President's Letter

LLI MATTERSLLI: LEARNING FOR THE LOVE OF IT

Lifetime Learning Institute at SUNY New Paltz Volume 8 Number 1 January 2016

Dea, LLI Membe,s,Welcome to 2016, a time to

look back at the old year andforward to the new one.

I believe the largest challengethat we face as an organization is tocontinue meeting LLI’s missionstatement: to promote diverse andenriching learning experiences, toprovide opportunities for socialinteraction, and to encourage ourmembers to use their knowledgeand skills.

During 2015, the councilworked actively to expand thehorizons of our mission by movingbeyond just offering classes. Weplanned to open doors to otheractivities that are in accord with ourmission.

This past year, theMembersIatILarge took on a new task, that ofGameMasters. They hosted twoGameDays at the Gardiner Libraryand plan a third in the coming year. Allmembers and friends are invited tojoin them as they participate invarious board games such as Uno,Mah Jongg, Apples to Apples, andeven Jacks and PickIUp Sticks. Theafternoonwill be filled withrelaxation, enjoyment andrefreshment, both physical andmental. If you haven’t takenadvantage of the previous GameDays, keep an eye out for theannouncements of the next one.

Our Events Committee recently

sponsored the Holiday Brunch II anew idea that was well attended.The event included a deliciousbrunch served by the WoodlandPond staff, an exchange of gifts, andthe oratory skills of Roger Leonardwho recited from memory hisrendition of Charles Dickens’ “AChristmas Carol.” The Committee ishard at work not only planning aseries of brunches this coming year,but also exploring some nearbyattractions that we can visit as agroup. Watch for furtherannouncements.

Last summer we instituted acooperative program with PhilliesBridge Farm in which they offeredour members a discounted fee forclasses at the farm. This continuedthrough the fall. Phillies Bridge willbe offering more classes during ourSpring session. You do not have tobe a member of Phillies Bridge toparticipate. Just let them know you

are an LLI member and they willdiscount your fee to $10 for theclass. We hope that more of ourmembers will take advantage ofthese oneIday classes out on thefarm. The classes will be listed inour Spring catalog.

As a result of members of theCouncil meeting recently with LisaMitten, Campus SustainabilityCoordinator at SUNY New Paltz, weplan to explore ways that we, aspart of the College’s Ongoing AdultEducation, can offer more classes insustainability and energyconservation. Hopefully this mayinvolve some of the teaching staff ofSUNY’s science and environmentdepartments.

To further broaden LLI’shorizons, we have been talking toUnison to see how we and they canwork together to offer learningopportunities to older adults. This isjust another way we can meet someof the needs of our members.

You can see that we Councilmembers are not looking back butare seeking new horizons. Toparaphrase Captain Kirk of StarTrek, we are boldly going where LLIhas not gone before.”

We invite you to takeadvantage of all that LLI has to offerboth educationally and socially.

Ma,ilou Ab,amshe,President 2015/2016LLI at SUNY New Paltz

Marilou Abramshe

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I spent most of mymedical career in the field ofPediatric Cardiology teach-ing, doing research, andcaring for patients. When Imoved to Woodland Pondabout three years ago, I be-came acquainted with Life-time Learning Institutewhen I took severalcourses, and served in onecourse as a Teacher’s Assis-

tant. Because the whole op-eration excited me, I decidedto put together a course inmy own area of expertise.

I was well equipped togive a course entitled "ACardiologist ExplainsThings" because one of themain functions of a pedi-

atric cardiologist is toexplain problems and solu-tions to anxious parentsand young patients. And soI put together a courseabout the heart, itsfunction, diseases, andtreatments. Additionally, Ithought I could add interestby including details of thedevelopment of moderntechniques used in cardiolo-gy, as I had been therewhen most of them hadbecome accepted, and hadeven made important contri-butions myself.

When the curriculumcommittee accepted my pro-posal, I carefully plannedthe course and got mydaughter Andrea, a certifiedpersonal fitness trainer, toteach “Lifestyle Changes”during one of the eightclassroom sessions, a sub-ject she knows much betterthen I.

The course was a plea-sure to teach. Being accus-tomed to hospital residents

sleeping through my offer-ings, I found an attentivebunch of seniors a pure de-light.

The course was well re-ceived. Many people whohad missed it asked me if I

was going to repeat it.Though I had not thoughtabout it earlier, their ques-tions got me to thinkingabout making a book of thecourse’s content. With An-drea's agreement to help, Istarted to write the book. Afriend of mine, who is both afellow pediatric cardiologistand a fine medical illustra-tor, created original artworkof superb quality.

Acknowledging my debtto LLI, I dedicated the book"To Lifetime Learning" anddecided to donate to LLI ofSUNY New Paltz whateverprofits came from the book'ssale. Because it is profuselyillustrated in color, the bookis a bit pricey at $24.95. Itis obtainable from Amazon,or, if you see me, I can sellyou a copy.

