November 12, 2020 11:07 AM

Avon Lake High School hosts the first annual Senior University

By Linda Gandee/special to cleveland.com– cleveland.comRead articles written by for cleveland.com.

AVON LAKE, Ohio – No bone density or financial planning classes were allowed. No sir. It was “The Drawings of Michelangelo,” “100 Years of Women’s Suffrage Movement,” and “New Technology For Your Old Photographs” just for starters.

Seventy-five area seniors, age 55 and over, from Avon, Avon Lake, Sheffield Village and Sheffield Lake signed up for rather non-traditional classes for senior citizens at Avon Lake High School on Nov. 6. The event was presented by the Rotary North Coast Club, sponsored by Sprenger Health Care Systems and hosted by Avon Lake High School. Next year, Avon High School is scheduled to host the event and then it will be rotated between the two schools. Why?

Why? Ann Naumann of Sprenger Health Care Systems said, “Because senior citizen are life-long learners. They are interested in many things. We kept the classes light and interesting and received so many positive comments.”

The classes were taught by some Lorain County Community College (LCCC) instructors as well as by owners of local businesses, local historians and first responders.

Courses chosen, one for the morning and one for the afternoon, included:

· Celebration of Stained-Glass Church Windows, David Simmer, local historian

· Interior Landscaping for the Holidays, Petitti Garden Center

· What Your Collectibles Are Worth, Ted Forthofer, Moves Made Easier

· Avon Lake–Then and Now, Sherry Spenzer, local author and historian

· New Technology for Your Old Photographs, Dodd Camera

· 100 Years of Women’s Suffrage Movement, Women in History

· 21st Century Classrooms, Avon Lake High School Technology Department

· 100 Congregations/100 Years Old, David Simmer, local historian

· Avoiding Scams This Holiday Season, Reed Reikowski, Avon Lake Police Department

· Downsizing Made Simple, Ted Forthofer, Moves Made Easier

· The Drawings of Michelangelo, Sean Crum, art professor

· History Underground – Avon Lake cemeteries, Sherry Spenzer, local author and historian

· Easy Entertaining with Five Ingredients or Less, LCCC Culinary Arts Department

· Fit & Fabulous Chair Exercises, Pete Sandrev, Powerhouse Gym

Naumann said a bonus for the attendees were the students who mingled with them for the day and escorted them back and forth to classes. “It was a win for everyone,” she said.

After lunch and a musical program by the Avon Lake High School Jazz Band, the day ended in the school’s performing arts center where the keynote speaker, Bob DiBiasio, addressed the group. DiBiasio, who is in his 40th season with the Cleveland Indians and his 41st in major league baseball, started with the Tribe as an assistant public relations director. He is now Vice President of Public Relations.

Originally from Lakewood, DiBiasio serves the Greater Cleveland community with participation in many foundations and on many boards. He is known for his interesting and humorous talks to area groups and serves as an example to young Clevelanders on career choices and motivation.

The participating seniors went home with various give-a-ways, a lot of information, even recipes. And it looks like all will look forward to participating in Senior University again next year.Sincerely,
Joe Matuscak440-669-0978

North Coast Rotarian, Becky Russell received a Paul Harris Fellow recognition award. Paul Harris Fellow recognition is given to anyone who contributes (or in whose name is contributed) a gift of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation. Becky joins 14 other North Coast Rotarians who have received this award. More about The Rotary Foundation can be found here: http://www.rotary.org

North Coast Rotary held its 2nd lunch meeting at the Wine Room giving Rotarians an opportunity to get together when the morning meeting schedule doesn’t work!! Featuring a spotlight on two members- John Daly said, “Rotary is about meeting new people and the friendships you develop.” In his first month of membership, Allen Porter, a distance bike rider, highlighted how he

joined Rotarians in a MESA bike ride through southwestern Ohio. Among other Rotary programs, Allen champions MESA (Medical Equipment Supplies Abroad) and its accomplishments throughout the world. Next lunch meeting will be September 25th at 12:15 pm.

State Senator Gayle Manning spoke to our club on August 21 with an update about happenings at the Statehouse, plus highlights from her 7.5 years as District 13 senator. She has focused  here attention in several areas – business growth and jobs, education – Manning is a retired elementary school teacher – transportation, and funding for capital improvements in Lorain County.  Senator Manning also spoke of her efforts to combat the opioid epidemic plaguing our communities.  She expressed her appreciation for all the Ohioans who have helped her understand their issues and shared their expertise in so many areas.