Current Events   

The instructor will show the importance of diversity and inclusion by constructing a floral arrangement. She will cover the cultural aspects of the flowers and their origin to illustrate how the inclusion of multiple varieties of greenery and stems can create a more valuable and aesthetic product. A fun and innovative way to address an important concept in our society.
History, cultural meaning, and characteristics of the flowers and greenery will be used to discuss the importance of inclusion, diversity, and equity in all that we do. Learning in a peaceful environment with beautiful flowers helps absorb the content.

 

When Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery bus, it sparked a movement that would transform the lives of millions of Americans. From a bus boycott in Montgomery, to a lunch counter in Greensboro, ordinary men and women courageously stood up to the institutionalized segregation of the Old South. We will look at protests, sit-ins, marches, and the Freedom rides to trace the remarkable journey that ordinary men and women undertook in the fight for Civil Rights.

It was the dawn of a new century and the center of African American intellectual and artistic culture was in Harlem. From the music of the Cotton Club and the legendary sounds of Duke Ellington to the literary prose of Langston Hughes, African Americans found both an audience and a voice. Men and women in all genres of art will contribute to this truly American movement.

Bringing awareness to general terminology and misunderstanding of biases. Often, we are not aware of cultural and systematic biases that effect the community. We are not aware of simple and unintentional behaviors that make others feel uncomfortable or unable to participate. This is an informational session to bring awareness to the community and open discussion in a positive, unthreatening environment. Join me in communication efforts to benefit all and help make our community inclusive to all. Information is scientific, research-based and will be helpful in understand others. Communication and awareness are essential in getting along with other fellow workers, family, and friends. Hope to see you here to start discussions!

In the future, wars will not just be fought by soldiers, ships and planes. They will also be fought with the click of a mouse a half a world away that unleashes carefully weaponized computer programs that disrupt or destroy critical industries like utilities, transportation, communications, and energy. Such attacks could also disable military networks that control the movement of troops, the path of fighter planes, and the command and control of warships. Our entire way of life, from communication to commerce to conflict, fundamentally depends on the internet, and the resultant cybersecurity issues affect everyone. There is perhaps no issue so important as cybersecurity that is so poorly understood. This presentation will help you better understand the issue.

In June of 2013, Edward Snowden, an employee of the National Security Agency, released to the media many thousands of documents that showed the extent that our government was spying on not only national security targets, but ordinary American citizens. Some claimed he committed treason and others called him a great patriot. We will investigate both sides of the issue and attempt to determine where the truth lies.

Fraud schemes have increased significantly over the years and the impact it has on our senior community is at times devastating. Scammers are clever but we can out smart them with just a little knowledge on what to look out for. New schemes are being developed all the time but knowing what to do is key to protecting yourself and your hard earned money.

The past year has been a roller coaster with rising interest rates, inflation, and stock market volatility. Are you worried about your finances in today’s uncertain economy? Wondering what steps to take to protect your savings and whether you need to change your retirement plans? This class will answer these questions and more. Topics will include current economic events, common emotional reactions to market downturns, strategies to reduce financial stress, historical investment performance, investment asset allocation, the futility of market timing, mitigating sequence of returns risk, and prudent financial strategies.

Join a group of individuals who want to look "behind the headlines" and discuss the important events of the day.

Two facilitators will lead the way to better understand what is happening in regard to national and world events. The goal is objectivity without judgment.

Join a group of individuals who want to look "behind the headlines" and discuss the important events of the day.

Two facilitators will lead the way to better understand what is happening in regard to national and world events. The goal is objectivity without judgment.

Before George Floyd, the death of Emmett Till (1955) energized the Civil Rights movement. His mother's courageous decision to have an open casket for the world to view how savagely he had been brutalized was a significant catalyst for the Civil Rights movement. Today, there is a debate about publishing images of the victims of gun violence in America. This action of Mamie Till has been noted as significant in the debate. "A picture is worth 1,000 words," at least.

The Republic of Turkey is a parliamentary republic that sits astride both Southeast Europe and Western Asia. Turkey is a democratic, secular, unitary, constitutional republic with a diverse cultural heritage. It is also a member of NATO and in the process of joining the European Union. Turkey has been in the news quite often in recent months. This presentation will help you better understand Turkey’s impact on the region and on world events and why the United States’ relationship with Turkey is important.

Why do so many horses in major races across the U.S. have a connection to our county? Learn how Marion County became the Horse Capital of the World® thanks to a little horse named Needles in 1956 and how he changed the trajectory of the Florida thoroughbred industry, making it one of the world's leading breeding, sales and racing centers.

