A Toast to Lifelong Learning
December 19, 2007 | 
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“I’m not ready yet,” were Dr. Ann Elrod’s words in March of 1999, when she decided to retire after 30 years in the field of education. While most veteran teachers with 30 years of experience to their credit would more than likely hightail it to retirement Nirvana, Ann decided that there still was much more she wanted to contribute within the profession. Those who know her as Doctor Elrod, School District 20 President, President of Phi Delta Kappa, President of the Colorado Association of Secondary School Principals, and Chair of the State Committee for the Colorado North Central Association, are very glad that she decided to remain on the education scene.Ann McClintock arrived in Colorado Springs in 1957, way back when the city was bounded on the east by Circle Drive, north Nevada Avenue was the end of town, and the Broadmoor Hotel was a day-trip away. Despite her family’s move from Denver to the southern hinterlands, Ann lost no time in immersing herself into the Colorado Springs way of life. Her first in a series of epiphanies occurred when she attended Wasson High School.
“The best teachers I ever had were at Wasson High School,” Ann said. “I based my dissertation research on what I learned in Lee Higgins’s class, and I taught under him when I returned to Wasson as a teacher. That was awesome.”
All was not totally awesome, however. Ann discovered that outstanding teaching requires lots of thought, much attention to individual student needs, and above all, a comprehensive lesson plan. She shares with her college students an experience from her first teaching days at Wasson, just to let them know that teaching master does not “just happen.”
“When I was first observed at Wasson, the observer wrote in her notes, ‘Does she have a lesson plan?’ It was then I knew I had to get a grip or get another career.” Ann definitely got a grip.
Ann’s nineteen-year career as a speech teacher at Wasson High School initiated many changes in her teaching style. She trained the city’s outstanding speech team, brought home state and national speech trophies, and discovered that her leadership skills were duly noted by her colleagues and supervisors.
In 1985, Ann accepted the post of Teacher on Special Assignment, and in 1987 she entered the CU Cohort Program for doctoral studies through CU Denver. She served at Liberty High School for eight years as Assistant Principal, and her research on alternative schools facilitated her entry into a principalship at Aspen Valley High School, where the school received the John Irwin School of Excellence Award, and Schools of Innovation commendation from the Chamber of Commerce thanks to her research focus.
“Aspen Valley helped me learn and I am still learning, “ Ann told us.
She ran for School District 20 School Board in 2000, and the learning curve “was straight up.” Ann admits that Francis Jenkins, another role model in her career, is the main reason why she ran for School Board in the first place. It seemed a crucial time to decide how policy governance, focus on student achievement, and the accreditation process could become a state model for academic success. Her bottomline was “to establish a competitive edge with the rest of the state, to maintain a general fund to keep up with adequate funding and take the next hill.” Ann ran on that platform, and she won the election.
Thirty years of stellar teaching, one doctoral degree in Curriculum and Supervision from CU Denver, one vice-principalship, one principalship, one interim university directorship, and two Academy School District presidencies later, Ann McClintock Elrod still leads believes that “there remains much to do in the field.” She believes that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, so she will continue “to make the parts work.”
Ann has admitted to one defect in her work ethnic. “I may collaborate too much.” Those who have benefited from her collaborative efforts would not agree in the least. With Ann in charge, “taking the next hill” comes about directly as a result of collaboration, planning, and celebration. “It’s all about working together.”
Ann’s life is not all work, however. She and her husband Ron share a mutual passion for travel, for visiting family and friends, and for enriching the lives of others. They receive an A+ for all of the above, and those who know them thank them for making our days rich because they shared them with us. Absolutely Doctor Ana, “You are awesome!”
- M
Welcome Back, Serendipity!
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"It all started 50 years ago in Manitou Springs." That’s how John Eastham began his story about his love affair with art and whimsy. Thanks to John’s conversation with The Record+ we now can share his story with our readers.
His story began 50 years ago in Manitou Springs. That was a time when John Eastham, Colorado College senior majoring in art history, stepped into the role of shopkeeper and collector of unique collectibles. Taking his cue from his father and brother, he apprenticed for two years and settled into his Tejon Street digs for what he thought would be the duration of his collectible experience.
Before setting up shop, however, John’s career took him to Scandinavia in the early 60’s where he promptly fell in love with the beauty of Danish and Swedish crystal. Professor Oiva Toikka was, and still is, his hero. In the late 60’s he discovered Japanese and Folk pottery and again surrounded himself with an array of glass, wood, and stone works that people came to see and take home.
