TRAVEL THE WORLD WITH FGCU ACADEMY IN 2025
Through unique and interesting itineraries, FGCU Academy travel guests have the opportunity to experience life outside the classroom, visit historic sites with local guides, experience another culture – its customs, cuisine, language and history – and delight in conversation and laughter with fellow explorers who share a love of travel and a sense of adventure. These high-end concierge-style excursions are sure to impress and delight you.
Travel brochures and a recording of our travel presentation are available online at fgcu.edu/academy/travel
NORTHERN ITALY: FROM THE ALPS TO THE ADRIATIC
Departure: August 20, 2025
This leisurely exploration of Italy’s varied northern regions, from the romantic Lake District and dramatic Cinque Terre to beloved Tuscany, the majestic Dolomites, and canal-laced Venice, offers a refreshing perspective on a well-known land. In the company of our congenial small group, we celebrate the Italian penchant for hospitality, good food, and good living.
JOURNEY THROUGH CENTRAL EUROPE
Departure: August 30, 2025
Whether you’re seeking to recapture your ancestral heritage or simply wish to discover a beautiful and poignant part of the world, this small group tour offers ample opportunity for enrichment, enlightenment, and enjoyment. With both comprehensive touring and time for independent exploration, it provides a generous overview of four distinctly different – and fascinating – nations.
INSIDER’S JAPAN
Departure: September 8, 2025
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.
PARADORES & POUSADAS
Departure: September 15, 2025
You’re invited on a distinctive small group journey through the Iberian Peninsula to the intimate lodgings of Spain’s paradores and Portugal’s pousadas: medieval monasteries, historic fortresses, and stately palaces, each reflecting the spirit of its region. We feel the spell of Iberia’s rich Roman and Moorish past – and the pull of its vibrant contemporary life.
MACHU PICCHU TO THE GALÁPAGOS
Departure: October 28, 2025
They rank as two of South America’s greatest treasures, and a small group tour is the natural selection for both: the enigmatic ruins at Machu Picchu, where we overnight at an intimate on-site hotel; and the fascinating Galápagos Islands, Darwin’s “living laboratory,” for a four-night island-based adventure.
EGYPT & THE ETERNAL NILE
Departure: November 17, 2025
Accompanied by an expert Egyptian guide, this singular small group journey through antiquity travels from vibrant Cairo and the Great Pyramids to Abu Simbel and the Upper Nile for a fascinating cruise on Lake Nasser. Then: a classic voyage along the Lower Nile from Aswan to Luxor before returning to Cairo.
MOROCCAN DISCOVERY: FROM THE IMPERIAL CITIES TO THE SAHARA
Departure: November 18, 2025
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.
FGCU ACADEMY RIVER CRUISES
FGCU Academy has partnered with Mayflower Cruises & Tours, a division of the Scenic Group, to offer voyages that sail some of the most iconic rivers and waterways of the world. Our itineraries include the most memorable attractions, touring opportunities, and highlights of each destination. We believe that planning travel is more than just a simple journey to exceptional destinations, it is about creating life-enriching experiences and memories that will last a lifetime.
Travel brochures and a recording of our travel presentation are available online at fgcu.edu/academy/travel ATTEND ONE OF OUR FREE TRAVEL OPEN HOUSES TO LEARN
Portugal and the Douro River Cruise Departure: September 17, 2025
A symbol of Portugal’s birth and growth as a nation, the Douro has long been the country’s lifeline. Navigate a path through Portugal’s enchanting countryside while cruising along the dramatic Douro River. Terraced vineyards rise from the river banks, historic landmarks pepper the distant horizons and charming towns lay hidden in the rural hillsides. From Spain’s walled city of Salamanca to the charming baroque village of Lamego.
Gems of Eastern Europe River Cruise Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, Departure: Sept 24, 2025
Five countries line the Danube on its journey towards Eastern Europe. Visit a Puszta Horse Farm in Hungary, see Magyar cowboys and enjoy lunch in a private Croatian home in Osijek. Take a tour of Belgrade; taste Romanian wine. Visit Dracula’s (Bran) Castle in Transylvania, touring in the medieval city of Brasov, visit to Peleş Castle in the Carpathian Mountains, and touring in the Romanian capital of Bucharest.
Option #1 – January 7 at 10 – 11:30am, Tue The Collaboratory (Ft. Myers)
Option #2 – January 10 at 10 – 11:30am, Fri Naples Center (Naples) & Online via Zoom
Option #3 – January 15 at 10 – 11:30am, Wed FGCU Campus, Water School Building (Fort Myers)
Option #4 – February 5 at 10 – 11:30am, Wed Naples Center (Naples) & Online via Zoom
(SEE PAGE 63)
Option #5 – March 6 at 10 – 11:30am, Thur Naples Center (Naples) & Online via Zoom
HOW TO REGISTER FOR PROGRAMS LOCATIONS
We only accept credit cards or checks. No cash.
ONLINE:
fgcu.edu/academy
Use your credit card on our safe and secure site, 24/7.
BY PHONE:
(239) 434-4737
Use your credit card.
MAIL:
Use our registration form at the end of this program guide or go to our website, print it out and mail to us.
PHILANTHROPY
Become a supporter of FGCU Academy to help attract distinguished guest speakers. Your generous donation will also help to enhance technology and facilities and provide scholarships. Donors receive private campus tours, invitations to special events, president’s meet & greets and access to additional campus amenities through our partnerships with Alumni Relations, the Bower School of Music & the Arts, WGCU Public Media and FGCU Athletics.
Donate online at fgcu.edu/academy/givenow
*Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
OUR STAFF
Katherine (Kitty) C. Green Vice President, Advancement
John J. Guerra Rose Stone Director, FGCU Academy Admin. Specialist II
Shawn Pacheco Admin. Specialist
Look for the two letter codes below before each course number.
Our locations are open to everyone. You do not need to be a resident to enjoy programs there.
(AG) – Aston Gardens at Pelican Marsh
4800 Aston Gardens Way, Naples
(BV) – Bentley Village 850 Retreat Drive, Naples
(BB) – Bonita Bay Community Assoc.
3451 Bonita Bay Blvd, #100, Bonita Springs
(CL) – The Carlisle Naples 6945 Carlisle Court, Naples
(CO) – The Collaboratory 2031 Jackson Street, Fort Myers
(CC) – Cypress Cove 10200 Cypress Cove Drive, Fort Myers
(FG) – FGCU Campus
The Water School, Building AB9, Room 106, or Cohen Center, Rm 247, 10501 FGCU Blvd South, Fort Myers
(GR) – Grey Oaks Country Club
2400 Grey Oaks North Drive, Naples
(HB) – Hideaway Beach
250 South Beach Drive, Marco Island
(IC) – The Island Country Club
500 Nassau Road, Marco Island
(ME) – Moran Wealth Management Education Center
5801 Pelican Bay Blvd, Suite 110, Naples
(GL) – Moorings Park Grande Lake 7410 Little Lane, Naples
(GO) – Moorings Park Grey Oaks
2355 Estuary Drive, Naples
(MP) – Moorings Park Original Campus; Center for Healthy Living
132 Moorings Park Dr, Naples
(BG) – Naples Botanical Gardens
4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples
(NC) – Naples Center 704 Goodlette-Frank Rd N., Suite 330, Naples
(OL) – Online via Zoom
(SL) – Siena Lakes 2521 Orange Blossom Drive, Naples
(TE) – TwinEagles Club 11725 TwinEagles Blvd., Naples
(UC) – United Church of Marco Island
320 N. Barfield Drive, Marco Island
(WC) – Wyndemere Country Club
700 Wyndemere Way., Naples
In all of its operations, including admissions, employment, and access to its programs and services, Florida Gulf Coast University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender identity/expression, religion, sex (including sexual harassment/assault), sexual orientation, disability, marital status, veteran status, genetic predisposition or age. Individuals who require reasonable accommodations due to a disability can contact the Office of Adaptive Services at 239-590-7956, by e-mail at adaptive@fgcu.edu, or via the Florida Relay at 711.
or (239) 434-4737
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 2025 Season—Learning, Growing, Sharing, Socializing.
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 lifelong 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.
As an educator, I find myself slightly uncomfortable talking about the financial needs of FGCU Academy beyond thanking everyone for their support. But, this year and moving forward, it is important that I find the words to ask for additional support through philanthropic donations. The fact is that the revenue generated through memberships and 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. 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 twenty-two 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.
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
MEMBERSHIP
$85 FGCU ACADEMY ANNUAL SINGLE MEMBERSHIP
BENEFITS INCLUDE:
} Save approximately 20% on most programs.
} Bring a first-time Academy student with you to a program and receive a $10 credit toward future programs.
} Enjoy year-round online programming from anywhere in the world.
} Gain access to special member-only events and free access to other events when available.
} A free subscription to the FGCU360 digital magazine and e-newsletter.
BECOME A FRIEND OF FGCU ACADEMY WITH A $100 DONATION. FEEL GOOD ABOUT SUPPORTING LIFELONG LEARNING!
A “Friend of FGCU Academy” is part of a vital group of supporters who continue to believe in the success and vibrancy of our organization; assist with our ability to help attract distinguished guest speakers and help cover our operating expenses. If you would like to learn more about supporting our work, please contact John Guerra at jguerra@fgcu.edu. Thank you for your generosity.
Donate online at fgcu.edu/academy/givenow
CANCELLATION POLICY:
Membership fees are non-refundable. If a program is canceled, you will be notified and issued a full refund within 10 business days. If you wish to withdraw from a program, please notify the Academy at 239-434-4737 no later than 5 pm, 3 business days prior to the first session of the program in order to receive a refund. Individuals who cancel after the start of a program will not receive a refund. Unless otherwise stated, a 10–business day notice is required for refunds on all special programs (SP).
Florida Gulf Coast University is a regional comprehensive university committed to providing high quality, affordable educational opportunities to people of all ages.
SAVE THE DATES & REGISTER EARLY FOR THESE PROGRAMS
PLAN YOUR NEXT EVENT
What Happened to the Parties of Lincoln and FDR?
Have the Republican and Democratic parties become unrecognizable from their former selves? PAGE 43
Computer and Internet Security for Desktops, Laptops, Phones and Tablets better understand and stay safe from online threats of all kinds. PAGE 28
Digital Currencies: The Future of Money
The way we use money will go through a radical transformation within the next decade. This lecture is designed to help beginners understand digital currencies and how they will be used. PAGE 35
5-Week French Crash Course for Beginners
Build a foundation and become familiar with the practical, everyday usage of the Franch language. PAGE 37
Ikebana: The Art of Japanese Floral Arrangement
Ikebana represents the elements of heaven, earth and man, working in harmony. This elegant art is achieved by using flowers, branches, rocks and other natural materials to create beauty. PAGE 37
Arthritis: Why Me?
This lecture explores the various types of arthritis, their etiology, and various forms of treatment available. PAGE 38
Changing Dynamics in the Middle East
The Middle East is a melting pot of religions, tribes, political movements and nation-states carved out of the collapse of the Ottoman Empire. Join a 40-year national security affairs analyst as he dissects and analyzes these new dynamics and what may emerge. PAGE 48
The Windsors, A Century of Royal Legacy
The lecture offers an in-depth exploration of the British royal family’s history over the last 100 years. PAGE 48
Beer 101: History, Mystery and Science
Brewing is an ancient practice with historical data showing beer being brewed and consumed over 10,000 years ago. PAGE 55
The History and Evolution of the Symphony
From Baroque religious commissions to big screen space battles, the importance of symphonic music in the Western musical landscape cannot be overstated. PAGE 58
HISTORICALLY SPEAKING
} Failure of Israeli Intelligence in the Hamas Terrorist Attacks: What Went Wrong?
January 20 or Janaury 30 or February 26 Page 41
} World’s Greatest Army: The War Machine of Rome
January 22 or April 14 Page 41
} Russian Intelligence & Spycraft
January 23 Page 41
} A Republic If You Can Keep It: America at a Crossroads
January 27 or January 29 Page 42
} Road to Catastrophe: The Roots of the Great War 1914-1918
January 31 Page 42
} Monastic Ireland: A Gift of the Nile
February 5 Page 43
} Sam Walton and the Making of Walmart
March 19 Page 22
TAKE A DEEPER DIVE
} Balance University: Improve Balance, Posture & Flexibility (3-part monthly series)
January 10 - May 16 Page 37
} House of Hanover: The German Kings Who Ruled Britain (4-part series)
January 14 - April 17 Page 39
} Current Events Discussion Group (2-part monthly series; in person or online)
January 16 - May 22 Page 33
} Great Decisions (8-part series; in person or online)
February 4 - March 25 Page 33
} Pumpkin to Pentagon Papers: Famous Trials of the Mid-Twentieth Century
February 20 - March 13 Page 45
ARTFUL ENDEAVORS
} International Film and Documentary Discussion Series (9 Films)
January 12 – May 5 Page 36
} Celebrating 200 Years: Greatest Materpieces in the National Gallery, London
January 30 Page 16
} Masterpieces of the Musée D’Orsay: 19th Century Impressionism & Beyond
February 20
Page 17
} Pathway to the Italian Renaissance: The Life, Legacy and Art of Giotto
January 22 Page 16
} The Art of Venice: The Imaginative Artistry of La Serenissima March 20 Page 18
A YEARNING TO LEARN
} Unidentified Aerial Phenomena: Is There Life Out There?
January 13 or March 4 or April 15
} Crime in America: Why Do People Commit Crime?
Page 20
January 28 or February 21 Page 30
} Artificial Intelligence (AI): Friend or Foe
February 10 or March 3 or March 18 or March 24 or April 2
Page 19
} Nuclear Power: Essential Component in a Strategy to Mitigate Climate Change
February 17 or March 3 or March 6
} Exercise and Healthy Aging: Remaining Fit for Life
Page 34
February 25 Page 39
JOIN OUR DAY TRIPS & SPECIAL EVENTS (PAGES 30 -
} Miami’s Little Havana Culinary, Artistic and Cultural Tour
January 23 and March 18
} Miami’s South Beach Culinary and Art Deco Tour
January 28 and February 25
} Myakka Elephant Ranch Spa Enrichment Experience and Lunch at Local Winery
January 30 and February 27
} Miami Millionaire’s Row™ Boat Cruise & Bayside Marketplace
February 6 and March 20
} Flagler Mansion & Gilded Age Tea Lunch
February 13
} Tour of Immokalee
February 19
} Miami’s Wynwood Artistic, Culinary & Cultural Tour
February 20
} Wine Tasting Event: California, Here I Come
February 25
} Vizcaya Mansion Tour with Lunch
March 5
} Miami’s Design District Art & Food Tour
March 11
} The Dali Museum in St. Petersburg
March 27
CALENDAR OF PROGRAMS, JANUARY – MAY 2025
1/27/2025
1/28/2025
1/28/2025
1/28/2025 10:30
1/29/2025
2/13/2025
2/13/2025
WEEK OF FEBRUARY 16, 2025
2/17/2025
WEEK
OF MARCH 9,
3/11/2025 3:30 PM Against All Odds: Ordeal of Ernest Shackleton
3/12/2025 10:00 AM iPhone/iPad: iOS 18 Tips, Tricks and Secrets
3/25/2025
30, 2025
3/31/2025
WEEK OF APRIL 6,
WEEK OF APRIL 20, 2025
4/21/2025
The first fee listed for each program is the Member price; the second is the Non-Member price. Advance registration is required for all programs. Membership is highly recommended but not required. The views, analyses, findings and opinions expressed by FGCU Academy speakers are theirs alone and do not necessarily reflect those of the Academy or FGCU.
If a lecture lists multiple options, the same lecture is being offered at different locations on different dates and times for your convenience.
A RT & A RT H ISTORY
Raphael: The Forgotten Master of the Renaissance $27 / $32
January 14 at 2:30 – 4pm, Tue GO7176 – Moorings Park Grey Oaks (So. Naples)
Speaker: James Pagliaro
When we think of the greatest artists of the High Renaissance in Italy, the names that immediately come to mind are the so-called “Big Three,” Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Raphael. With a deeper appreciation of his clarity of form and ease of composition, Raphael’s works deserve to be revisited and given the credit they are due. Raphael was a painter of tremendous virtuosity and energy, wide ranging in his talents, and capable of absorbing and transforming the latest stylistic innovations. Take a journey back to Renaissance Italy as we visit Raphael’s home in Urbino, then trace his revealing journey to Florence, where he meets Leonardo, and finally, travel with the artist to Rome, where he is employed by successive Popes in decorating the Vatican, and producing some of the most sublime paintings in the world.
Pathway to the Italian Renaissance: The Life, Impact and Legacy of the Art of Giotto $27 / $32
January 22 at 10 – 11:30am, Wed MP7694 – Moorings Park Orig. Campus (Naples)
Speaker: James Pagliaro
When most people think of the Italian Renaissance they envision the works of the great masters of the 15th century High Renaissance, painters like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Raphael. Ever wonder who paved the way for their achievements? Ever curious about the artists who preceded them and influenced their works? In this lecture, we explore the achievements of Giotto di Bondone, known as “Giotto” (1267-1337), a Florentine painter and architect of the
late Middle Ages. A true genius of painting, Giotto introduced innovations in color, style and narrative that influenced painters for generations.
Celebrating 200 Years: The Greatest Masterpieces in the National Gallery, London $27 / $32
January 30 at 1:30 – 3pm, Thur NC7695 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7696 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: James Pagliaro
Join us as we celebrate the 200th anniversary of The National Gallery, London, by taking a virtual tour of its greatest treasures. The National Gallery is an art museum that presides majestically over Trafalgar Square, in the City of Westminster in the heart of modern London. Founded in 1824, it houses an encyclopedic collection of more than 2300 European paintings dating from Giotto (mid-13th century) to Cezanne (early 1900’s). Its collection of paintings, sculpture, decorative arts, photographs, prints and drawings, features the best works in the history of western art.
Women Impressionist Painters: Berthe Morisot
and Mary Cassatt $27 / $32
February 4 at 1:30 – 3pm, Tue NC7697 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7698 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: James Pagliaro
The Impressionist movement of the late 19th century included many renowned and accomplished male painters such as Renoir, Monet, Cezanne, Degas and Pissarro. The women who participated in the first Impressionist Exhibitions impacted the development of Impressionism just as much as their male counterparts. These women produced paintings of remarkable beauty and powerful content. Join our lecture as we explore the works of two of the greatest female Impressionists, French born Berthe Morisot, and the American, Mary Cassatt. These women conquered many obstacles to be both accepted and admired by their peers and contemporary art critics. Their compositions, use of color, their depiction of everyday life, and their handling of the scenes of social life and culture in 19th century Paris were groundbreaking.
Artistic Inspiration of Francis of Assisi $27 / $32
February 10 at 2 – 3:30pm, Mon BB7699 – Bonita Bay (Bonita Springs)
Speaker: James Pagliaro
Francis of Assisi was one of the most impressive figures of the Middle Ages. This lecture explores the life and impact of Francis on western culture, with an emphasis on the ways in which leading artists were inspired by and celebrated this remarkable man in paintings, frescos and sculpture. The whole of the 13th century was steeped in his personality. No contemporary habit of life, voice, or behavior has reached us from the Middle Ages as clearly as his. Francis’ character stood out by virtue of its contrast. His deep piety, his reverence for animals and the natural environment, his sweet but austere character, and his humble appearance have remained both unforgettable and relevant, even until today. His spirit, memory and the images of his life have survived in legend, poetry and especially in art.
Pierre-Auguste Renoir:
Impressionist Painter of Beauty $27 / $32
February 13 at 1:30 – 3pm, Thur NC7700 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7701 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: James Pagliaro
Renoir is well known as one of the great Impressionist painters of the 19th century. His works are found in all the great art museums of the world and sell for millions of dollars. Join us as we take a deep dive into the life and art of this great French Impressionist painter. His life’s journey took him from choir boy to porcelain painter, and ultimately to training as a painter in the prestigious École des Beaux Arts in Paris. Follow his evolution as an artist as he joins the rebels of the Paris avant-garde, paints with Monet, and then travels to North Africa and Italy. Along the way, Renoir produces some of the most luminous, colorful and gorgeous figure paintings and landscapes of the era.
Paris 1874: Dawn of Impressionism on its 150th Anniversary $27 / $32
February 17 at 10 – 11:30am, Mon BG7702 – Naples Botanical Gardens (SE Naples)
Speaker: James Pagliaro
In 1874, an exhibition was held of almost 200 works by 30 artists including: Cezanne, Degas, Monet, Renoir, Morisot, Sisley and Pissarro. It took place on the Boulevard des Capucines in Paris. The stated purpose of the organizers was to mount exhibitions in
which artists were able to display and sell works, free of the restrictions of the French Art Establishment, known as the Paris Salon. Ten days after opening, the exhibition was the subject of a mocking sketch in a satirical magazine, in which some of the artists were called “Impressionists.” Join us as we examine many of the groundbreaking paintings exhibited at this first Impressionists’ Exhibition, including masterpieces by Renoir, Monet, Degas, Pissarro, Cezanne and Berthe Morisot, and explore how this movement profoundly changed painting forever.
Masterpieces of the Musée D’Orsay: 19th Century Impressionism and Beyond $27 / $32
February 20 at 1:30 – 3pm, Thur NC7713 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7714 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: James Pagliaro
Musée D’Orsay, a museum in Paris on the Left Bank, is housed in a former Beaux-Arts railway station that opened in 1900. Musée D’Orsay houses artwork from the mid-19th century to the beginning of World War I, and boasts the largest collections of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces in the world, with over 3000 exceptional works of art on display. Over three million visitors a year visit the Musée D’Orsay to revel in the largest collection of late 19th and early 20th century paintings by some of the world’s most renowned artists, including: Millet, Courbet, Manet, Monet, Degas, Lautrec, Cézanne, Pissarro, Renoir, Morisot, Gauguin and Vincent van Gogh.
Prado Museum: Masterpieces of “The Spanish Golden Age” $27 / $32
February 27 at 1:30 – 3pm, Thur NC7703 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7704 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: James Pagliaro
Enjoy a virtual tour of the Museo del Prado, a uniquely Spanish institution dating back 200 years, whose origins and singular nature are largely due to the collecting tastes of the Spanish monarchy. The Prado occupies an iconic building in the center of Madrid and has been described as a museum of painters, not paintings, given that its artists are represented in a superlative manner. The Museum boasts large holdings of artists like Botticelli, Raphael, Dürer, Titian, and Rubens, as well as the finest works of the artists of The Spanish Golden Age, including El Greco, Ribera, Velázquez and Goya. In this lecture, we will explore this magnificent collection and highlight some of its finest holdings.
Art of the 19th Century French Salon and the Impressionist Movement $27 / $32
March 3 at 3:30 – 5pm, Mon TE7705 – TwinEagles (Northeast Naples)
Speaker: James Pagliaro
Most people love the work of the 19th century French Impressionists. Ever wonder why Impressionism took the art world by storm? Ever stop and think about the unique painting techniques, color theories and subject matter that separated the Impressionists from their artistic predecessors? Want to understand more about the impact that Impressionism had on Western Art History? Enjoy a sumptuous visual tour of the finest paintings of the 19th century French Salon, as well as the uniquely beautiful paintings of the artists who came to be known as the first French Impressionists.
Van Gogh in Provence: Poets, Lovers, Peasants and Nature $27 / $32
March 13 at 1:30 – 3pm, Thur NC7706 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7707 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: James Pagliaro
Vincent Van Gogh’s 1888-’89 stay in Arles and St. Remy resulted in works of astounding originality and unique expressiveness. They include the Sunflower series, Starry Night, and some of the artist’s most strikingly symbolic portraits and landscapes. Inspired by the intensity of the light and landscape of Provence and the strong personalities of the people he encountered; Van Gogh imagined his friends as epitomizing “poets” and “lovers” and the elements of the natural world around him as “eternal” motifs. Witness some of the best works of Van Gogh produced during one of the most significant periods of his life in a setting of intense beauty and breathtaking creative inspiration.
The Art of Venice: The Imaginative Artistry of La Serenissima $27 / $32
March 20 at 2 – 3:30pm, Thur BB7708 – Bonita Bay (Bonita Springs)
Speaker: James Pagliaro
Venice was described by the 14th century Tuscan poet Petrarch as a “mundis alter” or another world. Boasting a stable republican government, Venice’s immense wealth and power came from its fabled fleet, its far-flung trading empire and its unique location as the gateway between Europe and Byzantium. The unique history, setting and environment of Venice have shaped the creative output and style of its greatest artists. Art historians have long attributed the unique stylistic features of Venetian painting and its emphasis on soft light and color as a by-product of its unique atmosphere and particular milieu. Enjoy a virtual tour of this remarkable City, and in the process take a deep dive into the gorgeous work of artists like Titian, Tintoretto, Veronese, Tiepolo, and Canaletto, whose talent and fame were nurtured in Venice, but would soon spread throughout the world.
Art of the Calusa $27 / $32
March 24 at 1:30 – 3pm, Mon
BV7709 – Bentley Village (North Naples)
Speaker: Nick Penniman
TIP: You can take Academy programs at ANY of our locations. You do not need to be a resident.