View and discuss two engaging TED Talks (visit TED.com) in a salon-type setting where free-thinkers spark each other's minds and hearts through spirited presentations and conversation.

Be stimulated, and become better educated and acquainted. Salons such as this were popular occasions for sharing knowledge and building friendships from Renaissance times up until the 1940s. TED has again popularized this concept with TEDx - local, independently organized events - in vibrant learning communities all over the world.

Participants are sure to leave motivated and more meaningfully connected with the world around us.

View and discuss two engaging TED Talks (visit TED.com) in a salon-type setting where free-thinkers spark each other's minds and hearts through spirited presentations and conversation.

Be stimulated, and become better educated and acquainted. Salons such as this were popular occasions for sharing knowledge and building friendships from Renaissance times up until the 1940s. TED has again popularized this concept with TEDx - local, independently organized events - in vibrant learning communities all over the world.

Participants are sure to leave motivated and more meaningfully connected with the world around us.

View and discuss two engaging TED Talks (visit TED.com) in a salon-type setting where free-thinkers spark each other's minds and hearts through spirited presentations and conversation.

Be stimulated, and become better educated and acquainted. Salons such as this were popular occasions for sharing knowledge and building friendships from Renaissance times up until the 1940s. TED has again popularized this concept with TEDx - local, independently organized events - in vibrant learning communities all over the world.

Participants are sure to leave motivated and more meaningfully connected with the world around us.

View and discuss two engaging TED Talks (visit TED.com) in a salon-type setting where free-thinkers spark each other's minds and hearts through spirited presentations and conversation.

Be stimulated, and become better educated and acquainted. Salons such as this were popular occasions for sharing knowledge and building friendships from Renaissance times up until the 1940s. TED has again popularized this concept with TEDx - local, independently organized events - in vibrant learning communities all over the world.

Participants are sure to leave motivated and more meaningfully connected with the world around us.

View and discuss two engaging TED Talks (visit TED.com) in a salon-type setting where free-thinkers spark each other's minds and hearts through spirited presentations and conversation.

Be stimulated, and become better educated and acquainted. Salons such as this were popular occasions for sharing knowledge and building friendships from Renaissance times up until the 1940s. TED has again popularized this concept with TEDx - local, independently organized events - in vibrant learning communities all over the world.

Participants are sure to leave motivated and more meaningfully connected with the world around us.

Once a month we will have an in-depth discussion on a current issue. The purpose of this class is not to change minds but to gain knowledge from each other. We will strive to understand other people's thoughts and beliefs. Except for the first month, participants will select the topics to discuss.

Currently, in some places as Florida, the teaching of slavery in schools, is under attack. Adults more than children should know its history, but most had little in-depth exposure. The Founding Fathers sanctioned slavery, a root cause of why we lack "domestic tranquility" today. Slavery was not unique to America but it developed a pernicious form. Unfortunately, slavery today as human trafficking throughout the world is second to drug trafficking.

If there is one word which sums up the American experience, it is equality. When Jefferson proclaimed "all men are created equal," it was only aspirational. He claimed it was "self-evident." But it wasn’t.  Few initially understood its ramification. Not all Americans in the past or today subscribe to equality. This presentation examines the struggle to move beyond the more evident sense of hierarchy. The gift of America to the world is its historical struggle to make equality a reality in law and practice.

If there is one word which sums up the American experience, it is equality. When Jefferson proclaimed "all men are created equal," it was only aspirational. He claimed it was "self-evident." But it wasn’t.  Few initially understood its ramification. Not all Americans in the past or today subscribe to equality. This presentation examines the struggle to move beyond the more evident sense of hierarchy. The gift of America to the world is its historical struggle to make equality a reality in law and practice.

Extremely timely, given the resurgence of the so-called "Great Replacement" theory of white Nationalism today. The 1790 Naturalization Act was biased in allowing any free white person to become a citizen of the new republic; all others need not apply. This presentation demonstrates the historical effort to keep America white. Despite this, the struggle also enjoined an America of diversity.  E Pluribus Unum can be interpreted two ways: homogeneity or heterogeneity. America has become a primer for other nations today who are struggling with issues of homogeneity and heterogeneity.  America has been a petri dish.

Extremely timely, given the resurgence of the so-called "Great Replacement" theory of white Nationalism today. The 1790 Naturalization Act was biased in allowing any free white person to become a citizen of the new republic; all others need not apply. This presentation demonstrates the historical effort to keep America white. Despite this, the struggle also enjoined an America of diversity.  E Pluribus Unum can be interpreted two ways: homogeneity or heterogeneity. America has become a primer for other nations today who are struggling with issues of homogeneity and heterogeneity.  America has been a petri dish.