Aging in Paradise will screen SILL lecture series

For the first time, residents won’t have to drive off the Key to access Sarasota Institute of Lifelong Learning (SILL) lectures.

The Aging in Paradise Resource Center at Longboat Island Chapel will present the SILL Global Issues lecture series beginning Jan. 16 via DVD a week after the live lectures.

Lectures will focus on issues such as energy, al-Qaida, North Korea and economic development.

“This world-class series of lectures provides the local community with a global perspective from those who have lived and worked on the world stage,” said Donna Dunio, executive director of Aging in Paradise.

“People who wanted to attend SILL in Sarasota were often too late to get tickets because the program was a sellout every year,” Dunio said. “Those who were able to purchase tickets had to drive to Sarasota and contend with traffic and parking concerns. Now, they can enjoy this incredible lecture series right here on Longboat Key.”

Evelyn Duvall founded SILL in 1972 because she believed the older population needs to not only exercise their bodies, but also their minds.

“Scientists and medical professionals agree that staying engaged and continually learning new and worthwhile information throughout our lives adds to the quality of lives and the number of years lived,” Dunio said.

Aging in Paradise connects individuals facing age-related issues with services they need, and also offers programs that include support groups, seminars and recreational activities.

Lecture screenings will take place from 10:30 a.m. to noon Fridays Jan. 16 to April 3, at the Aging in Paradise Resource Center on the second floor of Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

Schedule
Jan. 16: Molly Williamson, “Global Energy”

Jan. 23: Jessica Lewis, “Al-Qaida”

Jan 30: Jerry Pubantz, “The U.S. and the Great Powers in the Wake of Congressional Elections”

Feb. 6: Martin Walker, “Europe and Putin”

Feb. 13: John Allen Williams, “U.S. Security Forces: Post Realignment”

Feb. 20: Joel Brenner, “Privacy in a Transparent Cyber World”

Feb. 27: Ambassador Donald Gregg, “North Korea”

March 6: Mohsen Milani, “Iran Update”

March 13: Ambassador James Jeffrey, “Turkey in its Regions: Asset or Obstacle for the U.S.?”

March 20: Gary Fields, “The Challenge of U.S. Economic Development in a Globalized World”

March 27: Hendrick Smith, “Reclaiming the American Dream”

April 3: David Lampton, “China-U.S. Relations”