Advanced Management - Mike Beilis

Advanced Management Seminars is an ongoing series of discussions about the management of changing infrastructures and their impact on society. The seminars examine the technologies, structures and policies of the infrastructures and features national resources, community leaders, and ASPEC members. It makes full utilization of telecom technologies to bring together an interaction between ASPEC members and the larger community. Higher education, electronic news media, Internet, healthcare, distance learning and others are continuing to be examined.

Applied Technology - Bob Stoffels

The purpose of the Applied Technology group is to produce "fruits" of the centuries of engineering and technical development. The group's first product was the construction of a single seat, Ultra Light, experimental airplane. After this success, the group joined students in the classroom to build an automobile. This was followed by a creative design of a sailboat. Each of the products was "built from scratch." The most recent project was a 23-foot covered launch built with oak, cedar, mahogany, and teak woods. It is an electric powered boat, was launched in 2006, and was presented to Eckerd College.

ASPEC Singers - Biffy Sherburne / Nancy Reed

The ASPEC Singers Interest Group is composed of mixed voices who enjoy singing music of many kinds. The group gives a concert in the spring, but meets weekly throughout the year for fun. A variety of music is included so that there is something for everyone - some members don't read music well; some have years of experience. Everyone is welcome - come make music with us.

Books and Ideas - Oz Scogna

At each session of the Books and Ideas Interest Group an ASPEC member reports personal reactions and impressions about a book, new or old. Maybe she/he loved the book and its ideas; maybe she/he hated it and wants to explain why. Selected books chosen express ideas and theories of general interest from a variety of fields: history, science, ethics, famous people, the future, society, values. Some of the selected books are nonfiction, some are fiction. Usually a strong idea or viewpoint is emphasized.

Computer - Joe Cortese / Steve Wiener / Clark Lambert 

The Computer Interest Group conducts demonstrations, lectures, discussions and instruction covering all aspects of home computer use for every level of experience, novice to expert. Lectures, demonstrations, group discussions and lab sessions are informal, friendly and non-intimidating. There is no "curriculum." Any subject, including hardware, software, word processing, applications, user problems and solutions is apt to be on the agenda. 

Contemporary Short  Story - Rosemary Yaco

The Contemporary Short Story Interest Group discusses selected excellent stories written from 1970 to 1985, found in The Vintage book of Contemporary American Short Stories, edited by Tobias Wolf, which is available at Amazon.com, other book sellers, and some libraries. From time to time the interest group leader provides mini-lectures and handouts on different ways to appreciate and analyze short stories. Members received handouts on seven methods used by readers and critics in the twentieth century. The recent thinking by critical community is that there are many good ways to interpret and understand a story. The group meets twice each month.

Current Events - Bob Stoffels

The Current Events Interest Group discusses, each week, the articles in the Perspective section of the Sunday St. Petersburg Times.  These articles range from ultra-liberal to ultra-conservative. The open discussion allows attendees to present their own “perspective” to the subject.

Dance to the Music of Time & Forsyte Saga - Rosemary Yaco

In September, 2006, the Dance to the Music of Time Interest Group will finish its careful study of the twelve - novel series by Anthony Powell which portrays the interwoven lives through time of a number of characters, most based on real people from Britain's privileged class and bohemia. The interest group was supplemented by the four part BBC production based on the series. In October, 2006, the group will start a study of the many novels in John Galsworthy's Forsyte series, and the groups name will change to the Forsyte Saga Interest Group. Despite Galsworthy's literary reputation and Nobel Prize, Powell mocked a character based on him in The Dance to the Music of Time. The group will notice the methods and achievements of the two authors with a similar aim. A BBC film production of the Galsworthy series will be shown. The group meets twice each month.

Der Stammtisch - Sue / Claude Corty

The goal of the Der Stammtisch Interest Group is to maintain and extend our vocabulary and fluency in the modern German of today. Discussion topics are brought up spontaneously according to the interests and experiences of the participants. Our weekly meetings are informal and are conducted 100% in German.

Discussing Differences On Line  - Ernie Mahaffey

This group explores the issues of unity and diversity within the U.S. and the world at large.  Culture, language, age, religion, gender, sexuality and diversity itself are examined.  Monthly participation is via e-mail and / or by leaving messages on the group's website.  Participants make brief statements, "contributions", on scheduled topics which are announced in the weekly Newsletter and monthly calendar.  Participants are especially encouraged to contribute from personal experience and to collect challenging new topics and source materials.  We encourage and appreciate DIVERSE contributions.

