Events

Join the Living U coordinator, Maribeth Benner, as she walks through some of the computer controls that are available on the Zoom meeting platform. This is a basic introductory class for those who have little familiarity with Zoom. About the Instructor: Maribeth Benner Maribeth Benner brings career experience as a mathematics teacher and a Mennonite pastor to her work as the Living U coordinator. She is a graduate of Dock Mennonite Academy, Goshen College (B.A. mathematics, secondary education), and Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary (M.Div). She loves learning and is grateful to be able to coordinate learning opportunities for seniors.

Learn how to plant bulbs in the fall so your garden becomes alive with colorful flowers in the spring. Find out exactly what a bulb is, discover the best time to plant in our area, how to prepare the soil for the healthiest plants, what bulbs are suitable for our location, and how to plan your bulb garden for longer blooming. Hear about methods to keep bulb-eating critters at bay. Finally, determine the importance of the care of bulbs after blooming. About the Instructor: Betsy Nutt Betsy Nutt is a Penn State master gardener volunteer. She lives on a small farm in Blue Bell where she and her husband raise Romney sheep. They have always loved bluebirds and have established a bluebird trail amidst their pastures. They have an orchard, many kinds of berries, a vegetable garden that sustains them for the year with frozen produce, and perennial flower gardens throughout the property.

As a father Michael Caputo could be distant and brusque. Growing up, Yvonne and her siblings had a roof over their heads and food on the table. But what Yvonne wanted was a deeper connection with her dad. In this class Yvonne will share stories from her recently published book, Flying With Dad, in which she charts her journey to her father through the retelling of why he went from repairing to flying planes, how heavy German flak led to post-war nightmares, and why he suffered guilt over one particular bombing run. As she learned to meet him where he was, instead of where she wanted him to be, the result was an intimacy, a deep abiding respect, and a no-regrets final goodbye. About the Instructor: Yvonne Caputo Yvonne Caputo taught in the Erie Public Schools for 18 years. She served as the vice president of human resources for Frederick Living, and as a corporate trainer, consultant, and psychotherapist. She holds an M.A. in education and in clinical psychology. She has always been a storyteller and has used stories to widen the eyes of students, to soften the pain of clients, and to bring a point home to her audience.

This class will look at issues in the German Protestant Church beginning with Unification in 1990, shift quickly to the issues extant today, and then consider parallels to the church in the United States today. This class continues the Living U course which started in early March, before the rest of our spring Living U semester was cancelled. In it, we looked at the role of the Protestant church in the 1989 peaceful revolution in East Germany. About the Instructor: Dr. Jean Godsall-Myers A native of the Philadelphia region, Jean taught German at Widener University from 1982 to 2006. In 2006 she moved with her husband, Reverend Stephen Godsall-Myers, to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Wittenberg Center in Germany. In 2010 they returned to the States and began living in Harleysville. In 2017 the Godsall-Myers volunteered for seven months in Wittenberg as part of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. Jean currently volunteers for the Mennonite Heritage Center and the Salford Mennonite/Advent Lutheran Church Garden.

This is the true story of a man owned, along with his family, by none other than a local Montgomery County church pastor in colonial Pennsylvania. He fought for freedom for himself and his loved ones 100 years before our Civil War. We will discover how he struggled to claim the rights of what was rightfully his against all odds of racial prejudice and institutional structures. Refusing to give up, Gideon Moor challenged the system - AND WON! Moor deserves to be hailed as a champion of emancipation along with the likes of Frederick Douglas and Harriet Tubman. About the Instructor: Reverend Dr. Deborah Rahn Clemens Rev. Dr. Deborah Rahn Clemens is the former pastor of New Goshenhoppen United Church of Christ, the very congregation in which the Gideon Moor story took place. She is a graduate of Ursinus College (B.A.), Moravian Theological Seminary (M. Div.), and Drew University (Ph. D.). She has served as pastor of four churches, all in Montgomery County. She has travelled extensively to study and to teach. Clemens lives in Souderton. She is married and has a daughter and two grandchildren. She is a passionate advocate for substance abuse relief. Photo courtesy of https://www.mixcloud.com/SpinTheGlobe/songs-of-slavery-freedom-23-march-2018/.

