of Our Pleasant Peninsula.”

SOAR’s winter terms are offered via Zoom, and last February-March, about 950 people attended the program, according to Debra Yamstein, who is the institute’s executive director.

There were 12 classes organized around the “Made in Michigan” theme, with classes taking place twice a week for six weeks.

The effort resulted in a 2024 State History Award from the Historical Society of Michigan, which was presented during the 150th Meeting and Michigan History Conference Sept. 26-29 in St. Joseph/Benton Harbor.

According to a press release, the state history award recognizes individuals and organizations for their “exceptional contributions to the appreciation, collection, preservation, and promotion of state and local history.”

The release states that SOAR was “celebrated for its innovative program that explored the rich historical and cultural impact of Michigan, offering an engaging and educational experience to the community.”

SOAR’s founder, Sharon O’Brien, was there to accept the award.

“For the state to recognize our program and what we offer really validated what we do,” Yamstein said. “SOAR has been in existence for 21 years. We have won previous awards, but this is the latest one, and to be recognized from a stateside perspective was something special for us.”

The classes were taught by 12 instructors, each class revolving around a different topic related to Michigan.

Some of those topics included “Michigan’s Quest for Statehood,” “Made in Michigan: Coney Detroit,” “Detroit Broadcast History,” “FrontierArms Race: The Story of the Cannons from the Detroit River,” “Michigan’s Freedom Fighters in the Underground Railroad,” “Regina Carter & Stevie Wonder: Sparked by The Motor City,” and “Celebrating 50 Years of the Detroit Film Theatre.”

According to Yamstein, the program was recognized for its educational value and its focus on Michigan.

SOAR is a nonprofit organization that is predominantly made up of volunteers and has committees.

Yamstein shared how the “Made in Michigan” theme came to be.

“The committee discusses different ideas for themes for the winter program, evaluates the merits of those programs, and then decides on a theme,” she said. “So that committee decided on the theme of ‘Made in Michigan.’”

Ralph Stromberg is the chairperson for SOAR’s winter program and serves on committees for the organization. He played a role in choosing the “Made in Michigan” theme.

“It makes me feel extremely gratified for the recognition of an award for our winter program,” said Stromberg, who also acknowledged the work of the other committee members who were a part of the process. “(It) takes  a lot of work. Though it’s thematic, there is a variety of classes included within that theme, such as music, history, etcetera.”

SOAR also offers spring and fall classes that take place on the third floor of The Hawk in Farmington Hills.

The fall term was scheduled to start Oct. 14, after press time.

According to Yamstein, the spring and fall terms offer classes in different categories, with the winter term organized around a theme. The theme for the 2025 winter term is set to center on Route 66.

The fall and spring terms feature 55 classes that are offered in “all sorts of different subject areas,” with a $135 fee providing access to all the classes for those who register.

Individual classes during the spring and fall semesters are $20 apiece, with the fee for the winter term being $80, according to Yamstein.

She shared a synopsis of what SOAR is.

“SOAR offers lifelong learning for older adults,” Yamstein said. “It’s academic-style classes taught during the day by college professors and experts in their field. All of our classes meet only one time. There’s no tests or studying or homework, it’s just learning for the love of learning.”

Stromberg is a proponent of not requiring exams or homework in order to take part in SOAR’s educational programming. Continuing education is the mission, he said, and the ability to participate in an experience.

“Whether you want to join in the discussion or not about the experience is up to the individual,” Stromberg said. “A lot of people just prefer to listen. Some people take notes, but there’s no exams. It’s for your pleasure.”

In regard to what she takes from being recognized with the 2024 State History Award, Yamstein said, “The classes that we’re offering are engaging and insightful, and focusing on lifelong learning is something that I think we all should do.”

To learn more about what the institute offers, visit soarexplore.com.

“It’s a really great way for older adults to meet new people, to keep their brain active and engaged and keep themselves interesting and find new friends who are interesting,” Yamstein said.