As an on-line discussion group, members participate whenever and from wherever they happen to be.  Thus, the group appeals to members who travel, seasonal members and those who have full daytime schedules.  The group also organizes presentations and other topical workshops, with the objective to meet face-to-face at least 3-4 times a year.  Click here to connect with the Group Web Site.   www.discussingdifferences.com

Español para Todos - Al and Blackie Sparzani

The purpose of the Espanol Para Todos Interest Group is to converse in Spanish in an informal and good humored manner in order to improve skills and fluency in this elegant language. The leaders will be happy to correct the grammar and pronunciation of those who desire. This is done one lunch hour a week, but can be practiced at any time. The topics are varied: our everyday lives, newspaper and magazine articles, books written in Spanish. The leaders of the group spoke Spanish as children or have lived many years in Spanish-speaking countries.

Food and Wine - Pat and Bob Sheldon,  Bob Shepherd, George Beckman and Jim Sweeny

Since ancient and biblical times, wine has served as man-kinds ceremonial and social beverage. In today’s society it also serves as a refreshing drink, but even more it serves as a drink with foods for new and intensified flavor. The Food and Wine Interest Group explores and samples various foods and wines.

Foreign Affairs Study Circle (See Study Circle)

Foreign Film Study - Eddy Burns

The Foreign Film Study Interest Group enlists Academy members to introduce and show the films, and to lead the discussion afterward. The group meets one evening each week at Lewis House. Films are chosen by the Interest Group leader, often drawing on suggestions of ASPEC members. We attempt to have one French film, one Italian film, and one Asian film each month, but we have also had films from Britain, Scandinavian countries, Canada, Iceland, Africa, Russia, Central Europe, and Arab countries. Films are chosen primarily for quality and entertainment value, but also for variety and for social, political, historical and cultural values.

Français à la Carte - Eddy Burns / Garry Fullerton

The purpose of Francais a la Carte Interest Group is to provide Academy members with the opportunity to converse informally in French in order that they may improve or maintain their fluency in the language. Conversations take place during the lunch hours. Participants are encouraged to bring a "brown bag" lunch. To facilitate participation, a conversation leader is designated for each session, and a topic is chosen. Leaders may provide, in advance, short articles or vocabulary relevant to the topic.

Great Decisions - Selden Campen

The Great Decisions Interest Group uses the study materials prepared by the Foreign Policy Association in New York ("FPA").  The FPA annually chooses eight discussion topics thought to be most salient to the foreign policy issues expected to confront the US in the year ahead.  The Great Decisions briefing book and DVD provide historical background, current U.S. policy and alternative policy options, informative maps and detailed graphs, and suggested additional readings and resources.  Guest speakers, usually Eckerd College International Relations and Political Science faculty members, are invited together with their students to provide an intergenerational learning environment in which the discussions are conducted.

Health - Michael Paglia

The Health Interest Group was organized to provide information and advancement of our knowledge about health promotion and disease prevention. It is stressed that no medical advice would be given and none should be expected. Specialists are contacted to present and discuss regular daily problems of aging, the role of faith in health, sleep disorders, dental problems, back pain, and cardiovascular exercises. The group also will focus on the advances in science and technology, as they unfold the mysteries of relationships between genetics and environment. The role of genomic, genetic manipulation, the ethical and moral aspect of these new modalities in health are some of the interesting topic discussions.

History - Bill Wilbur/ Bob McKee

The History Interest Group explores events, ideas, and lives of leading persons of the past. Led by professional historians, the group reads and discusses books chosen by the group to get to know the past and its meaning for us today. Each member of the group is expected to read the common chosen material for the day.

Improving Strategic Decisions - Maury Seldin

The Improving Strategic Decisions Interest Group offers an opportunity to participate in an intellectual effort that enables them to share their expertise in developing an interdisciplinary approach to interdisciplinary problems. In addition, the program is intended to inspire some strategic decision making that will in fact move up towards the development of a new age of enlightenment.

International Short Stories - Joe Cortese

At each session of the International Short Stories Interest Group members will facilitate a discussion of a selected story. The "weekly leader" will provide some background material on the author and the story and then utilize discussion questions to solicit input, reactions and impressions from the interest group participants, who would have also previously read the story.

