Did you know that the Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning (SILL) has been in existence since 1972? Since then, SILL has been bringing Greater Sarasota insightful, educational, and entertaining programs on important topics that you have indicated, through our surveys, are critical in your quest to keep apace in our rapidly changing world.

Welcome to SILL's 39th year! As you know, in 2010 our country has a new administration facing daunting challenges at home and abroad, including critical conflicts with nations opposing the U.S. In addition, economies worldwide have suffered economic slowdowns of near historic proportions. Against this dramatic backdrop, SILL programmers again have worked diligently to schedule expert speakers who can help us all better understand these crucial domestic, international and, indeed, global issues.

SILL's brochure has a new format this year. The Global Issues Series information is here published back-to-back with the Music Series. Please also note that both series continue to present the high quality programs you have come to expect at SILL and, based on your enthusiastic reception last season, we have expanded the Music Series in Venice from six lectures to eight.

2009 was a very challenging year for many. Yet, despite the economic hurdles and thanks to you, SILL's attendance and the donations to Friends of SILL last season were on a par with 2008. I must admit that I have my fingers crossed as I write this message in September, but our advance bookings for 2010 look very strong.

SILL appreciates your patronage. We thank the many who volunteer their time and services or are contributors to Friends of SILL. We remain unique in Greater Sarasota as an all-volunteer organization. This is key to our delivery of quality programming featuring nationally known experts at affordable prices.

SILL could not achieve this without you. In truth, SILL can do only what our loyal attendees and supporters enable us to do. We are always eager to add new volunteers to SILL's talent pool. I assure you that no matter what skill and time you have to share, SILL would benefit from your involvement. If you wish to become a SILL volunteer, please contact any one of us or visit our web site, www.sillsarasota.org, for more information.

We trust you will enjoy the 2010 SILL season as much as we enjoy presenting it to you.

Chet Thompson, President