Weekly News: Nov 24 edition

The Life Enrichment Center will be CLOSED Wednesday, November 26; Thursday, November, 27; and Friday, November 28. Classes & workshops will resume on Monday, December 1.

FLORIDA STATE FAIR 2026
L.E.C. Entry Form/Fee Deadline EXTENDED TO WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3 If you are a current L.E.C. member and you would like the Life Enrichment Center to submit your art for the 2026 Creative Living Competitions at the Florida State Fair, your entry form and fee must be submitted to the L.E.C. no later than 3pm on Wednesday, December 3.

Entry Forms and Handbooks for all categories with divisions, classes, and entry guidelines are available at the Life Enrichment Center.  You do NOT submit your art yet, only the entry form and fee! Art Submissions will be accepted December 8-20 and January 5-9.

If you would like an electronic copy of a Handbook or Entry form or if you have questions, please email info@LECtampa.org or call (813) 932-0241.

Class, Workshop, & Club News

• READ AND CHAT: Read or listen to Florida by Lauren Groff, then join the discussion at 10am on Monday, November 24 at the Panera on N. Dale Mabry Hwy. Call (813) 932-0241 or email info@LECtampa.org if you have questions. (Note: This book may have content not suitable for all readers.)

• NO TAI CHI OR SPANISH THIS WEEK:  Both classes will resume in December.

• WATERCOLOR 101 WITH KATHY: On Monday, December 1 from 10am – 11pm ($10/$12), artist Kathy Edwards will lead a beginning watercolor class with a focus on practicing a variety of techniques. No experience necessary.  PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED; NO WALK-INS. Register online HERE, email info@LECtampa.org or call (813)932-0241.

• WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP WITH LIONEL: On Saturday, December 6 from 10am – 1pm ($20/$30), artist Lionel Sanchez will lead a watercolor workshop with a focus on techniques used to create a landscape that includes buildings and shadows. Basic sketching ability is required. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED on or before Thursday, December 4; NO WALK-INS. Register online HERE, email info@LECtampa.org, or call (813)932-0241.

Other LEC News

• SUPPLIES NEEDED: Forever stamps, plastic table cloths (disposable, rectangular, assorted colors)

• CONGRATS & THANK YOU: Congratulations and thank you to the poets who read at the LEC ThanksGibbons Poetry Slam (and their helpers)–Arleen Maroitti, Rosadell Butts, Debrah Shenefelt, Phil Shenefelt, Carol Whitney Ward, Denise Hawthorne, Don Lester (reading for Ann Pipkins), Mish Murphy, and Steve Rush.  Good job!

• WEEKDAY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:  Please email info@LECtampa.org if you are interested in help during the week with a variety of tasks. We will try to pair your skills, interests, and availability with our needs.

Mark Your Calendars! (Call or email for more information.)

• Wednesday, November 26 – Sunday, November 30:  CLOSED
• Monday, December 1 (10am – 12pm): Watercolor 101 w/Kathy Edwards ($10/$12) PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED (NO WALK-INS)
• Tuesday, December 2:  Giving Tuesday. To donate online, click HERE.  Email info@LECtampa.org or call (813)932-0241 if you have questions or for more information.
• Wednesday, December 3 (3pm): Deadline for dropping off Florida State Fair art entry forms/fees at LEC
• Wednesday, December 3 (noon – 1pm):  Potluck
• Saturday, December 6 (10am – 1pm): Watercolor workshop w/Lionel Sanchez ($20/$30) PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED (NO WALK-INS).
• Wednesday, December 10 (1:30 – 3pm):  Photo Club meeting online.
• Saturday, December 13 (10am – 12pm): Pastels Poinsettia “Paint-along” workshop w/Janice Shindle ($20/$30) PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED (NO WALK-INS).  Register online HERE, call (813) 932-0241, or email info@LECtampa.org.

January 2026:

• ALL LEC MEMBERSHIPS RENEW ($40 individual/$60 family)
• NEW PRICING FOR CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS  Starts Monday, January 5

• Wednesday, January 7:  First Potluck of 2026!
• Wednesday, January 7:  Poetry resumes (2 – 3:30p; hybrid.  $10/$15). Call (813) 932-0241 or email info@LECtampa.org if interested or for more information.
• Friday, January 9:  Beginning Bridge (4-week class). (12-1p. $8/$10)  Call (813) 932-0241 or email info@LECtampa.org if interested or for more information.
• Friday, January 9: Deadline for dropping off Florida State Fair art entries at LEC
• Thursday, January 15:  Calligraphy (3-week class) (10a-12p. $10/$15)  Call (813) 932-0241 or email info@LECtampa.org if interested or for more information.
• Saturday, January 17:  Acrylic Paint Party (11a-1p; $20/$25) Call (813) 932-0241 or email info@LECtampa.org if interested or for more information.

More workshops, special classes, and events for 2026 are being planned!  A full list of January-March dates will be posted on the bulletin board at the LEC soon.  Email info@LECtampa.org to receive an electronic copy when it becomes available.