Celebration Lifelong Course Catalog Only – Spring-Summer 2024

Instructor: Dan Zagata
Course Fee: $20.00

It’s here again…another US Presidential election. Everyone has an opinion, even if they shouldn’t, and everyone can predict the future, even though they’re always wrong. So let’s break down the myths of politics against the economy. What really happens during an election year to the markets, inflation, and growth? We will look at the current election and some past elections to analyze and eliminate the noise. This course will be filled with accurate stats and numbers that disprove most of the unfounded drabble that comes our of your friend’s (or enemy’s) mouth! It’ll also show you the real results of your friends that say things like “I’m just going to wait and see”.
Instructor: Dan Zagata
Dan Zagata is the Managing Director of Evershore Financial Group, an independent comprehensive financial services firm. Dan brings 21 years of experience working with professionals, businesses, and non-profits to help them realize their financial potential and goals. Dan earned a BA in Economics and an MBA in Finance from Bentley University, Boston, and earned his DBA in Finance from the International School of Management, Paris, France. He also holds a graduate certificate of Financial Planning from University of Miami. In addition, he has earned the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and Chartered Financial Consultant designations from the American College and is a Chartered Life Underwriter.

Course Fee: $20.00
Building: Artisan Park Club
Instructor: Patty Ciampi

Learn all the fundamentals of cake decorating-icings, color borders, stars, even the rose- in just four weeks the Wilton Way. Week 1- student learns how to bake a cake, split and fill the cake. How to make frosting. Student learns how easy it is to decorate the cake and what to expect in the coming weeks. Week 2- Student brings in their frosted cake. They learn basic borders, writing and printing, working with piping gel, and how to start a rose.- Student learns figure piping, bag striping, and shell borders. Week 3-Student learns the floral spray, leaves, and roses.
Instructor: Patty Ciampi
I am a Wilton Certified Cake Decorating Teacher. I have taught over 10,000 students and have taught cake decorating for more than 20 years.

Course Fee: $20.00

Building: Artisan Park Club

Instructor: Arlene Sanchez-Busse

Claude Monet, the man who painted “Impression, Sunrise” at Le Havre harbor and was deemed mad by art critics for this painting, became art history’s most influential painter of the mid to late 19th and early 20th century. The founder of the Impressionist Art Movement and precursor of Abstract Art, Monet’s life journey is an enthralling tale of failure, perseverance, genius, triumph, and beauty. A rebel painter, he was obsessed by the effect of light on his subjects and the creation of impressions of landscapes, portraits, and gardens by using short brush strokes and a vibrant color palette. I invite you to embark in a journey that will take us from Monet’s childhood, his early artistic endeavors, and failures, exploring the elements of Impressionism and Monet’s most famous early works and masterpieces.
Instructor: Arlene Sánchez-Busse
Arlene Sánchez-Busse has a BA in Anthropology from the University of Puerto Rico and a JD from the University of Puerto Rico, School of Law. Arlene spent twenty-five years as a practicing attorney in the Courts of Puerto Rico, specializing in family law and children’s rights. She spent ten years teaching English. She studied painting with Andres Bueso, one of the Caribbean’s foremost painters. Arlene has studied the Impressionist Movement for many years and has traveled to museums all over the world to view the masterpieces of Monet, Renoir, Morisot, Degas, Pissarro and Manet. She has also visited many of the sites and towns in France and Europe that inspired their paintings.

