Zumba Gold and More - a new series begins

Zumba Gold modifies the original Zumba moves and pacing to suit the needs of active older participants, and those just starting their journey to a fit and healthy lifestyle. All the elements Zumba Fitness is known for stay the same: zesty Latin music; exhilarating, easy-to-follow moves; and the invigorating, party-like atmosphere. Perfect for active older adults looking for a weekly dose of camaraderie, fun and fitness! Limited to 12 participants. Eight sessions. Five pre-paid registrations required to hold the class. May join class at anytime.

Dates/Time: Fridays: May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, (no class 6/7), June 14, 21, 28; 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m.

Location: Library Community Room

Facilitator: Linda Hayes, certified Zumba Gold instructor

Cost: Eight sessions - Institute members $24; nonmembers $48; $8 drop-in fee

A Conversation about Community and Cohousing

Curious about what it is to live in an intentional cohousing community? Join us to find out! Please let us know you will be coming by responding to our Meet-Up invitation at www.meetup.com on the Central Florida Co-Housing page. Light refreshments will be served.

Date/Time: Saturday, May 4, 3-5 p.m.

Location: Library Community Room

Facilitators: Orlando Area Cohousing Community

Cost: $5 per person

Forever Young Adult Book Club

It's no secret that some of the best fiction being published today is in the young adult genre...so why should its readership be limited to the young? Join this new book club for adults who enjoy reading YA books. Each month we'll discuss a new selection. 

Sundays: May 5, June 12; 3 p.m.

May 5: Sabriel by Garth Nix   

June 12: Every Day

Location: Library Conference Room

No registration required 

Is Justice Possible?

Renowned Harvard professor Michael Sandel invites you to "take the same journey in moral reflection that has captivated over 14,000 students" through the Harvard lecture series on Justice. Join us in viewing this experience via the Internet, followed by analysis and an exchange of opinions in a facilitated discussion. Limited to 15 participants. You may join at any time. 

Dates/Time: Mondays: May 6 - May 20; 10 a.m.-noon

Location: Library Melanson Room

Italian Conversation

Dr. Anthony Cervone facilitates this on-going Italian conversation group for those with at least two years of college Italian (or equivalent) to practice and improve Italian speaking and listening skills. This is an ongoing class that you may join if you meet the above requirement. Limited to 15 participants.

Dates/Time: Mondays; May 6 - June 24 (no class May 27); 3-4 p.m.

Location: Library Conference Room

Facilitator: Professor Anthony Cervone

Spanish Conversation

Join Dr. Anthony Cervone in a weekly Spanish conversation class for those with at least two years of college Spanish (or equivalent) to practice and improve Spanish speaking and listening skills. This is an ongoing class that you may join if you meet the above requirement. Limited to 15 participants.

Dates/Time: Mondays; May 6 - June 24 (no class May 27); 4-5 p.m.

Location: Library Conference Room

Facilitator: Professor Anthony Cervone

iPad Apps: What They Are and How to Get Them

You will be introduced to free educational, productive and recreational apps for the iPad. Download them in class using our free Wi-Fi connection. Limited to 10 participants.

Date/Time: Tuesday, May 7, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Location: Library Melanson Room
Facilitators: WPPL Reference Librarians

Storytellers of Central Florida

With members of all ages and cultures and ranging from novice to professional, the Storytellers of Central Florida are dedicated to preserving and promoting the art of storytelling. If you have stories to share, want to learn storytelling, or simply enjoy listening, you are invited to join us to hear and share polished tellings as well as works in progress.

Dates/Time: Tuesdays, May 7 and June 4; 7 - 8:30 p.m.

Location: Library Community Room

Sponsor: Central Florida Chapter of Spellbinders at the Winter Park Public Library

No registration required 

Knotty Knitters

Knitting and crocheting enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels are invited to join the Library's "Knotty Knitters" club. Please bring your own supplies. Light refreshments will be served. This program is free, but registration is suggested to reserve space.

Dates/Time: Tuesdays: May 7, 21, June 4, 18; 6 - 8 p.m.

