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About Us

About

Academy for Lifelong Learning

Saratoga Region, Inc

Jeff Shinaman
Executive Director
The Academy for Lifelong Learning, founded in 1992, is an independent, self-funded nonprofit with its own budget and is governed by its own membership. It could not function without the active involvement of the people who participate as members, students, volunteer study group leaders, donors, general volunteers, and paid staff who support the central academic mission.

A.L.L. has over 450 active members. Membership is open to all persons upon payment of $75 annual membership dues. Class sizes range from 5 to 65 members, depending on the leader and subject. There are no tests! There may be reading assignments, and you usually have no homework, unless you are in Italian Class.

Board of Directors 2024 - 2025

  • Gerald Stulc, ChairBallston Lake, NY 

  • Marsha Fagan, Secretary, Glens Falls, NY

  • Carol Markley, Member-at-Large, Ballston Spa, NY

  • Donna Mautone, Chair, Membership, Mechanicville, NY

  • Lois Pflomm, Chair, Event Planning, Ballston Spa, NY

  • Jeff Shinaman, Executive Director, Greenfield Center, NY

  • Larry Snavley, Member-at-Large, Clifton Park, NY

  • Sue Valaitis, Chair, Third Age Press, Ballston Spa, NY

Our Courses

Our study group leaders are experts in their field and volunteer their time to our benefit. Some of the courses that may be offered in a term are:

  • Music Appreciation
  • Birding
  • Painting
  • Hiking in Moreau State Park
  • Classic Movies
  • Literary Fiction
  • Poetry, Writing and Appreciation
  • Lecture Series
  • Religion
  • Politics
  • History
  • Travel

Some travel study groups go to area farms or museums or other area attractions.

Affiliations


Part of a National Organization

A.L.L is one of over 400 Lifelong Learning Institutes (LLIs) in North America, affiliated with Road Scholar Institute Network.

The Road Scholar LLI Resource Network is a voluntary and dues-free association of more than 400 Lifelong Learning Institutes (LLIs) across the country. The Network strives to connect LLIs with one another as a means of expanding community and learning opportunities.

Road Scholar Institute Network provides invaluable advice and support in establishing A.L.L in 1992, and the Academy has remained a member in the New England region since that date. A.L.L. members and staff have attended and volunteered as presenters at several regional and national conferences.