Blog Archives

LLIcense to Learn

by Chuck Mishaan
Introduction

I’ve had the opportunity and pleasure of being a Bard LLI presenter for over 10 years. I’m frequently asked why I continue to maintain a heavy schedule of teaching at Bard and other Hudson Valley LLIs. My answer (though I don’t say this out loud) is because I’m selfish.

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Anne Sunners: From Cookie Lady to LLI President

by Deborah Lanser


Anne Sunners was the third president of LLI and later head of the Curriculum Committee.

Introduction

About 25 years ago, a friend warned Anne Sunners to apply to Bard LLI quickly as there might be a waiting list. She joined immediately and during her first semester was captivated by a class on Chopin’s Études held in Olin Hall.

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Meet the 2025 Candidates for Council

by Mary McClellan
Introduction

March marks the Council Election period for Bard LLI members. Voting will start on March 9 and end on March 16. The term of office for each position will commence on July 1, 2025, and end on June 30, 2027. The following positions are up for election. 

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Pilot Pre-Registration For Spring ’25

by Mary McClellan
Introduction

Feedback for LLI courses and programs is overall positive. Our membership generally expresses appreciation for the quality of our presenters and the caliber of their course content. The most frequently cited area of dissatisfaction with LLI has been the difficulty many members have experienced when trying to register for courses.

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Perspectives From My First Fall at LLI

by Anne Botsford
Introduction

The music of The Orchestra Now (TŌN) first drew me to Bard, which is only 45 minutes from Poughkeepsie, where I live. I’d previously traveled by train for two hours to NYC for my essential music, but I attended TŌN concerts a few times with friends.

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Profiles of Our Founders: Sylvia Erber

by Felice Gelman
Introduction

Twenty-five years ago, four women, members of a Red Hook Library book group—Sylvia Erber, Sara Hardman, Carol Lee, and Josette Lee—agreed that the area needed affordable high-quality education for seniors. The Marist College Center for Life Time Study had a years-long waiting list. There were no nearby alternatives.

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LLI’s Origin Story

by Sara Hardman with Felice Gelman

Sara Hardman was LLI’s first president.
Introduction

Planning for the creation of LLI began in the winter of 2000. The idea had developed in a book group at the Red Hook Library when Sara Hardman and several other women expressed their frustration at the long waiting list at Marist’s Center for Lifetime Study.

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Studio Art Tour Class Shines

by Mary McClellan

Introduction

Billed in the LLI catalog as studio discussions with six working artists who live in our hyperlocal area, “Deep Dive into Abstract Art“ emerged as a bright star in our fall semester galaxy that contained several stars. Produced by L. Walker and curated by abstract artist Jean Feinberg,

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“Parler,” Let’s Talk

by Barb Renfro
Introduction

You arrive early for a performance at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts. You stroll around and walk over a short bridge, as well as through an archway of criss-crossing, interlaced stainless steel rods. Maybe you don’t even realize this is an art installation—you just want to walk and sit,

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Fall Semester Reviews

by Deborah Lanser
Introduction

The fall courses were generally a hit. There were 253 responses to the evaluation form, which confirms a high rate of involvement. The course content was widely praised; 89% of respondents rated it 4 or 5. Presenters were likewise appreciated, with 94% being rated 4 or 5.

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