Course Description: Originally developed for self-defense, tai chi has evolved into a graceful form of exercise that's now used for stress reduction and a variety of other health conditions. Often described as meditation in motion, tai chi promotes serenity through gentle, flowing movements.

Class Leader Bio(s): Kevin Mathis and his whole family have been teaching Martial Arts in Fort Walton Beach for over 35 years. Kevin is a 9th degree black belt and has traveled & taught all over the world.

Course Description: Forgot the rules to an old favorite? Ready to learn a new card game? Whether you're a seasoned veteran or the next rookie on deck, you will learn the rules and tips you need to master six different card games while connecting with old friends and making new ones. This will be a six-week course.

Class Leader Bio(s): Dolores Noechel is a former Ruckel math teacher, OCSD Instructional Technology and Media Services Specialist, and Assistant Principal at Fort Walton Beach High School.

Notes: This will be a six-week course, meeting on January 13, 20, 27, and February 3, 10, and 17, at: Covenant Community Church 1008 Gospel Rd FWB

Course Description: Do you know who — or what — you are? You’d think so in a time when people are busy polishing their “profiles” online and offline. And yet, do we? What makes you more or less the same person over the years: an inner self, your body, your memories, the unfolding story the rest of us are watching you live out, or what? And what about your mind and body — are you a physical organism that somehow produces consciousness, or a conscious mind that just happens to be linked to a body for a while? And whatever you are, how much of that is up to you, and how much simply happens to you? Philosophers have been wrestling with these questions for centuries — all in the spirit of Socrates’ belief that “the unexamined life is not worth living.” In this course, we’ll explore some of the most powerful and intriguing answers they have come up with — and then use real-world cases to talk about how their ideas hold up in our own search for self-understanding today.

Class Leader Bio(s): Dr. Charles Myers is a retired USAF judge advocate and philosophy professor who taught at the USAF Academy and Northwest Florida State College.

Course Description: This course will build on some previous knowledge of watercolors. Class projects will assist students in using new techniques. Students can bring pictures they might want to use also.

Class Leader Bio(s): Carolyn Williams is the owner of Sand Dollar Cottage, an artist’s cooperative in Navarre. She paints in watercolors, acrylics, pen and ink. She has been painting for about 25 years and has a BS and MS degree. Dorothy Edens is an experienced watercolor artist and multimedia artist.

Notes: Supply fee for class is $40, which includes paint, paper and use of brushes and pallets. Bring paper towels, pencil, kneaded eraser, two containers for water and any watercolor supplies you may have.

Course Description: Do you know who — or what — you are? You’d think so in a time when people are busy polishing their “profiles” online and offline. And yet, do we? What makes you more or less the same person over the years: an inner self, your body, your memories, the unfolding story the rest of us are watching you live out, or what? And what about your mind and body — are you a physical organism that somehow produces consciousness, or a conscious mind that just happens to be linked to a body for a while? And whatever you are, how much of that is up to you, and how much simply happens to you? Philosophers have been wrestling with these questions for centuries — all in the spirit of Socrates’ belief that “the unexamined life is not worth living.” In this course, we’ll explore some of the most powerful and intriguing answers they have come up with — and then use real-world cases to talk about how their ideas hold up in our own search for self-understanding today.

Class Leader Bio(s): Dr. Charles Myers is a retired USAF judge advocate and philosophy professor who taught at the USAF Academy and Northwest Florida State College.

Notes: This is the same class as the 1:00-2:30PM session. Please do not take this class if you are already enrolled in the 1:00-2:30PM session.

Course Description: Practice or learn the card game of Cribbage. Beginners take your time to learn and practice. Seasoned Players may play in pairs for fun with some advice and strategy shared. Learn protocol of American Cribbage Congress (ACC) and Grassroots local tournament play. A short, written instruction consistent with the (ACC) rules is provided. This is a 6-week class.

Class Leader Bio(s): Pete Seda is a former director of the local Grassroots tournament play. Annette Seda is an ACC official tournament judge.

Notes: This is a 6-week class, meeting January 13, 20, 27, February 3, 10, and 17. Cribbage boards, pegs and cards will be provided. VFW Post 7674 213 Carol Ave NW Ft. Walton Beach, FL

Course Description: If you love music and love to dance, this is the class for you. Get out those tap shoes and get ready for fun!

Class Leader Bio(s): Kay Hébert started dancing at a very young age in her hometown of New Orleans. Over the years she studied tap, ballet, pointe, jazz and ballroom, but her true love was always tap. Kay was a preforming member of two ballet companies, and a jazz assemble in New Orleans. She began teaching in her late teens and has taught mostly tap for over 40 years in New Orleans, California and Florida. 

Course Description: Tour all museums in Okaloosa County. All visits except one involve a morning tour so as not to interfere with an afternoon class you might be taking. One visit will include the Air Force Armament Museum so you know the meeting place for our final three museum tours in the north end of the county (scheduled for the last class of the session). We will meet that morning at 9:45 a.m. at the Armament Museum. The last tour day we visit all three museums in the northern part of the county. We meet at the Air Force Armament Museum and carpool to The Bush House in Crestview, Carver-Hill in Crestview the Baker Block Museum. This final session will be an all-day class with us having lunch at a local restaurant. Museums on the south end of the “trail” include Destin History and Fishing, Air Force Armament Museum, Emerald Coast Science Center, Heritage Park and Cultural Center, and Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida. This is a 7-week class.

Class Leader Bio(s): Dr. Barbara Palmgren is a retired educator and author who currently serves on the Executive Committee of the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida. She thinks it is important that seniors become aware of all the museums in Okaloosa County.

Notes: $30 class fee to be paid to Dr. Palmgren at the first class to cover the museum fees. Although many museum fees have increased, we are receiving a substantial discount. This 7-week class starts on January 14th at UWF. The remaining 6 classes (January 21, 28, February 4, 11, 18, and 25) will be visits to the museums of Okaloosa County. A list of each week’s starting point will be given at the January 14 class. Students are responsible for driving to the museums each week.