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.
SPRING 2021 TOPICS
Designing Sarasota – An Architectural History
The Center for Architecture Sarasota features an exhibit designed for the celebration of Sarasota County’s Centennial 2021.
We will visit an exhibit of Sarasota’s unique architecture, from the earliest Native Americans who inhabited our region, through the settlement and early development of Sarasota to the international fame of the Sarasota School of Architecture and today’s talented architects and designers. The Center for Architecture Sarasota was formed in 2013 to dedicate awareness and appreciation for innovative architecture, good design, and sensitive urban planning.
The Flying Gaonas - the Trapeze Academy in Venice
The Gaonas are a large Mexican circus family. The flying trapeze has long been a specialty of the Mexican circus. Tito Gaona has for more than 35 years caught flawless triple somersaults with extraordinary grace and astonishing consistency. We will visit the Venice Trapeze Academy. Tito Gaona, a 73- native of Guadalajara, Mexico performed with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus for 17 years. Since 1960, he has lived in Venice, the former winter home of the Ringling circus and where he began the Trapeze Academy. We will learn about the Gaonas Family history, their circus history, and a demonstration of flying.
Plant A Seed! Feed A Soul!
Hope Seeds, International is a Christian, charitable organization which provides seeds and agriculture support to missionaries and mission teams. They maintain many rare and heritage selections that are non-GMO, untreated heirloom, and open pollinated varieties. Hope Seeds outreach continues to grow across America in response to needs arising as a result of Covid-19. Partners focus on helping people grow personal and community gardens in Covid hot spots from Florida to Texas, such as Palatka, Jacksonville, Dallas, Abilene, and many other towns and cities. Lawns are being turned into gardens. We will meet with Hope Seeds for a presentation of their work. At the same time, we will package seeds for them. This class will be interesting as well as an opportunity to support mission work.
Eyewitness to Dachau
Award-winning 94-year old author Chuck Palmeri presents an exciting hour-long power-point program “Eyewitness to Dachau.” His book Boy Soldier: Recollections of World War II won the Gold medal in 2019 Florida Authors and Publishers President’s Award competition. He served in the 42nd Infantry “Rainbow” Division and received the Bronze Star medal and the Silver Star medal for his wartime and leadership. The 42nd Infantry “Rainbow” Division was one of two U.S. Military units that were the first to arrive at Dachau Prison Camp in Germany. Liz Coursen will accompany Chuck Palmeri in his presentation. She was responsible for formatting and finalizing his work to make the book happen.
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