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Message from the President

Dear <<First Name>>,

Here Is to 2024! 

Another new year and another opportunity to make positive change. Some folks make resolutions, and others are happy with the current way they do things. To each their own. As an organization, LLI has come a long way in terms of educational and social opportunities for our members, and we will continue to bring the best opportunities we can going forward. 

Most of our members know that we make annual donations to Bard, which support a variety of important programs that benefit Bard students and, by extension, the community. Last month, both the Finance team and Council approved the following contributions for the current school year, which account for approximately 54% of our annual membership income: 

Total contributions for FYE 24:        $32,500

Council also decided after a lengthy conversation to recommend to our membership that we increase our annual fee by $25, raising it to $200 beginning next school year. It is the only increase in more than seven years. If approved by the membership in May, we expect to raise an additional $8,500 through this increase in FYE 25, and the entire amount will be donated to Bard, raising our overall contribution to approximately $41,000, which is 60% of our annual income. Bard is extremely generous to LLI in the services and accommodations they provide, and if we had to pay for what we receive, $41,000 would not come close. The remaining $19,000 of our income covers operating expenses and such things as hospitality and social events. 

We currently have approximately $110,000 in cash. The cash balance has been growing slowly for several years, and during the pandemic, we did not spend budgeted funds for several line items, especially for social gatherings and events, which led to larger annual increases. That cash is our current safety net in case we need to find some space or, worst case, a whole new venue if we must because Bard cannot accommodate LLI on campus. If we had to lease a building, do renovations, purchase furniture and electronics, hire cleaning staff, pay for insurance, etc., the cash we have would not go that far. Yet, saving money is a prudent business decision. Note that we made sure that in the event LLI ceased to exist, all remaining cash would go to Bard pursuant to our bylaws. 

I want to stress that we are not looking for space, and Bard has not asked us to find one. Our relationship with Bard is solid, and I expect LLI will be welcome on campus for years to come. Sharing these details is about being transparent with our membership.

Have a happy and healthy new year. 

Best, 

Robert Beaury

president@lli.bard.edu

An Invitation to Run for Council

by Mary McClellan

Nominations are now being accepted for our 2024 election cycle for Council, the main governing body of LLI. Council comprises five elected officers, four elected members at large, and five standing committee chairpersons appointed by the president. Terms for all elected officers are two years. Elections are held every year, with different positions becoming available each year. Nominations will be accepted through January 12, 2024. 

This year we will nominate and elect:

• President

• 1st Vice President

• Treasurer

• Two Members at Large

Council meetings will give you the opportunity to contribute your ideas about how LLI can be run while working with some interesting, dedicated people. Although three of the four positions are currently occupied by members who have decided to run for an additional term, every member is welcome to run for office.

Class Managers Needed for Spring 2024 Semester

by Carmela Gersbeck

While we are just starting WinterFest, the Class Support Team is already working to find class managers for the spring semester.

Being a class manager is a great way to get to know LLI members as you welcome them into class. The responsibilities of a class manager vary, depending on the needs of the presenter. They may include sending emails to the class, coordinating with the presenters for any needs they may have, and taking attendance. Being a class manager is not a difficult job, and it is vital to the smooth functioning of LLI. Training will be provided online at the end of February. And—you are guaranteed a seat in the class you support!

If you would like to be a class manager for the spring semester, please email Joanne Goodman (jgoodman@lli.bard.edu) or Carmela Gersbeck (cgersbeck@lli.bard.edu). They will send you a list of classes for the spring semester so you can whet your appetite and see what classes you would like to support.

We look forward to hearing from you!

New Members Have Their Say

by Deborah Lanser

Every year, an influx of new members provides a fresh perspective on the strengths and limitations of Bard LLI. This year, 22 members from the class of 2023 responded to the new member survey, sharing their enthusiasm, insights, and concerns. Those comments will be taken to heart as we strive to improve our functioning and offerings. Here’s a brief overview of their feedback.

Join Us for Winterfest 2024!

by Carmela Gersbeck

WinterFest begins this coming Wednesday, January 10, and continues each Wednesday in January: January 17, 24, and January 31. Presentations run from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. All sessions will be on Zoom. Each week you will be sent a link to join the presentation. You may, if you wish, share that link with a friend.

This Wednesday, we have lawyer Richard C. Cahn discussing a landmark case, Whatever Happened to Baby Jane Doe, and John Rhetts talking about the History of the Pixel. Next week on January 17th, Helen Edelstein teaches us about the mission and the history of the New York StateWide Senior Action Council (NYSSAC), and director Jon Bowermaster brings us WindShipped, the filmed story of Captain Sam Merrett and his 65-foot, metal-hulled, sail freight boat, the Apollonia. On January 24th, Shannon Butler, historian for the Poughkeepsie Public Library, will regale us with stories about some of the bloodiest and most interesting crimes in Dutchess County, going back to the 18th century and continuing through the 1930s. Then, master teacher Judith Nelson will present a fun and illuminating lecture-demonstration explaining the basic elements of dance. Lastly, on January 30th, join Ronnit Vasserman to explore some NYC subway art, including Roy Lichtenstein’s installation in Times Square and Sol LeWitt’s mural at Columbus Circle, among others. Melanie Blair Pincus, PhD, offers a comprehensive overview of classic psychedelics for anyone who wants to learn about the neurobiological mechanism of action of these promising medicines. 

A full description of the presentations may be found by clicking here or on ProClass. You do not need to register.

Blithewood Holiday Bash

by Susan Phillips

A palpable feeling of seasonal good cheer, plus a noticeable abundance of red clothing, permeated the first floor of beautiful Blithewood on the evening of December 19th. LLI members braved the cold for a holiday get-together to meet up with old and new friends and share refreshments.

When asked if there would be any announcements during the evening, Robert Beaury, president of LLI, responded, “Absolutely not! This is an evening for socializing only! No business!” And socialize folks did, chatting it up in small groups while enjoying a glass of wine or prosecco and yummy hors d'oeuvres. There may have been some talk about how past courses had gone, whether all evaluations were in, and even talk of new course ideas, but most was happy catch-up chatter.

The gathering wrapped up just after 8:00 p.m. Many thanks to Irene Esposito for arranging the refreshments, Susan Simon for the gentle background music, and Bard College for letting Bard LLI use Blithewood to party and send each other off with warm holiday wishes. 

Council Notes for December 2023

by Susan Simon

At the meeting of December 18, 2023, the LLI Council:

• Discussed LLI annual tuition.

• Decided the membership cap should remain at 350.

• Discussed spring schedule dates.

• Approved the 2024 donations.

Highlights of the Bard Calendar

Bard is off hibernating this month. See you next month!

Upcoming Meetings and Important Dates
for Members

by Carmela Gersbeck

Tuesday, January 9: 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, January 10: Membership Development Committee meeting at 9:00 a.m. on Zoom. Any member interested in observing a Membership Development meeting should email Robert Inglish at ringlish@lli.bard.edu.

Wednesdays, January 10, 17, 24, 31: WinterFest classes are held. Members are welcome to invite guests to join any classes.

Tuesday, January 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. The January meeting will be held on Tuesday as we will celebrate the Martin Luther King holiday on Monday, January 15.

Monday, January 29: 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.

Tuesday, February 13: 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, February 14: Membership Development Committee meeting at 9:00 a.m. on Zoom. Any member interested in observing a Membership Development meeting should email Robert Inglish at ringlish@lli.bard.edu.

Tuesday,, February 20: 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. The February meeting will be held on Tuesday as the Presidents Day holiday will be celebrated on Monday, February 19.

Monday, February 26: 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.