This is Part Two of a two-part series celebrating the extraordinary life and career of Diana Ross. From her beginnings in Detroit with The Supremes to her solo superstardom, Ross redefined what it meant to be a female artist in control of her own destiny. After leaving Motown and Berry Gordy in the 1980s, she embraced new creative freedom and continued releasing hit albums, solidifying her status as a music icon. Alongside her chart-topping songs, Ross proved herself as a gifted actress, earning an Oscar nomination for Lady Sings the Blues. Now in her 80s and still performing, her journey has been marked by triumphs, challenges, and unstoppable determination. Join us as we honor the diva who has inspired generations with style, talent, and grace.

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

What can Florida’s sea turtles teach us about resilience? In this engaging session, discover how Loggerheads, Greens, and Leatherbacks overcome obstacles, adapt to change, and follow their inner compass. Through science, storytelling, and guided reflection, we’ll explore how these ancient mariners model strength and perseverance. A visually rich PowerPoint, interactive discussion and thought-provoking exercises will help you connect turtle survival strategies to your own life. Learn how to set boundaries, navigate challenges, and tap into nature’s wisdom for personal growth. No prior knowledge needed, just curiosity and a willingness to reflect. Leave with a deeper appreciation for sea turtles and a renewed perspective on facing life’s uncertainties with clarity, calm, and resilience.

Jessica Morgenthal is an award-winning coach and educator specializing in resilience, blending positive psychology with insights from nature to inspire personal growth. Her courses, including The Resilient Sea Turtle, use storytelling and science to help participants develop adaptability and strength through the lessons of Florida’s sea turtles.

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

Is there a Constitutional right to privacy, and if so, what does it really mean? The Supreme Court has offered shifting interpretations over the years, raising important questions about personal freedoms in today’s world. Join legal expert Roy Klein as he explores key Constitutional provisions and landmark decisions that have shaped the evolving concept of privacy in American law, what Justice Brandeis famously called “the right to be left alone.”

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

Political scandals often feel “unprecedented” today, but have corruption and intrigue always been part of American politics? Join Roy Klein as he explores over two centuries of political history, from the XYZ Affair to the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal and beyond. This course highlights the colorful characters and controversial events that have shaped the nation’s political landscape. Discover how scandal and conflict have long influenced American politics, providing fresh insight into current events. Through fascinating stories, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the drama and complexities behind the headlines and how they reflect the evolving nature of our political system.

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

What drove First Mate Fletcher Christian and his crew to seize the HMS Bounty and set Captain Bligh adrift? This engaging lecture explores the famous Bounty mutiny of 1789 alongside key rebellions across history—from the Royal Navy’s Spithead mutiny (1797) and the Indian Sepoy uprising (1857) to the Russian Battleship Potemkin revolt (1905), and beyond. Examining patterns of abuse, arrogance, poor conditions, and unmet expectations, we uncover the underlying causes that ignite mutinies. These historical insights offer valuable leadership lessons—helping you keep your crew happy and avoid any mutiny-worthy moments of your own! 

Professor McGetchin specializes in the modern history of Europe’s international connections with South Asia, teaching world history, modern Germany and Europe, and South Asian history. His publications include Modern Germany: A Global History (Oxford University Press, 2023) and Indology, Indomania, Orientalism (Fairleigh Dickinson University Press, 2009), along with several edited volumes on German-Asian transcultural encounters and Indology.

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

Though it was written 2700 years ago, we keep retelling Homer’s Odyssey, revising it, remixing it, and incorporating it into modern fiction and film. From the Coen Brothers' movie, O Brother, Where Art Thou?, to James Joyce’s monumental novel Ulysses to Margaret Atwood’s The Penelopiad, which centers the tale around the hero’s wife, the story of Odysseus and his 10-year-long voyage home from the Trojan War continues to occupy our 21^st century imaginations. This session will look at how the themes and episodes of The Odyssey keep making their way into our modern entertainment. 

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

Step into the fascinating world of Virginia Woolf, an influencial voice of Modernist literature. Together with artists, writers, and thinkers like her sister Vanessa Bell, John Maynard Keynes, E.M. Forster, and Lytton Strachey, Woolf helped shape the Bloomsbury Group, a circle of London intellectuals who challenged conventions in art, literature, and society. We’ll explore her life, her complex relationships, and her enduring creative spirit. As we mark 100 years since Mrs. Dalloway, we’ll revisit that masterpiece and other key works in the context of her time, revealing why Woolf’s legacy still speaks powerfully today.

