Events

Beginning as a junction on the North Penn Railway in the mid-1850s, Lansdale quickly grew into a commercial and industrial hub. This class will highlight the people, places, and events which contributed to the borough’s growth through the late 19th and early 20th century. About the Instructor: Patricia Rieker As a lifelong resident of Lansdale, Patricia Rieker has always been interested in the history of the borough. She and her husband have owned a home in the West Ward for nearly fifty years. She was employed as an elementary school teacher in the North Penn School District until her retirement in 2010. Since that time, she has volunteered with the Lansdale Historical Society as a researcher and trustee. She enjoys presenting history programs to people of all ages.

Learn about how Claude Good went from being a missionary with his wife, Alice, in a remote area of Mexico to being the founder of the Worm Project, a ministry of the Mosaic Mennonite Conference. Run entirely by volunteers, the Worm Project provides medicine to treat millions of children for parasitic worms. Meet several of the Worm Project's volunteers and hear about how it partners with other organizations around the world to reach some of the most vulnerable children in over 40 countries. The new book, How to Change the World One Penny at a Time: The Story of Claude Good and the Worm Project, will be available for purchase. About the instructors: Gary Delp, Dr. Clarence Freed, and Jeff Hollenbach Gary Delp serves as president of the board for the Worm Project. Gary and his wife, Julie, live in Sellersville and are members of the Blooming Glen Mennonite Church. Dr. Clarence Freed volunteers with the Worm Project and has treated children in Haiti who suffer from parasitic worms. Jeff Hollenbach is a member of the board for the Worm Project. Jeff's background includes teaching math and coaching numerous sports at Pennridge High School, including head coach of the football team. He is also a licensed pastor and is active with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes organization.  

If you are fascinated with how self-driving cars are able to distinguish a tree from a person, or how self-driving cars are able to distinguish a tree from a person, or how computers are able to recognize your fingerprint or your eyes, come learn about current research in the field of visual perception. While there are many technological advancements in visual perception, much of this research has taken place in static situations. The open, dynamic, vast, and unpredictable world creates many more complexities. Dr. Shu Kong will discuss this topic from the aspects of data distributions, handling the unknowns, visual learning methods, and multimodal perceptions. About the instructor: Dr. Shu Kong Shu Kong is a postdoctoral fellow in the Robotics Institute at Carnegie Mellon University. He earned a Ph.D. in computer science at the University of California Irvine, ad his research interests span computer vision and machine learning as it pertains to autonomous vehicles and interdisciplinary research. His latest interdisciplinary research outcome include a high-throughput vision system for pollen analysis, which has been featured by the National Science Foundation for opening a "new era" of fossil pollen research.

This is a storytelling and visual presentation about the beginnings of the Sanford Alderfer Auction company founded in 1958 by Sanford A. Alderfer, and then joined by his brother, Harold Alderfer. Sanford's son, Sandy, will share about his experience in the auction and real estate businesses, and how they have evolved over time. He will provide insight on how the industry may look moving forward. About the instructor: Sandy Alderfer Sanford "Sandy" Alderfer is the president/CEO of the Sanford Alderfer Real Estate and Auction Company, which specializes in all types of real estate transactions and commercial liquidations. He has been a licensed auctioneer and realtor since 1973. Sandy graduated from Christopher Dock Mennonite High School in 1970 before attending Goshen College for two years, and later graduated from Reisch Auction College in 1973. In honor of his work he has been inducted into the National Auctioneer Association's Hall of Fame, as well as the Pennsylvania Auctioneer Association's Hall of Fame. Sandy and his wife, Gail, live in Harleysville.

This course focuses on how to make gardening a safe and enjoyable activity for seniors. We will cover topics including accessible garden designs, supportive gardening equipment and ergonomic tools, and gardening strategies for different living environments. Join us for tips and tricks for safe and low-maintenance gardening for seniors! Please note: This course has an enrollment limit of 30 persons. About the instructor: Christine Sinotte Christine Sinotte is a certified Penn State master gardener affiliated with the Montgomery County Extension program in Creamery, PA. Her mission is to educate the community about best practices of horticulture, including environmentally friendly approaches. Gardening is not only a personal passion of Christine's, but her career, as she manages various events and workshops at Floral and Hardy of Skippack. She lives in Skippack with her husband, three children, two goats, and dog.

Join Andrew Frankenfield, a Montgomery County agricultural educator, to learn about some of the latest farming advancements and challenges. We will look at agriculture as it exists in today's society, and what to expect in the future. The topics of biotechnology, globalization, equipment, no-till farming, yields, environmental impacts, biofuels, and markets will be discussed. About the instructor: Andrew Frankenfield Andrew Frankenfield has a bachelor's degree in agribusiness and M.B.A. in food and agribusiness from Delaware Valley College. He has worked for the Penn State Extension in Montgomery County since 2001, where he is part of the field crops and forages team that focuses on grain crop and forage production, pesticide education, and farm business management. Andrew is the sixth generation to live on his family's farm, where he manages and sells seasonal vegetables at the Frankenfield Farm Market. In addition he assists his father and son with managing a small herd of Black Angus cattle. Andrew and his wife, Tanya, live in Souderton and have three children.

