Lifelong Learning Highlights

Please consult your CareMerge calendars and weekly announcements for specific dates and times. All programming subject to change based on COVID-related recommendations to maintain health and safety of residents, staff, and visitors.

PARTNERS: HODGES UNIVERSITY CENTER FOR LIFELONG LEARNING

“THE WORLD OF CHARLES DICKENS” WITH ARTHUR WENK

Charles Dickens used the power of the novel to point out injustices in a number of British institutions including the notorious Yorkshire Schools, the homes for orphans lampooned in “Oliver Twist,” and the Chancery system. All told, we shall study eight Dickens novels as well as surveying his life. During his twentyyear career as a musicologist, Arthur Wenk published books on Claude Debussy, music history and music bibliography. Later he drew on his experiences as a university professor, church organist, choral conductor, concert pianist, calculus teacher and psychotherapist to produce a series of mystery novellas.

“WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THE GREAT AMERICAN RAILROAD?” WITH

JEFF MARGOLIS - When President Abraham Lincoln signed the Pacific Railways Act establishing the transcontinental railroad, he set in motion a revolution that changed America. During the century that followed, train travel became affordable, exciting, and enjoyable. This program examines the growth and decline of America’s great railroads. Viewers are invited to ride the rails and explore the golden age of train travel. Jeff Margolis is an educator, author and lecturer and has spent much of his academic career working with teachers and future teachers. He received his BS in Education from Temple University and an MA in Counseling and Personnel Services from Rowan University. He is the author of five books, most notably “Violence in Sports” and “The Presidents’ Pen.” Mr. Margolis has lectured at the Renaissance Academy, Collier County Library, Holocaust Museum of Southwest Florida and Florida Southwest State College. WEEKLY TECHNOLOGY WORKSHOPS - Led by the Life Enrichment Team, these hands-on workshops are geared to meet residents’ every-changing technology needs, ranging from smartphone and tablet use to photography tutorials.

LEARN ABOUT FORHEARTS WITH EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, LAURA DELISE

Laura DeLise has spent her career in the public sector on a mission to serve the community, the environment, and their people. Laura received her Bachelor’s Degree from Boston College in Psychology and her Master's Degree in Environmental Management from Montclair State University. “At ForHearts Worldwide, I help ensure that every dollar donated is used efficiently and contributes to our organization's mission of saving hearts in need across the globe.” Founded in 1984, ForHearts supplies pacemaker devices and cardiac care to the needy people of the world. Laura joined ForHearts Worldwide in 2008 and now serves as Executive Director. Her vision includes the expansion of the types of cardiovascular care that can be provided to those in need, establishing additional international locations where care can be provided, and providing opportunities for continuing education and training for ForHearts physicians.

MUSIC AND MIND LIVE WITH RENÉE FLEMING - Explore the 19-episode series featuring renowned soprano and arts & health advocate in conversation with scientists and practitioners working at the intersection of music, neuroscience, and healthcare.

NEW PARTNER! GULFSHORE PLAYHOUSE

Peek behind the curtain at the upcoming 2022-2023 season with the Artistic team of the Gulfshore Playhouse, the preeminent, nationally-recognized regional theatre in SW Florida. Gulfshore Playhouse creates theatre of the highest caliber because they believe that diverse theatre experiences brought to life by professionals can transform lives. Gulfshore Playhouse creates transformative theatrical experiences through its professional mainstage season and educational programming for over 30,000 residents and visitors every year.

• From page to stage: exploring the creative process of producing professional theatre with ceo and producing artistic director

Kristen Coury. • Theatre counts: discovering the importance of theatre arts in education by participating in three separate programs including engaging and interactive theatre games and activities.

Each 45-minute program listed below will be taught by Gulfshore Playhouse staff and professional teaching artists.

• The art of costuming: creating a believable illusion through costume design. • Behind the scenes: the evolution of modern theatrical production. • Devising dramaturgy: an investigation into the art of dramatic composition.

TED ED: LESSONS WORTH SHARING

TED Talks are influential videos from expert speakers on education, business, science, tech and creativity, with subtitles in 100+ languages. This quarter, we’ll screen and discuss:

STORIES OF PHOTOGRAPHING MONUMENTAL PEOPLE -- FROM MICHELLE OBAMA TO STEPHEN HAWKING

With his art, photographer Platon seeks to strip away assumptions and leave viewers with a window into his subject's character. Sharing extraordinary stories of what it's like to photograph some of the world's most prominent figures -- from Michelle Obama and Pussy Riot to Vladimir Putin and Muhammad Ali -- Platon captures the disarming power of empathy and human connection.

THE RISE OF PREDATORY SCAMS -- AND HOW TO PREVENT THEM

Questionable phone calls, concerning emails, heart-rending stories from a sudden new friend in need of endless financial support: elder abuse can take many forms, says lawyer Jane Walsh. Walsh spotlights the rise of this predatory crime, why it goes undetected and how you can protect your loved ones' kindness, dignity and selfrespect from being manipulated.

LINCOLN CENTER MOMENTS

Lincoln Center Moments is a free performance-based program specially designed for individuals with dementia and their caregivers. Join us as we bring Lincoln Center's unparalleled artistry to an intimate and supported setting. Each program includes a performance, followed by activities, facilitated by educators and music therapists, that explore the work through discussion, movement, music, and art-making.

The winter season includes:

Exploring Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” Tuesday, November 15th, 2022

Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” demonstrates the incredible effect of contrast, whether good vs. evil, order vs. chaos, or indulgence vs. sacrifice. The composer’s final opera is heavily inspired by folk traditions and his involvement in freemasonry. Join the Met Opera Guild to watch clips and learn more about this Enlightenment-era piece. Presented in collaboration with the Met Opera Guild.

Indigenous Enterprise Tuesday, December 6th, 2022

Native Americans have kept their culture alive through dancing for centuries. Join artists from Indigenous Enterprise to investigate how humans can cultivate community and identity through movement. Presented by Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.