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Message from the President

Dear <<First Name>>,

The Fall/Winter Break

Now that our fall semester is over, we can look forward to WinterFest in January. More information about those classes will be available next month. From what I have seen, members will be delighted by the number and diversity of the offerings. Once again, thanks to the Curriculum Committee for their excellent work bringing classes to LLI.   

In the meantime, members might want to check out Highlights of the Bard Calendar, written by Felice Gelman and published in every issue of the newsletter. It is a treasure trove of opportunities to attend a variety of free events on campus during the year. In addition, from time to time, we receive last-minute notice about opportunities to attend events both on campus and at regional LLIs, and we notify members as quickly as possible. There is plenty to do, and it is worth the investment of your time. Shout out to the Communications Team for their dedication, professionalism, and ability to complete an assignment quickly and seamlessly.

Best, 

Robert Beaury

president@lli.bard.edu

An Appreciation from Deirdre d'Albertis

It is an honor for me to follow in the footsteps of Dean Stuart Stritzler-Levine, who passionately believed in--and dedicated countless hours to advancing--the mission of LLI, as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of Bard Lifetime Learning Institute.  

When we speak with entering students about the curricular goals of a Bard liberal arts and science education, we emphasize values that guide members of our community as learners not only as undergraduates but throughout their entire lives:

The Bard curriculum should foster curiosity, growth, and joy in the pursuit of knowledge. The student’s experience of discovery, inquiry, and reflection illuminates both the self and the wider world, igniting a desire to participate in it.

A Bard education prepares students

• to practice critical engagement and informed, responsible judgment; 
• to create meaningful connections between education and life, both personal and civic, at Bard and beyond, with a sustained commitment to learning; 
• to collaborate responsibly and constructively;
• to value others and other ways of being;
• to build on a foundation of both content and contexts;
• to practice close reading and writing as integral to thinking and creating; 
• to evaluate and reflect on their own interests, actions, and abilities; 
• to act while confronting complexity and contradictions. 

These are goals that unite us at Bard. LLI continually inspires with its mission to provide educational and social opportunities for members to share the love of learning, to exchange ideas and experiences, and to build an inclusive and welcoming environment for all. I am proud to support the outstanding leadership of LLI in partnering with faculty, students, and staff in Annandale (and beyond) to demonstrate the power and purpose of education as a demonstrable good in itself. Bard's LLI models the importance of critical inquiry, collaborative learning, and civic engagement, with generous support of programs that increase access and inclusion at the College for those who might otherwise not be able to take part in this shared endeavor.  

------------------

Deirdre d'Albertis 
Vice President and Dean of the College 
Professor of English
Bard College
P.O. Box 5000

LLI's Origin Story

by Sara Hardman with Felice Gelman
Sara Hardman was LLI's first president

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. It was apparent that as more retirees moved to the area, there would be an even greater need for new programs, and so the idea for LLI was born.

After preliminary meetings when the group already saw interest growing, they articulated the mission, selected a name (which was not easy), and made a plan for moving ahead. They were clear about two goals, said Sara. They wanted to be affiliated with Bard, and they wanted to open up, even with a limited program, in the upcoming fall.

Fall Semester Reviews

by Deborah Lanser

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. Many members offered interesting and sometimes challenging insights into their responses, including constructive suggestions for improvement. Members of the Curriculum Committee particularly appreciate those specific comments, which they consider when developing new courses. Here is a sample of the many responses.

Holiday Party

by Robert Inglish

LLI members and presenters will celebrate the holiday season at the beautiful Blithewood Manor on December 5. The event will begin at 5:00 p.m. and conclude at 7:00 p.m.

Betti Steel, hospitality chair, and Susan Simon, DJ extraordinaire, will again team up to make sure the evening is festive.

Blithewood, a Georgian manor house with surrounding Italianate gardens, was constructed in 1899, and gifted to Bard in 1951 along with several waterfront acres. It has been the site of several LLI events over the years.

