The Jungle Book, Fashion Night, and Much More!
All Posts
Next Post ››This Week at the Alliance
Hundreds of courses. Knowledgeable instructors. Have it your way, online or in-person.  October 2023 FGCU Academy Flamingo Frenzy Greetings, Though “flamingos” and “flamingoes” are both accepted plurals, “flamingos” is the more common of the two. Did you hear that flamingos have been sited in Wisconsin? How in the world did Flamingos end up there? Wisconsinites have been experiencing flamingo- fever since the first-ever sighting on Friday September 22 in Port Washington. No one is sure how the birds ended up in Wisconsin, but some believe Hurricane Idalia may have had something to do with it. It is possible the strong winds pushed the birds to fly farther north than ever before. Hurricane Idalia was being credited with delivering a flamingo-palooza to the Eastern United States. The birds were spotted in Florida, Alabama, South and North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia and Texas. This was the first-ever sighting of flamingos in the Badger State, adding to the list of rare birds seen in the state in 2023. They are American Flamingos, according to the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology. It appears that three are adults and two are juveniles. What is a group of flamingos called? They would be called a “flamboyance.” That’s not super important to know, but it sure is fun to say, “I saw a flamboyance of flamingos in Wisconsin.” Everyone is invited and welcome to take classes at ANY of our locations. Make sure to register early as space can be limited. For assistance with registration – call our office (239) 434-4737, and we will be more than happy to assist you.  Click Below to view any topic FGCU Academy FALL PROGRAM GUIDE DONATE October Daily Calendar Register Online For assistance with registration – Call 239.434.4737 FEATURE CLASSES  Jewish Avengers – Nazi Executioners @ Brooks Commons Club | October 2 | 10 – 11:30 am Nazi military might was formidable, but many Jews did not simply “go like lambs to the slaughter.” They resisted via sabotage, ghetto uprisings, escape, camp revolts and armed guerrilla fighting. After the war some sought restitution. Topics include: Jewish resistance; Jewish groups who targeted Nazi war criminals during and after WWII; Israeli assassinations; the Dachau liberation “reprisals;” war crime tribunals; if the Allies did enough to help the Jews; and the MV St. Louis.  Catherine the Great @ Brooks Commons Club | October 5 | 10 – 11:30 am Bright, ambitious and imbued with ideas of the Enlightenment, Catherine rose from a German princess to Empress of Russia through her wits and wiles, not to mention intrigue and the convenient elimination of her husband. Her correspondence with the greatest minds of the day is legendary. She had grand plans for Russia, and encouraged by her lover Potemkin, set about the expansion, modernization and education of the country. Although her reign also saw the violently dangerous Pugachev rebellion, Catherine’s accomplishments and devotion to Russia have earned her a place among history’s most Enlightened Despots..  Femme Fatale – The Women of Espionage @ Naples Center or Online via Zoom | October 6 | 10 – 11:30 am Join a former counterespionage officer for a fascinating discussion of female U.S. spies – what they did and why. We will explore women who served the U.S. and those who spied for other nations. Topics include: Ana Montes, Ethel Rosenberg, Belle Boyd, Mary Surratt, Virginia Hall, and OSS.  Are You an Informed Collier County Voter? @ The Arlington | October 6 | 2:30 – 4 pm @ Moorings Park Grey Oaks | October 10 | 2:30 – 4 pm Most of us don’t know as much about what’s on our ballot as we’d like to – especially the farther down the ballot we go. And yet the people we elect at the state and local levels decide how much we pay in taxes and how that money is spent, the kinds of growth and development that are allowed, how quickly our communities recover from hurricanes and how they prepare for the future, who hires our school superintendent and what’s taught in our local schools, and more. In this lecture, we will learn about the more than a dozen state and local government offices that will be on our August 2024 ballot and who currently hold them. Whether you are a new or long-time Collier resident, this lecture will help you be a more informed voter.  iPhone/iPad: Tips, Tricks & Secrets of Apple’s Newest Operating System in iOS 17 @ Naples Center or Online via Zoom | October 10 | 10 – 11:30 am @ Siena Lakes | October 12 | 1:30 – 3 pm @ Moorings Park Grande Lake | October 13 | 2 – 3 pm Join this lecture-style presentation to learn all the new features, upgrades and enhancements of Apple’s newest operating system for iPhone and iPad, iOS 17. We will explore tips, tricks and secrets that make using your device easier, more powerful and efficient. All levels from beginner to advanced users will benefit from this informative and interesting program. SPECIAL EVENTS  Appetizers with Wine Pairing Social Event at Mare Terra @ Mare Terra Restaurant – Bonita Springs November 7 | 4:30 – 6 pm Pre-registration is required. Make new friends and enjoy several delectable samplings of wonderful Italian appetizers at Mare Terra Restaurant in Bonita Springs. Your guide for this food and wine experience is with a sommelier who has personally chosen the wine pairings for each appetizer. Eat, laugh and be merry at the Academy’s Appetizers and Wine Pairing social event!  