What can Florida’s sea turtles teach us about resilience? In this engaging session, discover how Loggerheads, Greens, and Leatherbacks overcome obstacles, adapt to change, and follow their inner compass. Through science, storytelling, and guided reflection, we’ll explore how these ancient mariners model strength and perseverance. A visually rich PowerPoint, interactive discussion and thought-provoking exercises will help you connect turtle survival strategies to your own life. Learn how to set boundaries, navigate challenges, and tap into nature’s wisdom for personal growth. No prior knowledge needed, just curiosity and a willingness to reflect. Leave with a deeper appreciation for sea turtles and a renewed perspective on facing life’s uncertainties with clarity, calm, and resilience.

Jessica Morgenthal is an award-winning coach and educator specializing in resilience, blending positive psychology with insights from nature to inspire personal growth. Her courses, including The Resilient Sea Turtle, use storytelling and science to help participants develop adaptability and strength through the lessons of Florida’s sea turtles.

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

This program will explore a serial murder investigation from Long Island, NY, that spanned over 20 years. While an arrest was made in 2023, many questions remain unanswered. Participants will gain insight into the full scale of the investigation—both the successes and failures—and hear firsthand from an investigator who was part of the actual body search. Over a dozen bodies were discovered in a beach community, many of which had been missing for over a decade, with several still unidentified. Known as the "Gilgo Beach Killer," or the "Long Island Serial Killer," the case remained unsolved until the recent FBI announcement of an arrest. Join us for a deep dive into this chilling case, where you'll learn about the evidence, locations, and one of New York's most prolific serial killers.

In 1692, the Salem, Massachusetts community devolved into hysteria when they were convinced witches lived among them. The Crucible, Miller’s searing and riveting allegory of McCarthyism and the House Un-American Activities Committee’s 1950s “witch hunt,” reveals shocking similarities in American history. Inspired by actual events, Miller brilliantly dissects how fear and retribution are used as a weapon of justice. Gary Cadwallader leads an interactive classroom discussion about the connections between the 17th-century Puritan community, mid-century America, and the present day. Participants receive a copy of the play prior to class, and a comprehensive, informative PBD Dramaguide written specifically for this class. Participants leave with a deeper understanding of the play and its examination of justice and retaliation. This program is being presented with limited enrollment to foster discussion.

Florida’s coastlines, steeped in stories of shipwrecks, pirates, and hidden treasures, have long sparked intrigue and adventure. In this course, led by Robert Feeney, you’ll dip beneath the waves to explore the captivating history of treasure hunting in Florida. From fabled Spanish galleons lost at sea to today’s explorers searching for sunken riches, this class will dive into the thrilling pursuit of undersea treasures. You’ll also examine challenges faced by maritime archaeologists in preserving these historic shipwrecks. Join us for an exciting journey into Florida’s treasure-hunting legacy and the ongoing quest to uncover and preserve its hidden past. PowerPoint presentation and display of artifacts. No handouts.

From the ski slopes of Big Sky to the cowboy culture of the show Yellowstone, Montana looms large in the American imagination—but how well do these images reflect reality? This course explores the true story of the Treasure State, examining its rich history, complex cultural identity, and evolving political landscape. We’ll trace Montana’s path from Indigenous homelands and frontier conflicts to mining booms, homesteading, and the modern rise of tourism and media portrayals like Yellowstone. Along the way, we’ll unpack persistent myths and consider how Montana’s past informs its present-day debates around land use, resource extraction, governance, and identity. Through discussion, historical sources, and critical media analysis, participants will gain a deeper understanding of Montana beyond the mythos—and how its real story reflects broader patterns in the American West.

Dr. McLain holds a Ph.D. in History from Montana State University, specializing in the history of illicit drug controls in the United States. She has worked with the U.S. Departments of State and Justice on counter-narcotics and crime prevention initiatives and consults with communities to develop substance use prevention and justice programs.

