4 minute read
Lifelong Learning
Academy on the Go On the Path of Sanibel Island’s Early Settlers
Shell Point is sometimes humorously referred to as “Sanibel East,” since many current residents once called this unique island their home. Over the years, the Academy of Lifelong Learning has also been establishing a wonderful relationship with several of Sanibel’s organizations and cultural institutions. This past winter, residents enjoyed our collaboration with the Ding Darling Wildlife Society when we hosted a six-part author series that brought the likes of David Allen Sibley and Stan Tekiela, two of the most renowned ornithologists in this country, to our beautiful campus. Last month, The Sanibel Historical Museum & Village staff visited the Academy with its magnificent documentary “Secrets and Stories of the Sanibel Lighthouse.” This truly remarkable film, which was solely produced by the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village’s dedicated volunteers and sponsors, took the audience on a journey through rarely seen historical footage. More than 200 residents and guests learned about the strong connection the lighthouse had, and still has, to many island institutions, as well as how it was used for defense in World War II. Two weeks later, a group of 25 adventurous residents embarked on an exciting Academy on the Go excursion to visit both the Sanibel Lighthouse and the Sanibel Historical Museum & Village. The Museum & Village was founded in 1984 with a mission to preserve and share the history of this unique little island – including fascinating stories The tour was led by Alan Lessack (Parkwood) (below) and Bill Bachman (Rosemont), who are about those pioneers who used their resourcefulness, persistence, hard work, and strong both past presidents and current docents of the values to create a thriving community. It was Sanibel Historical Museum & Village. fun to look at the historic buildings, like the Sanibel Packing House, Post Office, and Miss Charlotta’s Tea Room, and imagine what life was like on a tropical island 100 years ago – without air conditioning and bug spray! Residents gathered in front of one of the Island’s one-room schoolhouses that dates back to 1896.
The Academy is delighted to welcome NBC2 Chief Meteorologist Allyson Rae, who is visiting the Academy to share the latest outlook for Hurricane Season 2022. She will also discuss how forecasting has improved over the years, which new technology will be used in the 2022 hurricane season, and most importantly, how our changing climate can impact tropical systems.
THE BEATLES: A GLOBAL SENSATION
The year is 1962. Add four teenage boys from Liverpool. The rest is history. Yet, who could have imagined that a band from a relatively poor northwest port city of England would export their homegrown success to a world eagerly opening up to the burgeoning phenomenon known as Rock n’ Roll? Just in time for Paul McCartney’s 80th birthday, Dr. Tom Cimarusti takes you on a musical journey from the band’s formation to their rise to superstardom.
THIS SUMMER, THE ACADEMY IS TAKING YOU TO ONE OF THE MOST ROMANTIC AND SPECTACULAR PLACES IN SOUTH AMERICA: ARGENTINA!
EXPLORING THE “PARIS OF LATIN AMERICA”: BUENOS AIRES AND ARGENTINA WITH JOHN THOMAS, PH.D.
Buenos Aires, one of the largest cities in Latin America, has an architecture that closely resembles that of Paris. World traveler and historian John Thomas, Ph.D. returns to explain how European immigrant influences produced an extraordinary lifestyle with gorgeous art, music, and of course, the unique and world-famous dance, the Tango.
AN EVENING IN BUENOS AIRES: MUSIC, CULTURE, AND DANCE WITH PROFESSOR THOMAS CIMARUSTI AND TANGO ENSEMBLE
Come enjoy an evening of Tango music as Dr. Tom Cimarusti and guest artists celebrate the legendary Tango composer Astor Piazzolla, as well as traditional tangos. The program will feature songs, solo pieces and chamber works that include bandoneon, accordion, violin, piano, and a special surprise direct from Argentina! The night, which includes light refreshments after the program, promises to transport you to the dance halls of Buenos Aires and the sensual sounds that characterize Tango.
MARIA CALLAS – THE VOICE OF A CENTURY
Maria Callas defined what it meant to be a diva. Referred to as "La Divina" by her devoted worshipers, she is widely considered to be one of the greatest opera singers of all time. Dr. Krzysztof Biernacki, Professor of Voice and Director of the Bower School of Music & the Arts at Florida Gulf Coast University, will explore how Maria Callas, 45 years after her death, still epitomizes the golden standard against which today’s opera singers are measured.
Academy
of Lifelong Learning
AT SHELL POINT
Academy
of Lifelong Learning
AT SHELL POINT
ACADEMY of LIFELONG LEARNING
AT SHELL POINT Upcoming Attractions
ACADEMY of LIFELONG LEARNING
AT SHELL POINT
ACADEMY of LIFELONG LEARNING
AT SHELL POINT
