The Academy membership runs from September 1 through August 31.  We have more benefits to offer members this year.  A one-year membership for only $35 includes:

• Complimentary Academy Pass, which allows members to take an EIU undergraduate course without tuition or tests, gives members access to an EIU email account, and access to www.Lynda.com, an online learning resource that helps individuals learn software, photography and business skills ($375 value)

• Area business discounts for members only
  - Towne Square Jewelers: 20% discount on Citizen watches and the Colore line ( through 12/31/2014)
  - Bike & Hike of Charleston: 10% discount 
  - Pensee's Bookshop on the Square: 10% discount 
  - EIU Bookstore 20% discount (non-technology purchases)
  - Curves - Charleston, Mattoon & Effingham: $59 registration fee waived!

Complete the brief membership application that can be found at http://www.eiu.edu/adulted/Academy%20FA14%20RegForm.pdf or by calling 217-581-5114.

Pick up your copy of the Fall 2014 Academy of Lifelong Learning Program Guide in our office at 2201 Blair Hall on the EIU campus or many area businesses. Take two and share with your friends.  Register early as many class sizes are limited and wait lists are no fun.

If you prefer an electronic version of the program guide, visit http://www.eiu.edu/adulted/Academy%20FA14%20Program%20Guide.pdf.

Thursday, August 28, 4-6 p.m.
EIU MLK University Union
7th Street Underground

This course will educate you about recent research in family caregiving for Alzheimer's disease. You will learn about different types of grief, including anticipatory grief and ambiguous loss, coping mechanisms used by spouses and adult children, and experiences of family caregivers. Issues that need to be addressed for this population include grief, loss and coping.  Free and open to the public.  Please call to register.

Tuesday, September 9, Noon-1 p.m.
EIU Rec Center - Academy Members Only
Lantz Club Room

EIU's Adult Fitness Program is a physical fitness program designed for adults. Fitness assessments are conducted on all new members to guide the development of an individualized exercise program. Graduate students support the members through the exercise program. Academy members are invited to attend a free introductory session to learn about this fabulous program. Academy members who join this program are also invited to attend student research presentations throughout the year at no additional charge.

Wednesday, September 10, Noon - 1:30 p.m.
Charleston Carnegie Public Library
Rotary Room

A panel of three timeshare owners will share their experiences with ownership, trading weeks, different companies they've purchased from, and unexpected pleasures. Expect to participate in a discussion that will cover ownership pros and cons, maximizing your investment, and getting more from what you already own. Free and open to the public.  Call to register.

Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays, September 16, 17 & 18, 23, 24 & 25, 6-8 p.m.
EIU Lantz Gymnasium
Room 1420 (lower level)

All women need realistic self-defense tactics. Join us for the Rape Aggression Defense which is a program of self-defense tactics and techniques for women. The R.A.D. System is a comprehensive, women-only course that begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction and avoidance, while progressing on to the basics of hands-on defense training. Please wear comfortable clothes. Each person will work at their own comfort level.  This is being offered at no charge for members by Police Chief, Adam Due. 

The Academy works to provide members of the community with enriching educational opportunities at low cost. Are you able to make a donation to help us continue providing inventive, brain healthy activities?  Do you wish to honor a friend or family member, living or deceased?  Click on https://www.eiu.edu/giving.php, select School of Continuing Education, Academy of Lifelong Learning.  Gifts are tax deductible and used solely to support the enrichment and growth of the Academy of Lifelong Learning. Thank you for your commitment to lifelong learning.

EIU Parking permits good through August 2015 are now available to members upon request. These permits allow Academy members to park in any student or staff lot on the EIU campus while attending an Academy event. To get your parking permit, please call 581-5114 or e-mail academy@eiu.edu.

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The Boomers will eventually have to accept that it is not possible to stay forever young or to stop aging. But it is possible, by committing to show up for others in community after community, to earn a measure of immortality.

Eric Liu