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The web page is updated on a regular basis. Please check for any changes or additions.
FALL REGISTRATION BEGINS
Sept 3, walk-in only
Sept 4 until classes begin
phone or walk-in
M-TH: 8:00-4:00,
F: 8:00-3:30
WHILE THE ANNUAL CATALOG HAS ALL DESCRIPTIONS FOR THE YEAR, ONLY THE FALL 2008 CLASS DESCRIPTIONS ARE CURRENTLY LISTED ON THE WEB SITE.
2008-2009 Brochure Cover by ACEC Instructor
Lois Carson |
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ANTAKI, Rachel was born in Egypt and followed her formal schooling in a French school earning her "Baccalaureat Francais" before getting married and moving to Bolivia. She spent 30 years teaching at the American School and traveling all over South America. Rachel earned a BS in Spanish and French and an MS in school administration. She has taught in London, Tanzania and Northern Cyprus where she helped open a campus for NE University of Washington, D.C. Rachel is fluent in English, Spanish and French and enjoys teaching the language and culture of France and Spanish speaking countries for ACEC since 2002. |
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BARTON, Linda has been working with digital cameras and photo taking and printingsince the early 90's. She has taught all ages from two to eighty and beyond. Her classes are, easy and fun, with no high tech talk. Linda took her first class (ceramics) with ACEC in 1974 and has been a student ever since. She has taught ceramics for over 35 years, and for the past 25 years has been a crossing guard for the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Department. Linda has been teaching classes for ACEC since 2006. |
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BEAR, Joanna has been involved with the Handicrafts Class since 1988. She was a volunteer for eight years before becoming a co-teacher for this class. Joanna introduced basket weaving to the class in 1992 and has continued to teach basket weaving since then.
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BELL, Tammi is an ASE Certified Automotive Technician who has many years of professional experience in car repair. She taught for ACEC since 2000. Tammi left ACEC in 2006 to pursue her nursing studies. She has since earned a BS and is currently working on her Master’s Degree |
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BERGER, Doug worked with the Sarasota County School Board for the past three years. Currently, he is supervisor in the Professional Development Department and supports training for approximately 2,500 employees. Doug has worked in several industries that include banking and senior care. Most recently, before joing the School Board, he was the Director of Education for the Gulf Coast Alzheimer's Association. |
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BLUEGLASS, Alice has been an elementary school teacher, and a 16-year principal of a twice award winning school in suburban New York. She has taught professional educators about effective teaching methods and ways to build a learning community. Alice has a BA from Brooklyn College, a Master's Degree and Advanced Study Certificate in Educational Leadership from State University at New Paltz. Alice likes to read, garden, bike, travel, attend her book club and work for the local Habitat for Humanity. She is also involved with the mentor-mentee program of the Sarasota School District. |
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BOEHMKE, Carol is a graduate of Inver Hills College. She has pursued her passion for art and art history for over 40 years. Carol is a frequent lecturer at local libraries and makes numerous trips abroad to increase her knowledge. She has been a well-regarded teacher with ACEC since 2002. |
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BRADBURN KELLER, Faith is a traditional realism artist who enjoys painting Florida's wildlife, flora and fauna and is a graduate of the Ringling College of Art and Design with a BFA. Faith's art reflects here interest in nature, it's textures, forms and unique lighting. She also worked for many years at Mote Marine Laboratory and brings that background into the classroom. |
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CAMPOS, Leona currently serves as Director of Information Technology for Sarasota County Schools. With over 20 years experience in technology, she is a self-proclaimed BlackBerry junkie, knowing all the ins and outs of this powerful device. She has also taught math at the high school level. |
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CAPUANO, Mary Kay has a BS from Georgetown University and a MS from the University of St. Francis. As owner of Italy by Design, she is a travel consultant that works with clients to arrange their own trips to Italy, assisting with itinerary planning, transportation, lodging, and arranging for special events such as wine tours and cooking classes. She writes travel articles, has been a tour group leader, and traveled extensively in Italy. |
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CARSON, Lois has been teaching for ACEC for five years. Her concentration has been watercolor, as it allows her the freedom to capture the feeling of southwest Florida nature. |
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CHEF MEL is the personable head chef at the Whole Foods Market in Sarasota. She learned her skills by working at various restaurants in her native London. She has been with Whole Foods for over seven years. |
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CLEMENTIS, Bob is a respected former foreign policy analyst with NATO and the US military. He was an instructor for the Department of Defense and an instructor on location in the newly joined former Warsaw Pact states. He holds a BA from St. Joseph's College and a MA from John Carroll University in International Relations/History. |
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CONNERS, Ron has recently retired after running the nation’s telephone numbering system for 15 years. Prior to that he spent 25 years in software development, including course development and teaching. Ron has a BS in physics, a MS in electrical engineering, and completed coursework for a doctorate in computer science. <<More >> |
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COSTELLO, Kevin is an honors graduate of Goldsmiths College, London University, and Chelsea School of Art. He is an artist, writer, critic, lecturer, former State School Program Manager at the Ringling Museum of Art, and a member of the City of Sarasota Public Art Committee. |
