This is part of our "In Case You Missed it" series. The videos will be shown on the scheduled day, and are also available for purchase for remote viewing all summer long!

Join us for an engaging class that combines music appreciation with a special focus on musical theater (MT). Led by a Concert Pianist, Musical Director, and Historian, this course offers an overview of the history of musical theater, from its vaudeville origins to the modern era of "movie musicals." Through lectures enhanced by PowerPoint slides, we’ll explore the compositional styles of major composers like Gershwin, Bernstein, and Sondheim, and their lasting contributions to the MT canon. The class will also feature live piano performances by the instructor, bringing the music to life. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience the evolution of American Musical Theater through the lens of both history and performance.

Born in Kentucky, concert pianist Aaron Orin received a piano scholarship to the University of Kentucky at just 14 and graduated by 19, going on to perform at the White House and other prestigious venues. Now based in South Florida, he holds a Master’s in Piano Performance from FAU, is pursuing a second Master’s in History, and works actively as a sought-after Musical Director for regional theater productions.

This is part of our "In Case You Missed it" series. The videos will be shown on the scheduled day, and are also available for purchase for remote viewing all summer long!

Join Dr. Stephen Berk, Ph.D., for a compelling journey through the Romanov dynasty’s three-century rule and its impact on Russia and its Jewish population. Explore how political power, religious identity, and historical events shaped an era marked by survival, persecution, reform, revolution, and resilience. Dr. Berk’s insightful lectures reveal the complex legacy of the Romanovs through engaging stories and analysis. Whether you’re interested in Russian history, Jewish heritage, or political change, this course offers a rich and nuanced understanding of a pivotal period in world history. This is part one of a two part series.

LECTURES:

1. The Beginning: Rise of the Romanovs amid chaos (1613)

2. Peter and Catherine the Great: Empire-building and Jewish policies

3. Napoleon’s Invasion: National pride and increased repression

4. Alexander II: Reform attempts and halted progress

 

This is part of our "In Case You Missed it" series. The videos will be shown on the scheduled day, and are also available for purchase for remote viewing all summer long!

Experience the history of the United States through the power of music with Matthew Sabatella and the Rambling String Band. With vocals, guitar, banjo, fiddle, mandolin, and bass fiddle, this talented group brings old-time, pre-bluegrass, and folk traditions to life with energy and passion. Their multimedia program blends live music and striking images to explore key moments in American history—from the Revolution and Westward Expansion to Abolition, the Civil War, the Industrial Age, Women’s Rights, the World Wars, and the Civil Rights Movement. From Appalachian melodies and fiddle tunes to ragtime, blues, spirituals, cowboy ballads, and sea shanties, their performances honor history while captivating modern audiences. Favorites at festivals, concert halls, and cultural centers, the band has released three Ballad of America albums. The group features Matthew Sabatella, Jack Stamates, Chris DeAngelis, and Sean Edelson, delivering an unforgettable, foot-tapping journey through the American experience.

Do you feel like you are constantly "on alert" or settling for less than your best life? Join Susan for a refreshing 4-week journey to reclaim your peace and energy. This course combines simple science with practical mindfulness to help you move from stress to strength. You will learn how to turn off your inner "fire alarm," transform difficult people into opportunities for growth, and flip the switch on worry. Whether you want to improve your health or find more joy, these tools will help you wake up to your highest potential and live with more intention. Space is limited.

LECTURES:

1. The "Self-ful" Life: We often feel guilty for taking time for ourselves. This week, we redefine self-care as "self-ful" living. Learn why prioritizing your own well-being is the best gift you can give to your family and friends.

2. Turning Triggers into Tools: Have you ever noticed that certain people "push your buttons"? Discover why these emotional triggers happen and learn a simple way to let that irritation melt away so you can stay calm in any situation.

3. Waking Up to Your Life: Are you moving through your days on autopilot? We’ll explore how to become a "witness" to your own thoughts. Learn how to observe your life without judgment to find more clarity and stop "missing the mark."

