Talents in Common
Talents in Common is an organizational effort by The Commons Club members to voluntarily share their interests, expertise, and friendships. Members volunteer to facilitate discussion groups, clinics, mentoring, and instructional activities. The Commons Club Members and their guests may join, free of charge, one or more of the fun activities to develop and maintain their social, physical, mental, and adaptive fitness, knowledge and skills. The Commons Club members tailor their choices of activities to fit their different lifestyles.
Click here to view the 2025 Talents in Common Brochure
Check out the upcoming offerings...
FEBRUARY
Le Cercle Français
Wednesday, February 12th
This week the Cercle Francais will meet as usual on Wednesday at 11:30 at the Commons Club Enrichment Center. We will continue to read "Merde, It's Not Easy to Learn French" and have some fun viewing some short videos about how the French celebrate Valentine's Day. Please register ahead of time at the Commons Club by either calling, sending an email, or registering directly from the online calendar.
Facilitator: Lisa Baroni
Wednesdays, January 15th to April 16th
11:30 pm to 12:30 pm
Complimentary
All Sessions are via ZOOM and in person at The Enrichment Center.
Click here to register so we know how many members will be attending
or email [email protected] or call 239-949-3800 to reserve your spot.
Talents in Common - More iPhone/iPad/iOS Tips
You know the basics of iPhone/iPad operation, but you'd like to move on to mastering some more advanced features or you have some feature you just can't get to work for you, this class will move beyond the basics to some of the less known settings and most useful apps and being limited to 8-10 participants, your questions will be answered.
Please bring a notebook & pen for notes
Facilitator: Bob Deakin
Thursday, February 20th
2:00 pm to 3:30 am
Complimentary (Reservations required)
This class is full, please click here to add your name to the waitlist.
Please log onto www.thecommonsclub.com, email [email protected] or call 239-949-3800 to reserve your spot.
Bob will be doing another More iPhone/iPad/iOS tips on March 20th.
Israel – A Long, Desperate, Crooked, and Perilous Road to a Lasting Peace
Why was Israel caught off-guard? How could Mossad be fooled? How should Israel respond?
Surrounded by well over 300 million Arabs, Persians, and other potential enemies, Israel is in a most difficult/ if not vulnerable position. Hamas, a known terrorist group, conducted a very complex and nuanced invasion of Israel. This war is like no other. Hamas emerged from an elaborate tunnel system, by sea, and by air. The inescapable truth is that there was a massive failure of intelligence resulting in thousands of innocent Israeli civilians exposed to unimaginable horrors. The Israeli Defense Force ("IDF") was too late in responding as terrorists killed 260 concert attendees. Hundreds of terrorists invaded several nearby kibbutzim and unleashed unspeakable horror on innocent families. Hundreds of Israelis have even been captured and are being held as hostages or shields. What are some of the reasons for all this carnage? A multifaceted invasion on this scale necessitated considerable planning and training. How could Mossad miss it? Could internal political dysfunction be a factor? What is the end game and how do we move forward from it?
· Assuming Israel defeats and eliminates Hamas – what must fill the vacuum?
· Who will govern Gaza in the future? Should the blockade of Gaza be removed?
· What is the future of settlements in the West Bank, Golan Heights, and East Jerusalem?
· Why did the IDF, Mossad, and other named officials ignore considerable evidence of Hamas preparation?
· How must Israel respond to prevent a repeat of such a poor performance in future battles?
· Why did Israel lose the moral high ground so quickly?
· Is it possible for Israel and the Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank to coexist peacefully in the future?
Facilitator Mike Quinlan
Monday, February 24th
2:00 pm until 3:30 pm
Complimentary (Reservations Required)
Click here to register for Israel
Please log onto www.thecommonsclub.com, email [email protected] or call 239-949-3800 to reserve your spot.
Search Your Family History
Native New Yorker Tom Myles will share information he has garnered in more than thirty years as an active genealogist. Tom's presentation is intended to help you get started. He will speak about how to begin, genealogy software, recommended websites, and tips for staying organized. He will also include personal vignettes about meeting 8th cousins in rural Iowa and 3rd cousins in County Tipperary, Ireland.
Tom has helped many others on their journey. In Jones County, Iowa has been called "The Legend". After helping one woman get the information she needed to become a Daughter of the American Revolution, she wrote, "You're my hero!"
