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| Hundreds of courses. Knowledgeable instructors. Have it your way, online or in-person.  April 2023 FGCU Academy What is April 16 known for? Greetings, On this day: 1867 – Wilbur Wright, American pilot, inventor, engineer and along with his brother Orville Wright, founded the Wright Company and built the world’s first successful airplane (d. 1912) This week (Friday April 21) Dr. Jerry Franz will be talking to you about the Wright Brothers flights and works of life. (See Below for more info) 1818 – The US border with Canada is established when the US Senate ratifies the Rush-Bagot Treaty. 1862 – A bill known as the District of Columbia Compensated Emancipation Act, ending slavery in the District of Columbia becomes law. 1881 – Bat Masterson fights his last gun battle in Dodge City, Kansas 1908 – Utah establishes the Natural Bridges National Monument. 1912 – The first woman to fly an airplane across the English Channel is Harriet Quimby. 1943 – Albert Hofmann discovers the hallucinogenic effects of LSD 1961 – Cuban leader Fidel Castro declares that Cuba is going to adopt Communism. 1972 NASA launches Apollo 16 2003 Michael Jordan plays his last NBA game 2007 Gunman kills 32 students at Virginia Tech 2010 SEC charges Goldman Sachs with fraud 2016 – A 7.8 magnitude earthquake strikes Muisne and Pedernales, Ecuador Today is also National Orchid Day: Do you know orchids are one of the two largest families of flowering plants, with between 21,950 and 26,049 currently accepted species? They are colorful, beautiful, give off good fragrance, and grow in abundance across the world. Coincidentally, Gayle Dorio will be instructing a class on Orchids Friday April 21. Join her to learn why so many people love this delicate flowering plant! For assistance with registration – call our office (239) 434-4737, and we will be more than happy to assist you.  The Invisibility of Social Issues in Southwest Florida @ Pelican Landing April 18 | 1:30 – 3:00 pm The COVID-19 pandemic and Hurricane Ian magnified just how close many individuals and families live on the edge of financial peril. Many were faced not only with a medical crisis but also multiple social issues, it also exacerbated the same. This session examines how social issues are often overlooked in Southwest Florida, particularly among the older adult population. Data, maps, and case studies are provided to illustrate the invisibility of certain social issues including food insecurity, homelessness and poverty. Participants also learn about many local and regional resources that are available to assist individuals who are in need.  Northern India: The Heart of a Culture @ The Commons Club at The Brooks April 19 | 10 – 11:30 am Explore Northern India, where every moment brings new stimulation! Wander through a non-tourist bazaar. Join thousands of Hindu pilgrims descending the ghats into the holy Ganges. Explore the “Golden Triangle” cities of Delhi, Agra (the home of the Taj Mahal) and the Pink City of Jaipur. Marvel at Varanasi, aflame with cremations fires! When you think things cannot be more amazing, we travel back in time to the Camel Fair in Pushkar, where thousands of camels and horses from all over India are bought and sold just as they were in ancient days.  The Wright Brothers @ The Commons Club at The Brooks April 21 | 10 – 11:30 am People have fantasized about flying since the ancient world, but in the first and second industrial revolutions in Europe and the U.S., we saw the first serious efforts for human flight. This includes hot air and gas balloons, then gliders and finally, motorized aircraft. Dr. Franz takes us on this journey of the pursuit of human flight, and especially focuses upon the successful work of Orville and Wilbur Wright.  How the Modern Bible Came to Be @ Pelican Landing April 21 | 1:30 – 3 pm In 2007, Time magazine asserted that the Bible “has done more to shape literature, history, entertainment and culture than any book ever written.” It’s a bold claim, but one that’s hard to refute. But if the Bible’s standing as a cultural behemoth is beyond doubt, its history is anything but. For centuries, some of the world’s greatest thinkers have puzzled over the origins and evolution of this remarkable document. Who wrote it? When? And why? These are the thorniest of questions, made all the more tangled by the Bible’s great age. Join us as we explore the origins of the bible as we know it today.  PROGRAM GUIDE CLICK HERE TO VIEW AND DOWNLOAD THE 2023 PROGRAM GUIDE CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR PROGRAMS ONLINE CLICK HERE – April Daily Calendar CLICK HERE – May Daily Calendar Call us for assistance with registration – 239.434.4737  Free Gift with Purchase of a Membership When you purchase a membership, you are supporting lifelong learning in the SWFL community. As a token of our appreciation, we have a free gift for all those who Moviepurchase a membership, in-person or online. Visit the FGCU Naples Center at 704 Goodlette Frank Rd North to receive your free gift. 