4. Flipping the Switch on Worry: Chronic worry is often just a bad habit of "negative goal setting." This week, we practice reversing that pattern to clear out anxiety and create the peaceful, happy life you’ve always imagined.

Retirement is a significant life transition that encompasses more than just financial preparedness. To truly enjoy a fulfilling and satisfying retirement, it’s essential to consider various aspects of your life, including health, social connections, personal interests. And overall well-being. Redefining Retirement explores a non-financial holistic approach to retirement, designed to help evaluate longevity readiness, beyond the numbers and identify areas on where to focus your attention as you plan and navigate this next chapter: According to the Stanford Center on Longevity: “We are all living longer – possibly 20 or 30 plus years beyond retirement. There is no playbook for these extra years.” Space is limited to foster discussion.

LECTURES:

1. Modern retirement requires a new approach focused on "longevity literacy" to manage a potential 30-year bonus lifespan. This session helps you build a proactive blueprint for a dynamic and well-aligned next chapter.

2. This session explores the five stages of retirement and utilizes a "Readiness Assessment" to audit your personal needs. You will use the Whole Life Model and the concept of Ikigai to establish a clear sense of purpose.

3. Learn to combine your life experiences and wisdom into a "Unique Passion Blueprint" through hands-on exercises. You will identify core strengths and discover how to apply your specific talents toward a fulfilling future.

4. Activate your Master Action Plan (M.A.P.) by creating a Personal Mission Statement and a roadmap for your ideal retirement. This session ensures your next chapter is purposeful, whether your goals involve legacy, travel, or personal growth.

Welcome to our Mah-Jongg class! Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to sharpen your skills, this is the perfect place to dive into the exciting world of Mah-Jongg. In this fun, relaxed setting, you'll learn the basic rules, including identifying tiles, rules of the game, how to read the card, along with tile combinations to advanced strategies that will elevate your play. With over 25 years of experience, Diane Engel will guide you step-by-step, making sure you feel confident and comfortable at every stage. With plenty of hands-on practice and opportunities to ask questions, you'll be playing like a pro in no time. Join us for a fun and engaging experience—come for the game, stay for the community! Space is limited.

This is part of our "In Case You Missed it" series. The videos will be shown on the scheduled day, and are also available for purchase for remote viewing all summer long!

 

Join Dr. Stephen Berk, Ph.D., for a compelling journey through the Romanov dynasty’s three-century rule and its impact on Russia and its Jewish population. Explore how political power, religious identity, and historical events shaped an era marked by survival, persecution, reform, revolution, and resilience. Dr. Berk’s insightful lectures reveal the complex legacy of the Romanovs through engaging stories and analysis. Whether you’re interested in Russian history, Jewish heritage, or political change, this course offers a rich and nuanced understanding of a pivotal period in world history. This is part two of a two part series.

LECTURES:

1. Pogroms and Responses: Emigration, Zionism, and resistance

2. The Last Chapter Begins: Famine, unrest, and political roles

3. World War I: Catastrophe for Russia and Jews

4. Revolution and Collapse: Abdication, execution, and new myths

This is part of our "In Case You Missed it" series. The videos will be shown on the scheduled day, and are also available for purchase for remote viewing all summer long!

In the world of great mansions, few capture the imagination like Mar-a-Lago. In this richly illustrated presentation, Richard René Silvin takes you on a fascinating journey through the estate’s glamorous history—beginning with its 1924 construction, funded by the Post Cereal fortune. Marjorie Merriweather Post, heiress and visionary, enlisted famed architect and stage designer Joseph Urban to help create what her daughter Dina Merrill called “a theatrical set.” Through a virtual tour and vintage photos and video, Silvin explores the artistry, lifestyle, and charitable legacy of Mrs. Post, who called Mar-a-Lago home for 45 years. Learn how the estate narrowly escaped demolition and how it remains preserved today. This is a cultural and historical presentation, non-political and filled with elegance, opulence, and storytelling. 

