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!

"Presentation was well organized and speaker was very passionate about the subject." OLLI Patron

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. LOCATION: The Vintage Gym at Old School House 51 N. Swinton Avenue (at Atlantic Avenue) in Downtown Delray Beach FREE PARKING: Old School Parking Garage 180 NE 1st Street, Delray Beach, FL 33444.

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.

"Professor Labovitz is engaging, extremely erudite, knowledgeable and possesses great presentation skills." OLLI Patron