Facilitator: Tom Myles
Tuesday, February 25th
10:00 am to 11:30 am
Complimentary (reservations required)
Click here to register for Search Your Family History
Please log onto www.thecommonsclub.com, email [email protected] or call 239-949-3800 to reserve your spot.
Stanley's Favorite SWFL Restaurants
You do not want to miss this session. Learn the best deals and menu special options from a professional diner Stanley Ruskin. Stanley and his wife Judy eat out 4 to 5 times a week and know the best places with great deals! This workshop will include Stanley's up to date Restaurant spreadsheet. Take notes and ask questions on how to make reservations during the season!
Facilitator: Stanley Ruskin
Tuesday, February 25th
3:00 pm to 4:30 pm
Complimentary (reservations required)
Click here to register for Stanley's Favorite SWFL Restaurants
Navigating Turbulence
Understanding Boeing and our Defense.
The Boeing 737 Max 8 crashes send shockwaves through the aviation industry, resulting in tragic loss of lives and profound repercussions for Boeing's reputation and market standing. What systematic flaws in the design and certification process contributed to these accidents - regulatory oversights, inadequate pilot training, flawed software implementation? The lesser-known yet significant issue of the 737 Max 9 Door Plug highlights how seemingly minor oversights can escalate into major operational concerns, leading to delays, financial losses and erosion of consumer trust.
In the Space & Defense domain, Boeing's challenges with the KC-46 Tanker program have been marred by persistent technical issues, delivery delays, and cost overruns. Supply chain bottlenecks, integration complexities, and contractual obligations reveal the multifaceted nature of these setbacks. Even Boeing's Air Force One program has to contend with the intricate dynamics between government contracts, stringent security requirements, and evolving technological demands. By contrasting the Commercial and Space & Defense sectors, we discern the nuanced differences in regulatory frameworks, market dynamics and risk management approaches.
Learn about Boeing's challenges in the commercial & space & defense sectors.
Facilitator: Craig Korkoian
Wednesday, February 26th
10:00 am to 11:30 am
Complimentary (reservations required)
Click here to register for Navigating Turbulence
Please log onto www.thecommonsclub.com, email [email protected] or call 239-949-3800 to reserve your spot.
South and East of Naples on the Tamiami Trail
We will look at the history and attractions southeast of Naples, including:
- Marco Island: Historical Museum; Tigertail Beach
- Rookery Bay: Learning Center, Shell Island ((Briggs Boardwalk and Rena Point); Keewaydin
- Ochopee: Big Cypress National Preserve (Welcome Center and Oasis Visitor Center); Kirby Storter Park; Turner River, HP Williams Roadside Park; the smallest post office in the USA; Loop Road; Clyde Butcher Gallers; Collier-Seminole State Park
- Ten Thousand Islands Nationsl Wildlife Refuge
- Copeland: Big Cyress bend Boardwalk; Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park
- Building the Tamiami Trail; 1923 to 1928
- The start of the Everglades National Park
Facilitator: Paul Pactor
Friday, February 28th
2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
Complimentary (reservations required)
Click here to register for South and East of Naples on the Tamiami Trail
Please log onto www.thecommonsclub.com, email [email protected] or call 239-949-3800 to reserve your spot.
MARCH
Suzie's Silk Flower Arranging
Hello all,
Welcome to my class on creating a silk flower arrangement off a candle stick.
A little background on me:
I first came into creating silks through my job at a Floral shop in Ft Payne, Al back in 2002.
I learned the basics behind flower arranging and really fell in love with creating something beautiful that would make someone smile.
After I had my child, I left the shop to go out on my own and I created my own busines called Inspired Additions, where I created silk arrangements upon request. I didn't have a store front or anything, I operated off word of mouth.
Enough about me!
If you sign up for class you will need to get a few things.
Some of you may already know how to arrange but for those who don't, please don't hesitate to contact me at the number below.
**I will supply;
Glue guns and glue sticks
Floral foam
Moss and moss pins
Floral sticks
***Here are the supplies you'll need to get before class….
1. A candlestick ( big or small )
2. Silk flowers in the colors you desire. Make sure you have 1-3 big head flowers,(depending on the height of your candlestick )
3. Small flowers for fill in ( best to get those as a bunch )
4. GREENERY
In silk arranging its waste not want not so I'll teach you to use all pieces.
I Look forward to meeting all of you and creating something beautiful together!
