Celebrate Weekends at The Longboat Key Education Center!
Saturday Winter Workshops
January 9, 16, 23, 30; February 27
Sunday Performing Arts Series
January 24: Jewish Jazz With The Fiddling Flute
February 14: Songs From The Heart: The Many Facets of Love
February 28: Bach & Handel
The not-for-profit, educational organization offers more than 170 non-credit courses and programs for adults, including a lecture series, performing arts series, film festivals, book clubs, concerts, theatrical performances, guided day trips throughout Southwest Florida and more.
(Sarasota-Manatee) Learn how to make sushi, express yourself through writing, tap your way to a better life, and explore aging through the wisdom of Buddhism—these are only a few of the workshops offered by The Longboat Key Education Center in its Saturday Winter Workshops series. And, on Sundays, the center’s Sunday Performing Arts Series showcases some of the region’s talented musicians and performers. (See schedules and descriptions below.)
“Our winter workshops and performing arts series are extremely popular,” says Susan Goldfarb, the center’s executive director. “Our area is home to a wealth of educators, authors, wellness practitioners, artists and musicians. We’re thrilled they lend their expertise and talents to our center. Judging by how fast our registrations sell out for the weekend series, our residents and regional visitors are thrilled as well!”
Saturday Winter Workshops
Discover The Feldenkrais Method with Barbara Leverone, MA, LMT (10 a.m.-noon., January 9): Through quiet, gentle, exploratory and enjoyable movements, we can increase body awareness to help change old, unproductive habits and explore new options for improved posture, function and flexibility. All ages and fitness levels welcome. Barbara Leverone has been a guild-certified Feldenkrais practitioner for over 20 years and holds a master’s degree in mental health counseling. She taught movement for actors at the Asolo Conservatory for 10 years. Members $30; non-members $35.
Health Through Body Language with Kenney DeCamp (10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., January 16): Participants will experience a series of awareness movements that will introduce concepts and increase understanding of “physical dynamics of character structure” (PDCS), a process introduced by recognized psychiatrist Alexander Lowen, in which he contends that we express our personalities in every action and attitude. Techniques to enhance balance, coordination, flexibility, stamina, and rhythm, as well as nutrition, will also be integrated into this workshop. Kenney DeCamp is an internationally recognized body linguist/mime who has facilitated over 200 classes/workshops in schools and universities internationally and in Sarasota. Members $40; non-members $45.
Zentangle with Julie Burch (10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., January 23): Zentangle is a fun, creative, relaxing and meditative technique for making art using ink and paper. No previous experience with drawing or artistic ability is required. It’s simple and will provide you with a serene and artful morning. Julie Burch, M.Ed., is an artist and educator with over 20 years of experience teaching art. She is a certified Zentangle teacher and has an art and healing certificate from Ringling College of Art and Design. She has exhibited in a variety of galleries and has work in private collections. Members $40; non-members $45.
Expressive Writing And The Body-Mind Connection with Louise Bruderle (1-4 p.m., January 23): Substantial research proves expressive writing can help with the body-mind connection. Writing can help you to become more focused, self-aware and help you better understand and enjoy your life. No writing skills are required and participants need share only if they wish to contribute. Louise Bruderle has over 27 years of experience in writing, publishing and editing. She attended Duke University’s Integrative Medicine workshop on “Writing to Heal,” based in part on the work of James Pennebaker. She has been the editor and publisher of West Coast Woman since 1988. Members $45; non-members $50.
Aging Gracefully — Finding Freedom in Impermanence with Gen Kelsang Demo (10 a.m.-noon, January 30): Many people feel that aging is an enemy and a cause of great anxiety. We can spend a lot of time trying to deny its existence or feeling discouraged by its presence. Buddha explained that aging is like an immovable mountain; it’s a basic human experience that cannot be avoided but can be transformed into spiritual development. In this workshop students will examine how to find freedom in an acknowledgement of aging and turn this foe into a friend. Gen Kelsang Demo is an American Buddhist nun and resident teacher at the Kadampa Meditation Center Florida. At the request of her teacher, Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, Gen Demo has been providing the wisdom of Buddha’s teachings for many years. He gave her the title Gen, indicating she is an ordained teacher in the Kadampa tradition. Members $25; non-members $30.
Sushi Made Easy with Joe Cucculelli (11 a.m.-1 p.m., January 30): Learn how to make sushi at home. In this fun workshop you will learn how to use a few simple tools and be given easy-to-follow techniques. Chef Joe will demonstrate and everyone will have a hands-on experience and then have sushi for lunch. This class is limited in size to keep it more personal. Chef Joe Cucculelli began learning his artistic style of sushi making at Kaiyo in Islamorada, Florida, where he worked as a chef after graduating with a culinary degree from Johnson and Wales University in North Miami, Florida. He has worked at some of the finest country clubs up north and travels extensively cooking and educating. Members $40; non-members $45.