Historically, there are only a handful of Golden Age Hollywood stars who combined massive box-office success with profound acting talent.  Among the most obvious were Paul Muni, Henry Fonda, and Katharine Hepburn. Edward G. Robinson should sit atop that list. For “Manny” was both a first-rate actor and a box-office champion. Far from being the stereotypical cigar-chomping gangster he was, onscreen, he was also a sparkling comedian, overpowering tragedian father and uncle, and world-class collector of art. Let’s spend 8 weeks getting to know the man born Emmanuel Goldenberg and watch a wide range of his films . . . both the well-known and the unknown. You just might develop a greater love of the man’s overwhelming talent. Titles are subject to change.

LECTURES:

1. Little Caesar (1931): The film that turned Manny into an overnight star. Costarring Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. 79 min.

2. The Whole Town’s Talking (1935): A milquetoast clerk is mistaken for public enemy # 1. Directed by John Ford. 95 min.

3. Dr. Ehrlich’s Magic Bullet (1940) Based on the true story of the doctor who discovers a cure for syphilis. Screenplay by John Huston. 103 min.

4. The Sea Wolf (1941): Based on the novel by Jack London. Costarring the very young John Garfield. 100 min.

5. Larceny, Inc. (1942) A comedy in which 3 ex-cons buy a luggage shop in order to tunnel into the bank vault next door. With Jane Wyman and Broderick Crawford. 95 min.

6. Our Vines Have Tender Grapes (1945): A Norwegian famer raises his daughter on a farm in rural World War II-era Wisconsin. Costarring Margaret O’Brien. 105 min.

7. The Stranger (1946): An investigator from the War Crimes Commission seeks to find an infamous Nazi; costarring and directed by Orsen Welles. 95 min.

8. The Cincinnati Kid (1965): An up-and-coming poker player takes on the master of the game. Costarring Steven McQueen, from a screenplay by the blacklisted Ring Lardner, Jr. 102 min.

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture.

Explore the rich tapestry of Japanese society through the lens of four cinematic masterpieces. This course journey takes us from the fading elegance of pre-war traditions to a whimsical afterlife, and from the quiet dignity of the samurai to the bustling, food-obsessed streets of modern Japan. Together, we will examine how these diverse stories reflect universal themes of memory, honor, family, and the pursuit of perfection. Titles are subject to change.

LECTURES:

1. The Makioko Sister, 1983: Set in the 1930s, four sisters from a wealthy Osaka family struggle  to maintain their elegant traditions while trying to find a suitable husband for the shy third sister. The film is a visually lush celebration of a vanishing way of life, where the changing of the seasons and the meticulous rituals of the upper class mask the inevitable decline of an era. 140 min.

 

2. After Life, 1998: A deeply moving meditation on what makes a life worth living, exploring how we process our own histories and the power of cinema to preserve the human soul. A school-like building serves as a way station between Earth and Heaven, the recently deceased are given one week to choose a single memory to take with them into eternity, which a film crew then meticulously recreates for them. 104 min.

 

3. Love and Honor, 2006: Stripping away the myth of the invincible warrior to focus on the quiet courage and resilience required to protect one’s family, A low-ranking samurai who serves as a food taster for his lord is blinded by a poisonous fish. He must rely on his devoted wife and his remaining skill with the blade to regain his dignity when his honor is threatened. 100 min.

 

4. Tampopo,1985: A widow struggling to run a failing noodle shop enlists a mysterious truck driver to help her transform her business into a culinary masterpiece through rigorous, often hilarious training. This "ramen western" celebrates Japan’s deep, almost spiritual connection between food, love, and the human obsession with perfection. 114 min.

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture.

Join, Dr. Robert Watson, Distinguished Professor of History & Avron Fogelman Research Professor at Lynn University, as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the nation.  Watson will expand on his earlier lectures on these topics to take a closer look at the Constitution by analyzing the debates during the Constitutional Convention, the individuals who contributed to its drafting, the early challenges surrounding the revolutionary document, and the ongoing debates and challenges today.

This engaging, hands-on workshop invites students of all skill levels to create original art inspired by the masters. Each session begins with a brief presentation on a legendary artist’s unique technique, followed by a guided activity where you will design your own personal masterpiece. All materials are provided, and you will leave every class with a finished piece. Space is limited. 