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!  SUNDAY MOVIES @ FGCU Academy  International Film and Documentary Discussion (All movies begin at 2pm) Viewing held at Naples Center – 704 Goodlette-Frank Rd. N. – 3rd floor, Naples TODAY’S MOVIE….. * April 16 – Pain and Glory * April 23 – A Sun Join FGCU Academy for a casual afternoon enjoying the above movies and participating in open discussion afterwards with our moderator – John Guerra Register early Advanced registration is strongly recommended LOOKING AHEAD See a sample of what is coming over the next week click on any title below for more information Monday April 17 Mah Jongg for Beginners The Versailles Settlement What Happened to the Ink on My Fingers – From Traditional to Social Media Tuesday The Crimean War Friday Presidential Wives: Remember the First Ladies Beautiful, Flowering Orchids: How to Make Yours Thrive and Grow! Monday April 24 Advanced Mah Jongg Strategies (3-part series) Religion, Power, Dynasty, and the Crown – The Civil Wars of France Unraveling IranRussian-American Paradox Tuesday The Constitution and the New “Imperial Presidency” Introduction to Microsoft Word iPhone/iPad: Tips, Tricks & SecretsAll Users Should Know in iOS 16 Human Trafficking in SWFL The Crusades The Purloined Life of Edgar Alan Poe Wednesday Bird Basics and Beyond (2-part series) Postcards from Cuba iPhone/iPad Settings: iCloud, Notifications, Apple Pay, Emergency SOS and More 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   INSIDER’S JAPAN – View Full Itinerary/Travel Brochure May 20 – June 1, 2023 | 13 days It’s a land of delicate art and bustling commerce, of rich traditions and dizzying modernity; a jumble of sights, sounds, and tastes that for visitors are truly foreign – and truly fascinating. This well-crafted tour features the highlights of Tokyo and Kyoto, engages us in local life, and takes us off the beaten path to the lovely historic cities of Takayama and Kanazawa.  LEGENDARY TURKEY – View Full Itinerary/Travel Brochure September 1 – 15, 2023 | 15 days Exotic sights, scents, and sounds reign in this fascinating land where Europe and Asia meet. From Istanbul, magnificent “Empress of the World,” to ancient ruins, stunning landscapes, and the dramatic – and legendary – Turquoise Coast, Turkey engages and beguiles, offering us an unparalleled small group experience.  ACROSS SPAIN & PORTUGAL – View Full Itinerary/Travel Brochure September 10 – 26, 2023 | 17 days Fortified cities and tiny fishing villages, rugged Atlantic coastline and commanding Pyrenees peaks, iconic shrines to both religion and fine art, and intimate lodgings in historic paradores and pousadas – it all awaits on this singular small group journey from Lisbon across the north of Spain, ending in vibrant Barcelona.  PEARLS OF DALMATIA – View Full Itinerary/Travel Brochure September 14 – 28, 2023 | 15 days Independent, democratic Croatia welcomes visitors eager to absorb its remarkable history and culture– and its beautiful and unspoiled Dalmatian coastline. As our small group travels from historic Zagreb and beautiful Lake Bled to the Habsburg resort of Opatija, the island of Hvar, and beloved Dubrovnik, we see why this cherished region lays such a claim on the hearts of all who visit.  SICILY IN DEPTH – View Full Itinerary/Travel Brochure September 28 – October 9, 2023 | 12 days Crossroads of the Mediterranean … the “toe” in Italy’s boot … “God’s Kitchen” … Sicily is all this, and much more, as we see on our stellar small group journey around this Italian island. It’s lively cities and ancient ruins, temples of man – and of nature, hospitable people and delectable cuisine …a feast for all the senses.  ISRAEL: TIMELESS WONDERS – View Full Itinerary/Travel Brochure October 14 – 25, 2023 | 12 days Encounter a land of extraordinary beauty and belief, of spirit and story, history and hospitality. From modern Tel Aviv to scenic Upper Galilee, ancient Tiberias and storied Nazareth to Jerusalem, “City of Gold,” we engage all our senses in a small group encounter with this extraordinary and holy land, with a five-night stay in Jerusalem at the legendary King David hotel. FGCU Academy Travel 2024 Call for More Info – 239-434-4838 Travel Brochures will be available Summer 2023  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 grasslands 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 for 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 colorful 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 jguerra@fgcu.edu 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 fgcuacademy@fgcu.edu |
| FGCU Academy | 704 Goodlette-Frank Road N., Suite 330, Naples, FL 34102 |