Course Fee: $20.00

Building: Heritage Hall

Instructor: Arlene Sánchez-Busse

Let’s continue our exploration of new and learned techniques using colored pencils. We will color spring floral designs rendered on gray tone mixed media paper. Gray tone paper allows us to color with an emphasis on white and light tones creating luminosity and vibrancy. Flowers such as gardenias, white lillies, pale colored roses and the like contrast the background gray toned paper, creating beautifully rendered floral designs. Our coloring projects are on a “no need to know how to draw” basis. You will be e-mailed the templates (PDF) of the drawings and the step-by-step simple coloring guidelines which you will bring to class. You will also receive via e-mail a list of the materials, including the gray toned paper, which can be easily purchased through Amazon, Blick, Target, or any art supply store. (Repeat colorists should have almost all of them already at hand). Join us to create beautiful flower artwork that you can proudly display. Our extended two-hour class time gives everyone time to relax and color at a leisurely pace. Hope to see you in class soon!
Instructor: Arlene Sánchez-Busse
Arlene Sánchez-Busse has a BA in Anthropology from the University of Puerto Rico and a JD from the University of Puerto Rico, School of Law. Arlene spent twenty-five years as a practicing attorney in the Courts of Puerto Rico, specializing in family law and children’s rights. She spent ten years teaching English. She studied painting with Andres Bueso, one of the Caribbean’s foremost painters. Arlene has studied the Impressionist Movement for many years and has traveled to museums all over the world to view the masterpieces of Monet, Renoir, Morisot, Degas, Pissarro and Manet. She has also visited many of the sites and towns in France and Europe that inspired their paintings.

Course Fee: $20.00

Building: Heritage Hall

Instructor: Patricia L Brown

We will make, to take home to bake, three types of international breads. At the beginning of each class, we will taste samples of the three homemade breads. In class: we will measure, mix, and knead the bread dough, by hand, in a large mixing bowl, recommended: 13-Quart 16″ Stainless Steel mixing bowl. All measuring, mixing and kneading are completed in the one mixing bowl. All pizza flour(00), pita flour (King Arthur High Gluten) and bagel flour, yeast, seasonings, toppings for bagels: sesame seeds, Everything Bagel seasoning, sharp cheddar cheese, egg wash are provided. At the end of each class, you will take your dough home to finish proofing and baking. You will receive a detailed set of directions for each of these breads. You may bring a tea towel for covering your dough during proofing or use provided clear wrap.
Instructor: Patricia L Brown
Patricia Brown is a retired US Army officer of 23 years and a retired Virginia Beach Schools Computer and Website Design Teacher. I also taught Microsoft Office and numerous Computer courses for Virginia Community College system in Chesapeake, VA.

Course Fee: $20.00

Building: Heritage Hall

Instructor: Dan Zagata

We will explore some of the most recent hacks and attacks facing people and companies in the last year. However, we will also dive into the poor, misunderstood, and stubborn behaviors that people continue to do in the face of these threats. Stop it! This course is a revamped extension of the previous cybersecurity courses. Join me for a scary (but safe) exploration into the world of cybercrime and some methods that you can use to protect yourself.
Instructor: Dan Zagata
Dan Zagata is the Managing Director of Evershore Financial Group, an independent comprehensive financial services firm. Dan brings 21 years of experience working with professionals, businesses, and non-profits to help them realize their financial potential and goals. Dan earned a BA in Economics and an MBA in Finance from Bentley University, Boston, and earned his DBA in Finance from the International School of Management, Paris, France. He also holds a graduate certificate of Financial Planning from University of Miami. In addition, he has earned the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and Chartered Financial Consultant designations from the American College and is a Chartered Life Underwriter.

Course Fee: $20.00

Building: Heritage Hall

Instructor: Don Salvo

Boost your digital safety! Learn to protect your home computer, tablet, and smartphone in just 3 sessions. Don’t miss this essential security course. This presentation is divided into three comprehensive sessions, focusing on the fundamentals of security for home computer, tablet, and smartphone users. Session 1: Home Computer Security (1 hour 15 minutes) Understanding common computer security threats. Exploring safe web browsing and email practices. Setting up firewalls, antivirus software, and regular updates. Emphasizing the importance of strong passwords and data backup. Session 2: Tablet Security (1 hour 15 minutes) Identifying tablet-specific security concerns. Discussing app permissions and recognizing malicious apps. Demonstrating secure browsing and VPN usage. Covering encryption, tracking, and data wipe features. Session 3: Smartphone Security (1 hour 15 minutes) Focusing on smartphone security risks and prevention. Ensuring app security, permissions, and updates. Safe mobile browsing and secure Wi-Fi usage. Managing location services and privacy settings. By the end of this presentation, participants will have a solid foundation in protecting their digital devices. They’ll be equipped with the knowledge and tools to enhance their overall digital security, safeguarding their personal and sensitive information from potential threats.
Instructor: Dennis Kaszynski
Dennis Kaszynski has been a cyber specialist most of his adult life. He has maintained network systems for large organizations, protected them against cyber threats, and programmed financial systems and communications for companies including fidelity investments, state institutions, and military radar and communication systems. His recent qualifications and training include Cisco CCNA certification, military cyber operational specialty, and teaching defensive cyber operations for Eastern Europe countries including Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Ukraine, Lithuania, Macedonia, Croatia, and others.