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CROWE, William has a BS in Mathematics Education from University of California, PA. He also has IBM certified course work from George Washington University, Dale Carnegie, and WIN Institute to name a few. He has taught computer related classes at New Horizons, Community College of Vermont, and Saint Michaels College in Vermont. Bil's passion for teaching is obvious in the classroom. His favorite expression is, “No learning takes place unless there is a transfer of knowledge.” From what students say, there is a lot of learning that occurs in his classes. .<< More>> |
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DAVIDSON, Hildegard was born and educated in Konigsberg, East Prussia, Germany. She earned her BA Degree from Southern Illinois University and graduated with Honors. All levels of German were taught by Frau Davidson at Riverview High School for 15 years. More recently, she taught at the Sarasota Military Academy. Presently, all levels of German – from I through Advanced – are being taught by Frau Davidson. She has been associated with ACEC since 1986. |
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DENNIS, Julia has been teaching meditation since 1995. She is a certified RoHun Therapist and Holistic Counselor whose own healing journey led her to discover meditation. Knowing that meditation is vital for self-knowledge and self-esteem, she teaches classes in various methods of meditation, and incorporates it into all aspects of her work. Julia's passion for helping people know and love themselves led her to develop practices in George, New York (where she authored a monthly column in "Inner Realm Magazine"), and Florida. She also works by phone with people from all over the country. |
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DERFLER, Steven PhD is an international educational consultant, public speaker, archaeologist, historian, researcher, teacher, and writer. He has been uncovering the histories of Ancient Civilizations for 35 years. Tracing the development of western religions from their roots in the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean countries, Dr. Derfler brings insight to current political and social events, bridging the past with the future to promote greater understanding between people from different faiths and walks of life. |
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DeSANTIS, Lou & Lisa are members of the USA and London Imperial Society Teachers of Dancing and National Council of Dance Teachers. They have taught dance to thousands of students. In addition to teaching for ACEC for many years, they have owned and operated their own dance studios. |
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DIENER, Doris is a seasoned educator of all ages in and outside the classroom. She enjoys sharing her life-long love of creating with fabric which has been a form of practical and artistic expression for her since her youth. Doris enjoys assisting others in learning the necessary skills to successfully create the projects of their choice. Her experience includes garment-making, quilt-piecing and design, and home décor projects. She holds a BA in Education from Goshen College and is currently pursuing her MA. |
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DOWNIE, Cheri attended Northwestern University and is a native of Chicago. Her "Rag Bags" have been featured and sold in small trendy boutiqes throughout Sarasota. Cheri has taught this simple knitting technique since she came to Florida in the early 90's.. She works full time as a fundraiser for a small non-profit and is a drummer in a band in her spare time. |
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ETSINGER, Jean has been an editor with the Chicago Tribune, Associated Press and Miami Herald. Before moving to Sarasota in 2000, she lived in the Virgin Islands, where she edited business, tourism and arts publications. She was for five years senior editor of the online Virgin Islands Source, named by the Online News Association in 2002 as one of the nation's four best small, independent Internet newspapers. A graduate of The University of Texas and The Ohio State University, she has taught journalism at OSU, Northwestern University, the University of Miami and the University of the Virgin Islands. |
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EVANS, James received a BFA from Ringling College of Art & Design, and consecutively an MFA from Montclair State University, both in the field of studio sculpture. When not engaged in sculpture and in addition to ACEC, James supports himself as a residential contractor. He is proficient in Adobe CS products (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, light room, etc.) and is certified in welding and small engine repair. James teaches a number of classes for ACEC each semester including faux finishing, Basic Drawing, Small Engine Repair, Pass the Popcorn (a discussion in film), I’m Looking at What (an art discussion), Digital Photography, Intermediate, and Making Panels & Frames for painters. |
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FEHILY, Michael has his BA in Spanish from Catholic University of America and his MA in Spanish from Ohio State University. He lived in Mexico City for three years as an insurance company interpreter and has taught every educational level from 4th grade through college. He currently teaches Survival Business Spanish for the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce and the Sarasota Memoral Hospital. Michael recently won The 2008 Sarasota Chamber of Commerce Frank Berlin Award for Diversity Visionary Small Business of the year. |
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FINEGOLD, Mary Mary has a BA from University of Hawaii, and a MA from Westminster College, Utah. She has taught dance for 36 years in public schools in California, Hawaii, Utah and Florida at the elementary, high school, and adult levels. Her dance experience stems from ballet, jazz, modern, and folk disciplines performing with the Marie Stinnett Dancers in California, Virginia Tanner Dance Company in Utah, and locally with the Babiak Folk Dance Ensemble. Mary's approach to teaching dance begins with the rhythmic experience one feels when listening to music. She teaches Line and Circle dancing, Latin Rhythms and Israeli Folk dancing. Dance brings pleasure through movement and music while using the body and mind. Her philosophy is "Dance is for everyone."
