James Stewart and Henry Fonda were two of the greatest American actors, and unlikely best friends for nearly 50 years. Though divided by politics, religion, and temperament, they shared a deep bond, a love for the same woman, and a remarkable range of talent across stage and screen. This eight-week series follows their parallel paths from small-town beginnings to Hollywood stardom, exploring their iconic performances in comedy, drama, thrillers, and westerns. With behind-the-scenes stories, film clips, and historical context, we’ll celebrate their lasting legacy in American cinema.

LECTURES:

1. The Farmer Takes a Wife (1935): Fonda’s film debut with Janet Gaynor (91 min.)

2. Next Time We Love (1936): Stewart’s first lead role opposite Margaret Sullivan (87 min.)

3.Young Mr. Lincoln (1939): The breakthrough that made Fonda a star (100 min.)

4. Destry Rides Again (1939): Stewart’s first major western with Marlene Dietrich (94 min.)

5. My Darling Clementine (1946): Fonda’s acclaimed return to film after WWII (97 min.)

6.The Mortal Storm (1940): Stewart’s final film before military service (100 min.)

7. On Our Merry Way (1948): Stewart and Fonda’s first co-starring comedy (107 min.)

8. Firecreek (1968): A dramatic showdown between Stewart’s sheriff and Fonda’s outlaw (140 min.)

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

Join us for this exciting series exploring the history of American musical theater! From its roots in vaudeville and Tin Pan Alley to the groundbreaking works of Gershwin, Bernstein, and Sondheim, and on to modern legends like Alan Menken and Lin-Manuel Miranda, we’ll trace the evolution of this uniquely American art form. Lectures will spotlight the historical and social backdrop of beloved productions, while diving into the lives, influences, and signature styles of the composers who shaped the genre. A fun, interactive musical experience filled with stories, sounds, and surprises—perfect for music lovers of all kinds!

LECTURES:

1. The Genesis of Broadway: From Vaudeville to Scott Joplin to "Tin Pan Alley," how a generation of impoverished musicians gave birth to a new American Art form.  Music of Joplin, early Gershwin and others.  

2. George Gershwin, Father of Musicals: A retrospective on his life and music, focusing on his legacy as the architect of the "Broadway musical" concept and his unique compositional style.  Music of George and Ira Gershwin 

3. Bernstein and Sondheim, the second generation: How "postwar" musicals reflected the changing American socio-political landscape, with special focus on the relationship between Bernstein and Sondheim and how they pioneered the modern musical theater format. Music of Bernstein and Sondheim.  

4. Hollywood and the Rise of the "Movie Musical": A closer look at some of the most beloved movie musicals, including "Top Hat," "White Christmas" and "Guys and Dolls."  The complex relationship between movie studios, composers, and talent will be explored.  Music of Irving Berlin, Frank Loesser, others.

5. Changing Music for Changing Times: A look at Broadway's "Transition Years", moving away from Sondheim towards simpler "pop" stylistic influences, and how this changed the scope of American Music.  Music of Andrew Lloyd Weber and "Rent", others.  

6. Disney and the Cartoon Movie Musical.  How Disney used the format of Broadway Musicals to completely revitalize its brand in the early 1990's, creating one of the most beloved animation traditions in modern history.  Music of Alan Menken.  

Born in Kentucky, concert pianist Aaron Orin earned a piano scholarship to the University of Kentucky at age 14 and graduated at 19. He has performed at the White House and other prestigious venues, recently completed a Master’s in Piano Performance at FAU, and is pursuing a second Master’s in History while working as a musical director for numerous South Florida shows.

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

We'll experience the exhilarating breadth and depth of contemporary international filmmaking, discovering the diverse styles and boundless creativity of filmmakers, showcasing the limitless possibilities of storytelling from around the world.

LECTURES:

A Real Job – France, 2023: A young PhD student in need of money and pressured to get work by his parents becomes a substitute teacher in a middle school. Without any experience and faced with a weakened system, he discovers the difficulties of the profession. (100 min.)

Miracle – Romania, 2022: An enigmatic journey and a gripping police thriller with devastating social commentary involving the lives of several people in a small Romanian town. Divided into two parts, a local investigator uncovers clues and revelations leading to an unfathomable truth, and possibly an actual miracle. (118 min.)

An Impossible Love – France, 2018:
A chronicle of the unconditional love between a mother, Rachel, and her daughter, Chantal, from 1958 to the present day, which is endangered by an unsteady and manipulative father. (135 min.)

Trifole – Italy, 2025:
In this bittersweet portrait of a vanishing rural way of life, a young woman travels to Piedmont to care for her aging grandfather, an expert forager. Armed with his loyal dog, she hunts for a prizewinning truffle to save what’s most precious. (100 min.)

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

James Stewart and Henry Fonda were two of the greatest American actors, and unlikely best friends for nearly 50 years. Though divided by politics, religion, and temperament, they shared a deep bond, a love for the same woman, and a remarkable range of talent across stage and screen. This eight-week series follows their parallel paths from small-town beginnings to Hollywood stardom, exploring their iconic performances in comedy, drama, thrillers, and westerns. With behind-the-scenes stories, film clips, and historical context, we’ll celebrate their lasting legacy in American cinema.

