LLI MATTERSLLI: LEARNING FOR THE LOVE OF IT

Lifetime Learning Institute at SUNY New Paltz Volume 7 Number 2 July 2016

Greetings LLIMembers,I was very intimidated

taking on the role of President ofLLI after looking at the list ofillustrious past Presidents andthe past successes of theorganization. I hope to be able togrow and to fill the BIG chair.My wish is to lead the instituteto your satisfaction.

My first public event wasthe very successful VolunteerReception. The Council andparticularly the MembersDatDlarge were very gratified to see70 of our volunteers at theCollege’s Terrace to berecognized for all their hardwork.

There was a lovely tributeto Johanna “the Brit” Hill, whorecently passed away by herfriend, Secretary, Faith Nichols.Hill served on the curriculumcommittee and a short time agotook on the role of EventsChairperson. Her events teamhas carried on and organized theBrunch on June 15 with RobiJosephson, who discussed CivilWar in New Paltz. Myresponsibility is to find a new

Events chair. Anyone interestedin learning about the job or inheading up this enthusiastcommittee, please contact me atsturmpny@gmail.com.

The MembersDatDlargepresented another fun GameDay at the Gardiner Library onJune 16.

Barbara Hyde has agreedto serve as the new ClassroomAssistant Chair replacing theoutgoing chair, Gail Picciati.

It is anticipated that the secondannual miniDconference with thelocal area senior learningorganizations will be held in NewPaltz this November. This will

afford us the opportunity todiscuss the issues that cut acrossall our organizations. The issue ofnoDshows, parking, findingpresenters, etc. and theirsolutions will be discussed indepth.

Keep your eyes opened inAugust for the next FALL 2016catalog filled with exciting newclasses. Please share yourpositive experiences at LLI withyour friends, neighbors andfamily. Invite them to join youand L.L.I. for the love of learning.

Phyllis M. SturmPresident L.L.I. 2016-17SUNY New Paltz

From the President’s BIG Chair

Strong leadership makes LLI strong

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OFFICERSPresident Phyllis SturmVice President Jessica RothmanTreasurer Jay BishopSecretary Faith NicholsImmediate past President Marilou AbramsheMembers at Large Alice Barner

Stefi MorrisonAlma Sloan

STANDING COMMITTEESChair Curriculum Development Sheyda Eversley

Shirley WarrenChair Curriculum Catalog Marilou AbramsheChair Classroom Management Marilou AbramsheChair Classrooms Assistants Barbara HydeChair Membership Marny JansonChair Events Johanna HillChair Public Relations OpenChair Volunteers Joyce SchiffNewsletter Editor Ed Steele

OTHERSRegistrar & Administrative Asst. Jane WintersSUNY New Paltz Liaison Helise Winters

CONTACTSLLI email: lifetime@newpaltz.eduTelephone (845) 257D2892

LLI Council 2016– 2017

1st Lyn Mayo2nd Judy Reichler3rd Gail Gallerie4th Myra Sorin5th Sally Rhoads

6th MargaretArmentoDMcDowell

7th Terry Scott8th Clinton Bennett9th Marilou Abramshe

Past Presidents(Listed first to most recent)

Other VolunteersPhone Calling

Catalog Production and DistributionMailings, Etc.

Abramshe, MarilouAfzal, MarthaAlexander, CarolBean, RuthBishop, FayeBrady, EllenBrennan, EdwardBrennan, LoisBurdett, AnnCottonDMiller, MaryDubois, MarionHill, JohannaHyde, BarbaraJanson, MarnyMacKenzie, KathleenMiller, Reeva

Morrison, StefiNichols, FaithPicciati, GailPolatsek, JuneRothblatt, FondaRyan, Marion W.Schiff, DonSchiff, JoyceSloan, AlmaSorin, MyraSwartzberg, Ronnie

(Jackie)Tyno, DorothyVan Winkle, Mary

LouiseWodin, Dolly

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Abramshe, MarilouBissell, KimBoden, EdBritto, JosephBrownstein, LewisChambers, EricChristensen, NealCohen, Cantor BobCooper, PaulCopeland, Timothy

