SunCoast Alliance for Lifelong Learning’s
Third Annual Lifelong Learning Showcase
September 13 Temple Beth Sholom
The event features an enticing smorgasbord of seminars on history, literature, health, science, philosophy, and more—led by area experts. Keynote speaker Louise Gallagher will offer helpful insights for those transitioning into retirement.
Registration begins August 7.
(Sarasota/Manatee) The SunCoast Alliance for Lifelong Learning (SCALL), a non-profit organization committed to promoting and enhancing the region’s lifelong learning opportunities, presents the third annual Lifelong Learning Showcase, Wednesday, September 13, 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., at Temple Beth Sholom, 1050 S. Tuttle Ave., Bldg. 1, Sarasota. The showcase, which is also a fundraiser for SCALL, provides a sampling of the region’s diversity of lifelong learning opportunities. Participants will hear experts talk about history, literature, health, science, philosophy, and more. The keynote speaker, Louise Gallagher, an educator, therapist and certified life coach, will share helpful insights for those transitioning into retirement. The event includes 24 course sessions of which participants may choose four to attend. Tickets are $79 and include morning refreshments, lunch and four showcase sessions. Tickets are limited to the first 225 registrants due to space limitations. Registration opens August 7. Visit www.suncoastlifelonglearning.org/scall-showcase/ for more information or call 941-361-6590.
Louise Gallagher’s speech, “Retirement: Who Needs It?” offers helpful insights for those transitioning into retirement. “Many of us are pioneers trying to navigate this new time in our lives,” says Gallagher. “Most of us will likely spend 20 to 40 years in retirement. This transition can be a challenging time for some—or an age of enlightenment for others.”
The event also features an enticing smorgasbord of seminars on history, literature, health, science, philosophy, and more—led by area experts. The 24 course sessions are led by educators and experts from Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast, the Adult and Community Enrichment at Suncoast Technical College, Ringling College Lifelong Learning Academy, Friendship Centers, HealthFit, Southern Atelier Center, State College of Florida, Sarasota Technology Users Group, and C.G. Jung Society. Course sessions include “ Land Conservation: Why it Matters,” “Bringing Sarasota History to Life,” The Philosophies of Hume and Kant,” Art of Performance: How to Get the Best out of Yourself,” 10 Things You Should Know About Investing,” and “Strategies to Enhance Cognitive Fitness.” (Please see attached schedule with course descriptions and times.)
Robert V. Carlson, SCALL’s president, explains that the Sarasota-Manatee region is a mecca for lifelong learners. “This is definitely the place to be if you’re interested in an active retirement,” he says. “Studies show that lifelong learning helps create a positive aging experience, boosting health and longevity and increasing the overall sense of wellbeing. Our regional educational organizations work with hundreds of instructors and lecturers who come from the tops of their fields and include CEOs of major companies, professional artists, writers and photographers, experts in science and medical research, and educators from renowned universities and colleges. It’s a true meeting of the minds.”
For more information about this event or about the SunCoast Alliance for Lifelong Learning, visit www.suncoastlifelonglearning.org.
SESSION 1: 9:30am-10:20am
Land Conservation: Why it Matters
Debi Osborne, Lee Amos, Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast
The natural beauty of Sarasota County and southwest Florida is one of the key reasons people want to live and visit here. The beaches, parks and preserves in and around this community add to our enjoyment and help make our region special. Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast, a regional non-profit land trust, will talk about the value of our natural and recreational resources, and the strategies used to protect them for people and wildlife, forever.
Instructor Biography: Debi Osborne has conserved land nationwide for National Audubon Society and Trust for Public Land. She holds a Master’s degree in City and Regional Planning from Harvard University and undergraduate degrees in Social Ecology and Urban Geography from University of California, Irvine.
Instructor Biography: Lee Amos earned his BA in Biology from Tennessee Wesleyan College. He specializes in plant propagation and conservation. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoys camping, kayaking, hiking and sharing his knowledge of our extraordinary environment.
Bringing Sarasota History to Life
John McCarthy, Adult and Community Enrichment (ACE)
To the trained eye, Sarasota and surrounding communities are rich with history, if you know where to look! Waterways, streets, and buildings have stories to tell about the people who preceded us and how they influenced the development of our community. Making connections with the past enriches our understanding of this special place we call home and allows us to fully appreciate what makes our community great. Join us as we bring history to life!