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FINSTAD, Patricia has a BA in psychology from Cornell and has studied and practiced many forms of healing and movement, including Reiki, MariEl, meditation, yoga, dance, drumming, qigong, and Tai Chi. She continues to explore new modalities that she can draw on in her teaching. As a Certified Instructor of T'ai Chi Chih she teaches privately and for various organizations. In 2005 she joined ACEC where she teaches T'ai Chi Chih - 'Joy Thru Movement' - to all ages and fitness levels. Her students learn how to quickly de-stress by doing these slow, gentle movements with a relaxed body and focused mind, thus developing a valuable tool to use throughout life. |
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FORTNER, Heather graduated from the University of Hawaii in 1978 with a love for the sea and nature. While at the UH, she researched and wrote a book on the edible seaweeds of Hawaii, and learned the Japanese technique of fish printing. She spent her working career first as a fisherman, then as an officer in the Merchant Marines, expressing her love for nature by making gyotaku in ports around the world. She has retired to Sarasota where she continues this passion by teaching about fish and nature printing, and the uses of seaweed. Some of her gyotaku have recently appeared in books in the US, Germany, and a Japan. |
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FOX, Michael earned his BS in Architecture at the University of Cincinnati. He has been a senior framer for Michaels Arts & Crafts, with 12 years of experience. Michael comes to ACEC highly recommended by Sid Goldberg, who retired September 2007. |
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FRANCICA, Dominick earned his BA from Fairleigh Dickinson University, New Jersey and an MBA from Baruch College, New York. He has taught yoga, beginning and intermediate levels, all age groups, for seven years, and has over 15 years experience as a yoga practioner. |
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FRANK, Eva is a native of France and an enthusiastic teacher of the language. She has extensively taught all levels of the language, from the elementary school to the university classes. Eva has had a dual career, as a teacher and as a travel agent, and has used her language skill in many areas. Her educational background includes a BSeD in French and English, a Master's Degree in French literature, and a Diplome fromt he Sorbonne. |
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FRICK, Sandy is a working artist who creates ceramic/mixed media sculptures. With a Bachelor's degree in art education and a Master's degree in ceramics, she taught art pre-k to college level in the midwest, and 23 years teaching students with special needs. In addition to teaching and creating art work, she also co-founded and ran a fine arts gallery. Sandy is an avid gardener, completed the master gardener program for Sarasota County and is registered with the American Horticulture Therapy Association. She advocates creating art and working with plants as great therapy in stress management. << More>> |
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FRIED, Dr. Dennis. has had careers ranging from physicist to philosophy professor. In 1999 he started Eiffel Press to publish his own humor books, which have sold very well in the national market. He and his author-dog, Genevieve, have toured the country extensively, done dozens of TV interviews, and have appeared in such publications as the Boston Globe, Time magazine, Dog World magazine, and the Miami Herald. Genevieve's first book has recently been purchased by Simon & Schuster; it will be revised and repackaged with a new title (Small Dog, Big Life: A Memoir) and appear in Spring 2009. |
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GALFORD, Greg has been diving for 30 years and is currently a PADI Instructor Development Course staff instructor. He can instruct in several specialties, including Wreck Diving, Enriched Air Diving, Deep Diver, Dry Suit Diver, Boat Diver, Drift Diver, Underwater Naturalist, Underwate Navigator, Digital Underwater Photographer, Night Diver, Fish ID and Search & Recover Diver. Greg has travelled to numerous dive locations around the word; his favorite type of diving is Night and Wreck diving. He is also a ScubaPro Certified Equipment Technician and PADI Emergency First Responder Instructor Trainer. |
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GEBHARDT, Miriam is from Rome where she received the Diploma Magistrale, a teacher’s diploma. She attended the Interpreter’s School in Geneva, Switzerland for two years. As a third language was required to become an Interpreter at the UN, Miriam spend nine months in England where she received a Proficinecy Certificate in English from Cambridge University. She spent six months in Paris, then came to New York to continue her studies. Miriam received a BS and a Master’s Degree in French literature from Columbia University. She taught French at private schools in St. Louis, and Italian at the Berlitz School of Languages and Washington University College for two years. |
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GINGERICH, Debra completed her undergraduate studies at Eastern Mennonite University and recieved a Master of Fine Arts in Writing from Vermont College. Her poems and essays have appeared in The Mochila Review, MARGIE: The American Journal of Poetry, Whiskey Island Magazine, The Writer's Chronicle, and others. Her collection of poems Where We Start has been published by Cascadia Publishing House. She works as a public relations coordinator for Tide Well Hospice and Palliative Care. |
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GODDARD, Leah has a BS in Education from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania. She has taught wood carving for over ten years and has authored her own book "Carving Natures Rascals: Wood Carving an Armadillo, Skunk, Mouse and Racoon." She has competed nationally and has won numerous awards as well as best show in the Artistry in Wood show. She has recently been filmed for the Wood Sculpting series for the DYI network.