LECTURES:

1. Georgia O’Keeffe: NOTAN

2. Matisse: Paper Cut-outs

3.  Henri Rousseau: Animals

4. Georges Braque: Cubism

5. Hundertwasser: Design and Architecture

6. Frank Stella: Abstraction

From Guys and Dolls to Hamilton, many of Broadway’s most iconic stories are inseparable from the spirit of New York City. Join international theater historian Steve Friedman as he explores how the Big Apple sets the stage for musical theater history. We’ll dive into the world of "Musical Biographies"—from Annie Oakley and the King of Siam to Carole King and Alexander Hamilton—to discover where the historical facts end and the theatrical fiction begins. How accurate are these legends? Let’s find out.

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture.

 

Important Supreme Court decisions and multiple Presidential Executive orders in 2025 now substantially alter and affect our legal and Constitutional landscape. Long-standing, comfortable, oft-repeated Constitutional principles such as "no person is above the law" and "we enjoy three coequal branches of government" now require further examination. Frequent ongoing Supreme Court "split" decisions reflect ever-present disparate fundamental challenges between liberal and conservative views, as well as uncertainty as to continued adherence to many established long-standing Supreme Court precedents. Expect a dynamic semester, as this course will not be for the faint-hearted.

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture.

 

This is part of our "In Case You Missed it" series. The videos will be shown on the scheduled day, and are also available for purchase for remote viewing all summer long!

In the mid-20th century, the United States experienced a dramatic shift—from post-World War I isolationism to becoming the Arsenal of Democracy in WWII and a reluctant superpower during the Cold War. FDR’s leadership, despite isolationist pressures, helped lead the Allies to victory and set the stage for U.S. global leadership through the United Nations, the Bretton Woods System, the Marshall Plan, and the Japan Economic Miracle. Today, the U.S. faces increasing calls to step back from its global role. This course will explore these key moments, focusing on the presidencies of FDR, Truman, Eisenhower, and Kennedy, and the evolution of America’s superpower status.

 LECTURE:   

1. From Isolation to WWII: Explore Roosevelt’s mobilization for war, the New Deal, and America’s rise as a global power during World War II.  

2. Global Leadership Shift: Analyze the transition from British to American leadership, the Truman presidency, and the beginning of the Cold War.  

3. Kennedy, Johnson, and Vietnam: Examine the Kennedy-Johnson years, the Vietnam War, and Nixon’s historic opening to China.  

4. Carter, Reagan, Clinton: Explore Carter’s human rights shift, Reagan’s Cold War end, and Clinton’s NATO expansion.  

5. Bush-Cheney and the War on Terror: Study the impact of 9/11, the War on Terror, and America’s “unipolar moment” under Bush.  

6. The Great Disruption: Analyze America’s shift from Obama to Trump, examining Trump’s “America First” stance and its impact on global leadership.

The Presidential Elections of 2000 and 2008 were both crucial turning point elections that have affected the nation long term. We shall examine the contested Presidential Election of 2000 between Al Gore and George W. Bush, which was decided after 36 days by the Supreme Court; and the historic election of the first African American President, Barack Obama, over John McCain in the Presidential Election of 2008. The short and long range impact of these two pathbreaking elections will be analyzed and evaluated for their long range effect on the nation.

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture.

Step into the world of medieval courts, where honor and desire birthed the romance tradition. This lecture explores the knightly ideal, from the moral rigors of Malory’s Pentecostal Oath to the playful "rules of love" by Andreas Capellanus. We’ll journey through the enchanting lais of Marie de France and the social critiques of Chaucer, using Dante as a counterpoint to the perils of passion. Discover how these tales of chivalry laid the foundations for modern storytelling, from the Pre-Raphaelites to A Knight’s Tale and the heroic imagery of Wonder Woman. Medieval court culture remains powerfully alive today.