This class will provide a broad overview of the hobby of model railroading, giving attendees a basic understanding of the information and skills needed to successfully construct a small or large railroad. Attention will be given to the wide variety of locomotives, freight cars, structures, and scenic items that are available. Many photos of private and club railroads in the tri-state area will hopefully inspire interest in visiting these creations. The class will end with a 15 minute video showing operations on Tom’s 15’x27’ Cumberland and Western Railroad. About the Instructor: Tom Sanders Tom is a resident of Dock Woods and has been a model railroader since age 12. His modeling culminated in a basement-filling layout that provided many hours of operational fun for a crew of five to six people. In his spare time, Tom worked as a research chemist for Rohm and Haas/Dow. He and his wife Shirley raised two boys; alas, neither has carried on the model railroading tradition.

This workshop aims to introduce a creativity and mindfulness-based movement program that focuses on promoting vitality, positive emotions, relaxation, and mental agility, while cultivating meaningful interpersonal connections. The participants will also experience various breathing, imagery, and gentle movement-based activities accompanied by music that are designed to enhance mind-body wellness. About the Instructor: Dr. Minjung Shim Minjung Shim, Ph.D., BC-DMT, is a board-certified dance/movement therapist and an assistant research professor in the Department of Creative Arts Therapies at Drexel University. Her clinical work and research focuses on the use of creative arts and mind-body-based techniques to maintain and promote cognitive health and psychosocial wellbeing in older adults. Dr. Shim is an expert in developing and providing complementary and integrative mind-body tools to manage stress and pain symptoms for individuals living with chronic health conditions.

The MIND Diet is a promising strategy to improve dietary intake and maintain cognitive function. The Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet is a combination of the Mediterranean and DASH diets and includes many nutrients that promote good brain health, possibly by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. Basic recommendations that align with the MIND diet include consuming whole grains, plant-based foods, berries, nuts, beans, poultry, and fish and limiting intake of red meats and foods that are high in saturated fatty acids. Epidemiologic studies have demonstrated the benefits of this dietary approach for reducing cognitive decline and risk for cognitive decline. Participants will learn about the general principles of the MIND Diet and how to create meals and daily menus based on these recommendations. About the Instructor: Dr. Brandy-Joe Milliron Dr. Milliron is an associate professor in the Department of Nutrition Sciences within Drexel University’s College of Nursing and Health Professions, where she is both a researcher and teacher. As a community nutrition scientist, her work focuses on developing nutrition and wellness interventions to prevent and manage chronic disease and improve family caregiver health. She conducts studies exploring how to improve obesity, chronic illnesses, and cancer through understanding and improving nutrition self-management strategies. Her research also focuses on designing better nutrition programs by improving our understanding of how people’s interaction with their environment affects their nutritional choices. She uses a variety of assessment techniques, collaborates across disciplines, and focuses on community-based approaches to inform the development of supportive nutrition intervention programs.

All living systems involve rhythms and cycles ranging from brain waves running at many cycles per second to yearly rhythms in reproduction and migration. Similar to our artificial devices, computers, cars, planes, etc., it is critical for humans that our biological activities are timed appropriately, that everything is kept ‘in tune’. A major element of this tuning process is daily or circadian rhythms which help to keep everything organized in time. However, artificial lighting can disrupt these circadian cycles, leading to a loss of sleep and increased risk of disease. In addition, the clock or pacemaker that controls circadian rhythms begins to deteriorate as we age, making it even more difficult to keep the body running smoothly. In this course, we will discuss the nature of circadian rhythms, examine how light - both natural and artificial - affects those rhythms and investigate practical methods by which individuals can enhance their circadian timing and potentially improve sleep, well-being and health. About the Instructor: Dr. Donald L. McEachron Dr. Donald McEachron serves as a teaching professor and as the coordinator for academic assessment and quality improvement for the School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems at Drexel University. He holds a B.A. in Behavioral Genetics from the University of California at Berkeley, a M.S. in Information Science at Drexel, and a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the University of California at San Diego. His primary biomedical research has focused on chronobiology, biological rhythms and human performance engineering. His most recent book is Chronobioengineering: An Introduction to Biological Rhythms with Applications, Volume 1.

This class will describe what carbohydrates, protein and fats are, their purpose in the body and how they affect our overall heath. It will give examples of how these macronutrients are essential and what the consequences are on the body if they are not consumed adequately. Students will receive recipes and resources on nutrition. About the Instructor: Marianne Kane Beginning in her youth, Marianne has had an interest in healthy eating and overall wellness. She received a B.S. in Nutrition from The Pennsylvania State University. Marianne has worked in some sort of food service capacity for her whole career (30 years) from a grocery store to life plan communities. Marianne is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She has served as the nutrition care manager at Souderton Mennonite Homes for the past 23 years.