Investments - Eric Rascoe / Yvonne Edmonds

The objective of the Investment Group is in prudent financial management. A substantial amount of financial expertise is available to the group through the varied experience of its participants. Discussion of investment alternatives takes place within a frame of reference including life-cycle planning, asset allocation, risk assessment and risk management. Also covered is discipline in holding to investment objectives, together with existing conditions in money and capital markets. Federal Reserve Policy and its effects on interest rates, the balancing of the federal budget and international accounts and the level and strength of corporate profits all receive appropriate attention. Participants range from novice to expert.

Joys of Yiddish - Rosalind Kent

For those who would like to refresh or extend your understanding of this old tongue which has roots in many other languages and is spoken throughout the world.  (Many words have crept into the English language.)  We'll also try to explore the culture of the language--history, music, theater, poetry, etc.  All who have any interest at all are welcome.

Laughing Matters - Mary Khosh / Eleanor Wolf

"Laughing Matters" is informative, therapeutic, and entertaining.  Laughter enjoyably exercises the heart, boosts the mood, and bonds people to one another.  We plan programs that are designed to support and maintain optimism and positive attitudes while exploring comedy over time and around the world. Humor is ever changing and everyone has their "funny bone" in a different place.  The programs primarily focus on seeing the funny side of everyday life and generating laughter.  We have laughed at the Three Stooges, Sid Cesar and Imogene Coca, and "Candid Camera" to name a few.  We have produced original skits, written our own jokes, and offered a holiday music program of silly seasonal songs.  Nothing is out of line for "Laughing Matters"!

Locus Focus - Susana Bouquet-Chester / Waltraut Nelson

Whatever captures your recollection about a location should be your presentation.  For example, last year a lady read a series of beautiful poems about the change of seasons in an Indiana town.  Another presentation described a physician's rewarding experiences as a country doctor. Another was a description of a "hidden lake" near the White House.  In short, whatever impressed you about a location should constitute your presentation.  The series continues in January 2007.

Members Showcase

The Members Showcase Interest Group is intended to provide a mechanism for learning more about ASPEC members. Members share details of their professions, avocations, hobbies, special interest and other facets of their lives.

Music - Garry Fullerton

The Music interest group combines informal discussions with illustrations from records and tapes. The group seeks to augment the listener's understanding and appreciation of music, thus enhancing the enjoyment of it. While the focus is mainly on classical music, programs occasionally deal with jazz and other music forms. Subjects may include the works of a single composer, the music of one country or region, or the career of a particular artist. Occasionally, there will be more specialized topics such as the musical history of the mass, or the use of the saxophone in symphonic music.

Philosophy - Naomi Block / Don Sherburne

The Philosophy Interest Group is conducted for those who desire to probe the meaning of life, and to learn how thinkers arrive at such meaning. The background required is the willingness to complete suggested readings prior to each meeting. Books, selected by the leaders and participants, are required. No special competencies are necessary except for the desire to enter into discussion and to struggle for meaning in life. The subjects covered in past meetings have included post-modernism, William James, Descartes, John Dewey, and Isaiah Berlin.

Play Reading - Rhee Lyon

The Play Reading Interest Group reads plays without rehearsal: old, new, classic, avant garde, tragedies, melodrama, comedies and mysteries. The mix reflects the interests of our participants, who take turns leading. In addition, each play is put in context; we learn about the playwrights and take time to discuss our reactions to the material.

Poetry - Ellen Hersh / Curt Hinckley

Participants in the Poetry interest group meet bi-weekly to read and discuss an immense variety of poems. Participants present their own creative efforts, or present a poet and her/his poems on a particular theme. Periodically recognized poets or students from Eckerd's Creative Writing Program share their works. Selections used may be old favorites, the works of Nobelists, Pulitzers, Laureates, or poems in translation.

Readers' Theater - Joyce Belmont

The Readers' Theater Interest Group appeals to those who enjoy reading and listening to plays, much like the run-through of a play by the cast at an advanced rehearsal. No special talent or memory work is required. The plays are either one-act or full length plays condensed by the producer. The group normally meets in the evening.

Religions and Faiths - Stan Reimer / Stan Chesnut

ASPEC members who attend the Religions and Faiths Interest Group are among a congenial group of persons interested in the many aspects of the world's religions. No special competencies are required to participate other than an interest in religion, but readings of books and other materials from time to time is encouraged. Like all Academy groups, Religions and Faiths is member-led, and participants are invited to present relevant material for study and discussion. Sessions may include audio-visuals, guest lecturers, and are always free and always open discussion.

