Grand Opening of New Bonita Commons Goodwill
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| Hundreds of lectures. Knowledgeable instructors. Join us in-person at one of our 19 locations or participate online.  JANUARY – MAY 2024 PROGRAM REGISTRATION IS NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE OR VIA PHONE Keep your mind active and engaged in the new year! Register for a lecture with FGCU Academy! Register for a Day Trip with FGCU Academy! Greetings, New Course! Taking Better Photos, Planning for your future of Health Care. What is going on in our country with the police? Our immigrant nation status? You can learn all about these topics and more. See below. CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE 2024 WINTER-SPRING PROGRAM GUIDE ONLINE! WINTER-SPRING REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN AVAILABLE ONLINE BY CLICKING HERE Call our offices anytime for assistance at 239.434.4737 NEW COURSE for Bridge Enthusiasts!  Slam Bidding April 10 | 10 – 12:30pm Naples Center How many slams do you miss at the bridge table? Join us as we tackle the most important systems and conventions you should know in order to find and make every biddable slam. Topics will include Italian Cue Bids, Kickback, 1430, Queen Ask, Exclusion Blackwood and more. Bring your partner so you can both hone your skills on all these powerful bridge conventions and start bidding more slams!  Week of February 25 – March 1 Click on any topic below to learn more.  Russian Intelligence February 26 | 1 – 2:30pm, Monday Naples Center / Online via Zoom Soviet/Russian intelligence has been highly effective for over a century. During World War II and the Cold War, their human intelligence was particularly successful. We discuss their successes and failures and compare them to Western intelligence. Topics include: intelligence effectiveness, structure, GRU, KGB, SVR, FSB, FSO, Spetsnaz groups, atomic spies, Cold War spies, defectors, Cuban Missile Crisis espionage, Russian Sleeper spies, The Cambridge Five, The Americans and assassinations.  Making/Taking Better Making/Taking Better Photos February 27 | 9:30 – 12:30pm, Tuesday Naples Center / Online via Zoom Ansel Adams said, “You don’t take a photograph, you make a photograph.” Photography is a very subjective endeavor. There are no hard-and-fast rules to follow that always assure your picture will be, well, “picture perfect.” However, an understanding of light, exposure and compositional guide- lines that can be applied to virtually any scene will enhance its impact and quality. Understanding these principles helps you to capture more compelling images, turning your snapshots into works of art. This lecture is for all photographers, regardless of the camera they use.  The Dutch East India Company: They Meant Business February 27 | 10 – 11:30am, Tuesday Naples Center / Online via Zoom Before Apple, Toyota or Walmart, there was the VOC, Vereenigdede Oost-Indische Compagnie. The United Dutch East India Company was one of the most powerful businesses in history. Learn the fascinating tale of the world’s first mega-corporation which, for 200 years, stretched from Amsterdam to Japan. With its own military, government and resources, this behemoth struck fear and awe in all who encountered it. And there were some very dark sides to the sprawling, ultra-ambitious enterprise as well. A fascinating sidebar to the amazing story includes representative accomplishments, inventions and paint- ings from the Dutch Golden Age.  Long Term Care Insurance: Protecting Your Independence February 27 | 1:30 – 3pm, Tuesday Naples Center / Online via Zoom The need for Long Term Care (LTC) can trigger tremendous personal and financial hardship during an already emotional period in your life. Learn the facts now and protect your personal and financial in- dependence; including the Florida Partnership for LTC to protect assets away from Medicaid. Participants learn about the financial assistance that is available and how to evaluate a LTC policy. We discuss the most common mistakes people make with LTC insurance policies and how to avoid them.  