Join a lavishly illustrated retrospective on the artistic heritage of the dominant prehistoric culture in southwest Florida. Art was for both decorative and ritual purposes, created from local materials and culminating in the famous Marco Cat.
French Gothic Glory: The History, Architecture, Sculpture and Stained Glass of the Chartres Cathedral $27 / $32
April 1 at 3:30 – 5pm, Tue
SL7193 – Siena Lakes (Northeast Naples)
Speaker: James Pagliaro
Notre-Dame de Chartres Cathedral, located in the Centré-Val-de-Loire region of France is one of the most authentic and complete works of religious architecture of the early 13th century. Because of the unity of its architecture and decoration, and its immense influence on the art of Middle Age Christianity, Chartres Cathedral appears as an essential landmark in the history of medieval architecture. The outstanding stained-glass ensemble, monumental statuary, and the painted decorations miraculously preserved from the ravages of time, make Chartres one of the most admirable and best-
preserved examples of Gothic art. Join this lecture to hear the history of this great Gothic landmark, and what sets it apart from earlier European Cathedrals. Then experience a virtual tour of the unique architecture, sculpture and exquisite stained-glass that make this Cathedral a must-see experience for a deeper understanding of Medieval European art and culture.
The Louvre Museum in Paris: The Royal Treasure House of France $27 / $32
April 7 at 1:30 – 3pm, Mon CL7194 – Carlisle of Naples (Northeast Naples)
Speaker: James Pagliaro
Built as a royal palace for the French monarchy, the Louvre is an iconic building in Paris with a unique history. Since its public opening in 1789, the Louvre has become one of the most famous art museums in the world. The palace is home to some of the world’s most iconic pieces and includes the collection of the Royal House of France, featuring paintings, sculptures, and art objects by famous artists of many different regions and eras. With a complex of buildings dating back to the 12th century, we will virtually tour this amazing Museum, which houses masterpieces by artists like Botticelli, Bellini, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, Titian, Caravaggio, Rubens, Van Dyck, Vermeer and Rembrandt, among others.
Revolution in Rome: The Power, Grandeur and Drama of Baroque Art $27 / $32
April 10 at 10 – 11:30am, Thur BV7195 – Bentley Village (North Naples)
Speaker: James Pagliaro
The Baroque Era inspired unique architecture, painting, sculpture, music and other arts that flourished in Europe starting in the early 17th century and continued for almost 150 years. The movement began in Rom and spread throughout Europe. The almost “over the top” epic panoramas, the energetic and dramatic narratives, and the emotional impact of Baroque art still pack a powerful punch. Initially encouraged by the Catholic Church as a contrast to the simplicity and austerity of Protestantism, it took on a life of its own with the most amazing designs in buildings, and an explosion of creativity in sculpture, painting and music. Join us as we explore the origins and characteristics of this artistic style, and study some of the great artistic achievements of its most famous practitioners, including Caravaggio, Rubens, Velazquez, and Rembrandt.
A RTIFICIAL I NTELLIGENCE (AI)
Artificial Intelligence (AI): Friend or Foe? $27 / $32
Option #1 – February 10 at 10 – 11:30am, Mon MP7197 – Moorings Park Orig. Campus (Naples)
Option #2 – March 3 at 1:30 – 3pm, Mon NC7722 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7723 – Online via Zoom
Option #3 – March 18 at 3:30 – 5pm, Tue SL7198 – Siena Lakes (Northeast Naples)
Option #4 – March 24 at 3:30 – 5pm, Mon TE7199 – TwinEagles (Northeast Naples)
Option #5 – April 2 at 10 – 11:30am, Wed BB7200 – Bonita Bay (Bonita Springs)
Speaker: Dr. Edward Maxwell
The road to AI started back in the 1940s when Alan Turing developed a machine to break the German Enigma code. With the development of faster and faster processing capabilities, AI has become the “next big thing” after the car, the plane, and the internet. This lecture examines the history of AI and how it can be used for good or evil. We explain ChatGPT, Gemini and Copilot and how they can be used to help us plan everyday activities. Finally, we look at the bad side of AI and demonstrate how to know when it should not be trusted.
ChatGPT: Personal Guide to AI $37 / $44
Option #1 – February 10 at 10:30 – 12pm, Mon NC7201 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7202 – Online via Zoom
Option #2 – March 25 at 9:30 – 11am, Tue NC7203 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7204 – Online via Zoom
Speakers: John Guerra (Feb) & Dr. Baharul Islam (Mar)
Unlock the potential of conversational AI with this engaging 90-minute class designed specifically for senior citizens. This session introduces ChatGPT, an advanced AI tool, and demonstrates how it can simplify daily tasks, spark creativity, and provide endless learning opportunities. Whether it is drafting emails, answering questions, brainstorming ideas, or exploring new hobbies, this hands-on class will guide you through practical applications of ChatGPT. Tailored for beginners, this session ensures a comfortable and enjoyable learning experience, empowering you to embrace AI technology confidently. Join us and discover how ChatGPT can become your everyday assistant!
AI: The Promise and the Threat $27 / $32
April 29 at 2:30 – 4pm, Tue GO7205 – Moorings Park Grey Oaks (So. Naples)
Speaker: Nick Penniman
This lecture examines how this new technology works, and how it will alter the course of human knowledge and culture worldwide. Using real life examples, we shall see how the promise lies in assembling and organizing data, in advancing medical science and enhancing personal choices. The threat is more ominous, and we will discuss whether thoughtful regulation and stricter controls might contain the spread of false and malign information.
A STRONOMY & S PACE
Unidentified Aerial Phenomena: Is There Life Out There? $27 / $32
Option #1 – January 13 at 10 – 11:30am, Mon BB7206 – Bonita Bay (Bonita Springs)
Option #2 – March 4 at 1:30 – 3pm, Tue NC7207 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7208 – Online via Zoom
Option #3 – April 15 at 3:30 – 5pm, Tue GO7209 – Moorings Park Grey Oaks (So. Naples)
Speaker: Edward Grace
Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) is the new name given to what we previously knew as UFO’s. UAP’s have become a hot topic lately when a former high-level security officer became a whistleblower. In this lecture, we review major historical UAP/ UFO events starting with the July 1947 Roswell, NM incident which has become a cultural phenomenon. Portrayals of the Roswell incident are a prominent and enduring topic in popular culture and mass media commonly associated with “grey aliens” and “flying saucers.” Our speaker was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his work on the Apollo 13 mission.
History of the Space Shuttle: USA vs. Russia $27 / $32
January 16 at 10 – 11:30am, Thur BV7210 – Bentley Village (North Naples)
Speaker: Edward Grace
From the beginning, the Space Shuttle program was a bold idea. It was a spaceplane launched as a rocket, unpowered, with one chance to glide safely back to earth. After thirty years of service, the shuttles have come back to earth for good and found new homes
in museums across the U.S. This lecture revisits the highs and lows of the Space Shuttle Program. We also explore the Russian Space Shuttle Buran and why it wasn’t a success. Finally, we investigate the latest developments in aircraft and ponder whether pilots be replaced by computers. Our speaker was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his work on the Apollo 13 mission.
Apollo 11: We are Going Back! $27 / $32
Option #1 – January 30 at 10 – 11:30am, Thur BV7211 – Bentley Village (North Naples)
Option #2 – May 13 at 2:30 – 4pm, Tue GO7212 – Moorings Park Grey Oaks (So. Naples)
Speaker: Steven Valdespino
As the Artemis missions are preparing to send men and women to the lunar surface, how apropos to revisit the first monumental endeavor to send mankind to the Moon and return them safely back to Earth. This riveting tale of the largest non-military project in our history captures the drama and sheer hard work of this heroic enterprise.
Voyage to Mars $27 / $32
Option #1 – February 10 at 3:30 – 5pm, Mon TE7213 – TwinEagles (Northeast Naples)
Option #2 – February 25 at 2 – 3:30pm, Tue BB7214 – Bonita Bay (Bonita Springs)
Speaker: Edward Grace
In 2020, three missions were launched from Earth with the destination of Mars. All three missions arrived at Mars in February 2021. The first Mission was by United Arab Emirates named the Hope Probe. The second was by China named the Tianwen-1 Mission. The third was by NASA named The Perseverance. The Hope Probe will remain in orbit and analyze Mars’ weather patterns. The Tianwen-1 Probe has an orbiter, a lander and a rover. Perseverance has a lander, rover and helicopter drone. The helicopter drone flew 72 missions on Mars. This lecture examines the objectives of each mission and provides updates on their accomplishments to date. Join us for a fascinating discussion about the forefront of space travel and exploration in the 21st century. Our speaker was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his work on the Apollo 13 mission.
Apollo Space Program: 55th Anniversary $27 / $32
March 17 at 10 – 11:30am, Mon BG7216 – Naples Botanical Gardens (SE Naples)
Speaker: Edward Grace
Our speaker reviews the Apollo program from the eyes of an engineer that helped design the Inertial Navigation System which included the Apollo Flight Computer used by both the Apollo Command and Lunar Modules. We review the details of the Apollo 11 Mission – First Manned Landing on the Moon; Apollo 13 – Houston We Have A Problem Mission; and Apollo 17 – Last Man On The Moon Mission. Our speaker was employed at the MIT Draper Laboratory for 10 years, which had a contract with NASA to design and develop the Primary Guidance and Navigation System (PGNCS). Our speaker was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his work on the Apollo 13 mission.
Artemis: Return to the Moon by 2026 $27 / $32
March 24 at 10 – 11:30am, Mon MP7217 – Moorings Park Orig. Campus (Naples)
Speaker: Edward Grace
NASA’s Artemis Program plans a return to the moon and beyond before the end of 2026 and will include a woman in the crew who would become the first woman to walk on the moon. We discuss NASA’s plans for the Artemis Program. NASA has issued a contract to SpaceX to develop the Human Landing System to be used on Artemis. The long-term plan is to build a base on the moon from which to launch explorations of other planetary bodies such as Mars. When will Artemis finally take astronauts to the Moon? Our speaker was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his work on the Apollo 13 mission. He will share with us an inside view of the Artemis program and how it differs from the Apollo Program which he worked on while employed at the MIT Draper Laboratory for ten years.
What are the Odds that We are Alone in the Universe? $27 / $32
April 1 at 10 – 11:30am, Tue NC7218 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7219 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Dr. Charles Kupchella
There are more than five-hundred sextillion stars in the universe “…more than all the grains of sand on all the beaches of the world,” according to Carl Sagan. NASA says there are perhaps ten-billion planets in “goldilocks zones” in the Milky Way alone and some 200 billion to
two trillion galaxies in just the observable universe. It’s therefore improbable that life didn’t arise elsewhere. Although the existence of intelligent life elsewhere may arguably be less probable, the fact that we haven’t heard from anyone doesn’t mean they aren’t out there. We/they may be unreachable for lots of good reasons.
B IOGRAPHIES
Queen Victoria: Grandmother of Europe $27 / $32
January 6 at 1:30 – 3pm, Mon CL7222 – Carlisle of Naples (Northeast Naples)
Speaker: Nancy Maxwell
A match maker extraordinaire! Her own marriage had been blissfully happy, but Victoria didn’t seem to worry too much about the feelings of her own children. While chiding them about duty and obligation, she set them up with “appropriate” matches throughout Europe. A German prince here, a Russian duchess there – it was all part of the plan for the family, which would, to her mind, also guarantee the stability of the empire. How ironic that the rules did not always apply in her own life. Victoria dangerously neglected her own duties as queen and broke her own rules in her relationship with her Scottish servant. Explore the life and family of this very human, grandmotherly queen, whose grandsons ended up at war with each other.
Warren Buffett – The Oracle of Omaha
$27 / $32
Option #1 – January 10 at 10 – 11:30am, Fri BB7223– Bonita Bay (Bonita Springs)
Option #2 – March 24 at 4 – 5:30pm, Mon IC7224 – The Island Country Club (Marco Island)
Speaker: Gary Stuhltrager
Warren Buffett is considered the world’s greatest investor. He built a company from scratch into a top five Fortune 500 company. His wealth and business acumen are only part of what makes Buffett so interesting. His stellar reputation and home-spun wit and wisdom have made him a cultural icon.
General Douglas MacArthur $27 / $32
Option #1 – January 13 at 1:30 – 3pm, Mon
BV7225 – Bentley Village (North Naples)
Option #2 – March 10 at 10 – 11:30am, Mon MP7226 – Moorings Park Orig. Campus (Naples)
Speaker: Gary Stuhltrager
Douglas MacArthur has been called America’s greatest General. Like his father, he was a career military man, and his service spanned 50 years from 1900 until the Korean War. He won the Medal of Honor in WW I, served in Washington between the Wars and in the Far East during WW II and thereafter. He was credited with saving Japan for democracy and Korea from Communist control. To his supporters he was a great tactician, courageous, patriotic and a man whose liberal understanding remade Japan into a staunch ally of the United States. To his critics he was a warmonger, “Dugout Doug”, an aristocratic prima donna and a power-hungry danger to civilian control of the military.
Mary Queen of Scots $27 / $32
January 22 at 10 – 11:30am, Wed NC7227 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7228 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Nancy Maxwell
For love, power, intrigue and scandal you cannot beat the story of Mary Stuart! She was Queen of Scotland at six days old, Queen of France at sixteen, and had events gone as planned, Scotland would today be a part of France. Mary fully expected to become Queen of England as well. Instead in a tragic twist of fate, Mary lost her head. Her life was one of political ambition, intrigue, love, murder, plots and deception. Did Mary create her own fate or was she a victim of much stronger outside forces?
Diana: Death of a Princess $27 / $32
January 27 at 1:30 – 3pm, Mon BV7229 – Bentley Village (North Naples)
Speaker: Jeffrey Steinberg
With so much attention and angst focused on the 2024 presidential election and concerns about the continued viability of our system of government, this lecture looks back on the Constitutional convention, the ratification debate, and the amendments to give historical context to the current situation.
John D. Rockefeller – Life and Times $27 / $32
March 17 at 2 – 3:30pm, Mon
AG7232 – Aston Gardens at Pelican Marsh (NE Naples)
Speaker: Gary Stuhltrager
This lecture examines the fascinating life and career of John D. Rockefeller. He built one of the world’s largest corporations together with a mammoth personal fortune. His private life was simple and without scandal while his business life was beset by controversy. He was vilified as a robber baron while he was also a lifelong and generous philanthropist. By any measure he was a complex and interesting man.
Sam Walton and the Making of Walmart $27 / $32
March 19 at 10 – 11:30am, Wed
NC7233 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7234 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Gary Stuhltrager
Sam Walton built a single “five and dime” store into the largest retailer in the world. His passion for low prices and focus on the customer humbled his much larger competitors. But as yesterday’s David became today’s Goliath, critics became as numerous as new Walmart Supercenters. Were low prices worth the cost of low wages, lack of health care and the ruin of America’s small retailers? Was Walmart doing what everyone else was doing but just doing it better? Has Walmart changed in reaction to the criticism? We’ll look at Sam Walton and Walmart’s past, present and future.
William “Wild Bill” Donovan $27 / $32
March 19 at 1:30 – 3pm, Wed
NC7235 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7236 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Thomas Eastwood
Donovan was a lawyer, politician, war hero and one of the founders of U.S. intelligence. His amazing story is one of intellect and bravery. This lecture traces Donovan’s life as the Director of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) and the father of the CIA. He was a visionary who identified weaknesses with U.S. intelligence. His observations have lessons for today.
TIP: Addresses for all of our Academy locations are located on page 4. Find the ones closest to you.
Queen Elizabeth I: Challenges of a Female Monarch in Tudor England $27 / $32
March 27 at 10 – 11:30am, Thur BV7237 – Bentley Village (North Naples)
Speaker: James Pagliaro
As a Tudor Monarch, Queen Elizabeth faced many dynastic challenges, including unique aspects of the religious settlement in her realm, and the competing interests of her nobles and courtiers. She was also confronted by threats from foreign enemies and the conflicts that resulted in England and abroad. This lecture examines the strategies that this unique monarch employed to deal with the novel issues that confronted her as a female ruler in an age of male dominated political power. Whether faced with unhappy courtiers, powerful foreign princes, the threat to her legitimacy posed by the Queen of Scotland, or the constant pressure on her to marry, Elizabeth I demonstrated a strength of will, strategic vision, and her own brand of psychological manipulation to remain firmly in control, and to continue to exercise supreme authority in her realm.
Catherine the Great of Russia $27 / $32
April 21 at 3:30 – 5pm, Mon TE7238 – TwinEagles (Northeast Naples)
Speaker: Nancy Maxwell
Bright, ambitious and imbued with ideas of the Enlightenment, Catherine rose from a German princess to Empress of Russia through her wits and wiles, not to mention intrigue and the convenient elimination of her husband. Her correspondence with the greatest minds of the day is legendary. She had grand plans for Russia, and encouraged by her lover Potemkin, set about the expansion, modernization and education of the country. Although her reign also saw the violently dangerous Pugachev rebellion, Catherine’s accomplishments and devotion to Russia have earned her a place among history’s most Enlightened Despots.
Kaiser Wilhelm II $27 / $32
May 5 at 1:30 – 3pm, Mon BV7239 – Bentley Village (North Naples)
Speaker: Nancy Maxwell
The favorite of his grandmother Queen Victoria and raised by modern minded royal parents, Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany was well positioned to lead his state into the new century with a peaceful pragmatic approach. But Wilhelm was about as complicated a ruler as can be imagined, and instead, his aggressive
bluster and posturing split the family, divided Europe into opposing camps, and drove the world inexorably to World War I. Such is the legacy of the last emperor of Germany. How did it happen? What was he thinking? An exploration of his life reveals some surprising answers. Historians often take sides in their assessment of Kaiser Wilhelm, but in doing so, they are liable to confuse the nation with the man.
General “Black Jack” Pershing $27 / $32
May 27 at 2:30 – 4pm, Tue GO7240 – Moorings Park Grey Oaks (So. Naples)
Speaker: Thomas Eastwood
John J. Pershing, who led U.S. forces in World War I, is one of the most respected and honored military leaders in history. An 1886 graduate of West Point, he had a distinguished military career spanning over four decades. Among his career highlights: commanding Black troops during the Indian wars and at the Battle of San Juan Hill; promotion from Captain to Brigadier General by President Teddy Roosevelt, with whom he fought in Cuba; combatting terrorism in the Philippines and Mexico; commanding AEF; and promotion to General of the Armies. Join this fascinating look at the life and career of a military icon.
King George III $27 / $32
May 28 at 10 – 11:30am, Wed MP7241 – Moorings Park Orig. Campus (Naples)
Speaker: Nancy Maxwell
To many Americans, he is Mad King George, the tyrannical English king whose despotic ways pushed the colonists to revolution. To the English, he was Farmer George, a stubborn, plodding ruler who obstructed his parliament and blocked progress. Both assessments are incomplete, and his unfortunate mental collapse was a family tragedy. There was much more to the life of this very civilized, cultured and moral man.
B RIDGE L ESSONS
Contract Bridge for Beginners $100 / $120
Feb 4, 11, 18, 25, March 4, 11, 18, 25 at 10 – 12pm, Tues NC7242 – Naples Center (Naples)
Speaker: Charles Valery
Students should bring $35 cash or a check payable directly to the instructor on the first day of class for purchase of the BEGINNERS Student Workbook and Guide which will be used each week for class. This
course is intended for total beginners who want to learn bridge. Modern Contract Bridge is an exciting and challenging card game played by millions of people. Upon completion, you can expect to have a firm foundation of Contract Bridge principles. The course is based on a balanced mixture of lectures and hands-on practice playing. Each successive session builds by introducing more complex subjects. The first half of each session introduces various bridge concepts. The second half is spent playing actual hands on these topics. Students get a set of fifty handouts illustrating topics discussed. Learn this wonderful card game and have fun.
Bridge for Advanced Beginners/Intermediates
$100 / $120
Feb 20, 27, March 6, 13, 20, 27 at 10 – 12pm, Thurs NC7243 – Naples Center (Naples)
Speaker: Charles Valery
Students should bring $35 cash or a check payable directly to the instructor on the first day of class for purchase of a Bridge Convention Workbook and Guide. Only students who have taken “Contract Bridge for Beginners” or have a minimum of several years playing experience should enroll in this course. The course is intended for students who want to learn many Advanced Topics in Contract Bridge and is composed of a series of lectures with many examples of each topic discussed AND student playing of topic hands. A total of 12 advanced conventions AND 10 guidance “rules” to aid player’s bidding are analyzed for use in achieving the best contracts and scores.
Three Crucial and Useful Bridge Conventions
All Players Should Know $49 / $59
February 24 at 9:30 – 12:30pm, Mon NC7244 – Naples Center (Naples)
Speaker: Gerald Beaubien
Join this program which features instruction followed by play of the hand as we explore three vital bridge conventions all players should know. You should not step up to the bridge table without knowing the powerful ideas behind Modern Losing Trick Count. This will help you get more successful games and partial contracts than almost any other convention. Second, learn Combined Bergen, arguably the best convention for describing major suit fits and preventing opponents from entering the bidding. Finally, one of the most effective and descriptive slam bidding conventions following a 2-Club opener is called Controls. You will instantly know how many aces and kings your partner has, likely be able to
tell specifically which ones they are, and clearly see whether slam is possible or not. Elevate your bridge game to the next level and find more games and slams than most others who sit at the bridge table.
Intermediate Bridge: Slam Bidding $49 / $59
March 17 at 9:30 – 12:30pm, Mon NC7245 – Naples Center (Naples)
Speaker: Gerald Beaubien
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. Instruction will be followed by “play of the hand.” Bring your partner so you can both hone your skills on all these powerful bridge conventions and start bidding more slams.
C OMPUTER & T ECHNOLOGY
iPhone/iPad Apps: Mastering Email $37 / $44
Option #1 – January 2 at 10 – 11:30am, Thur BV7246 – Bentley Village (North Naples)
Option #2 – January 21 at 10:30 – 12pm, Tue NC7247 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7248 – Online via Zoom
Option #3 – February 3 at 2 – 3:30pm, Mon AG7249 – Aston Gardens at Pelican Marsh (NE Naples)
Option #4 – March 10 at 10:30 – 12pm, Mon NC7250 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7251 – Online via Zoom
Option #5 – March 25 at 2:30 – 4pm, Tue GO7252 – Moorings Park Grey Oaks (So. Naples)
Speaker: John Guerra
Many iPhone and iPad users do not fully understand how to use Mail, one of the most important apps on their devices. Apple’s Mail app supports Gmail, Yahoo, Microsoft Exchange, AOL and nearly all email platforms. We explore the detailed workings of the Apple Mail app showing you how to add new accounts and contacts, work with attachments, insert photos or videos, organize email into folders, eliminate junk mail, markup or sign attachments, scan documents and much more.
iPhone/iPad: iOS18 Tips, Tricks and Secrets
All Users Should Know $37 / $44
Option #1 – January 6 at 10 – 11:30am, Mon BG7253 – Naples Botanical Gardens (SE Naples)
Option #2 – January 9 at 10 – 11:30am, Thur GR7254 – Grey Oaks Country Club (So. Naples)
Option #3 – January 14 at 10:30 – 12pm, Tue
NC7255 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7256 – Online via Zoom
Option #4 – January 27 at 4 – 5:30pm, Mon IC7257 – The Island Country Club (Marco Island)
Option #5 – February 7 at 10 – 11:30am, Fri
NC7258 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7259 – Online via Zoom
Option #6 – March 12 at 10 – 11:30am, Wed FG7260 – FGCU Campus, Bldg. AB9 (Ft. Myers)
Speaker: John Guerra
Join this lecture-style presentation to learn the new features, upgrades and enhancements of Apple’s newest operating system for iPhone and iPad, iOS 18. All participants should install the new operating system (released in September 2024) prior to attending class (see Settings>General>Software Update>Install iOS 18). We will explore tips, tricks and secrets that make using your device easier, more powerful and efficient. All levels from beginner to advanced users will benefit from this informative and interesting program.
iPhone/iPad Apps: Photo Organization, Editing, Sharing and More in iOS 18 $37 / $44
Option #1 – January 6 at 3:30 – 5pm, Mon TE7261 – TwinEagles (Northeast Naples)
Option #2 – January 28 at 2:30 – 4pm, Tue GO7262 – Moorings Park Grey Oaks (So. Naples)
Option #3 – January 31 at 10 – 11:30am, Fri NC7263 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7264 – Online via Zoom
Option #4 – March 28 at 10 – 11:30am, Fri
NC7265 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7266 – Online via Zoom
Option #5 – April 3 at 10 – 11:30am, Thur BV7267 – Bentley Village (North Naples)
Speaker: John Guerra
Apple’s Photos App has changed dramatically in iOS 18. It has an immersive, dynamic look that emphasizes your best shots with larger previews and improved organization. Memories find your best photos and videos and weaves them together into
a video complete with music, titles and transitions. Perfect your images with intuitive, built-in, powerful editing tools. Search photos based on who or what is in them. iCloud stores your photos and videos and synchronizes them across all your devices.
iPad/iPhone Apps: Camera and Taking Great Photos $37 / $44
Option #1 – January 8 at 10 – 11:30am, Wed
MP7268 – Moorings Park Orig. Campus (Naples)
Option #2 – January 28 at 10 – 11:30am, Tue
NC7269 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7270 – Online via Zoom
Option #3 – March 26 at 10 – 11:30am, Wed
NC7271 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7272 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: John Guerra
Apple’s Photos App has changed dramatically in iOS 18. The redesigned Photos app puts your photo library at your fingertips, so you spend less time searching and more time enjoying your memories. It has an immersive, dynamic look that emphasizes your best shots with larger previews and improved organization. Your photos are organized by topics such as Recent Days, Trips, People & Pets and more. Use Pinned Collections to quickly access the collections or albums most important to you. Memories finds your best photos and videos and weaves them together into a video complete with music, titles and transitions. Perfect your images with intuitive, built-in, powerful editing tools. Search photos based on who or what is in them. iCloud stores your photos and videos and synchronizes them across all your devices.
iPhone/iPad Apps: Master Texting with Messages $37 / $44
Option #1 – January 14 at 3:30 – 5pm, Tue SL7273 – Siena Lakes (Northeast Naples)
Option #2 – February 12 at 10 – 11:30am, Wed NC7274 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7275 – Online via Zoom
Option #3 – March 5 at 10 – 11:30am, Wed
MP7276 – Moorings Park Orig. Campus (Naples)
Option #4 – April 1 at 10:30 – 12pm, Tue
NC7277 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7278 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: John Guerra
With the Messages app, stay connected to the conversations that matter the most. Send texts,
photos, videos, voice texts and more. Personalize your messages with animated effects, pin your important conversations, send inline replies and more. Learn Messages’ most important settings and latest features so you can communicate more effectively.