Instructor Biography: John McCarthy is the Executive Director of Gulf Coast Heritage Association and Historic Spanish Point in Osprey, Florida. A native Floridian with a passion for sharing local history, he was the Sarasota County Historian from 1982 to 1988 and served three terms as President of the Historical Society of Sarasota County. John is a frequent contributor to Sarasota Magazine and presents training seminars statewide for the Florida Recreation and Parks Association. His tours, presentations, and training seminars consistently receive excellent ratings reflecting his energetic and engaging storytelling style.
Mennonites, Amish and the Pinecraft Community
JB Miller, Adult and Community Enrichment (ACE)
Amish and conservative Mennonites come to Sarasota by the hundreds in the winter. Dressed in their distinctive garb, most live in Pinecraft, a one-of-a-kind enclave of modest homes along Bahia Vista Street, where trikes and walking are the preferred means of transportation. Who are these people, what do they believe, and how did Sarasota and Pinecraft become their preferred winter destination?
Instructor Biography: JB Miller was nine years old when his family moved from Virginia to the Pinecraft community. His parents left the Old Order Amish in their early 30’s and joined a conservative Mennonite group. JB’s early years in Pinecraft included attending Pinecraft Elementary School, a two-room school that closed in 1958. He is a lifelong Mennonite and enjoys studying Mennonite and Amish history, customs, and practices and watching the changing face of Pinecraft. He holds degrees from Eastern Mennonite University and Wake Forest University.
The Philosophies of Hume and Kant
Eric Steinberg, Ringling College Lifelong Learning Academy (RCLLA)
In Confessions of a Philosopher, Bryan Magee says that David Hume is “generally regarded by students of philosophy as the greatest philosopher to have written in the English language.” Magee considers Immanuel Kant to be the most creative of the great philosophers. Kant himself, said that Hume was the catalyst for his mature philosophy by interrupting his “dogmatic slumber.”
Today’s presentation features Hume’s provocative and influential view about the underlying principle of our reasoning from experience.
Instructor Biography: Eric Steinberg received his Ph.D. degree in Philosophy from Columbia University. He taught full-time for more than three decades at Brooklyn College where he was a tenured professor and served as Chair of the Philosophy Department and Associate Provost. He has also published numerous articles and reviews for philosophical journals.
Art of Performance: How to Get the Best out of Yourself
Sharon Ohrenstein, Road-Scholar-Friendship Centers
A professional singer/actress/lecturer/writer/lyricist and director will share time-proven techniques used by actors, musicians, speakers, sports athletes and even test takers in order to reach their performance peaks. Included are tips for how to best use a microphone and overcoming stage fright.
Instructor Biography: Sharon Ohrenstein holds a B.A. degree in Theatre from the University of Louisville in Louisville, KY. She has starred in productions of “The Sound of Music” and “La Bohème,” and appeared on television and screen. She is working currently on a screenplay.
“The Sumerians and the Cradle of Civilization”
David Miano, Ringling College Lifelong Learning Academy (RCLLA)
Dr. Miano will explore the social, political, and religious life of the Sumerians, whose mastery of writing and long-distance trade make them the founders of the urban civilization of the ancient Western Asia. This lecture comes from the course “The Dawn of Civilization” offered by RCLLA, which examines the emergence of our planet’s first complex societies in the ancient Near East, beginning with the first settlements in the Mesolithic Period (about 10,000 years ago) and finishing with the development of the world’s first empire in the mid-third millennium B.C. The course pays special attention to how societies evolved across the expanse of time—from fragmented and primitive agricultural communities to more advanced and consolidated civilizations.
Instructor Biography: David Miano is a historian of antiquity, specializing in the Near East and the Mediterranean World. He earned his Ph.D. at the University of California, San Diego, and is the author of Shadow on the Steps: Time Measurement in Ancient Israel. He has written several anthologies designed for classroom use, including Ideas in the Making: A Sourcebook for World Intellectual History
SESSION 2: 10:30am-11:20am
10 Things You Should Know About Investing
Joseph Walsh, Adult and Community Enrichment (ACE)
People often get excited about the prospect of investing and making their money work for them – but are they really ready to jump in? We’ll answer some of the questions you didn’t know to ask: What is the largest factor that will impact my investing? Am I an investor or a speculator? Is my advisor doing what is best for me? Am I my own worst enemy? You don’t have to be an expert to invest, but you’ve GOT to know the basics!
Instructor Biography: Joseph Walsh, CFP, CFA, CRPC, is president of Walsh & Associates, a financial advising firm. He received his B.S. degree in management and his M.B.A. degree in finance from Northern Illinois University. Joe’s successful experience with small business has spanned over four decades. He is passionate about education, for himself, the professionals at Walsh & Associates, the clients that he serves, and the community. An advocate for strategic, objective financial guidance, Joe is committed to greater community involvement in financial education.