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

In 1692, the Salem, Massachusetts community devolved into hysteria when they were convinced witches lived among them. The Crucible, Miller’s searing and riveting allegory of McCarthyism and the House Un-American Activities Committee’s 1950s “witch hunt,” reveals shocking similarities in American history. Inspired by actual events, Miller brilliantly dissects how fear and retribution are used as a weapon of justice. Gary Cadwallader leads an interactive classroom discussion about the connections between the 17th-century Puritan community, mid-century America, and the present day. Participants receive a copy of the play prior to class, and a comprehensive, informative PBD Dramaguide written specifically for this class. Participants leave with a deeper understanding of the play and its examination of justice and retaliation. This program is being presented with limited enrollment to foster discussion.

Gold has captivated the human imagination for millennia, not just as a precious metal, but as a powerful symbol woven into the fabric of civilization. In this fascinating lecture, Dr. Terryl Lawrence takes you on a shimmering journey through history to explore gold’s evolution and enduring significance. From ancient artifacts to modern fashion, from Olympic medals to cutting-edge technology, gold has symbolized wealth, power, and beauty across cultures. We’ll delve into the psychology behind its allure and the many forms it takes, both literal and metaphorical. Discover how gold’s story reflects human ambition, creativity, and desire. Join us to celebrate this glittering icon that continues to dazzle the world.

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

Welcome to the world of sustainable, delicious, nutritious, plant-based menu options, their preparation, and the art of creating plant-based versions of your old favorites. This course will take you from the ultimate healthful vitamin, mineral and fiber rich, raw foods, to comfort food made healthful, new versions of old favorites, and familiar fare from the standard American diet made healthful and plant-based diet with readily available options. Included are recipes from around the world revised and made plant based. There is no lack of variety, and no need for advanced skills. Everything is delicious! Come, and enjoy! Samples will be served. Space is limited.

Sharon Leontine Wallenberg is a Plant-Based Coach, founder of Raoul Wallenberg Vegan International, and author of several books, including A Plant-Based Lifestyle For You And The Planet and Where Do You Get Your Protein? Rethinking Food. She also founded Liberty 61 Books and is dedicated to promoting plant-based living and global awareness.

"Secure Your Legacy" is an interactive educational program designed to equip participants with essential knowledge and strategies for effective estate planning. In this comprehensive workshop, participants will delve into the fundamental legal documents necessary for safeguarding their assets, ensuring their family's financial security, and minimizing tax liabilities. Attendees will gain actionable insights to navigate the complexities of estate planning with confidence. Learn how to organize your estate and provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones. This program is being presented as a seminar with limited enrollment to foster discussion. 

“I think that he did an excellent job presenting - clear and concise.” OLLI Patron

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is our most common heart rhythm disorder -- affecting millions of people yearly, including >10% by age 80. AF can cause stroke, heart failure, and even death (with a societal cost exceeding $7 billion annually). Fortunately, the past two decades have brought major advances in identification and treatment, allowing for earlier detection, reduction of risk, and therapies that dramatically improve outcomes. This engaging and informative program is ideal for older adults interested in understanding AF, its warning signs, how to detect it, and how to manage it. Its messages can be lifesaving. Whether for yourself or a loved one, join us to learn how modern medicine is transforming care and improving quality of life for those affected by atrial fibrillation. This program is being presented with limited enrollment to foster discussion.

Dr. James A. Reiffel is Professor Emeritus of Medicine at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and a longtime expert in cardiology, electrophysiology, and cardiac pharmacology with over four decades of clinical, teaching, and research experience. He has authored over 500 medical publications, served in advisory roles for the FDA and medical companies, led major clinical trials, and currently serves on the boards of the Loggerhead Marinelife Center and Sarah P. Duke Gardens.

Join German historian Anette Isaacs for a fascinating look into the lesser-known aspects of Adolf Hitler’s life. This course explores his early years, personal struggles, and both physical and mental health issues to shed light on the roots of his destructive ideology. By examining Hitler through a psychological and biographical lens, Isaacs provides a deeper understanding of how trauma, isolation, and illness may have influenced his worldview. This is not an attempt to excuse, but to comprehend how one man’s personal pain contributed to historical tragedy. Gain new insight into the complex forces that shaped one of history’s darkest figures.

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

In this interactive seminar, we explore how media consumption—what we watch, read, scroll, and share—shapes our understanding of the world and each other. Over the past two decades, the media landscape has become increasingly partisan, sensational, and divisive, with news and social media fueling polarization and even straining personal relationships. Through discussion, real-world examples, and hands-on activities, we’ll examine how media influences our beliefs, how to recognize bias and misinformation, and how to become more thoughtful, responsible media consumers in an age of information overload. This program is being presented with limited enrollment to foster discussion.

