Resident Mike Ganey Leads Great Decisions Program Discussions at Springmoor.
Mike Ganey first became involved with the Great Decisions program during the pandemic. The program was a social and intellectual outlet for him during a time when many of us felt isolated. The joy he derived from participating in Great Decisions lasted well after COVID faded away, and he wondered if other residents would enjoy the program as well.
With the help of Pathways Wellness Director Kari Richie and other members of her team, Mike brought the Great Decisions program to Springmoor on a trial basis for three sessions earlier this year. They were a great success.
Mike says, “It seems to me that Springmoor residents are ready and eager to engage in give-and-take dialogue, in addition to being exposed to new ideas through lectures. That’s where Great Decisions, along with other resident-driven discussion groups, fits in.”
About Great Decisions
Great Decisions calls itself the “largest nonpartisan citizen education effort of its kind.” The program brings people together for face-to-face exchanges of information and opinions about the most critical global issues facing America today.
Founded in Portland, Oregon in 1954, Great Decisions has become a national program in which tens of thousands of Americans participate each year. In Raleigh, the program is administered by OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) at NC State University.
A nonprofit organization called the Foreign Policy Association (FPA) serves as the program’s hub. Each year, the FPA selects eight topics for people to discuss. They produce “Briefing Books” with facts, charts, and expert analysis of the “great decisions” confronting our society, as well as a 30-minute video lecture on the topic.
The eight topics selected for 2025 were:
- America at a Global Crossroads
- The Evolution of US Leadership in the Global Economy: Dilemmas and Choices
- Competition, Cold War, or Conflict? Navigating US-China Relations in Tense Times
- India: Between China, the East, and the Global South
- International Climate Cooperation in an Era of Geopolitical Turmoil
- The Future of NATO and European Security
- AI and American National Security
- American Policy in the Middle East: Taking Stock and Looking Ahead
Great Decisions Enriches Life at Springmoor
When Mike volunteered to facilitate three Great Decision sessions at Springmoor, the 25-person registration limit filled up quickly. Background reading is provided to all participates prior to each discussion session, and Mike and Kari worked together to distribute these materials.
Residents started each discussion session by viewing the 30-minute video on the topic that the program provides. Mike then asked probing questions and led the group through an hour of thoughtful exploration of the day’s topic. The model is “read, learn, participate,” and Mike was thrilled with the level of interaction and the quality of discussion.
The Great Decisions program brings Springmoor an information source that many residents are craving. The purpose is for the group to share informed perspectives to help all participants better understand the challenges we face as a country.
Springmoor residents are typically well-educated, have strong participation in voting, and generally like to stay informed about civic events. With the success of the three trial sessions, we hope to make Great Decisions an ongoing program. Residents can watch their Pathways bulletin for announcements about future groups.
An AI Poetic Ode to Great Decisions
Just before starting the first Great Decisions foreign policy discussion here at Springmoor, Mike typed the following prompt into an AI (artificial intelligence) program: “Write a poem about Springmoor retirement community residents studying the Great Decisions topics.” Here’s what the software generated:
In Springmoor’s halls, where wisdom gathers light,
Seniors convene with minds both sharp and bright,
Their Great Decisions book spread on the table wide,
Global perspectives they no longer hide.
From North Village’s view, they discuss and debate,
World affairs that shape each nation’s fate,
Eight topics explored with passion and care
Intellectual vigor beyond compare.
Between tai chi and art at Meraki’s space,
They trace diplomacy’s intricate lace,
U.S. foreign policy, China’s rising might,
Conversations that spark both challenge and delight.
Retired yet engaged, they lean in to hear
Perspectives that bring distant conflicts near,
At Springmoor, where learning knows no age,
They turn together each discussion’s page.
With cups of coffee and minds still keen,
They bridge the worlds that might have been.
A community united by curiosity’s flame.
Their Great Decisions program of enduring acclaim.
Can You Spell “Champion”?
In addition to coordinating Great Decisions at our community, Mike is our 2025 Springmoor Spelling Bee winner. The 2nd Annual Springmoor Spelling Bee was held on April 8 with 70+ in attendance. Last year, Library Committee Chairperson Betty Bridges hatched the idea of hosting a spelling bee during National Library Week. Many thanks to Betty for coordinating this fun event!
Springmoor Spelling Bee
Mike Ganey
Joe Gosselin
Judy Hoffman
Mac Lambeth
Phyllis Mayo (2024 Spelling Bee Winner)
Ann Sides
Dianne Tilghman
Peg Bedini
Julia McCullers
Peter Finkelstein
Already preparing for next year’s spelling bee?
Here’s a list of words contestants misspelled
to get eliminated from the contest:
Round 1: Tournament, wisteria, azalea, towhee, camouflage, veterinarian.
Round 2: Meringue, gazpacho, stroganoff, chili, nonagenarian, centenarian.
Life before and outside of Springmoor
Mike Ganey and his wife Judith moved to our community in August 2023. They’ve called Raleigh home since 1981 and have many wide-ranging interests, including international travel.
For 40 years, Mike led strategic marketing teams, primarily in the food and beverage industry. He specialized in new product development and strategic planning, and the companies he worked with included Anheuser-Busch; Bahlsen (Austin Quality Foods); Howard, Merrell & Partners; The American Kennel Club; and House-Autry Mills.
Mike earned an MBA at the Darden School of Business at UVA and has served on the Alumni Board of Directors for Darden since 2011. He’s also active at North Raleigh Presbyterian Church.
He’s a member of Wildwood Green Golf Club and plays approximately twice a week. His other hobbies include e-bike rides, movies, and photography.
Plan your visit to our campus today!
It takes a visit to understand what a special place Springmoor is. Our monthly service package allows you to spend less time doing things like dealing with health insurance paperwork and more time doing all of the things that bring you the most joy. From 24-hour security and emergency call service to chef-prepared meals, life is better at Springmoor.
To learn more about our active senior living community, call us at 919-848-7080 or click here to request a personalized tour or an information packet. We look forward to speaking with you soon about all that Springmoor has to offer.
