Classroom on Wheels (COW)
CLASSROOM ON WHEELS is a school bus-based traveling classroom for half-day field trips throughout Sarasota and Manatee Counties. Generally, we would use the COW Bus, but social distancing prohibits its use temporarily. MUST USE OWN TRANSPORTATION.The Classroom on Wheels Program provides an in-depth look into local businesses and industry, arts and culture, education, religion, government, social services, agriculture, and history in a way that one could not accomplish on one’s own. Students gain an appreciation of what goes into creating the quality of life we enjoy. Since 1974, Classroom On Wheels students have visited or learned about more than 1,300 places and people. These popular classes have gained a huge following of loyal students who love to learn about the area via field trips and lectures. Classes are held in the fall, winter, and spring.
NOTE: The first classes, Wednesday, October 14, and Thursday, October 15, will take place at the Suncoast Technical College Conference Center. Enter at the Proctor Road main entrance. The Visitor Parking lot is to your right. Park there. The Conference Center is located directly north of the Visitor Parking lot and adjacent to the Bistro Café. Class will begin at 10:00 am. Please arrive earlier to get your schedule. Orientation will be conducted. If you have a COW name badge, please wear it. New students will receive their name badges at this first class.
Two classes will be held off-campus. Along with your schedule, you will be given driving directions and other information regarding these classes. Generally, we would use the COW Bus, but social distancing prohibits its use temporarily. All admission fees are included in your ACE registration fee.
ARRIVE EARLY BEFORE START OF CLASS (anytime after 9:30) TO CHECK-IN AND GET YOUR SCHEDULE.
WEARING MASKS are required for all classes. Also SOCIAL DISTANCING will be maintained.
FALL TOPICS:
Local Legislator: Margaret Good is an American politician and lawyer. She is a member of the Florida House of Representatives from the 72nd District. Ms. Good has served a term in the Florida Legislature. She will talk about how the Florida Legislature operates and the new bills just passed.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens – The downtown campus is 15-acres in an urban oasis showing a living collection of rare and beautiful tropical plants, including orchids, bromeliad, epiphytes and more. Their living plant collection is the best in the world for its representation of warm-tropical epiphytes and bromeliad species. The Gardens is the former home of Marie and Bill Selby. In 1973, Marie Selby, a passionate gardener bequeathed her former home and property “for the enjoyment of the general public,” The 45th Anniversary Orchid Show will be in progress. Stay in the Gardens as long as you wish.
Cool Today Park– The newly built Cool Today Park is a $140 million Spring Training ballpark and year round training complex of the Atlanta Braves. The stadium seats over 7,200 fans and features a 360-degree concourse walkway. The Cool Today Park is part of the West Villages commercial complex, located between Venice and North Port in Sarasota County. Our walking tour provides an opportunity to see the ballpark, Braves dugout, Press Box, and luxury suites along with an up-close and behind-the-scenes look at the Braves year round Spring Training Facility, the Clubhouse, The Academy and practice fields. There are steps on the tour but the tour is handicapped accessible. We will enjoy a meal (included in your admission fee). NOTE: These tours will be scheduled on Tuesday, October 27, and Tuesday, November 10. There will be a sign-up sheet for you to select you tour date.
Circus Arts in Healthcare – Humor has long been recognized as a powerful tool for reducing stress, anxiety, depression and pain perception, while having a positive and lasting effect on the body’s immune system, heart, and brain. Aaron Watkin is Program Manager with the Circus Arts Conservatory. He works with clowns in healthcare. The clowns visit healthcare facilities, bringing delight to people. Our artists incorporate comedy, music, magic and more to engage and energize their audiences. The program is not just a one-time performance; we visit on a reliably consistent basis, building relationships with residents, families and staff. Program Manager Aaron Watkins has laughed with people everywhere from The White House to Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus. He is a proud recipient of the Raoul Wallenberg Humanitarian Award for his work at The Big Apple Circus’ pioneering Clown Care Unit® and at Paul Newman’s Hole-In-The-Wall-Gang Camp. He directed Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade clowns and served as Dean of Students at Ringling’s famed Clown College.
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