Location: Library Conference Room

Register for the May 7 session

Register for the May 21 session  

Register for the June 4 session

Register for the June 18 session 

Learn to Sail

Acquire the skill and knowledge to rig and sail a small boat on your own in this 3-week 30-hour hands-on program taught in the classroom and on-the-water. Includes the book Start Sailing Right! Upon completion you will receive the Community Sailing Program Small Boat certification. Must be at least 16 years old to participate. For details and an application form visit www.thesailingclub.us/CSPmain.html.

Dates/Time: Wednesdays: May 8, 15, 22; 6:30-8:30 p.m. OR June 5, 12, 19; 6:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday dates and times will be announced at the first class.

Location: Library Conference Room

Instructors: Central Florida Community Sailing Program Red Cross trained instructors

Cost: Institute members $120; nonmembers $145 (pay online)

Boats and equipment are provided; you must bring your own lifejacket.

Mystery Book Club

Topic/Dates/Times/Locations:

May - Mysteries at Sea

Wednesday, May 8, 3 p.m., MRC

Thursday, May 9, 12:30 p.m., WCWP

Thursday, May 9, 7 p.m., WPPL

June - Murder on Vacation

Wednesday, June 12, 3 p.m., MRC

Thursday, June 13, 12:30 p.m., WCWP

Thursday, June 13, 7 p.m., WPPL

Facilitator: Barbara White, WPPL Archivist

No registration required 

Garden Talks with Hortus Oasis: Gardening Super Heros (must-have tools)

Each month we will focus on a garden task, technique or style with images for inspiration, and information to bring home to your garden. May topic: Discover which tools will save numerous steps and make you a super hero in the garden. Bring a brown bag or pick up lunch at Beverly's Café at the Library.

Date/Time: Thursday, May 9, 12-1 p.m.

Location: Library Melanson Room

Presenters: Stephen and Kristin Pategas, owners of Hortus Oasis, a boutique garden design and landscape architecture company.

Cost: $5 per session

Register now 

Living in the Question - Magic: You Are It. Be It.

      Join this study group as we discover what it means to Live in the Question or as the quote goes, "Ask and you will receive." Explore the questions "How could this be any better?" and "What more is possible?" Consider what life would be like if there were no limitations of time, money or ability, and reflect on how this would influence the impact you could have in the world. 

Date/Time: Thursdays: May 9, 23, June 13 and June 27; 7-8 p.m.

Location: Library Melanson Room

Facilitators: Susan Hana and Linda Hayes, Access BARS Facilitators   

UNA USA (United Nations Association, Orlando Chapter)

You are invited to join members of the UNA USA group at their monthly educational and informational gatherings.

Day/Time: Saturdays: 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

May 11: Immigration Issues

Location: Library Melanson Room

Presenters: Ana De La Rosa, Immigrant Rights Coordinator for Jobs With Justice; former Peace Corps Community Health Volunteer in Northern Peru.

Lucas Da Silva, an aspiring American and a community organizer from Orlando; Lucas has lived in the United States his entire life and dreams of becoming an attorney, but cannot live out his dream because of his immigration status.

Facilitator: Dave O'Connor, President

No registration required 

Cinema Circle

Enjoy Indie shorts, documentaries and feature films from around the world featuring thought-provoking and inspiring stories that expand your mind.

Dates/Time: Sundays: May 12 and June 9; 2 p.m.

May 12: Shorts - Harry Grows Up, The Book and the Rose, Girl Clown, and more - in celebration of World Laughter Day

June 9: Beat the Drum - A young boy looks for his uncle after a mysterious illness strikes his village and leaves him an orphan. As he tries to survive and learn about the world around him, he finds a job and returns to teach the elders of his village about truth and compassion - in recognition of AIDS/HIV month

Location: Library Community Room

 Linda Hayes Gallegos, MA

Register for the May session  

Register for the June session 

Hybrid Literary Genres

Flash fiction, prose poetry, novels-in-verse, novellas-in-flash: What do all these have in common? They are all hybrid genres - cross-genre writing that moves beyond the boundaries of traditional genres to innovate and find new forms of expression. Join us as Abigail Beckel discusses what they are, how they work, why writers use them, and why they are important to the literary landscape. She will also share insights about the small press publishing community and the exciting and innovative creative work being published by small presses.