Koock,Yiskah Jessica

Leber, DeidreLennon, CraigLurie, AndreaMarquez, WalterMayo, FredMazzetti, KathyMiller, RobertMockler, LindaMoskowitz,

Bette AnnMounkhall, TomMurphy, SuzanneNoelle, ConnieOsgood, PaulParisio, RichardPetersen, Barbara

PresentersFall 2015 and Spring 2016

Rhoads, BillRichey, AnneRogers, MaureenRogers, EdRoloff, RogerRossman, Toby G.Rothman, AlanRothman, Jessica D.Rupcic, MileSimpler, D MichaelSorvino, NancyStrongin, William

Sullivan, RichardSwallow, JudyTennenbaum,

Helen LThomson, PujaTuel, BillUlrich, RobertUrbin, JeffreyVan Laan, NancyWyman, BarbaraYastion, Esq.,

James G

DeWitt, GlennEakin, PattieFord, MaureenGiglio, ErnestGinty, BrianGoldman, BillGreene, RobHanover, AnnHerforth, BoydHiggins, PatrickHorrigan, JeremiahHorrigan, Patty KaneHughes, IngridJacobs, GeorgeJacque, SusanJanson, MarnyJohnston, ShaunJosephson, Robi

Aber, ShariAfzal, MarthaBarner, AliceBerlin, EllenBishop, FayeBishop, Jay

Brennan, LoisBurdett, AnnCherry, RosalynCottonDMiller, MaryEisenberg, LynnFiner, JuneFinn, AnneGangemi, JoHill, JohannaHirsch, SteveHorowitz, RhodaKane, HelenKessler, JonnieLane, LindaLee, CynthiaLindsey, BarbaraLosee, TomMacKenzie, Kathleen

McDowell, MargaretNectow, CarolNichols, FaithOsgood, Mary AnnOsgood, PaulPicciati, GailPinsky, AllaPolatsek, JuneQuinn, PamRogers, EdRothblatt, FondaRyan, Marion

Sasowsky, NormanScherrer, DanielSharp, JanetSloan, AlmaSnowden, DeeStraus, HarriettSturm, PhyllisSwartzberg, JoelTennenbaum, Helen L.Warren, ShirleyWebber, SusanWilliams, Jane

Praise the Lordfor ClassroomAssistants

A+ forour LLIteachers

A+

Welcometo our LLI

classroom

Our LLIPresenters

enrich our lives

Classroom AssistantsFall 2015 & Spring 2016

Bordino, Chuck D Superintendent, NP Community CenterCordero, Salvatore D OFM Cap , St. Joseph's ChurchDaum, Gretchen D Activities Coordinator, Woodland PondHarp, Steve D Director of Dining, Woodland PondHull, Sarah D Resident Services Director, Woodland PondLane, Barbara D Res. Services, Reformed ChurchNolan, Carol D Jewish Community CenterVasse, Sally, D President, Phillie's BridgeWoods, Jasmine D Educational Director, Phillie's BridgeNicole Lane D Librarian, Gardiner Library

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CurriculumCommittee

Abramshe, Marilou

Afzal, Martha

Burdett, Ann

Eversley, Sheyda

Finn, Anne

Gangemi, Jo

Goldman, Bill

Greene, Trina (Katherine)

Herforth, Boyd

Hill, Johanna

Lindsey, Barbara

Morrison, Stefi

Pomeroy, Lois B.

Rothblatt, Fonda

Sperber, Sondra

Warren, Shirley

LIAISONS WITH OFF CAMPUS SPACE

We'd all be like thiswithout our supporters!