Facilitators: Suzie Tjarks
Monday, March 3rd
12:00 pm to 2:30 pm
Complimentary (Reservations Required)
Click here to register for Suzie's Silk Flower Arranging
Please log onto www.thecommonsclub.com, email [email protected] or call 239-949-3800 to reserve your spot.
Building Your Balanced News Diet
In today's social media driven world, all of us are consumers and producers of news content.
With the bitterness of the Presidential election behind us, veteran newsman Clark Bell believes it's time for Commons Club members to review their media consumption habits and build a stronger news diet.
Like most things in life, the "healthiest" way to stay informed requires planning, moderation and variety. Bell will outline how to take control of your intake of media consumption with the goal of becoming a more efficient and better-informed consumer of news.
He also will discuss the future of journalism and the trust issues plaguing the news media.
Facilitator: Clark Bell
Monday, March 3rd
3:30 pm to 5:00 pm
Complimentary (reservations required)
Click here to register for Building Your Balanced News Diet
Please log onto www.thecommonsclub.com, email [email protected] or call 239-949-3800 to reserve your spot.
Concerned About Local Water Quality?
Do you enjoy our Gulf beaches? Have you been kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding or fishing in Estero Bay? Are you concerned about reports of fecal bacteria, red tide, algae, fish kills in local waters? Hear some facts, causes and solutions from an expert from RighttoCleanWater.org. This is your chance to learn about, and help to protect, our precious natural resources.
Facilitator: Bob Lienesch
Tuesday, March 4th
3:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Complimentary (reservations required)
Click here to register for Concerned About Local Water Quality?
Please log onto www.thecommonsclub.com, email [email protected] or call 239-949-3800 to reserve your spot.
Joint Replacement Panel Discussion
"Be Your Own Health Advocate "
Join fellow Members for a "Joint Replacement Panel " highlighting their personal experiences with knee and hip replacements. They will provide a lay "best practices"
discussion on how to be your own health advocate. We know many CC members are contemplating joint replacements and this session will provide how the panelists ultimately decided that they could no longer live with joint pain.
Facilitators: Alice Brusky, Nick Bellino, and Norm Wells
Thursday, March 6th
4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Complimentary (reservations required)
Click here to register for Joint Panel Discussion
Please log onto www.thecommonsclub.com, email [email protected] or call 239-949-3800 to reserve your spot.
A Tour of Edinburgh Scotland
Join us for a video/photo tour of historic Edinburgh. Meet Greenfriar Bobby, walk the Royal Mile, tour the Edinburgh Castle, and visit the National Museum of Scotland, United Kingdom's most popular attraction outside of London
Facilitators: Debbie & Gary Gotsch
Friday, March 7th
1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Complimentary (reservations required)
Click here to register for A Tour of Edinburgh Scotland
Please log onto www.thecommonsclub.com, email [email protected] or call 239-949-3800 to reserve your spot.
How to Navigate The Commons Club Website
The Commons Club website is your gateway to the Rookery, Beach Club, Health and Lifestyle Center, Enrichment Center and now Pickleball.
Have you ever wanted to know what events were happening at the Rookery or were you interested in taking a Fitness class but couldn't find the email that had the current month's newsletter? Or maybe you need to see your current statement.
Understanding how to navigate The Commons Club website will give you all this information and more.
Join us for this presentation, we will focus on:
· Navigating the overall website
· How to access and complete forms
· How to register for dining reservations, a fitness class or other events
· How to access your statement
Facilitators: Bob Deakin
Wednesday, March 10th
10:00 pm to 11:30 pm
Complimentary (Reservations required)
Click here to register for How to Navigate The Commons Club Website
Please log onto www.thecommonsclub.com, email [email protected] or call 239-949-3800 to reserve your spot.
Travel To...
Interested in traveling? Overwhelmed by the options? Fear of going solo?
"Life begins where your comfort zone ends"
Learn and discuss the latest tips and ideas on how to prepare for an enjoyable vacation or trip of a lifetime! Whether it be land tours, ocean or river cruises, etc…
How to pack, iPhone tips, applying for Global Entry, regional cuisines, culture and history.
Personal experiences and class participation make great discussion!
Facilitator: Gloria Gajos
Tuesday, March 11th
1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Complimentary (reservations required)
Click here to register for Travel To...
Please log onto www.thecommonsclub.com, email [email protected] or call 239-949-3800 to reserve your spot.