A discussion of a number of strategies for staying safe and connected, especially during these challenging times in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Topics will include: S (Spirituality) T (Time to unwind) A (Activity) Y (Your networks) C (Change) O (Ordinary things) N (New things) N (Need for sleep) E (Eating well) C (Connecting) T (Technology) E (Enjoy family/friends) D (Decompressing) About the Instructor: Dr. Kathleen Fisher Kathleen is a nurse educator and researcher from Drexel University. As a nurse and a nurse practitioner she has enjoyed working with many different groups of people. She has worked with Native Americans in Alaska and on the Hopi reservation, with migrant farmworkers from the Eastern Shore of Maryland, with people with intellectual and developmental disability, and with people experiencing homelessness. Dr. Fisher has collaborated with Drexel and Living Branches in dementia care strategy programming. She cherishes working with the residents and staff at Living Branches and has appreciated using a “transformative, participatory action research approach.” She empowers or works with residents and staff on concerns that they want to work on, or change, and many have requested giving particular attention to memory issues.

Most people think of history as what scholars learn from documents, and archaeology as what Indiana Jones or other famous practitioners do in foreign places. Historical archaeology in America is, however, an established field of study. This illustrated lecture will explain why archaeology adds important perspectives for understanding American history. Two prime examples - excavations at the Landing Ford Plantation in Upland and the Plank House in Marcus Hook - will illustrate this point. About the Instructor: Dr. Mitchell Rothman Dr. Mitchell Rothman trained as an anthropological archaeologist at the University of Michigan (B.A.), Hunter College (CUNY)(M.A.), and the University of Pennsylvania (Ph.D.). He is a retired emeritus professor of anthropology and archaeology at Widener University. Although his early career focused on American digs and surveys in New Mexico, Illinois, and upstate New York, his goal was always to work in the Middle East. His preparation for that included learning to read ancient cuneiform texts, to do archaeological excavation, and to understand anthropological theories. His work in Iran, Turkey, and Iraq approached the question of the rise of the modern state in prehistoric Mesopotamia. His current work focuses on the contemporaneous cultures of the Southern Caucasus, the Kura-Araxes, which led him to Armenia and now Israel following their migration. He is also currently cataloging the artifacts excavated at the Plank House in Marcus Hook.

Join us for a time of interaction and conversation on Zoom! We will play Scattergories together. About the Instructor: Maribeth Benner Maribeth Benner brings career experience as a mathematics teacher and a Mennonite pastor to her work as the Living U coordinator. She is a graduate of Dock Mennonite Academy, Goshen College (B.A. mathematics, secondary education), and Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary (M.Div). She loves learning and is grateful to be able to coordinate learning opportunities for seniors.

This class will give the inside story on what does and does not belong in the recycling bin. It will address the impact of global market changes on local recycling. About the Instructor: Veronica Harris Veronica Harris is the recycling manager for Montgomery County and is responsible for recycling assistance, information, and education to all county municipalities, residents, and businesses under the Pennsylvania Municipal Waste Planning, Recycling, and Waste Reduction Act of 1988. Veronica oversees the county’s popular household hazardous waste program and the annual collection and reporting of municipal recycling data to the state. Prior to joining the county in 2013, she worked in renewable energy marketing and environmental education. Veronica is a certified recycling professional and graduate of Penn State University with a B.S. in business management.

Come to be introduced to two little known countries of which too little is known. We will learn a bit of the history, culture, and present realities of Albania and the Federated States of Micronesia. Citizens of each have struggled for their survival amidst repeated domination by invading countries, yet they have proudly preserved their unique identities. Learn about life in these oppressed nations today and get a look at the people who call these countries home. About the Instructor: Reverend Dr. Deborah Rahn Clemens Rev. Dr. Deborah Rahn Clemens is a graduate of Ursinus College (B.A.), Moravian Theological Seminary (M. Div.), and Drew University (Ph. D.). She has served as pastor of four churches, all in Montgomery County. She has travelled extensively to study and to teach. Clemens lives in Souderton. She is married and has a daughter and two grandchildren. She is a passionate advocate for substance abuse relief. Photo courtesy of https://www.britannica.com/place/Albania.