Explore the history and haunting legacy of one of the 20th century’s most influential texts. Published in 1903, The Protocols of the Elders of Zion claimed to document secret plans for global influence through the control of media, finance, and religious institutions. This course provides a deep dive into the 24 "protocols," examining the specific historical climate in which they emerged and the reasons for their rapid spread across the globe. By analyzing the background of this document, we will uncover how it became a foundational piece of antisemitic rhetoric. Join us for a scholarly examination of how these ideas took root and continue to impact our understanding of prejudice and conspiracy theories in the modern world.

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture.

The brilliant Mark Twain once wrote that if he’d had more time, he would have written a shorter letter. That’s a wonderful insight into how to write a great short story, too. They take a certain kind of genius to write, and a certain kind of luck to find. And you’re in luck! Here are some of the most thought-provoking, moving and entertaining short, and they are short, stories of the past 100 years. They may not take long to read, but they are sure to generate memorable discussions, important learning and terrific camaraderie. All stories will be emailed to you as pdfs and/or available on hard copy. Space is limited to foster discussion.

LECTURES:

1.Gorilla My Love by Toni Cade Bambara, 1972

2. Victory Over Japan by Ellen Gilchrist, 1984

3. Favor by Elizabeth Tallent, 1986

4. Emergency by Denis Johnson,1991

Live In-Person Zoom 

Women have always been very active supporters of culture and education. In the U.S. especially, women were responsible for some of the most outstanding art collections, bringing Old Masters as well as modern Impressionist and Abstract works to the U.S.. They also ran the most influential salons, founded the first important museums and art organizations, ran galleries and introduced public art. Our talks will focus on the late 19th - mid 20th C. and explore the development of the art scene with these pioneering women as its main players.

LECTURES:

1. Catherine Lorillard Wolfe (Met), Isabella Gardner (Boston), Mary Cassatt, Louisine Havemeyer, (Met) Bertha Palmer (Chicago).

2. Hewitt Sisters, Gertrude Stein, Florine Stettheimer, Cone Sisters (Baltimore), Mable Dodge Luhan and Helena Rubinstein

3. Abby Aldrich Rockefeller, Lillie Bliss and Mary Sullivan (the 3 founders of MoMA), Edith Halpert and Augusta Savage. 

4. Katherine Dreier, Hilla Rebay (Guggenheim Museum), Peggy Guggenheim, Betty Parsons, Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney & Juliana Force (Whitney Museum of American Art, Doris Freedman (Public Art FUnd), Lynda Goode Bryant, and Marcia Tucker.

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture.

This is part of our "In Case You Missed it" series. The videos will be shown on the scheduled day, and are also available for purchase for remote viewing all summer long!

Join historian Ralph Nurnberger, Ph.D., for a powerful exploration of the Warsaw Ghetto’s harrowing history during World War II. Discover how over 400,000 Jews were confined to a tiny, overcrowded space under brutal conditions that led to starvation, disease, and deportations to death camps. Learn about the 1943 uprising, the largest Jewish revolt against Nazi occupation, and the devastating aftermath. Amid this darkness, hear the inspiring story of Irena Sendler, a courageous Polish social worker who risked her life to rescue more than 2,500 Jewish children. Through vivid storytelling and historical insight, Dr. Nurnberger honors the resilience and heroism that emerged from one of history’s darkest chapters.

This course invites you to explore the power of modern filmmaking through four award-winning films that grapple with Germany’s past, present, and future. From the haunting legacy of the Holocaust to the vibrant clashes of modern-day activism, these stories examine how individuals navigate guilt, grief, and the desire for social change. Through these diverse cinematic perspectives, we will discuss the "German identity" and the universal human quest for truth and connection. Titles are subject to change.

 

LECTURES:

 

1. Labyrinth, 2014: The year is 1958. Since the end of WW II, Germany is not only recovering but even booming. But where are the Nazis? Who has ever heard of the death camps? It looks like all has been forgotten or ignored - until a young prosecutor, decides to investigate the case of man accused of being a murderous guard at Aushwitz -and the road to a country’s awareness will be long and rocky. 101 min.

 

2. Cherry Blossoms, 2008: In this touching and bittersweet re-telling of the Japanese classic film Tokyo Story, love, family and dreams are fulfilled in unique ways. Crossing physical and emotional borders, a retired couple embark on a journey taking them from a small German town to Berlin, and Japan. 127 min.