Miami’s Little Havana Culinary, Artistic and Cultural Tour @ Miami | November 14 | 8 am – 6 pm Join us as we explore the rich history and culinary delights of a vibrant neighborhood. Little Havana was recently listed as an official “national treasure” of the United States by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The neighborhood is well-known for its many historical, political, culinary, and artistic contributions to our Miami culture. Nestled in the heart of the city’s downtown area and only a short drive from Miami’s famed South Beach, the neighborhood is full of interesting cultural landmarks which we visit including a cigar factory, Domino Park, Cuban Memorial Blvd., the Tower Theater, artist workshops and the Damas De Blanco Mural. Enjoy delicious cuisine including empanadas, Cuban sand- wiches, mojitos, guayaba, croquetas, churros and more at a diverse range of establishments; from 5-star gourmet to hole-in-the-wall ethnic eateries. Departure information will be email- ed 3 days prior to the trip. Itineraries are subject to change. No refunds within 10 business days of departure.  Miami Millionaire’s Row™ Boat Cruise & Bayside Marketplace @ Miami | December 12 | 8 am – 6 pm Enjoy a fully-narrated 90-minute cruise and enjoy spectacular views of Biscayne Bay, the Miami Skyline, Port of Miami, Fisher Island, Miami Beach and Millionaire’s Row™ – the Homes of the Rich and Famous™. Soft drinks, cocktails and light snacks are available for purchase. A modern yacht offers the utmost comfort and style. Each vessel features an air-conditioned lower salon enclosed in picture windows, as well as an upper-deck where you can take in the fresh ocean breeze and an awning that will protect you from direct sun- light and light seasonal showers. After the cruise, enjoy time for some lunch and shopping at the Bayside Marketplace, one of Miami’s most popular destinations. Departure information will be emailed 3 days prior to trip. Itineraries are subject to change. No refunds within 10 business days of departure. LOOKING AHEAD See a sample of what is coming over the next weeks click on any title below for more information Monday October 2 – The New England Coast – Cradle of our Nation –Recovering Nazi Plunder – World War II Monuments Men Tuesday October 3 –Writer’s Collaborative Workshop (New Session) Wednesday October 4 –British Intelligence Thursday October 5 –The Durham Report Friday October 6 –(New Session) –Balance University: Improve Balance, Posture and Flexibility (3-part series) –Churchill’s Secret Army Monday October 9 –The Six Wives of Henry VIII Tuesday October 10 –Indonesia: Land of Volcanoes and Dragons –Jonathan Pollard – Avarice or Ideology? Wednesday October 11 –“The Letter” by Former Intelligence Officials on the Hunter Biden Laptop –Apple Watch Tips, Tricks & Secrets of the New Watch OS 10 Thursday October 12 –Contract Bridge for Beginners –Great Discussions With Friends and Neighbors (2-part series) (New Session) –A Sliver of Gulf Coast Life: Birds, Seashells and Flora Along the Beach Summer Movie Series   International Film and Documentary Discussion Series (3 films) 2:00 pm – Sundays at Naples Center International Film and Documentary Discussion Series (3 films) –To Live – October 22 – (China, 1994, Drama, Not Rated, 133 min) Fugui and Jiazhen endure tumultuous events in China as their personal fortunes move from wealthy landownership to peasantry. Addicted to gambling, Fugui loses everything. In the years that follow he is pressed into both the nationalist and communist armies, while Jiazhen is forced into menial work. They raise a family and survive, managing “to live” from the 40’s to the 70’s in this epic, but personal, story of life through an amazing period. Tell No One – November 12 – (France, 2008, Drama, Not Rated, 125 min) Margot was murdered by a serial killer eight years ago, and her husband, Alexandre, continues to mourn her death. One day, the police discover two dead bodies near Alexandre’s home, along with a cache of evidence implicating him in the crime. On the same day, Alexandre receives an email with a video showing his wife alive and well, along with a simple message: “Tell no one.” With the police breathing down his neck, Alexandre goes on the run. About Elly – December 10 – (Iran, 2009, Drama, Rated PG, 119 min) A young teacher on a vacation to northern Iran with three middle-class families goes missing before she is able to be introduced to a suitor. Bring FGCU Academy to Your Community If you would like to have FGCU Academy provide programs at your community, click below and send us an email with your information: who the contact person is, their email and phone number along with name of your community. We will be happy to reach out and discuss the possibilities with them. Schedule a Private Education Session for Your Community! Travel The World With FGCU Academy Travel is not reward for working, it’s education for living View our Pre-Recorded Travel Open House Presentation Now  FGCU Academy Travel 2024 Call for More Info – 239-434-4838 Travel Brochures Coming Soon  Moroccan Discovery, May 12-27, 2024 This land of dramatic contrasts invites us to encounter its ancient ruins and sacred mosques, endless desert and storied mountains, imposing kasbahs and spirited souks. As we travel from the imperial cities of Rabat, Fez, and Marrakech to the High Atlas and vast Sahara, we open our eyes, and hearts, to a truly foreign land, an age-old culture, and genuinely hospitable people.  