SHEPHERD'S CENTER-BEACHSIDE
Adventures in Learning for Adults
EASTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
106 N Riverside Drive
Indialantic, FL
THURSDAY CLASSES @ Eastminster
9:00 AM
WHAT IN THE WORLD: Robin Cramp (bio) has traveled extensively throughout the world and lived overseas giving him a deep insight on how the U.S. is viewed by our friends and foes. His weekly sessions cover current events, and surveys the geographical limitations, political upheavals, and economic struggles of these areas. Robin’s abounding professionalism and his enchanting British delivery causes this class to fill up rapidly. Even if you do not take this course, see Robin and sign up for his monthly newsletter on current world affairs.
MAGIC FOR EVERYONE: Tom Sanders (bio) is again teaching this class for both beginners and the experienced. The class is aimed at anyone interested in entertaining grandchildren and family. The course will cover magic with cards, ropes, coins and other everyday items. Tom introduces new “tricks” each session, so you “ol timers” can learn something new. Please bring a deck of “new” cards to the first class.
YOGA AT DAWN: This is a gentle yoga class with mindful movement, breathing, and meditation to calm the mind and body while improving flexibility and strength. Think of it as a mini vacation from everyday life, a gift you give yourself. Comfort and relaxation are key in this class and your personal modifications are welcome. Only a yoga mat or blanket are required. Yoga blocks can be helpful. Our newest instructor, Dawn Tepperman, (bio) will be guiding you through this rewarding class.
FLORIDA GARDENING: This semester we will get ready for spring gardening. Florida's Arbor Day is in January, so it’s a good time to consider planting a Florida native tree. Cool temperatures may have done damage to your tropical plants, and they may need to be trimmed or replaced. Bring your gardening questions. This is an interactive class with Jane Mandeville (bio), a master gardener with the Department of Agriculture.
KNITTING: Bring your yarn and needles and come refresh your knitting or crocheting skills with a fun group of ladies. Join Shannon Miller (bio) for an enjoyable hour!
THURSDAY CLASSES @ Eastminster
10:00 AM
POSTURCIZE: Learn a fun and simple exercise routine that will strengthen your muscles for good posture and improve joint movement. Look and feel great, keep fit, and prevent pain! This session is led by Janet Harazda (bio), a Registered Nurse (FL 936802) and Licensed Massage Therapist (FL Lic. # MA24421) and a retired registered nurse specializing in Hoshino Therapy©, a manual technique and body of practical knowledge for the rejuvenation of overused or stressed tendons. Wear loose comfortable clothing.
THE BIBLE 101: In this class, we will look at each book of the Bible in-depth. Using some resources from The Bible Project, we will explore the major themes, historical understandings, and significance of each book. This class will be a continuing class for the next several semesters until we've explored every book of the Bible. The course instructor/moderator is our Eastminster host, Rev. Dr. Rob White (bio), who is making his debut teaching appearance at Shepherd’s Center-Beachside.
SCIENCE - CONCEPTS of MODERN PHYSICS: This semester we will explore the contributions of Albert Einstein to Modern Physics. We will study the concepts of the quantum world including the potential for time travel. We will learn about the many theories that Einstein got right and the few that he got wrong. The course moderator is Tom Sanders (bio).
CREATIVE PLAY THROUGH ART EXPLORATION: Please join this new class with new teacher, Laura O'Connell, as she guides you in developing a Meditative Art Practice through basic mixed-media art play. Best made plans include line drawing/mark making, watercolor, acrylics, collage and final Art Show. We will explore many art basics like blending colors, primary and secondary as well as tint and shading.
Material options:
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1each waterproof black pen, pencil and eraser
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1 each 5X8 art journal (no bigger) spiral bound, but preferably 140# cold-pressed watercolor paper.
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Or, you can also participate with a lined notebook or copy print paper and an ink pen or pencil.
Most materials used in class will be provided for you.