Come to hear the captivating life story of Julie Henning as documented in her recently published book, A Rose in a Ditch. This first generation Ameriasian was protected by the strong right hand of the Almighty God before she ever knew who He was. She offers her story as a testimony to how God is actively at work through the challenges and joys she has experienced. About the instructor: Julie Henning Julie Henning was born in South Korea in 1953, and was named Goo Sooni. She never knew her father, and was raised by her mother until she died when Julie was 13 years old. While studying and living at the Pearl S. Buck Opportunity Center in Sosa, Korea, Julie caught the attention of the Nobel Prize-winning author, Pearl S. Buck. Pearl brought Julie to the United States in 1968 and raised her as her daughter. After Buck's death, Julie was adopted by an older couple at age 19. Julie is burdened by the cause of Ameriasians, and has addressed the obstacles they face through her writing, on radio and television interviews, and in U.S. congressional hearings. Julie and her husband, Doug, live in Souderton.

Seashells from snails, oysters, scallops, clams, and mussels are beautiful and eye-catching. They can be brightly colored and opalescent, and come in a variety of different and dramatic shapes. However we might not often think about a shell's most important purpose as a remarkable biological armor. Seashells can withstand a lifetime of accumulating physical insults, and unlike man-made armor, can repair themselves. Join this class to learn more about shells: What are they? How are they made? How are they so good at protecting the animals they shelter? About the instructor: Rachel Crane Rachel Crane is a postdoctoral scholar in biology at the University of California at Davis. She has always been curious about the amazing, the strange, and especially the less traditionally charismatic animals that fill our world. Rachel grew up in North Carolina and earned a bachelor's degree in biology from Swarthmore College, studying how worms burrow through mud. After graduating she returned to North Carolina, where she worked at Duke University studying mantis shrimp: a marine animal with a strike that can shatter snail shells. She then went on to earn her Ph.D. in biology from Stanford University, studying how seashells provide protection from predators and the environment.

Hymns are songs of praise. In this course we will consider how the singing and composition of hymns have evolved and changed over the past centuries. We will be guided through a progression of hymns and hymn singing dating all the way back to early chants. We will review our present day variety, and trace how these songs came to be. About the instructor: Ralph Alderfer Ralph Alderfer received his bachelor's degree in music education from Eastern Mennonite University and his master's degree in music from the University of Iowa. Additionally he completed a church and music study at Westminister Choir College. Ralph taught choral music at Iowa Mennonite School for three years, and at Dock Mennonite Academy for 19 years. He has spent more than 25 years directing the Franconia Lancaster Choral Singers. He and his wife, Doris Kolb, are residents of Souderton Mennonite Homes.

Teeth are the unsung heroes of anthropology. They are an incredibly rich source of information, and yet people hardly think about them unless they are causing pain. Because teeth preserve better than any other part of he body, much of what we know about ancient populations is based on their teeth. Shara Bailey, course instructor, is an expert in studying teeth of past populations. In this course we will learn about: How anthropologists use bumps and grooves on the teeth to inform us on geographic ancestry. How growth rings, similar to tree rings, can tell anthropologists how old someone was. What the microscopic scratches on your teeth can tell us about your diet. How cavities and periodontal disease can inform us about diet and health of people in the past. Dr. Bailey will provide a slide presentation and have some sample teeth for learners to examine. About the instructor: Dr. Shara Bailey Shara Bailey is a professor of anthropology and director of the Center for the Study of Human Origins at New York University. Her research focuses on answering questions about human evolution from a dental perspective. While she often studies Neanderthals and modern human origins, some of her research extends back to our early ancestors. Dr. Bailey is frequently called upon to diagnose and interpret new fossil finds, and her research has been featured on National Public Radio, The History Channel, National Geographic, and the PBS documentary series, NOVA.

The problem of evil has troubled thoughtful men and women for the entire history of humanity. If there is a loving, all-powerful God, how can evil exist? Does the reality of evil, suffering, and death mean that God doesn't exist? This course will examine how various religions and cultures have grappled with the problem, comparing and contrasting their answers with those of Christianity. Our approach will be primarily philosophical, but we will look briefly at some ways in which these ideas can help us deal with our own very real suffering and heartache. About the instructor: Tom Sanders Tom Sanders is a resident of Dock Woods and has been an avid reader of philosophy and theology for more than 50 years. He is an experienced adult Sunday School teacher and taught high school chemistry for five years at Germantown Academy. After a 33-year career as a research chemist, he retired from Rohm and Haas/Dow in 2011. He and his wife, Shirley, raised two boys, both of whom are active in studying and living out their faith.