Classic Safari: Kenya & Tanzania, August 13-28, 2024 “On safari” … it’s one of the most alluring phrases in all of travel. And Kenya and Tanzania count among the most alluring places to be “on safari.” As our small group travels from grass- lands to highlands, to reserves and national parks, we enjoy intimate game drives, see stupendous landscapes, stay in excellent accommodations, and meet gracious local people.  Exploring Iceland, August 15-25, 2024 It’s a surprising, even astonishing land; one of massive glaciers and rumbling volcanoes, bubbling mud holes and powerful waterfalls; hugely abundant bird life and just 340,000 people; and where the sun never sets for six splendid weeks. It’s also perfect for exploring in a small group, as we discover traveling the breadth of the country and getting an up-close view of this natural “wonderland.”  Southern Italy & Sicily, September 4-18, 2024 Delight in a special exploration of Italy’s southern climes, from striking Sicily and the breathtaking Amalfi Coast to unheralded Apulia, the alluring “boot heel” where a vivid history, unique architecture, and bountiful plains join the sun and sea in creating a prized (and crowd-free) region. Add Italian hospitality, outstanding cuisine, and notable lodgings or la dolce vita, small-group style.  Scotland: Highlands & Islands, September 9-20, 2024 “My heart’s in the Highlands,” said Robert Burns – as will you, as we travel from city to country, mainland to island, on this sweet journey. From loch to loch and glen to glen, we encounter stunning natural beauty and welcoming clans, while city life serves up the color- ful past – and cosmopolitan present.  Provincial French Countryside, September 27-October 11, 2024 Experience the beauty, allure, and hospitality of provincial France, at an easy pace and in a unique style. Anchored by stays in vibrant Toulouse and enchanting Paris, the journey features diverse Languedoc, the remote Dordogne, the lovely Loire Valley, and historic Normandy as we stay in charming rural inns and small country hotels. It’s a small group tour de force!  New Zealand Adventure, October 10-25, 2024 It’s a tale of two islands as our small group journeys from New Zealand’s North to its South, through lively cities and pristine fiords, past lush farmland and enchanted forests in a land where the outdoors is the national shrine. Add engaging “Kiwis” and intriguing indigenous cultures – it’s a pure New Zealand experience.  Southeast Asia Odysseys, October 31-November 18, 2024 Engaging, diverse, intriguing … This just begins to describe Southeast Asia and our small group odyssey. We cruise the Mekong through Laos; explore the spectacular – Angkor Wat – and the sublime – Ha Long Bay; and engage with local farmers and hill tribespeople on this comprehensive, well-paced adventure DONATE NOW FGCU Academy Needs Your Support Today to Ensure that Our Critical Mission of Senior Education and Enrichment Continues! FGCU Academy is ready to serve the SWFL community for the 2023 Season—Learning, Growing, Sharing, Socializing. I am excited to welcome you this year to the new FGCU Naples Center, which is located at 704 Goodlette Frank Rd N, Suite 330 in Naples. Also, we have two new locations in Lee County, Pelican Landing in Bonita Springs and the FGCU Kleist Center on main campus. As always, both locations are open to all our students. Our passion keeps us moving forward and your donations will do the same. Please take a few minutes to consider donating to ensure our continued success. All amounts make a difference in strengthening the work we do in the community. Your gift will allow the Academy to offer more than 1,500 diverse and fascinating programs at more than fifteen locations throughout SWFL. Please visit our website to review the rich and varied programmatic offerings that are available this year. Through our mission we promise to enrich the lives, minds and social well-being of more than 10,000 SWFL adults and seniors during our 2023 season. Donate online at https://www.fgcu.edu/academy/givenow I am grateful for your consideration to support this vital community outreach program this year. I look forward to seeing you at a FGCU Academy program soon. Please contact me directly at [email protected] or 239-434-4838 with questions or to learn more. In gratitude, John J. Guerra Director of FGCU Academy     FGCU Academy Collier / Lee / Charlotte FGCU ACADEMY NAPLES CENTER 704 Goodlette-Frank Rd N Suite 330 Naples, FL 34102 239-434-4737 [email protected] |