BASIC CONVERSATION FOR THE SPANISH LANGUAGE: Isabel Ochoa Youssef's (bio) class will be modified this winter session due to medical reasons. The class agenda will be facilitated using the essential DVD lessons by Professor Bill Worden from the University of Alabama, presented by The Great Courses: Learning Spanish- How to Understand and Speak a New Language.
INTRODUCTION TO ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI): This course offers a comprehensive overview of the fascinating field of artificial intelligence, tracing its history from early theoretical concepts to contemporary advancements. Under the guidance of Dr. Joel Sturman, (bio) a seasoned expert with two (now-obsolete) patents in AI, students will explore pivotal moments in AI research and the evolution of key technologies. In addition to examining historical milestones, the course will delve into the moral and ethical issues surrounding the development and deployment of AI systems, encouraging critical thinking about the societal implications of these powerful tools. Through lectures, discussions, and case studies, participants will gain a nuanced understanding of both the potential and the challenges posed by AI in today’s world. (This abstract was composed by ChatGPT 4)
THURSDAY CLASSES @ Eastminster
11: 00 AM
INTERMEDIATE SPANISH: Isabel Ochoa Youssef's (bio) class will be modified this winter session due to medical reasons. The class will be facilitated using the intermediate DVD lessons by Professor Bill Worden from the University of Alabama, presented by The Great Courses: Learning Spanish—How to Understand and Speak a New Language.
S.S.S. (Strength, Stamina and Stability): Join Wendy Simpson (bio) to improve your overall fitness. Simple movements like marching will get the blood pumping and strength exercises will build muscle endurance and strength. Also included will be exercises to improve your balance and stretches for the entire body. Most of the class can be performed in a chair, if needed.
BEGINNING UKULELE (Ukulele I): Karen Enderle (bio) will lead participants through their first steps of their ukulele adventure. Participants will be taught some history, the parts of the uke, how to hold the uke, tuning, strumming, some basic music theory, 21 basic chords and simple chord songs. The focus will be on using proper basic techniques and developing the groundwork to promote improvement.
Participants should bring a smile, their ukulele, a tuner, pencil, a one inch 3 ring binder with paper, and a willingness to learn to play and to sing at each class. All learning materials will be given by email. Participants must print, put them in their binder, and bring to class. Participants should be willing to practice at least 15 minutes per day to master the lessons. Class prerequisites include a valid email address and the ability to print lesson materials delivered by email.
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL ADVENTURES (AND MISADVENTURES) Part V: Do you have a serious case of wanderlust? Whether you are an independent, group or armchair adventurer, come and enjoy! A couple travel junkies will share experiences on how to save money, stay safe and have the adventure of a lifetime. Each class will focus on a different destination. The Winter 2025 lineup includes: Istanbul; Milan & Lake Como; Estonia; Yangtze River Cruise; Provence; Peru; Going Dutch; and Shanghai. In addition, information will be provided on “Travel Hacks” (photo tips, air tags, home exchanges, mobile passports, google flights, jet lag, car rentals, credit cards, insurance, currency exchange, etc.). The presenters are academic colleagues and bring very different approaches to travel. Stan Helm spent eleven summers teaching graduate courses in China and has traveled worldwide. Bob Cox is a retired director of Webster University’s Melbourne campus, an adjunct for Barry University and has enjoyed many international adventures.
C.S. LEWIS II: Join Leslie Johansen (bio) as she travels with us through the Kingdom of Narnia. Author, Theologian, and Philosopher, C.S. Lewis takes us on a journey of adventure from the inception of the idea of Narnia through this seven-book series. Think this series is just for children? Think again! Suggested prerequisite for this class is a viewing of the movie, Shadowlands. It is available on Amazon Prime and other streaming platforms.
