The Retired Teachers Chapter and the UFT Welfare Fund are proud to present an in-person series of educational, thought-provoking and entertaining lectures as part of the UFT Florida Center’s Day at the University. Please join us for one or all of them.
Space is extremely limited. Each session is $5 per person. You will receive an email confirmation of your registration. Please do not delete the email.
All sessions will take place at the
Florida Center
3200 N. Military Trail, Suite 100
Boca Raton, FL 33431
If you have questions, please call the Florida Center at 561-994-4929.
Download the registration form
Edgar Allan Poe: The Master of American Gothic
When Edgar Allan Poe died at the age of 40, he was penniless. His obituary was written by a man who used the obituary to launch a protracted assassination of Poe’s character as a degenerate alcoholic devoid of morals.
Meanwhile Poe’s work was translated in Europe, where he was hailed as the greatest American writer of his time. Poe singlehandedly perfected the short story as a significant literary form, invented the modern detective story and science fiction as we know it and wrote “The Raven,” one of the most famous poems in American literature. His Gothic tales like “The Fall of the House of Usher,” “The Pit and the Pendulum” and “The Masque of the Red Death” are just as powerful and exciting today as they were when they were first written.
Hear the story of one of the most creative minds in the history of American literature.
- Monday, Jan. 8, 2024, 2–3 p.m.
- Instructor: Randolph DelLago
- Registration deadline: Dec. 15
Geniuses at Work: Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder
As two acclaimed geniuses of popular music, Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder pioneered the transition from rhythm and blues to soul music, and later from soul to funk and hip-hop, with great singing, virtuoso piano and keyboard playing, innovative arrangements and a wealth of songs that today are part of the Great American Songbook. Take a close-up look at the music and careers of these two unique superstars, with videos, research materials and live singing.
- Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, 2–3:30 p.m.
- Instructor: Rod MacDonald
- Registration deadline: Dec. 28
Top 25 Songs of the 20th Century
The top 25 songs of the 20th century, compiled by artists, radio disc jockeys and music listeners, includes the 25 songs they deemed to be of the greatest significance from 1901 to 2000. The instructor will perform the songs, and the audience will have an opportunity to identify when each song became popular and what personal, social or historical event or scenario inspired the writer to create it.
- Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024, 1–2:30 p.m.
- Instructor: Roberta DeMuro
- Registration deadline: Jan. 16
The Top 10 Longest-Running Shows in Broadway History
One measure of a show’s success is how long it runs on Broadway. “Oklahoma!,” which ran for more than five years (2,212 performances), led the list in the 1940s. Now it ranks a mere 32nd. Today, the top 30 shows are all musicals, including “The Phantom of the Opera,” “Chicago” and “The Lion King.” Do any of those crack the top 10? We will examine the 10 longest-running shows on Broadway.
- Wednesday, March 6, 2024, 11 a.m.–noon.
- Instructor: Hap Erstein
- Registration deadline: Feb. 16
Everglades Restoration — Why Is This Important to Us?
In celebration of Earth Day, learn the history of the Everglades, including events that led to “draining the swamp.” Explore ongoing restoration efforts that will help alleviate some of the damage that’s been done to the “River of Grass.” Discover why we should care about this and what we can do to help the Everglades, the environment and the water resources of south Florida, especially in light of threats such as the rising sea level and the state’s increasing population.
- Monday, April 8, 2024, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
- Instructor: Caitlin Newcamp
- Registration deadline: March 1
To Register
Each registrant must complete a separate registration form and pay with their own check or money order. Members cannot pay for other members. Checks and money orders should be payable to
UFTWF RETIREE PROGRAMS
Enclose the payment with your registration form. Mail to:
UFTWF Retiree Programs
52 Broadway, 17th floor
New York, NY 10004
Attn.: Mitzy Natal