LECTURES:

1. The Farmer Takes a Wife (1935): Fonda’s film debut with Janet Gaynor (91 min.)

2. Next Time We Love (1936): Stewart’s first lead role opposite Margaret Sullivan (87 min.)

3.Young Mr. Lincoln (1939): The breakthrough that made Fonda a star (100 min.)

4. Destry Rides Again (1939): Stewart’s first major western with Marlene Dietrich (94 min.)

5. My Darling Clementine (1946): Fonda’s acclaimed return to film after WWII (97 min.)

6.The Mortal Storm (1940): Stewart’s final film before military service (100 min.)

7. On Our Merry Way (1948): Stewart and Fonda’s first co-starring comedy (107 min.)

8. Firecreek (1968): A dramatic showdown between Stewart’s sheriff and Fonda’s outlaw (140 min.)

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

This series continues the exploration of the Diaspora, focusing on the history and culture of Jews in four European communities. All are part of the saga of European Jewish prosperity, achievement, persecution, exile, destruction and return. Many American Jews have Russian roots as it once had the world’s largest Jewish population including imperialistic holdings in the Ukraine, Lithuania, Latvia, Belarus and parts of Poland. Germany was the home of Ashkenazi Judaism and today has a surprisingly growing Jewish community including Berlin, Munich and Frankfurt. The Jewish presence in Italy dates to pre-Christian Rome and has continued, despite periods of extreme Papal persecution and expulsions and Mussolini. From the 16th Century diaspora and the Iberian expulsion until the Holocaust, the Netherlands was mostly a bastion of tolerance and a center of Jewish life during a long period, a time when Amsterdam was known as “Dutch Jerusalem.”

 

LECTURES:
1. Russia: Beyond the Pale- Medieval, Imperial, Soviet & Post-USSR
2. Germany: Prosperity, Integration, Destruction and Rebirth
3. Italy: Surviving Emperors, Popes, and Mussolini 
4. The Netherlands: Conversos, Commerce, Occupation and Remembrance

Building on the previous Introduction to Jewish Philosophy course, this continuation dives into some of the most important and often debated issues shaping contemporary Jewish life. Explore the contrasts between Orthodox and liberal Judaism, the rise and impact of Jewish feminism, diverse Jewish responses to the Holocaust, and the evolving meanings of Zionism today. Through thoughtful discussion and insightful analysis, this course offers a deeper understanding of how these complex topics continue to influence Jewish identity, community, and belief in the modern world. Ideal for anyone eager to engage with the vital questions and challenges facing Judaism today. This program is being presented with limited enrollment to foster discussion.

LECTURES:

1. Contemporary Jewish movements

2. Jewish feminism

3. Reactions to the Holocaust

4. Zionism

Hollywood films have been America's most important contribution to the world's culture, and this was never truer than during the 1930s.  This was arguably the most important decade of the twentieth century, and it marked the golden age of American movie-making with films responding to the challenges of the Great Depression and the outbreak of World War II. Movies were the most popular form of entertainment at this time, and they are a primary source for understanding the hopes, fears, and ideals of the movie-going public.  They also were influential in shaping public discourse and governmental policies.

 

LECTURES:

1.  King Kong explores the impact of the economic collapse of 1929 and suggests how Americans should respond politically to the greatest economic disaster in their country's history (104 min.)  

2.  The Grapes of Wrath highlights the social and economic devastation of the Great Depression and is a superb cinematic version of the most important American novel of the1930s (130 min.)

3. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is Jimmy Stewart's most important film, and it exhibits a skepticism toward Washington politics while championing the voice of the common man (129 min.)  

4. Sergeant York features Gary Cooper and concerns the stance that the United States should take toward the war in Europe (133 min.)                

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

              

Bridge has the suspense of poker, the cerebral challenge of chess, and the excitement of competitive sports, all in a fun, social setting! Join us and learn to play what many call the greatest game in the world. Bridge is more than a card game; it sharpens memory, enhances strategic thinking, and brings people together. No prior experience is needed, this course is perfect for absolute beginners. You'll be playing at your very first lesson with guidance every step of the way. Each session builds your skills and confidence while keeping the game enjoyable and accessible. Whether you're looking for a new hobby or a brain-boosting challenge, bridge offers endless rewards. Come play, learn, and make new friends! Space is limited.

Linda J. Green represented South Africa in the World Bridge Olympics from 1980 to 1993 before dedicating herself full-time to teaching bridge at all levels for over 45 years. Now based in Florida since 1998, she is an ABTA Master Teacher, certified online instructor, ACBL-accredited teacher and club director, actively involved in the American Bridge Teachers Association and the ACBL Community Games.

The world moves fast, and so does the news. Stay ahead with this dynamic discussion group! We’ll dive into the latest headlines, analyze their impact, and explore how different media outlets shape public perception. From breaking news to global issues, no topic is off-limits. Challenge perspectives and engage in thought-provoking conversations. This is your space to think critically and share your voice. Join us for lively discussions that strive to make sense of today’s fast-paced world.Understanding the news means shaping the future!  This program is being presented with limited enrollment to foster discussion.

"The group always interacted, Marlene was an excellent moderator." OLLI Patron

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.