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GONZALEZ, Susana was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina and is a trial lawyer and corporate leadership traineer by trade but lives to dance. She has been dancing since 2000 and has competed in ballroom and trained in Argentine tango since 2001. She is passionate about learning, teaching and spreading the cultural experience and passion that is close embrace Argentine tango. Susana contiunuoulsy travels to study tango and sponsors Argentine tano events on the local and national level. (www.MeetInTheMiddle2008.com) |
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GRAHAM, Dorothy was raised by deaf parents and learned signing at a very early age. She has interpreted in the deaf community for approximately 14 years at the elementary, middle, and high school levels and also at ACEC since 1992. |
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GREENSPAN, Alice, MS Healing Energy Practitioner, Chakra Balance Consultant has been in private practice for over 13 years. She is certified in Reiki, Therapeutic Touch and is an ABMP certified Professional Level Bodyworker. Alice has presented empowering workshops at several community centers in Sarasota, and has completed a book, Cancer, the Best Worst Thing, a Healing Journey. Having meditated for over 30 years, she teaches meditation and energy balance, has earned the title of Kriyaban, and is a devoted Kriya Yoga practioner. Her life’s mission is to help people rediscover their power system and live joyful, purposeful and healthy lives.
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HAMPSHIRE, Eileen was born and educated in England. After emigrating to Canada, she was actively involved in a second generation Oriental rug business. She holds a BFA in Art History from Concordia University, where her focus was on Art History of the Carpet Weaving Areas of the Ancient Near East. |
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HANSON, Julie has a BFA from Ringling School of Art & Design and has taught figure and portrait for ACEC since 1994. She has been a practicing artiist for many years and has received numerous awards for her work.She is exhibiting her work both locally and nationally. Here in Sarasota, her work can be seen at Art Uptown Gallery on Main Street. When she is not teaching, much of her time is spent on private commissioned work. |
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HESSER, Tracy has been an interpreter since 1978, and is currently employed as an interpreter at Ashton Elementary School. She has previously interpreted at the middle school and college levels. Tracy also works with student interns from interpreter pgroms in St. Pete and Tampa. She is a member of FRID (FL Register of interpreters for the Deaf), and participates in numerous professional development workshops annually. |
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HICKMAN, Brenda Lee has a BS degree in Education from Bowling Green State University, Ohio. She pursued a career in Retail Merchandising and Management for 33 years, with diverse experience ranging from department stores to haute couture to large discount stores as well as developed and opened a chain of office supply stores in the Chicago area. Brenda Lee has traveled 16 countries and most of the 50 United States. She was a student of Classroom on Wheels before taking its helm. |
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HOWARD, Ruth is an ACBL Certified bridge teacher and is a bridge life-master at the silver level. She has taught bridge for ACEC since 2001. She earned her BS degree from Columbia University. |
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JEYNES, Judy has two Masters Degrees and professional certification as a pilot ground school instructor. She is a licensed pilot with years of experience. Judy has received 15 wings awards and is a member of Aircraft Owners Pilot Association (AOPA). |
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KAMINSKY, Stuart, PhD taught screenwriting for 16 years at Northwestern University where he founded the program in creative writing for the media . He has credits on several produced movies including "Once Upon a Time in America", "A Woman in the Wind", "Enemy Territory", and "Hidden Fears". He has sold a total of eight screenplays to major producers. He has also worked as a television writer and was a staff writer on the recent Nero Wolfe Mysteries. Kaminsky has also written more than 70 published books, 40 short stories, and a book of poeetry. In addition to his many other awards, he was named a Grand Master of the Mystery Writers of America in 2006. |
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KATER, Victor is a native of Argentina and teaches several levels of Spanish for both ACEC and Senior Enrichment. He received his degree of Licenciado en Economia at the National University of Tucuman, Argentina, and did graduate work in economics at Washington University, St. Louis, MO under a Fulbright Scholarship. He owns a technical translation and international marketing services company in Venice, Florida. |
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KATSANIS, Sara is a graduate of the State University of New York with a degree in art and design and was a costumer for off-broadway productions in New York City. She has been a discussion leader for Great Books, Great Novels and the James Joyce Society in Sarasota, and has taught Edlerhostel and Adult Education courses in New York, Connecticut and Florida since the early 90's. |
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KATZ, Ishmael is a singer/songwriter who has performed and taught at the Florida Folk Festival, Lake County Folk Festival and Sarasota Folk Festivals, and locally at Fogartyville Cafe, Old Packinghouse, Arts Day and Selby Library. He currently teaches guitar at The Sarasota Military Academy and has taught for ACE since 1987. Ishmael currently teaches private music lessons on guitar, bass guitar, mandolin, banjo, dulcimore, ukelele, harmonica and voice. |
