Speakers

Reptiles and Amphibians

Thursday, January 21, 2021 | 6:00-7:00pm

The Stuart Jeffares Speakers Series presents: via Zoom 

Christina Funk, B.Ed., M.S., Naturalist and Educator - Troy Nature Society and State Nature Center - via Zoom 

Join Naturalist and Educator, Christina Funk to explore the world of Michigan reptiles and amphibians. Our state is home to seventeen species of snakes, ten species of turtles, thirteen species of frogs and toads, ten species of salamanders and two species of lizards. Meet some of these live reptiles and amphibians as Christina introduces us to their special adaptations.

Recent Developments in Space & Science

Thursday, January 28, 2021 | 6:00-7:00pm

The Stuart Jeffares Speaker series presents: at Next and via Zoom 

Cliff Marko, Reporter, Attorney, Former Docent - Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum

From the latest in human space flight, to recent discoveries in astronomy, Cliff highlights the latest news in space exploration, science and technology from around the world and out in space.
Covering the latest developments from NASA; to commercial and private space fl ight; to foreign governments space programs, Cliff provides a glimpse into the status of space flight achievement, development and goals. This overview will discuss the newly created Space Force, the Chinese and the Russian Space programs. This talk is guaranteed to be out of this world…

Breaking the Enigma Code At Bletchley Park

Thursday, February 4, 2021 | 6:00-7:00pm

The Stuart Jeffares Speaker Series Presents: At Next and via Zoom

Frank Cardimen, Professor of Business - Oakland University

Alan Turing and his fellow code breakers are credited with shortening WWII in Europe by two years and saving millions of lives by breaking German’s ENIGMA machine in 1941. Professor Cardimen will discuss Turing’s efforts and others when they worked secretly at Bletchley Park. At the peak of WWII, a maximum of 12,000 employees worked 24/7 and never knew what they were doing until the 1980s. Breaking the ENIGMA also launched the world into the field of computer engineering!

Behind the Seen: To Die Upon a Kiss

Thursday, February 11, 2021 | 6:00-7:00pm

The Stuart Jeffares Speaker Series presents: via Zoom 

Docent - Detroit Institute of Arts

Presented by trained DIA teaching volunteers, “Behind the Seen” brings the same level of insight and engagement about the Detroit Institute of Arts’s collection from the museum to your community. Scientists have proven that when experiencing "love," brain cells release dopamine, a natural stimulant, to many regions of the brain that affects human behavior. These areas of the brain are associated with wanting, motivation, focus and craving. View a selection of works that explore the variety of behaviors associated with “love.”

David Coulter, Oakland County Executive

Thursday, February 18, 2021 | 6:00-7:00pm

Currently through Zoom but suject to change.

As part of The Jeffares Speaker Series, join newly re-elected David Coulter, a veteran of county service with an impeccable record of public . And he is the only person in Oakland County to serve as both County Executive and County Commissioner. He will share his thoughts and strategies for the future of Oakland County including: attracting more investment in defense and aerospace industries; helping more residents attain college degrees; and fulfi lling his desire to tackle challenges before they become problems with leadership and innovation. He will share his goal of Oakland County residents that work together as public servants for the public good. Executive Coulter will discuss his vision for 2021 and the future of Oakland County.

Creating a Safe Space for Survivors of Human Trafficking

Thursday, February 25, 2021 | 6:00-7:00pm

The Stuart Jeffares Speaker Series presents: at Next and via Zoom 

Edee Franklin, Founder, President and Chairperson of the Board - Sanctum House

Human trafficking victims can be young or old and from any background. Sanctum House, in collaboration with community partners, is a place where human trafficking victims work towards a body, mind and spirit transformation to achieve greater fulfillment. Join Edee Franklin, as she shares her story and how she developed a passion for helping victims of human trafficking and founded Sanctum House. She will tell the stories of many women who take the wrong fork in the road and end up in the right place.