Marco Island Apple iOS 18 Tech Series: In-Depth Boot Camp (3-part series) $105 / $125
January 20, February 24, March 10 at 1:30 – 3pm, Mons HB7279 – Hideaway Beach Club (Marco Island)
Speaker: John Guerra
iOS 18 is a major update to Apple’s iPhone and iPad operating system, bringing a host of new features and capabilities. So much is new; so much has changed, including the addition of Apple Intelligence, Apple’s version of AI. Join this three-part series as we explore tips, tricks, techniques and secrets that make using your device easier, more powerful and efficient. This lecture series will cover new features, settings and apps all users should know. Each lecture will be standalone and independent of one another, students can take any one or all three in the series. We will learn useful, insightful and productive ways to use your Apple devices.
Getting Started with Android Smartphones: A Beginner’s Guide $37 / $44
Option #1 – January 23 at 10 – 11:30am, Thur BV7283 – Bentley Village (North Naples)
Option #2 – February 11 at 10 – 11:30am, Tue FG7284 – FGCU Campus, Bldg. AB9 (Ft. Myers)
Option #3 – February 25 at 9:30 – 11am, Tue NC7285 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7286 – Online via Zoom
Option #4 – March 13 at 2:30 – 4pm, Thur CO7287 – The Collaboratory (Ft. Myers)
Speaker: Dr. Baharul Islam
This lecture is for beginners looking to master Android smartphones We’ll cover powering on the device, navigating the home screen, making calls, sending texts and using key apps. Practical tips will include managing apps, adjusting settings and securing your
phone. You’ll also learn how to take and share photos, use voice commands, and troubleshoot problems, all presented with clear, step-by-step guidance.
iPhone/iPad Apps: Master Safari Web Browsing & Calendar Scheduling $37 / $44
Option #1 – January 24 at 10 – 11:30am, Fri NC7288 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7289 – Online via Zoom
Option #2 – February 6 at 10 – 11:30am, Thur BV7290 – Bentley Village (North Naples)
Option #3 – March 19 at 10 – 11:30am, Wed NC7291 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7292 – Online via Zoom
Option #4 – March 20 at 1:30 – 3pm, Thur
CC7735 – Cypress Cove (Ft. Myers)
Speaker: John Guerra
Apple’s web browser, Safari, keeps getting faster and better. It sports a smart search bar, tabs, and a special split view version for iPad users. Save your favorite websites to your Home Screen or as Bookmarks. You can view Shared Links and add articles to your Reading List or access your saved passwords and credit cards. Learn how to use the Apple Calendar app so you never miss an appointment again. Schedule your life and have access to your appointments on every device you own. Access your calendar anytime or anywhere from any computing device in the world and know your information is safely backed up.
Instagram for Seniors: Capturing and Sharing Moments Made Simple $37 / $44
January 28 at 9 :30 – 11a m, Tue NC7293 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7294 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Dr. Baharul Islam
This lecture is tailored for seniors who want to explore Instagram, the popular photo-sharing app. Learn how to create an account, navigate the app, and start sharing your favorite moments with family and friends. The session focuses on practical aspects, such as taking and editing photos, posting stories, and following loved ones to keep up with their lives. Learn how to find and follow accounts that match your hobbies and interests. Emphasis will be placed on privacy controls and ensuring you feel secure while using Instagram. With easy-to-follow steps and plenty of time for questions, this lecture will help you confidently use Instagram to connect and share with the people who matter most.
Apple Watch Tips, Tricks and Secrets of the New Watch OS 11 $37 / $44
Option #1 – January 29 at 10 – 11:30am, Wed NC7295 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7296 – Online via Zoom
Option #2 – April 15 at 10:30 – 12pm, Tue NC7297 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7298 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: John Guerra
Join this lecture-style presentation as we explore the many features of the Apple Watch. It’s not just about telling time, it’s about phone calls, email messages, maps, music, photos, health tracking, Apple Pay, fall detection and so much more.
iPhone and iPad Fundamentals for All Users $42 / $48
Option #1 – January 30 at 10 – 12pm, Thur NC7299 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7300 – Online via Zoom
Option #2 – February 27 at 1:30 – 3:30pm, Thur NC7301 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7302 – Online via Zoom
Option #3 – March 27 at 10 – 12pm, Thur NC7303 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7304 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Dr. Marty Dorio
For beginners and casual users of their devices, this lecture focuses on the most important fundamentals of using your iPhone and iPad. If all you do is make calls and text, this presentation is for you. So many people have smart phones and tablets and don’t know how to use them. This lecture teaches you how to interact with your device; enter, type, dictate and edit text; search for, install and organize apps on your home screens; use the App Library; use Spotlight; undo your mistakes; use Siri; and so much more. Stop asking your grandchildren for help and master your iPhone and iPad today.
Macintosh Tips, Tricks and Secrets:
MacOS Sequoia $37 / $44
Option #1 – February 3 at 10 – 11:30am, Mon
NC7305 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7306 – Online via Zoom
Option #2 – April 9 at 10 – 11:30am, Wed NC7307 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7308 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: John Guerra
MacOS Sequoia (released in September 2024) elevates the most advanced desktop and laptop operating system in the world to a new level of power, sophistication and ease of use. We will explore Mac tips, tricks and secrets that all users should know including System Settings, the Finder, the Dock, Spotlight, Window Navigation, Apple Intelligence, software installation, App Store and more.
Introduction to Microsoft Windows 11 $55 / $65
February 17 at 10 – 11:30am, Mon NC7309 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7310 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: John Guerra
Learn the fundamentals of Microsoft Windows 11 in this lecture-style presentation. This lecture is designed for those who have used Windows before and are interested in upgrading or learning about the Windows 11 operating system and Copilot, Microsoft’s AI assistant. If you have just bought a new computer with Windows 11, have upgraded, or are going to upgrade, this presentation is for you. Join us as we make Windows 11 easy to use and understand.
iPhone/iPad Apps: Master Organization with Notes $37 / $44
Option #1 – February 19 at 10 – 11:30am, Wed NC7311 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7312 – Online via Zoom
Option #2 – April 8 at 10:30 – 12pm, Tue NC7313 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7314 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: John Guerra
The Notes app is the best place to jot down quick thoughts or to save checklists, images, web links, scanned documents, handwritten notes or sketches. With iCloud, it’s easy to keep all your devices in sync, so you’ll always have your notes with you. You can search notes for typed text, handwritten notes, text in scanned documents and even images inside your notes. Secure the notes that hold your most personal data – such as financial details, medical information, or secret family recipes with a password, a fingerprint or even Face ID. Record, transcribe and save audio recordings in Notes. Join this lecture as we explore one of Apple’s most useful, powerful and productive apps available.
iPhone/iPad Apps: Mastering Navigation and Travel with Apple Maps and Uber $37 / $44
Option #1 – February 20 at 10 – 11:30am, Thur NC7315 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7316 – Online via Zoom
Option #2 – May 1 at 10 – 11:30am, Thur BV7317 – Bentley Village (North Naples)
Option #3 – May 7 at 10 – 11:30am, Wed MP7318 – Moorings Park Orig. Campus (Naples)
Speaker: John Guerra
Apple’s Maps app gives you everything you need to get where you’re going and find interesting places along the way. It can provide turn-by-turn voice navigation for driving, walking, cycling and public transit. Maps offers cycling directions with bike lanes, paths, and roads; electric vehicle routing; and informative guides to numerous destinations. Maps can show you cities in 3D and can take you to the sky with Flyover. Uber offers you a safe, convenient forhire car service around the world. Learn how to use the app to summon and schedule car service, choose the type of car you require, pay, and leave tips.
Unlocking the Power
of Facebook: A Complete Guide for Seniors $37 / $44
Option #1 – February 20 at 9:30 – 11am, Thur
CL7319 – Carlisle of Naples (Northeast Naples)
Option #2 – March 11 at 2:30 – 4pm, Tue
NC7320 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7321 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Dr. Baharul Islam
This lecture is designed to help users confidently navigate Facebook. Start by setting up your Facebook account and learning the basics of using the platform. The session focuses on practical skills, such as posting updates, sharing photos, and connecting with friends and family. We also explore how to find and join groups that match your interests, making Facebook a valuable tool for staying socially active. Emphasis will be placed on managing privacy settings and recognizing potential online threats to ensure a safe experience. With clear, step-by-step instructions, this lecture equips you with the practical knowledge needed to make the most of Facebook and stay connected in today’s digital world.
Apple Intelligence: Private, Secure AI Comes to All Apple Devices $37 / $44
Option #1 – February 21 at 10 – 11:30am, Fri NC7322 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7323 – Online via Zoom
Option #2 – March 24 at 10 – 11:30am, Mon NC7324 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7325 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: John Guerra
Apple Intelligence is a suite of AI-powered tools that use your personal data to provide recommendations and generate results that are relevant to you. It’s designed to help you communicate, work, and express yourself on iPhones, iPads and Macintosh computers. Join this lecture as we explore the power and utility of Apple Intelligence on your devices. Only iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 16, and latest generation iPads will be able to participate in class.
YouTube: Treasure Trove of Information $27 / $32
February 27 at 10 – 11:30am, Thur BV7326 – Bentley Village (North Naples)
Speaker: Dr. Edward Maxwell
There are over four billion videos currently on YouTube and 500 hours of videos are uploaded every minute. That’s over 30,000 every hour. YouTube is an incredible source of information if you understand how to access it. This presentation will focus on how YouTube is organized and how anyone can find videos to enhance every aspect of their lives.
Computer and Internet Security for Desktops, Laptops, Phones and Tablets $37 / $44
Option #1 – February 28 at 10 – 11:30am, Fri NC7327 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7328 – Online via Zoom
Option #2 – May 6 at 3:30 – 5pm, Tue
SL7329 – Siena Lakes (Northeast Naples)
Speaker: John Guerra
Every day across the country, millions of people fall victim to viruses, spyware, malware, keystroke
loggers, ransomware, phishing schemes and hacking. Join this lecture-style presentation to better understand all these threats and how to best protect yourself against them. Defend yourself and your computing devices while protecting your identity and keeping your personal information safe. This lecture is appropriate for all Windows, Android and Apple users and is one of the most important technology lectures you can take.
Introduction to Microsoft Word $55 / $65
March 7 at 10 – 11:30am, Fri NC7330 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7331 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: John Guerra
Learn the fundamentals of Microsoft Word in this lecture-style presentation. Topics include: opening, saving, editing and printing documents; formatting and editing text; tabs, margins and indents; page layout and design; spelling and grammar checks; and inserting photos and graphics. Learn to be an expert text manipulator using Word.
Introduction to Microsoft Excel $55 / $65
March 17 at 10 – 11:30am, Mon NC7332 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7333 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: John Guerra
Learn the fundamentals of Microsoft Excel in this lecture-style course. Topics include: opening, saving, editing and printing spreadsheets; formatting and editing cells; creating and editing formulae to add, subtract, multiply and divide; Quick Analysis and Flash Fill tools; and finding and sorting. Learn to be a spreadsheet wizard using Excel.
Online Shopping and Banking: A Guide to Safe and Easy Transactions $37 / $44
March 20 at 10 – 11:30am, Thur BV7334 – Bentley Village (North Naples)
Speaker: Dr. Baharul Islam
This lecture will boost your confidence in online shopping and banking. We’ll cover safely navigating online stores and banks, setting up accounts, making transactions, and using secure payment methods. Learn to recognize and avoid online scams, manage your orders and bank accounts, and handle common issues. The session will provide practical demonstrations and clear instructions to make online transactions safe and straightforward.
Pages
Word Processor for Apple Devices $37 / $44
March 20 at 10 – 11:30am, Thur NC7335 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7336 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: John Guerra
Create gorgeous documents in minutes with the Pages word processor. A word processor that is easy and user-friendly is just what we expect from Apple. Start with a predesigned template to instantly create beautiful reports, resumes, posters and more or use a blank document and create your own design. Easily add images, movies, audio, charts and shapes and use comments, change tracking and highlights to review your work. With iCloud, your documents are kept up to date across all your devices. And with realtime collaboration, you can work together at the same time with others, even on a PC. This class presumes you are familiar with using an iPhone/iPad/Mac.
The
Best Apps Every Apple & Android User Should Know $37 / $44
March 21 at 10 – 11:30am, Fri NC7337 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7338 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: John Guerra
This lecture-style presentation explores some of the best apps that Apple and Android users should know about and install on their devices. Apps are the lifeblood of your smart devices. Without them, your 21st century tools are greatly limited in what they can do. We identify and demo the best apps available in categories like productivity, email, travel, video calling, texting, car services, travel, stocks and so much more. This lecture is appropriate for all Android and Apple users, although Apple devices will be used to demonstrate various apps.
C RIME, P OLICING & J USTICE
Crime in America: Why Do People Commit Crime? $27 / $32
Option #1 – January 28 at 1:30 – 3pm, Tue
NC7339 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7340 – Online via Zoom
Option #2 – February 21 at 10 – 11:30am, Fri
BB7341 – Bonita Bay (Bonita Springs)
Speaker: Larry Siegel
The Current State of American Policing $27 / $32
March 4 at 1:30 – 3pm, Tue
NC7344 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7345 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Larry Siegel
Why do people commit destructive and violent crimes? While criminologists have been searching for decades to discover the true cause of crime, the answer remains elusive. One view is that anti-social behaviors are linked to preexisting and destructive individual level factors: impulsive personality; lack of self-control; cognitive deficits and personality disorders. In contrast, others believe that crime is linked to social problems such as poverty and income inequality; after all crime rates are highest in neighborhoods characterized by poverty and social disorder. Still another view is that crime is the outcome of destructive relationships in the family, peer group and school. Which of these views is correct or can they all be?
The Problem of Mass Incarceration in the U.S. $27 / $32
February 24 at 1:30 – 3pm, Mon
NC7342 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7343 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Larry Siegel
Incarceration is now one of the primary means of punishment for the commission of crimes. More than 1.8 million people are incarcerated in state or federal prisons or housed in local jails at an annual per inmate cost of about $40,000. In addition, almost four million people are under some form of community supervision, including three million on probation and about 800,000 people are on parole. How did the trend towards mass incarceration develop and what is being done to reverse its course?
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 enforcement, 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?
D AY T RIPS & S PECIAL E VENTS
Miami’s Little Havana Culinary, Artistic and Cultural Tour $135 / $155
Option #1 – January 23, Thur
Ft. Myers at 7:30am/6:30pm / Naples at 8am/6pm
SP7346 – Miami
Option #2 – March 18, Tue
Ft. Myers at 7:30am/6:30pm / Naples at 8am/6pm
SP7347 – Miami
Tour Leader: Val Bostrom
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 U.S. 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 will 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, guayaba, croquetas, churros and more at a diverse range of establishments; from 5-star gourmet to holein-the wall ethnic eateries. Departure information will be emailed 3 days prior to the trip. Itineraries are subject to change. No refunds within ten business days of departure.
Miami’s South Beach Culinary & Art Deco Tour $135 / $155
Option #1 – January 28, Tue
Ft. Myers at 8am/6:30pm / Naples at 8:30am/6pm
SP7348 – Miami
Option #2 – February 25, Tue
Ft. Myers at 8am/6:30pm / Naples at 8:30am/6pm
SP7349 – Miami
Tour Leader: Val Bostrom
Join us as we experience the cultural, artistic and culinary delights of Miami’s South Beach. Our walking tour takes us on a stroll through Ocean Drive, Collins and Washington to learn about art deco history, architecture and famous locations such as the Versace mansion, Congress Hotel, Breakwater, Essex and more. As we explore, the tour stops at various eateries so you can sample delicious food 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.
Myakka Elephant Ranch Spa Enrichment Experience & Lunch at Local Winery $195 / $215
Option #1 – January 30, Thur
Naples at 8:20am/4:40pm / Ft. Myers at 9am/4pm
SP7350 – Myakka City
Option #2 – February 27, Thur Naples at 8:20am/4:40pm / Ft. Myers at 9am/4pm
SP7351 – Myakka City
Tour Leader: John Guerra (Jan) & Val Bostrom (Feb)
Meet magnificent elephants and participate in their daily care and bath time. You will learn all about these incredible animals and then enjoy a relaxing lunch at a local winery afterwards. No refunds within ten business days of departure.
Miami Millionaire’s Row™ Boat Cruise and Bayside Marketplace $135 / $155
Option #1 – February 6, Thur
Ft. Myers at 8am/6:30pm / Naples at 8:30am/6pm
SP7352 – Miami
Option #2 – March 20, Thur
Ft. Myers at 8am/6:30pm / Naples at 8:30am/6pm
SP7353 – Miami
Tour Leader – Val Bostrom
Enjoy a fully-narrated 90-minute cruise and enjoy spectacular views of Biscayne Bay, the Miami Skyline, Port of Miami, Island, Miami Beach and Millionaire’s
Row™ – the Homes of the Rich and Famous™. Soft drinks, cocktails and light snacks are available for purchase. A modern yacht offers the utmost comfort and style. Each vessel features an air-conditioned lower salon enclosed in picture windows, as well as an upper deck where you can take in the fresh ocean breeze and an awning that will protect you from direct sunlight and light seasonal showers. After the cruise, enjoy time for some lunch and shopping at the Bayside Marketplace, one of Miami’s most popular destinations. Departure information will be emailed 3 days prior to the trip. Itineraries are subject to change. No refunds within ten business days of departure.
Flagler Mansion & Gilded Age Tea Lunch $135 / $155
Ft. Myers at 7:30am/6:30pm / Naples at 8am/6pm
SP7354 – Palm Beach
Tour Leader: Val Bostrom
This tour offers participants the opportunity to visit the mansion of Henry Flagler, the man almost singlehandedly responsible for developing the East Coast of Florida. Whitehall, the 60,000 squarefoot home that he built in Palm Beach as a wedding present for his wife, was described in 1902 by the New York Herald as “more wonderful than any palace in Europe, grander and more magnificent than any other private dwelling in the world.” Included are transportation, driver gratuity, and a docent-led tour of the mansion’s first floor Lunch in on your own. Departure information will be emailed 3 days prior to the trip. Itineraries are subject to change. No refunds within 10 days of event.
Tour of Immokalee $125 / $145
February 19, Wed
Ft. Myers at 8:30am/5:30pm / Naples at 9am/5pm SP7355 – Immokalee
Tour Leader: Carlene Thissen
An all-day tour of Immokalee, including the history of the community; samples at Lali’s Mexican Bakery; Roberts Ranch Immokalee Pioneer Museum; RCMA’s beautiful historical mural; driving tour that passes by Habitat for Humanity communities and February 13, Thur
Immokalee Fair Housing Alliance; Lake Trafford Memorial Gardens where the graves are beautifully decorated in a way that seems to keep the dead alive; lunch on your own at Lozano’s restaurant; a stop at the Farmer’s Market to purchase fresh produce; a brief visit to the Guadalupe Social Services soup kitchen and then Mission Peniel Cultivate Immokalee community garden; and a quick drive through neighboring Ave Maria on the way home! Restrooms are available at locations visited. Departure information will be emailed 3 days prior to the trip. Itineraries are subject to change. No refunds within 10 business days of departure.
Italian Cuisine and Wine Pairing
Social Event at Mare Terra $85 / $95
February 20 at 4:30 – 7pm Thur SP7356 – Mare Terra Restaurant (Bonita Springs)
Make new friends and enjoy several delectable samplings of wonderful Italian appetizers at Mare Terra Restaurant in Bonita Springs. Your guide for this food and wine experience is with a sommelier who has personally chosen the wine pairings for each appetizer. Eat, laugh and be merry at the Academy’s Appetizers and Wine Pairing social event! No refunds within 7 business days of event.
Miami’s Wynwood Artistic, Culinary and Cultural Tour $135 / $155
February 20, Thur Ft. Myers at 9am/6:30pm / Naples at 9:30am/6pm SP7357 – Miami
Tour Leader: Val Bostrom
Join us as we experience the cultural, artistic and culinary delights of Miami’s Wynwood district. Enjoy mouthwatering dishes from some of the top restaurants in the neighborhood. Leave the tour with a much greater appreciation and understanding of artists such as RETNA, Ron English, Aiko, NUNCA and many more. Eat your way through the neighborhood while stopping at our favorite restaurants in one of the largest open-air art museums in the world. Included are transportation, driver’s gratuity and a 2.5 hour guided tour including various food samples along the way. Departure information will be emailed 3 days prior to the trip. Itineraries are subject to change. No refunds within 10 business days of departure.
Wine Tasting Event: California, Here I Come
Four Wine Varietals $55 / $65
February 25 at 4 – 6pm
SP7721 – Naples Center (Naples)
Speaker: Jerry Greenfield
California produces over 80% of American wines, and this lecture will introduce you to the major winegrowing regions, plus samples of four major grape varieties grown throughout the state. As we sample, we’ll enjoy small bites that will help you understand the basics of food and wine pairing. We’ll learn how to read a wine label, and also learn the professional “5-S” approach to sampling wine. This process will help you appreciate the wines you enjoy even more.
Vizcaya
Museum Tour with Lunch $135 / $155
March 5, Wed
Ft. Myers at 7:30am/6:30pm / Naples at 8am/6pm
SP7358 – Miami
Tour Leader: Val Bostrom
Vizcaya was created as James Deering’s subtropical winter home in the 1910s and today it is a National Historic Landmark and accredited museum. Vizcaya is beautiful and serene. It is also a place of intellectual stimulation, compelling us to consider the relationships between native and foreign, old and new and natural and designed. Vizcaya has been described as “the finest private house ever built in America,” “a jewel among Miami’s skyscrapers and subdivisions” and “some Noah’s Ark of decorative arts” with its exteriors offering the “manic tranquility of the great European folly gardens.” Included are transportation, driver’s gratuity and a docent-led tour of portions of the collection. A box lunch is also included. Departure information will be emailed 3 days prior to the trip. Itineraries are subject to change. No refunds within 10 business days of departure.
Miami Design District Art & Food Tour $135 / $155
March 11, Tue
Ft. Myers at 9am/6:30pm / Naples at 9:30am/6pm
SP7359 – Miami
Tour Leader: Val Bostrom
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 cuttingedge design, monumental art installations, and a diverse selection of cuisine that celebrates the Design District’s fusion of creativity and flavor. Enjoy mouthwatering 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 subject to change. No refunds within 10 business days of departure.
The Dali Museum in St. Petersburg $135 / $155 March 27, Thur Naples at 8am/6:30pm / Ft. Myers at 8:30am/6pm SP7360 – St. Petersburg Tour Leader: Val Bostrom
Our private, docent-led tour will take us through the highlights of the permanent collection as well as a brand-new exhibition, the subversive eye: surrealist and experimental photography from the David Raymond collection, which explores how Surrealists and the experimental photographers they inspired, became a mechanism for discovering visual poetry, and seeing the world in a new way. Our tour includes round-trip motor coach transportation, driver’s 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.