Time For Me with Ruth Fishel (10 a.m.-noon, February 27): This workshop is based on Fishel’s recently published book, Time For Me. The workshop will demonstrate simple ways to inspire students to follow a path to a joyful, peaceful and purposeful life. Ruth Fishel, M.Ed., is a nationally known author and meditation teacher whose books include the best-selling Time for Joy, Living Light as a Feather, Change Almost Anything in 21 Days, Peace in My Heart, Peace in the World and her newest book, Wrinkles Don’t Hurt: The Joy of Aging Mindfully. Members $30; non-members $35.
Tapping Your Way To A Better Life with Darlene Coleman (1-3 p.m., February 27): “Emotional Freedom Technique” or “Tapping” is an easy-to-learn, easy-to-use, highly effective technique of tapping on the acupressure points of your body with your fingers. This proven technique is used to manage pain and soothe the body as well as relieve stress, anxiety, depression, fear and many other problems. Darlene Coleman is a certified life coach (CLC), Reiki master/teacher and instructor specializing in neurolinguistics, hypnosis and energy healing, with practices based in Sarasota and Asheville, NC. Members $30; non-members $35.
Sunday Performing Arts Series
Sunday Performing Arts Series: 3-4:30 p.m. Members $20; non-members $25 per session. Registration is required for each performance.
January 24: Jewish Jazz With The Fiddling Flute: With Jane Hoffman, flute and Mike Markeverich, piano. Dr. Jane Hoffman, principal flute with the Sarasota Pops, has toured extensively abroad and in the U.S., and played locally with the Sarasota Opera and other performing arts organizations. Mike Markeverich is a regular on the local jazz scene. They will perform a vibrant program of Jewish favorites.
February 14: Songs From The Heart: The Many Facets of Love: With Jason Stearns, baritone, and Lee Dougherty Ross, piano. Jason Stearns, Metropolitan Opera baritone, and Lee Dougherty Ross, co-founder of Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota, have created a special Valentine’s Day program with a variety of popular love songs from Broadway and the Great American Songbook, as well as indelible arias from Carmen and Faust.
February 28: Bach & Handel: Interpreted by Mendelssohn, Moscheles and Schumann: With Carol Lieberman, violin, and Mark Kroll, piano. Mark Kroll, harpsichordist for the Boston Symphony, and Carol Lieberman, renowned violinist, will give audiences a very rare chance to hear Bach and Handel translated into the romantic musical language of three great nineteenth-century composers.
The Longboat Key Education Center’s winter term begins January 4 and the spring term begins February 29. Registration is ongoing. For more information or to register for more than 170 programs, visit www.lbkeducationcenter.org or call 941-383-8811. The Longboat Key Education Center is located at 5370 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Suite 212 at The Centre Shops in Longboat Key.
2015-2016 Special Events and Series
Theater Showcase: Shakespeare’s Lovers (3-4:30 p.m., January 29): Presented by Katherine Michelle Tanner, award-winning actress, writer, composer and artistic director of Tree Fort Productions. You will be surprised at what two actors and some simple space can do to take you on a journey of timeless love through the beauty of Shakespeare’s sonnets adapted by Katherine Michelle Tanner to bring you the stages of love, from young love to old love. This vivid and entertaining work recently debuted at the Columbia Festival of the Arts in Columbia, Maryland, with great reviews.
Friday At Five: Enjoy great music in an intimate setting with amazing artists who play and sing and interact with the audience offering insights, stories and historical background about their music. Wine, champagne, and Happy Hour nibbles included. 5-6:30 p.m. Members $20; non-members $25. Registration is required for each performance. Call 941- 383-8811 to register.
January 22: Art Of Blues: Featuring Bill Buchman, jazz/blues pianist, and Steve Arvey, guitarist/singer, with Michael Dempsey, bass and Rick Andre, drums. A stirring and heartfelt musical visit to the realm of authentic piano and guitar.
February 19: Thomas Carabasi Samba Jazz Quartet: Featuring Thomas Carabasi and his jazz artists.
February 26: Katt Hefner & The Boyz In The Band: Katt Hefner with bass, keyboard and drums accompaniment.
New One-Time Special Friday Programs: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Members $15; non-members $20 per session. Registration is required for each session. Call 941-383-8811 to register.
March 4, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Music Through the Decades with David S. Polansky.
March 11, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Uncle Sam’s Orchestra: The Story of the Seventh U.S. Army Symphony with Edward Alley and June LeBell.
March 18, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Rudolf Nureyev: The Genius Who Changed Ballet in the Western World with Robert de Warren.
March 25, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Eadweard Muybridge, Nude Victorians, the Wild Wild West, and the Origins of Motion Pictures with Dave Gordon.
Off-Campus Field Trips:
January 7, 9:30-11:30 a.m.: Opera Highlights: An exclusive program presented by selected singers of the Sarasota Opera. Includes a continental breakfast, short tour and conversation with Maestro Victor DeRenzi, artistic director. Members $20; non-members $25. Call 941-383-8811 to register.
