(District) Welcome Coffee offers plenty of sweeteners
Learning in Retirement by Larry Armbrust (Charlotte Campus)
It seems like I’ve been writing about it forever — this morning’s 9 a.m. Fall Welcome Coffee for the Lifelong Learning Institute, that is.
It’s being held in the Edison State College auditorium at the Charlotte campus, 26300 Airport Road in Punta Gorda. You’re invited to meet the instructors, ask questions, register for classes and field trips; purchase lecture tickets and become an LLI friend.
Come sample the coffee and cookies, and benefit from the opportunity to meet old and new friends. Don’t miss it. I hope to see you there!
Lifelong Learning Institute is the real deal for continuing adult education for those in the mature years of life. The classes offered in the weeks ahead will wake you up and get your adrenaline flowing. The 1 p.m. lecture on Nov. 12 featuring Dr. Marc and Cindy Melser from South African Medical Expeditions and the Nov. 14 field trip to Asolo Repertory Theatre in Sarasota don’t depend on artificial sweeteners to give you a buzz.
If you read today’s popular novels, why not sign up for our LLI book clubs? In October we’ll discuss “Tortilla Curtain” by T.C. Boyle. It’s about a writer on his way home near Los Angeles, who accidentally hits a man who is an illegal alien. The incident brings the two men and their families together. This novel about values, illegal immigration, xenophobia, environmental destruction and poverty will become a movie starring Kevin Costner in 2010.
LLI’s Englewood patrons will have a new site and day, the first Tuesday of each month from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., starting in October, at Harbor Ford, 1908 S. McCall Road, with an elevator-accessible second-floor meeting room.
The Edison State College campus book club meets the second Monday of each month, beginning Oct. 12, at the same time. There is no fee to participate, and the book is an easy read and gives occasion to discuss extremely pertinent current social issues. LLI’s Web site reviews brief summaries of each month’s selection from now through April.
Since first solicited by Lifelong Learning Institute’s president, Charlie Brox, to volunteer my time and writing experience to work with this great organization, I have no regrets. If you have time on your hands and would like to get involved in LLI, there are plenty of opportunities available. Last year 1,884 hours were contributed by our faithful LLI volunteers.
Why not consider some of the areas below where you can channel your experience and energy to benefit the seniors of this community and give us a call?
Cheerful greeters are needed for our special lectures in November and the spring. The hospitality committee can use your help at the coffees twice a year and with preparation for the Volunteer and Friends Reception in the spring.
Volunteers are always needed on committees such as the Distinguished Speakers lectures, curriculum, public relations, fundraising/grants, volunteer and hospitality, and the book clubs. We’re always looking for class instructors whose knowledge or skill can be presented as another valuable learning experience “just for the fun of it.”
Every academic session we also need classroom monitors, someone trained to take attendance, help with the informational/statistical questionnaires, assist the instructor as needed by passing out name tags, distribute handouts, and to be there for whatever may happen. One incentive is that class monitors audit that course gratis.
Our delightful office manager, Bonnie Leroy, regularly would love to have some assistance in preparing for our fall and spring classes.
The Rev. Larry Armbrust is the regular contributor for the Lifelong Learning Institute. For more LLI information, contact the office at 941-637-3533, e-mail to charlottelli@edison.edu or check out
