Spring Term 2026

 

EASTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

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THURSDAY CLASSES  

9:00 AM         

WHAT IN THE WORLD: Robin Cramp 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. ​​​​

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GENTLE CHAIR YOGA & MINDFUL MOVEMENT: Join Dawn Tepperman for a rejuvenating 50-minute session designed to help you find strength and ease - right where you sit. This practice focuses on gentle mobility and low impact stretches to soothe the joints, improve flexibility, and calm the nervous system. Whether you are managing chronic stiffness or simply looking for a mindful reset, this accessible class offers a supportive space to honor your body’s boundaries while building resilience. Come as you are—no mat or previous experience required—and leave feeling grounded, refreshed, and balanced.

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ALL THINGS FINANCIAL: Gain clarity and confidence for your financial future. This class equips you to better understand the strategies behind your retirement plan and provides DIY investors with the tools to build a complete financial plan on their own. Learn the essentials of investments, retirement income, taxes, and risk management so you can make informed decisions with confidence. Led by Erik Bryan, who is passionate about teaching financial literacy and helping others pursue financial freedom.

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THIS CLASS IS CANCELED

FICTION WRITING AFTER FIFTY:  ​

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START, STRIPES, AND A SLICE OF AMERICANA: Join Lee Rosenkranz, CTC (Certified Travel Counselor) as he takes you on Route 66 which is the 2,400-mile “Mother Road.” This historic byway celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, is one of America’s first highways, running from Illinois through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico and Arizona before ending in California.

This year also marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Declaration of Independence. This crossover of centennial and semi-quincentennial uniquely spotlights U.S. history and Americana, offering a fresh perspective on our nation.

If you’re looking to explore in your own backyard, tour operators are ready with Route 66 and 250th anniversary trips and activities. For more information including related field trips contact Lee by e-mail: floridagreeters@yahoo.com or text 321-544-3758.​

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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, a Registered Nurse (FL 936802) and Licensed Massage Therapist 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-fitting, comfortable clothing.​

 

THE BIBLE 101 continued: Pastor Rob will begin this term with The New Testament, starting with the book of Matthew​ and continue looking at each book of the Bible in-depth. Using some resources from The Bible Project, you 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.

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UNDERSTANDING the MISCONCEPTIONS of SCIENCE: This term we will explore the misconceptions many of us have about various branches of science.  The DVD lecturer will discuss topics in physics, biology or chemistry and point out the common misconceptions that we hold.  It will be entertaining for all and not too deep into any one topic. The course is taught with The Great Courses DVD and moderated by Tom Sanders.

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​THIS CLASS IS CANCELED

BEGINNING CONVERSATION OF THE SPANISH LANGUAGE 

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​​​​​​​​​​THRIVING & SURVIVING in the AGE of ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: ChatGPT, GROK, Gemini, OPUS and CLAUD are all AI tools available to us today. However, their results may be mistaken, they may jump to false conclusions or may be misunderstood by you. In this course we will learn, as beginners, how to use and communicate effectively with ChatGPT. This skill is known as “Prompt Engineering” and in the age of AI this skill is as essential as reading and writing. The course will show you how to develop this talent. It is intended for the AI novice. The more you interact with ChatGPT the more you will discover surprising and powerful ways for AI to help you. And, once you develop this skill, just think of how you will impress your teen-age grandchild! Under the guidance of Dr. Joel Sturman, a seasoned expert with two (now-obsolete) patents in AI, students will learn to develop this valuable skill.

 

​LAW AND DISORDER – PLANNING FOR THE GOLDEN YEARS: Topics include: 

• When Someone Becomes Incapacitated and Medicare

  • “What happens between the ER and the courtroom?” // Only a light focus on Medicare

• The Family Home: Planning Today to Prevent Court Battles Tomorrow

  • Out-of-state heirs and absentee ownership problems

• When Families Fight: How Estate Disputes Actually Start

  • How judges interpret unclear intent

• Cognitive Decline Without a Diagnosis

  • Capacity v. competency

• When Plans Go Wrong in Blended Families

  • Spousal rights v. child protection

• Serving in a Fiduciary Role: What No One Tells You before You Say Yes

  • When to hire a professional and dealing with family pressure v. legal duty

 

Your instructor is Attorney Cheryl Ward, who serves on the Board of Directors for Helping Seniors of Brevard, and she is deeply committed to educating the senior community about the legal tools and resources available to them. Her mission is rooted in meaningful community engagement and outreach. In addition to her work with seniors, she also serves as the Mock Trial Team Coach for Satellite High School, reflecting her passion for educating both the youth and older adults. 

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11: 00 AM

THIS CLASS IS CANCELED

INTERMEDIATE SPANISH

 

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL ADVENTURES (AND MISADVENTURES) Part IX: 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 Spring 2026 lineup includes: Gorillas in Africa; Paris; Tuscany; Budapest; Cathedrals; Entertainment around the World; Belgium (part deux); and China. 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 the retired director of Webster University’s Melbourne campus, an adjunct for Barry University and has enjoyed many international adventures.

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S.S.S. (Strength, Stamina and Stability):  Join Wendy Simpson 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. 

