James Earl (Jimmy) Carter Jr, the 39th President of the United States (1977-1981), was the longest-lived President in American history, reaching the century mark on October 1, 2024. Carter represented the "New South" when he was elected Georgia Governor in 1970. He was a "dark horse" who stunned the Democratic Party and the nation by becoming the party nominee in 1976 and winning the Presidency over President Gerald Ford. Carter's one term in office saw some major domestic and foreign policy accomplishments but also some major crises that undermined his reelection efforts and led to his defeat by Ronald Reagan in 1980. However, his post-presidency, spanning more than four decades, improved his historical image, with a growing respect for the basic decency and principles of the man. 

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By the outbreak of WWII, Shanghai sheltered more Jewish refugees than any other place in the world. This program explores the history of Jewish Shanghai from the mid-19th century and features little-known heroes, including Chinese diplomat Dr. Ho Feng-Shan, Japanese diplomat Chiune Sugihara, American Social Worker Laura Margolis, and known villains such as Nazi Josef Meisinger. The emphasis is on the everyday lives of the 24,000 who spent WWII hunkered down in Shanghai and their ability to survive. First-hand survivor accounts bring this story to life.

Helene Herman, former President of a 400-member lifelong learning club in Florida, lectures on historical and cultural topics. With over 30 years of global marketing experience and a background in anthropology from NYU, she transitioned from marketing to becoming a Lifelong Learning lecturer.

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It is common knowledge that President Theodore Roosevelt was the namesake of the iconic Teddy Bear. Hardly anyone knows, though, that this delightful toy was invented by an amazing woman who overcame terrible sickness and incredible challenges and turned her tiny workshop into one of the most recognizable international brands, and all that in the male dominated world of the 19th century! German historian Anette Isaacs relates the story of the truly awe-inspiring life of toy maker and business maven Margarete Steiff!

Anette Isaacs, M.A. born and raised in Germany, received her academic education at Emory University in Atlanta, the University of Vienna, Austria, and the Free University in Berlin and earned master's degrees in history, political science and American studies. She lectures extensively on more than 40 different topics pertaining to her home country's history, culture, politics, and society!

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In recent years, the U.S. Supreme Court has uncharacteristically accelerated overturning increasing numbers of its long-standing precedents, permitting states to promulgate widely diverse replacement laws that had formerly had failed the Court’s test of Constitutional adherence, including: gun ownership and carriage; abortion rights; and emasculating federal agencies discretion in promulgating discretionary rules, permitted to them by Congress, to safeguard our Nation’s health, safety, and environment. Also, as of this prepared pre-lecture synopsis, another case now awaiting decision by the Court may further redefine its earlier, albeit diminishing, residual separation of Church and State. Finally, a third pending decision indeed threatens the fragile “checks and balances” still preserving our three co-equal branches of government. Could we soon be witnessing the erosion of Constitutional oversight now held by the judicial branch, with usurpation by the Executive Branch over all independent federal agencies? Join us for an eye-opening look at how these legal and Constitutional shifts may possibly shape the uncertain future of our representative democracy.

Irving Labovitz, J.D., is an adjunct professor at Florida Atlantic University who teaches courses on U.S. Supreme Court decisions, drawing on a distinguished legal career that includes roles as an Air Force prosecutor, FTC attorney, and FDIC contract counsel. A graduate of Boston University School of Law and member of multiple bars including the U.S. Supreme Court, he has authored legal scholarship, lectured nationally, and served as both law firm co-chair and corporate general counsel.

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