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KINGSBURY, Ann is a graduate of Holy Cross College and a former CPA and Corporate Vice President. She is a certified “Nia” brown belt instructor and a certified dance meditation teacher. |
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KOENIG, Karen, LCSW has spent over 25 years counseling and teaching those who struggle with food and weight issues. An expert in the psychology of eating, she been published in national magazines and lectures across the country on eating issues. She has authored two popular books, The Rules of "Normal" Eating-A Commonsense Approach for Dieters, Ovreaters, Undereaters, Emotional Eaters, and Everyone in Between and The Food and Feelings Workbook -A Full Course Meal on Emotional Health. She has a general therapy practice in Sarasota. |
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KOENIG, Peter Laszlo is a painter and conceptual artist who holds degrees from Harvard University, Cranbrook Academy of Art and the Massachusetts College of Art. A Fulbright scholar and MacDowell fellow, he has held administrative, teaching, and curatorial appointments at universities in Massachusetts, Utah, Rhode Island, Arkansas, and Australia. The author of over 300 articles on art for newspapers and magazines, and former Exhibition Director at Art Center Sarasota, Mr. Koenig is currently Curator of the Peter Paul Gallery, Sarasota. |
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KROLL, Rainer is an immigrant to the US from Germany. He received a BA and MA from the University of Florida, a PhD from Columbia University, specializing in Comparative Medieval Literature, and a JD from Pace University. He was an English professor at SUNY for 31 years. Rainer is also licensed to practice law in New York and Florida. Rainer serves on the ACEC Program Advisory Committee. |
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LACKTMAN, Leslie has taught photography at the university level and has extensive experience in the educational field. She holds a MFA in photography from the University of Wisconsin and has taught for ACEC since 1993. |
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LaHURD, Jeff has lived in Sarasota since 1950 and has written 10 books about the history of the community plus numerous magazine articles. A video he wrote, Sarasota: Landmarks of the Past won the award for Outstanding Contribution to Preservation in the field of Communication from the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation and was shown on th History Channel. He is a product of Sarasota schools, and received a BA in history and an MA in counseling from USF. Jeff is a former board member of the Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation, the Downtown Kiwanis Club, and a member of the Friedns of the Sarasota County History Center. |
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LASSALLE FOX, Randy is a local mosaic artist who has been creating mosaic art for the past 13 years. You can see her work in local galleries and shops on Pineapple Avenue and in the front entrance of Settimis Gelato on St. Armands. |
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LEE, Lily (Pei Tzu) is a native of Taiwan and holds a Master of General Education from University of Central Oklahoma. She is currently studying a doctoral degree in counseling psychology at Argosy University. She has been teaching Chinese for over two years. |
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LEVIN, Joan has a BS in Education from the University of Maryland plus has done graduate work at The Johns Hopkins University. She has worked in the field of wellness field since 1991. |
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LEWIS, Robert earned a BA in Architecture, Iowa State University and worked for Deere & Co. as an Architect. Both of Bob’s parents were weavers and spinners. Bob has been a weaver for over ten years, and will be assisted by volunteers from the Manasota Weavers Guild. |
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LISEO, Sebastiano was born and lived in Italy. He is an educator, counselor and author with a BS in English and an MA in Couseling from Central State University in Connecticut. He also holds an MALS from Wesleyan University. |
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LORD, Dr. Darcy received her Ph.D from Ohio State University in Somatic Education, which addresses the mind/body/spirit connection. She has worked as a consultant, teacher and speaker in the areas of practical spirituality, stress-reduction, meditation, and self-care for over 15 years. She is the Director of the I AM Healing Arts Center in Sarasota. Dr. Lord not only teaches these principles, she uses them to create more good in her own life. Darcy loves her work, and her joyfulness, enthusiasm and power to faciitate transformation are noted by those with whom she works. She has won prestigious teaching awards as a result of these and other qualities. |
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McNELLIS, Frank has a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education and a Master's in Counsellor Education. He has taught instrumental music, music theory, and music appreciation in Illinois as well as in Manatee and Sarasota counties. Frank has performed on woodwinds as well as on guitar in a variety of venues. |
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MANGIE, Evelyn is an archaeologist holding a Ph.D in Ancient History with minors in European Middle Ages, Pre Columbian Central America, and American History. She earned a Master's Degree in Ancient Near Eastern studies and an undergraduate degree in Anthropolgy.Evelyn studied in Egypt, Israel, Greece and Italy and has participated in archaeological excavations in Ashkelon and Sepphoris in Israel as well as several sites in the US. She has taught Ancient and American History for over 20 years, spending the last 12 years at the University of Florida, Tampa. Evelyn has traveled extensively throughout the US, Mexico, Europe and the Middle East. |