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CLASSICS OF BRITISH LITERATURE II: Join Leslie Johansen for her latest adventure in literature. Leslie introduces Professor John Sutherland of The Great Courses as he looks at the historical development of British Literature from the Anglo-Saxon classic epic Beowulf to the present day. Sutherland provides a historical and contextual approach to British literature, examining masterpieces from various time periods. The course connects literary works to the social and political history of their time and explores how they have influenced one another across centuries, including major writers like Dickens and Shakespeare, and less-familiar voices. The lectures aim to give students a deeper understanding of these works by exploring their cultural landscape and revealing the lasting connections between them. In this term a chronological study will cover: The birth of the novel - Tom Jones; William Blake’s poetry; Lyrical Ballads - Wordsworth and Coleridge; The Poetry of Byron; Gothic Literature - Frankenstein; Jane Austen - Pride and Prejudice; Dickens - Oliver Twist; Emily Bronte - Wuthering Heights.

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BEACHSIDE BOOK CLUB:  Joanne Birnberg 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 Spring Term 2026:

4/09/26 - French Braid - Anne Tyler - 243 pages

 4/16/26 - The Last Thing He Told Me - Laura Dave - 306 pages

 4/23/26 - The Age of Innocence - Edith Wharton - 353 pages

 4/30/26 - The Widow - John Grisham - 404 pages

 5/07/26 - Anatomy of an Alibi - Ashley Elston - 340 pages

 5/14/26 - Migrations - Charlotte McConaghy - 256 pages

 5/21/26 - How Lucky - Will Leitch - 290 pages

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​UKULELE 1: Karen Enderle will lead participants through the next steps of your ukulele adventure.  

The focus this term will be on mastering the basic 21 chords, strumming and some basic music theory.

This is the second of three segments which builds upon each other over the course of a year.

 Last term was Introduction to Ukulele which was meant for people who are just starting out with their instrument. The focus was learning a few basic chords, strums and songs. 

 Ukulele 2 will be offered in the fall.  It will rotate between learning how to play basic riffs and basic finger picking and will include additional basic music theory concepts.  The focus will be on learning finger independence.

 Everyone should bring a smile, a ukulele, a tuner, a pencil, a three-ring binder with paper, and a willingness to learn to play and sing in each class.  All learning materials will be given over the internet by accessing Karen’s G drive.  Request you provide a valid Gmail address on the first day of class to initiate this process.  (Gmail addresses are free from Google.com.)  Participants will print the class material, put it in their binder, and bring the binder to each class.  Practicing at least 30 minutes per day to master the lessons is essential.

 Class prerequisites include a valid Gmail address and the ability to print lesson materials.

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ASCENSION LUTHERAN CHURCH

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FRIDAY CLASSES

9:00 AM

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ZUMBA GOLD with Melanie: Join Melanie Matz for a fun & easy to follow group dance class for all ages looking for a modified Zumba class with the moves you love at a lower intensity. We will dance to music from all over the world focusing on cardio and muscle conditioning, incorporating flexibility, balance, range of motion, coordination, and of course, FUN! Wear comfortable clothes and sneakers (not running shoes) and bring water.

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TRIVIA: Think you know your music history? If you can name the legendary bandleader who died in a mysterious plane crash and recall the song his orchestra made famous about a Tennessee train, you’ve already scored two points for your team. If not, don’t worry—join our trivia class and you’ll leave with the answers (and maybe a few bragging rights). Fun facts, friendly competition, and a chance to stump your friends—are you in? Join Maryann Risi (bio) for this happy hour of fun!

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INTRODUCTION to AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE (ASL):  This class will introduce students to frequently used signs in American Sign Language (ASL).  Join Laurel Valentine as she guides you in how to sign the Manual Alphabet, numbers, and common phrases and vocabulary for basic conversations. Through engaging and interactive methods such as videos, games, puzzles, and activities, students will develop their vocabulary and signing skills in a fun and supportive environment.  Although not required, a textbook (American Sign Language for Dummies with Online Videos, Adan R. Penilla II, Nov 2016) will be available for purchase at Shepherd's Center.

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LIFESTYLE and DISEASE PREVENTION: Please join Cecilia Ghanbari, M.D. if you want to live longer and healthier lives, come and join us for an informative presentation on lifestyle and nutrition facts. Chronic diseases do not have to dominate our daily living. This can be prevented and even reversed, come and be inspired. You can even learn new recipes.​​

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10:00 AM​

​MAHJONGG FOR BEGINNERS and INTERMEDIATE PLAYERS:  Mahjongg is a tile-based game that originated in China during the Qing Dynasty.  It is commonly played with four players, and is a game of skill, strategy, calculation and involves a degree of chance. Sally Dunn with the assistance of Beverly Sheffer will host this two-hour class. New players will be given specialized attention to learn the game while the more experienced players will play independently. 

