It is with great pleasure that we welcome you to the 41st season of the Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning. Since its inception SILL has presented a wide variety of programs, ranging from health and humanities to domestic and global issues. In 2011 attendance reached record levels. We are especially grateful to our past president Chet Thompson, who has led SILL for the last two years with skill and grace.

As our world continues to shrink in terms of time and accessibility, the horizons of our audience continue to expand. International issues remain an audience favorite. The Program Committee, under the leadership of Beth Cotner, has responded brilliantly to this increased demand. We offer five Global Issues Series, three in Sarasota and two in Venice. If, on the other hand, you enjoy the opportunity of being part of a small audience, able to engage directly with the speaker in a more in-depth context, we recommend our Seminar Series. For the coming year, the Sarasota Seminars will be held at a new venue, the Sarasota Arts Council building at 1226 North Tamiami Trail. We think you will enjoy this pleasant and comfortable facility. This year we also offer a seminar at the Venice Community Center.

The Music Monday Series, under the leadership of June LeBell, is also experiencing dynamic growth. We are pleased to be able to now offer twelve lecture/interviews in Venice, as well as Sarasota. The Series presents great performers in conversation with Ms. LeBell and Robert Sherman, and includes musical illustrations.

Simulcasting of SILL lectures, which began in 2009 to only one venue, Plymouth Harbor, is now more widely available to retirement communities. It enters its fourth year with a new title, SILL Select, reflecting the choice of two transmission formats, DVD and complimentary simulcast.

The SILL Board, assisted by a host of dedicated volunteers, presents over 90 lectures in a three-month season. Providing our audiences with an informative lecture experience is our highest priority. Your comments and feedback are always welcome in helping us identify future topics and speakers. And your support through donations to the Friends of SILL continues to be of vital importance. We are grateful to those of you who have chosen to show your appreciation in this way. Thanks for being a part of SILL.

Joy McIntyre, President