"It’s a joy to unpack these shipments," John said. "My house looks like the store, and my philosophy is really simple. If I don’t sell it, I’ll just take it home!"
Taking his beloved objects home is not an easy task, however. John chooses to change his abode every five years or so. "It is more interesting that way," he told us. The moves inspire him to rearrange his collectibles and never become tired of them.
John describes his present home as "a yellow and white creation" where he feels as if he "is living inside an egg." Surrounded by his things, life becomes a kaleidoscope of colors, shapes, textures, and plain joy, but nothing satisfies him more than sharing his passion for art and whimsy with his customers.
Many of John’s original customers return faithfully each year to search for that special seasonal gift or memento. The greatest fun they have is learning the story behind the gifts. John shares everything he knows about the design, composition, and vintage of just about everything in his shop.
"Whimsical and serious is my mark" he told us. There is "always something for that special person" among the rows of color- and theme- coordinated objets d’art. There are, however, unique creations that stand alone above the crowd.
"I’d like you to meet Donna," John beamed. Donna is John’s special friend and companion at the shop (see photo). She’s a lovely wooden reindeer who serves multiple purposes. Standing reindeer-guard at the door, she boasts candles on her antlers, and is very much a unique conversation piece. "The person who takes Donna home will be lucky indeed," John said. "She is the only reindeer of her kind that I have seen in any herd." She is totally in harmony with the sense of delight and discovery that John has created at The Whickerbill.
John keeps his customers’ shopping comfort in mind when setting up business hours. Allowing for relaxing wake-up time, his shop is open from 11 AM to 6 PM, and he does provide unique wrapping service for those who enjoy an additional touch of elegance without an additional dip into the pocketbook.
"It’s all about customers and good friends," John told us. "It’s what I do with my days, and I am so glad to be in Manitou Springs where it all began."
We are happy that John Eastham has decided to come out of retirement after a short respite. We look forward to meeting his new friends and winsome creatures so that Donna, the reindeer, will be in good company, and we can find that special gift for the people whose friendship we treasure. We may even decide to gift ourselves as well!
742 Manitou Avenue
719-685-1540
- M
Robert Sebesta - Prolific Author Retires from Academia
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Dr. Robert Sebesta recently retired from his long and successful teaching career at UCCS, SUNY, and Penn State. During more than thirty years in academia, he excelled as an author and administrator. CSR+ recently talked to Dr. Robert Sebesta as he was packing to vacate his office.
CSR+: The last few days you have been carefully culling through the years of books, academic journals and magazines, conference proceedings, copies of your own books to decide what to keep and what to throw away. How long have you taught at UCCS?
RWS: I taught at UCCS for twenty-six years. I was the Chair of the Computer Science Department at UCCS for fifteen of those years. Before moving to UCCS, I taught at the State University of New York at Oswego, and the Pennsylvania State University.
CSR+: We know you are a prolific author of computer science textbooks. How many books have you authored so far?
RWS: I have written six books. In total, the books have gone through sixteen editions so far. These days, each edition is a new book by itself.
CSR+: What are the topics of your books?
RWS: My books have the following titles: Concepts of Programming Languages, Programming the World Wide Web, Little Book on Perl, Introduction to Programming Using Basic, Assembly Language for the VAX, and Assembly Language for the PDP-11.
CSR+: What are your most successful books?
RWS: The two most successful books are Concepts of Programming Languages and Programming the World Wide Web.
CSR+: Why do you think your books are so successful?
RWS: The ingredients for successful textbooks are the right approach, the right time, the right material and of course, luck. I have had the good fortune to combine the ingredients successfully.
CSR+: Have your books been translated to other languages?
RWS: The Concepts of Programming Languages book has been translated to Portuguese, Korean, and Chinese. The Web book has been translated to Italian, Chinese and Hungarian. The Vax Assembly book was translated to Russian.
CSR+: How many books do you have in print right now?
RWS: Three that are selling. Two sell well. The Programming Languages book and the Web Programming book are #1 in Spring 2007.
CSR+: You must be really dedicated to writing! How do you write so much especially on topics that are so technical?
RWS: I spend two to three hours every day writing although I take Friday nights off. I spend full days during summer and winter writing. When I was working full-time, this was my schedule. Now that I am retired, I have a lot more time to write. I read constantly to be able to write.
