Our Club is Unique!
Club Activities
There is something for everyone!
People with common interests come together to participate in numerous activities—currently numbering over forty. These activity groups are based on members’ interests and are primarily led, organized, and conducted by the members themselves. Most of our activities are interactive and participatory. Additionally, the Club’s management is also largely handled by the members.
The University Club of Winter Park is truly unique. We have not found a comparable organization, either nationally or globally, that offers such a wide array of activities—more than 1,000 per year—across such diverse fields, with a strong emphasis on intellectual pursuits.
Our meetings are held both during the daytime and in the evening. Below, you can find brief descriptions of all our activities and, in a separate section, this month’s Calendar of Events for specific dates and times.
Our various intellectual activities are open to the public. Per Club policy, non-members are encouraged to donate $5 for each event they attend.
Foreign Affairs
Playing Canasta
Social Lunch
Activities
Languages and Learning
Classic Books
An eclectic selection of tried-and-true works in all genres selected by attendees who read the selection and participate in discussions.
August's Book: The Picture of Dorian Gray. By: Oscar Wilde
Chair: Edward Korry
Meets Monthly: 2nd Tuesday at 10:00am
Next meeting: Thursday, August 14th at 10:00am
Fiction Books
An eclectic selection of fiction works in all genres selected by attendees who read the selection and participate in discussions.
August's Book: The Frozen River By: Ariel Lawhorn
Chair: Diana Secor
Meets Monthly: 3rd Thrusday at 1:30pm
Next meeting: Thursday, August 21st at 1:30pm
Historical Fiction Books
An eclectic selection of publications in all genres selected by attendees who read the selection and participate in discussions.
September's Book: A Thousand Splendid Suns. By: Khaled Hossein
Chair: Gayle Austin
Meets Monthly: 1st Tuesday at 10:30am
Next meeting: Tuesday, September 2nd at 10:30am
Nonfiction Books
An eclectic selection of real-story publications in all genres selected by attendees who read the selection and participate in discussions.
Book to read TBD
Chair: John Perry
Meets Monthly: 4th Monday at 1:30pm
Next meeting: Monday, August 25th at 1:30pm
Artificial Intelligence
Theory, Practice and the Latest Developments - Learn about the latest developments in generative AI with short lectures and demonstrations followed by group discussion.
Chair: Ralph Losey
CoChair: Joseph Davis
Meets Monthly: 2nd Monday at 6:00pm
Next meeting: Monday, August 11th at 6:00pm
Current Events
Weekly discussions on relevant issues in a roundtable format. Attendees may suggest topics in the news for group discussion. One of the liveliest activities of the Club- but PLEASE keep it cordial!
(Club and Zoom)
Chair: Judith Beck
CoChair: Steve Bertha
Meets Weekly: Wednesdays at 10:00am
Next meeting: Wednesday, August 13th at 10:00am
Economics for the Layperson
Want to know how the economy is REALLY doing overall? Matt lays it all out for you.
Chair: Matt Giles
Meets Monthly: 2nd Tuesday at 10:00am
Next meeting: Tuesday, August 12th at 10:00am
Foreign Affairs
The topic will be Chapter 8 of the Great Decisions Briefing Book: American Policy in the Middle East. The war in Gaza has brought the region to a crossroads. What are the possible outcomes of the war, and how might the US use its influence to shape a long-term settlement that leaves both Israel and the Palestinians in a better position? What are America’s interests in the Middle East and how can it advance them? A video will be shown.
Chair: Judith Beck
CoChair: Steve Bertha
Meets Monthly: 1st Thursday at 1:30pm
Next meeting: Thursday, September 4th at 1:30pm
Investment Discussion
An informal discussion of ideas and strategies for investing. We welcome novices and experts, and encourage people to share experiences or to just listen.
Chair: Terry Hyman
Meets Monthly: 3rd Tuesday at 10:00am
Next meeting: Tuesday, August 19th at 10:00am
Mental Health Fitness
Discussion of coping strategies, aptitudes, human development, and other topics relating to psychology. Often includes invited guest speakers.
