Blog Archives

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.

Read more ›



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.

Read more ›



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.

Read more ›



Bard LLI’s Curriculum and How It Grew

by Felice Gelman and Josette Lee
Up and Running in No Time

There is only one subject matter for education, and that is Life in all its manifestations.

— Alfred North Whitehead

When we look at the rich offerings in the Bard LLI catalog,

Read more ›



Thank You, Joan Tower!

by Susan Phillips
Introduction

This year Bard LLI celebrates its 25th anniversary offering courses to seniors with a desire to keep learning. Courses are taught by instructors from a wide variety of backgrounds. This includes many Bard professors who work with students all day and then show up to share their knowledge with older learners—for FREE!!

Read more ›



Anticipating WinterFest ’25

by Deborah Lanser
Introduction

Mark your calendar for December 20, the day when the WinterFest catalog will arrive so you can start planning your January schedule. As usual, there will be two talks given on four consecutive Wednesdays—January 8, 15, 22, and 29—at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

Read more ›



Immigration Plays Out Inside and Outside LLI

by Peter Scheckner and Martha Honey
Introduction

In fall 2024, we organized two thematically linked courses: We Were All Foreigners: Global Immigration through Cinema and Poetry, an in-person course that examined through art the global migration crisis, and Immigration Policy: Too Hot to Handle?

Read more ›



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.

Read more ›



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,

Read more ›



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.

Read more ›



Top