St. Pete Challenges

Many ASPEC members are new to St. Petersburg. . The St. Pete Challenges Interest Group provides the opportunity to become informed about a wide range of issues and challenges faced by the St. Petersburg community. Members also learn about history, culture and resources within Pinellas County. Guest speakers are invited to lead the discussions and provide information concerning volunteer opportunities. Topics may include education, non-profit agencies serving the community, the arts, the challenges of mid-town development, etc. Participants often become involved in issues of personal interest and concern. Monthly meetings are scheduled from October through May

Science and Society - Ray Cooper / Bob Sheldon / Brian Southworth / Jim Sweeny

The Science and Society Interest Group explores the impact of science and technology on our culture. By participating in lectures and discussions, each individual may gain an understanding of the results of scientific development so that better decisions can be made about the future of our society. No reading is required; however, suggestions are made for outside reading to enhance understanding in the wide range of topics. Recent subjects included "The Nuclear Reactors," "Fuel Cells," "Food Additives," "Superconductivity," and many other areas of science that impact society.

SomeTIMES Science and Sometimes Not - Pat Strong

The SomeTIMES Science and Sometimes Not Interest Group uses the Tuesday N.Y. Times science section as the take off point for discussion. Other articles and reading material (distributed by e-mail) may be selected by moderators, who come from the group itself.

Studio Art - Myrna Allshouse and Julia Newell 

Studio Art is the hands on dimension of the Visual Arts interest group. Academy members learn the techniques of creating works of art through drawing, painting, mixed media, and imaginative experiments. No previous knowledge or experience is necessary to join the group. Those who have had previous experience will find they can enhance their artistic ability with new points of view. Special workshops may be offered.

Study Circle - Bob Shepherd

Study Circle is patterned after the internationally known discussion group of the same name. Academy members meet weekly to discuss controversial domestic and international, political and social issues. Participants are required to read appropriate material prior to each meeting. Material is drawn from various sources, but the primary text used is the bi-monthly magazine Foreign Affairs.

Taoist Tai Chi - Seena Baker

Meditation in MotionThe 108 movements of the Taoist Tai Chi set gradually and gently work to strengthen and stretch the muscles of the body, increase circulation of blood and oxygen, while improving balance,decreasing fatigue, and developing endurance. The group meets twice weekly and offers individual instruction time for new members.

Travel Sharing - Larry Green

From the Near East to the Far East, from the deserts of Africa and Asia to the icy wastes of Antarctica, from the sweltering interiors of Australia to the sweltering jungles of Southeast Asia, from the islands of the Caribbean to the islands of the South Pacific, ASPEC members have traveled to all the Earth's continents and oceans. They have traveled by plane and ship, rail and balloon, car and dogsled. The Travel Sharing Interest Group gives ASPEC members the opportunity to share these adventures and learning experiences, and to pass on lots of good travel tips.

Visual Arts - Ann Rascoe

The Visual Arts Interest Group has 4 components:(1) Education about art history, artistic techniques, specific artists and current exhibits. (2) Responsibility for exhibits at Lewis House. (3) Hands-on workshops in various visual arts and crafts techniques. (4) Trips to art museums, galleries and studios. The group is participatory, with attendees presenting, planning, and sharing. This ongoing interest group meets three times a month in the winter season, and occasionally there are guest speakers.

WOMENSPEAK - Eleanor Wolf / Linda Reimer

Participants in the Womenspeak Interest Group discuss gender related issues and subjects from a woman's point of view.  An informal atmosphere is maintained, and occasionally there are guest speakers.

World Classics - Joe Cortese / Len Block

This interest group will explore in depth important written works whose longevity continued use and impact classify them as world classics. This would include not only literary masterpieces, but also influential works in other areas such as religion, science, economics, etc. Each major work will require at least three months of critical exploration and study to complete. Each participant on a rotational basis, will be expected to lead the group in its reading and analysis.

Writers Workshop - Mary Johnson

The purpose of the Writers Workshop Interest Group is to offer encouragement and help to authors who are writing for publication, and to provide a forum for review and helpful criticism. Academy authors are currently writing history, biography, poetry, fiction, memoirs, philosophy, technology, and other documents. A goal is publishing books and journal articles.