Update on Development in Estero
Estero is booming! Steve Sarkozy & Frank Connolly will cover recent land use development in Estero, the continuing growth of Lee County, environmental issues with growth, the outlook of real estate values, and an update on the former Winn Dixie property.
Steve Sarkozy, has been Village Manager of Estero since 2015. He previously has been a professional city manager in several communities. The position of Village Manager is not an elected position, but an appointment by the Village Council to run the Village. The position is not political and does not associate with a political party. Frank Connolly has had a career in Connecticut local government as a Town Planner, Town Manager, and School Finance Director. He is also an author, having written two books on local government. One book is a textbook on Connecticut local governmental operations and the other is a fictional novel on local government.
Facilitators: Frank Connolly & Steve Sarkozy, Village of Estero Manager
Thursday, March 13th
10:00 am to 11:30 am
Complimentary (reservations required)
Click here to register for Update on Development in Estero
Please log onto www.thecommonsclub.com, email [email protected] or call 239-949-3800 to reserve your spot.
Veterans Round Table
Would you like to talk about your experiences? Share your thoughts and feelings with other Veterans from all branches? We are having a round table discussion, combat, noncombat, all eras are welcome. Jim Kline is moderating at the table and would enjoy having fellow veterans join him for this panel discussion.
Facilitator: Jim Kline
Tuesday, March 18th
3:30 pm to 4:30 pm
Complimentary (reservations required)
Click here to register for Veterans Round Table
Please log onto www.thecommonsclub.com, email [email protected] or call 239-949-3800 to reserve your spot.
Meet The Author: Tim Norbeck
Tim will discuss how he came to write novels after his retirement from a 53-year career in healthcare, but he will also mention his sometimes amusing role in an unprecedented RICO class action lawsuit on behalf of the 850,000 practicing physicians in the U.S. against an egregious managed care insurance industry (2001-2003). It was a most interesting "David vs Goliath" type case, the settlement ( which Tim had presided over) being carried live on CNN.
He has published four novels, with his fifth ( "Mr. Lawrence")having recently come out. In his novels, he has weaved into the stories some of the interesting people that he has met during his career—Martin Luther King, Jr., Jesse Owens, an amusing encounter with Senator Ted Kennedy and Dr. Christian Barnard (first heart transplant surgeon) and many politicians among them, with some interesting anecdotes about them and others.
It should be a lively hour of discussion, and there will be some
memorable and cogent quotations and laughs as well.
Facilitator: Tim Norbeck
Wednesday, March 19th
4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
(Happy Hour/Beer and Wine for purchase)
Complimentary (reservations required)
Click here to register for Meet the Author: Tim Norbeck
Please log onto www.thecommonsclub.com, email [email protected] or call 239-949-3800 to reserve your spot.
Talents in Common - More iPhone/iPad/iOS Tips
You know the basics of iPhone/iPad operation, but you'd like to move on to mastering some more advanced features or you have some feature you just can't get to work for you, this class will move beyond the basics to some of the less known settings and most useful apps and being limited to 8-10 participants, your questions will be answered.
Please bring a notebook & pen for notes
Facilitator: Bob Deakin
Thursday, March 20th
10:00 am to 11:30 am
Complimentary (Reservations required)
Click here to register for More iPhone/iPad/iOS Tips
Please log onto www.thecommonsclub.com, email [email protected] or call 239-949-3800 to reserve your spot.
African Safari & How to Get There with Free Air Tickets
Jon and Melody visit South Africa 1-2 times a year for safari and over the past 15 years they have have added side trips to Victoria Falls, Krueger Park, Cape Town, Namibia, Angola, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Tanzania, Mozambique, Ethiopia, Mali, Madagascar and more... They will show you a 20 min movie with an overview of what a 10-14 day trip would look like to Cape Town and a safari.
Melody calls herself "the frequent flier queen". She will end the presentation with all the tricks for how to find a "free" air ticket to Africa or anywhere else in the world.
Facilitators: Melody and Jon Dill
Friday, March 21st
4:00 pm to 5:15 pm
(Beer and Wine for purchase)
Complimentary (reservations required)
Click here to register for African Safari & How to Get There with Free Air Tickets
Please log onto www.thecommonsclub.com, email [email protected] or call 239-949-3800 to reserve your spot.
Download the Seasonal Brochure above for the full list of classes.