DEFUNIAK SPRINGS — A highlight of the upcoming Florida Chautauqua Assembly is an address by a keynote speaker who starred in a 1950-1960 television show.
Jerry Mathers, who played "The Beave" on "Leave It To Beaver," will discuss how life has changed in America since his appearances on the program.
Christopher Mitchell, president and program chair of the Florida Chautauqua Association orchestrates the annual historic Assembly. He says Jerry will deliver an inspiring keynote address for all ages in attendance. “Most young people today know ‘The Beave’ from watching re-runs on TV Land and ME TV, and I can hardly find anyone my age (51) or older who have never heard of the series,” he says. “So much has changed since the ‘Leave It To Beaver’ days, and Jerry is a perfect choice in outlining how those changes have impacted all of our lives in America.”
Mathers' accomplishments include:
●recognition by People Magazine as one of the most well known individuals in television history
●hosting the American Academy of Neurology Foundation’s patient education video and handbook entitled: “Diabetic Nerve Pain: A Guide for Patients and Families." The video and guidebook are aimed at answering important questions for people who suffer from nerve pain due to diabetes.
●being the first and only actor to ever star in a professional British Panto performed in the United States in December 2010 (an 800 year old English tradition). He played Baron Hardup in the theatrical debut of Cinderella, a Panto, produced by the Lythgoe family.
●After being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, Mathers took preventative action and became one of the leading lecturers on living with and dealing with diabetes. He has been invited to share his experience with diabetes on "Larry King Live" numerous times and has spoken to the Congressional Caucus on diabetes at the Capitol in Washington, DC. Jerry also speaks with the media to alert individuals about the importance of early diagnosis, diet and exercise, and the proper treatment of diabetes.
●National spokesperson for PhRMA and their Partnership for Prescription Assistance program in 2009 and 2010. The organization helps uninsured and financially-struggling patients obtain prescription medicines for free or nearly free. The program is a nationwide effort sponsored by America’s pharmaceutical research and manufacturing companies – raising awareness of patient assistance programs and the need to effectively address the rising and alarming rates of chronic disease.
His presentation is scheduled at 8:30 a.m. Jan. 29 at Florida Chautauqua Headquarters, 1290 Circle Drive, DeFuniak Springs.
The theme for this year's four-day assembly is "A Journey into America.” It begins at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 28 and ends Sunday, Jan. 31. For more information on registration, planned exhibits and updates, visit www.FloridaChautauquaAssembly.org. For more on the Mathers keynote address, contact the Florida Chautauqua Association at 892-7613 or email Christopher Mitchell at cmitchell002@pannhandle.rr.com.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'Leave It to Beaver' star to address Florida Chautauqua