MODERATED DISCUSSION GROUPS
Current Events Discussion Group
(2-part monthly series) $46 / $56
Option #1 – January 16, 23 at 10 – 11:30am NC7361 – Naples Center
OL7362 – Online via Zoom
Option #2 – February 13, 27 at 10 – 11:30am NC7363 – Naples Center
OL7364 – Online via Zoom
Option #3 – March 13, 27 at 10 – 11:30am, NC7365 – Naples Center
OL7366 – Online via Zoom
Option #4 – April 10, 24 at 10 – 11:30am NC7367 – Naples Center
OL7368 – Online via Zoom
Option #5 – May 8, 22 at 10 – 11:30am
NC7369 – Naples Center
OL7370 – Online via Zoom
Moderator: John Guerra
In a globalized world, crucial and important topics rise and fall daily. Ripped from the headlines, this program offers the opportunity for substantive discourse on the issues and stories shaping local, national and world events. Our goal is to build consensus, unity and identify practical solutions. Join neighbors, friends and peers, in-person or online, in this interactive, thoughtprovoking and engaging discussion group. We strive to offer a constructive and respectful forum where conservatives and liberals alike can comfortably and openly share their viewpoints and opinions. Each week participants receive articles for discussion and, where appropriate, videos are shown to help further our dialog. The best discussions arise from a group of diverse individuals offering their personal viewpoints and perspectives informed by their unique life experiences. Together with your opinions and ideas, bring your listening and critical thinking skills.
Great Decisions (8-part series) $100 / $125
Feb 4, 11, 18, 25, March 4, 11, 18, 25 at 10 – 12pm
NC7085 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7086 – Online via Zoom
Moderator: John Guerra
Participants must register for the entire series (NC7085 or OL7086). The fee above includes the Great Decisions Briefing Book necessary for class. Great Decisions is America’s largest discussion program on world affairs. The program model involves reading the Great Decisions Briefing Book, watching the DVD and meeting in a discussion group to discuss the most critical global issues facing America today. Basic preparation for each session includes reading the information provided in the briefing prior to the class and watching the video segment prior to our discussion. Mailing of the Great Decisions Briefing Book will require an additional postage fee.
American Foreign Policy at a Crossroads
This chapter will explore the contours of the U.S. foreign policy debate as it plays out in a world of multiple and escalating crises and domestic polarization.
U.S. Changing Leadership of the World Economy
What are America’s options and opportunities as a leader of the world economy? How will America’s “foreign policy for the middle class” and strategic competition with China impact its leadership role?
How can the postwar rules and institutions of the world economy be made safe for economic nationalism and great power competition?
U.S. – China Relations
Washington’s relations with Beijing have reached an ominous low ebb. Both American political parties have identified China as the country’s preeminent geopolitical challenger and, in the eyes of many, a systemic threat. What is driving this deterioration of Sino-American relations, and what are America’s strategic options in the face of Chinese power and ambition?
International Cooperation on Climate Change
The 2015 Paris Agreement established a UNsponsored framework for negotiations on climate change and global warming. What is the future of these efforts, and what have they yielded? What is the U.S. role in fostering cooperation on climate change? In a divided country, what are the possible futures for American policy leadership?
The Future of NATO and European Security
European security is more uncertain than it has been for decades. Putin’s Russia has launched a war with Ukraine on its doorstep, and America’s uncertain role as leader of What are Europe’s options, and how might developments on both sides of Western Europe – in Ukraine and across the Atlantic – impact its choices? What are America’s stakes in NATO and Europe’s strategic dilemmas?
AI and American National Security
The AI revolution is the leading edge of a larger high-tech revolution which promises to transform the world. Experts argue that international cooperation is needed to expand the opportunities these new technologies hold while protecting societies from their dangers. What are the key policy debates in this area, and what are the opportunities and limits on global AI rules of the road? How will the AI revolution impact American national security?
India: China, the West, and the Global South
India is an emerging major power in world affairs, occupying a pivotal position between China, the United States, and the Global South. What are India’s choices and opportunities for regional and global leadership? How will it maneuver between China and the United States, and what is its role as a voice of the Global South? What opportunities exist for Washington to work with India?
After Gaza: American Policy in the Middle East
The war in Gaza has brought the region to a crossroads. What are the possible outcomes of the war, and how might the United States use its influence to shape a long-term settlement that leaves both Israel and the Palestinians in a better position? How might Arab states in the wider region be brought into a settlement? What are America’s interests in the Middle East and how can it advance them?
E COLOGY & E NVIRONMENT
Nuclear Power: The Essential Component in a Strategy to Mitigate Climate Change $27 / $32
Option #1 – February 17 at 1:30 – 3pm, Mon NC7371 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7372 – Online via Zoom
Option #2 – March 3 at 2 – 3:30pm, Mon BB7373 – Bonita Bay (Bonita Springs)
Option #3 – March 6 at 4 – 5:30pm, Thur GR7374 – Grey Oaks Country Club (So. Naples)
Speaker: Dr. John Yasinsky
This lecture covers the history of the development of commercial nuclear power, its current status, and its unique role in reducing climate change. Nuclear power plants produce electricity 24/7 with no greenhouse gas emissions. The most likely scenarios for the future regrowth of nuclear power as the preferred electrical generation and process heat source are presented, as is a recommended strategy for achieving a future where nuclear power plus renewable energy sources replace greenhouse gas emitting fossil fuels.
Clean Hydrogen: Why We Need It and Does It Have a Future? $27 / $32
February 24 at 1:30 – 3pm, Mon NC7375 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7376 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Dr. John Yasinsky
With the global campaign to reduce man-made greenhouse gases, renewable energy, such as solar and wind power, and nuclear power, together, can minimize the use of fossil fuels, but cannot eliminate their use. The remaining hard-to-decarbonize industries will require hydrogen to replace fossil fuels. The challenge is to produce abundant quantities of hydrogen at low cost, with no residual greenhouse gas emissions. Can this be achieved?
F INANCE & I NVESTING
Digital Currencies: The Future of Money $27 / $32
Option #1 – February 3 at 2 – 3:30pm, Mon BB7377 – Bonita Bay (Bonita Springs)
Option #2 – February 26 at 10 – 11:30am, Wed NC7378 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7379 – Online via Zoom
Option #3 – April 23 at 10 – 11:30am, Wed MP7380 – Moorings Park Orig. Campus (Naples)
Option #4 – May 15 at 10 – 11:30am, Thur BV7381 – Bentley Village (North Naples)
Speaker: Thomas Consiglio
Income Taxes – Understanding the Necessary Evil We All Deal With $27
/ $32
March 5 at 1:30 – 3pm, Wed NC7715 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7716 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Roger Upton
The way we use money will go through a radical transformation within the next decade. Most monetary transactions will be digital. This lecture is designed to help beginners understand digital currencies and how they will be used in the future. We discuss the characteristics of money, the creation of money in our current monetary system and the future migration to digital money using blockchain technology. We also dive deeper into the crypto ecosystem and discuss some of the various categories/roles of digital assets.
Maximizing Social Security Benefits $27 / $32
February 24 at 10 – 11:30am, Mon NC7382 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7383 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Aaron Skloff
Social Security is an important source of retirement income for most Americans. Yet determining how benefits are calculated and when to receive benefits can create a windfall or cost you dearly. Learn how benefits differ for individuals, couples, surviving spouses and former spouses. Learn about the Government Pension Offset (GPO) and Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP). Learn if and how benefits are taxed. Also learn how benefits and other sources of income affect Medicare Part B premiums surcharges – and how to avoid them.
Every year, we all have to deal with income taxes. In this lecture, we will help you understand income taxes from a different perspective – including a brief history of taxes, why you should not always focus on your tax rate, which taxpayer group carries our national tax burden, and what happens when you mix politics and income taxes together. You will learn interesting facts to share with your friends, some of the social engineering that takes place in our tax system, why everything you hear in media regarding taxes is not correct, and what the approach the new administration may take towards our the tax system.
Long Term Care Insurance: Protecting Your Independence $27 / $32
March 10 at 10 – 11:30am, Mon
NC7384 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7385 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Aaron Skloff
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 independence, including the Florida Partnership for LTC to protect assets away from Medicaid. Participants will learn about the financial assistance that is available and how to evaluate an LTC policy. We will discuss common mistakes people make with LTC insurance policies and how to avoid them.
Financial Strategies for Estate Planning $27 / $32
March 24 at 10 – 11:30am, Mon
NC7386 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7387 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Aaron Skloff
Learn about the 2025 federal estate laws. You will come away learning the realities of planning for a secure financial future. You will also learn how to extend your assets throughout your life, pass assets to your spouse without paying taxes, maximize the amount of your estate that goes to your heirs, and protect your family in the event of an unexpected passing or illness. You will learn the pros and cons of tax advantaged savings vehicles, including 401(k)s, 403(b)s, 529s, IRAs, Stretch IRAs laws and annuities.
F ILM H ISTORY & M OVIES
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About the Major Motion Picture Industry $27 / $32
Option #1 – February 19 at 1:30 – 3pm, Wed NC7388 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7389 – Online via Zoom
Option #2 – March 3 at 2 – 3:30pm, Mon AG7390 – Aston Gardens at Pelican Marsh (NE Naples)
Option #3 – March 13 at 10 – 11:30am, Thur BV7391 – Bentley Village (North Naples)
Speaker: Michael Baumohl
Join a 30-year industry veteran and Member of the Motion Picture Academy of Arts and Science as he discusses the ins-and-outs of the major motion picture industry. How do the major studios operate and how are independent films financed? What is the role of a producer and how are films created, cast, produced, marketed and sold in the US and Internationally? What is the future of motion pictures with theaters closing and Artificial Intelligence on the horizon.
F ILM D ISCUSSION S ERIES
International Film and Documentary Discussion Series (9 Films) $100 / $125 Donation
January 12, 26, February 9, 23, March 9, 23
April 13, 27, May 4 at 2pm, Sundays NC7392 – Naples Center (Naples)
Moderator: John Guerra
Pre-registration is strongly advised. Participants may register for the series (NC7392) or for any of the individual films below. Join fellow film lovers as we watch and discuss films from around the world. Award winning, thought provoking, heart pounding and life changing cinema that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
As It is In Heaven $12 / $15 Donation
January 12 at 2pm, Sunday NC7393 – Naples Center (Naples)
A famous international conductor returns to his small childhood town in Sweden for early retirement. He’s asked to help with the church choir after which everyone’s lives will be forever changed. (Drama, Sweden, 2004, Not Rated, 133 mins)
Masaan $12 / $15 Donation
January 26 at 2pm, Sunday
NC7394 – Naples Center (Naples)
Along India’s Ganges River, four people face prejudice, a strict moral code and a punishing caste system as they confront personal tragedies. (Drama, India/France, 2015, Not Rated, 109 min)
Departures $12 / $15 Donation
February 9 at 2pm, Sunday
NC7395 – Naples Center (Naples)
Soon after buying an expensive cello, Daigo learns that his orchestra is disbanding. He moves back to his hometown with his wife, where he answers an ad for what Daigo thinks is a travel agency but is, in actuality, a mortuary. (Drama, Japan, 2008, PG-13, 130 mins)
20 Days in Mariupol $12 / $15 Donation
February 23 at 2pm, Sunday
NC7396 – Naples Center (Naples)
As the Russian invasion begins, a team of Ukrainian journalists trapped in the besieged city of Mariupol struggle to continue their work documenting the war’s atrocities. (Documentary, Ukraine, 2023, Not Rated, 94 min)
The Quiet Girl $12 / $15 Donation
March 9 at 2pm, Sunday
NC7397 – Naples Center (Naples)
In rural Ireland, nine-year-old Cait is sent away from her overcrowded, dysfunctional family to live with foster parents for the summer. Quietly struggling at school and at home, she has learned to hide in plain sight from those around her. (Drama, Ireland, 2022, PG-13, 94 min)
Le Passé $12 / $15 Donation
March 23 at 2pm, Sunday
NC7398 – Naples Center (Naples)
An Iranian man returns to France to finalize his divorce and finds that his wife has a new lover. (Drama, France, 2013, PG-13, 130 min)
American Factory $12 / $15 Donation
April 13 at 2pm, Sunday
NC7399 – Naples Center (Naples)
In post-industrial Ohio, a Chinese billionaire opens a new factory in the husk of an abandoned General Motors plant. Early days of hope and optimism give way to setbacks as high-tech China clashes with working-class America. (Documentary, USA, 2019, G, 109 min)
From Time to Time $12 / $15 Donation
April 27 at 2pm, Sunday NC7400 – Naples Center (Naples)
Tolly, a 13-year-old teenager staying with his grandmother at the end of World War II, discovers he can travel back in time as a ghost, and helps his ancestors solve a mystery. (Drama, UK, 2009, PG, 95 min)
The Handmaiden $12 / $15 Donation
May 4 at 2pm, Sunday NC7401 – Naples Center (Naples)
With help from an orphaned pickpocket, a Korean con man devises an elaborate plot to seduce and bilk a Japanese woman out of her inheritance. (Drama, UK, 2009, PG, 95 min)
F OREIGN L ANGUAGES
5-Week French Crash Course for Beginners
$110 / $130
Feb 17, 24, March 3, 10, 17 at 10 – 11:30am, Mondays NC7402 – Naples Center (Naples)
Speaker: Nancy Maxwell
Let’s start from the very beginning! This course is for people who have no experience with French, but who would like to start building a foundation and become familiar with the practical, everyday usage of the language. It is appropriate for travelers, students or anyone else who is interested in learning the language. We also explore aspects of French culture and history for those considering a visit to France.
Students will need to purchase this text – French Made Easy Level 1: An Easy Step-By-Step Approach to Learn French for Beginners by Lingo Mastery prior to the start of class.
5-Week Spanish Crash Course for Beginners
$110 / $130
Feb 20, 27, March 6, 13, 20 at 10 – 12pm, Thursdays
NC7403 – Naples Center (Naples)
Speaker: Courtney Lanute
This course focuses on common, useful topics like greetings, polite words/phrases, travel vocabulary, days of the week, months of the year, numbers, frequently used words and questions, and more. It is appropriate for travelers, students or anyone else who is interested in learning the language. Emphasis is on pronunciation, conversational skills, and vocabulary.
G ARDENING
Ikebana: The Art of Japanese Floral Arrangement $27 / $32
Option #1 – March 6 at 1:30 – 3pm, Thur NC7404 – Naples Center (Naples)
Option #2 – May 12 at 1:30 – 3pm, Mon BV7405 – Bentley Village (North Naples)
Speaker: Loris Dallal
Ikebana represents the elements of heaven, earth and man, working in harmony. This elegant art is achieved by using flowers, branches, rocks and other natural materials to create beauty. This live demonstration will show you how to bring your love of nature into the home. In experiencing the interrelationship between oneself and the outer world, it becomes another avenue of connecting with the beauty of nature. Not merely flower arranging, Ikebana is an art to portray the life of the universe.
Beautiful, Flowering Orchids: How to Make Yours Thrive and Grow! $27 / $32
Option #1 – February 27 at 1:30 – 3pm, Thur
NC7711 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7712 – Online via Zoom
Option #2 – April 7 at 2 – 3:30pm, Mon
BB7406 – Bonita Bay (Bonita Springs)
Speaker: Gayle Dorio
Taught by a member of the Naples Orchid Society, this lecture shares interesting facts on how to grow and flower the orchids you love. Our focus is on the popular Phalaenopsis, Cattleyas and Dendrobium orchids. Learn the best way to care for these orchids and get more flowers.
HEALTH, MEDICINE & WELLNESS
Balance University: Improve Balance, Posture and Flexibility (3-part monthly series) $45 / $55
Option #1 – Jan 10, 17, 24 at 9 – 10am, Fridays
NC7409 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7410 – Online via Zoom
Option #2 – Feb 7, 14, 21 at 9 – 10am, Fridays
NC7411 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7412 – Online via Zoom
Option #3 – March 7, 14, 21 at 9 – 10am, Fridays
NC7413 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7414 – Online via Zoom
Option #4 – April 4, 11, 18 at 9 – 10am, Fridays
NC7415 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7416 – Online via Zoom
Option #5 – May 2, 9, 16 at 9 – 10am, Fridays NC7417 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7418 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Chris Williams
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.
Yoga Nidra Meditation: Become Relaxed and Serene (3-part monthly series) $45 / $55
Option #1 – Jan 21, 28, Feb 4 at 9 – 10am, Tuesdays OL7419 – Online via Zoom
Option #2 – Feb 11, 18, 25 at 9 – 10am, Tuesdays
OL7420 – Online via Zoom
Option #3 – March 4, 11, 18 at 9 – 10am, Tuesdays
OL7421 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Jane Carroo
From the comfort and peace of your own home, calm and reset your body and mind through the practice of Yoga Nidra Meditation. Yoga Nidra is the easiest form of meditation. We may begin with some gentle stretching and breathing, then ease into an ancient sleep-based meditation that is very relaxing. People feel refreshed and their energy is recharged afterwards. Each session is equivalent to 3 hours of deep sleep. Participants can sit in a chair, lie down on a sofa or yoga mat with a blanket.
Optimizing Health Through Proper Sleep $27 / $32
January 29 at 1 – 2:30pm, Wed UC7422 – United Church of Marco Island
Speaker: Dr. Robert Sorenson
Learn about the impact of proper sleep on overall health. In this lecture, we dive into the science behind sleep’s influence on physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Uncover the latest research on sleep stages, circadian rhythms, and their roles in restorative rest and daily performance. Learn practical strategies to improve sleep quality and establish healthy sleep habits that can improve wellbeing.
Arthritis: Why Me? $27 / $32
Option #1– February 12 at 1 – 2:30pm, Wed UC7423 – United Church of Marco Island
Option #2– February 19 at 10 – 11:30am, Wed NC7424 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7425 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Dr. Marwan Wehbe
Arthritis affects every one of us, and possibly every animal, to some degree. There are more than 100 types of arthritis, but just three of them affect over 20% of the population. Some of them are crippling, but they do not have to be. This lecture explores the various types of arthritis, their etiology, and various forms of treatment available.
The A to Zzz’s of Sleep Health $30 / $35
February 17 at 2 – 4pm, Mon
AG7426– Aston Gardens at Pelican Marsh (NE Naples)
Speaker: Dr. Cathy Rosenbaum
Are you one of the millions of Americans who don’t get enough restorative sleep on a regular basis? Do you want to learn about how to address the causes of your insomnia and experience the deep healing sleep you long for? At the end of the presentation attendees will be able to identify the stages of the sleep cycle, common causes of insomnia, and the pros/cons of various Rx/ OTC medications, dietary supplements, and lifestyle choices to improve sleep.
Memory Health: Even Elephants
Forget Sometimes! $30 / $35
February 20 at 10 – 12pm, Thur
BV7427 – Bentley Village (North Naples)
Speaker: Dr. Cathy Rosenbaum
Imagine struggling to recall a cherished friend’s name or a favorite vacation. Memory shapes our identity and guides our future. This lecture offers important and valuable insights and information into the irreversible and reversible causes of memory loss. Dr. Rosenbaum will review various medication classes that can contribute to memory loss as well as the
pros and cons of prescription and over-the-counter medications, dietary supplements and integrative lifestyle choices which can improve cognition.
Exercise and Healthy Aging: Remaining Fit for Life $27 / $32
February 25 at 1:30 – 3pm, Tue NC7428 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7429 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Rick Kline
This session offers a how-to guide on remaining vibrant, active and healthy for those of the Baby Boomer generation. In this session, we will discuss evidence-based health and fitness practices which support the health, mobility and well-being of older adults. A practical, holistic approach to health and fitness is discussed, with attendees provided readyto-use tools to begin a sustainable health and fitness lifestyle. A holistic approach to actively aging is presented, with a discussion of the relationship between fitness, nutrition and emotional health. For those who wish to practice the recommended exercises during the final part of class (participation is optional), please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and supportive footwear.
Positive Aging – Mindset & Strategies $27 / $32
March 6 at 10 – 11:30am, Thur BV7589 – Bentley Village (North Naples)
Speaker: Dr. Thomas Felke
Research shows that holding a positive mindset on aging can lead to greater life expectancy. However, it is also recognized that just holding a positive mindset is not enough. Individuals need to be supported in various areas to be successful in this endeavor. This session will explore the research and strategies around positive aging to provide individuals with ideas on how to support a positive aging mindset.
Memory Institute: Train Your Brain to Retain
$27 / $32
March 12 at 1:30 – 3pm, Wed NC7430 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7431 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Dr. Lawrence Crouch
Have you ever experienced a moment of memory lapse? Have you ever misplaced your car keys or experienced that “tip of the tongue” feeling when trying to remember someone’s name? We can improve that! First, we will discuss what memory is and how it works. Then, we will explore memory
techniques that apply to real life situations so you can remember what you did in the past, put names to faces, remember lists and other important things you need to do.
HISTORY, LAW & GOVERNMENT
Jewish Avengers: Nazi Executioners $27 / $32
January 6 at 1:30 – 3pm, Mon
BV7432 – Bentley Village (North Naples)
Speaker: Thomas Eastwood
The Nazi military may have been formidable, but many Jews did not simply “go like lambs to the slaughter.” They resisted with sabotage, ghetto uprisings, escape, camp revolts and armed guerrilla fighting. After the war some sought restitution. Topics include: Jewish resistance; Jewish groups who targeted Nazi war criminals during and after WWII; Israeli assassinations; the Dachau liberation “reprisals;” war crime tribunals; if the Allies did enough to help the Jews; and the MV St. Louis.
The Rosenberg Trial $27 / $32
January 9 at 10 – 11:30am, Thur
BV7433 – Bentley Village (North Naples)
Speaker: Neil Adelman
J. Edgar Hoover called the spy trial of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg “the trial of the century” even though the century was only half over. The trial of accused atomic bomb spies helped usher in the McCarthy era. Their scheduled execution caused worldwide protests. Were they guilty? Should they have been executed? Facts learned years later shed new light on their convictions and death sentences, particularly that of Ethel Rosenberg.
House of Hanover: The German Kings Who
Ruled Britain (4-part series) $70 / $85
Jan 14, Feb 11, March 18, April 17 at 4:30 – 6pm
WC7434 – Wyndemere Country Club (SE Naples)
Speaker: Nancy Maxwell
Participants may register for the series (WC7434) or for any of the individual lectures below. Some 2000 years ago, the poet Horace warned the Roman emperor that great men cannot be guaranteed to beget great sons. Heredity can be a risky tool for a dynasty! That was certainly the case for the Hanoverian rulers of England! George III, probably the most principled (and misunderstood) of the lot, was followed by an extraordinarily self-indulgent
son whose excesses brought about the constrained Victorian era in reaction. But that didn’t last either. Rightly or wrongly, the future Edward VIII nearly brought down the monarchy in his relentless pursuit of Wallis Simpson. Was it their genes? Was it their characters? Whatever the verdict, the German kings and queens who ruled Britain in the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries could never be described as predictable
King George III $27 / $32
January 14 at 4:30 – 6pm, Tue WC7435 – Wyndemere Country Club (SE Naples)
To many Americans, he is Mad King George, the tyrannical English king whose despotic ways pushed the colonists to revolution. To the English, he was Farmer George, a stubborn, plodding ruler who obstructed his parliament and blocked progress. Both assessments are incomplete, and his unfortunate mental collapse was a family tragedy. There was much more to the life of this very civilized, cultured, and moral man.
The Regency and King George IV $27 / $32
February 11 at 4:30 – 6pm, Tue WC7436 – Wyndemere Country Club (SE Naples)
Like father, like son? Not in this case! George III, rigidly disciplined and principled, did his best to raise similarly conscientious sons, but no one could harness his firstborn, the wayward, profligate Prince of Wales, whose disreputable life threatened the very survival of the monarchy. Yet as George III’s sanity collapsed, the English had no choice but to establish the prince as regent in his father’s place. What was the Prince Regent, the future George IV really like? His life is a tale of family friction, loyalty, exuberance, patronage, pettiness, and generosity – not to mention scandal!
Queen Victoria: Grandmother of Europe $27 / $32
March 18 at 4:30 – 6pm, Tue WC7437 – Wyndemere Country Club (SE Naples)
A match maker extraordinaire! Her own marriage had been blissfully happy, but Victoria didn’t seem to worry too much about the feelings of her own children. While chiding them about duty and obligation, she set them up with “appropriate” matches throughout Europe. A German prince here, a Russian duchess there – it was all part of the plan for the family, which would, to her mind, also guarantee the stability of the empire. How
ironic that the rules did not always apply in her own life. Victoria dangerously neglected her own duties as queen and broke her own rules in her relationship with her Scottish servant. Let’s explore the life and family of this very human, grandmotherly queen, whose grandsons ended up at war with each other.
Love And Treachery: Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson $27 / $32
April 17 at 4:30 – 6pm, Thur WC7438 – Wyndemere Country Club (SE Naples)
King Edward VIII relinquished the English throne and left his country to marry Wallis Simpson, an American divorcee. Forbidden to enter England, they spent their lives in ./exile. Surely this is a love story for the ages! But was it? Did Wallis even like Edward? Was Edward a loyal Englishman? Close examinations and new evidence reveal a different picture.
The Spanish Armada: A Magnificent Myth $27 / $32
January 20 at 10 – 11:30am, Mon BG7439 – Naples Botanical Gardens (SE Naples)
Speaker: Nancy Maxwell
What a sight to behold! Hundreds of Spanish ships coursing their way up the coast of Europe towards England. The two countries had been on a collision course for decades, and now, in 1588, they were headed for a showdown. Spanish wealth and power, as everyone knew (or thought they knew) was unlimited, and the Armada was supposed to be invincible. To everyone’s surprise, the English survived, and the myths that began around that event continue to this day. This lecture examines the facts and the fiction of this fateful battle between Spain and England.
