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February 2023

FGCU Academy
The heart of a shrimp is located in its head.

Greetings,Your brain is sometimes more active when you’re asleep than when you’re awake. Even when you fall into a deep sleep, the activity inside your head is still buzzing in order to keep your body running while processing your subconscious thoughts—so much so, says National Geographic, that your brain is at times more active while you’re sleeping than it is when you’re awake. I guess this explains why I wake up at 3am and can’t fall back to sleep till 5am sometimes. Anyway, I make my lists at this time so I don’t forget what I was thinking about.

I am busy planning and organizing the days ahead for you at FGCU Academy. With all that is planned ahead, you may wonder how we do it. This is our busiest season, and we are prepared for everything. Day trips, movies, daily lectures at all of our local centers, International travel and so much more. We want to make sure we cover all of our bases and provide you with the best programs we can. We are available to assist you with registrations and to answer all of your questions whenever you call us.

We look forward to seeing you or to your calls this week.

For assistance with registration – call our office (239) 434-4737, and we will be glad to assist you.

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.

LAST CHANCE

Due to high demand and interest, we have added a second bus to Miami’s Little Havana Culinary Trip listed below.

We have 10 spots remaining.
Call now to reserve yours!

Miami’s Little Havana Culinary, Artistic and Cultural Tour
Tuesday February 21, 2023 | 7:30am – 5:30pm
REGISTER NOW – 10 spots remaining

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 sandwiches, 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 emailed 3 days prior to the trip. Itineraries are subject to change. No refunds within 10 business days of departure.

You must pre-register by calling our office at 239.434.4737

You asked and we responded
We have added a 3rd session of Mah Jongg for Beginners
only 4 spots remain for Feb 13/15/17 class (NC5676) – Register Now

Mah Jongg for Beginners (3-part series)
@ Naples Center – February 13, 15, 17 | 10 – 11:30am

Please bring your 2022 (February class) / 2023 (April class) Mah Jongg Rule Card (from the National Mah Jongg League; call 212-246-3052) and get your own Mah Jongg set. Learn the fundamentals of Mah Jongg. Learn how this exciting game makes you think every minute. Learn play strategies and how to put your tiles together to make a hand.

GOLF CLINIC

SMALL GROUP CLASS
Are you looking to improve your game – especially your short game? If so, then you don’t want to miss this personalized golf clinic listed below

Register Now!

Golf Clinic: A Better Short Game – Chipping & Putting
Eastwood Golf Course / Ft Myers 4600 Bruce Herd Lane
February 21 | 10 – 11:30am

Join golf professional and instructor Thor Parrish as he demonstrates drills and skills to improve your short game, reduce your handicap, and be a better golfer. Chipping, putting and bunker play will be the focus of this program. Bring your putter and wedges and let Thor observe and improve your short game putting and chipping.

HEALTHY LIVING
From the comfort of your own home or in-person
pick the one that best suits you

RELAX – GET STRONG – STAY HEALTHY

Yoga Nidra Meditation (2-part series)

ONLINE ONLY
Tuesdays, Feb 14, 28 | 9 – 10am

From the comfort and peace of your own home, calm and reset your body and mind through the practice of Yoga Nidra Meditation. We start with gentle stretches and breathing exercises to relax the body as we ease into a guided meditation. Yoga Nidra is the easiest form of meditation. It is an ancient sleep-based guided meditation, which is very relaxing. As a result, people feel refreshed and their energy is recharged. It’s equivalent to 3-4 hours of sleep. Very healing on many levels. Suggested props include a yoga mat and blanket or towel.

Balance University: Improve Balance, Posture and Flexibility (3-part series)

Online or in-person
Fridays, Feb 10, 17, 24 | 9-10am

Balance University is an interactive wellness class, designed to improve balance, posture and flexibility. This program starts with basic balance exercises and progresses to more complex movements over time. Your instructor explains the “whys” and the importance of balance exercises as part of your everyday routine. Join our instructor in a safe and effective low-impact workout on Friday mornings.

PROGRAM GUIDE

CLICK HERE TO VIEW AND DOWNLOAD THE 2023 PROGRAM GUIDE

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR PROGRAMS ONLINE

CLICK HERE FOR FEBRUARY DAILY CALENDAR

Call us for assistance with registration – 239.434.4737

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

February
March
April

International Film and Documentary Discussion
(All movies begin at 2pm)
Viewing held at Naples Center – 704 Goodlette-Frank Rd. N. – 3rd floor, Naples

• February 12 – Wadjda * February 26 – Petite Maman * March 12 – Lion * March 26 – Hive
• April 9 – 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

FGCU Academy Day Trips

February 21 – Miami’s Little Havana Culinary, Artistic and Cultural Tour – Limited Availability Remaining
February 23 – Tour of Immokalee
March 1 – Vizcaya Mansion & Gardens Tour with Lunch
March 9 – Morikami Japanese Gardens & Bento Box Lunch
March 16 – Miami Millionaire’s Row Boat Cruise & Bayside Marketplace
March 21 – Flagler Mansion and Gilded Age Afternoon Tea
March 22 – Tour of Immokalee
March 28 – Miami’s Wynwood Artistic, Culinary and Cultural Tour
April 4 – The Dali Museum in St. Petersburg

remember to book your trips early as they sell out fast

LOOKING AHEAD

See what else is happening in February
click on any title below for more information

Monday – February 6
• Eternal Egypt: Myths, Monarchs and Monuments
• VENONA – Soviet Spies in America
• Space Exploration: History and What Does the Future Hold?
• iPhone / iPad Camera App
• Eli Cohen – Israeli Master Spy
• Queen Victoria – The Grandmother of Europe
Tuesday
• Great Decisions Discussion Group (8-part series)
• Inside America’s Great Museums: The Art Institute of Chicago
• Maximizing Social Security Benefits
• FGCU Academy 2023 Travel Open Houses
• Writers Collaborative Workshop (4-part series)
• Sugar in Florida: A Critical History
Wednesday
• iPhone/iPad Photos App: Photo Management, Editing, Sharing and More
• Robert E. Lee: Confederate General, Complicated Man (2-part series)
• Lee’s Early Life and Career
• The Creation of Italy
Thursday
• Bhutan and Sri Lanka – India’s Unknown Neighbors
• FGCU Academy 2023 Travel Open House
• Long Term Care Insurance: Protecting Your Independence
Friday
• Ellis Island: The Immigrant Story
• Jewish Avengers – Nazi Executioners
• John D. Rockefeller – His Life and Times
• Father and Son Spies – Jim and Nat Nicholson

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.

UNTAMED ALASKA – View Full Itinerary/Travel Brochure
August 20 – 30, 2023 | 11 days
Awe-inspiring natural beauty and outdoor adventure await as we explore Alaska’s varied landscapes and noteworthy cities. From Denali, Wrangell-St. Elias, and Kenai Fjords national parks to the energy of Anchorage and scenic Seward, our small group encounters the breadth and beauty of America’s Last Frontier.

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 scen¬ic 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 hospi¬tality 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