Monday, November 1, 2010

Punta Gorda's Tipping Point -- Renaissance Academy (FGCU) at Herald Court Center

When I heard that the Renaissance Academy was going to be at the Herald Court Center,  I thought to myself "this is a tipping point for Punta Gorda". How appropriate that now that the buildings have been revitalized that a program that brings another type of renewal comes to town.


The very name -- Renaissance Academy -- evokes intellectual and creative rebirth and excitement. The Academy which has been around since 2001 is Florida Gulf Coast University's lifelong learning program for adults. It opened here in the Herald Court Center (HCC) in October. "The premise is that learning should never cease, that keeping the mind intellectually, creatively and culturally active fundamentally enriches and invigorates our lives," the program's website notes.


Among the Academy's offerings at Herald Court Center will be affordable non-credit single lectures, short courses on topics such as  history, political science, nutrition, personal finance, the environment, travel and other programs that offer the opportunity for intellectual stimulation and for meeting and exchanging ideas with like-minded folks.  


Since many of the programs are short 90 minute lectures priced at as little as $15, it's fairly easy and non-disruptive as well as affordable, to take in one of the courses.   This week alone Vernon Peeples, our incredible local historian, will be providing an opportunity to learn more about Charlotte County History. Mr. Peeples, a fifth generation Florida and former Florida Legislator,  speaks in his wonderful cadence and storytelling style about the local history and its impact on Florida and the US as a whole.  Also this week, James Kaserman, M.A., retired educator and businessman, and Sarah Jane Kaserman, retired educator, will bring to life the history of the American Railroad.

For more details on this weeks programs.
For more information on the Herald Court Center Renaissance Academy.




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