Strategies to Enhance Cognitive Fitness
Carisa Campanella, HealthFit
Having problems remembering or don’t want to forget where you placed your keys? Improving your cognitive fitness will allow you to remember things better, solve problems quickly, and adapt to changes in your life. This session will direct you on the right path to keep your mind strong and active.
Instructor Biography: Carisa Campanella is a certified health coach, personal trainer and group exercise instructor working for Sarasota Memorial’s HealthFit. She also serves as the Program Manager for the Neuro Challenge Foundation.
Your First Voice Lessons
Mary Jane Ayers, Adult and Community Enrichment (ACE)
This session is highly enjoyable, interactive and energizing event which will improve your singing through the study of traditional vocal techniques, such as breathing, tone development, vowel and consonant placement, stage demeanor, posture, and musical expression. Students will use a variety of vocal, musical, and physical exercises which can be applied to songs as they practice their way to better singing.
Instructor Biography: Dr. Mary Jane Ayers worked for many years as an educator, musician, administrator, composer, and writer. She was Chair of Vocal Music at Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, D.C. where she taught Vocal Techniques and Introduction to Acting. Dr. Ayers was founder and director of the Duke Ellington Opera Workshop. She has performed extensively as a vocal soloist, recitalist, and conductor. Dr. Ayers is a stage producer and director for opera, theater productions, and music recitals.
Introduction to Portrait Drawing
Charles Miano, Southern Atelier Center
Portrait drawing is the focus of this demonstration, through which Miano will describe his technical approach to creating a portrait using charcoal. Throughout the development of the drawing, observers will be guided—by means of descriptions and demonstrations—on planar head landmarks, light and tonal effects on the flesh, construction, and how perspective alters the appearance of structure, comprehending and interpreting form through dynamic mark-making and expressive feature drawing. Miano will demonstrate how to work in the methods of the old Masters while balancing contemporary sensibilities.
Instructor Biography: Charles Miano is an American painter from Buffalo, New York. His art explores both Eastern and Western human values, using a classic foundation and contemporary inspiration. He is the Founder and Director of Southern Atelier Center for fine art in Sarasota, Florida and an advocate of the revival of Classically Inspired Representationalism.
Influential Listening: I Know I Can Hear You; Am I Really Listening?
Judy Rosemarin, Ringling College Lifelong Learning Academy (RCLLA)
We hear everything but are we really listening? How much do we filter in or out? And when we hear things that we don’t like or agree with, what do we do? Choices are usually binary; argue or walk away. This course will teach you that you have many more choices and it will help you build listening and communication skills to help you reduce arguments, increase understanding and ease while communicating with those whose opinions are different from yours. In our culture, we tend towards “winning” which often sets up a contest in our communications. This course will teach you how to be present to anyone and any ideas without losing your cool. You will learn how to create and develop rapport and deepen trust so that others will also listen to you so that instead of confrontations and conflict , connections and communications can be cultivated
Instructor Biography: Judy Rosemarin, MS, MSW, Executive Coach, founder of Sense-Able Strategies, Inc., Co-Author “Becoming An Exceptional Executive Coach.” Taught at NYU and Baruch College in New York City. Original CareerPlus Columnist for New York Post.
The Development of Modern Architecture in the 20th Century
Robert Cassway, Ringling College of Lifelong Learning Academy (RCLLA)
We will examine the development of modern architecture from its beginnings in the last half of the 19th century through the end of the 20th century. It examines the early major developments from Paxton’s Crystal Palace, the Art Noveau movement, Frank Lloyd Wright, The course will then examine developments between the world wars, and finally the maturity of modern architecture after WW2 through the end of the century. I will discuss Mies van der Rohe, Louis Kahn, Le Corbusier, Paul Rudolph and many others.
Instructor Biography: Cassway is an award winning architect.
His awards include local, state, and national awards. Cassway has designed projects throughout the U.S., the Bahamas and Britain. He has taught at the University of Michigan, Temple University, and was a visiting lecturer at the University of Pennsylvania.
SESSION 3: 12:30pm-1:20pm
The History of Motown
Tony Moon, Ringling College Lifelong Learning Academy (RCLLA)
For almost everyone, the very word “Motown” means music—the great songs and artists of the ‘60s—not the auto industry. But why Detroit…why that decade? In this class, we will explore the historic relevance of that musical hub of success. We will also discuss the songs and artists of Motown and discover the behind-the scenes people who made it all work. Come share those musical memories with us as we explore the many hits of “Motown — Detroit’s other industry.”
