All are welcome to join A.L.L. members on Sunday, April 27, 2008 from 1-4 p.m. at the Saratoga/Wilton Elks Lodge, as they celebrate with an afternoon of traditional Indian music, dancing, culture and refreshments.

As a special gift to the community, Jo-Ellen Unger, Executive Director of A.L.L., invites guests to participate in Indian folk dances, to learn about Indian religions, experience mehandi (henna) and bindi applications and learn how to don a sari. The event is organized in collaboration with Bidhan Chandra of the Center for Distance Learning and the local Indian community. Media sponsors include Star 101.5 and the Saratoga TODAY newspaper.

Guest will enjoy traditional food provided by Karavalli Restaurant and Usha Chandra and will even have the opportunity to plan a future trip to India. This event is one of three celebrations open to the public as recognition of the Academy’s years of success and future endeavors.

Founded in 1992, A.L.L. is a non-profit, member-driven organization, which offers educational, social and leadership opportunities to older learners. The Academy is sponsored by Empire State College through the College Foundation and currently serves over 200 members each term.

Individuals are invited to take part in A.L.L. study groups in fields such as literature, writing, the arts, computers, religion, science and health. A.L.L. is a unique opportunity for older individuals to stay socially connected while becoming educated in new and exciting areas of interest. What makes A.L.L. different from other programs is that it offers small classes of 15-30 students, members are key decision makers, and each group is peer led. These factors all equate to an active learning experience that fosters friendships and continued education. 

The Academy strives to meet the intellectual and cultural needs of their members and welcomes all who have a love for learning. Although most members are over the age of 50, there are no age, educational or career-based requirements.

Unger is proud to announce that this term a brand new member at the young age of 93 has joined the Academy and is enrolled in three classes. Most members live in the Saratoga/Capital Region but the program also serves individuals from as far away as Bennington, Vermont.

The classes offered at the Academy are seldom lectures and foster open communication and shared learning. Spring and Fall classes are usually held on Mondays through Thursdays, with a morning and afternoon session each day. In addition to on-site classroom activities, groups enjoy field trips and day outings to nearby locations that enhance the active learner in each member.

Past outings included a day trip to Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield, Mass., hiking in the Adirondacks and a visit to the Southern Vermont Art Center in Manchester, Vt. These day trips offer members a hands-on learning experience and allows them the opportunity for new adventures.

The Academy and its members are also very involved in the community by offering studies in collaboration with local museums and sponsoring programs that are free and open to the public.

The Academy is a committed partner of the Saratoga Reads program and for the past several years has presented speakers and discussion groups centered on the annual book selection.

Members also collect used eyeglasses for donation to the local Lions Club, as well as donating hundreds of personal care products to the Saratoga County EOC. Through their community involvement and commitment to learning, members are able to support others in the community through their life knowledge and desire to help those in need.

Unger expresses that, “The Academy owes its success to the support of the Empire State College and the flexibility and active participation of our many volunteers that are, and will continue to be, A.L.L.’s major strength as it continues to be a vibrant option for older people seeking to enrich their lives with learning opportunities and wonderful new friendships.”

Please join Jo-Ellen and the members of A.L.L. as they celebrate their 15th anniversary on April 27. To learn more about becoming a member of the Academy for Life Long Learning or to receive further information on the A.L.L. Celebrates Diversity India Event please call

587-2100 ext. 2480.