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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 TURKEYView 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 & PORTUGALView 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 DALMATIAView 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 DEPTHView 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 WONDERSView 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
[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]
FGCU Academy | 704 Goodlette-Frank Road N., Suite 330, Naples, FL 34102
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