Christian, Donald D PresidentDeen, Stella D Interim ProvostHalstead, Michele D Asst. VP FinanceMarks, Erica D VP Development & Alumni RelationsMcInerney, Michael – IMSPasti, Sarah D Director Art MuseumRoberson, Sarah D Assoc. RegistrarSkillman, Matt D Digital Media ManagerTrapp, Emily D Dir. Instr. MediaTurner, Diana D Cal. ClerkWinters, Helise D Dean Office of Extended LearningWright, Shelly D Chief of Staff

SUNY SUPPORTERS OF LLI

"Damn!! I forgot to send in my LLI Registration form"

Phyllis grew up in Brooklynand graduated from BrooklynCollege with a B.S. inMathematics. She worked forMetropolitan Life in Manhattanuntil relocating to Ulster County.She then worked at Marist beforeSUNY New Paltz’s IT Departmentas an application programmer in1978. She has one married child,Paul, the Director of Marketingfor MGM in Las Vegas.

Phyllis supported the arts asa season subscriber and a“Friend of the TheatreDepartment” and the DorskyMuseum while working at SUNY.She consistently donated to thecollege’s fund raisers. Assecretary of the ProfessionalStaff Council, she helped rewritethe Professionals Handbook andplanned their social gatherings.

She organized threesessions of Defensive Drivingclasses every three years. Sheserved for years as a marshal atgraduation, pitched in on cleanDup day and was Grand Marshallat their Relay for Life cancerfundDraiser.

She served as President ofthe Faculty Wives and Womenand continues to serve as VicePresident. This is a socialorganization that presents atleast one scholarship every year.The FW&W is always seeking newmembers, if you have anyinterest contactsturm@newpaltz.edu.

She was affiliated with andactive in professionalorganizations, such as, anAssociation of Women in HigherEducation, the NationalAssociation of Sigma Users (as

secretary and membership chair),and multiple Financial AidProfessionals organizations.

As secretary of the unionchapter on campus and theAffirmative Action statewidecommittee, she was committedto improving working conditionsand made trips to Albany to lobbyfor greater support of S.U.N.Y.

Her personal experiencewith breast cancer led her tobecome a “Nurturing Neighbor”

to guide other survivors. Shecreated a halfDhour PowerPointstandDup comedy routine. “Can’tCatch a Break” was performed infront of cancer survivors andothers on several occasions.

She participates in MitzvahDay where she works to refurbishnational historical sites. She wassecretary of the Highland CulturalCenter Arts community, whichbrought free art exhibits, musicalperformances (where she hasacted as master of ceremonies).

Phyllis joined a Relay for Lifeteam, which held fund raisingevents and culminated in a 24Dhour relay. She was the captain

of the “ExDSturmDinators” MakingStrides against Breast Cancerteam. She participated in several5k cancer walks. Phyllis supportsSt. Jude’s Children’s ResearchHospital financially and byparticipating at monthlymeetings, fundraisers, 5K walksand established their cell phoneDrecycling program, which hascollected over 9,000 cell phonesvalued at $16,500.

As a member of the Womenof the Moose for fifteen years,she has served on the Boardfrom the beginning in everyposition including 5 years as theRecorder maintaining thefinancial and membershiprecords. She has received everyhonor the organization awardsplus the coveted New York StateCoDWorker of the Year 2009D10.She was President of the NewYork Council of Higher Degreesfor the Loyal Order of Moose andheld many chairs. She joined inmarches and parades bydecorating floats and walking (orline dancing) the parade route.

Since her retirement10D10D10 she has taken HudsonRiver School oil painting classes.She participates in USTA tennistournaments and plays pickleball.Line and ballroom dancing andZUMBA Gold are her otherpassions. She is a volunteerusher at Rhinebeck Center forPerforming Arts and CountyPlayers. Phyllis participates attwo senior clubs in Poughkeepsieand on their trips. Phyllis hastravelled throughout the 50states, Mexico, Caribbean,Europe and China.