America’s Great Book Giveaway: The Armed Services Editions $27 / $32
Option #1 – January 20 at 2 – 3:30pm, Mon AG7440 – Aston Gardens at Pelican Marsh (NE Naples)
Option #2 – February 19 at 10 – 11:30am, Wed MP7441 – Moorings Park Orig. Campus (Naples)
Speaker: Jeffrey Margolis
During World War II, the U.S. government along with the publishing industry devised a monumental program to get millions of paperback books into the hands of GIs overseas. The Armed Services Editions were more than just best-selling books,
they were companions, confidants and a means of escape from those facing the perils of combat. This lecture examines the efforts of Uncle Sam to provide information and entertainment for servicemen and women during the war. Attendees are invited to bring copies of Armed Services Editions they may have to share.
The Failure of Israeli Intelligence in the Hamas Terrorist Attacks: What Went Wrong? $27 / $32
Option #1 – January 20 at 3:30 – 5pm, Mon TE7442 – TwinEagles (Northeast Naples)
Option #2 – January 30 at 10 – 11:30am, Thur FG7443 – FGCU Campus, Bldg. AB9 (Ft. Myers)
Option #3 – February 26 at 1:30 – 3pm, Wed NC7444 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7445 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Thomas Eastwood
Join a former counterintelligence officer in a discussion of the Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel. How did Israel (and the U.S.) fail to predict the attack? Israel has some of the best intelligence and border security policies of any nation in the world. Was it a failure to collect the clues or were warnings misinterpreted or ignored? This lecture discusses intelligence and military gaffes, not politics. We also examine the structure and history of Israeli intelligence.
World’s Greatest Army: War Machine of Rome $27 / $32
Option #1 – January 22 at 10 – 11:30am, Wed NC7446 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7447 – Online via Zoom
Option #2 – April 14 at 10 – 11:30am, Mon MP7448 – Moorings Park Orig. Campus (Naples)
Speaker: Gabriella Miyamoto
This lecture offers a brief introduction to the army of the Roman Empire and the type of warfare it waged during the High and Late Imperial periods. The infantry legions were always the predominant Roman troops, responsible for the Empire’s conquests at its height and for the ongoing protection of its borders, and we will review the evolution of their weapons and armor, as well as the development of Roman cavalry, artillery and siege craft. The lecture concludes with an overview of the increasing “Germanic barbarization” of the Roman Army in the late 4th and 5th centuries that preceded the fall of the Empire in the west.
Five Eyes: Global Espionage, Eavesdropping and the Collection of Communications Intelligence $27 / $32
January 22 at 1:30 – 3pm, Wed CO7449 – The Collaboratory (Ft. Myers)
Speaker: Thomas Eastwood
Since World War II, the U.S. and U.K. have had an alliance to jointly collect and share communications intelligence. That agreement has expanded to include other types of intelligence. It also grew to include Australia, Canada and New Zealand and became Five Eyes. It is the most effective intelligence alliance in history. Join us for a fascinating introduction into the world of signals, intelligence and global eavesdropping.
Churchill’s Secret Army $27 / $32
January 23 at 10:30 – 12pm, Thur CL7450 – Carlisle of Naples (Northeast Naples)
Speaker: Thomas Eastwood
Churchill created a special intelligence agency to set occupied Europe “ablaze” using “ungentlemanly” tactics. His inspiration came, in part, from the Irish Republican Army which waged a guerrilla campaign against British rule. The Special Operations Executive (SOE) engaged in espionage, sabotage, assassination, reconnaissance and, along with the American OSS, supported resistance movements. SOE ran a spy school, Camp X, in Canada where OSS agents were trained in “murder and mayhem.” Many were women.
Russian
Intelligence and Spycraft $27 / $32
January 23 at 1:30 – 3pm, Thur NC7451 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7452 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Thomas Eastwood
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.
A Republic If You Can Keep It: America at a Crossroads $27 / $32
Option #1 – January 27 at 10 – 11:30am, Mon MP7453 – Moorings Park Orig. Campus (Naples)
Option #2 – January 29 at 10:30 – 12pm, Wed NC7454 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7455 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Jeffrey Steinberg
With so much attention and angst focused on the 2024 presidential election and concerns about the continued viability of our system of government, this lecture looks back on the Constitutional convention, the ratification debate, and the amendments to give historical context to the current situation.
Roots of the Israel-Palestine Conflict $27 / $32
Option #1 – January 28 at 10:30 – 12pm, Tue NC7456 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7457 – Online via Zoom
Option #2 – February 25 at 3:30 – 5pm, Tue SL7458 – Siena Lakes (Northeast Naples)
Speaker: Jeffrey Steinberg
The Israel-Palestine conflict is complex and defies simple explanations. It has Biblical dimensions that most other conflicts do not have. The immediate roots of the conflict go back to the post-World War II period and the partitioning of Palestine. Later it became part of the Cold War contest between the West and the Soviet Union and was nearly resolved when the Oslo Accords came close to creating a long-sought twostate solution. With the 1995 assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin by a Jewish extremist, the brief window of opportunity shut and gave way to further conflict. This lecture touches upon all these critical moments and offers some prospects of what may follow.
Russian/American Paradox $27 / $32
January 29 at 1:30 – 3pm, Wed NC7459 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7460 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Jeffrey Steinberg
The U.S. and Russia have engaged in diplomatic and economic cooperation since the time of the American
Revolution. Those ties extended through World War II, the Cold War and beyond. This lecture delves into this paradoxical relationship and implications for current global affairs.
Road to Catastrophe: The Roots of the Great War 1914-1918 $27 / $32
January 31 at 10 – 11:30am, Fri
NC7461 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7462 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Steven Valdespino
In August 1914, “The War to End All Wars” began in Europe, a tragedy which shattered illusions of progress and sowed the seeds for even more horrors to come. When it was finally over, 17 million were dead, 22 million wounded, countless numbers displaced, four empires destroyed and the map of Europe redrawn. This lecture explores the origins of that mighty conflict which began in the Balkans and quickly escalated to a global scale. Many of the 20th century’s major problems trace their roots to WW I, from Communism and Fascism to The Depression and Middle East tensions.
World War II America: 1940-1945 $27 / $32
February 3 at 1:30 –3pm, Mon
CL7463 – Carlisle of Naples (Northeast Naples)
Speaker: Steven Valdespino
An audio-visual tribute celebrating “The Greatest Generation” on the Home Front during the war years 1940-1945 Experience the world of your parents and grandparents during one of the darkest periods of the modern era Lots of wonderful memorabilia and history including Hollywood, music and dance, popular culture and, of course, war news.
William the Conqueror $27 / $32
February 3 at 1:30 –3pm, Mon
BV7464 – Bentley Village (North Naples)
Speaker: Ken Nesbitt
One of the most significant events in European history is the conquest of England by Duke William of Normandy. King Edward the Confessor of England died with no clear successor, and this set the stage for a war between three contenders to determine who would be the next king. Duke William claimed the English throne through birthright, and the powerful English Earl Harold Godwinson, claimed King Harold had named him as his successor. William quickly decided to settle the matter by force. The invasion of England by Duke William and his combined Norman
and French army in 1066, resulted in the Battle of Hastings, and spelled the end of Anglo-Saxon dominance of England. The Norman Conquest also sets the stage for centuries of further conflict between England and France.
The Alger Hiss Trial $27 / $32
February 4 at 3:30 – 5pm, Tue SL7465 – Siena Lakes (Northeast Naples)
Speaker: Neil Adelman
Alger Hiss, a former highly regarded State Department official was accused first of being a Communist, and then a Soviet spy. His accuser, Whittaker Chambers was an admitted Communist and a spy. Hiss’s subsequent trial and conviction for perjury shocked the nation. The confrontation between Chambers and Hiss contributed to a polarization of the political left and political right. Some historians have traced the birth of the modern conservative movement to the Hiss – Chambers affair. And it brought Richard Nixon, a little known first term Congressman, to national prominence.
America in the 1920’s $27 / $32
February 5 at 10 – 11:30am, Wed MP7467 – Moorings Park Orig. Campus (Naples)
Speaker: Steven Valdespino
Great Grandma might have been a Hottie! The 1920s: What a decade! Prohibition, Bootleggers, Jazz, Flappers, Speakeasies, Automobiles, Literature, Sports, Film, Radio and more. The era also encompassed a schizophrenic quality rife with tension: Progressive vs Reactionary; Modernism vs Nostalgia. Period music and sound effects galore in this exciting audio-visual presentation.
Monastic Ireland: A Gift of the Nile $27 / $32
February 5 at 1:30 – 3pm, Wed NC7468 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7469 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Alf Monaghan
This illustrated lecture looks at the history of early Irish Christianity from a different perspective - a Mediterranean perspective. It provides a tantalizing glimpse under the veil of history. It asks many questions and confounds some of the accepted theories about the history of early Christianity in Ireland. It traces links with ancient Egypt, connects Irish monasticism with the Desert Fathers and the early Irish Church with the Egyptian Coptic Church. Recent Irish discoveries such as the Faddan More
Psalter – Egyptian papyrus found in an ancient book of psalms from a Tipperary bog – are clues pointing to a more substantial Eastern Mediterranean influence, than has been acknowledged to date.
Who Really Discovered America? $27 / $32
Option #1 – February 6 at 10 – 11:30am, Thur NC7470 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7471 – Online via Zoom
Option #2 – April 14 at 10 – 11:30am, Mon BB7472 – Bonita Bay (Bonita Springs)
Speaker: Dr. Marwan Wehbe
By traveling extensively throughout the Americas, Western Europe and the Middle East, you start wondering how we all got here. Perhaps you have heard stories about the Vikings living on our shores or was it Columbus who started the colonization of the Americas? This lecture tries to untangle the truth about the discovery of America and the colonization of this continent.
What Happened to the Parties of Lincoln and FDR? $27 / $32
February 6 at 10 – 11:30am, Thur NC7473 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7474 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Dr. Charles Kupchella
The Republican Party has changed dramatically and would no doubt be unrecognizable to conservative stalwarts such as Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt and Eisenhower – and certainly even Liz Cheney. Despite Cheney’s unquestionable conservative values and record, she was voted out of the party, making what was once a party of conservative values appear to have become a hollow personality cult. What happened? And what about a Democratic Party allowing itself to be identified with such extreme nonsense as defunding the police and giving people free stuff? Does either party have a substantive core? Are we stuck with a two-party system – and, if so, are we stuck with these two? Bring back the Whigs?
Spies & Espionage: Fact vs. Fiction $27 / $32
February 6 at 10:30 – 12pm, Thur NC7475 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7476 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Thomas Eastwood
This lecture, given by a retired federal law enforcement executive, offers a fascinating and insightful look into the motivation of spies and the techniques used to catch them. Learn how reality compares to fiction in this unique peek into the realm of espionage and counterintelligence. We take a revealing insider’s look into contemporary U.S. spies. This lecture includes unclassified but little-known information.
U.S.
POW Camps: World War
II Axis
Prisoners $27 / $32
February 6 at 1:30 – 3pm, Thur NC7477 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7478 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Thomas Eastwood
Nearly 426,000 POWs were held in 700 camps throughout the U.S. Most worked and interacted openly with local American citizens. We discuss camp conditions and locations and address little known aspects such as secret detention and interrogation camps, escapes and baseball. Topics include: prisoners; the first POWs; Allied assistance; Geneva Conventions; Camps Aliceville, Tonkawa, Tracy, Peary, Ruston, Hale, McCoy, Atterbury; Fort Hunt; internment and relocation of Japanese Americans; Dale Maple; The Richie Boys; and Florida camps.
“A Match Made in Heaven…Or Was It?” In Search of Aristocracy $27 / $32
Option #1 – February 6 at 4 – 5:30pm, Thur GR7479 – Grey Oaks Country Club (So. Naples)
Option #2 – April 28 at 4 – 5:30pm, Mon IC7480 – The Island Country Club (Marco Island)
Option #3 – May 19 at 2 – 3:30pm, Mon AG7481 – Aston Gardens at Pelican Marsh (NE Naples)
Speaker: Nancy Maxwell
In the late 19th century, fabulously wealthy American heiresses in search of acceptance into a very exclusive New York high society flocked to Europe to find more accommodating eligible bachelors. The bachelors, titled aristocrats, often in great need of cash to maintain their stately homes and lifestyles, became willing suitors. Some of these marriages survived; others were disastrous; few were what the
couples expected. This is a lively tale of the glittering world of families like the Astors, Vanderbilts and the Dukes of Marlborough and Manchester.
The Evolution of Medieval European Castles and Siege Warfare $27 / $32
February 11 at 3:30 – 5pm, Tue SL7482 – Siena Lakes (Northeast Naples)
Speaker: Gabriella Miyamoto
The European medieval stone castle, as we recognize it today, first emerged as the main form of fortified stronghold after the year 1000 AD in response to the breakdown of centralized political authority and as a sign of the growing power of local aristocrats. This lecture guides you through the evolution of castles over the centuries as the technology of warfare developed, dispels some myths about the functions of castles and what castle life was like, and introduces you to the strategies of medieval siege warfare.
Operation Werwolf – World War II Nazi Insurgency $27 / $32
February 12 at 1:30 – 3pm, Wed CC7734 – Cypress Cove (Ft. Myers)
Speaker: Thomas Eastwood
As World War II waned, the Nazis created a resistance force code named Operation Werwolf to oppose the Allies as they advanced and occupied Germany. Conceived in 1942, it was operational from October 1944 to 1947. Despite massive propaganda, it had minimal impact on the Allied occupation and inflicted increased hardship on the German people. Topics include: Himmler; SS death squads; Heydrich; Werwolf operations; Werwolf Radio; Goebbels; Hitler Youth; League of German Girls; German Bund; and Operation Blacklist – U.S. occupation of Japan.
Against All Odds: The Ordeal of Ernest Shackleton and the Crew of the Endurance
$27 / $32
Option #1 – February 13 at 10 – 11:30am, Thur NC7483 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7484 – Online via Zoom
Option #2 – March 11 at 3:30 – 5pm, Tue SL7485 – Siena Lakes (Northeast Naples)
Speaker: Steven Valdespino
One of the greatest survival stories ever told. Sir Ernest Shackleton hoped to lead the first expedition to transit Antarctica. Sadly, he would not succeed. For nearly two years, the 28 men of The Endurance were trapped in the world’s most inhospitable
environment. The tale of what they endured, and their incredible escape will be forever immortalized. Join us for this fascinating tale of human grit, courage and determination like few others you have ever heard.
The Chicago 8 Conspiracy Trial $27 / $32
Option #1 – February 13 at 10 – 11:30am, Thur BV7486 – Bentley Village (North Naples)
Option #2 – February 24 at 3:30 – 5pm, Mon TE7507 – TwinEagles (Northeast Naples)
Speaker: Neil Adelman
The anti-Vietnam War movement and the Democratic Convention brought about a violent confrontation in downtown Chicago in August 1968. Did the protesters cause it or was it a police riot? A year later the conflict moved to the courtroom as eight leaders of the protest were put on trial for conspiracy to incite a riot. The conflict in the courtroom between Judge Julius Hoffman and the defendants and their attorneys was not violent. But in some ways, it was as brutal as the confrontation on Michigan Avenue. Who was at fault?
What
Does It Really Mean When the Bible and Constitution Say…? $27 / $32
February 18 at 1:30 – 3pm, Tue NC7487 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7488 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Kent Commons
What do the Bill of Rights and the Bible really say? Words and their usage change over time. By employing an interpretive process, we use the U.S. Bill of Rights and the Bible to ascertain the meaning the original authors intended as well as how the original audience would have understood those messages.
Florida’s Book Bans, Teaching
Restrictions
and Other Limits to Freedom $27 / $32
February 18 at 1:30 – 3pm, Tue NC7489 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7490 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Dr. Charles Kupchella
Is freedom really free when freedom for some individuals limits the freedom of others? Responsibility is an antonym for freedom; how has the implied need for balance between them evolved? Where do abortion-restrictions, banning of books, governmentrestrictions on the teaching of history, vaccinerequirements, mask-requirements and other publichealth restrictions fall on the freedom/responsibility spectrum?
Julius Caesar: The Conquest of Gaul $27 / $32
February 19 at 1:30 –3pm, Wed NC7491 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7492 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Ken Nesbitt
From 58-50 BC, the Gallic Wars were a series of military campaigns waged by Rome, led by the Proconsul Julius Caesar against numerous Celtic tribes. The Roman victory resulted in the significant expansion of Roman territory over all of Gaul (Present day France and Belgium). This presentation reviews the incredible story of the Roman Republic and the rise of Julius Caesar, a remarkable Roman politician and military commander. From the Roman viewpoint, the conquest of Gaul was a huge, heroic accomplishment, and an important step in the development of a great, ancient Empire. From the Gallic perspective this was a different story!
The Creation of Germany $27 / $32
Option #1 – February 19 at 1 – 2:30pm, Wed
CO7493 – The Collaboratory (Ft. Myers)
Option #2 – March 31 at 2 – 3:30pm, Mon
BB7494 – Bonita Bay (Bonita Springs)
Speaker: Nancy Maxwell
Perhaps because of its dominant role in two world wars, it is easy to think of Germany as an old nation with a long history But Germany is a young state, less than 150 years old. The original territory was divided into myriad small holdings ruled by independent noble families and surrounded by the powerful states of Austria and France. The path to unification would be blocked by all of these Despite earlier attempts, it took the rise of Otto von Bismarck, with his cunning, wisdom and political acuity, to overcome all these obstacles and establish the German Empire
From Pumpkin Papers to Pentagon Papers: Famous Trials of the Mid-Twentieth Century (4-part series) $100 / $85
February 20, 27, March 6, 13 at 1:30 – 3pm, Thursdays
NC7495 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7496 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Neil Adelman
Participants may register for the entire series (NC7495/OL7496) or for any of the individual lectures below. A famous trial is not just a legal event. It is a window on the issues, history and culture of its time. These four lectures focus on the Cold War through the trials of accused spies Alger Hiss and Julius and
Ethel Rosenberg. Then we explore the Vietnam War period with the tumultuous trial of The Chicago 8 and the Pentagon Papers case together with the related trial of Daniel Ellsberg.
The Alger Hiss Trial $27 / $32
February 20 at 1:30 – 3pm, Thur NC7497 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7498 – Online via Zoom
Alger Hiss, a former highly regarded State Department official was accused first of being a Communist, and then a Soviet spy. His accuser, Whittaker Chambers was an admitted Communist and a spy. Hiss’s subsequent trial and conviction for perjury shocked the nation. The confrontation between Chambers and Hiss contributed to a polarization of the political left and political right. Some historians have traced the birth of the modern conservative movement to the Hiss –Chambers affair. And it brought Richard Nixon, a little known first term Congressman, to national prominence.
The Rosenberg Trial $27 / $32
February 27 at 1:30 – 3pm, Thur NC7499 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7500 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Neil Adelman
J. Edgar Hoover called the spy trial of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg “the trial of the century” even though the century was only half over. The trial of accused atomic bomb spies helped usher in the McCarthy era. Their scheduled execution caused worldwide protests. Were they guilty? Should they have been executed? Facts learned years later shed new light on their convictions and death sentences, particularly that of Ethel Rosenberg.
The Chicago 8 Conspiracy Trial $27 / $32
March 6 at 1:30 – 3pm, Thur NC7501 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7502 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Neil Adelman
The anti-Vietnam War movement and the Democratic Convention brought about a violent confrontation in downtown Chicago in August 1968. Did the protesters cause it or was it a police riot? A year later the conflict moved to the courtroom as eight leaders of the protest were put on trial for conspiracy to incite a riot. The conflict in the courtroom between Judge Julius Hoffman and the defendants and their attorneys was not
violent. But in some ways, it was as brutal as the confrontation on Michigan Avenue. Who was at fault?
Pentagon Papers and the Ellsberg Trial $27 / $32
March 13 at 1:30 – 3pm, Thur
NC7503 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7504 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Neil Adelman
Daniel Ellsberg stole and copied a top-secret government report on the secret history of the Vietnam War. He eventually turned it over to the press who began printing it. Nixon’s administration tried to stop it. The case ended up in the Supreme Court in a critical First Amendment case. Ellsberg was tried for stealing what came to be known as the Pentagon Papers and for espionage. His trial ended in a bizarre manner. Was he a hero or a traitor?
Florida Civics 101 $27 / $32
February 21 at 10 – 11:30am, Fri NC7505 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7710 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Sandy Parker
Each year, the people we elect to state government approve a nearly $120 billion budget and pass hundreds of laws to regulate taxes and fiscal policy, educational standards, the environment, the state’s voting and elections process, and more. Who do we elect and when, who is serving now, how much are they paid, and how long can they serve? How is Florida’s government organized? Whether you are a new or a long-time resident, Florida Civics 101 will help you be a more informed voter.
Irish Monks: First Mariners of the North Atlantic $27 / $32
February 24 at 10 – 11:30am, Mon MP7506 – Moorings Park Orig. Campus (Naples)
Speaker: Alf Monaghan
Urged on by the desire to discover ever more distant island refuges where they could immerse themselves in spiritual communion with nature and God – Irish monks voyaged beyond the limits of the known world. From the 5th to the 9th century, they spread all over the North Atlantic, settling on the edges of land masses and even on remote island-rocks. Their presence in these hitherto unknown locations preceded the Vikings in many of their most daring ventures. Inspired by the living martyrdom of the
Egyptian ‘Desert Fathers’, Irish monks sought their ‘Desert’ in the ocean. Heirs to an ancient seafaring tradition, they sailed the sea like their pagan ancestors and in the end travelled further than any before them.
Immigration 1776-2025: How Did We Get Into This Mess? $27 / $32
February 24 at 4 – 5:30pm, Mon IC7508 – The Island Country Club (Marco Island)
Speaker: Casey Wolff, Esq.
Current immigration laws, rules, regulations and policies originated in the 18th century, were shaped by the 19th century Supreme Court and have been the providence of the U.S Congress ever since It’s no wonder we are in this mess in 2025. To understand how necessary immigration is to the U.S and how controversial it has always been, requires a deep dive into our past. Join us for this fascinating history lesson.
The Creation of Italy $27 / $32
February 25 at 10 – 11:30am, Tue FG7509 – FGCU Campus, Cohen Center Rm 247
Speaker: Nancy Maxwell
A visitor to Italy today travels freely through the magnificent cities of Florence, Naples, Rome and Venice; but it was not always so easy. Italy is a relatively new country, and the fabled cities may indeed be regarded as prizes, because they did not all join Italy willingly! It took a combination of the wily statesman Camillo Cavour, the political activism of the secret revolutionary Giuseppe Mazzini, and the romantic nationalism of Giuseppe Garibaldi –none of whom wanted to work together – to draw disparate “Italians” together. This lecture looks at the remarkable personalities and events that led to the emergence of a unified Italy in 1871.
China Under Xi Jinping $27 / $32
February 25 at 10:30 –12pm, Tue NC7510 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7511 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Jeffrey Steinberg
In a significant break with the successful policies of Deng Xiaoping, Xi Jinping has launched an aggressive program to realize the “China Dream” which centers on China’s emergence by mid-century as the number one global economic power and a leading global political power. He has transformed China’s domestic politics as part of that effort. What are his goals? What are his methods? What are his
prospects of succeeding? What will he risk attaining his goals? What does it mean for U.S. hegemony in the 21st century?
The Crusades $27 / $32
February 25 at 2:30 – 4pm, Tue GO7512 – Moorings Park Grey Oaks (So. Naples)
Speaker: Gabriella Miyamoto
The Crusades were a series of military expeditions initiated by the Popes for the purpose of protecting and expanding Christendom. They were undertaken primarily to the Middle East (the Holy Land), but also to Spain, southern France, and Baltic Europe, and lasted from 1095 CE, when Pope Urban II preached the First Crusade to recover Jerusalem from the Muslims, until around 1500, when the last Muslims were expelled from Spain and all the Baltic area was effectively Christianized. This lecture focuses on the background, tactics, and battles of the First and Third Crusades and offers a profile of the Military Orders (organizations of “warrior-monks”), particularly the Knights Templar, who played a key role in Crusader warfare and administration. We also cover the lesserknown Baltic Crusades led by the Teutonic Knights.
The Manhattan Project $27 / $32
February 26 at 1:30 – 3pm, Wed NC7230 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7231 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Gary Stuhltrager
During World War II the U.S. and Britain found themselves in a race with the Nazis to develop an atomic bomb. The scope of this endeavor was enormous. There were scientific issues, technical problems as well as the logistics of manufacturing the necessary materials. It involved tens of thousands of people and the creation of new cities all the while trying to maintain the utmost secrecy. Robert Oppenheimer and General Leslie Groves would emerge as the driving forces of the project. This lecture also discusses the aftereffects of the decision to use the weapon. To this day, the U.S. is still the only nation to ever use an atomic weapon during wartime.