Chair: Molly Losey
Meets Monthly: 2nd Thursday at 12:30pm
Next meeting: Thursday, August 14th at 12:30pm
Philosophy
Open discussion of various topics. Respect for all views. Bring topics and friends. All are welcome to attend.
Chair: Don Cain
Meets Twice a month: 1st and 3rd Tuesday at 10:00am
Next meeting: Tuesday, September 2nd at 10:00am
Technology Today
A discussion of emerging technological trends and how they impact today’s society.
Chair: Joseph Davis
Meets Monthly: 3rd Tueday at 6:00pm
Next meeting: Tuesday, August 19th at 6:00pm
French
Bimonthly meetings for individuals with basic French knowledge.
Chair: Maria Delose
Meets Twice a month: 1st and 3rd Monday3rd at 2:00pm
Next meeting: Monday, August 18th at 2:00pm
German Conversation
Discussion group for German speakers, covering general topics related to Germany, Europe, and the United States.
Chair: Dietmar Georg
CoChair: Gisela Davis
Meets Twice a month: 2nd and 4th Wednesdays at 1:00pm
Next meeting: Wednesday, August 13th at 1:00pm
Italian, Advanced Beginners
Everyone is welcome. Join us every Wednesday
Chair: Maria Versch
Meets Weekly: Wednesdays at 9:00am
Next meeting: Wednesday, August 13th at 9:00am
Italian, Conversational
Join this activity group for intermediate/advanced Italian. Meets every Wednesday in the Boardroom.
Chair: Maria Versch
Meets Weekly: Wednesdays at 11:15am
Next meeting: Wednesday, August 13th at 11:15am
Spanish - Advanced
Topics (discussed in Spanish) include recent civic events, historical episodes, and personal experiences.
Chair: Ovid Vitas
Meets Weekly: Fridays at 9:30am
Next meeting: Friday, August 15th at 9:30am
Spanish - Intermediate
Especially targeted for those wanting to improve their grammatical skills in a relaxed aca-demic setting. No tests or grades!
Chair: Jay Caballero
Meets Weekly: Fridays at 10:45am
Next meeting: Friday, August 15th at 10:45am
Armchair Travel
Presentations on travel experiences. NOTE: The class is on hiatus for Summer 2025; the next meeting will be in September.
Chair: Nancy Ponting
Meets Monthly: 2nd Wednesday at 2:30pm
Next meeting: Wednesday, September 10th at 2:30pm
Art and Exploration
This group has speakers and views videos related to art appreciation and art history with occasional scheduled tours.
Chair: Barbara Buchele
Meets Monthly: 3rd Thursday at 10:00am
Next meeting: Thursday, August 21st at 10:00am
Genealogy
Interested in family histories? Here is the place to pursue that interest.
Chair: Maggie Winter
Meets Monthly: 3rd Monday at 1:00pm
Next meeting: Monday, August 18th at 1:00pm
History Group
Chair: Sherry Levy
CoChair: Ovid Vitas
Meets Twice a month: 1st and 3rd Mondays at 10:00am
Next meeting: Monday, August 18th at 10:00am
Humanities
We are currently viewing (and discussing) a Great Courses offering called The History of Freedom.
Chair: Jeannie Schiff
CoChair: Preston Allen
Meets Monthly: 4th Tuesday at 10:00am
Next meeting: Tuesday, August 26th at 10:00am
Science, Health & Wellness
Lectures alternate between scientific theories, explanations and new discoveries.
Chair: Jeannie Schiff
CoChair: Preston Allen
Meets Monthly: 2nd Thursday at 2:00pm
Next meeting: Thursday, August 14th at 2:00pm
Documentary Cinema
Monthly documentary film screenings on various topics.
The Polio Crusade (2025). In the summer of 1950, more than 33,000 Americans were diagnosed with polio—half of them under the age of ten. The ensuing national campaign for a cure would provide breakthroughs in both science and philanthropy.
Chair: Steve Bertha
CoChair: Brad Baskin
Meets Last Monday of the month at 10:00am
Next meeting: Monday, August 25th at 10:00am
Film Discussion
August 28 2025
Witness for the Prosecution (1957). A veteran British barrister must defend his client in a murder trial that has surprise after surprise.
Screenings with discussions before and after.