LLI Presenter Writes a BookEditor’s note:During the spring termof 2014, Paul Lurie taught an LLICourse entitled “ACardiologist ExplainsThings.” This teaching experience prompted him to write a book of the same title. In what follows he describes theorigins of the book. – Ed Steele

* * * *LLI New Paltz thanks Dr. Lurie forhis generosity.

Dr. Paul Lurie

.

Hudson Valley Mini Conference

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•

On November 14, LLI hosteda Mini Conference for six AdultLearning Institutions located inthe Hudson Valley region.Representatives from Bard LLI,Marist CLS, Mount St. Mary CCES,SUNY Orange Encore, Lifespring atSaugerties and LLI at SUNY NewPaltz met for the day to discussthe nature of their organizations,programs and practices and toshare common problems, identifypossible solutions, and find waysto support one another.

The conference was a way ofoffering the various Hudson ValleyLifetime Learning Institutes achance to meet and mingle withtheir counterparts in the area in arelaxed and congenialatmosphere.

It was noted that althougheach organization has its ownneeds and method of organizationthey all had similar goals – topromote diverse and enrichinglearning experiences for older

adults, to provide opportunities forsocial interaction and to encourageindividuals to use their knowledgeand skills in creative ways.

The morning was spentdiscussing areas of concern andwhat each of the 19 participantshoped to get out of the meeting.After a box lunch, suppliedthrough SUNY food services,representatives broke intointerest groups to discuss the fivemajor areas of concern:membership, volunteers,curriculum, relationship withsponsoring organizations andmanagement. A final large groupdiscussion resulted with reportsfrom each interest group as towhat had been discussed in theirgroup.

Everyone who attended theconference felt that this was anevent that was necessary andhelpful to all involved and thereare plans that this will become arecurring event among the

participating organizations.Many thanks to Helise

Winters, the Lifetime LearningInstitute's liaison to SUNY NewPaltz for her assistance inprocuring a conference room tobe used on the SUNY New Paltzcampus and for her help in makingarrangements for the box lunchsupplied to the participants.

Marilou Abramshe

Paul Osgood grew up in EssexCounty,Massachusetts. Upongraduation from High School hejoined the Air Force where heserved four years as a radiooperator at various locations

After two years of work forCBS in Chicago he returned toMassachusetts and was employedas an Air Traffic Controller atBoston and, subsequently atNashua, New Hampshire.

During his 27 career as an airtraffic controller he resided insouthern New Hampshire, wherehe met his present wife, MaryAnn. They left New Hampshireafter his retirement and moved to

Mary Ann's childhood home inGardiner, where they haveremained for the past 25 years. Itwas there, in Gardiner, that hedeveloped his interest in birds.

He was present at theinaugural meeting which resulted in

the establishment of LLI and for thefirst five years, was responsible,along with David Jaman, incompiling and producing the LLIcatalog of courses.

For the past four years he hasled a spring class at LLI on birdsand birding which consists mostlyof field trips to local points. He hasalso served on the GardinerLibrary Board, volunteered as anambulance driver and, with MaryAnn, operated the Country StoreAntique Center, a multi dealerantique store in Gardiner. Hepresently volunteers at the libraryand with the Ulster Co. Dept. forthe Aging.

Presenter Paul Osgood

CATALOGS TO BE SENT OUT IN February

Beading 101Beading 102

The Fairy Tale ExperienceDrawing Trees Made Easy

Drawing and Watercolor Techniques with YouTubeThe Nature of Drawing

From a New Theory of Evolution II a New Human NatureWhat Makes Hamlet so Great?Reading Women’s Short Fiction

Explore Mystery Writing with Experienced WritersIntermediate Memoir, Mining Memory

Theater and World HistoryCurrent Events DiscussionThe Columbian ExchangeAirpower and the Cold War

Introduction to BridgeDream TheaterChair Yoga

Exploring Better Communication

The Intersection of Therapy and Buddhist Meditation Practice

Intermediate ChessFor the Love of Gardening

BookbindingAn Introduction to Linguistics

Hudson Valley RamblesTasting International WinesYou, the Empowered Patient

Short Fiction and Film on the Space Between UsBirding for Lazy BirdersLiterary Journalism

Toward PsychoISpiritual FreedomTaking Privacy Seriously

The Celestial Dance: A Beginners Look at Western Astrology

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Stefi Morrison

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Happy Gamers at the Gardiner Library

I took the photos above on November 18 at theGardiner Library during our last Game Day. Now a fourthGame Day has been planned for Wednesday, March 2nd.

It’s at the Gardiner Library again, 133 Farmer’sTurnpike, Gardiner, from 1 to 3 p.m. This and the otherafternoons were loads of fun, and we plan to make it aregular event. Word has gotten around because LLI, theNew Paltz Times, posters, and the library communityoutreach are giving it greater visibility. Come join us andbring your friends. All are welcome. It’s free (with seniorsin mind), and light refreshments are provided. All sorts of

Judy Dambrowski

games are on hand – word games, mindgames, old timegames–or you canbring yourfavorite with you.

