Current Courses
James Madison and the Making of the Constitution
September 8, 15, 22
4:30pm-5:45pm
Location- Center for Health and Wellbeing
Step into history with James Madison as he explores the events that led to the creation of the U.S. Constitution, the dramatic debates and compromises of the Constitutional Convention, and the Constitution's enduring role in American government today. Through engaging storytelling and historical insight, this three-part course examines the challenges of preserving a republic and the responsibilities of citizenship. Designed to entertain, enlighten, engage, and inspire, this presentation brings the founding of our nation vividly to life.
Financial Planning in the Shadow of Caregiving
September 8, 15, 22
6:00pm-7:15pm
Location- Center for Health and 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.
TBD
Know Before You Go: Hamilton: An American Musical
September 9, 16, 23
10:30am-11:45am
Location- Albin Polasek Museum
Don’t throw away your shot to learn more about the Tony-award winning musical, Hamilton. Whether you plan to see it live at the Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts (September 29-October 18), watch it on Disney +, or travel to NYC for the Broadway version, this three-part class will leave you “Satisified.” We will dive into the making of the musical, the real-life history and places behind the story, the casting decisions by Lin-Manuel Miranda and director Thomas Kail, character and plot analysis, musical influences and allusions, and the audience response through its 12-year run. We will also learn the basics of Broadway theater– what makes a show a Broadway show, what is “off-Broadway,” what do you need to know when attending your first Broadway show, how do you get last-minute half-price tickets to Broadway shows, and how did Broadway theater get its start in New York. Who lives, who dies, who tells your story?
History of Winter Park
September 9, 16, 23
12:00pm-1:15pm
Location- Albin Polasek Museum
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.
The Life of the City
September 10, 17, 24
10:30am-11:45am
Location-The Mayflower at Winter Park
Presented in conjunction with the Rollins Museum of Art’s special exhibition Visions of the City, this three-part class explores how artists have depicted urban life and the built environment from the Renaissance to the present. Through paintings, prints, photographs, and other media, we will examine how artists have responded to the city as a site of innovation, transformation, and social exchange. How have artists visualized speed, technology, change, and the human experience of city life?
Cyber Security and Your Money, Part 1
September 10, 17, 24
1:00pm-2:15pm
Location-The Mayflower at Winter Park
We are under attack! Our senses have been heightened to the constant attempts to steal, scam, and access our money and identity. Whether it’s a full-on malware attack or a phishing scam that has caught you off guard, the result is often the same. In this course, we will bring to light the most recent scams that are being perpetrated against people to access their money. Part 1 (of 2) will focus on the methods that scammers use to separate us from our money and how we can recognize, avoid, and prevent these scams. Part 2 will focus on the tools we use in everyday life and how to feel safer using technology. These parts can be taken separately.
Controversial Topics-Part Seven
September 10, 17, 24
2:30pm-3:45pm
Location-The Mayflower at Winter Park
Ever get tired of your friends telling you what the government should do and why? Somehow, they have all of 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 influence our points of view. This will be an exciting series of conversations in an open, but moderated, respectful environment.
A Look at Revelation
October 13, 20, 27
10:30am-11:45am
Location- Center for Health and Wellbeing
The Book of Revelation at the conclusion of the New Testament is a rich, dense, and often misunderstood chapter in the Bible. Over the course of three sessions we’ll explore the origins of the chapter as well as some of the most recognizable images that find their way into our culture: the number of the beast, the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, Armageddon, and others. We will approach this chapter from a historical, socio/political perspective; not a faith-based one. Come and journey through one of the most enigmatic pieces of literature in the Christian texts.
Behavioral Finance - Why Smart People Make Dumb Money Decisions?
October 13, 20, 27
12:00pm-1:15pm
Location- Center for Health and Wellbeing
“To know and not do, is to not know.” – Stephen Covey
This session will dive deeply into one of the most uncomfortable issues: money. We need it to manage our personal lives and to feel stable, have peace of mind, and control our anxiety about the future. Our level of satisfaction in our healthcare, professional life, personal life, and legacy is often dictated by the choices we make surrounding money. But why do so many people make poor choices? Is it really not knowing…or is it not doing? With so many smart people claiming they know what the best decisions are, how can everyone be so different? We will explore the proven elements of behavioral finance and the psychology behind hyper-individualism and how it affects our money decisions and patterns. Join us as we openly discuss the behaviors around finances and how we can make better choices. This judgement-free session will help you to view money situations from a different angle and change how you process financial information.
Cyber Security, Part 2: Comfort with Technology
October 13, 20, 27
1:30pm-2:45pm
Location- Center for Health and Wellbeing
We are under attack! Our senses have been heightened to the constant attempts to steal, scam, and access our money and identity. Whether it’s a full-on malware attack or a phishing scam that has caught you off guard, the result is often the same. Part 2 of our Cyber Security course will focus on feeling comfortable with the technology that is mandatory in today’s world. We will dive deeply into email security, payment services, and our phones to better understand how to use them. This technology is often the genesis of many scams, but we also have to continue using them. Join us as we explore them in a safe environment and understand their uses and purposes. These parts can be taken separately.
The Development of Tanks (From WWI to Present)
October 15, 22, 29
10:30am-11:45am
Location- The Mayflower at Winter Park
The tank was a new solution to a new major problem: industrialized warfare. This course explores the origins of the tank during World War One as well as its development and use over the century that followed. Although emphasizing American military history, the course will also explore its modern utilization, including in the Russo-Ukraine War. Learn about how tanks work, the development of the American armored force, and about some of the prominent people involved in creating and improving tank warfare. The instructor, a retired Army officer who is now a professor of history, served thirteen years as a tanker and has both a personal and historical view of these machines of war.
Defending the Revolution
October 15, 22, 29
1:00pm-2:15pm
Location- The Mayflower at Winter Park
Though the Declaration of Independence stated our aspirations and reasons for declaring, it was clear to everyone that such a statement was meaningless if military events turned sour. Through 1776, George Washington faced the enormous task of organizing the random militia groups into some coherent fighting force while engaged in three distinct military operations. This was no foregone conclusion and in the weeks immediately after the Declaration had been signed, it appeared that militarily the revolution was lost. George Washington knew he must act to preserve hope in some ultimate victory. Come join Dr. Carl Creasman as we examine the military events in Boston, New York City, and along the Delaware River in 1776 over the course of our three sessions.
Mark Twain – the One You Know and the One You Don’t!
October 15, 22, 29
2:30pm-3:45pm
Location- The Mayflower at Winter Park
A course combining the life of Samuel L. Clemons, his writings, and his role in an emerging America between 1865 and 1910. Included will be biographical materials, Hal Holbrook actor portrayals, photos from his life, reco