Course Fee: $20.00

Building: Heritage Hall

Instructor: Richard Cronin

Connecting the Atlantic Ocean with Tampa Bay became a crucial goal of the early settlers of Central Florida as early as the 1840s. Existing dirt trails eventually became the desired route for a much-needed railroad running from Lake Monroe to Tampa Bay by the 1850s, but nothing ever came easy for Florida pioneers. One railroad after another failed to build the railroad to Tampa Bay until 1880, but when finally completed, the legacy of the South Florida Railroad of 1881 was to establish that which we know today as the I-4 Corridor. This course follows the development of “Middle Florida”, a remote land that ultimately became accessible by the railroads.
Instructor: Richard Cronin
I am an author and Central Florida Historian. I have published a dozen books over the past decade about 19th century Central Florida origins and I typically sell my books by dong talks at historical societies and organizations. I learned of your organization from two who had attended one of my talks in Osceola County. I offer a history of the amazing people and their accomplishments in taming the remote wilderness we know today as Central Florida.

Course Fee: $20.00

Building: Heritage Hall

Instructor: Jane Wahl

This course will take you on a photo tour of Hungary. You’ll see the Palace, bridges across the Danube River, and the ornate Parliament Building, along with the markets featuring peppers, paprika, and palacsinta! The landscape outside the city is equally intriguing, with beautiful sunflower fields and rustic villages. We’ll also talk about some of the history of the area, with a little insight around Hungarian immigrants who settled in the U.S. in the early 1900’s, and even a TikTok-er who has immersed himself in the culture.
Instructor: Jane Wahl
Jane Wahl was involved in public speaking and training in a variety of areas throughout her career. She helped develop a process improvement department for her company and trained other associates to replicate it throughout the country. She earned a Six Sigma Black Belt designation, the official industry standard for leadership training.

Course Fee: $20.00

Building: Heritage Hall

Instructor: Jane Wahl

Florida is known for beautiful beaches, springs, and nature preserves, many of which are just a short drive away. From boardwalks to rail trails to beaten paths, there are a wealth of ways to explore our beautiful backyard, and see some of the wildlife who call it their home. Florida is also home to some unusual attractions – both natural and manmade – that are worthy of a spot on the bucket list! In this course, you’ll learn about some short (and long) hikes where you can explore the Florida landscape, as well as some of the unique attractions our state has to offer.
Instructor: Jane Wahl
Jane Wahl was involved in public speaking and training in a variety of areas throughout her career. She helped develop a process improvement department for her company and trained other associates to replicate it throughout the country. She earned a Six Sigma Black Belt designation, the official industry standard for leadership training.

Course Fee: $20.00

Building: Heritage Hall

Instructor: Walt Herscher

The current obsession with Fake News and Misinformation/ Disinformation is nothing new. This course divides episodes of American history into five categories of fake news. Reasons to accept fake news include the Guise of Scientific Research, Documentary, Ideological/Political, Emotional, and Lack of Knowledge. Some are humorous, some mildly disingenuous, and some startling. Stories that were reported and widely accepted are shown to be misleading. Examples include the Mozart Effect, danger of cholesterol in eggs, Ancient Astronaut Theory, disappearance of Amelia Earhart, the Salem Witch Trials, Yellow Journalism, Rosa Parks, photographs of bodies after Civil War battles, the Big Lie, and various others.
Instructor: Walt Herscher
Walt Herscher has a PhD from Marquette University, an MS from the University od Wisconsin-Oshkosh, an MA from the University of Notre Dame, a BA from Kalamazoo College and was a Keizai Koho fellow in Japan. Walt has taught World History, Humanities, AP Art History, and Military History at the high school and college levels. He has co-authored two books and several articles and has served at the local, state and national levels of various studies organizations.