Chair: Steve Bertha
CoChair: Brad Baskin
Meets Monthly: 4th Thursday at 4:30pm
Next meeting: Thursday, August 28th at 4:30pm
Matinee Movies
Chair: Don Cain
CoChair: Valerie McDougall
Meets Weekly: Tuesdays at 2:00pm
Next meeting: Tuesday, August 12th at 2:00pm
Opera Appreciation
Chair: Frank Paul Barber
Meets 1st Monday of the month at 10:00am
Next meeting: Thursday, September 4th at 10:00am
Backgammon
Tracing its origins back nearly 5,000 years to Mesopotamia and Persia, backgammon is a board game that combines skill, luck, and strategy. All skill levels and ages. Boards provided. Chair: Charles Corbin
Chair: Charles Corbin
Meets Monthly: 2nd Monday at 1:00pm
Next meeting: Monday, August 11th at 1:00pm
Bridge, Contract
Meets weekly. This is a casual, friendly group
Chair: Karen Norton
Meets Weekly: Tuedays at 12:30pm
Next meeting: Tuesday, August 12th at 12:30pm
Bridge, Social/Contract
Meets first and fourth Wednesdays. If you can attend, please email Alice Dexter the Friday before the first and fourth Wednesday at alicedexter10@gmail.com or call 407-252-5439.
Chair: Alice Dexter
Meets Twice a month: 1st & 4th Wednesdays at 1:00pm
Next meeting: Wednesday, August 27th at 1:00pm
Canasta
The traditional card game with friends.
Chair: Gayle Austin
CoChair: Kwang Kim
Meets Weekly: Wednesdays at 1:00pm
Next meeting: Wednesday, August 13th at 1:00pm
Chess Mates
Beginners of all ages are welcome! This is chess for FUN, and for all levels of play. Chess sets are available or bring your own. Contact the Chair to get on our email list.
Chair: Dennis Ardinger
Meets Weekly: Fridays at 12:30pm
Next meeting: Friday, August 15th at 12:30pm
Club Chorus
The next concert we are planning is Music from the Movies. Anyone is welcome to audition.
Chair: Don Cain
Meets Weekly: Thursdays at 2:00pm
Next meeting: Thursday, December 18th at 2:00pm
Club Library
Join our enthusiastic band of professional and amateur librarians who work together to maintain this important Club facility.
Chair: Barbara Buchele
Meets Weekly: Fridays at 11:00am
Next meeting: Friday, August 15th at 11:00am
Crafty Creations
Join the crafters for a gathering of ideas, fun, and creativity
Chair: Pat Curenton
Meets Weekly: Thrusdays at 1:00pm
Next meeting: Tuesday, August 12th at 1:00pm
Mahjong
A group meets each Monday to play Mahjong.
Chair: Collette Davis
CoChair: Bev Gabriel
Meets Weekly: Mondays at 1:00pm
Next meeting: Monday, August 11th at 1:00pm
Play Reading
No experience necessary. All are welcome to attend.
Chair: Lori Pearson-Wise
Meets Twice a month: 2nd and 3rd Wednesdays at 1:00pm
Next meeting: Monday, August 11th at 1:00pm
Scrabble
Join us for a fun time. All are welcome.
Chair: Christine Porter
Meets Monthly: 4th Thursday at 1:30pm
Next meeting: Thursday, August 14th at 1:30pm
Stretch and Balance
An opportunity to limber up!
Chair: Terri Callanan
Meets Every Monday and Friday at 9:00am
Next meeting: Monday, August 11th at 9:00am
Tai Chi
The ancient Chinese way to strengthen your body, improve your posture, and make everything move more smoothly. NOTE: The instructor for this one requests a small fee, either per class, or for a block of classes with a discount.
Chair: Christine Porter
Meets Weekly: Thursdays at 11:30am
Next meeting: Thursday, August 14th at 11:30am
Trivia4U
Join us for a fun evening. All are welcome!
Chair: Todd Weaver
Meets Monthly: 1st Wednesday at 7:00pm
Next meeting: Wednesday, September 3rd at 7:00pm
Lunches and Dinners
Join fellow members for casual dining experiences throughout the season.
Next Event: test luncheon — Friday, August 15th at 12:00am