Expect to receive your invitation on November 18.

Share Thanksgiving with an International Bard Student

by Cathy Reinis

As you plan for your Thanksgiving celebration, consider inviting a Bard student from another country to join you in this unique American tradition. Manishkamala Kalupahana, Senior International Student Advisor, invites LLI members to connect with international students at Bard about sharing the day with them. To learn more and sign up for the program, click here. 

Fall 2024 - Volunteer Families to Host a Student for Thanksgiving

Notes from the Curriculum Committee

by Mary McClellan

• Open November Meeting: Although any LLI member may request the link to join a monthly Curriculum Committee meeting, we invite new members who may wish to explore the possibility of producing courses to attend our in-person meeting on the Bard Campus on November 12th, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Please contact Mary McClellan if you wish to attend.
• WinterFest: WinterFest ‘25 is our opportunity to share with LLI members and non-members alike Zoom presentations on a variety of subjects. These will be held on Wednesdays in January, beginning on January 8th.
• Spring Semester Dates:  Our Spring ‘25 semester in-person classes will commence on March 7th and will run for seven consecutive Fridays through April 18th.

Everyone’s an Art Critic!

by L. Walker

On October 16, 2024 LLI members enjoyed a playful approach to exploring the Hessel show Start Making Sense. The format was an inventive, completely interactive immersion into how to talk about art. We assigned members randomly into small discussion groups and had them move around the museum to view several pieces of art, then discuss with each other what they saw and how it made them feel.

Here is a video storybook of our Hessel Discovery Day!  

Participants began by understanding how CONTEXT matters, with Casey Robertson from CCS. He asked us to think about “Who brings meaning to the work, is it the artist, the curator, or YOU?" Then things really got fun as we started on our three “Art Stops,” where participants were asked to view a work together and engage in lively discussion about it.

At the first Art Stop, participants met their group, then spent three minutes of uninterrupted silence, looking at a pre-assigned art work. They were prompted to talk with each other about FORM, answering questions such as  “What’s happening here?” and “How do the colors and light interact?” Many felt this exercise was eye-opening as they really looked at a piece in depth, and noticed things at the end of their three minutes of silence that they totally missed at first!

In the second Art Stop we encouraged viewers to be more INTUITIVE and choose a work they wanted to know more about. Here we prompted questions such as “Does this piece evoke an emotion for you?” and “What do you think the artist's intention is?”  We challenged the group to come up with their own view. NO looking at the labels!

Our third Art Stop was called “Everyone’s a Critic,” where one person in the group chose a THEME, and the others went around the museum finding different pieces of art that fit the motif, and defending why. The groups came up with various themes such as “death,” “travel,” and “Trump.” This was also a hit with the groups as they had fun choosing some not so obvious works to make connections about.

While the organizers gave the big picture, on this day everyone was their own art critic! The feedback was positive during our wrap-up, with a request to repeat the format in the spring; so if you missed this one, stay tuned. 

This event was a collaboration between Casey Robertson, Public Engagement Manager for CCS/Hessel, and L. Walker of LLI Membership Development.

Studio Art Tour Class Shines

by Mary McClellan

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, some lucky LLI members were treated to an intimate learning experience in which artists disclosed their passion, backstories, and techniques. The class was treated to lively and often moving personal discussions on what the art was and how it made them feel.

To get a taste of the class experience, check out this video produced by L. Walker: LLI Studio Discussion.

"Parler," Let's Talk

by Barb Renfro

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, in anticipation of Leon Botstein’s conducting.

Is it spring? Winter? Does the season matter? Are there koi in the water?

An Appreciation from Bard
Vice President Debra R. Pemstein

by Debra R. Pemstein

25 years ago Stuart Stritzler-Levine called me on the telephone and said “Pemstein, (he always called me Pemstein) I want you to come to a meeting with a group of terrific locals who have an idea that I think would be meaningful for Bard.” I soon found myself in his office with Sara Hardman, Carol Lee, Sylvia Erber and Josette Lee. By that time I don’t know how many meetings the 5 of them had already had, but it was no longer an idea; the project was moving forward.