Forgotten Heroes takes the audience on the long 72- year fight for women’s suffrage, beginning at the 1848 Women’s Rights Convention in Seneca Falls, NY, and culminating with the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920. The program will highlight some of the determined and skillful women who courageously fought to change not only the laws, but cultural and social norms. Pennsylvania’s suffrage campaign to amend the state constitution, named the “Pittsburgh Plan,” will also be covered. This presentation was developed as part of the League of Women Voters of Bucks County’s celebration in 2020 of the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment and the founding of the League of Women Voters. About the Instructor: Sandra Kerr A resident of Pipersville, Sandra Kerr is a retired pharmaceutical executive who enjoys historical research. She serves as a speaker for the Bucks County League of Women Voters, a member of the board of directors for Kidspeace, a volunteer with the American Red Cross, and a damage assessor with Disaster Services.

A century ago global developments introduced rural Pennsylvania residents to a world beyond their typical agrarian enclaves. Those enlarged vistas created opportunities to give and receive in unprecedented ways in the last 100 years. Join a story time and mingle your stories with archival stories spanning a century. Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) is a worldwide ministry of Anabaptist churches, which shares God’s love and compassion for all in the name of Christ by responding to basic human needs and working for peace and justice. About the Instructor: Kenneth Sensenig Kenneth Sensenig has served with Mennonite Central Committee for about 30 years including stints in Swaziland and Sudan. He currently serves as the assistant director in the MCC East Coast regional office. Ken has a keen interest in the work of the church. Storytelling activities and projects on his little farm near Akron occupy significant portions of Ken’s spare time. Ken and Karen are parents to three young adult children scattered across the globe.

This class provides an illustrated look at the unique weaving of seven strands of Reformation Christianity that comprised William Penn’s “Holy Experiment” and still influence the texture of Eastern Pennsylvania’s families, culture, and societal dynamics. These strands all helped shape the American experience. William Penn’s colony allowed these varied strands of Christian churches to come together in an amazing fabric of transformed relationships and friendships when people began to live together as neighbors, as communities “under God.” Participants can develop a new historical appreciation of the origins of the community in which we live. About the Instructor: Dr. Robert Gerhart Bob Gerhart has been a student of church history from his youth throughout his years of pastoral ministry. He served as a pastor of congregations in Pennsylvania, California, and Lesotho, Africa. He was a staff member of the Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission (AIMM) and has served as the executive director of the Alliance of Mennonite Evangelical Congregations. He and his wife live in Bally.  

Join us for a time of interaction and conversation on Zoom. Those who wish can share a scripture passage or a poem that is meaningful to them. About the Instructor: Maribeth Benner Maribeth Benner brings career experience as a mathematics teacher and a Mennonite pastor to her work as the Living U coordinator. She is a graduate of Dock Mennonite Academy, Goshen College (B.A. mathematics, secondary education), and Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary (M.Div). She loves learning and is grateful to be able to coordinate learning opportunities for seniors.

Steve Groff’s personal story is a stark wake-up call, fanning the flames of effective regenerative agriculture for farmers and consumers alike to produce healthy, nutrient-dense food that satisfies planet-friendly practices and provides the foundations for a future-proof farm. Farmers are becoming more aware than ever how to adopt the regenerative practices that the market is demanding. As a research-based farmer, international consultant, speaker and author, Steve Groff has been eyeing the trends in the industry and has transformed his own farming practices to meet the new demand. About the Instructor: Steve Groff Steve Groff and his family farm 215 acres of cash grain crops, cover crops for seed, pumpkins, hard squash and heirloom tomatoes in Lancaster County. For the past 25 years, his Cedar Meadow Farm has conducted thousands of cover crop research trials - out of which he developed the Tillage Radish - a cover crop known and used around the world. Steve is the founder of Cover Crop Coaching which educates farmers and farm advisors about effective cover crop use. He also does international regenerative agriculture consulting and is the author of the book The Future-Proof Farm; Changing Mindsets in a Changing World.

Why do humans try to translate from one language to another? This session will look at the history of Bible translation to reflect on this question. We will note places where translation took place, stories told by translators, some of the basic principles followed by translators, and ideas to remember when you are reading a translation. About the Instructor: Dr. Nancy Heisey Nancy Heisey has taught biblical studies and church history for 21 years at Eastern Mennonite University and currently serves part-time as associate dean at Eastern Mennonite Seminary. One of her great joys is working on Greek translations of the New Testament and other early Christian texts. For the past 10 years she and her colleague Reta Finger have met regularly to translate, most recently the apocryphal book of Tobit. Her life and translation are also shaped by a childhood among the Navajo people with Brethren in Christ missionary parents, where she heard sermons being translated from English into Navajo every week.