Chinese Intelligence and Spycraft $27 / $32
February 26 at 10:30 – 12pm, Wed NC7513 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7514 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Thomas Eastwood
China has a large and highly proficient intelligence organization. They are particularly effective in human intelligence, economic espionage and cyber warfare. They are also very aggressive in co-opting students, academics and businessmen. Topics include: structure; mission; effectiveness; operations; Ministry for State Security; People’s Liberation Army; industrial and economic espionage; cyber warfare; and TikTok.
Changing
Dynamics in the Middle East $27 / $32
February 26 at 1:30 – 3pm, Wed NC7515 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7516 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Jeffrey Steinberg
The Middle East is a melting pot of religions, tribes, political movements and nation-states carved out of the collapse of the Ottoman Empire. It is a region going through tectonic changes: The Abraham Accords linking Arab states with Israel, the challenge of a nuclear Iran, the rise of China and Russia as leading outside players challenging the oncedominant U.S. regional role. Join a 40-year national security affairs analyst as he dissects and analyzes these new dynamics and what may emerge.
Early
Islamic Art and
Architecture $27 / $32
March 3 at 10 – 11:30am, Mon NC7517 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7518 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Gabriella Miyamoto
Many westerners are unfamiliar with both the history of Islam and the earliest expression of Islamic culture in architecture and art. Join us for an introduction to the development of the mosque in its different regional variants, the first of which was presumably derived from the plan of the Prophet’s house in Medina. The remains of magnificent palaces we examine proclaim the refined and elegant lifestyles of Islamic rulers at a time when Europe was barely emerging from the Dark Ages. Finally, we look at a variety of sumptuous manuscripts, ivory objects, glassware, tiles and carpets, all decorated with exquisite Arabic calligraphy, intricate geometric and vegetal motifs and figural imagery. These were produced by Islamic artisans and greatly prized by Europeans.
Recovering Nazi Plunder: World War II
Monuments Men $27 / $32
March 3 at 10:30 – 12pm, Mon NC7519 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7520 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Thomas Eastwood
The U.S./U.K. established an unprecedented unit to protect art and cultural sites during World War II. Additionally, they recovered art and treasure looted by the Nazis on a massive scale. This is a fascinating true story of their exploits.
VENONA:
Soviet Spies in America $27 / $32
March 3 at 1:30 – 3pm, Mon NC7521 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7522 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Thomas Eastwood
During World War II and the Cold War, Soviet spies and operatives infiltrated the White House, Treasury, State, DOJ, WAR and DOD. They also penetrated our most guarded program, the Manhattan Project. Fortunately, the U.S. Army had a topsecret counterintelligence project to decode Soviet Intelligence messages. Most of the cryptanalysts were women at Arlington Hall, VA. VENONA was instrumental in identifying American spies. Many were committed communists who were highly placed. We explore this program and its far-reaching impact.
The Windsors, A Century of Royal Legacy $27 / $32
March 4 at 10 – 11:30am, Tue
NC7523 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7524 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Julie Satterfield-Price
The lecture offers an in-depth exploration of the British royal family’s history over the last 100 years. It examines key moments in the monarchy’s evolution such as their role in World War II, the changing role of the monarchy in modern Britain, and the personal and public challenges faced by royal figures like Diana, Charles and their children. Additionally, it delves into how the Windsors have navigated public scrutiny, media attention, and the ever-changing landscape of British society, while adapting to stay relevant. Through this analysis, the lecture provides a broader understanding of the Windsors’ lasting influence on British identity, global interaction, and the evolution of monarchy itself.
The Versailles Settlement $27 / $32
March 7 at 10 – 11:30am, Fri NC7525 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7526 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Nancy Maxwell
By 1918, after four years of horrific war, the combatants of World War I were ready for peace. The national leaders faced the daunting task of contending with collapsed empires, redrawing the map of Europe, balancing fairness with a desire for revenge, paying for the appalling devastation and soothing the bitter memory of war. This lecture explores the issues confronting the “Big Four” and the debatable success of their solutions.
The Challenge of Separating Church and State $27 / $32
March 10 at 1:30 – 3pm, Mon NC7527 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7528 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Dr. Charles Kupchella
Although Thomas Jefferson said the constitution was meant to place a “wall of separation between church and state,” they are clearly not separate. The motto, “In God We Trust” is on our coins. “Under God” is in our pledge. Pandering politicians work to put prayer back in schools. Courts are kept busy ordering the removal of religious icons from public property, etc. The stifling effect of dogma on freedom can be plainly seen in the world’s “theocracies” – where church and state are one and the same. The number of countries with harsh blasphemy laws has been increasing. We explore both the successes and failures of keeping church and state separate.
The Road to Disunion: The Roots of the American Civil War $27 / $32
March 10 at 1:30 – 3pm, Mon BV7529 – Bentley Village (North Naples)
Speaker: Steven Valdespino
This lecture offers a chronological examination of the issues and events leading to the greatest military conflict this hemisphere has ever experienced. The War Between the States. We begin with a discussion of the Land Ordinance of 1787 and end with the firing on Ft. Sumter. This program is replete with fascinating history and personalities and may be disturbingly relevant to events of today.
National Register of Historic Property Sites in Collier County $27 / $32
Option #1 – March 11 at 1:30 – 3pm, Tue NC7530 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7531 – Online via Zoom
Option #2 – May 12 at 10 – 11:30am, Mon MP7532 – Moorings Park Orig. Campus (Naples)
Speaker: Tim Goggin
This lecture delves into the significance of the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), the official federal list recognizing sites of historical, architectural, and cultural importance across the U.S. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of the NRHP’s origins, its role in preserving the nation’s heritage, and the criteria used to evaluate and add properties to this esteemed list. A special focus will be placed on Collier County, showcasing notable local properties that have achieved NRHP status. Attendees will explore the unique stories behind landmarks such as the historic Smallwood Store in Chokoloskee, the Everglades Laundry Building, and the Naples Depot. By examining these treasures, participants will discover how Collier County’s rich heritage is interwoven with the broader tapestry of Florida’s and America’s history.
World War II: Italian Campaign and Anzio $27 / $32
March 11 at 2:30 – 4pm, Tue
GO7533 – Moorings Park Grey Oaks (So. Naples)
Speaker: Ken Nesbitt
When studying World War II, the campaign in Italy is often overlooked. However, the bitter, costly fighting in the mountainous terrain was in fact a critical theatre of the war in Europe. In this presentation we will discuss the Allied Mediterranean strategy and the military operations to capture Italy. At the 1943 Casablanca Conference, Winston Churchill proposed attacking Italy, “The soft underbelly of the Axis.” The strategy was to neutralize the Italians and threaten southern Germany. However, after the invasion of Italy, the Allied offensives stalled for months at Monte Cassino. To break the stalemate the Allies tried a surprise amphibious landing behind German lines at Anzio. The battle of Anzio will serve as our focal point for discussion of Allied and Axis actions in the Italian campaign. As usual in war, we shall see that nothing really works out as planned.
War for a Cause (2-part series) $44 / $50
March 12, 19 at 10 – 11:30am, Wednesdays NC7534 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7535 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Dr. Marwan Wehbe
Participants may register for the series (NC7534/ OL7535) or for any of the individual lectures below. Join this two-part lecture series as we explore how religion and territory have motivated war and conflict through the centuries. When and how will it end?
Religious Wars
March 12 at 10 – 11:30am, Wed NC7717 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7718 – Online via Zoom
Christian, Muslims, Jews, and others, have been fighting each other for centuries. What started these religious wars, and why do they persist to this day. Is it about proving who has the better god, or is it for more earthly motives?
The Arab-Israeli Conflict
March 19 at 10 – 11:30am, Wed NC7719 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7720 – Online via Zoom
This conflict has plagued the Middle East since antiquity. Muslims and Jews have laid claim to this small territory on the Mediterranean, and are struggling to defend their claims, based on ancestral and religious grounds. We will look at the history of this region and its occupants in an attempt to understand their actions and motivations, and to contemplate the odds of resolution of the Arab-Israeli conflict.
War at the Shore: Atlantic City and the Jersey Shore During World War II $27 / $32
March 13 at 10 – 11:30am, Thur NC7536 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7537 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Jeffrey Margolis
This lecture examines how the government responded to Pearl Harbor by turning Atlantic City, NJ into a military training facility and rehabilitation center. At the same time, German U-boats stationed off the Jersey coast torpedoed commercial shipping exposing the vulnerability of America’s eastern seaboard. Join us for this fascinating wartime tale in the waters of Atlantic City.
The Dutch East India Company: They Meant Business $27 / $32
March 13 at 10 – 11:30am, Thur NC7538 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7539 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Steven Valdespino
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 paintings from the Dutch Golden Age.
Immigration 2025: Crossroads of “Legal” and “Illegal” Immigration $27 / $32
Option #1 – March 13 at 2 – 3:30pm, Thur BB7540 – Bonita Bay (Bonita Springs)
Option #2 – March 20 at 10 – 11:30am, Thur NC7541 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7542 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Casey Wolff, Esq.
Global “migration” and a broken U.S. immigration system are what we see every day on the news. What are the root causes? Can they be corrected and at what cost? Immigration, by definition, is a political, economic, cultural and humanitarian issue worldwide as well as being a moving target. Expect a lively and interesting discussion.
Charlemagne: The Carolingian Empire $27 / $32
March 14 at 1:30 – 3pm, Fri
NC7543 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7544 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Ken Nesbitt
In a review of European history from the fall of the Roman Empire to Napoleon Bonaparte, one figure clearly stands out. Charlemagne was an extraordinary ruler in the Middle Ages whose influence shaped the future of western Europe. Charlemagne was a warrior King, and Emperor, an administrator, a leader, a military strategist, and a conqueror. He was also a devout Christian, and he combined his military power with his religious beliefs to ensure the survival and
expansion of Christianity across western Europe. During his life, Charlemagne was the dominant figure in a complex world of intrigue, political and religious turmoil, and nearly constant warfare. This presentation will examine the amazing life of this powerful King of the Franks, who rose to become the Holy Roman Emperor.
Pentagon Papers and the Ellsberg Trial $27 / $32
March 17 at 1:30 – 3pm, Mon
BV7466 – Bentley Village (North Naples)
Speaker: Neil Adelman
Daniel Ellsberg stole and copied a top-secret government report on the secret history of the Vietnam War. He eventually turned it over to the press who began printing it. Nixon’s administration tried to stop it. The case ended up in the Supreme Court in a critical First Amendment case. Ellsberg was tried for stealing what came to be known as the Pentagon Papers and for espionage. His trial ended in a bizarre manner. Was he a hero or a traitor?
Ireland: Sacred Island, Before Christianity $27 / $32
Option #1 – March 17 at 1:30 – 3pm, Mon NC7545 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7546 – Online via Zoom
Option #2 – April 24 at 10:30 – 12pm, Thur CL7547 – Carlisle of Naples (Northeast Naples)
Speaker: Alf Monaghan
The impression that Ireland was a remote, isolated place in antiquity is outdated. Latest evidence suggests it was part of an active trade network along Atlantic-Mediterranean seaways. During the Neolithic and Bronze ages, the sea was a corridor for trade, communication and beliefs – easier, faster and more economical than overland routes. In a sense, this made ancient Ireland more central and accessible than it is today. The seagoing Irish had cultural affinity and contact with communities along this long seaboard, resulting in a shared maritime heritage, language and beliefs. The nature-centric spirituality which arrived with ancient farmers and traders from the Near East is deep in the Irish DNA. Coming from the same origin, Eastern Christianity was a good ‘fit’ for Irish society. In this context, the influence of Egyptian Christianity on the early Irish Church is easily understood.
The Underestimated Presidency of Dwight Eisenhower and His Attempt to Demilitarize the Cold War $27 / $32
March 18 at 10:30 – 12pm, Tue
NC7548 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7549 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Jeffrey Steinberg
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.
The Constitution and the New “Imperial Presidency” $27 / $32
March 18 at 1:30 – 3pm, Tue
NC7550 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7551 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Jeffrey Steinberg
The Founding Fathers gave the president significant powers but also provided for checks and balances on those powers. Over time, those checks and balances eroded, leading to the evolution of an Imperial Presidency that exceeds the constitutional boundaries. This lecture examines the history of this process, leading up to the present, and how balance can be restored.
The Rise and Fall of the Habsburg Empire (2-part series) $44 / $50
March 19, 27 at 10 – 11:30am, Wed/Thur NC7552 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7553 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Nancy Maxwell
For over half a century the Habsburg dynasty ruled over a vast, disparate and scattered empire. At its zenith in the 16th century, Charles V found the task so daunting that he retreated to a monastery. At its nadir five hundred years later, the emperors struggled to hold on against a rising tide of political and social movements beyond their control. And throughout, the personal stories of the Habsburgs – their loves, betrayals and tragedies – were an inextricable part of their history.
The Vikings $27 / $32
March 19 at 10 – 11:30am, Wed NC7554 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7555 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Gabriella Miyamoto
“Vikings” is the name given to seafaring warriors from the area of modern Scandinavia who raided, invaded and ultimately dominated various parts of Europe during the period spanning from roughly 790-1070 CE. This lecture offers a historically accurate view of their tactics, strategies, favored weapons, armor, and sociopolitical/cultural importance. We also debunk common misconceptions while discussing interesting topics such as the possible existence of women warriors and the ferocious Berserkers.
Operation Drumbeat: Second Pearl Harbor $27 / $32
March 19 at 10 – 11:30am, Wed MP7556 – Moorings Park Orig. Campus (Naples)
Speaker: Thomas Eastwood
During 1942 German U-Boats sunk 600 merchant ships; 400 off the U.S. eastern and Gulf coast. The U.S. was not prepared to meet the U-Boat threat and over 5,000 Allied seamen were killed. This is the truly fascinating story most Americans do not know but should. We will discuss the Battle of the Atlantic and the Battle of the Caribbean. Topics include: Enigma, Civil Air Patrol, Q-Ships, U-Boat losses, the Merchant Marine, Operation Pastorius, New Orleans, Miami, Jacksonville, New York, Cape Hatteras, Cuba.
The Rise and Fall and Reinvention of Globalization $27 / $32
March 19 at 1:30 – 3pm, Wed NC7557 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7558 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Jeffrey Steinberg
For nearly half a century, globalization was the watchword for global economic progress. China was the largest beneficiary of the outsourcing of manufacturing but there was a general feeling that reduced commodity prices were good for all. But since the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, both resulting in supply chain disruptions, a major rethinking has been underway. Was it a good idea to overly rely on China for supply chain production? Was globalization a “False God?” What now? All this is taking the form of a return of domestic manufacturing in the U.S. and in countries considered to be geographically closer and more trusted as allies. Is this the end of globalization or will there be adjustments, lessons learned and a modified way forward?
Whatever Happened to America’s Iconic Department Stores? $27 / $32
March 20 at 10:30 – 12pm, Thur CL7559 – Carlisle of Naples (Northeast Naples)
Speaker: Jeffrey Margolis
Once upon a time there were great department stores, multi-story architectural wonders and cathedrals to retailing. Today, they are all but gone, victims to cultural changes in American society. COVID-19, the internet and big box stores were just the more recent villains. The casualties began decades ago. This presentation examines the great stores and their legacies. Participants can reminisce about their own personal adventures in the halls of such notable shops like Jordan Marsh, Woodward and Lothrop, and Burdines here in Florida.
TIP: Join FGCU Academy ONLINE when you are away from SWFL or if you can’t be with us inperson. You can enjoy our lectures from any desktop, laptop, smartphone or tablet. Look for any lecture in the program guide which has the code “OL” for online.
Influential Speeches of World War II $27 / $32
March 26 at 10:30 – 12pm, Wed NC7560 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7561 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Thomas Eastwood
World War II was won and lost amidst several remarkable speeches. Some inspired nobleness while others exploited evil. We examine famous speeches, quotes, quips and letters and the historical events surrounding them. We also discuss Churchill’s remarkable oratory abilities and secrets.
Operation Paperclip: Recruiting Nazi
Scientists $27 / $32
March 26 at 1:30 – 3pm, Wed NC7562 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7563 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Thomas Eastwood
As World War II waned, the Allies raced to recruit German scientists and technology. This was a highly effective effort led by the OSS. Among the scientists brought to America was Wernher von Braun, who developed the V-2. Topics include: Peenemunde, the Church Committee, declassified CIA research and related British and Soviet operations.
Operation Underworld: World War II
Mob Alliances $27 / $32
April 3 at 4 – 5:30pm, Thur GR7564 – Grey Oaks Country Club (So. Naples)
Speaker: Thomas Eastwood
As we entered World War II, the U.S. Navy covertly elicited the aid of the Mob to stop spies, saboteurs and dock strikes. “Lucky” Luciano, Meyer Lansky, Albert Anastasia and others answered the call. In this lecture, we discuss what led to the alliance, the impact and the aftermath.
Five Great American Presidents $27 / $32
April 7 at 3:30 – 5pm, Mon TE7565 – TwinEagles (Northeast Naples)
Speaker: Steven Valdespino
An enlightening and exciting examination of the highlights of five presidential administrations: Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt and Franklin D. Roosevelt. This is a history chock full of powerful and poignant details and anecdotes.
Collier County Civics 101 $27 / $32
Option #1 – April 8 at 3:30 – 5pm, Tue SL7566 – Siena Lakes (Northeast Naples)
Option #2 – May 22 at 10 – 11:30am, Thur BV7567 – Bentley Village (North Naples)
Speaker: Sandy Parker
Each year, the people we elect levy taxes, approve local budgets, and pass ordinances to regulate zoning, development, roads, solid waste, and more. Others oversee operations that administer elections, maintain law and order, appraise properties, and collect taxes. Still others provide fire and emergency management services, maintain the county’s and court system’s books and records, oversee our public schools and hire the school superintendent. How are our local governments organized? Who do we elect and when, who is serving now, how much are they paid, and how long can they serve? Whether you are a new or long-time resident, Collier County Civics 101 will help you be a more informed voter.
World War II America: 1940-1945 $27 / $32
April 15 at 1:30 – 3pm, Tue NC7568 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7569 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Stephen Valdespino
An audio-visual tribute celebrating “The Greatest Generation” on the Home Front during the war years 1940-1945. Experience the world of your parents and grandparents during one of the darkest periods of the modern era. Lots of wonderful memorabilia and history including Hollywood, music and dance, popular culture and, of course, war news. This program turns out dramatic, humorous and poignant.
Wandering
Scribes and Scholars: Legacy of the Early Irish Monks $27 / $32
April 16 at 1:30 – 3pm, Wed NC7570 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7571 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Alf Monaghan
From ancient times, the Atlantic has been Ireland’s link with the wider world. The arrival of Egyptian monks by sea in the early Christian era had a dramatic impact. The influence of Egyptian monasticism sparked an intense interest among the early Irish for nature, self-sacrifice and exile. The austerity of the desert appealed to their fearsome nature. Like the Egyptians they took to ‘Wandering’ over land and sea, embracing isolation
and depravation for communion with nature and its creator. The Irish then carried this form of spirituality into Europe - transforming it culturally and spiritually. They had an immense impact on the world that later emerged, leaving a lasting legacy far beyond their native shore. This is a story of courage bordering on the insane, of boundless passion for scholarship and learning and of reverence for nature, the earth and all creation.
Comanches: Lords of the Plains $27 / $32
April 21 at 2 – 3:30pm, Mon AG7572 – Aston Gardens at Pelican Marsh (NE Naples)
Speaker: Thomas Eastwood
For almost two centuries Comanches controlled a territory of over 250,000 square miles centered in the Texas panhandle. They were the most powerful tribe in America, and one of the most effective fighting forces in history. Often likened to the Spartans of Ancient Greece, they defeated other tribes, settlers and armies. Originally a peaceful tribe, they evolved into expert horsemen and skilled warriors. They were free a decade after most Native tribes surrendered to U.S. dominance. Topics include: raids; massacres; wars; captives; disease; leaders; U.S. Army campaigns; Texas Rangers; and Code Talkers.
1968: A Very Troubled Year $27 / $32
May 5 at 2 – 3:30pm, Mon
AG7573 – Aston Gardens at Pelican Marsh (NE Naples)
Speaker: Steven Valdespino
You won’t want to miss this remarkable audio-visual program of one of the most tumultuous years of the 20th century. It would define an entire generation. Vietnam: Khe Sanh, Tet Offensive, USS Pueblo, MLK and RFK, Politics, Democratic National Committee, Sports, Cinema, Culture, Technology, protests, Olympics and Music! Apollo 8 and so much more.
Codebreaking During World War II $27 / $32
May 19 at 1:30 – 3pm, Mon
BV7574 – Bentley Village (North Naples)
Speaker: Thomas Eastwood
The impact of signals intelligence during World War II was extraordinary. This lecture examines the “code war” and includes recently declassified information. Topics include: Enigma, ULTRA, MAGIC, Bletchley Park, and Arlington Hall. This is a riveting presentation about one of the best kept secrets of the 20th century.
Trio of Traitors: Walker, Ames & Hanssen $27 / $32
May 20 at 3:30 – 5pm, Tue
SL7575 – Siena Lakes (Northeast Naples)
Speaker: Thomas Eastwood
This lecture discusses three of the worst spies in U.S. history; what they did, why, and how they were caught. Their betrayals harmed the country, put us at risk and cost us lives. A stunning and in-depth analysis of the espionage of these trio of traitors.
Mt. Rainier National Park $27 / $32
May 29 at 10 – 11:30am, Thur BV7576 – Bentley Village (North Naples)
Speaker: Steven Valdespino
A beautiful tour of this spectacular national treasure. Each wondrous slide is accompanied by a soundtrack of nature sounds found in the park: birds, waterfalls and even cracking glacial ice. Our exploration will include mammals, butterflies, birds and of course, flowers! The program also includes sublime views of the night sky from Mt. Rainier, far from urban lightpollution. And there’s music too! Apart from powerful atmospheric offerings, classical aficionados will enjoy the snippets from their favorite composers. The program concludes with a sobering assessment of the lurking geologic menace beneath the surface.
J OURNALISM & L ITERATURE
Fake News: What it Is, What it Isn’t and What We Can Do About It $27 / $32
February 19 at 1:30 – 3pm, Wed
NC7577 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7578 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Nick Penniman
Fake News is a burgeoning enterprise. The lecture traces the history of fake news from the American Revolution to the present day, how it grew and now spreads through social media driven by artificial intelligence (AI). Some examples from the past year will inform our discussion as we look at what steps might be taken to mitigate it.
American Poetry Alive! $27 / $32
February 24 at 1:30 – 3pm, Mon
BV7579 – Bentley Village (North Naples)
Speaker: David Stewart
An audio-visual tour of favorite, and lesser known, American poems that move the spirit. Hear and
view the poets themselves – Plath, Frost, Bishop, Dickinson, Millay, Longfellow, Whitman, Poe – or the great actors of our times – convey the wisdom, music and laughter of timeless poems in the American Canon. Student participation will make this class truly creative and entertaining as we conduct ‘close readings’ and compare personal favorites. Rediscover the passion, power and playfulness of great poetry in an interactive format with fellow students, assisted by our VIP guest poets and actors in video and sound.
Legends, Fairy Tales and Superstitions $27 / $32
March 5 at 10 – 11:30am, Wed NC7580 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7581 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Dr. Marwan Wehbe
Legends, fairy tales and superstition are concepts where reality intersects with imagination. Those concepts can be so ingrained in society that their boundaries become blurred. They certainly fill a need, which helps us remember our past and plan our future, consciously or insidiously. We will dissect each of these with plenty of examples.
The Hound of the Baskervilles, And All That is Sherlock Holmes $27 / $32
April 17 at 10 – 11:30am, Thur BV7582 – Bentley Village
Speaker: Laurence Gillis
Get out your pipe and deer stalker hat and join our speaker as he takes you on a brief tour of the “Sherlockian Canon” (all four novels and the 56 stories), the literary techniques of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and a discussion of “The Hound of the Baskervilles.” This will be followed by a guided discussion of the relevant topics and issues surrounding this remarkable author and literary icon. Active student participation is definitely encouraged but not required. For students who wish to experience the adventures of Sherlock Holmes, there is an excellent audio version of “The Hound of the Baskervilles” (read by David Timson) available through Amazon.
Can You Trust the Media? $27 / $32
May 8 at 1:30 – 3pm, Thur CC7737 – Cypress Cove (Ft. Myers)
Speaker: Dr. Stefanie Kempton
You have probably heard the terms, “fake news,” “deep fakes,” and “artificial intelligence,” but what do
they mean and how do they affect you? This cuttingedge lecture will answer those questions plus much more. Learn about and discuss the importance of good journalism, how to spot fake news, and the impacts of artificial intelligence on the information you receive every day. Information is the key to democracy and good journalism is the cornerstone of a government that works for its people.