Meet Your New President -- Phyllis Sturm

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CATALOGUES TO BE SENT OUT IN AUGUST

A Cultural History of the Hudson Valley in Modern TimesAmerican Foreign PolicyApplied Kinesiology

Book Discussion GroupCreating Books for Young Children

Creative WritingCurrent Events Discussion

Digital ImagingDistance Walking

Dry PastelEasy Bike Rides

Family Photographs: A History in Black and WhiteHeroes, Villains or Both in the Revolutionary War

History of SoulHudson Valley Rambles

Introduction to the Game of GoJames Joyce and His Works

Joy Through Movement in Your ChairLet's Talk

Meet Your AncestorsMoral Dilemmas: Hypothetical, Historical & Contemporary

Parents of Adult Children; Discussion GroupPlayback Theater

Playing with ShakespearePopulation Issues & Changes in Developing & Developed Countries

Puzzles, Paradoxes, Polls, Picking Presidents.

“Return With Us Now!" Radio Drama ActingSeeing Art with New Eyes

Superb SymphoniesThe Coming Out ProcessThe Craft of the MemoirThe Making of New Paltz

Was the United States Founded as a Christian Nation?Women in the Hebrew BibleWorld History Through Art

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Patty Kane HorriganIn Her Own Words

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I've been teaching classes andworkshops on fairy tales foralmost 10 years now. I trieddifferent formats and differentvenues but it was only when Iarrived at New Paltz's LifetimeLearning that I began the eightDweek classes that are justperfect for exploring this mostmagical of topics.

Luckily for me I had the bestpossible group of people in thatfirst year. They were open andcurious and willing to work withme and with each other touncover all sorts of new ideasand themes about the meaningof fairy tales. At the end of theclass they all brought in theirmost creative expressions ofwhat they had learned D an oilpainting, several puppets (onewas an image of the UglyDuckling that when turnedinside out became a beautifulswan), short stories, poems,and new fiction that exploredalternative endings to famousfairy tales. Each succeedingyear I have met new people whobring amazing insight andenthusiasm to the discovery ofwhat fairy tales really are.

When I first told myextended family about this 'new'

adventure, they laughed andsaid that I had been talkingabout fairy tales my entire life.It’s true. I was hooked at anearly age and I understood, long

before I knew what it meant,that fairy tales contained secretmessages for how life could belived. I tried to practice that, at aliteral level when I was six andseven, by protecting insects atgreat costs to myself. I hopedthat if I was kind to them, thenthey might someday help meout. You know, do the dishes, orsomething. I'm still waiting forthat to happen but I've beenable to recognize that a literalquid pro quo is not the real wayfairy tales work. Instead, theunpleasant moments with allthose bugs in my life gave me anunderstanding of how all lifewas interconnected. You can'tmake demands on magic. Itcomes to you when it knowsyou're ready for it, whether you

find it convenient or not.I've had one of those perfect

lives, where grace and blessingshave always been present. Igrew up in a large family (fivebrothers and five sisters) andhad a deep understanding ofhuman behavior at an early age.That came from sharing onebathroom and navigating manydifferent personalities andneeds in a small house. Imaginetrying to get someone at the farend of the table to pass you themashed potatoes when a)they're mad at you, b) they wantthem too, or c) there's someonebetween you and them who hasan entirely different plan. We'reall still close despite, or maybebecause of, such tryingcircumstances.

Fairy tales were my escape.

They made sense wheneveryday life didn't. I knew whatdragons were like, and how aspell could ruin a life. I was thethird child and recognized howhard it is to get it right. My twoolder sisters were both myguides and negative examples. Itwas up to me to find a differentway. Because I lived an interiorlife, my parents and teacherswere afraid for me DD theythought I might not be able tocope. Instead, my fairy talesshowed me how to trust themoment, walk a different path,and believe in magical helpers. Ihave never lacked for anything.Whatever I've needed hasalways arrived, even when Icouldn't always recognize it forwhat it was.

I've done the usual things Dmarried, happily for almost 45years now, had two kids, fourgrand kids, a career (of sorts) atIBM as a programmer, and later,much more fun doingconstruction projects andcooking. At an advanced age, Iwent back to school for aMasters in Counseling. Now, Iwork in my garden, play with mygrandsons, and find lifemarvelously fulfilling. I've had somany magical helpers in my lifethat all I aspire to is to becomeone for someone else.