CSR+: What keeps you going with all your writing?
RWS: I learn new technologies and write about them. I am dedicated to life-long learning. In addition to that, the success that has come with the books keeps me going. The bottom line is money; the rewards have been good. In addition, the books have brought some name recognition in the computer science community, which is gratifying.
CSR+: Are you working on any books right now?
RWS: I am working on the fifth edition of the Web Programming book and the eighth edition of the Programming Languages book.
CSR+: Computer Science is a fast-moving field. Every new edition must be a lot of work!
RWS: Yes, to be able to keep up, one needs to learn new material constantly. Right now, I am learning technologies such as AJAX, Ruby, Rails, and a lot more.
CSR+: You are an expert on programming languages. Can you tell us how programming languages have evolved over the past fifty years?
RWS: Languages have become far more complex, sophisticated, and safe. Language designers have worked hard to eliminate common programming errors.
CSR+: You are also an expert on how the Web is programmed. Can you tell us a little bit about how Web technology has evolved over the past ten years?
RWS: The Web hasn’t really changed, but the user interface has changed from text-based to graphics-based. Search engines have become tools to help users find information on the Web.
CSR+: You have a passion for religious architecture and have traveled the world seeking to see beautiful buildings. Can you tell us more about this particular interest is and where have you traveled in pursuit of it?
RWS: Architecture is the most obvious record of past cultures. I believe it is the most accessible window to the past. Poetry and other forms of literature are usually a little less accessible. For a lot of cultures and civilizations, architecture is all that’s left.
I have traveled to most countries in Western and Eastern Europe, Russia, Mexico, and China in search of architectural impressions of past societies.
CSR+: Tell us about the book on early church architecture of South Dakota which you are working on right now.
RWS: I want to write an early history of South Dakota by looking at its early churches. I am not so interested in religion, but more in the buildings and the people who built them. I am interested in the different styles of the church architectures. I am interested in finding out why the churches are located where they are. I have traveled extensively through South Dakota during the past several years taking photographs of the churches and their environs. The oldest church in South Dakota was built in 1869 in Mission Hill. It was built by Swedish immigrants. It’s a plain wood building, like the ones that would have been built in Sweden at that time. I am not looking at churches built after 1930.
CSR+: Thank you for sharing this information with us. I know the IT community joins us in thanking you for your many contributions to the field. All the best in your next project!
RWS: Thanks for talking to me.
- J
Editorial
December 19, 2007 | Email This Post
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This is the fifth monthly issue of Colorado Springs Record+. We are happy to report that our online audience is growing, and we have received much encouragement from within Colorado Springs and beyond regarding our featured personalities.
Our objective in bringing CSR+ to you is to highlight activities and achievements of individuals and organizations that enrich our beautiful hometown at the foot of Pikes Peak. CSR+ also brings you reviews and descriptions of cultural performances, artistic efforts, intellectual activities, and other special events in our city.
This issue of CSR+ features Doctor Ann Elrod, President of Academy School District 20 School Board. Doctor Elrod is a celebrated educator whose acumen has created nationally acclaimed educational programs in Colorado Springs. After a thirty-year career in education, she has served as Ombudsperson for Teacher Education and Alternative Licensure at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. Doctor Elrod is a community leader whose contributions to our city continue to be applauded.
We showcase as well John Eastham, proprietor of The Whickerbill, now at its new digs in Manitou Springs. Thanks to John, residents of Colorado Springs enjoy artistic whimsy and elegance in their homes. John’s lifelong career as a collectible-collector has endeared him to his clients for ten decades. He has brought a sense of wonderment and fun to thousands, and we hope that you stop by his shop and make the acquaintance of his special friends There are too many to include in our photos, so make sure to visit The Whickerbill and get acquainted with the others!
If you, esteemed reader, know of any individual or organization that you think has made a positive and significant difference in Colorado Springs, please send an e-mail to editor@colosprings.org. Include name, address, and your reason for nominating this person or organization for recognition. In the future we plan to include achievement reports from K-12 schools. If you are a student or a parent of a student in K-12, please encourage your child to become a reporter for us.
We intend to produce CR+ as an Internet-only magazine for the time being. Once we obtain sponsors and advertisers, we shall publish hard copies as well. If you know of anyone interested in receiving our magazine, please request that s/he subscribe to it at our website, www.colosprings.org. We also invite potential sponsors and advertisers to contact CSR+ at marketing@colosprings.org.