It has been a pleasure to work not only with the founding committee but all the presidents and various members over the years on numerous projects. LLI members served as the first ushers when the Fisher Center opened in 2003. That same year the first Senior to Seniors Tea was held to hear the Bard seniors present their research on their Senior Projects that LLI funded.  When Bard purchased Montgomery Place LLI members became volunteers at the house and the garden. And, now every Spring I get calls from several community members asking if I can help them with their application to join LLI. I always explain it’s a lottery and wish them luck.

LLI’s generosity to Bard has taken many forms over the years. From volunteering to leading, from attending events to supporting student and campus wide projects. While the financial support has provided upgrades to classrooms, emergency relief to students, beautification of the campus, and numerous other benefits to the community, it is the members who have become cherished friends to the entire college community. LLI enriches life in Annandale and for that we are all deeply grateful.

Upcoming Walks

by Vicki Hoener

Are you an LLI member? Do you like to walk and socialize? If your answer is yes, then you are welcome to join other LLI members on walks through beautiful locations in the area. 

We meet every Thursday at 10:30 unless it’s raining.

No sign-up required. Just show up and get some fresh air with other LLI members. 

The walks are also posted on the LLI website. Please check there for updates and cancellations, etc. Here are our planned walks.

November

7.   Thompson-Mazzarella Park Trail behind Starr Library, 42 Traver Lane, Rhinebeck, NY 12572

14.  Ashokan Rail Trail, 1285 NY-28, West Hurley, NY 12491 

21.  Bard Fisher Center (last parking lot) to Tivoli Bays, Manor Ave, Annandale-On-Hudson, NY 12504

28. Roosevelt Farm Lane Trail, 106 Valkill Park Rd, Hyde Park, NY 12538

December 

5.   Montgomery Place, 26 Gardener Way, River Rd, Red Hook, NY 12571

12. Poets' Walk Park, 776 River Rd, Red Hook, NY 12571

Funny Bones: Decisions, Decisions

by Alan Katz

The 2024 election is finally over (whew!) but please, tell me, who were all those undecided voters who could not make a decision until the very end? Luckily, our crack Bard LLI newsletter investigative team was able to track down and interview David S., an undecided voter from our very own Bard LLI membership.

LLI: So David, we understand that you were one of the last few undecided voters. Who did you eventually vote for?

David: Sadly, I could not decide, so I never voted. 

LLI: Really? It is not like the choices were even remotely similar. Well anyway, welcome back to campus. What classes are you taking?

David: I was deciding all summer between zoom classes and in-person classes.

LLI: Those are also quite different. Which did you ultimately choose?

David: I could not decide and got closed out of all of the classes.

LLI: Oh my. So what are you doing on campus?

David: I thought I would mingle a bit and get some lunch.

LLI: Nice. Where are you going to eat?

David: I am not sure. I am deciding between the Kline Commons Cafeteria and the Down the Road Cafe at the Bertelsmann Campus Center, but it is so hard to choose.

LLI:  Er, I see.

David: Making a decision is very stressful. Maybe I should have taken Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation to ease the decision-making process, but second period this semester also had Debussy, Immigration, and Arts and Culture in the 1940’s. My head is spinning. I think I need some stress relief and comfort from my family. 

LLI: Good idea, David.

David: I am just not sure whether to call my first wife or my second wife.

LLI: Uh-huh. 

David: Eventually, they each threw me out of the house.

Council Notes for October 2024

by Susan Simon

At the meeting of October 21, 2024, Council discussed the following:

• Five new class managers will be working during the Spring '25 semester.

• WinterFest will be held over four Wednesdays, starting on January 8, 2025; it is already on the LLI calendar. 

• The spring semester will run for seven weeks straight, from March 7 to April 18, 2025.