"Fairy tales weremy escape"

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Dr. Mayo became involvedwith LLI New Paltz early on,having helped Lyn Mayo bringLLI into existence. Herexperience with LLI in Oregonand at Bard College and Fred’ssupport were invaluable ingetting LLI New Paltz off theground. He consented tobecoming a member of theoriginal LLI Council when toldthat he was the only maninvolved at that time. Five dayslater, he was informed that hewas the fledgling organization’sfirst Treasurer.

In addition to his help infounding LLI, Fred has taughtseveral LLI courses on tablemanners, one entitled “Dr.Manners Comes to Dinner” andanother entitled “Dr. MannersHosts a Party.” Next spring, heexpects to present a courseentitled “Dr. Manners Hosts aCocktail Party.” His book,“American Table Manners: Goodand Man,” developed withMichael Gold, is currently undercontract with SkyhorsePublishing.

Fred has served withstrength and distinction as anoutDofDtheDcloset gay man in theLGBTQ Civil Rights Movement.He has been an inspiration tomany younger folks whohave struggled with theirsexual orientation in a culturethat has not always been kind tomembers of the LGBTQcommunity. Calling on his ownexperience, he will present anLLI course this fall entitled “TheComing Out Process.”

Regarding his variousprofessional work experiences,they are too numerous to

include in the modest spacehere. Fred currently teachespartDtime at New York Universitywhile operating his own training,coaching, and consulting firm.For the last fortyDfive years, hehas led programs and consultedin the areas of facultydevelopment, teaching skills,program design, groupdynamics, communication,leadership, managementdevelopment, training trainers,public speaking, organizationalchange, small businessmanagement, strategic planning,and board development.

For the last ten years, inaddition to consulting, he hasserved fullDtime at New YorkUniversity as Clinical Professor ofHospitality and TourismManagement. While at theUniversity, he has led the facultyrevision of five undergraduateand graduate degree programs,

served on the LGBTQ StudentCenter Advisory Committee andthe Provost’s UndergraduateCurriculum Advisory Committee.

Last summer, he waspresented with the Howard B.Meek Award for lifetimecontributions and outstandingservice both to hospitalityeducation and to the

International Council on Hotel,Restaurant, and InstitutionalEducation (IDCHRIE), a nonDprofitprofessional association,providing programs and servicesto continually improve thequality of global education,research, service and businessoperations in the hospitality andtourism industry.

In 2012, Fred was honoredwith the NYU Arnold GrossmanOutstanding Faculty Service tothe LGBTQ Community Award. In2009, Fred received the Awardfor Excellence in Teaching fromthe School of Continuing andProfessional Service at New YorkUniversity.

Fred is currently thePresident of the Board andActing Executive Director ofthe Hudson Valley LGBTQCommunity Center.

He received his Diplomafrom the Institute forEducational Management atHarvard University, his Ph.D. inEducation from The JohnsHopkins University, his MBA inManagement from SyracuseUniversity, and his BA degreecum laude in History fromAmherst College.

Fred Mayo

Dr. Manners would not approve

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The last LLI Game Day wasWednesday, March 2nd. The next isscheduled for Wednesday, June15th. We have been having GameDays every few months at theGardiner Library, and welcome allLLI and community seniors.

So far, we have been playingword games like Boggle,Bananagrams, and AdDLib, andother kinds of games such as

Taboo, Scattergories, Apples toApples, Uno, Mah Jong,Tripoley (a combo of Hearts,Michigan Rummy and Poker)and Parcheesi. We hope to addother games, includingMancala and Chinese Checkersand Yahtzee. Oh, and let’s notforget Jacks and PickDup Sticks!

Several people haveshown interest in starting ascrabble group. All are welcometo bring their own games to sharewith the group.

While some of us thrive oncompetitive games, others want a

more relaxed atmosphere. Wecater to both, and sometimes haveeven relaxed the rules of a game tojust play for the fun and socializing.

So whether or not you are adieDhard game or cardplayer, come join us! Wealways let you knowthrough the LLI group eDmail when the next GameDay is scheduled. Hope tosee you there.