We wish all of you memorable winter holiday season. May your life be filled with wonder and your days be filled with love.
Sincerely,
J and M
Jugal Kalita and Margaret Mistry
Forthcoming Events in Colorado Springs
December 19, 2007 | Email This Post
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Tuesday, December 18th
SCORE Free “Should you start your own business” workshop
6:30pm to 8:30pm
This FREE workshop: · Provides perspective about the risks and types of activity involved in owning a small business. · Emphasizes the initial planning that should be done by anyone considering starting a small business. · Addresses issues you will want to consider before launching a business. We talk about the rewards for starting a small business, attributes of a successful entrepreneur, business planning including how to determine your cash requirements, the legal form of your business entity, and more. This workshop is NOT a detailed “how to” discussion of all the steps to take to start a business. The focus is on the processes and steps to take to see if a business idea has merit and is worth pursuing. It will identify questions and resources for you to determine the viability of your business idea. Completion of this workshop will help you prepare for subsequent business counseling at SCORE, for attending training classes at the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), and provide a basis to start you on your own independent research work. The Penrose Library is located at 20 North Cascade Ave. Call SCORE at 636-3074 for more information.
http://www.coloradospringsscore.org/view_calendar.html
Wednesday, December 19th
Faces in the Crowd
All day event
Faces in the Crowd: Portraiture from the Permanent Collection of the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center continues the FAC MODERN’s program of dynamic exhibitions of exciting 20th – 21st century art.
http://www.csfineartscenter.org
Thursday, December 20th
Faces in the Crowd
All day event
Faces in the Crowd: Portraiture from the Permanent Collection of the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center continues the FAC MODERN’s program of dynamic exhibitions of exciting 20th – 21st century art.
http://www.csfineartscenter.org
Friday, December 21st
Pack Your Burro
10:00am to 12:00pm
Pack your burro (that’s Spanish for donkey) and explore the fascinating history and geography of the Pikes Peak Region. Come and participate in a fun, interactive game that allows you to examine photographs, tell stories, illustrate posters, complete maps, and prepare for an imaginary prospecting expedition. Then, weather permitting, observe and interact safely with our 450-pound burro mascots! Sessions at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Free with paid admission,and reservations are requested. Please call 719-488-0880. Location: Just off I-25 at the Gleneagle exit, #156A. Just across from the north entrance to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Admission: $8 Adults, $7 Military/AAA, $6 Seniors & Students, $4 Children 3-12, Free to Children under 3 & Museum Members.
http://wmmi.org
Friday, December 21st
Longest Night Service
7:00pm to 8:00pm
A Longest Night Service will be held at Vista Grande UCC at 5460 N Union Blvd on Friday, Dec. 21 at 7 p.m. This service acknowledges the dark and sad places of our lives and celebrates the ever so gradual return of the light. Anyone looking for a quiet moment to reflect would benefit from this service. Call 719-599-3057 for additional information.
http://www.vgcc.org
Friday, December 21st
Friday Night Social Dance Party
8:00pm to 10:00pm
Come and join us for an evening of great music and fun dancing. We are Dance Colorado located at 612 South Tejon Street and we have the largest social dance floor in Colorado Springs. This dance is open to the public and no partner is required. All skill levels are welcome. For more information call Lori at 473-1395. Cost is $8.00 per person.
http://www.dancecolorado.net
Friday, December 21st
Suzy Bogguss
8:00p
at The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs, CO
Musical Performance featuring Suzy Bogguss.
Thursday, December 27th
Faces in the Crowd
All day event
Faces in the Crowd: Portraiture from the Permanent Collection of the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center continues the FAC MODERN’s program of dynamic exhibitions of exciting 20th – 21st century art.
http://www.csfineartscenter.org
Friday, December 28th
DINOSAUR RESOURCE CENTER
DON’T MISS THE 3RD ANNUAL “COLORADO KIDS FREE DAY” AT THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN DINOSAUR RESOURCE CENTER ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28TH IN WOODLAND PARK. THERE WILL BE OVER 30 UNIQUE DINOSAUR EXHIBITS, ALONG WITH BREATHTAKING MARINE REPTILES.