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​INVESTING MEETUP – Join John Yoepp and discover the confidence and clarity you need to take control of your financial future in our Investing Meetup Class, designed for individuals ready to build long-term wealth with knowledge and purpose. This course provides a practical, easy-to-understand introduction to essential investment concepts, including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, diversification, and risk management. Through clear explanations and real-world examples, you’ll learn how financial markets work, how to evaluate investment opportunities, and how to construct a balanced portfolio that aligns with your goals and comfort level.

​Each session combines guided instruction with interactive activities to strengthen your decision-making skills and help you develop a personalized investment strategy. You’ll also explore topics such as compound growth, asset allocation, and the importance of staying disciplined during market changes. Whether you’re new to investing or looking to refresh your understanding, this class offers the tools and support to help you make informed, confident financial choices. Join us and start building a smarter financial future.

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FROM SLAVERY to CIVIL RIGHTS – THE AFRICAN AMERICAN EXPERIENCE: This term will explore the institution of slavery in North America, free black communities, the Civil War and its aftermath, the institution of Jim Crow, and the 20th century struggle for civil rights by blacks.  Included in this history course will be landmark U S Supreme Court decisions, attitudes towards blacks, and parallels between women’s liberation and the black civil rights movement. Lou Covotsos, a retired lawyer of 30 years, will guide us through this relevant subject.

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The Land of Israel – Biblical Perspectives

“What’s it all about?”

Surveying the Biblical Debate

– Pr. Rob Cosmas, B.S., J.D., Mdiv.

 

THE LAND of ISRAEL – BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVES: The modern debate over Israel's historic claim to the land revolves around competing narratives of biblical covenant, indigenous rights, and historical continuity versus claims of indigenous Palestinian presence and modern displacement. This course is designed to take up the biblical covenant portion of that hotly contested debate.

 

When speaking of the covenantal land there are widely varying views within Christianity. We will frame and explore those biblical/theological positions in order to seek greater understanding.  

 

Anselm of Canterbury described doing theology as fides quaerens intellectum, faith seeking understanding.  This is a method describing theology as an active, rational, and loving investigation of truths already believed through faith. It means faith is not blind, but prompts a quest to understand God’s revelation deeper, blending heart and mind in a "belief in order to understand" approach. 

 

Pastor Rob Cosmas’ goal is to increase our understanding of one dimension of the ongoing controversy over the land. Currently, politicians and pundits need clarification of this internal debate within Christendom in order to better inform and educate. Then, other pieces of the controversy (ingenious rights, modern displacement, historical continuity) can be considered with a more complete understanding.

As always, “my goal is that of Anselm, ‘faith seeking understanding’. May God bless our journey together.”

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​​BEGINNING LINE DANCING: Join Vicki Little as she, once again, leads us in the fun and exercise that is Line Dancing.  This is a class for both the beginner and the experienced since Vicki introduces something new each week.  One of the joys of Line Dancing is it requires no partner, so come join the fun of this low impact exercise.

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11:00 AM​

GAMES: Connie Lalonde will be leading this session of games with Margaret Moore and Nancy Dennee helping when needed. There’ll be card games of every sort or board games such as Rumikub, Mexican Train, or Qwirkle.   Want to learn cribbage or Uzzle? Or perhaps you have a game you want to teach, this is the place for you. Limited number of slots fill up quickly!

 

​LOCAL, STATE, AND NATIONAL CURRENT EVENTS:  As a former history and civics teacher, as well as a championship Florida high school football coach, Mike Vogt blitzes the classroom with his arsenal of knowledge about local, state, and national events that shapes the week.  He will begin the class discussing beachside current events and moving on to state and national news.  Occasionally Mike will detour off on that dreaded p-word (politics).  Class participation is highly encouraged!

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​LET’S TALK ABOUT IT - Medical planning for Life's Final Stages: This class provides a thoughtful, compassionate exploration of what happens as we approach the final stage of life — addressing the physical, medical, and emotional transitions involved. Whether you're planning for your own end-of-life care or supporting a loved one through this deeply personal journey, this course equips you with essential knowledge and practical tools to navigate this difficult process with confidence and clarity.

Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the natural physiology of dying, offering insight into what to expect as the body gradually declines. The course also delves into the complex landscape of healthcare options, including palliative care, hospice, and life-sustaining treatments. You’ll learn how to decode medical terminology, interpret care plans, and make informed decisions that align with your values and preferences. With an emphasis on reducing uncertainty, this course empowers you to approach these difficult decisions with peace of mind and greater emotional support for both you and your loved ones. Come join Lynn Devlin as she guides you along this journey of understanding, compassion, and acceptance of our or our loved one’s passing.

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ADVANCED LINE DANCING:  Step into the rhythm with our Advanced Line Dancing Class, designed for experienced dancers ready to elevate their technique, precision, and performance quality. This high-energy course focuses on mastering complex choreography, including faster footwork patterns, syncopation, directional changes, and stylistic variations across multiple line dance genres—from modern country to pop routines. Each session emphasizes musicality, body control, and smooth transitions, helping you dance with greater confidence and flair. Vicki Little will provide detailed breakdowns, individual coaching, and professional tips to help refine posture, timing, and floor presence. This class offers an exciting and supportive environment to push your abilities. Join us and experience the artistry, athleticism, and joy of advanced line dancing!