Upcoming Course Catalog
An Introduction to Ancestry.com and How to Build Your Family's Dossier
February 11th, 18th, 25th
Location - Mayflower Winter Park
Instructor - Daniel Zagata
Although not an expert, my recent experiences have helped me become proficient in the world of genealogical research and constructing my family’s history. In this course, we will start with Ancestry.com, and branch out into the other resources that people can use to research and build their family tree. We will also explore the reasons why you want to build your family tree and how you will use it, either for sentimental value, publication, or to pass it down to the next generation.
Exciting Car History at your Fingertips (For Real...)
March 6th, 13th, 20th
Location - Mayflower Winter Park
Let’s explore the history of the Edsel automobile – from its promise of glamor and advanced technology, to nearly ruining the Ford Motor Company, to becoming a punchline, and eventually becoming a beloved classic. We’ll also have a tour around a 1958 Edsel Pacer Convertible in Ember Red and Frost White complete with REAL Chrome (Mmmmm Chrome!)
It’s a fascinating business story of how things went right, and wrong, and some bad luck thrown in for good measure.
Charm School: Looking Back on Land Use to Look Forward
February 11th, 18th, 25th
Location - Mayflower Winter Park
Winter Park is regaled for the small-town, village-like charm of Park Avenue and Hannibal Square. These pedestrian-friendly business districts date back to our community’s inception in the 1800s. Mixed-use retail/residential development with ample greenspace and nearby public transportation is the very essence of what makes Winter Park accessible and welcoming to residents and visitors alike.
The look, feel and charm of Park Avenue or Hannibal Square cannot be recreated in other areas of Winter Park today. Why? In this course, we’ll explore how land-use decisions from 1970 to today shape the way our community works and doesn’t work.
Join us for an eye-opening exploration of how a fresh perspective on land use could help Winter Park become the very best version of itself for you, your children, and your grandchildren.
Controversial Topics - Part Two
February 11th, 18th, 25th
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.
History of Winter Park
March 6th, 13th, 20th
Location - Mayflower Winter Park
Hear the story of Winter Park's transformation from humble beginnings to one of Central Florida's shining jewels through the voice of Mr. Rick Baldwin. A lifelong resident and graduate of Winter Park High School, Mr. Baldwin has served on the boards of many of Winter Park's institutions and is the CEO of Baldwin Brothers Cremation Society.
Maritime Archaeology
March 6th, 13th, 20th
Location - Mayflower Winter Park
This course will explore the basics of maritime archaeology and the fascinating field of underwater cultural heritage. We will investigate the methods and techniques employed to conduct fieldwork investigating shipwrecks, sunken cities, and other archaeological sites that now rest underwater. Course objectives include understanding the principles of underwater archaeology, learning about dynamics between maritime exploration and human societies, gaining knowledge of a diverse range of underwater archaeological sites, and developing an understanding of the ethical considerations concerning the legality of underwater sites.
Bridging the Generational Divide: How to Connect with the Youngest Generations
February 12th, 19th, 26th
Location - Winter Park Library
Are you looking for meaningful ways to connect with the youngest members of your family? This engaging three-part course is designed to empower older adults with practical tools and insights to build stronger relationships across generations.
Topics include:
- "My Grandchildren Are Visiting—Now What?" Tips to make the most of your time together.
- "How to Get Children and Teens Off Their Devices and Engaged" Strategies for encouraging positive behavior and celebrating the “positive opposite.”
- "Engagement Through Stories and Books" Learn how to bring excitement and energy to storytelling to captivate young minds.
- "Talking to My Adult Children About Parenting" Navigate sensitive conversations with grace and understanding.
Join us to learn how to bridge the gap, celebrate family connections, and create lasting memories with the youngest generations.
Introduction to Arabic
February 12th, 19th, 26th
Location - Winter Park Library
This course will provide students with an introduction to Modern Standard Arabic, assuming no prior knowledge of the language. We will learn the Arabic alphabet and practice reading over the course of three classes, and classroom activities will develop student’s spoken and written skills in the language. An emphasis is placed on practical communication and cultural understanding. Students will acquire knowledge of fundamental grammatical structures and useful vocabulary. No textbook is required, all course materials will be provided.
Keep Moving - Strides towards an Active Retirement
February 12th, 19th, 26th
Location - Winter Park Library
Instructor - Dr. Christina Risner
Our bodies were designed for movement and healthy movement requires a harmonious balance of mobility, stability, and strength. Although life expectancy is growing, the number of years without morbidity is not. This course will take a deep dive into ensuring we are taking care of our bodies and minds to remain as active as possible. Dr. Christina Risner will show a variety of exercises to keep our body active and talk through how to boost cognitive function.
Long Term Care Planning
March 5th, 12th, 19th
Location - Winter Park Library
We will pluck your head out of the sand and really spend time on a necessary subject that will touch every person. Whether you have been involved with long term care events personally, within the family, or with friends, we’re not going to take “I’ll just wait and see” as an acceptable response in this course.
Learn what Long Term Care is, who it affects, what your options are, and how things coordinate with the various programs, solutions, and systems.
I know -- “You had a friend of a friend that did this and that.” Thankfully, that has nothing to do with you! If you are not able to teach the subject matter in this course, then you need to take this course.
Prolonged Sitting is the New Smoking
March 5th, 14th, 19th
Location - Winter Park Library
There are health risks associated with prolonged sitting, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. I will discuss the importance of finding activities that you enjoy and that will help you to stay active.
I will be explaining in some detail about the physiological as well as mental benefits that can be achieved with activities such as walking, biking, swimming, and my specialties of tai chi, qigong, and yoga. I will also emphasize the importance of finding activities that are appropriate for your fitness level and that you can do regularly.
Finally, will I offer some tips on how to reduce the amount of time you spend sitting. These tips include getting up and moving around every 30 minutes, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, and using a standing desk.