•Contact Info: 9AM-6P MROCKY MOUNTAIN DINOSAUR RESOURCE CENTER201 S. FAIRVIEW STREETWOODLAND PARK, CO• Phone: 719-686-1820 x111 •Contact Person: CARLA DEEMER
•Web: www.coolscience.org www.rmdrc.org •Email: carla@rmdrc.org
Saturday, December 29th (also on 30th and 31st)
Faces in the Crowd
All day event
Faces in the Crowd: Portraiture from the Permanent Collection of the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center continues the FAC MODERN’s program of dynamic exhibitions of exciting 20th – 21st century art.
http://www.csfineartscenter.org
Monday, December 31st
2007 New Year’s Eve Glitter Ball Drop & Fireworks Display
11:00am to 12:30pm
Colorado Springs 2007 New Year’s Eve Glitter Ball Drop & Fireworks Display! A glitter ball will descend from atop the Antlers Hotel in Downtown Colorado Springs—followed by a breathtaking fireworks display! This is a free public event. Contact John O’Donnell 635.8803 or jdodonnell@qwestoffice.net for sponsor opportunities!
Thursday, January 3rd 2008
Macintosh User Group Meeting
7:00pm to 9:00pm
On Thursday, January 3, 2008, the Silicon Mountain Macintosh User Group, Inc. meets at 7 p.m. (novices meet at 6 p.m.) at the Colorado Springs Senior Center, 1514 North Hancock Avenue, Colorado Springs. Meeting cost is FREE. If needed: For information call Roland at 719-494-8347.
http://www.smmug.org
Saturday, January 5th 2008
Macintosh Special Interest Group Meeting
10:00am to 12:00pm
The Silicon Mountain Macintosh Users Group Special Interest Group meets at 10:00 AM to 12 Noon on Saturday, January 5, 2008, in the Voelker Training Room at 5026 North Academy in Colorado Springs. We answer Macintosh related questions and provide tips related to digital photography cameras, software, etc. Attendance is free.
http://www.smmug.org
Saturday, January 5th 2008
Macintosh OS X Special Interest Group Meeting
12:00pm to 2:00pm
The Silicon Mountain Macintosh Users Group OS X Special Interest Group meets at 12 Noon to 2:00 PM on Saturday, January 5, 2008, in the Voelker Training Room at 5026 North Academy in Colorado Springs. This is an open Q&A session for any questions, comments, or tips you may have related to Macintosh OS X. Attendance is free.
http://www.smmug.org
Saturday, January 05, 2008
HAIRSPRAY
January 5, 8:00 PM
January 6, 2:00 PM
Broadway’s Tony Award®-winning musical-comedy phenomenon takes you back to 1962 Baltimore, as 16-year-old Tracy Turnblad sets out to dance her way onto TV’s most popular show. Can a big girl with big dreams—and even bigger hair!—change the world…and still have time to win the boy she loves? This mega-hit is piled bouffant high with laughter and romance—and deliriously tuneful new songs. As the New York Times says, “If life were everything it should be, it would be more like Hairspray. It’s irresistible!”
Saturday, January 12, 2008
COLORADO SPRINGS PHILHARMONIC: FIRE AND WATER
8:00 PM (Doors open 7:00 PM)
Thomas Wilson, Conductor
Judeth Shay Burns, Soprano
Copland: Suite From The Tender Land Mozart Concert Arias Smetana: The Moldau Stravinsky: Firebird
Travel from America’s heartland through Mozart’s Austria, to Bohemia’s majestic Moldau and find a firebird dancing.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
IMAGINATION CELEBRATION: AESOP’S FABLES
7:00 PM (Doors open 6:00 PM)
Step into a world where tortoises outrun hares, grasshoppers play the fiddle and a little mouse proves to be a great friend to the King of Beasts. Join Imagination Celebration for the amazingly awesome world premiere of “Aesop’s Fables,” produced by the internationally-acclaimed Manitou Art Theater. Lobby doors open at 6pm for kid-friendly hands-on art activities related to the show. Kids and adults are encouraged to come as their favorite Aesop animal. Drawing upon Aesop’s classic fables and time-tested morals, the Manitou Art Theater weaves a modern Fable that introduces the hilarious characters of Mr. and Mrs. Guffaw, portrayed by award-winning clowns and actors Jim Jackson and Birgitta De Pree. This fast-paced 60-minute performance, which features physical comedy, puppetry, circus arts, and live music by Benjamin Pratt, will have audiences seeing this ancient storyteller in a whole new light.
