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
Chair: Edward Korry
Meets Monthly: 2nd Tuesday at 10:00am
Next meeting: Thursday, June 12th at 10:00am
Fiction Books
The new book selection is James, by Percival Everett. P. 320. James is funny, hor- rifying, brilliant and riveting. Reimagine the Adventures of Huckelberry Finn from the perspective of Jim… a masterpiece that will help redefine the classics of American literature. We meet the 3rd Thursday of the month.
Chair: Diana Secor
Meets Monthly: 3rd Thrusday at 1:30pm
Next meeting: Thursday, June 19th at 1:30pm
Historical Fiction Books
Chair: Mrs. Gayle Austin
Meets Monthly: 1st Tuesday at 10:30am
Next meeting: Tuesday, June 3rd 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.
June's book: The Hamilton Scheme: An Epic Tale of Money and Power in the American Founding, by William Hogeland
Chair: John Perry
Meets Monthly: 4th Monday at 1:30pm
Next meeting: Monday, June 23rd 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
Meets Monthly: 2nd Monday at 6:00pm
Next meeting: Monday, June 9th at 6:00pm
Current Events
(Club and Zoom)
Chair: Judith Beck
Meets Weekly: Wednesdays at 10:00am
Next meeting: Wednesday, June 4th at 10:00am
Economics for the Layperson
(Club and Zoom)
Chair: Matt Giles
Meets Monthly: 2nd Tuesday at 10:00am
Next meeting: Tuesday, June 10th at 10:00am
Foreign Affairs
A monthly program designed to encourage discussion and debate in global challenges of our times. Syllabus based on the Great Decisions briefing book published by the Foreign Policy Association.
Chair: Judith Beck
Meets Monthly: 1st Thursday at 1:30pm
Next meeting: Thursday, June 5th 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, June 17th at 10:00am
Philosophy
Open discussion of various topics. Respect for all views. Bring topics and friends. All are welcome to attend.
Chair: Mr. Don Cain
Meets Twice a month: 1st and 3rd Tuesday at 10:00am
Next meeting: Tuesday, June 3rd at 10:00am
Technology Today
Chair: Joseph Davis
Meets Monthly: 3rd Tueday at 6:00pm
Next meeting: Tuesday, June 17th at 6:00pm
French
Chair: Maria Delose
Meets Twice a month: 1st and 3rd Monday3rd at 2:00pm
Next meeting: Monday, June 16th at 2:00pm
German Conversation
Chair: Dietmar Georg
Meets Twice a month: 2nd and 4th Wednesdays at 1:00pm
Next meeting: Wednesday, June 11th 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, June 4th 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, June 4th at 11:15am
Spanish - Advanced
Topics (discussed in Spanish) include recent civic events, historical episodes, and personal experiences.
Chair: Dr. Ovid Vitas
Meets Weekly: Fridays at 9:30am
Next meeting: Friday, June 6th 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, June 6th at 10:45am
Armchair Travel
Chair: Nancy Ponting
Meets Monthly: 2nd Wednesday at 2:30pm
Next meeting: Wednesday, June 11th 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, June 19th at 10:00am
Genealogy
Chair: Mrs. Maggie Winter
Meets Monthly: 3rd Monday at 1:00pm
Next meeting: Monday, June 16th at 1:00pm
History Group
Chair: Sherry Levy
Meets Twice a month: 1st and 3rd Mondays at 10:00am
Next meeting: Monday, June 2nd at 10:00am
Humanities
Chair: Jeannie Schiff
Meets Monthly: 4th Tuesday at 10:00am
Next meeting: Tuesday, June 24th at 10:00am
Science, Health & Wellness
Chair: Jeannie Schiff
Meets Monthly: 2nd Thursday at 2:00pm
Next meeting: Thursday, June 12th at 2:00pm
Documentary Cinema
June 23, 2025. Above and Beyond (2014). A group of Jewish American war pilots smuggle planes out of the U.S. and fly for Israel in its War of Independence.
Chair: Steve Bertha
Meets Last Monday of the month at 10:00am
Next meeting: Monday, June 23rd at 10:00am
Film Discussion
Chair: Steve Bertha
Meets Monthly: 4th Thursday at 7:00pm
Next meeting: Thursday, June 26th at 7:00pm
Matinee Movies
Chair: Mr. Don Cain
Meets Weekly: Tuesdays at 2:00pm
Next meeting: Tuesday, June 3rd at 2:00pm
Opera Appreciation
Chair: Mr. Frank Paul Barber
Meets 1st Monday of the month at 10:00am
Next meeting: Thursday, June 5th 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, June 9th 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, June 3rd 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: Ms. Alice Dexter
Meets Twice a month: 1st & 4th Wednesdays at 1:00pm
Next meeting: Wednesday, June 4th at 1:00pm
Canasta
Chair: Mrs. Gayle Austin
Meets Weekly: Wednesdays at 1:00pm
Next meeting: Wednesday, June 4th 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, June 6th at 12:30pm
Club Chorus
Join the chorus as we begin a new season.. Preparing for a concert on May 2nd. We will be singing American Folk Music. No experience necessary. Come see what all the FUN’s about!
Rehearsals weekly in spring and fall. No experience required.
Chair: Mr. Don Cain
Meets Weekly: Thursdays at 2:00pm
Next meeting: Thursday, December 18th at 2:00pm
Club Library
Chair: Barbara Buchele
Meets Weekly: Fridays at 11:00am
Next meeting: Friday, June 6th at 11:00am
Crafty Creations
Join the crafters for a gathering of ideas, fun, and creativity
Chair: Ms. Pat Curenton
Meets Weekly: Thrusdays at 1:00pm
Next meeting: Tuesday, June 3rd at 1:00pm
Jeopardy
Using software to replicate the fabled TV show, Club member Paul Breines will act as MC and host our Jeopardy game. Please bring a cellphone to participate.
Chair: Paul Breines
Meets Monthly: 3rd Wednesday at 11:30am
Next meeting: Wednesday, June 18th at 11:30am
Mahjong
Chair: Collette Davis
Meets Weekly: Mondays at 1:00pm
Next meeting: Monday, December 22nd at 1:00pm
Mental Health Fitness
Chair: Molly Losey
Meets Monthly: 2nd Thursday at 12:30pm
Next meeting: Thursday, June 12th at 12:30pm
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, June 9th 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, June 26th at 1:30pm
Stretch and Balance
Chair: Melody Roadman
Meets Every Monday and Friday at 9:00am
Next meeting: Monday, June 2nd at 9:00am
Stretch and Balance Class
Chair: Melody Roadman
Meets Every Monday and Friday at 10:00am
Next meeting: Friday, June 6th at 10:00am
Tai Chi
Chair: Christine Porter
Meets Weekly: Thursdays at 11:30am
Next meeting: Thursday, June 5th 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, June 4th at 7:00pm