Instructor Biography: Tony Moon spent 55 successful years in the music business as an artist, songwriter producer, publisher, and agent. Moving to Nashville, he became guitarist and conductor for Brenda Lee. He has won awards, with songs released by well-known artists. He currently administers an entertainment company and does music research for Sarasota’s Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe.
French and Italian Cinema
Patricia Regnier, Ringling College Lifelong Learning Academy (RCLLA)
French cinema is known for its innovative filmmakers. We will review French cinema since the advent of moving images with a survey of films showing innovations from the Nouvelle Vague to the New French Cinema of today.
Italy’s contributions to cinema are legendary. We will examine groundbreaking films that utilized Neorealism and the influence of Neorealism on Italian and world cinema today.
Instructor Biography: Patricia Regnier (M.A. Multicultural Education Goddard College; C.A.G.S. Comparative Literature and Film Studies Lesley University.) She has taught English and Theory of Knowledge in the International Baccalaureate at the International School of Paris and Intercultural Communication at the Sorbonne Paris. She has been a resident of France since 1985.
Use Your Brain to Reduce Your Pain
Diane Alexander, Adult and Community Enrichment (ACE)
What do you get when you combine ground-breaking research from the National Institute of Neuroscience and Harvard Medical School? Intriguing, clinically proven and easy-to-implement tools and techniques that empower you to tap into your brain’s treasure of pain resources. Discover how to unravel your web of pain providing you with new insights and solutions, learn how to easily modify your pain signals for immediate relief, and discover secrets to the fastest options for reducing your pain without drugs.
Instructor Biography: Diane Alexander combines an exceptional educational background with years of real world experience. She holds graduate degrees in Psychology, Business, and Neuroscience. For 30 years, she served as President of The MindWorks, an international organization dedicated to teaching people how to use their brains to be more effective. Diane has a long list of Fortune 500 clients, including Johnson & Johnson, Honda, Goldman Sachs, and many others. The London Times says, “The MindWorks” programs are the best of their kind.”
Android vs iOS
Bill Crowe, Adult and Continuing Education (ACE)
Ryan McKee (ACE)
Smartphones have come a long way in the last 15 years. Now, they are capable of much more than making a phone call or sending a text message. In the continuing evolution of their capabilities, two major operating systems have come to the forefront: those with the Android operating system (from Google) and those with the iOS operating system (from Apple). This presentation will compare these features and functions and tell us which operating system is the best in each major function.
Instructor Biography: Bill Crowe has a B.S. degree in Mathematics Education from University of California, PA. He also has done postgraduate work and seminars at George Washington University and Dartmouth College. He has 34 years of experience using and developing computers and computer programs working for IBM in both technical and managerial roles. Since retiring from IBM, Bill has been teaching for ACE for the past 11 years. He teaches courses such as Intro to Computers, Microsoft Office PowerPoint, iPad, and iPhone.
Instructor Biography: Ryan McKee is the Director of Operations at Netwurx Technology Group, an IT firm in Sarasota. Recently, he had photographs published by University of Montana, REI, Inc., and NatGeo Travel. He is a lifelong tech-nut with a thirst to share knowledge and creativity. Ryan will guide you through the world of Android smartphones and tablets and apps with ease as well as taking your smartphone photography to the next level.
Clowning in Sarasota
Aaron Watkins, Road-Scholar-Friendship Centers
Aaron will share some of his history with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Baily Circus and will demonstrate what it’s like to perform as a clown in one of the world’s most famous circuses. Learn about the different types of clowns and opportunity to try a hands-on activity for one or more lucky attendees.
Instructor Biography: Aaron Watkins has shared laughter everywhere from the White House to the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, where he was a Dean of Students at the clown college. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Ohio University.
Facebook: How and Why to Use it
Tamara Rogers, State College of Florida (SCF)
Facebook is one of the most used social networking sites in the world. Facebook lets you share photos, videos, links, status updates, and much more with your friends and family here and away. As you discover how this social networking site works, it will help you find people on Facebook, communicate with friends, and figure out what to do as soon as you log in.
Instructor Biography: Tamara Rogers is a local business owner who consults with small businesses on how technology can help their business become more effective and efficient. After many years in Corporate America in a variety of industries, she found that no matter what company there were always things that remained constant and technology makes it happen. It is her passion to help others overcome the fear of technology and the improvements that it can bring to their lives and business ventures. She has been a technology instructor for State College of Florida since 2013.