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MATTHEWS, Cathy received her BA in Practice of Fine Art from Brown University. She was exposed to the art of other cultures while living in Indonesia and the Netherlands. Cathy learned to knit in 1970 and has been designing her own knitted articles from the time she first learned knitting. She has experience with a large variety of knitting techniques and has been published in a knitting magazine. |
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MEISSNER, Eric has an extensive background in multi-culturalism. Raised in Brazil he earned a BA degree in Japanese Studies from Colgate University, NY and was awarded a scholarship by the Japanese Ministry of Education to pursue studies at Osaka University. He completed a MA degree in Southeast Asian Studies at the National University of Singapore, then did research at the university’s Dept of Sociology in Indonesia. Eric has taught at Booker Middle School and at the Universal Academy of Florida. He is an avid chess player and a member of the U.S. Chess Foundation, is teaching at the Gulf Gate after-school program, and has started a chess club at the Gulf Gate Library. Eric is listed in “Who’s Who Among American Teachers”, 2007 edition. |
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MELA, Evadne received her BA from Eckerd College. She has taught computers and creativity classes for Adult & Senior Enrichment since 2001. Evadne has an MA in gerontology and Reiki 2nd Degree. |
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MICHAEL, Theresa is a retired Sarasota County teacher with over 40 years of experience, most of which was in Sarasota. Theresa received her BS from Florida State University. She spent several years volunteering for the Handicrafts class prior to being hired as a co-instructor in 2001. |
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MOCZYDLOWER, Erika is a native Spanish speaker and holds a BA from the Universdad de Chile. She has taught Spanish for many years. One of the most sought after teachers in our program, Erika has taught for ACEC for numerous years.<< More>> |
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MOORE, Ann is a certified Tennis Professional (USPTR and USPTA) retired from full time teaching in New York where she was Tennis Director for the Three Village Tennis Club. Ann is very active as a player in Sarasota, plays on three teams, and competes in local, regional, national and international tennis tournamenets. She also travels once a year to Austria to direct the Friendship Cup and was a finalist in the European Championships in 2004, 2005 and 2006.
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MOORE, Gary was a senior vice president of Paine Webber before writing six books on the interactions between spirituality, ethics, political-economy, and personal finance. He has served on the boards of Sir John Templeton's foundation, Jack Kemp and Bill Bennett's think tank, Robert Schuller's Crystal Cathedral, and Messiah College. He speaks often to political, financial, and religious leaders around the world.
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MOORE, Dr. John holds a PhD in Archaeology and Biblical Studies. As adjunct professor of Aarchaeology and Biblical History at Trinity Southwest Universisty in Albuquereque, and also for the Jerusalem Center for Biblical Studies, he has toured and lectured extensively in Israel and Jordan. He is a lecturer at ACEC, the Senior Academy of USF, as well as local church and synagogue groups on subjects related to archaeology, the history of the Near East, and the Bible. In addition, he is Associate Director fo the Tai el-Hammam Archaeological Project currently starting in Jordan. |
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MORTIMER, David began teaching tennis 35 years ago when he initiated the Park District Tennis Program in Garden City, Michigan. He is a local USTA team captain and an avid tennis player. Dave has taught tennis for ACEC since 2005.
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NELSON, Chris is a Registered Nurse with a long time love of calligraphy. She is a founding member of the Coastal Calligraphy Guild in Sarasota and has taken various calligraphy classes for the past seven years. Chris participated in multiple workshops put on by internationally known calligraphers.
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OBERING, Bob has been involved with stained glass for over ten years and teaching ACEC classes since 2003. He has done numerous commission works along with having his creations on display at Venice Art Center, Art Center Manatee and Longboat Key Art Center. Bob studied with local and national glass artists and is certified to teach the Vicki Payne stained glass technique. He has the distinction of being the first to be nationally certified. He works in the copper foil method as well as the lead came method, and has specialized in three-dimensional creations. Bob has worked with glass fusing and is qualified to teach glass slumping, tacking and fusing. He has also done kiln forming and casting.
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PERKINS, Virginia holds a BA in business administration from Eckerd College and a MBA in marketing. She is currently employed in trust banking. Virginia began sewing and enjoying crafts when she was eight years old and has been quilting for several years. She has taught at the college level for over five years and looks forward to teaching at ACEC. |
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PERNA, Ralph attended Michigan State University and has been involved in the golf industry since 1985. He has been teaching golf to adults for 15 years.