• A holiday Party is being planned for December 5, 2025, at Blithewood.

• LLI is donating $2,700 to the Bard Donor Match Program. With that, 100% of the contribution budget has now been allocated for this fiscal year.

Highlights of the Bard Calendar

by Felice Gelman

Throughout November, Bard will be celebrating the sesquicentennial (I had to look that one up) or 150th birthday of the great American composer Charles Ives. An NPR review sums up his unique impact on American music. But, better yet, you can go to Bard’s celebratory events (listed below) to hear and learn more. 

Saturday, November 9, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in Olin Hall, Donald Berman, piano department chair at the Longy School of Music of Bard College and president of the Charles Ives Society, will present an all-Ives recital. Featured works will include Berman's singular version of the Concord Sonata and other works based on his three-volume critical edition, The Complete Shorter Works of Charles E. Ives. The performance will also present readings from Emerson and Thoreau and paintings by Carl Ruggles, with the participation of Leon Botstein, Kyle Gann, and Joseph Horowitz. 

Saturday, November 16, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., at the Fisher Center Sosnoff Theater, in an all-Ives program, TŌN, baritone William Sharp, and Ives scholar J. Peter Burkholder will explore the way Ives created unique works from well-known tunes. Before each piece, Sharp and the orchestra will highlight these classic songs, including  “Bringing in the Sheaves” and “Camptown Races.” You can tune in for free via Livestream, reserving here, or, to go in person, call the box office at 845-758-7900 on weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and ask for an LLI discount on your ticket. 

Upcoming Meetings and Important Dates
for Members

by Carmela Gersbeck

Thursday, November 7: DEI/Social Justice Team meeting at 4:00 p.m. on Zoom. Any member interested in joining a DEI/Social Justice meeting should email Laura Brown at lbrown@lli.bard.edu.

Tuesday, November 12: Curriculum Committee meeting at 10:00 a.m. in person at Bertelsmann Campus Center, 2nd floor. The November meeting is open to all LLI members. Anyone interested in joining a meeting should email Anne Brueckner at abrueckner@lli.bard.edu. 

Wednesday, November 13: Membership Development Committee meeting at 9:00 a.m. on Zoom. Any member interested in joining a Membership Development meeting should email Robert Inglish at ringlish@lli.bard.edu.

Monday, November 18: Council meeting at 9:30 a.m. on Zoom. Any member interested in observing a Council meeting should email Mary McClellan at mmcclellan@lli.bard.edu.

Monday, December 2: The Communications Team meets at 9:30 a.m. on Zoom. Any member interested in observing a Communications meeting should email Deborah Lanser at dlanser@lli.bard.edu.

Thursday, December 5: DEI/Social Justice Team meeting at 4:00 p.m. on Zoom. Any member interested in joining a DEI/Social Justice meeting should email Laura Brown at lbrown@lli.bard.edu.

Thursday, December 5: Bard LLI Holiday Party at Blithewood from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday, December 10: Curriculum Committee meeting at 10:00 a..m. on Zoom. Anyone interested in joining a meeting should email Anne Brueckner at abrueckner@lli.bard.edu. 

Wednesday, December 11: Membership Development Committee meeting at 9:00 a.m. on Zoom. Any member interested in joining a Membership Development meeting should email Robert Inglish at ringlish@lli.bard.edu.

Monday, December 16: Council meeting at 9:30 a.m. on Zoom. Any member interested in observing a Council meeting should email Mary McClellan at mmcclellan@lli.bard.edu.

Monday, December 23: The Communications Team meets at 9:30 a.m. on Zoom. Any member interested in observing a Communications meeting should email Deborah Lanser at dlanser@lli.bard.edu.

The opinions and views expressed in the LLI Newsletter are those of the author(s). They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of LLI or its members. In addition, any link to a website or content belonging to or originating from third parties are not investigated, monitored or checked for accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability or completeness by LLI, nor does LLI accept any responsibility for such content.