Course Fee: $20.00

Building: Heritage Hall

Instructor: Tom Kennington

Instructor: Tom Kennington
Tom Kennington has a BS in Broadcasting from University of Florida. Tom spent 20 years in radio as an on-air personality, Program Director, National Program Director and General Manager. For 16 years, he worked at Walt Disney World as the Manager of Promotions and Film and as Television Development Director.

Course Fee: $20.00

Building: Heritage Hall

Instructor: Bill Grindl

This course will focus on the major highlights and evolution of jazz music. From what is jazz to pre-jazz to early jazz (ragtime and blues), through the big band and dance band era (circa 1920-1945) to mid-20th century until the present.
Instructor: Bill Grindl
Bill Grindl is a member of the CROA Board of Directors. He has an MBA in Finance and Marketing from Suffolk University and a BA in Music Composition from Berklee College of Music. Bill is a former professional musician and administrative staff member of Berklee College of Music. Besides his passion for music, Bill has had lifelong interests in the fictional detective Sherlock Holmes and in collecting and analyzing cartoons and comics.

Course Fee: $20.00

Building: Heritage Hall

Instructor: Dennis Kaszynski

Instructor: Dennis Kaszynski
Dennis Kaszynski has been a cyber specialist most of his adult life. He has maintained network systems for large organizations, protected them against cyber threats, and programmed financial systems and communications for companies including fidelity investments, state institutions, and military radar and communication systems. His recent qualifications and training include Cisco CCNA certification, military cyber operational specialty, and teaching defensive cyber operations for Eastern Europe countries including Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Ukraine, Lithuania, Macedonia, Croatia, and others.

Course Fee: $20.00

Building: Heritage Hall

Instructor: Joan Werner

Learn from the Masters:” Pull out your own watercolors, pastels, and acrylics to embark on an immersive historical journey of a particular Master artist each week. After learning some fun facts about the Master artist and highlighting their technique and medium along with basic instruction, you will complete an 8 x 10 painting in their style. You may choose to copy their work directly or from one of your similar pictures.
Instructor: Joan Werner
Joan Werner – Art has been a part of Joan Werner’s life ever since she can remember. As a little girl, she remembers painting with her grandmother, an art and music teacher, who traveled by wagon between schools to teach. After her graduation from Kutztown University with a BS in Art Education, Joan also traveled among four schools and used an “art cart.” She subsequently earned a degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education, served as a high school Art & Music department head, taught AP Art and many other art courses, and received a Master’s Degree in Education when online learning was a new concept. After retiring from public education, she continued educating and learning from others as director of a small museum. Art has always let her HeART soar, and teaching keeps her grounded.

Course Fee: $20.00

Building: Heritage Hall

Instructor: Theresa Duwe

It’s time for a bit of California wine. And what better place to focus on the Sonoma side of the world famous Napa/Sonoma wine region. During this course we will hit the Sonoma Wine Road, learning about the region from north to south and east to west, tasting wines from all over Sonoma county along our Sonoma Wine Road. What sets Sonoma aside from Napa? And how are they similar? We will discuss these thoughts as well as more while we journey through the county, tasting the fruits of their labor along the way. Are you ready, then let’s hit the wine road!
Instructor: Theresa Duwe
Theresa Duwe has a BS in Telecommunications from Indiana University. She has enjoyed cooking since she was a child and eventually transformed her love of cooking into a small catering business which she owned for 16 years. She is a self-taught private chef and has taught cooking classes. After moving to the Orlando area, she met some wine enthusiasts who introduced her to the world of studying wine. Theresa was hooked and her new passions became studying wine and pairing food and wine. She holds a SafeServ Manager Certificate and an Alcohol Server Certificate. She has passed the Introduction Level of Court of Master Sommeliers Exam, a Certification in Sherry, and continues to study and learn as much as she can about wine. Now she enjoys teaching others about wine as well as food and wine pairings.