L IFE E NRICHMENT
Beer 101: History, Mystery and Science $27 / $32
Option #1 – February 10 at 10 – 11:30am, Mon CO7220 – The Collaboratory (Ft. Myers)
Option #2 – February 25 at 1:30 – 3pm, Tue NC7221 – Naples Center (Naples)
Speaker: Diane Bothfeld
Brewing is an ancient practice with historical data showing beer being brewed and consumed over 10,000 years ago. This overview lecture will lead participants through the history of beer and how science impacts the styles of beer. What beer industry innovations changed the world around us and what is still to come in the science of beer. This lecture explores the science of ingredients, and the history and chemistry of beer styles, including a tasting of some beer styles to differentiate the impact of ingredients.
Circle of Hearts: The Lifelong Benefits of Female Friendships $27 / $32
February 24 at 1:30 – 3pm, Mon NC7583 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7584 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Dianne Durante
This program explores the role of female friendships and the importance of these friendships for our physical and mental well-being. The program will be an experiential and educational experience that will give participants the tools to help make life more enjoyable as well as help us through difficult times. Come ready to enjoy and learn!
Should I Stay or Should I Move? Understanding Senior Housing Options in SWFL $27 / $32
February 26 at 10 – 11:30am, Wed NC7585 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7586 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Bruce Rosenblatt
Join this interactive discussion about senior housingrelated topics. When is the right time to consider a senior living community? What are the different types and costs of the senior living options in SWFL? What are the future trends in our area? What are the pros/ cons of hiring home health care instead of moving? What are ways to pay for senior housing including VA Benefits, Medicare and Medicaid? What is the role of a senior housing advisor? What questions should people ask when touring?
Astrology
Unveiled: Unlocking the Mystery of The Zodiac $27 / $32
March 3 at 10 – 11:30am, Mon CO7215 – The Collaboratory (Ft. Myers)
Speaker: Michael Kintzel
approach will bring you peace of mind. Discover how to curate a chic, versatile wardrobe inspired by French women. Marla will share invaluable tips and “rules” for maintaining order and living with less. Topics for discussion may include: why hire a Professional Organizer when I can do it myself, how will being organized improve my quality of life, how to decide what stays and what goes and the in’s and outs of selling/consigning the things you no longer need.
Navigating the Aging Journey $27
/ $32
March 10 at 1:30 – 3pm, Mon NC7590 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7591 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Dianne Durante
This presentation will explain how the intuitive observations of early civilization’s Astronomer priests evolved into the personality descriptions commonly recognized as today’s Astrologically familiar signs. It will reveal the basis for the commonly recognized assumptions that Aries are “pushy”, Virgos are “persnickety”, and why Libras are so undecided, etc. From this foundation, we will come to understand the zodiac as a catalogue of experience which can mirror the highs and lows of our personality’s attributes. While being introductory to the technicalities and intricacies of an Astrological chart, the goal is to explain Astrology as a psychological tool to potentially mirror your character and thus to give one the permission to accept and love yourself. When that happens and you gaze upon the lights of a night sky, you will likely delight in the connection between Astronomy and Astrology.
Dress Like a French Woman and Other Great Organizing Tips
$27 / $32
March 5 at 3:30 – 5pm, Wed
NC7587 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7588 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Marla Ottenstein
Join Naples’ Premier Professional Organizer, Marla Ottenstein for an enlightening presentation on how getting organized and embracing a “less is more”
In this program, we explore the aging process through the lens of creative geography. Discover how our life experiences can be compared to going on a road trip and gaining valuable insights into the path of aging. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to chart your course, driving you towards a fulfilling, joy-filled and graceful aging journey.
Caring for the Caregiver: A Road Map for Success $27 / $32
March 12 at 10 – 11:30am, Wed NC7592 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7593 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Bruce Rosenblatt
Join us for an interactive presentation about successful techniques to help avoid caregiver burnout. Key topics will include warning signs, steps to plan ahead, tips on ways to communicate with a loved one, caregiver toolkit ideas, senior care options, the role of a senior care advisor and much more.
Nonverbal Communication: Hearing What is Not Said $27 / $32
Option #1 – March 24 at 1:30 – 3pm, Mon NC7594– Naples Center (Naples) OL7595 – Online via Zoom
Option #2 – April 28 at 10 – 11:30am, Mon MP7596 – Moorings Park Orig. Campus (Naples)
Speaker: Dr. John Harrigan
Increase your ability to perceive nonverbal behaviors and understand what they communicate. Understand the subtle cues from family, friends and strangers alike. Body language, tonality, facial expressions, and other elements of nonverbal communication will be covered.
Affordable Housing: Needs & Impacts $27 / $32
March 25 at 10 – 11:30am, Tue NC7597 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7598 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Dr. Thomas Felke
The affordable housing crisis in Southwest Florida has been well-documented on a national level. The issue affects various segments of the population, with some groups disproportionately facing housing affordability challenges. Unable to keep up with the rising costs of housing, Florida’s working families, communities of color, older adults and people with disabilities are bearing the brunt of this housing crisis. Research shows that a lack of quality, affordable housing has impacts on physical and mental wellbeing, educational attainment, workforce issues, and more. This session provides an overview of affordable housing principles, regulations, and strategies with a specific focus on the crisis in Southwest Florida.
M AH J ONGG
Mah Jongg for Beginners (3-part series) $68 / $80
Option #1 – January 14, 15, 17 at 10 – 11:30am NC7599 – Naples Center (Naples)
Option #2 – February 10, 12, 14 at 10 – 11:30am NC7600 – Naples Center (Naples)
Option #3 – April 21, 23, 25 at 10 – 11:30am NC7601 – Naples Center (Naples)
Speaker: Gayle Dorio
Please bring your 2024 Mah Jongg Rule Card to the January and February classes. For the April classes, please bring the new 2025 card (cards are available from the National Mah Jongg League; 212-246-3052). Also, please bring 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.
Advanced Mah Jongg Strategies (3-part series) $68 / $80
Option #1 – January 27, 29, 31 at 10 – 11:30am NC7602 – Naples Center (Naples)
Option #2 – February 17, 19, 21 at 10 – 11:30am NC7603 – Naples Center (Naples)
Option #3 – April 28, 30, May 2 at 10 – 11:30am NC7604 – Naples Center (Naples)
Speaker: Gayle Dorio
Please bring your 2024 Mah Jongg Rule Card to the January and February classes. For the April classes, please bring the new 2025 card (cards are available from the National Mah Jongg League; 212-246-3052). Also, please bring your own Mah Jongg set. Be prepared to play hands with defensive strategies and faster decision making. Learn when to call and when to wait. Why is this game more about looking and listening than just studying your hand?
M USIC & O PERA
The History and Evolution of Rock & Roll $27 / $32
Option #1 – January 6 at 2 – 3:30pm, Mon AG7605 – Aston Gardens at Pelican Marsh (NE Naples)
Option #2 – February 25 at 1:30 – 3pm, Tue CO7606 – The Collaboratory (Ft. Myers)
Option #3 – March 26 at 10 – 11:30am, Wed FG7607 – FGCU Campus, Bldg. AB9 (Ft. Myers)
Speaker: Dr. Christopher Endrinal
From Elvis to Pearl Jam, the genre of rock and roll has undergone tremendous change and development since its breakthrough into mainstream culture in the 1950s. This lecture travels back in time to the mid-1800s, almost a century before Elvis’ landmark television appearance, to explore the roots of rock and roll: the Blues. From there, we trace the evolution through jazz and country music before finally landing on the hip-swiveling genre known as rock and roll. Then we examine the genre’s rapid diversification in the 1960s to the 1980s. Finally, we discuss how the genre’s development in the 1990s and early 2000s set the foundation for modern rock and roll as we know it today.
Verdi’s Aida $27 / $32
January 13 at 10 – 11:30am, Mon MP7608 – Moorings Park Orig. Campus (Naples)
Speaker: Neil Adelman
Verdi’s Aida is the grandest of grand operas. In addition to its soaring triumphal scene, it is the classic conflict between love and loyalty. The Metropolitan Opera in HD series will be presenting a new production of Aida in local theaters on January 25 and 29. Neil Adelman will discuss the music, story, composer, performance history and more, combined with video excerpts from the opera. This lecture is designed for all, whether you are an experienced operagoer or new to the medium and whether or not you plan to attend the Met Opera HD performance. Please join us for Aida.
The History and Evolution of the Symphony $27 / $32
Option #1 – January 28 at 3:30 – 5pm, Mon SL7609 – Siena Lakes (Northeast Naples)
Option #2 – February 11 at 2:30 – 4pm, Tue GO7610 – Moorings Park Grey Oaks (So. Naples)
Option #3 – May 21 at 10 – 11:30am, Wed MP7611 – Moorings Park Orig. Campus (Naples)
Speaker: Dr. Christopher Endrinal
From Baroque religious commissions to big screen space battles, the importance of symphonic music in the Western musical landscape cannot be overstated. This lecture begins in the early 17th century and discusses how symphonic compositions from the likes of Handel and Vivaldi influenced Haydn and Mozart, who in turn made their mark on Beethoven. Wagner and Tchaikovsky had their ideas about what a symphony could and should be, paving the proverbial path for modernists like Stravinsky and Penderecki. We conclude by discussing contemporary symphonic works from Pulitzer Prize winners Ellen Taffe Zwilich and Jennifer Higdon, as well as Academy Award winner John Williams.
From the Delta to the Internet: A History of American Popular Music $27 / $32
Option #1 – January 16 at 1:30 – 3pm, Thur CC7733 – Cypress Cove (Ft. Myers)
Option #2 – February 3 at 10 – 11:30am, Mon BG7612 – Naples Botanical Gardens (SE Naples)
Option #3 – March 18 at 1:30 – 3pm, Tue NC7613 – Naples Center (North Naples) OL7614 – Online via Zoom
Option #4 – May 8 at 10:30 – 12pm, Thur CL7615 – Carlisle of Naples (Northeast Naples)
Speaker: Dr. Christopher Endrinal
Do you ever wonder how music evolved from Elvis to Beyoncé? This lecture will provide some insight into that process, starting not in the 1950s, but a century prior in the mid-1800s, and progressing through to the present day. We will examine how the music of the enslaved people of the Mississippi Delta formed the foundation of the music that started it all: the Blues. The dawn of the twentieth century also gave rise to the jazz. Together, these two styles (along with several others) would eventually form the basis of rock ’n’ roll and pop. Other genres included are rap and hip hop, disco, grunge, and EDM (electronic dance music).
History of American Musical Theatre: Late 19th – 21st Century $27 / $32
February 17 at 1:30 – 3pm, Mon NC7616 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7617 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Dr. Helen Tintes-Schuermann
This lecture offers an overview of the history of the American Musical Theatre, with its roots in European operetta and Early American Vaudeville. Historical periods from the late 19th century (French and Viennese operetta, American Vaudeville and early American Operetta), followed by the early the 20th century (the 1920s and 30s, including “Showboat”, the first truly American musical) and Broadway’s “Golden Age” (“Kiss me Kate”, “Oklahoma”, “My Fair Lady”, etc.) will be covered. Works of the last half of the 20th century (including major works such as “West Side Story” and “A Little Night Music”) will be presented, along with musical examples. Composers include Victor Herbert, Jerome Kern, George Gershwin, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Cole Porter, Lerner and Loewe, Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim, among others.
The Great Tenors $27 / $32
March 3 at 10 – 11:30am, Mon BG7618 – Naples Botanical Gardens (SE Naples)
Speaker: David Stewart
A unique opportunity to hear and compare some of the great, romantic and dramatic tenor voices of the last 100 years. Using video and audio material we will explore the unique talents of such luminaries as Caruso, Gigli, Bjoerling, Corelli, Domingo, Pavarotti, Heppner and Florez. We will see and hear them perform many of the great tenor arias as well as timeless songs and musical repertoire. Decide for yourself who your favorites are but be prepared to shed a tear as we listen to these soaring melodies of love and tragedy.
From Tallis to Taylor: A Tour of Modern Music
$27 / $32
April 14 at 1:30 – 3pm, Mon BV7619 – Bentley Village (North Naples)
Speaker: Dr. Christopher Endrinal
This lecture is a comprehensive “tour” through music of the modern period. Starting in the middle of the Renaissance (~1550), we will discuss and hear and how music from that time period developed into the Baroque style, which in turn evolved into the Classical style. The Romantic period followed in the early-19th century, which subsequently became the “Contemporary” period of the 20th and 21st centuries. Our discussion will cover a wide range of artists and genres, from Thomas Tallis’ “If Ye Love Me” from 1565 to Taylor Swift’s “Fortnight” from 2024.
Rossini’s Masterpiece: The Barber of Seville
$27 / $32
April 28 at 1:30 – 3pm, Mon BV7620 – Bentley Village (North Naples)
Speaker: Neil Adelman
Operas don’t always end in death. There are great comic operas. Perhaps the greatest is Rossini’s masterpiece, The Barber of Seville. You may be familiar with the overture or with Figaro’s show stopping Largo al Factotum. But there is much more. You can enjoy The Barber in The Metropolitan Opera’s HD presentation at local theaters on May 31 and June 4. But first, Neil Adelman will discuss the music, story, composer, performance history and more, combined with video excerpts from the opera. This lecture is designed for all, whether you are an experienced operagoer or new to the medium and whether or not you plan to attend the Met Opera HD performance.
PHOTOGRAPHY & PHOTO EDITING
Introduction to Photoshop Elements $100 / $120
Option #1 – February 3, 5, 7 at 9:30 – 12:30pm NC7621 – Naples Center (Naples)
Option #2 – March 10, 12, 14 at 9:30 – 12:30pm NC7622 – Naples Center (Naples)
Option #3 – April 14, 16, 18 at 9:30 – 12:30pm NC7623 – Naples Center (Naples)
Speaker: Frank Berna
Participants must have a working knowledge of computers and should bring their own laptops with
Photoshop Elements (latest version) installed. In this hands-on lecture, basic and advanced beginner Photoshop Elements techniques are explored. Topics include RAW conversion, rotating photographs, layers, straightening horizons, color adjustments, removing or minimizing wrinkles and blemishes, adding or eliminating items from a scene, changing the color of a particular object in a scene, changing from color to black and white or sepia, moving parts of one picture to another picture and adding text.
Get More from Your Digital Camera
$35 / $42
Option #1 – February 10 at 9:30 – 12:30pm, Mon NC7624 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7625 – Online via Zoom
Option #2 – March 3 at 9:30 – 12:30pm, Mon NC7626 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7627 – Online via Zoom
Option #3 – May 8 at 10 – 12pm, Thur BV7628 – Bentley Village (North Naples)
Speaker: Frank Berna
Everyone owns a camera, and if you are like most people, you can turn it and press the shutter, and that’s about it. Perplexed by all those strange symbols? Afraid to touch a button, or worse yet, touch one by accident and can’t figure out how to undo what you’ve just done? Don’t be embarrassed! Gain control of your compact camera in this easy-to-understand class. You’ll learn what all those buttons do, when to use them, how to use them, and why to use them.
iPhone-ography $35 / $42
Option #1 – February 13 at 9:30 – 11:30pm, Thur NC7629 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7630 – Online via Zoom
Option #2 – March 5 at 9:30 – 11:30pm, Wed NC7631 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7632 – Online via Zoom
Option #3 – April 9 at 9:30 – 11:30pm, Wed NC7633 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7634 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Frank Berna
If you love taking photos with your iPhone but can’t figure out how to capture anything more than simple snapshots and you’d like to take incredible photos with the camera that you always have in your pocket, then this course is for you. We discuss the features of the camera and how to use them properly along with how to deal with the myriad ways to edit and organize your photos.
Making/Taking Better Photos $35 / $42
Option #1 – February 19 at 9:30 – 12:30pm, Wed NC7635 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7636 – Online via Zoom
Option #2 – March 20 at 9:30 – 12:30pm, Thur NC7637 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7638 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Frank Berna
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 guidelines 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.
Taking Great Travel & Vacation Photos $35 / $42
February 20 at 9:30 – 12:30pm, Thur NC7639 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7640 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Frank Berna
We all love to travel and capturing those once-in-alifetime moments to share with friends and family, or for personal memories, is part of the experience. Our photographs need to bring the sensations of sight, sound and smell back to trigger our memories and to communicate how we felt to others. To do this, we need to think and feel, as much as look, when setting out to take photographs. Travel photography expresses the feeling of a time and place, portrays a land, its people, or a culture in its natural state and has no geographical limitations. Learn how to create images that are only seen in magazines.
Understanding Your Mirrorless & Digital SLR
$100 / $120
Option #1 – February 24, 26, 28 at 9:30 – 12:30pm NC7641 – Naples Center (Naples)
Option #2 – March 24, 26, 28 at 9:30 – 12:30pm NC7642 – Naples Center (Naples)
Speaker: Frank Berna
For those wanting to explore their creative side with digital photography, nothing compares to the choices available with a mirrorless single lens reflex (SLR) camera. But learning the myriads of alternatives can be daunting. This course is designed to make
sense of these options: how, when and why to use them. Topics include understanding exposure, white balance, file formats, better flash photography, focus and shooting options.
Download and Share Your Photos $35 / $42
March 17 at 9:30 – 12:30pm, Mon NC7643 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7644 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Frank Berna
Participants must have a working knowledge of computers and should bring their own laptops to class together with their digital cameras. You love to take photos, but after you press the shutter, what do you do next? What is the best way to get them onto your computer? Do you have a ton of photos on your computer, but you can never find the one you want? Did your computer ever crash, and you’ve lost everything, including your precious memories? Do you understand all the printing options that are available to you? This lecture is designed to teach you how to handle all those organizational tasks that you may not fully understand, but that can save you time and money if properly implemented.
RELIGION, FAITH & PHILOSOPHY
The History of Orthodoxy and Heresy in Early Christianity (3-part series) $55 / $67
March 4, 11, 18 at 10 – 12pm, Tuesdays
NC7645 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7646 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: John Hushon, Esq.
Neither Second Temple Judaism nor Early Christianity had a centralized authority to determine what was orthodox; what was a necessary belief to “qualify” for “membership.” That changed over the first few centuries. What are the possible sources of Orthodoxy? How is it determined and what are the consequences for those who disagree?
Misquoted: How Bible Passages Get Taken Out of Context $27 / $32
Option #1 – January 27 at 10 – 11:30am, Mon BB7651 – Bonita Bay (Bonita Springs)
Option #2 – February 26 at 1:30 – 3pm
NC7740 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7741 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Dr. John Roth
Using the New Testament and Hebrew Bible, Dr.
Roth has studied and taught hermeneutics, or Biblical interpretation. In this lecture, he shares examples of passages misused or misapplied as well as ways to establish an integrated approach to interpretation that combines aspects of author centered, text centered and reader centered approaches. The texts of the Bible were not written for 21st century Americans but rather to the first hearers and readers, yet it was still written for us. From this presentation you will learn the different steps one takes to fully appreciate any text in Scripture.
Ireland: Finding Divinity in Nature $27 / $32
February 10 at 1:30 – 3pm, Mon BV7652 – Bentley Village (North Naples)
Speaker: Alf Monaghan
From ancient times, the Atlantic has been Ireland’s link with the wider world. Nature-centered spirituality, which arrived with Near Eastern farmers, is deep in the Irish DNA. Eastern Christianity, in the form of monasticism from the Egyptian Desert, was later adopted by the Irish, too. Like the Egyptians, the Irish took to ‘Wandering’ over land and sea, embracing isolation and depravation, for communion with nature and its creator. The Irish carried this form of spirituality, into Europe, leaving a lasting legacy, far beyond their native shore. The arrival of the Anglo-Normans, in the 12th century, brought Ireland into line with standards of the Roman Church – sweeping away the earlier Irish church. Since then, Ireland and the wider world has followed a pathway which has taken humanity so far from the spiritual and natural world, it now threatens our survival. In the 21st century there’s a compelling need to return to a nature narrative – it may even be our salvation!
Judaism, The Bible and Math $27 / $32
March 3 at 1:30 – 3pm, Mon BV7653 – Bentley Village
Speaker: Jerry Tuttle
The history of math is dominated by some nationalities and cultures, but there is seldom mention of Jewish mathematicians. Nevertheless, a deeper look suggests some interesting applications of math in unexpected places, starting with the Hebrew Bible. This presentation explores how Jewish scholars wrestled with the notion of infinity, a Talmud algorithm to decide whether a particular year is a Sabbatical Year, and how the Talmud arrived at a fair division of estate assets. We conclude with a discussion of Hebrew gematria, the assigning of numerical values to Hebrew letters and how gematria offers insights into the deeper meaning of sacred texts. No prior knowledge of Judaism, Hebrew, or math is needed.
How the Modern Bible Came to Be $27 / $32
March 4 at 1:30 – 3pm, Tue NC7654 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7655 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Kent Commons
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? Why?
These are the thorniest of questions, made even more tangled by the Bible’s great age. Join us as we explore the origins of the bible as we know it today.
The Rise of the “Nones”: Declining Religious Affiliation/Participation in America $27 / $32
March 5 at 10 – 11:30am, Wed
NC7656 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7657 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Dr. Charles Kupchella
The religious landscape of the U.S. is and has been changing rapidly. In Pew Research Surveys conducted in the last few years: 63% of American adults described themselves as Christians – down 14 percentage points from a decade earlier. The percentage of people who described their religious identity as “atheist,” “agnostic” or “nothing-inparticular,” was 29% – up from 17% in 2009. Some mainline churches have lost 40 percent or more of their members. Enrollment in Catholic schools has been growing in much of the global south, but the situation is different in developed countries. In the United States in particular, enrollment has been declining for most of the last 50 years. Why has this been happening and what are the implications?
TIP: Cancel any program three business days prior to its start for a full refund.
Will the Real Mary Magdalene Please Stand
Up? $27 / $32
March 6 at 10 – 11:30am, Thur NC7658 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7659 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Gail Harper
Come along on a remarkable journey through antiquity through hidden documents, lost Gospels, and centuries of scholarly research that will reveal the true lives of Jesus of Nazareth and Mary Magdalene.
A Study of Miracles $27 / $32
March 18 at 1:30 – 3pm, Tue NC7660 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7661 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Kent Commons
What is a miracle, and more importantly what is not a miracle? For millenia, there have been debates between philosophy, science and theology on the nature of miracles and whether the laws of nature can be/have been violated. Aristotle, Descartes, Hume, Emerson, Einstein and other brilliant thinkers and noble prize winners cannot agree on how, why and when miracles can or do occur. Is it divine intervention, lack of scientific understanding, metaphysics, or mysticism upon which miracles appear to happen? Is it possible we have ever experienced one? Join our conversation in this intriguing class.
R OULETTE
Learn to Play Roulette $30 / $35
Option #1 – February 13 at 10 – 12pm, Thur NC7662 – Naples Center (Naples)
Option #2 – March 12 at 10 – 12pm, Wed NC7663 – Naples Center (Naples)
Speaker: Charles Valery
Our instructor has two roulette wheels, tables and chips ready to teach you how to play and hopefully win the fun game of chance, roulette. Roulette pays some of the best returns of all the tables or machines in a casino. You will learn the rules of the game, the myriads of bets and combos to play, and gain insight into methodologies you can use to try to beat the house. This program is for instructional purposes only, no gambling or betting will occur.
S CIENCE
Darwin’s Theory of Evolution and Hitler’s Concept of a “Master Race” $27 / $32
Option #1 – February 28 at 10:30 – 12pm, Fri
NC7664 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7665 – Online via Zoom
Option #2 – April 7 at 1:30 – 3pm, Mon
BV7666 – Bentley Village (North Naples)
Speaker: Dr. Robert Humphries
This lecture explores the basics of Darwin’s theory of how life may have evolved by means of Natural Selection with some of the key evidence in its support, including current scientific analysis. Also, how Darwin’s ideas along with American support may have helped Hitler envision his “Master Race” concept.
The Perception of Time: Understanding Chronos $27 / $32
Option #1 – March 10 at 1:30 – 3pm, Mon NC7667 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7668 – Online via Zoom
Option #2 – April 21 at 1:30 – 3pm, Mon
BV7669 – Bentley Village (North Naples)
Speaker: Dr. John Harrigan
What is time? How we perceive time is a fascinating mix of psychology and philosophy combined with the mingling of our consciousness and our memories. Learn more about how time is mentally constructed and significantly personalized as it ebbs and flows throughout our life.
CSI DNA Profiling: Genomes to Gene Editing and Therapies $27 / $32
March 26 at 10:30 – 12pm, Wed NC7670 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7671 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Dr. Robert Humphries
This lecture, designed for the non-scientist, explores the fast-changing and ever interesting subject of 21st century DNA technologies. How perpetrators get caught or the innocent set free using DNA profiling. Reading our “genomes” to find increased chances of developing disease. Hopes of “editing” genes to correct flaws in our genetic messages. Join us as we explore these topics and more.
Freud and the Theory of Psychoanalysis $27 / $32
March 26 at 1:30 – 3pm, Wed NC7672 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7673 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Dr. Lawrence Crouch
Through lecture and class discussion we will review and explore the origins, development and the extensive influences that Sigmund Freud’s efforts have had on psychology, anthropology, medicine and psychotherapy in general.