Date/Time: Tuesday, May 14, 7 p.m.

Location: Library Melanson Room
Presenter: Abigail Beckel, co-founder and publisher of Rose Metal Press, an independent, nonprofit publisher of works in hybrid genres

Cutting Edge Consciousness Series - Past Life Regression for Understanding This Lifetime

Ever wonder why you have certain inclinations, likes and dislikes? Using deep relaxation techniques and guided imagery, this session will offer the opportunity to go into a previous lifetime to help uncover patterns that have carried over into your current lifetime so you can let them go. By accessing the past you can heal the present!

For details visit http://www.dianeross.com.

Date/Time: Tuesday, May 14, 7 p.m.

Location: Library Community Room

Facilitator: Diane Ross, MA, Certified Hypnotist, Master Practitioner NLP and author of Meditations for Miracles

Cost: Institute members $12; nonmembers $15

Register now 

Advanced iPad: You Know the Basics, Now Learn More

Learn how to use your calendar, create photo albums, video, Facetime, create bookmarks and folders, multitask, and more. Limited to 10 participants.

Date/Time: Wednesday, May 15, 2-3:30 p.m. OR Tuesday, May 21, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Location: Library Melanson Room
Facilitators: WPPL Reference Staff

Register now 

Central Florida Acoustic Fingerstyle Guitar

Come join the playing circle or just enjoy the music as musicians of all levels and styles of acoustic fingerstyle guitar share their passion.

Dates/Time: Wednesdays: April 17 and May 15; 6 - 8:30 p.m.

Location: Library Community Room

Presenters: Central Florida fingerstyle guitarists

No registration required

Brain Health Support Group

A monthly opportunity for anyone interested in adopting a healthy brain lifestyle to learn and implement practices and activities to improve brain health. Pre-registration requested.

Dates/Time: Thursdays: May 16, June 20; 10:30 a.m.-noon

Location: Library Melanson Room

Facilitator: Linda Hayes Gallegos, MA, Education Specialist

CineMagic: We Need to Talk About Kevin   

Kevin's mother struggles to love her strange child, despite the increasingly vicious things he says and does as he grows up. But Kevin is just getting started, and his final act will be beyond anything anyone imagined.

Date/Time: Friday, May 17, 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:20 p.m., movie short at 6:30 p.m.)

Location: Library Community Room

Facilitators: Jeff Johnson, film aficionado; Kathy Booker, LMHC; and Rosario Ortigao, LMHC

Cost: Institute members free; nonmembers $5; 55+ $3; Rollins Students free with valid ID

 Register now 

Finding Joy after Loss - My Seven-Step Journey of Transforming Grief into Joy

Two years after her husband's death, Vashon Marie Sarkisian began writing as a coping mechanism. She discovered seven simple steps that helped her find JOY again - hidden under her grief. If you have experienced any kind of loss, you will leave with tools and newfound strength to help point you towards YOUR JOY. The book will be available for purchase and Vashon will personally sign it for you.

Date/Time: Thursday, May 23, 7 p.m.

Location: Library Community Room
Presenter: Vashon Marie Sarkisian, author, urban designer and community builder

Register now 

Field to Feast: Recipes Celebrating Florida Farmers, Chefs, and Artisans

Authors Pam Brandon, Katie Farmand, and Heather McPherson traveled thousands of miles, tasting some of the freshest ingredients along the way. The result is a cookbook like no other; an edible roadmap, peppered with personal profiles of the generous and hardworking farmers, recipes from world-famous chefs, and beautiful photographs that highlight the amazing array of products grown and raised in the Sunshine State.

Date/Time: Thursday, May 30, 7 p.m.

