Previous Courses
Avoid Getting Hacked (Again!)
November 7, 14, 21
Instructor - Daniel Zagata
Have you become numb to the constant email scams, text messages, election day scams etc.? Our senses have been dulled to the constant attacks to steal, scam, and access our money and identity. However, 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. We will share some of the materials that are being shared in current day training to broker dealers, investment firms, and banks to prepare for breaches. We will use examples of real investigations to highlight current trends and how you may protect yourself. Remember, we must be diligent every time, but the criminals only have to be right once. Explore what you can do to stay safe in the online world.
Election Day happened. Now what?
November 7, 14, 21
Voting has closed, but what do we know, think, believe? Everyone has an opinion, even if they shouldn’t, and everyone can predict the future, even though they’re always wrong. So let’s break down the myths of politics against the economy. What really happens following an election year to the markets, inflation, and growth? We will look at the current election and some past elections to analyze and eliminate the noise.
Keep Moving - Strides towards an Active Retirement
November 7, 14, 21
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 body 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.
Money and Government-A Moderated Discussion Series
October 8, 15, 22
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 wellbeing, and the factors that influence our points of view. This will be an exciting series of conversations in an open, but moderated, respectful environment.
Paris + The Olympics and Paralympics 2024
October 8, 15, 22
Instructor - Daniel Zagata
I have just returned! Re-live with me a journey of old and a journey of new. I love Paris as my second home, but this year I got to fulfill a bucket list item by attending the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics! I’ll take you through my journey (the good and bad) and give you a little taste of what the experience was like. I promise an authentic course, filled with shaky videos, blurry photos, and surprising moments! We will start from “How did you get tickets?” and end with the flight back to the US. Just maybe, this course will inspire you to take your own Olympic journey to Milan in 2026 for the Winter Games or to Los Angeles in 2028 for the Summer Games!
Strategies for Golden Tax Planning
November 7, 14, 21
They said these were the golden years… where’s the gold? In this course, we will discuss strategies to keep more of your hard earned money for the betterment of your family rather than shelling it out in taxes. We will cover basic tax planning strategies specific to you, including those related to retirement accounts, tax-efficient investing and gifting, charitable giving, and current tax updates. At the conclusion of this course, you will have much greater knowledge about how to better manage and reduce your taxes, and most likely walk away with some useful moves you can put into action right away.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Avoid Being Scammed on your Phone or Computer Like Your Friends Were
April 9th, 16th and 23rd
Location - Mayflower Winter Park
Everyone knows of a victim of scams, cyber-attacks, or identity theft. Why does it happen? Why do smart people fall victim to scams every single day? –The answer is that they did not know what to look out for. They were not prepared for the new scams, the new tactics, the new criminals. THAT STOPS TODAY. This course is mandatory. If you use a computer, smartphone, or tablet, then you are a target. You are targeted every day. The criminals get smarter every day. So what do you do? Nothing? THAT STOPS TODAY. Learn how to not be a victim. Learn what you need to look out for. Learn to be vigilant, defensive, and smart. We will teach you how to be on your toes and protect yourself from cyber crimes. We will show you how criminals work hard to separate you from your money and your identity. This course is mandatory. We look forward to helping you protect yourself.
Controversial Topics- Part 3
April 9th, 16th, and 23rd
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.
Does Your Body Feel Crickety? ...Alternatives For Chronic Pain Relief
May 7th, 14th, and 21st
Location - Mayflower Winter Park
Instructor - Jim Moltzan
Discover natural, non-pharmaceutical ways to manage chronic pain in this immersive and practical course. Designed for those seeking alternative methods for relief, we'll explore breathwork techniques, herbal remedies, self-massage, and movement practices to ease joint pain, muscle soreness, and tension. Whether you're experiencing chronic discomfort or simply want to enhance your well-being, this course offers empowering tools to help live with greater ease and vitality.
Financial Strategies for Successful Retirement
May 6th, 13th, and 20th
Location - Winter Park Library
Instructor - Daniel Zagata
This course will show you multiple approaches to wise money management and help you identify lifestyle issues facing retirees. We will go beyond the myths, rhetoric, know-it-alls, and sales pitches, to actual know the realties of math, money, and mortality. Attendees will learn how to maximize income, investments, Social Security, and retirement plans. This course will show students how to protect their hard earned assets from erosion due to inflation and the possible cost of long term health care.
Medicaid and Long-Term Care Planning in FL
May 6th, 13th, and 20th
Location - Winter Park Library
Instructor - Stacy Schwartz
Florida Bar Board Certified Elder Law Attorney, Stacey Schwartz, will speak on Medicaid and Long-Term Care Planning in Florida. This will be an informative session where we discuss essential estate planning documents, how to become eligible for long-term care Medicaid, including asset protection strategies, and other long-term care options that are available. This presentation is ideal for seniors, caregivers, and family members looking to plan and ensure financial stability while securing necessary care.
Past Meets Present: The French Revolution
May 7th, 14th, and 21st
Location - Mayflower Winter Park
Instructor - Dr. Carl Creasman
The French Revolution, the explosion of Enlightenment thought as a reaction to the normative civic structure that happened in France starting in 1787, created the most impactful series of events to shape our understanding of "modernity." The French Revolution could never find its footing as various forces fought for their own definition of what would be a "better society" that would model their motto of Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité. We will examine how each new phase or new explosive event created yet another new constitution or new governing structure, ultimately bowing to the pressures for change, from extremely radical to extremely totalitarian.
Secrets of Paris from a Francophile
May 7th, 14th, and 21st
Location - Mayflower Winter Park
Join us in a course to explore the secrets and nuances of one of the best cities in the world … according to me! As a self-diagnosed Francophile, I have spent a cumulative 3 or 4 years in Paris and return 2-3 times every year. So why do I do it?! We will scratch the surface of the city’s history, layout, and distinct neighborhoods. Most importantly, we will study the thing that makes Paris so amazing, the elusive and misunderstood, Parisian. French culture is well studied, but make no mistake about it, one is Parisian before they are French. This interactive course will be filled with stories, experiences, and developments that have occurred over my last 20 years of Paris travel. Please join and share your experiences and let’s put Paris under a microscope as we dive into her most interesting lifestyle. Do not hesitate to journey with us even if you have never been to Paris, were there once 30 years ago for 1 day, or if you love it just as much as I do, since everyone is welcome in Paris.
The History of Winter Park
May 6th, 13th, and 20th
Location - Winter Park Library
Instructors - Rick Baldwin and Christy Grieger
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. With special guest instructor Christy Grieger, Executive Director of the Winter Park History Museum. Christy will present about the Winter Park Historical Association and its function in the City. The association not only showcases the evolution of Winter Park —from its early days as a resort destination to its growth as a cultural hub—but also serves as an educational resource for residents and visitors alike. Through exhibits, archives and community programs, it fosters a deeper appreciation for local heritage while strengthening civic pride. By supporting the museum, the community ensures that future generations can continue to learn from and be inspired by Winter Park’s past.