Science, Disinformation and the Covid Pandemic $27 / $32
April 24 at 10 – 11:30am, Thur BV7674 – Bentley Village (North Naples)
Speaker: Dr. Vince Marchesani
Taken from the speaker’s book, “Communicating Science and Managing the Coronavirus Pandemic,” this lecture addresses much of the disinformation and conspiracy theories about the Covid 19 virus. For many in our country, lies and misinformation spread about the virus and its treatments were embraced wholeheartedly and taken as truth. Peer-reviewed, fact-based science, while not always perfect, offers conclusions, suggestions and solutions, but such information must be presented to the public in a strong and effective manner.
T RAVEL O PEN H OUSES
FGCU Academy 2025 Travel Open Houses Free
Option #1 – January 7 at 10 – 11:30am, Tue CO7675 – The Collaboratory (Ft. Myers)
Option #2 – January 10 at 10 – 11:30am, Fri NC7676 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7677 – Online via Zoom
Option #3 – January 15 at 10 – 11:30am, Wed
FG7678 – FGCU Campus, Water School Building (AB9) Room 106, (Fort Myers)
Option #4 – February 5 at 10 – 11:30am, Wed
NC7679 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7680 – Online via Zoom
Option #5 – March 6 at 10 – 11:30am, Thur NC7681– Naples Center (Naples)
OL7682 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: John Guerra
Join FGCU Academy in-person or online as we formally unveil our 2025 travel excursions including Northern Italy: From the Alps to the Adriatic; Journey
Through Central Europe; Insider’s Japan; Paradores and Pousadas: Portugal & Spain; Machu Picchu to the Galapagos; Egypt and the Eternal Nile; Moroccan Discovery: From the Imperial Cities to the Sahara. This year we are also featuring two remarkable river cruises, Portugal and the Douro River Cruise; and Gems of Eastern Europe River Cruise – Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania. Through unique and interesting itineraries, participants experience life outside the classroom, visit historic sites with local guides, experience another culture – its customs, cuisine, language and history – and delight in conversation and laughter with fellow explorers who share a love of travel and a sense of adventure.
W ORLD V OYAGE: S IGHTS, S OUNDS & C ULTURES
A Different Look at Florida $27 / $32
Option #1 – March 3 at 1:30 – 3pm, Mon CL7683 – Carlisle of Naples (Northeast Naples)
Option #2 – April 1 at 1:30 – 3pm, Tue NC7684 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7685 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Jim Sernovitz
Florida is a world unto itself. Join us as we go from the glamour and excitement of Miami Beach through the primitive Everglades and follow the beautiful beaches of the Gulf Coast all the way north and west to the Panhandle. We then head inland, where most visitors, and many locals never venture, to visit the many unique agricultural sites that make Florida famous such as sugar plantations, orange groves, orchid greenhouses and many other remarkably interesting places.
Peru and the Sacred Mountain of the Incas $27 / $32
March 31 at 1:30 – 3pm, Mon BV7686 – Bentley Village (North Naples)
Speaker: Jim Sernovitz
Peru is a land of contrasts with bustling modern cities and ancient towns dating from the days of the Incas. Journey with us through this amazing land stopping in both Lima, the present capital, and Cusco, the capital of the Inca Empire, on our way to Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas.
The Galapagos Islands, Ecuador and the Center of the World $27 / $32
April 7 at 2 – 3:30pm, Mon AG7687 – Aston Gardens at Pelican Marsh (NE Naples)
Speaker: Jim Sernovitz
Join us as we travel from the high mountain city of Quito, Ecuador and cruise the remote volcanic Galapagos Islands – the inspiration for Darwin’s famous Theory of Evolution. We see everything from the actual Equator line to the strange and unique wildlife that is only found on the islands in this remote corner of the world.
Finland, Norway and the Viking Discovery of the New World $27 / $32
April 9 at 10 – 11:30am, Wed MP7688 – Moorings Park Orig. Campus (Naples)
Speaker: Jim Sernovitz
Five-hundred years before Columbus “discovered” the New World, the Vikings had already been there. Join us as we explore the Nordic countries of Finland and Norway, following the reindeer herds to Lapland and far north of the Arctic circle. We visit the modern capitals of Helsinki and Oslo as well as old fishing and farming villages whose way of life has not changed for hundreds of years. From an economy once dependent on cod fishing and the 1,000-year-old city of Bergen, the main trading center of the north Atlantic, we follow the path of the Vikings across the sea to Iceland, Greenland and the New World.
Ancient Egypt – Land of Pyramids, Temples and Mummies $27 / $32
April 15 at 3:30 – 5pm, Tue SL7689 – Siena Lakes (Northeast Naples)
Speaker: Jim Sernovitz
Visit the world’s first civilization as we follow the Nile River exploring the mysteries of the past. From the Temple of Abu Simbel in the south to Alexandria on the shores of the Mediterranean in the north, we cover this amazing land that was already ancient in the days of Moses.
Spain, Portugal and Morocco – Jewels of the Western Mediterranean $27 / $32
April 17 at 1:30 – 3pm, Thur CC7736 – Cypress Cove (Ft. Myers)
Speaker: Jim Sernovitz
Join us on a remarkable journey as we climb the Rock
of Gibraltar, see the splendor of Granada and the Alhambra, visit the mysterious Kasbah of Casablanca and the beautiful cities of Lisbon and Barcelona.
W RITING W ORKSHOPS
Writers’ Collaborative Workshop (4-part monthly series) $100 / $120
Option #1 – January 7, 14, 21, 28 at 1:30 – 3:30pm
NC7742 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7743 – Online via Zoom
Option #2 – February 4, 11, 18, 25 at 1:30 – 3:30pm
NC7744 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7745 – Online via Zoom
Option #3 – March 4, 11, 18, 25 at 1:30 – 3:30pm
NC7746 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7747 – Online via Zoom
Option #4 – April 1, 8, 15, 22 at 1:30 – 3:30pm
NC7748 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7749 – Online via Zoom
Option #5 – May 6, 13, 20, 27 at 1:30 – 3:30pm
NC7750 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7751 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Kelly Canaday
In this hands-on workshop, participants share writing for feedback and engage in discussion of the writing craft and profession at all levels, including the writing process, developing ideas, audience and reader engagement. Each week each participant reads an excerpt of work-in-progress for constructive critique and collaborative learning. Learn through works-inprogress and discuss the writing process, effective revision techniques, and targeting specific genres and markets. Time and length limit to excerpts are dependent on group size.
Memoir Writing $100 / $120
February 4, 11, 18, 25 at 2 – 4pm, (4-part series), Tues
NC7690 – Naples Center
OL7691 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Sue Rumbaugh
Memoir Writing (creative nonfiction) will tap into the writer’s memory to find the stories that call to be written. Through short, in-class writing exercises utilizing a variety of writing elements (language, similes, metaphors, etc.) and weekly longer-form story writing, we’ll practice writing and rewriting through voluntary in-class workshopping as well as online feedback from the instructor. This class will help the writer develop written works for their own personal
development, to share with family and pass along history, or to share with others - through publication. We all have stories to tell, and they are important - to us, to our family and friends, and perhaps to those who never met us. No prior experience necessary, just the desire to tell your story and a willingness to do some work to accomplish that goal.
Essay Writing $100 / $120
March 4, 11, 18, 25 at 2 – 4pm, (4-part series), Tues
NC7692 – Naples Center
OL7693 – Online via Zoom
Speaker:
Sue Rumbaugh
Essay Writing (creative nonfiction) will focus on exploring topics that stir the writer and reader. Writers will not only explore topics, but also practice techniques of writing - to explain, explore and enjoy a subject. Our essays will crack open the truth, expose realities, and explore experiences that evoke a response. We will share voluntary inclass workshopping and, the instructor will give feedback online to individuals. We will “mine our life experiences” to find nuggets of truth and develop our writing to include elements of the time, the place, and the significance of our experience. Our audience will be ourselves, then family and friends, and perhaps others, through possible publication. No prior experience necessary, just the desire to write about something of interest and a willingness to do some work to accomplish this goal.
SPEAKER BIOGRAPHICAL
SKETCHES
Neil Adelman, J.D., is a retired attorney who practiced law in Chicago for 41 years. He has lectured and coordinated courses on legal and related historical subjects and on opera.
Michael Baumohl, a Member of the Motion Picture Academy of Arts & Science, has worked in various capacities in the film industry in Europe and the U.S. for over 30 years at major and independent studios.
Gerald Beaubien is a retired multinational corporate executive. Having lived around the world, his passions now include golf and bridge. He often can be found teaching bridge on cruises.
Frank Berna has nearly 30 years of experience in various aspects of professional photography.
Val Bostrom previously worked for Delta Airlines as a travel agent. She will be our capable guide for most of our day trips.
Diane Bothfeld, M.S. and Certified Cicerone® is a beer lover with experience in agriculture, home brewing, and microbiology. She leads beer tasting, pairing, and beer themed dinner events with explorations of different beer styles.
Kelly Canaday, M.A., M.F.A, teaches Creative Writing. Her debut poetry chapbook is coming soon through Dancing Girl Press.
Jane Carroo is a Certified Yoga Nidra teacher. Her background includes Life Coach, Certified Professional Organizer, author and educator.
Kent Commons, M.A., is a graduate from Whittier College and Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary and has worked with several ministries.
Thomas Consiglio, M.S., has been an educator for the past 16 years with the NYC Department of Education with degrees and experience in Education, Information Technology as well as Communications and Business.
Lawrence Crouch, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical counselor with 25 years of service as a mental health therapist and 15 years’ experience as a professor of counseling. He is a published author and a human resources consultant.
Loris Dallal trained at the Sogetsu Ikebana School in Tokyo. She has attended seminars and workshops worldwide and taught Ikebana at Hofstra University.
Gayle Dorio is a registered interior designer and a highly decorated orchid society member. She is an avid mah-jongg teacher and player.
Marty Dorio, Ph.D., has adopted, studied, and taught new technologies. He is a member of the Naples Mac Users Group.
Dianne Durante, Ed.S., LMFT, is an expert on marriage, family, and the educational system with over 40 years of experience as a therapist and educator. She is a member of the prestigious National Speakers Association.
Thomas Eastwood had careers with the ATF and DOD where he conducted and led counterintelligence and criminal investigations.
Christopher Endrinal, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Music in the Bower School of Music and the Arts at FGCU.
Thomas Felke, Ph.D., Associate Dean/Associate Professor at the Marieb College of Health & Human Services of FGCU, specializes in social work.
Larry Gillis, J.D., practiced criminal law in NH for 30+ years (prosecution and defense). He has been teaching at the college level since 1974. He led the Fort Myers Sherlock Holmes club for several years.
Tim Goggin has worked in Cultural Resource Management for over 20 years. In that time he has worked to place historic locations and archaeological sites on the NRHP.
Edward Grace graduated from M.I.T. and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for work on the Apollo 13 Mission.
Jerry Greenfield has been teaching wine seminars since 2003 and is a member of the Society of Wine Educators. Jerry served for three years as Wine Director of the Southwest Florida Wine and Food Festival.
John Guerra is a Columbia University graduate, former merchant banker and is the Director of FGCU Academy.
Gail Harper received her Master of Arts degree in Theology from Xaiver University. She is an author and speaker on the life and times of Jesus and Mary Magdalene.
John Harrigan, Ph.D., teaches in the communication departments at FGCU and the State University New York at Erie. He has taught at Project Zero at Harvard University and SIM in Singapore.
Robert Humphries, M.D., Ph.D., teaches molecular biology at Florida Gulf Coast University.
John Hushon, J.D., was a corporate attorney and CEO of an international energy company. He is a lecturer on religious issues including ways of looking at Scripture, the First Amendment, and religious evangelization.
Baharul Islam, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor, Software Engineering at FGCU.
Stefanie Kempton, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Journalism at FGCU.
Rick Kline is an experienced Certified Personal Trainer and fitness coach. He holds certifications in group fitness and is a senior fitness specialist and TRX trainer.
Charles Kupchella, Ph.D., served as president of The University of North Dakota and is the author of several books.
Courtney Lanute is an adjunct professor at FGCU in Spanish, French, and English to non-native speakers.
Hugo Llorens, Ambassador (Ret.), is a 36-year veteran of the U.S. diplomatic service with degrees from Georgetown University and the National War College.
Vince Marchesani, Ph.D., a retired President and CEO, has 30+ years in the chemical industry, holds five copyrights, and has published numerous technical papers and three books.
Jeffrey Margolis is a lifelong educator and published author.
Edward Maxwell, Ph.D., has tweeted, blogged, and Facebooked since 2013. He spent decades studying languages and writing systems. He has been involved in AI research since the 1970s.
Nancy Maxwell grew up abroad and after studying at Cornell University, lived and taught for many years in Europe, where she developed a lifelong passion for history and the individual stories behind events.
Gabriella Miyamoto, J.D., currently serves as an Adjunct Instructor at Ringling College of Art & Design in Sarasota, Florida, where she has taught courses in Art History and Medieval Warfare for the past six years.
Alf Monaghan worked as an Economic Adviser to governments and development agencies in Northern Europe, Central America, the Middle East, and South/West Africa. His time in Syria, Turkey, Lebanon, Cyprus, Jordan and Egypt triggered a deeper interest in the origins of belief and religion
Ken Nesbitt is a retired military officer and Command & Control Specialist During his 25 years in Europe, he advanced his passion for history as a tour guide and history presenter
Marla Ottenstein has been the owner of Professional Organizer Florida since 2009, has been recognized as Southwest Florida’s expert authority on home/office organization, downsizing and senior move management
James Pagliaro, J D , is a lawyer, author and historian As a Philadelphia Museum of Art docent, he specializes in historical interpretations.
Sandy Parker, author of the popular Sparker ’s Soapbox blog, is passionate about informed voting and civic engagement She has lectured about Florida government since 2011.
Nicholas G. Penniman IV retired in 1999 as publisher of the St Louis Post-Dispatch and senior vice president of newspaper operations for Pulitzer Publishing Company He is a founder of a 2017 start-up using professional journalists and AI to rate websites in seven languages for credibility and transparency
Cathy Rosenbaum, Pharm D., is a holistic clinical pharmacist and certified fitness nutrition coach
Bruce B. Rosenblatt is the owner of Senior Housing Solutions and is considered an expert on senior housing in SWFL with over 30 years’ experience He is also a Certified Dementia Practitioner
John Roth is pastor of Thrive Community Church in Estero, president of the United Campus Ministries at FGCU, and an adjunct instructor at FGCU since 2015 teaching about religion
Sue Rumbaugh is a retired college professor with published works in fiction, nonfiction, poetry as well as journalism and professional writing She is a former journalist, and fundraiser from Pittsburgh, PA.
Julie Satterfield-Price is a History professor at FGCU, has taught at three other universities, been a managing editor of a lifestyle magazine, and a published author of two novels. Her greatest accomplishment has been raising three amazing daughters!
Jim Sernovitz is a prize-winning and published photographer He has taken photos on six continents and in over 100 countries as well as all 50 states and most of Canada
Larry Siegel, Ph.D., has been a professor of Criminal Justice for more than 40 years. He is the author of 15 books on justice related topics including criminology, juvenile delinquency and criminal procedure.
Aaron Skloff, M B A , AIF, CFA, is a Chartered Financial Analyst, Accredited Investment Fiduciary, and a Financial Advisor and CEO of Skloff Financial
Robert Sorenson, Ph.D , CSCS, CSPS, is an entrepreneur in the wellness industry and an adjunct professor in the Exercise Science program at FGCU.
Jeffrey Steinberg, M A , has been involved in private sector research, analysis, and education on national security affairs for 40 years.
David Stewart is a graduate of Corpus Christi College, Oxford, the Graduate School of Business at Stanford and a lifelong student of literature and opera He served for 10 years as a Director of the Canadian Opera Company
Gary Stuhltrager is a retired state legislator, lawyer and author.
Carlene Thissen is a singer, songwriter and author who spends much of her time working with the people of Immokalee
Helen Tintes-Schuermann, D.M., is an adjunct member at the Bower School of Music & the Arts at FGCU. She is a singeractor and voice specialist who performs in the U.S. and Europe regularly in opera, concert and theater
Jerry Tuttle is a retired actuary and is an online teacher of math and data science at SNHU. He likes to find unusual places where math is used in life.
Roger Upton, CPA is a Tax Partner for one of the largest CPA firms in the US. He is a regular speaker at CPA conferences, commentator to the IRS regarding regulations, and an author
Steve Valdespino, M.A., has 25 years of teaching experience at UCF, Lely High School and Edison State College.
Charles Valery is a retired aerospace engineer He played bridge for many years and recently formed the Delasol Bridge Club.
Marwan A. Wehbe, M.D., is a retired Professor of Orthopedic Surgery from Jefferson Medical College. His expertise is the result of nearly 50 years of teaching, research and publishing.
Chris Williams is the founder of Emeritus Health. He works as a Certified Personal Trainer in Naples.
Casey Wolff, J D , is an Immigration and Naturalization attorney
John Yasinsky, Ph.D , is a retired CEO, with a doctorate in nuclear science. His areas of expertise include nuclear power, solar photovoltaic, wind turbine power generation, coal and natural gas
LATE ADDITIONS TO THE SCHEDULE!
iPhone/iPad Apps: Mastering Email $37 / $44
January 16 at 2 – 3:30pm, Thur
GL7725 – Moorings Park Grande Lake (SE Naples)
Van Gogh in Provence: Poets, Lovers, Peasants $27 / $32
January 24 at 1:30 – 3pm, Fri
GL7730 – Moorings Park Grande Lake (SE Naples)
iPhone/iPad: iOS18 Tips, Tricks & Secrets $37 / $44
January 24 at 1:30 – 3pm, Fri
ME7743 – Moran Education Center (North Naples)
On the Front Line in Afghanistan $27 / $32
February 10 at 10 – 11:30am, Mon
ME7744 – Moran Education Center (North Naples)
iPhone/iPad Apps: Master Safari & Calendar $37 / $44
February 13 at 2 – 3:30pm, Thur
GL7726 – Moorings Park Grande Lake (SE Naples)
History of American Musical Theatre $27 / $32
February 21 at 1:30 – 3pm, Fri
GL7731 – Moorings Park Grande Lake (SE Naples)
Masterpieces of the Musée D’Orsay: 19th Century
Impressionism and Beyond $27 / $32
February 25 at 1:30 – 3pm, Tue
ME7745 – Moran Education Center (North Naples)
2nd Trump Administration in a Turbulent World $27 / $32
March 7 at 1:30 – 3pm, Fri
GL7732 – Moorings Park Grande Lake (SE Naples)
Voyage to Mars $27 / $32
March 13 at 10 – 11:30am, Thur
ME7746 – Moran Education Center (North Naples)
iPhone/iPad Apps: Photo Organization, Editing, Sharing and More in iOS 18 $37 / $44
March 13 at 2 – 3:30pm, Thur
GL7727 – Moorings Park Grande Lake (SE Naples)
Spanish Armada: A Magnificent Myth $27 / $32
March 14 at 1:30 – 3pm, Fri
GL7738 – Moorings Park Grande Lake (SE Naples)
Chinese Intelligence and Spycraft $27 / $32
March 28 at 1:30 – 3pm, Fri ME7747 – Moran Education Center (North Naples)
Presidential Assassinations $27 / $32
April 11 at 1:30 – 3pm, Fri GL7739 – Moorings Park Grande Lake (SE Naples)
iPhone/iPad Apps: Master Texting & Messages $37 / $44
April 17 at 2 – 3:30pm, Thur GL7728 – Moorings Park Grande Lake (SE Naples)
The Chicago 8 Conspiracy Trial $27 / $32
April 25 at 1:30 – 3pm, Fri GL7740 – Moorings Park Grande Lake (SE Naples)
Against All Odds: The Ordeal of Ernest Shackleton and the Crew of the Endurance $27 / $32
May 2 at 1:30 – 3pm, Fri GL7741 – Moorings Park Grande Lake (SE Naples)
Apple Intelligence: Private, Secure AI Comes to All Apple Devices $37 / $44
May 8 at 2 – 3:30pm, Thur GL7729 – Moorings Park Grande Lake (SE Naples)
Human Migration: Evolution, Immigration & Invasion $27 / $32
May 16 at 1:30 – 3pm, Fri GL7742 – Moorings Park Grande Lake (SE Naples)
SPECIAL SOCIAL EVENT
Italian Cuisine & Wine Pairing Social Event at Mare Terra
February 20 at 4:30 – 7pm, Thursday
SP7356 – Bonita Springs
$85 / $95
Pre-registration is required. Make new friends and enjoy several delectable samplings of wonderful Italian appetizers at Mare Terra Restaurant in Bonita Springs. Your guide for this food and wine experience is with a sommelier who has personally chosen the wine pairings for each appetizer. Eat, laugh and be merry at the Academy’s Appetizers and Wine Pairing social event! No refunds within 7 business days of event.
COME IN FOR HAPPY HOUR FROM COME IN FOR HAPPY HOUR FROM 3:00 TO 6:00PM. STAY FOR DINNER 3:00 TO 6:00PM. STAY FOR DINNER WITH OUR 3-COURSE FIRST WITH OUR 3-COURSE FIRST
SEATING MEAL FOR ONLY $34.24
SEATING MEAL FOR ONLY $34.24 PER PERSON FROM 4:00 TO 5:30 PER PERSON FROM 4:00 TO 5:30 PM DAILY. PM DAILY. A CULINARY A CULINARY EXPERIENCE TO REMEMBER. EXPERIENCE TO REMEMBER.
PROGRAM REGISTRATION FORM
Please complete SEPARATE registration forms for EACH PERSON taking a program. Mail this form to:
FGCU Academy, 704 Goodlette-Frank Rd. North, Suite 330, Naples FL 34102
Name:
Florida Street Address:
City / State / Zip:
Telephone: Email:
Florida residency (Choose one): q Full time q January - May q October - May
I want to join as an Annual Member / $85 (Valid one year from date of purchase) $
PROGRAM FEES: Please note that Program fees are different for members and non-members. Enter the CORRECT FEE AMOUNT for each program based upon your membership status.
Program #
Program #
Program #
Program #
Program # Program #
TOTAL: Membership dues (if any) plus program fees: $
q I want to make a donation and support lifelong learning in the SWFL community. $ If paying by check, please send a SEPARATE check for your donation.
I WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMATION ON THE ITEMS CHECKED, PLEASE CONTACT ME:
q I am interested in receiving information about the Academy’s travel programs (Brochures available online)
q I would like to volunteer
q I am interested in being a speaker
PAYMENT
q Check (Payable to FGCU Academy)
q Credit card:
q MasterCard
q Visa
q American Express
q Discover
Name on card:
Card number:
Expiration date: CVV: Signature:
PROGRAM REGISTRATION FORM
Please complete SEPARATE registration forms for EACH PERSON taking a program. Mail this form to:
FGCU Academy, 704 Goodlette-Frank Rd. North, Suite 330, Naples FL 34102
Name:
Florida Street Address:
City / State / Zip:
Telephone: Email:
Florida residency (Choose one): q Full time q January - May q October - May
I want to join as an Annual Member / $85 (Valid one year from date of purchase) $
PROGRAM FEES: Please note that Program fees are different for members and non-members. Enter the CORRECT FEE AMOUNT for each program based upon your membership status.
Program #
Program #
Program #
Program #
Program #
Program #
TOTAL: Membership dues (if any) plus program fees: $
q I want to make a donation and support lifelong learning in the SWFL community. $ If paying by check, please send a SEPARATE check for your donation.
I WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMATION ON THE ITEMS CHECKED, PLEASE CONTACT ME:
q I am interested in receiving information about the Academy’s travel programs (Brochures available online)
q I would like to volunteer
q I am interested in being a speaker
PAYMENT
q Check (Payable to FGCU Academy)
q Credit card:
q MasterCard
q Visa
q American Express
q Discover
Name on card:
Card number:
Expiration date: CVV:
Signature:
PROGRAM REGISTRATION FORM
Please complete SEPARATE registration forms for EACH PERSON taking a program. Mail this form to:
FGCU Academy, 704 Goodlette-Frank Rd. North, Suite 330, Naples FL 34102
Name:
Florida Street Address:
City / State / Zip:
Telephone: Email:
Florida residency (Choose one): q Full time q January - May q October - May
I want to join as an Annual Member / $85 (Valid one year from date of purchase) $
PROGRAM FEES: Please note that Program fees are different for members and non-members. Enter the CORRECT FEE AMOUNT for each program based upon your membership status.
Program #
Program #
Program #
Program #
Program # Program #
TOTAL: Membership dues (if any) plus program fees: $
q I want to make a donation and support lifelong learning in the SWFL community. $ If paying by check, please send a SEPARATE check for your donation.
I WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMATION ON THE ITEMS CHECKED, PLEASE CONTACT ME:
q I am interested in receiving information about the Academy’s travel programs (Brochures available online)
q I would like to volunteer
q I am interested in being a speaker
PAYMENT
q Check (Payable to FGCU Academy)
q Credit card:
q MasterCard
q Visa
q American Express
q Discover
Name on card:
Card number:
Expiration date: CVV: Signature:
704 Goodlette-Frank Rd. N, Suite 330, Naples, 34102