Course Fee: $20.00

Building: Heritage Hall

Instructor: Dan Zagata

Back by high demand! This course is an extension of Part 1 and 2 offered the last two semesters, but with new subject matter! Ever get tired of your friends telling you what the government should do and why? Somehow, they have all the answers that only they can see with such clarity. Well…in this course we are going to dive into the gray and muddy areas of government policy and specifically how it relates to money and the economy. We will have moderated discussions on topics that highlight the difficulty of balancing economics, social wellbeing, and the factors that influence our points of view. This will be an exciting series of conversations in an open, but moderated, respectful environment.
Instructor: Dan Zagata
Dan Zagata is the Managing Director of Evershore Financial Group, an independent comprehensive financial services firm. Dan brings 21 years of experience working with professionals, businesses, and non-profits to help them realize their financial potential and goals. Dan earned a BA in Economics and an MBA in Finance from Bentley University, Boston, and earned his DBA in Finance from the International School of Management, Paris, France. He also holds a graduate certificate of Financial Planning from University of Miami. In addition, he has earned the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and Chartered Financial Consultant designations from the American College and is a Chartered Life Underwriter.

Course Fee: $20.00

Building: Heritage Hall

Instructor: Bill Grindl

Selected musical pieces will be played and then discussed. At the present likely composers include Mussorgsky, Respighi, and Ralph van Williams.
Instructor: Bill Grindl
Bill Grindl is a member of the CROA Board of Directors. He has an MBA in Finance and Marketing from Suffolk University and a BA in Music Composition from Berklee College of Music. Bill is a former professional musician and administrative staff member of Berklee College of Music. Besides his passion for music, Bill has had lifelong interests in the fictional detective Sherlock Holmes and in collecting and analyzing cartoons and comics.

Course Fee: $20.00

Building: Heritage Hall

Instructor: Cindy Dykman

Going beyond your travel comfort zone is exhilarating and, with the help of experts, not as complicated as you may think. This course will help you discover extraordinary travel destinations — with much to offer in terms of culture, history, exceptional scenery, and wonderful people. Join Cindy and her guest destination experts as you travel through XXX, XXX & XXX. Learn about each destination from an insider’s perspective. What are the sights most people miss? What are the travel experts’ favorite places, foods to eat, and unique experiences you can incorporate into your next vacation? As always, Cindy’s experts bring a unique perspective to their destinations.
Instructor: Cindy Dykman
Cindy Dykman has a BS in Business Administration from Bowling Green State University. She spent her 35+ year career in the travel industry working for companies such as Delta Dream Vacations, Holiday Inn and Disney Destinations. Cindy was awarded the Walt Disney World Partner in Excellence award in 2007. In 2019 Cindy opened Inspired Travel Designs to share her passion with others. Cindy and her husband have traveled to 38 countries – and counting!

Course Fee: $20.00

Building: Heritage Hall

Instructor: Tom Kennington

Hits from artists with names from the letters of the alphabet… from Abba to The Zombies!
Instructor: Tom Kennington
Tom Kennington has a BS in Broadcasting from University of Florida. Tom spent 20 years in radio as an on-air personality, Program Director, National Program Director and General Manager. For 16 years, he worked at Walt Disney World as the Manager of Promotions and Film and as Television Development Director.

Course Fee: $20.00

Building: Heritage Hall

Instructors: Don Salvo, Linda Quinn

Instructors: Don Salvo, Linda Quinn

Don Salvo is a co-founder of the Playwrights’ Lab at the Pittsburgh Public Theatre and teaches playwriting at Celebration Lifelong. Don’s play, “Unraveled,” a Heideman Award Finalist for Drama from the Actors Theatre of Louisville, was produced off-Broadway and introduced Joe Manganiello to New York audiences. Don is a published playwright and has had multiple plays performed throughout the country. His play “Naked Player” is available for viewing on YouTube. A professionally trained dancer/actor, he is a proud member of Actors’ Equity and has performed in over 60 productions with the Kenley Players. Don earned degrees from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, the University of Pittsburgh, Duquesne University, and was a Fellow in the School of Speech and Drama at Northwestern University.

Linda Quinn is a fine art photographer and book artist with over thirty years experience as both an artist and art teacher. She taught art in New York for 33 years, and has exhibited her photography in venues on Long Island and New York City. After retiring from teaching art, Linda attended classes at the Center for Book Arts in Manhattan and uses her knowledge to make artists books showcasing her photographic images.