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| PETRELLA, Capt Tony has 45 years fly fishing experience, and 30 years as a casting instructor. His innovative trout and saltwater fly patterns have been included in various books. He has been a frequent guest on talk radio, was the featured guide on the "Trout Hemingway" segment of the national TV series "A Taste of America with Marc DeCarlo." Tony has been a member of Trout Unlimited and the Federation of Fly Fishers for more then 30 years and is a Certified Casting instructor. |
PLACE, Beth aka Bethsheba Almah has a BA from the University of South Florida. She has been dancing and performing since age four. Her love of belly dance started when she graduated college and moved to Miami where she studied with Ms. Belly Dance of the Universe and Ms. World Belly Dance. Beth is a decorated and honored veteran of the Gulf War. |
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POWELL, Rollin received his BA from Shepherd University, and completed graduate studies at Bucknell University. He taught high school social studies in Maryland and was a private school administrator in Broward County, Florida He is retired from an administrative position with the Federal Bureau of Prisons and has been a real estate appraiser. |
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POWER SQUADRON CERTIFIED INSTRUCTORS are certified by the United States Power Squadron in accordance with NASBLA requirements. Instructors are certified by completing a program that is designed to demonstrate interactive teaching methods focused on adult learning. Candidates are required to prepare lesson plans and give four boating related presentations to their peers utilizing a variety of teaching aids and presentation skills. Upon successful completion of the course, instructors are qualified to teach or proctor at a squadron boating safety class. All certified instructors are recertified every three years to remain abreast of new technologies and techniques for presenting to adult audiences. |
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PRAGER, Phyllis has an extensive background in education, including many years teaching at the college and high school levels. She has an MA in education and history, and joined ACEC in 1999. Phyllis is a Silver Life Master in bridge and a member of the American Bridge Teachers Association. |
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RECKKER, Fred holds an MA from California State University and held a number of school administrative positions. Fred has taught calligraphy since 1985, and since 1998 for ACEC. He is the founding past-president of the Coastal Calligraphers Guild in Sarasota and an active member of international and national calligraphy guilds. |
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RINGERS, Mary Lou likes to think she has been an artist since the age of two when, to her parents’ dismay, she drew pumpkins on her bedroom walls. After receiving a BA from Molloy College, New York and a BS from Southampton College/LIU, she taught high school art on Long Island, New York for 32 years. It was the best of both worlds, allowing her to share her knowledge of art in the classroom and to paint and exhibit during the summers. Having retired to Sarasota, she thoroughly enjoys teaching for ACEC since 2002. << More>> |
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ROBLES, Dr. Juan is a Professor Emeritus who taught for 20 years in the California State University system and is also an ordained minister. He holds multiple degrees earned with high honors. These include a Doctorate of Public Health, a School Nurse Credential, and an R.N. license in various states and in Florida. He taught a variety of courses on health, both of the individual and the community, such as: ethics in health care; the U.S. Health Care System and its functions (health care delivery, finance, insurance, and its work force); consumer health issues; adolescent health; use and abuse of substances; and alternative or complimentary medicine. He also did research in the areas of health care ethics, environmental health, substance use and abuse, mental health, and maintenance of wellness. |
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ROGERS, Betsy is a graduate of Penn State University with additional courses in her field from Purdue. She taught speech and hearing in the public schools before teaching lipreading with Adult and Community Ed. The course she teaches is designed for the beginner, intermediate, and advanced lipreader. The student not only learns the fundamentals of lipreading but gets to practice with others who might have different accents, different rates of speed, and different lip movements. The student also receives information about meetings which would be of interest to the Hard-of-Hearing. This course is not only helpful but it is fun. |
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RUBINSTEIN, Joan is a teacher of Music Appreciation and History, a performer, art historian and painter. She graduated from Syracuse University with a degree in Music and Violin Pedagogy. She taught Music History and Appreciation at the Philadelphia College of Performing Arts, and a number of other institutions in New York and New Jersey before moving to Sarasota. Joan has taught her very popular classes to ACEC students since 1995, and also for Brandeis University, National Women's Committee, private groups and Elderhostel. Joan's musical training, wide ranging interest and warm personality make her classes very special.. |
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SANDERS, Ron has a BFA from the Columbus College of Art & Design where he graduated with honors. Ron has taught workshops and classes to students and adults as well as through his award winning website: www.sanders-studios.com. His professional experience includes commercial illustration, graphic design and digital prepress, painting for limited edition prints, fine art exhibited in galleries and national juried shows throughout the US, and gallery management. Ron continues to produce illustration work through his agent in Chicago and his fine art work is exhibited through galleries in California, Florida, and the Virgin Islands. Ron’s paintings can be viewed online or at M Gallery of Fine Art on Palm Avenue. |
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SAUNTRY, Jeff has over 11 years of diving experience. His diving career began in the quarries of northern Virginia and coal fired power plant cooling lakes of West Virginia. His professional diving experience has included many of the world's top diving desitnations from Australia, California, the Shipwreck Graveyard of the Atlantic off the coast of North Carolina and most of the Caribbean. Jeff has been teaching both open water and specialty scuba diving classes since 2006. He is also a ScubaPro Certified Equipment Technian and PADI Emergency First Responder Instructor (child & adult CPR, AED and First Aid). |
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SCHMIDT, Lori is a One-Stroke Certified instructor (OSCI) taught by Donna Dewberry. She has an AFA (Associates of Fine Arts) and a BS in business management. Lori loves to paint and teach and joined ACEC in 2005. |
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SCOTECE, Dominic was born and educated in Italy and immigrated to the USA in 1962. After becoming a US citizen, he established his own travel agency serving travelers going to Italy and other places of the world for over 30 years. He currently is an instructor and facilitator teaching conversational Italian from basic grammar to advanced conversation.