Defund the Police? The Current State of American Policing February 28 | 10 – 11:30am, Wednesday Naples Center / Online via Zoom Police and law enforcement have become a lightning rod for controversy. While some community members worry about public safety, demand greater police presence and more forceful law enforce- ment, others fear that the call for aggressive policing will lead to incidents of excessive force and police brutality. The demand to defund the police has been heard in several communities. Because of this increased interest in the police and the focus the media has put on officer actions it has become evident that a hard look at the current state of policing in America is needed. What are the most significant problems and how are they being addressed?  A Nation of Immigrants February 29 | 10:30 – 12:00pm, Thursday The Collaboratory – Ft. Myers A history of how our country has been peopled, with a look at those who have embraced and those who have opposed the notion of an American cultural mosaic. The presentation includes first-hand accounts by new arrivals to the U.S. beginning even before the country existed, as well as the testimony of recent arrivals.  The Underestimated Presidency of Dwight Eisenhower and His Attempt to Demilitarize the Cold War February 29 | 1:30 – 3pm, Thursday Naples Center / Online via Zoom Dwight Eisenhower came into the presidency as the Korean War was raging, McCarthyism was sweeping the country and the Cold War was being increasingly militarized with the U.S. and Soviet Union testing hydrogen bombs. As Supreme Allied Commander for Europe during World War II, Eisenhower knew the costs of war. As President he took a series of extraordinary, but little remembered steps to tone down the Cold War. This lecture highlights those efforts which established the foundations for arms control, detente, and coexistence that took several decades to materialize. In a little-appreciated fashion, Eisenhower was the architect of the patient policy that led to the ultimate demise of the Soviet Union and the Warsaw Pact. DAY TRIPS  Miami Design District Art and Food Tour March 12 | 8:30 – 6:30 pm, Tuesday Miami Join us as we experience the cultural, artistic and culinary delights of Miami’s Design district. Embark on a delicious journey into the world of cutting-edge design, monumental art installations, and a diverse selection of cuisine that celebrates the Design District’s fusion of creativity and flavor. Enjoy mouth- watering dishes from some of the top restaurants in the neighborhood. Explore a large, modern chef-driven food hall that is considered a culinary mecca and savor a variety of global cuisines, with bites from Vietnam, Israel, the American South and more. Sample the unique fusion of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine at one of Miami’s most celebrated sushi destinations and indulge in Chef Andrew G.’s famous cookie creations. Between food tastings, we make several stops to learn and admire public art installations, including the famous “Fly’s Eye Dome” by Buckminster Fuller. Departure information will be emailed 3 days prior to the trip. Itineraries are sub- ject to change. No refunds within 10 business days of departure.  The Dali Museum in St. Petersburg March 28 | 8 – 6:30 pm, Thursday St. Petersburg Our private, docent-led tour takes us through the highlights of the permanent collection as well as a brand-new exhibition, The Shape of Dreams. The Shape of Dreams explores 500 years of dream-inspired paintings from the 16th to 20th century, demonstrating how artists throughout time have depicted a profound yet common phenomenon of human experience – the dream. The exhibition examines how Western artists have depicted dreams for different audiences throughout time, exploring the continuity and disconnections between the past and present. Our tour includes round-trip motor coach transportation, driver gratuity, entrance fees, a private docent-led tour and audio guides. Lunch is on your own. Departure information will be emailed 3 days prior to the trip. Itineraries are subject to change. No refunds within 10 business days of departure. The Week Ahead Monday February 26 –The Best of the Best iPhone/iPad Apps Everyone Should Know –Introduction to Plant Biology –The Real Cost of Discipleship: The Life and Death of Detrich Bonhoffer –Your Body is an Ecosystem Tuesday February 27 –Artificial Intelligence (AI): How Technology is Changing the Way We Live –Should I Stay or Should I Move? Understanding the Senior Housing Options in SWFL –Nuclear Power – The Essential Component in a Strategy to Mitigate Climate Change Wednesday February 28 –John Locke: Philosopher of the English