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Current Courses
Road to the American Revolution
March 3, 10, 17
10:30-11:45am
Location - Mayflower Winter Park
Instructor - Dr. Carl Creasman
2026 is a year of national celebration with the nation’s semiquincentennial, but arriving at a year of revolution (1776) was not a foregone conclusion. What were the events that ultimately led to the American Revolution? Over our three sessions, we will examine the contextual setting of mid-18th century colonial life plus the impact of the European “Colonial Wars” that led finally to what the Americans called “The French and Indian War.” From the conclusion of that war in 1763, events spiraled out of control in a “cause and effect” way that led, ultimately, to July 1776. That “Road to the American Revolution” could have taken several different turns, but eventually exploded into war, something of a surprise on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. We will examine all the twists and turns of those events leading to July 1776.
History of Jazz
March 5, 12, 19
10:30-11:45am
Location - Albin Polasek Museum
A broad overview of the development of the jazz form of music with selected recorded samples. Courses will focus on the major highlights and evolution of jazz music. Class 1 will cover pre and early jazz including ragtime and the blues; Class 2 will cover early jazz through the big band and dance band era (circa 1920-1945). Class 3 will cover the mid-20th Century until 2000.
Guided Autobiography (GAB) - An introduction
February 3, 10, 17
3-4:15pm
Location - Center for Health & Wellbeing
This course is designed to help participants tap into their life experiences and transform them into compelling stories. Guided Autobiography (GAB) is a unique approach to writing memoirs that combines the power of guided reminiscence with writing exercises. Whether you are a seasoned writer, or just starting out, GAB offers a structured, supportive environment to explore your memories, reflect on your life and create meaningful narratives.
In this introductory class, you’ll come away with at least two written stories from your life. Please plan on spending about an hour per week outside of class to complete the writing prompt for the week.
Writing Workshop with Elaine
February 5, 12, 19
10:30-11:45am
Location - Mayflower Winter Park
People often say, "Someday I'll write a story or a book." Someday is now. Award-winning instructor Elaine Person will guide you toward achieving your writing goals. This class uses writing prompts (suggestions), such as quotations and artwork, which give you direction and make writing easier. We write together, and volunteers share their writing. Positive comments only allowed! We will discuss tools and techniques of writing and various genres. All levels are welcome. Each writer has unique stories to tell.
The Executive Branch: Formation and Succession
February 3, 10, 17
6-7:15pm
Location - Center for Health & Wellbeing
Why did the Founders create the Presidency and Vice-Presidency? How did they envision succession in the case of death, removal, or illness? This course explores American history from the Founding to the present through the lens of Presidential Succession. It also offers an examination of how gaps in the Constitution's framework have been (and have not been) addressed since 1787, as well as how political and technological developments helped drive these changes.
3D Needle Felting
March 5, 12, 19
12-2:00pm
Location - Albin Polasek Museum
Needle felting is a popular fiber craft in which wool fleece is sculpted using special barbed needles to stab the wool into various shapes. Using a few simple techniques you can create many wonderful objects. You may have noticed many felted ornaments while holiday shopping. In this class, we will create a small sculpture, which utilizes all of the basic shape techniques that will allow you to create anything you wish. You do not need hand strength for this, but you will be holding small pointy needles. I promise that beginners will prick themselves more than once! This is quite easy to learn and everyone whom I have taught has had a fun time creating something successfully adorable.
Class size limited to 15.
Financial Planning in the Shadow of Dementia or Long Term Care
February 3, 10, 17
4:30-5:45pm
Location - Center for Health & Wellbeing
In this course, we’ll explore the unique challenges around financial planning and implementation in the instance of a dementia/Long-Term Care situation. A diagnosis needing care and preparation presents scenarios that have specific planning needs around duration, control, tools, and fiduciary responsibilities. Emotionally, planning for this scenario is often poorly done, in a rush, and executed at the last minute because human nature pushes the “it won’t happen to me” into our minds. Even people who have dealt with dementia or a Long Term Care event in their family still do inadequate planning for themselves.
We are going to look at this from two angles: One will be for those who are currently dealing with a dementia diagnosis with someone in their family. The other will be from the standpoint of planning for yourself.
Is Dying with Too Much Money a "Win" or a "Fail"?
February 5, 12, 19
2:30-3:45pm
Location - Mayflower Winter Park
Ever notice how everyone has an opinion about what you should do with your retirement money? Some say save every penny “just in case.” Others say spend it and enjoy life while you can. So… who’s right?
In this course, we’ll have an honest, lively discussion about spending in retirement. How to plan wisely, live fully, and still care for the people and causes that matter most. Bring your opinions, your questions, and maybe a story or two. It’s time to rethink what “enough” really means.
Controversial Topics - Part Five
February 5, 12, 19
1-2:15pm
Location - Mayflower Winter Park
Ever get tired of your friends telling you what the government should do and why? Somehow, they have all the answers that only they can see with such clarity. Well…in this course, we are going to dive into the gray and muddy areas of government policy and, specifically, how it relates to money and the economy. We will have moderated discussions on topics that highlight the difficulty of balancing economics, social well-being, and the factors that influence our points of view. This will be an exciting series of conversations in an open but moderated, respectful environment.