There’splentyofparking,but carpooling isadvised. For additional information ordirections, email Alma Sloan at the following:

roundheels4@gmail.com

Phyllis Sturm

Jo Gangemi

Alma Sloan

LLI Game DayAlice Barner

Faith Nichols

DoreenPerry

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February 2016Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3 4 5 67 8 9 10 11 12 1314 15 16 19 2021 22 23 24 25 2727 28 29 30 31

May 4: Last day 8-week & and late 4-week Wed.classes.

May 2016SatSun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

15 16 17 18 19 20 21May 14: Last day Hudson Ramble class.

8 9 10 11 12 13 14 May 13: Last day of 8-week and 4-week Friday classes.

17 1826

Feb 19: Last day to register for classes

Apr 6: Last day of early Wednesday classes.

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri SatApril 2016

1 23 4 5 6 7 8 910 11 12 13 14 15 16

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Apr 13: First day of late Wed classes.Apr 14: Maple syrup making -- Phillies Bridge.Apr 15: Last day early Friday classes.

Apr 22: First day late-4-wk Friday classes.Apr 23: First day of Hudson Ramble class.

Apr 28: Tree identification walk -- Phillies Bridge.

Mar 25: Good Friday -- No classes.

March 2016Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3 4 56 7 8 9 10 11 12 Mar 10: Annual Member Meeting at Woodland Pond.13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 2627 28 29 30 31

Mar 16: First day of 8-week & early 4-week Wed classes.Mar 17: Patio and container gardening at Phillies BridgeMar 18: First day of Friday 8-week & early 4-week classes

Spring 2016 Course Schedule

KeyWed 4-wk: Mar 16 to Apr 6

: Apr 13 to May 4Wed 8-wk May 16 to May 4

Wed (blue)

Fri (yellow) Fri 8-wk: Mar 18 May 13Fri 4-wk: Mar 18 to Apr 15Fri 4-wk: Mar 22 to May 13

Thursdays: 3 Phillies BridgeThu (orange)

Sat (red) Saturdays: 2 Hudson Ramble days

President: Marilou AbramsheVice President: Phyllis SturmTreasurer: Jay BishopSecretary: Faith NicholsImmediate Past President:

Dr. Clinton BennettMembers at Large:

Alma SloanStefi MorrisonAlice Barner

Curriculum Development :Sheyda Eversley

Catalog:Marilou Abramshe

Classroom Management :Ellen Brady

Classroom Assistant :Gail Picciati

Membership : Marny JansonEvents: Johanna HillVolunteers: Joyce Schiff

Registrar and Admin.Assistant: Jane WintersSUNY New Paltz Liaison:

Helise Winters,Dean, Office of

Extended Learning

LLI Contact Information:lifetime@newpaltz.edu(845) 257Z8292Newsletter Editor: Ed Steele

Officers Standing Committee Chairs Others

LLI Council 2015/2016

For new members, a reduced membership fee

will go into effect

FirstItime new registrants who register for 2016 thisSpring classes may do so for an introductory fee of$75. Annual membership for returning membersremains $115 per person. The current membershipyear is from July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016. If youknow someone who might want to take LLI coursesSpring, please let them know of the introductory fee.

Renew for 2016H2017

The annual membership is still $115. Your membershipentitles you to an assortment of courses, speciallecture programs, and other activities. If you are not amember, send in your membership form when youreceive the next catalogue of course offerings. Forinformation, you can email or call LLI, using theinformation below in the "Others" box. It's the help ofdedicated volunteers that make LLI successful.

To Get the Most Out of Your LLI Membership

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Presenter Dr. Thomas Mounkhall

Tom taught world history for thirty three years atSpring Valley High School in Rockland County, NewYork, until his retirement in 1999.

Since retiring, Tom has taught world history at theundergraduate and graduate levels at SUNY New Paltz.In addition, Tom has directed world history teachertraining workshops all over the United States and inCambodia. He has also taught several courses for LLI

since the inception of the program.One of Tom's students had this to say about him:

"Tom Mounkhall, a world historian, brings the study ofhistory alive in a dynamic, engaging and educationalmanner. His global approach incorporates the historyof politics, art, disease, animals and plant life all intoone big luscious mixture, and we learn in a mannervery different from how we were taught as kids."

LLI Needs Your Help

The LLI Council is the group ofdedicated members who, with ourmany volunteers, is responsible forkeeping the organization runningsmoothly. Currently the Council iswithout a ViceIPresident, theOfficer who will become the

President after the expiration ofthe President's oneIyear term.Qualifications: A love of theorganization and good people skills.

To get a good idea of howLifetime Learning Institute works,come to a monthly meeting of theLifetime Learning Institute Council.

The meetings are open to all LLImembers. You'll find a specialcamaraderie at Council meetingsthat make the meetings not onlyproductive but also enjoyable. Themonthly meetings currently takeplace the second Thursday of eachmonth at 9:00 a.m. in the educationbuilding at St. Joseph's Church.