SESSION 4: 1:30pm-2:20pm
Calculus
Steve Sandler, Ringling College Lifelong Learning Academy (RCLLA)
The ‘Laws and Theories of Physics’ dictate our everyday experiences. Mathematics, and in particular, calculus is the language of Physics. Calculus enables us to create models that predict the outcomes of interactions between objects and forces. These models lead to the design of virtually everything we use daily. Steve will discuss what calculus is and how it works to study physical systems. Leave your math and physics books home. You won’t need them here.
Instructor Biography: Steve earned a B.S. degree in Astronautics at New York University and an M.S. degree in Astrodynamics at Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute. His career began as an aerospace scientist. He was also adjunct professor of Applied Mathematics at George Washington University. Later, he co-founded AIT Corporation, the leading supplier of passport readers and border control systems.
Get to Know Your Taste Buds!
Michelle Goggins Britt, Adult and Continuing Education (ACE)
Let’s have an adventure with our taste buds! In this seminar, we will explore the different tastes (salt, sweet, bitter, sour, and umami) with hands-on sensory experiments. At the end of this session, participants will have developed a healthier relationship with food and eating.
Instructor Biography: Michelle Goggins Britt has worked as a Culinary Specialist for the International Culinary Schools at the Art Institutes and has conducted cooking schools for Taste of Home magazine. At Taste of Home magazine, she worked in the test kitchen developing recipes and edited the Taste of Home Cooking School magazine. Having recently moved to southwest Florida from the Milwaukee area, Michelle hopes to share her passion for food and fun with her classes.
Getting Your Affairs in Order
Claire Flannery, Adult and Continuing Education (ACE)
Peace of mind is a wonderful thing. Are your “affairs” in enough order so that family and friends will be able to easily locate your information when needed? In this class, you will be guided in making a customized “Life Book” of your important papers, financial information, account passwords, and special instructions to include whether you have money hidden in your mattress or in a safe deposit box! You will feel so much better once this activity is done.
Instructor Biography: Claire Flannery has been a long time member of the National Association of Professional Organizers and a Certified Professional Organizer since 2006. She is passionate about providing information, assistance, and systems to help people get organized in their homes, offices, and small businesses. Claire’s goal is to guide and educate clients about basic principles of organizing by offering support, focus, and direction. Also certified as a Home Stager, Claire offers suggestions and strategies to help you get yourself organized one step at a time.
Siri Is For Everyone
Bill Crowe, Adult and Continuing Education (ACE)
Siri lets you use your voice to send messages, schedule meetings, place phone calls, and more tasks. Ask Siri to do things just by talking the way you talk. Siri understands what you say, knows what you mean, and even talks back.
Instructor Biography: Bill Crowe comes to Sarasota after 34 years of business experience at IBM and has taught computer related classes at New Horizons, Community College of Vermont, and Saint Michaels College in Vermont. Bill teaches many Apple iPad and iPhone classes for Sarasota Tech Users Group (STUG) and is on their board of directors.
Our Reality: Influence of the Unseen Realms
Danielle Green, C.G. Jung Society
Physicists now claim what Carl Jung learned from his explorations into the unconscious: 95 percent of the world is invisible—and this hidden world is waiting to be identified and understood. This lecture explores how we recognize this invisible reality as it moves through our psyche, determines our identities, impacts our relationships and influences our sense of being and our destiny. Through examining bursts of insight into the unconscious—which come to us through dreams, images, meditation, etc.—we will begin to understand how unseen realms shape reality.
Instructor Biography: Danielle Green, M.A., M.Div., Ph.D. is a licensed marriage and family therapist and psychoanalyst who studied at the Jung Institute in Zurich, Switzerland. Her expertise includes training in the fields of family therapy, intergenerational family therapy, hypnosis, trauma, attachment disorders, mood disorders, psychodrama and the Enneagram. Dr. Green leads groups throughout the U.S., Europe and India.
Our Digital Future: Hopeful or Hopeless?
Alex Beavers, Ringling College Lifelong Learning Academy (RCLLA)
Is our digital future of robots, artificial intelligence, deep learning machines, and autonomous cars something to fear or embrace? This 50-minute session will include highlights of why a digital transformation of our lives is happening, what control we have over it, what it will mean for our institutions, and why it is something that we need to embrace and not fear. The goal of this session and the related course is to peel back the layers of sensationalized sci-fi-like hype surrounding automation and consider the economic and technical reality of our evolving digital future.
Instructor Biography: Alex Beavers (BSEE, MSEE, PhDEE, MBA) is a veteran high-technology executive, entrepreneur, and author of 25 papers and 2 books. His board memberships include Ringling College, Chai Energy, and Palma Sola Consulting. His executive and entrepreneurial experience includes Stanford Research Institute, Schlumberger, GE, Thomson Industries, and 3 high-tech ventures.
