Dick: “It’s too cold to go to the beach today.”

Jane: “I agree.”

Dick: “So what do you want to do?”

Jane: “Well, there is this lecture on Florida in the Civil War that seems quite interesting.”

Dick: “Yeah, that sounds good since we both have read a lot about the Civil War but don’t remember reading much about Florida’s role in the War. Where is it and how did you learn about it?”

Did you know that it is possible to find out what going on around you without extensive searching through old copies of the newspaper, magazines or searching multiple websites? Our friend (Jane) discovered a new website that provides at one location information about lectures, classes or other special events in the suncoast area. Much like trying to find airline flight information (think Kayak.com) or to explore overnight accommodations (think trivago.com). Now, at your fingertips at www.SunCoastLifelongLearning.org you can find information from 22 area lifelong learning organizations who are offering a wide variety of classes, lectures and other special activities. Not only can you find what you would like to attend but you can with one click be transferred to a host website to register and pay. It doesn’t get much easier than that to find a good alternative to the day at the beach.

By the way, our friends found the lecture to be free and was offered by Manatee Village Historical Park in Bradenton as part of their Florida Humanities Speaker Series. They have lectures scheduled for February and March. For more information call (941-749-7165) or visit www.manateevillage.org.

Submitted by: Robert V. Carlson, President of SunCoast Alliance for Lifelong Learning.