THURSDAY CLASSES @ Eastminster
12: 00 AM
BEYOND BEGINNER UKULELE (Ukulele II): Karen Enderle (bio) will continue to lead participants along their ukulele journey. Participants will review and expand upon ukulele I basics as they explore Beatles’ songs. The focus will be on using proper basic techniques and developing the groundwork to promote improvement. Students will play different chord variations, chord patterns, strums, riffs and beginning finger picking as they play the different Jimmy Buffet songs. A bit of music theory for the ukulele will also be covered. Participants will improve their own abilities as they learn to play, sing and listen to each other. Each participant will choose a song – any song they want – to play and sing (alone, duet, trio or group) on the last class day open mic.
Participants should bring a smile, their ukulele, a tuner, pencil, a one inch 3 ring binder with paper, and a willingness to learn to play and to sing at each class. All learning materials will be given by email. Participants must print them, put in their binder, and bring to class. Participants should be willing to practice at least 15 minutes per day to master the lessons. Class prerequisites include Ukulele I (or knowledge of the basic 21 chords and strumming) a valid email address and the ability to print lesson materials delivered by email.
BEACHSIDE BOOK CLUB: Joanne Birnberg (bio) leads this group and invites new members to join all the veterans for a fascinating hour. The group has selected the following contemporary books for the winter term:
WINTER 2025:
9 JAN: Middle of the Night - Riley Sager
16 JAN: After Annie - Anna Quindlen
23 JAN: How to Age Disgracefully - Clare Pooley
30 JAN: All American Boys - Jason Reynolds
6 FEB: The Bonesetter’s Daughter - Amy Tan
13 FEB: Swan Song - Elin Hilderbrand
20 FEB: Killers of the Flower Moon: the Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI - David Grann
CRUISES, RIVERBOATS & ALL-INCLUSIVE TOURS in FLORIDA and AROUND the WORLD: Riverboats are the most explosive trend in Travel with exponential growth and popularity. We look at the opportunities to cruise on Riverboats in Florida, domestically on the Mississippi and Oregon’s Snake River plus Internationally in Europe, Asia and the World. Your Instructor, Lee Rosenkranz, CTC is a Certified Travel Counselor, second generation travel agent, travel writer and International Tour Guide. You can request a syllabus by e-mail: floridagreeters@yahoo.com
HOW TO DANCE: Have you ever watched a performance of talented dancers and wished you could do that? Maybe you imagine those dancers were born with a sense of rhythm and movement you just don’t have. Or maybe you want to get up and move, but you just don’t know how. The truth is, good dancers aren’t born, they’re made. You can learn to be a good dancer and enjoy all the benefits that brings you—fun, friends, good exercise and more. Join Jack Blasy (bio) as he presents selected episodes of The Great Courses, “How to Dance” followed by actual demonstrations of and an opportunity to practice the dance steps just covered.
This course addresses four basic genres of dance—Latin & rhythm, Swing, Smooth & Ballroom, and Country. In each of the four modules, you’ll learn the rhythms of that style, how to count and feel the music, steps each person can practice by themselves, and the specific ways in which the leader and follower contribute to the partnering process. Give this a try. You’ll be glad you did.
HISTORY of the INDIAN SUBCONTINENT: Go inside the thrilling History of the Indian Subcontinent, a breathtaking survey of South Asia from its earliest societies along the Indus and Ganges rivers through the modern challenges of the 21st century. Perhaps the most important facet of this history is how diverse the region truly is. Roughly the size of continental Europe, India—along with its neighbors Pakistan and Bangladesh—contains a myriad of ethnic groups, socioeconomic classes, religions, and cultural mores. Its strategic location has also made the subcontinent an important trading center and economic hub. Watch as myriad invaders travel through the Khyber Pass from Afghanistan to set up—or conquer—kingdoms in India. Witness the beginnings of the Mughal empire, who created the gorgeous Peacock Throne and the Taj Mahal. History of the Indian Subcontinent is a must-have course for understanding this powerful region and its profound influence on the rest of the globe. This course is from The Great Courses and is taught by Professor Michael H. Fisher Ph.D of Oberlin College, and facilitated by Fahim (Fred) Ahmed (bio).