Location: Library Community Room

Presenters: Authors Pam Brandon, Katie Farmand, and Heather McPherson

Register now 

Qigong - Beginners Level

Qigong (chee-gung) is a stress reduction practice which blends breathing technique and visualization with sincere movement to cleanse, strengthen and circulate life force energy (qi). Possible benefits: relaxation, mental clarity, pain reduction, improved sleep. Wear comfortable, weather appropriate clothing and closed toe shoes. Refrain from wearing colognes, perfumes, oils. Refrain from donating blood on the day of the class. Better a stomach more empty than full. Six sessions. Limited to 14 participants. Seven pre-paid registrations required to hold the class.

Dates/Time: Mondays: June 3, 10 (Storytime Room), 17, 24, July 1, 8; 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Location: Library Community Room/Storytime Room

Instructor: Georgiana Johnson, Reiki Master Teacher, Qigong Instructor, Massage Therapist

Cost: 6 sessions: Institute members $30; nonmembers $48; $10 drop-in class fee

Neighbors Network

Join us for a three-session in-depth look at "The Neighbors Network," the local organization of The Village Movement that began in Boston in 1999 with the purpose of creating a local membership organization to support those wishing to remain engaged in their own neighborhoods as they age (Aging At Home With Confidence). Participants will receive access to current village resources, videos and published articles as well as planning documents. Limited to 25 participants. Paid pre-registration required.

Dates/Time: Wednesdays: June 5, 12, 19; 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

Location: Library Melanson Room

Facilitators: Annette Kelly, community leader, and Laura Capp, executive director

Cost: $10 for the three sessions

Basics of the iPad

Did you just buy an iPad or get one for Christmas? Are you at a loss as to how to use its many features? Join us for a class on the basics of the iPad, including how to take pictures and video. Limited to 10 participants. Pre-registration required.

Date/Time: Wednesday, June 5, 2-3:30 p.m. OR Tuesday, June 11, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Location: Library Melanson Room

Facilitators: WPPL Reference Librarians

Garden Talks with Hortus Oasis: Easy-to- Grow Herbs

Each month we will focus on a garden task, technique or style with images for inspiration, and information to bring home to your garden. This month you will learn which herbs you can cultivate, even if you don't have a green thumb. Brown bag or pick up lunch at Beverly's Café at the Library.

Date/Time: Thursday, June 6, 12-1 p.m.

Location: Library Melanson Room

Presenters: Stephen and Kristin Pategas, owners of Hortus Oasis, a boutique garden design and landscape architecture company.

Cost: $5 per session

Steps for Starting a 501(c) (3) - Basic Overview

Learn the basic steps for starting a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. Acquire practical information about mission/vision, board of directors, bylaws, realistic funding expectations and the process for Florida state incorporation and federal government tax-exempt status. Pre-paid registration must be received June 6.

Date/Time: Monday, June 10, 5-7 p.m.

Location: Library Community Room

Facilitator: Brian Henties, Program Manager, Philanthropy & Nonprofit Leadership Center

Cost: $30 per person

 Register now 

Cutting Edge Consciousness Series - Let Go Of Guilt

We all have a part of us that generates guilt, whether it is real or not. In truth, this part wants us to feel good, to experience a positive emotional state - but it doesn't know how to get us there. This guided meditation will take you there! You will also receive a trigger to help you access this gift at any time, in any place. You need never feel guilty again!

For details visit http://www.dianeross.com.

Date/Time: Tuesday, June 11, 7 p.m.

Location: Library Community Room

Facilitator: Diane Ross, MA, Certified Hypnotist, Master Practitioner NLP and author of Meditations for Miracles

Cost: Institute members $12; nonmembers $15

CineMagic: Life, Above All    

The film explores a touching mother-daughter relationship that reflects modern South Africa, through an emotional and universal drama about a young girl who fights the fear and shame that have poisoned her community.

Date/Time: Friday, June 21, 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:20 p.m., movie short at 6:30 p.m.)

Location: Library Community Room

Facilitators: Jeff Johnson, film aficionado and guest Dyana Williams, The Guardian

Cost: Institute members free; nonmembers $5; 55+ $3; Rollins Students free with valid ID