and American Revolutions –Recalling Vincent: The Moods, Colors and Images of Vincent Van Gogh –Unraveling Iran Thursday February 29 –iPhone and iPad Fundamentals –Stranded in Antarctica: Following in The Path of Shackleton –Judy, Joni, and Joan – The Music of a Generation Friday March 1 –Election 2024: Polls, Predictions and the American Voters –A Conversation with Florida Gulf Coast University President Aysegul Timur TAKE A LECTURE AT ONE OF OUR 19 LOCATIONS The Arlington, Naples (AR) Aston Gardens, North Naples (AG) Bentley Village, North Naples (BV) Bonita Bay Community Assoc., Bonita (BB) Brooks Enrichment Center, Bonita (BR) The Collaboratory, Ft. Myers (CO) Cypress Cove, Ft. Myers (CC) FGCU Main Campus, Ft. Myers (FG) Grey Oaks Country Club, Naples (GR) Hideaway Beach Club, Marco island (HB) The Island Country Club, Marco island (IC) Moorings Park Grande Lake, Naples (GL) Moorings Park at Grey Oaks, Naples (GO) Moorings Park Original Campus, Naples (MP) Naples Center, Naples (NC) Siena Lakes, North Naples (SL) The TwinEagles Club, North Naples (TE) United Church of Marco Island, Marco (UC) Wyndemere Country Club, Naples (WC) (see page 4 of the Winter-Spring 2024 Program Guide for location addresses) FGCU Academy  Click Below to View 2024 Travel Open House Presentation  Classic Safari: Kenya & Tanzania August 13-28, 2024 16 days for $11,196 View Brochure  Exploring Iceland August 15-25, 2024 11 days for $6,692 View Brochure  Southern Italy & Sicily September 4-18, 2024 15 days for $6,674 View Brochure  Scotland: Highlands & Islands September 9-20, 2024 12 days for $5,896 View Brochure  Sensations of Lyon & Provence 2024 River Cruise September 17 – 28, 2024 12 days from $5,469 View Brochure  Jewels of the Rhine 2024 River Cruise September 20 – 30, 2024 11 days from $4,925 View Brochure  Provincial French Countryside September 27-October 11, 2024 15 days for $6,297 View Brochure  New Zealand Adventure October 10-25, 2024 16 days for $8,124 View Brochure  Southeast Asia Odysseys October 31-November 18, 2024 19 days for $7,597 View Brochure  Travel Abroad with FGCU Academy Call our office 239.434.4737 for assistance with registration or Click to View our Website DONATE NOW FGCU Academy Needs Your Support Today to Ensure that Our Critical Mission of Adult Education and Enrichment Continues! FGCU Academy is ready to serve the SWFL community for the Winter-Spring 2024 Season—Learning, Growing, Sharing and Socializing. With nearly 700 programs at more than nineteen locations, there is something for everyone. If we have had the opportunity to meet in person or if you have heard me speak, I hope I was able to share with you my passion about FGCU Academy and its mission to provide life long learning and enrichment to the SWFL community. I believe it is critical to our well-being to keep exploring new avenues for growth to keep our minds engaged in our past, present and future. Since we are a non-credit programmatic offering, Florida Gulf Coast University can provide $0.00 of support to the Academy. We must be financially self-sustaining. The fact is that the revenue generated through memberships and program fees provides for only 50% of our annual operating costs. Additionally, our attendance has not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels, so revenue is much lower than in the past. As an educator, I find myself slightly uncomfortable talking about the financial needs of the Academy beyond thanking everyone for their participation. But, this year and for the near future, it is important that I find the words to ask for additional support through philanthropic donations. Our passion keeps us moving forward and your donations will do the same. Please take a moment to consider a year-end donation 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 1,000 diverse and fascinating programs at more than twenty locations throughout SWFL. Through our mission we promise to enrich the lives, minds and social well-being of more than 10,000 SWFL adults and seniors that participate in our programs each year. CLICK HERE TO DONATE NOW or mail your donation to FGCU Academy 704 Goodlette Frank Road North, Suite 330 Naples, FL 34102 I look forward to seeing you at a FGCU Academy program in 2024. 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 FGCU ACADEMY NAPLES CENTER 704 Goodlette-Frank Rd N Suite 330 Naples, FL 34102 239.434.4737 [email protected] |