Bi-weekly News: May 20 edition

WORKSHOP REGISTRATION DEADLINE FRIDAY: If you are interested in the Quilling on Canvas class with guest instructor, Julia Macek, please sign up & pay in full ($80) on or before Friday, May 23.  Thank you.

OUTREACH INSTRUCTORS NEEDED! One day per month, LEC outreach instructors each lead a paint-along class at a location in Tampa, Temple Terrace, Wimauma, or Plant City. These outreach classes are for seniors who can not otherwise participate in LEC offerings. Training is provided. Email info@lectampa.org or call (813) 932-0241 for more information or to become an outreach instructor.

Class & Workshop News

• QUILLING ON CANVAS WITH JULIA MACEK: Julia Macek, the quilling artist who was the guest at April’s potluck, will be offering a class at the LEC! Over the span of 4 weeks, learn the different shapes that quillers use to create their artwork while creating an underwater scene on an 8“ x 8“ canvas. The class will meet on Thursdays from 10:30am – 12pm beginning May 29; $20/class. Register online here, or you can email info@lectampa.org, call (813) 932-0241, or sign up in person.

• MASSAGE TECHNIQUES: Licensed massage therapist, Dale Hartman, will teach various techniques to relax muscles and relieve tension in a friend, a family member, or even yourself. This workshop will be on Saturday, June 7 from 10am – 12 pm. To guarantee your seat, pay ($8/$10) on or before Friday, May 30. Register online here, or you can email info@lectampa.org, call (813) 932-0241, or sign up in person.

Club News

• MAY PHOTO CLUB MEETING: The Photo Club will meet online from 1:30 – 3 pm on Wednesday, May 21. Register here or email info@lectampa.org for the Zoom link.

• BOOK CLUB 2.0: The Book Club 2.0 will discuss Perfume: The Story of a Murderer by Patrick Süskind (John E. Woods, translator) on May 26 (10am -12pm). Email or call for the location. (Note: This is a suspense novel and may have content not suitable for all readers.)

• UPCOMING PHOTO CLUB OUTINGS:
  • On Wednesday, May 28 the Photo Club will sneak in their June trip to Ybor City a week early while it is still May. They will meet in Centennial Park at 10am by the bronze statue across 9th Ave from the Ybor City Museum State Park.
  • Everyone is welcome on these outings; they are not just for Photo Club members. They are great opportunities to learn how to use your camera and to photograph reference photos for future projects.  Call or email if you have questions or want more information.

Stock up this summer:

• SHOPPING TRIP? Are you interested in going on a summer shopping expedition to Bottom of the Bin and Creative Junk Therapy in Brandon? If so, please let us know soon so we can schedule it! You can call (813) 932-0241, email info@lectampa.org, or tell us in person. (Also let us know if you are willing to drive.)

• FINAL DAYS: The last day for JoAnn’s in Citrus Park is this Friday, May 23. They still have fabric, yarn, and a variety of other supplies—all at deep discounts. The Brandon store closed on May 18 and all remaining inventory from Brandon was sent to Citrus Park, along with anything left in the warehouse (for online shopping).

LEC News:

• MEMBER SHOUT-OUTS: Shout-outs to our new & renewing members: Meg, Michael, Anna, Lauren, Jordan, Susan, & Pat! We look forward to seeing you at the LEC.

• The L.E.C. will be CLOSED on for Memorial Day (Monday, May 26). No Painting with Rick, Intro to Mah Jongg, or Chair Yoga that day.

• CALL FOR MANUSCRIPTS: The latest volume of Creative Fire: Embers and Ashes, a literary magazine published by the LEC, is now accepting original works of writing in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Do not submit artwork at this time! Submissions must be from LEC members and will not be returned. The deadline for submissions is August 25, 2025. Late submissions will not be considered. If your work is accepted for publication, you will receive one free copy of the printed anthology. Submission details are available at the LEC. Email info@lectampa.org if you have questions or would like more information.

• VOLUNTEER AT THE LEC: Volunteers are needed for 2-hour shifts on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Fridays. If you are interested or would like more information, email info@lectampa.org, call (813) 932-0241, or let us know in person.

Mark your calendars!

• Wednesday, June 4: Potluck (Poetry Slam featuring the LEC Poetry class)
• Saturday, June 7: Massage Techniques (Register on or before May 30)
• Monday, June 9: Watercolors with Roxanne Tobiason (Register on or before May 30)
• Saturday, June 28: Acrylic Pour: Fireworks & Flags
• Wednesday, July 2: Potluck
• Saturday, July 12: Christmas in July: Ornaments & Gift tags
• Saturday, July 19: Colored Pencils with Mark Menendez
• Saturday, July 26: Pastels Workshop (all levels)

• SAVE THE DATE! The LEC is celebrating its 45th Birthday on November 8, 2025 from 10 am to 3 pm. As in years past, we’ll have vendors, demos, and a basket raffle. Come join us.

Call or email if you have questions, want to pre-register, or would like more information.

Other Opportunities

• WRITING COMPETITION: Submissions for Letter Review Prizes are now being accepted. All submissions must be sent on or before June 30. Categories include Short Fiction, Poetry, Books, & Nonfiction. For more information or to enter, go to https://letterreview.com/information/.