Pick Your Poison

Hundreds of courses. Knowledgeable instructors.  Have it your way, online or in-person.       April 2023   FGCU Academy April 19 is notorious for a lot…Below are just a few snippets     Greetings, What are April born people known for? These outgoing and confident ones are way too sensitive when it comes to emotions. While they may look tough and stubborn, they are actually very soft and tender from within. Their emotions shatter more easily than others. Followers of heart, April born folks, hold much insecurity.   On this day, April 19… Launched this day in 1775 with the Battles of Lexington and Concord, the American Revolution was an effort by 13 British colonies in North America (with help from France, Spain, and the Netherlands) to win their independence. NATIONAL AMARETTO DAY On April 19th, National Amaretto Day recognizes a liqueur known around the world for its flavor and aroma.    In Italian, the word Amaretto means “a little bitter,” because it is made from bitter almonds or apricot kernels, or both. Makers infuse it in pure alcohol or brandy, resulting in a strong almond flavor. This traditionally Italian liqueur carries a reputation for being fragrant.   Shrouded in Secrecy and Lore Taking us back to the 1525 Renaissance in Saronno, Italy, painter Bernardino Luini selected a young innkeeper as his model for a fresco of the Madonna of the Miracles. In gratitude for being selected, the innkeeper gave the artist a gift of her own secret blend of almond and brandy. For centuries, the family held the recipe as a closely guarded secret. However, the Di Saronno family began producing its amaretto for a broader market in the 20th century. The liqueur began appearing for sale in advertisements in the United States in the late 1940s, and the family still bottles their recipe today.   Another Amaretto tale comes from the same area of Italy. However, this story tells of a young Lazzaroni couple blessed by the Cardinal of Milan in 1718. The couple honored his visit with a unique recipe of their own, producing an amaretto cookie like no other. And this one also came in a bottle. Of course, they also closely guarded their recipe for generations. In 1851, the Lazzaroni family began selling their amaretto liqueur, and the family is still producing it today.   Bitter almonds and apricot seeds do contain a poison called hydrogen cyanide (HCN). Hold up a moment if you’re thinking that the bartender is literally asking you to pick your poison. The process used to make amaretto and the use of almond extracts in many of the amarettos made today negate any traceable (real poisonous) amounts of HCN. For assistance with registration – call our office (239) 434-4737, and we will be more than happy to assist you. 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 Join FGCU Academy for a casual afternoon enjoying the above movies and participating in open discussion afterwards with our moderator – John Guerra   Final Movie for Winter / Spring Session   * April 23 – A Sun    (All movies begin at 2pm) 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     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 Iran Russian-American Paradox   Tuesday The Constitution and the New “Imperial Presidency” Introduction to Microsoft WordiPhone/iPad: Tips, Tricks & Secrets All 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