Kenneth "Ken" Reid was a journalist and publisher with over 40 years of experience covering the FDA and life sciences industries, managing multiple newsletters, books, and a publishing business. He also served in local government in Virginia, authored a book on local elections, and holds a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri and a B.A. in political science from Rutgers.

This lecture explores the daily life, duties, and equipment of the Continental soldier during the American Revolutionary War (1775–1783). We'll examine who these soldiers were, why they enlisted, and what hardships they faced on and off the battlefield. Special focus will be given to the gear they carried, their uniform and personal items. By analyzing historical records and surviving artifacts, we’ll gain a vivid understanding of what it meant to be a soldier in General George Washington’s army and how their experiences shaped the outcome of the war.

Join us for a special one-time discussion on the art of David Hockney, one of today’s most celebrated contemporary artists. At 87, Hockney continues to push creative boundaries with studios in both London and Los Angeles. His extraordinary career spans over six decades, reflecting and shaping major art movements of our time. This engaging presentation features a rich PowerPoint slideshow and a captivating short video, offering insight into Hockney’s evolving style and lasting impact. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or new to his work, this program offers a unique opportunity to explore the vibrant world of a living legend.

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

Diet plays a crucial role in preventing Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, dementia, and some cancers. It also impacts the environment, the origins of pandemics, and our animal friends. This lecture will explore the negative consequences of a meat and dairy-based diet, the forces influencing diet choices, and the numerous benefits of adopting a plant-based diet, for both individuals and the planet. The lecture concludes with a food prep video, demonstrating how easy and delicious plant-based eating can be. This program is being presented with limited enrollment to foster discussion.

Sharon Leontine Wallenberg is a Plant-Based Coach, founder of Raoul Wallenberg Vegan International, and author of several books, including A Plant-Based Lifestyle For You And The Planet and Where Do You Get Your Protein? Rethinking Food. She also founded Liberty 61 Books and is dedicated to promoting plant-based living and global awareness.

“Ideologies are the guardians of identity.” What we believe not only reflects who we are—it helps shape who we become. But what if your political beliefs could be predicted by factors like your brain structure, DNA, personality traits, or the environment you were raised in? This fascinating program explores the latest research in psychology and neuroscience to uncover how biology, upbringing, and social context influence political behavior. We’ll examine how these insights explain our increasingly polarized world and how they can help us respond more constructively to modern tribalism—within ourselves, our relationships, and society at large. Join us for an eye-opening look at what drives our beliefs and behaviors, and how greater self-awareness can promote empathy, dialogue, and social cohesion.

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

Gold has captivated the human imagination for millennia, not just as a precious metal, but as a powerful symbol woven into the fabric of civilization. In this fascinating lecture, Dr. Terryl Lawrence takes you on a shimmering journey through history to explore gold’s evolution and enduring significance. From ancient artifacts to modern fashion, from Olympic medals to cutting-edge technology, gold has symbolized wealth, power, and beauty across cultures. We’ll delve into the psychology behind its allure and the many forms it takes, both literal and metaphorical. Discover how gold’s story reflects human ambition, creativity, and desire. Join us to celebrate this glittering icon that continues to dazzle the world.

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

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To commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States, this program explores the global political significance of the American Revolution.  1776 was a turning point in history, not merely for the United States but for the world, and its impact was pervasive.  The revolution's supporters hoped the defeat of Great Britain, the dominant power at this time, would inspire others to challenge political establishments in Europe and elsewhere.  Critics, by contrast, feared the revolution would unleash chaos and undermine the social order.  By questioning long-held assumptions regarding sovereignty, rights, representation, and the meaning of a constitution, the founding fathers ushered in an era of profound political change both in thought and practice.   

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

Join us for a special one-time discussion on the art of David Hockney, one of today’s most celebrated contemporary artists. At 87, Hockney continues to push creative boundaries with studios in both London and Los Angeles. His extraordinary career spans over six decades, reflecting and shaping major art movements of our time. This engaging presentation features a rich PowerPoint slideshow and a captivating short video, offering insight into Hockney’s evolving style and lasting impact. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or new to his work, this program offers a unique opportunity to explore the vibrant world of a living legend.

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