Stefi MorrisonAlma SloanAlice Barner

MembersDatDLarge

Game Day -- March 2016Photos by Stefi Morrison taken March 2nd at the Gardiner Library

For a catalog of courses and for information about joining LLI, please email LLI’s Registrar, JaneWinters, at lifetime@newpaltz.edu, or call (845) 257D2892.

LLI New Paltz gives its members access to a wide selection of courses during spring and fall semesters.Cost for an entire year is $115 or less, depending upon the date you join.

Not a Member of LLI but Want to Join?

LLI is looking for a newsletter editor to replace Ed Steele, LLI's Newsletter Editor for the past five years,who will be moving to Vermonst in July. The newsletter is published in January and July of each year.Members of the LLI Council, course Presenters, and others send the editor articles and photos over theInternet.The editor then lays them out to make up the pages in the newsletter.

For more information, contact Ed Steele at the following address:edwardmsteele@msn.com

LLI Newsletter Editor Needed

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Meet Helise Winters

Part of Helise Winters’ jobas Dean of Extended Learningfor SUNY New Paltz is to serveas a liaison between theLifetime Learning Institute (LLI)New Paltz and the University,the local academic sponsorDaffiliate of LLI.

Helise was at the forefront ofthe creation of LLI. As Dean ofExtended Learning, she workedwith the founders of LLI NewPaltz to develop the necessary

academic association.As liaison for LLI, Helise

assists LLI so that members areable to get select discounts andservices, such as using classroomspace on Wednesdays. Helisealso works with the LLI Councilto generate and maintain certainLLI courses and activities held atthe College.

Born in Brooklyn, Helise

attended Brooklyn College ofthe City University of New York,where she received a BA and anMS in SpeechDLanguagePathology. A resident of NewPaltz since 1968, Helise’sprofessional experience includesserving as director of theAmerican Craft Association inHighland, deputy director of theUlster County Youth Bureau inKingston, speech pathologist atWalter Reed Army SpeechHearing Clinic in Maryland, andspeech pathologist at St. FrancisHospital in Poughkeepsie.

Before becoming Dean ofExtended Learning at SUNY NewPaltz, Helise was an adjunctprofessor of English as a SecondLanguage, taughtCommunications, worked inFinancial Aid, and was AssociateDean of Continuing andProfessional Education.

In the Office of ExtendedLearning, Helise utilizes skillsfrom her varied background thatinclude marketing strategies,public speaking, eventmanagement, communityoutreach, social networking,program development,curriculum development anddesign, and academic advising.

In addition to LLI, Heliseoversees several campusprograms that include:

• The Extension Program, whichoffers graduate courses ineducation to working adults atdifferent locations.

• Distance Learning, whichoffers online SUNY courses.

• Summer and WinterSession, which provide anopportunity for students tomake up credits or explore aspecial interest.

• University in the HighSchool, which offers qualifiedhigh school juniors and seniorsan opportunity to earn collegecredit for approved coursesoffered in their own highschools.

Lifetime Learning InstituteNew Paltz looks forward to acontinued fruitful associationwith SUNY New Paltz. We areespecially grateful for the helpof Dean Helise Winters and theOffice of Extended Learning.

Learning can be all smiles

The LLI Annual Meeting in PhotosPhotos by Alice Barner, LLI Member at Large

Past President Marilou Abramshe(on the left), turns over the garvel to new

President Phyllis Sturm.

Sheyda Eversley, LLICurriculum Committee Chair

Jay Bishop,current

Treasurer

LLI's first president,Dr. Lyn Mayo, whowas the major forcethat brought LLI NewPaltz into existence.

Longtime past ChairClassroom Assistants

Gail Picciati

On the left, Ann Burdett, past Events Chair.On the right, Stefi Morrison, currentMember at Large

Longtime pastTreasurer Ed Rogers

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Current LLI President Phyllis Sturm in the centerflanked by past Presidents Myra Sorin (left) andGail Gallerie (right)