January 18, 10:45 a.m.-1 p.m..: Brunch and Ballet: You’ll be just inches away in the rehearsal studio as you watch the Sarasota Ballet rehearse with director Iain Webb for an upcoming performance. There is nothing quite like this insider view of the dance world. Afterwards, ask questions and enjoy a light brunch on the mezzanine. Members $25; non-members $30. Call 941-383-8811 to register.
February 4, 8:30-11:15 a.m. Burns Court Cinema: See a full-length, obscure, rarely-seen, quality, award-winning film that has been chosen especially for this event and deemed to be extraordinary viewing. Expect controversial or provocative subject matter. A discussion follows, led by popular movie teachers Gus Mollasis and Michael Givant. Members $15; non-members $20. Call 941-383-8811 to register.
February 10, 10-11:30 a.m. Save Our Seabirds: Save our Seabirds (SOS) Wild Bird Learning Center is a non-profit wildlife conservation and education organization located on the former site of the Pelican Man Bird Sanctuary on City Island in Sarasota. On this guided tour, led by Robert Gaglio, chair of SOS, you will see what an amazing facility this is. There are almost 200 birds at SOS, a working hospital and a lovely native Florida plant garden. After the tour, refreshments will be served. Members $18; non-members $23. Call 941-383-8811 to register.
One-Time Special Monday Programs:
February 29, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The Temple Mount Throughout History with Steven Derfler, Ph.D.: Considered by many to be the holiest spot on earth, Jerusalem is among the world’s most fascinating cities, a crossroads for some 5,000 years of history, and home to sites holy to Judaism, Christianity and Islam. This lecture will explore Temple Mount’s rich history and what it means to the Western world today. Members $15; non-members $20. Call 941-383-8811 to register.
February 29, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. It’s All About Time — Defining Your Retirement with Toni Maloney: This highly interactive, three-hour workshop is for people who want to think about and discuss a strategy and formula for greater fulfillment in the “third” chapter of their lives. Toni Maloney is a recently retired Madison Avenue marketing strategist and advisor to CEO’s, and co-founder of the Business Council for Peace (Bpeace). She She will be joined by Laurie Chock, communications coach, and Angela Scalpello, who specializes in talent development. Members $40; non-members $45. Call 941-383-8811 to register.
One-Time Special Thursday Programs:
January 14, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Jewish Comedy, Unbuttoned: How Clothes Helped Fashion American Jewish Humor with Ted Merwin, Ph.D.: At the turn of the 20th century in New York, Eastern European Jewish immigrants were overwhelmingly involved with two industries — the garment trade and the entertainment business. Not surprisingly, clothing became a major theme of American Jewish humor. Ted Merwin addresses the intertwining of the garment and entertainment industries, including tracing the symbolic use of clothing in the work of such diverse entertainers as Fanny Brice, Eddie Cantor and Jerry Seinfeld. Members $18; non-members $23. Call 941-383-8811 to register.
January 21, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. An Inside View Of The Sarasota Orchestra with Anu Tali, Joseph McKenna, Daniel Jordan, Phillip Gainsley: What goes into planning a concert season? How are the performing arts changing and what does the future hold? Join Anu Tali, music director, Joseph McKenna, president/CEO, and Daniel Jordan, concertmaster, in this exceptional event as they answer these questions and discuss many more fascinating aspects of the very popular and hugely successful Sarasota Orchestra. The panel format will be led by Phillip Gainsley. Members $18; non-members $23. Call 941-383-8811 to register.
January 28, 11 a.m.-1:15 p.m. How Italian Food Conquered The World with Robert Gaglio: Inspired by the book How Italian Food Conquered the World by John F. Mariani, chef/entrepreneur Robert Gaglio will delight with food-for-thought demos of specially selected dishes interspersed with stories of each dish’s origins and the author’s theory of why Italian food became so popular. Singer Seva Anthony will perform excerpts from operas, movie themes and other popular songs. The grand finale will be a sumptuous tasting buffet of Chef Robert’s preparations. Members $30; non-members $35. Call 941-383-8811 to register.
For more information, visit www.lbkeducation.org, or call 941-383-8811 for a brochure with complete listings of all programs.
About The Longboat Key Education Center
The Longboat Key Education Center provides education and recreation to residents of and winter visitors to Longboat Key, and neighboring areas in Sarasota and Manatee counties. It offers more than 170 programs divided into three terms: Fall (Oct/Nov/Dec), Winter (Jan/Feb), and Spring (March/April). Classes meet once a week for two, four or eight weeks, depending on the course. There is also a lecture series and a performing arts series that can be attended on a one-time basis, Saturday workshops and guided day-long trips to points of interest throughout Southwest Florida. The center is in operation from mid-October to mid-April. Its courses and other programs appeal to many diverse interests and range from yoga, Qigong, and bridge to opera, foreign affairs, film festivals and book clubs. All courses are non-credit, and there are no prerequisites for admission. For more information, visit www.lbkeducationcenter.org.
