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EASTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

106 N Riverside Drive

Indialantic, FL

 

THURSDAY CLASSES @ Eastminster Presbyterian 

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. ​​​​

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JOURNEY THROUGH FLORIDA - Inside and Out: Join Certified Travel Counselor and International Tour Guide Lee Rosenkranz, CTC (bio) for an engaging exploration of Florida’s hidden treasures. Discover the Sunshine State’s diverse culture, nature, and cuisine as we travel virtually from beaches and springs to museums, mansions, and festivals. Learn fascinating stories behind Florida’s most scenic and historic places, with optional field trip opportunities to bring the experience to life. See syllabus. . .

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CHAIR YOGA: Join Jim and Mary Ann Loafman (bio) are certified Yoga instructors since 1988.  This session is for those who do not feel comfortable or able to do floor exercises.  The exercises are gentle and enable students to relax and become more flexible. Bring a big smile and enjoy a lovely time. 

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WINTER GARDENING IN FLORIDA: 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, a master gardener with the Department of Agriculture. This class is moderated by Master Gardener Jane Mandeville (bio).

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

• “How to Leave a Legacy, not a Lawsuit” 

• “Who Will Speak for You?” 

• “How to Plan for Life Transitions” 

• “What Happens to Your Stuff?” 

• “Understanding Non-Will Transfers”

• “What to Do if You’re Appointed as Trustee” 

• “How to Protect Yourself from Exploitation (Legally)” and 

• “How to Organize Your Affairs for Loved Ones” 

• “The family home: Keep it, Sell it, or Transfer it”

 

Your instructor is Attorney Cheryl Ward, who serves on the Board of Directors for Helping Seniors of Brevard, as 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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THURSDAY CLASSES @ Eastminster

10:00 AM

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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 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.​

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THE BIBLE 101 continued: Pastor Rob will begin this term with the book of Amos [not the cookie maker] 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 (bio).

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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 (bio).

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BEGINNING CONVERSATION FOR THE SPANISH LANGUAGE: Isabel Ochoa-Youssef, (bio) a retired New York City teacher, will guide you through a series of grammar lessons and short stories to help you expand your conversational skills in this essential language. The recommended books are "Madrigal’s Magic Key to Spanish: A Creative and Proven Approach” by Margarita Madrigal and “Spanish Made Simple" by Eugene Jackson and Antonio Rubio, revised by Judith Neimethy. Both texts provide grammar and real-life conversational scenarios. A limited number of these books are available to purchase in class. Spanish background is highly recommended. ​

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THE STORY OF JAZZ: This is a history of the United States as seen through the eyes and ears of Ken Burns using JAZZ as his vehicle of communication. It is a music genre that originated in the African American communities of New Orleans, Louisiana, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with its roots in blues, ragtime, European harmony, Antebellum African rhythmic rituals, spirituals, hymns, marches, vaudeville song, and dance music. Since the 1920s Jazz Age, it has been recognized as a major form of musical expression in traditional and popular music. It is characterized by swing and blue notes, complex chords, call and response vocals, polyrhythms and improvisation frequently called the purest expression of American democracy; a music built on individualism and compromise, independence and cooperation. Ken Burns follows the growth and development of JAZZ music from the gritty streets of New Orleans to Chicago's south side, the speakeasies of Kansas City and to Times Square. Among the narrators of this film is Wynton Marsalis, (a contemporary American trumpeter, composer and currently the artistic director of Jazz at Lincoln Center) who not only provides useful insights into the history of Jazz but adds examples by use of his trumpet. If you are an amateur historian or just a lover of music, this course is for you. Joel Sturman (bio) will help guide us through this musical treat.

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FICTION WRITING AFTER FIFTY: Ready to elevate your fiction writing from promising to powerful? Join acclaimed author James R. Nelson (bio) for an immersive masterclass that distills the wisdom of his 16 published novels into a hands-on, story-shaping experience. Jim brings decades of insight, grit, and literary finesse to the table. Whether you're just starting your first novel or short story, or refining your tenth, this class offers a rare opportunity to learn directly from a writer who has mastered the art of suspense, character depth, and regional authenticity.

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In this dynamic, 8-week program, Jim guides you through the essential building blocks of compelling fiction: how to develop emotionally resonant characters, structure a plot that grips readers from page one, and updates you on the latest “rules of writing.”

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Drawing from his popular series—including the Stephen Moorehouse and Archie Archibald mysteries—he shares behind-the-scenes strategies for pacing, dialogue, and revision that have earned him a loyal readership and critical acclaim. Participants will engage in writing exercises, receive personalized feedback, and leave with a toolkit of techniques that can be applied immediately to their own work.

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If you're serious about fiction—and ready to learn the ins and outs of how to publish your works, this is the class that could change everything. Spots are limited, so reserve yours now and take the next bold step in your writing journey.

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THURSDAY CLASSES @ Eastminster

11: 00 AM

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INTERMEDIATE SPANISH:  Join Isabel Ochoa-Youssef, (bio) a former New York City teacher, as she utilizes the texts "Madrigal’s Magic Key to Spanish, A Creative and Proven Approach” by Margarita Madrigal and “Spanish Made Simple" by Eugene Jackson and Antonio Rubio, revised by Judith Neimethy. Both resources provide ongoing conversational scenarios and grammar exercises for Spanish second language learners. A limited number of these books are available to purchase in class.

 

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL ADVENTURES (AND MISADVENTURES) Part VIII: 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 2026 lineup includes:  Danube Cities: the Sweet Smell of Cologne, Germany; Bermuda; If it’s Tuesday, it must be Belgium (part deux); Entertainment around the World; Canal du Midi (France); Chengdu; and Tuscany. 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, cell phone apps, 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 (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. 

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CLASSICS OF BRITISH LITERATURE: Join Leslie Johansen (bio) 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 Canterbury Tales; Spenser’s The Faerie Queen, Shakespeare; and Shakespeare’s rivals - Jonson and Webster, will be studied.

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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:

 

1/08 - A Patchwork Planet - Anne Tyler 

1/15 - The Thursday Murder Club - Richard Osman

1/22 - Buckeye - Patrick Ryan 

1/29 - I’ll Take You There - Wally Lamb

2/05 - Playground - Richard Powers 

2/12 - Beartown - Fredrik Backman

2/19 - Culpability - Bruce W. Holsinger

2/26 - Calico Joe - John Grisham

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UKULELE BASICS: Karen Enderle(bio) will lead participants through the first steps of their ukulele adventure.  The focus will be on using proper basic techniques and developing the groundwork to promote improvement.  This course will be taught in three segments which build upon each other over the course of a year. 

 

This term, Introduction to Ukulele will be offered.  It is meant for people who are just starting out with their instrument.  The focus will be on learning a few basic chords, strums and songs.  

Ukulele 1 will be offered in the Spring session.  The focus will be on mastering the basic 21 chords, strumming and some basic music theory.

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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