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Community Church College classes in session

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By PAUL CATALA THE SUN

The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 14, 2009

For the past 18 years, Edith Serafini has been broadening her creative outlets, learning new practical life skills and increasing her knowledge about everyday events.

And at 92 years old, her desire to broaden her intellectual horizons isn't waning.

Serafini was one of 1,468 students from around the Tampa Bay area who enrolled in Community Church College (CCC) at the United Community Church during its spring 6-week semester in February and March.

Housed in the United Community Church, 1501 La Jolla Ave., the CCC was established by the church in 1976 as an adult education outreach program. Over the years, thousands of students have enrolled in courses ranging from landscaping to learning to play guitar or even to understand Spanish. All courses are, and have been, taught by qualified, accredited instructors, many of whom have taught at the collegiate level before.

The fall semester began Monday and ends Nov. 19; late registration ends Thursday.

"I find it's been really worthwhile," said Serafini, a retired Bloomfield, N.J., secretary. "I haven't taken a class that I've been disappointed in."

During a recent organizational meeting at the church, CCC Academic Dean Sally Erath, Administrative Dean-Registrar C. David Lloyd and publicity chairwoman Hazel Martin went over final plans for the fall semester.

Lloyd, who's been with the CCC for eight years, stressed that although there are some theological-based courses, the college is non-denominational and open to anyone that wants to learn. This fall, there are 50 courses offered, with six day-trips planned to local events and places, such as the Tampa History Museum and the Venice Art Festival.

"It's fun, educational and intellectually stimulating," said Lloyd, who retired from the U.S. Department of Defense after 25 years of civilian employment. "People want to keep on learning and keep their minds and spirits active."

Among the approximately 50 courses offered this fall, there are two new walk-in classes being offered: Tampa General Hospital's Wednesday Senior Health Program and South Bay Hospital's Tuesday Health Series.

Erath, in her first semester with the CCC, said probably 90 percent of the students are from outside the church. She said ages range from the mid-50s up to 100 years old. Additionally, there are 10 new instructors this fall, including Mary Hirsch, who will teach the Chinese meditative technique, "qigong."

"The instructors are highly-credentialed, former college professors and teachers and they're all volunteers," she said.

"What makes the CCC especially attractive is the cost," said Lloyd. "$25 for six weeks, one 90-minute class per week." Lloyd said field trip costs are separate, there is a $5 walk-in fee per class it is $5 per seminar.

The college is also financially supported by the Community Church, the Community Foundation of Greater Sun City Center and three private endowment funds.

"We do an excellent job of fulfilling our purpose: to inform, entertain and inspire our students. I think we're doing an outstanding job going this," said Lloyd.

Martin said students not registered by the first day of class can attend as walk-ins, if the instructor permits it.

The 2009 CCC catalog is dedicated to Phil Lange, founder and director of the "People, Places and Things" program at Sun Towers, who retired after 22 years.

For information, call (813) 634-8607 or see cccinscc.org.

Reporter Paul Catala can be reached at (813) 731-1970 or pcatala@mediageneral.com.

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