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SOLINKO, Frank is a Florida Registered Landscape Architect with over 25 years of professional experience. He is also an avid dancer since 1999, and is passionate about dancing and teaching close embrace Argentine Tango. Frank continually travels to workshops and festivals to broaden his dancing and teaching abilities. He has performed at public and private gatherings since 2001. |
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SOPER, Bob holds a BA from University of Florida, and has over 25 years experience working with flowers. He is a certified Master Designer and has won many awards, including the Florida State and West Coast Designer of the Year titles. |
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TAYLOR, Sarah was born in Freeport, Bahamas to Haitian parents. She was rasied in Miami, Florida where bright colors, fast music, and flavorful food is often the order of the day. She graduated from Downtown Miami's premier Arts high school, New World School of the Arts, with a minor in Vocal Music (1994) and Florida International University with a BS in Physical Therapy (1999). Using everday items (bottle caps, tissue paper rolls, wrapping paper, etc.) that ordinarily would be thrown away, she creates dazzling work that reflects a life where bright, beautiful colors predominate and shine is a must. Her motto is "If you can glue, you can do!" |
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THOMAS, Nancy studied modern European history and did graduate work in Paris. She is a writer and former columnist, book reviewer for public radio, and creates the Adult Enrichment classes she teaches. |
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TORREY, Trisha is every patient’s advocate. She is a syndicated columnist, author, radio, talk show host and teaches a variety of workshops and seminars to help patients navigate the unwieldy and dysfunctional health care system. Learn more about her expertise at www.EveryPatientsAdvocate.com. She is the patient advocate for About.com. |
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TOSOLINI, Annamarie holds a BA in education from the University of Urbino. She was born, raised and educated in Treviso, Italy. She was a substitute teacher at the Shelton High School in Connecticut. Annamaria has taught Italian classes for ACEC since 2004. |
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UGUCCIONI, Leslieis a graduate of the Ringling School of Art & Design, where she taught for several years. She has been a professional artist and instructor for 30 years. She has taught a variety of painting and sculpture classes for ACEC since 1989. Leslie is a producing artist and has been exhibited throughout the state of Florida, including a bronze statue for UCF. |
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VAUGHN, Patrika is an author, ghostwriter, publisher, and agent. She is listed in Who’s Who in the 21 st Century. Patrika earned a BA at New College and has affiliations with the Author’s Guild, Book Publicists of San Diego, and the Associated Business Writers of America. |
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vON LUTZOW, Gay was born in Chicago, Il where she lived until adulthood. She received a BA from Principia College, majoring in secondary French and secondary education. She did graduate work in French at the University of Wisconsin and earned her MAEd. Gay has traveled extensively throughout the US, Canada, Mexico, Western Europe and England. She also worked in real estate, taught tennis, golf, and physical education (and aerobics), but primarily French. She has been French for ACEC since 2006. |
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WHITE, Colleen Fay is a Silversmith and Lapidary and creates unique adornment utilizing the metaphysical properties of stone and precious metals. She also works in PMC (Precious Metal Clay), dichroic glass, and enamels. Colleen is a member of the PMC Guild of America and is a certified PMC instructor. Her lifelong interest in jewelry arts began with beaded pieces in the 1970's and by the 1980's she began silversmithing and stone cutting. She draws on her Celtic heritage to create fantasy jewelry that "releases your inner goddess." Her works have been shown at various galleries, including but not limited to Isles of Avalon, Serenity Gardens, Sarasota, the Bay Area Renaissance Fair, Tampa and the Sarasota Medieval Fair. |
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WILLARD, Jim & Terry Jim has a BS in Hist ory, M.Ed and C.A.S. (Guidance) from the University of Maine, and spent 35 years teaching at the high school level in Maine. Terry holds a BA, MA, and CAS in French from the University of Maine and taught French for 35 years at the high school level in Maine. Jim & Terry write the Back to the Basics column for Ancestry magazine and have been teaching for ACEC since 1998. |
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WOLFE, Bob has a degree in Computer Science and has been teaching computer classes for ACEC and Senior Enrichment since 2003. . His sense of humor makes learning the computer a unique experience. Bob has also had a contracting business in the Sarasota area for several year. |
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ZIMMERMAN, Ron holds a Master’s Degree from Syracuse University and has been involved in technology training for the school district since 1984. He has taught computer classes for ACECsince 1988. |
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