 

3. 4 Minutes, 2008: An elderly, rigid piano teacher at a women's prison encounters a volatile but brilliantly gifted young inmate. The two women, both haunted by traumatic secrets, form a turbulent bond as they prepare for a prestigious piano competition. 112 min.

 

4. The Edukators, 2005: A sharp, provocative comedy revealing the clash between youthful radicalism and the compromises of the older generation, questioning what it really means to change the world. When three young anarchists break into a wealthy man’s home “to rearrange the furniture” they wind up having to kidnap the owner. 127 min.

 

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture.

This is part of our "In Case You Missed it" series. The videos will be shown on the scheduled day, and are also available for purchase for remote viewing all summer long!

When most hear Oskar Schindler’s name, they recall Spielberg’s Schindler’s List. But the real Schindler was far more complex: a German spy, businessman, and Nazi Party member who profited from forced Jewish labor in Krakow. Yet, as Nazi atrocities escalated, he transformed his factory into a refuge, using bribery and determination to save nearly 1,200 Jewish workers from death. Schindler’s extraordinary courage earned him the rare honor of burial at Mount Zion in Jerusalem. Join historian Ralph Nurnberger, Ph.D., as he delves into Schindler’s complicated life, exploring his flaws and failures alongside his remarkable heroism, revealing how one man in extraordinary times made a profound difference.

Many people worry that aging inevitably brings memory loss and cognitive decline. This lecture separates fact from fiction, exploring what science truly reveals about the brain across the lifespan. Participants will learn which changes are normal, which abilities often remain strong or improve, and how the brain adapts through neuroplasticity and cognitive reserve. Everyday forgetfulness will be placed in context, and practical strategies for supporting mental sharpness will be discussed. Accessible, research-informed, and reassuring, this session empowers participants to better understand their own cognitive health while highlighting the surprising strengths that often emerge with age.

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture.

This is part of our "In Case You Missed it" series. The videos will be shown on the scheduled day, and are also available for purchase for remote viewing all summer long!

In 1962, four teenage boys from Liverpool changed music forever. Who could have imagined that a band from a working-class English city would revolutionize rock ‘n’ roll worldwide? Join Dr. Tom Cimarusti, Professor of Music History at Florida Gulf Coast University, as he takes you on a captivating musical journey through the Beatles' rise from humble beginnings to superstardom. Discover the magic behind their unforgettable sound, their groundbreaking albums, and their lasting impact on the music world. With engaging stories, insights, and maybe even a surprise visit from Paul McCartney! This is a musical experience you won’t want to miss!

Thomas M. Cimarusti, Ph.D., is a Professor of Music History at Florida Gulf Coast University, specializing in 18th and 19th-century music. He has lectured at universities nationwide and published extensively on Mozart, Beethoven, Italian opera, and chamber music.

Get ready to dive into the delicious world of Italy’s regional wines and foods! This course takes you on a mouthwatering journey through Italy's rich history, vibrant culture, and the story behind its iconic wines and cheeses. Learn the art of savoring every bite and sip, from the perfect swirl to that first glorious taste. We’ll explore the unique traditions of each region, including local history, patron saints, and cultural gems. The goal? To make your Italian food and wine experience unforgettable and, most importantly, fun! Expect plenty of tastings, lively lectures, and interactive PowerPoint sessions—this isn’t your typical classroom experience! The deadline for enrollment is Wednesday, Augustst 12th. Space is limited.

"Because I Could Not Stop for Death - He Kindly Stopped for Me." This is the beginning of Emily Dickinson's most famous poem. Although written in the late nineteenth century, it could have been written today. Although we all must eventually encounter death, too many of us avoid thinking about this final journey. This class will look at both practical and spiritual preparations. Why must we die? What should we do to prepare for death so we are not a burden on our families? And what happens to our soul or consciousness after we die? The questions may be uncomfortable, but they are questions we all must face. This program is being presented with limited enrollment to foster discussion.