Thomas Edison is a well-known genius, yet he did not live his life without experiencing failure. He had more scientific disasters than successes. Learn more about Edison and other famous scientists like Alexander Graham Bell and George Washington Carver, and their determined efforts to bring their strong visions to reality - no matter what anyone else had to say about them. About the instructor: Linda Doran Linda Doran taught at Montgomery County Community College as an academic advisor and instructor for computer applications, college success, and mathematics. Linda also served as a training and assessment coordinator for Montgomery County Workforce Development. She has created many interactive workshops that focus on life skill essentials, computer applications, and interpersonal communications.

This class will provide helpful tips for medication management, and includes the best practices for overall medicine safety. We will define what polypharmacy is, and explain the potential dangers of taking certain medications simultaneously. You will walk away from this course having a better understanding of specific disease states, knowing whether medication is needed or not, the relationship between receiving a prognosis and a prescription, and strategies for reducing medication intake. About the instructor: Dr. Daniel Haimowitz Dr. Daniel Haimowitz is a geriatrician who specializes in both internal medicine and long-term care. He serves as the medical director at Living Branches, and is also involved in geriatric organizations on the local, state, and national levels. Dr. Haimowitz founded the Bucks County Long-Term Care Consortium, and is a nationally recognized leader in assisted living and advocacy for long-term care residents. His informative talks combine practicality with humor.

This illustrated lecture will be presented at the Mennonite Heritage Center. Attendees will be seated in the Fraktur Gallery surrounded by original fraktur made over 200 years ago, and will learn about early settlers in the Lower Salford and Franconia townships. We will explore information about the creators and the purpose of these treasured pieces, and how they were used to simulate learning in a teacher-created, engaging environment. Participants will be able to view exhibits at the Center following the lecture. Please note: Participants will need to drive to the Mennonite Heritage Center on their own. It is located at: 565 Yoder Road in Harleysville. This lecture and tour is limited to 20 persons. About the instructor: Mary Jane Lederach Hershey Mary Jane Lederach Hershey is a graduate of Souderton High School, Goshen College, and Drexel Institute of Technology. She helped establish the Mennonite Heritage Center in 1974. Throughout the 1990s, she served as chair of the board of the Mennonite Historians of Eastern Pennsylvania. Currently Mary is a trustee emeritus and volunteers in the archives at the Center. She authored the book, This Teaching I Present: Fraktur from Skippack and Salford Meetingouse Schools, 1747-1836. About the center:  The Mennonite Heritage Center is a museum, library, and archive collection dedicated to sharing the stories of the Anabaptist-Mennonite faith and life in eastern Pennsylvania. The Delaware Valley is host to a diverse range of Mennonite experiences from Pennsylvania Germans to Hispanics, Indonesian, and Vietnamese communities. The Center is open to the public and offers rotating exhibits, events, programs, and workshops.

This presentation will provide an overview of the quality, quantity, and cost of drinking water provided to the community from the North Penn Water Authority. We will learn where our water comes rom, how it gets to our homes and businesses, and how the public water system is operated, managed, and maintained. We will address water quality, including the treatment systems and testing processes that are utilized, and explain how systems have changed over the years to keep up with the demands of a growing customer base. About the instructor: Anthony Bellitto Tony Bellitto has been the executive director of the North Penn Water Authority since 1998, where he is responsible for all planning, engineering, operational, and financial aspects of the organization. North Penn Water Authority provides a daily average of 10 million gallons per day of water supply to 35,000 customers throughout Montgomery and Bucks Counties. Before moving to Pennsylvania, Tony was employed with the New York City Bureau of Water Supply and with consulting firms specializing in water supply and wastewater engineering. He is a member of the American Water Works Association and volunteers with their Water for People committee, which focuses on international water relief projects in poor communities around the world. Tony and his wife, Sharon, have been married for 34 years.

In this course we will follow photographer and videographer, Pamela Dimeler, as she presents a program on eight species of owls that live year-round or migrate into Pennsylvania. For 10 years she has been observing a pair of great horned owls in Delaware County, along with other birds and wildlife. Her multi-media program features photographs, videos, and audio of these birds and their calls, and include many interesting facts about these fascinating and mysterious owls. About the instructor: Pamela Dimeler Pamela Dimeler is the director and founder of the Parkside Academy of Music and Dance in the Delaware County borough of Parkside, where she has spent 35 years teaching music and dance to children of all ages. She is also a photographer and nature enthusiast, and has been observing a pair of great horned owls and other wildlife since 2012. In 2010 Pam had the honor of presenting her lecture on great horned owls at the International Owl Festival in Minnesota. Pam's other interests include instructing senior fitness classes at the Rocky Run YMCA and playing the Celtic harp in the Brandywine Harp Orchestra. Pam resides in Delaware County with her husband, Scott.

This course invites us to look at our country's past, and consider how it has shaped what is going on today. Join Jean and Steve Godsall-Myers for a presentation on the humbling and sobering "civil rights journey" that they took in June 2021. Their itinerary included stops along the Eastern shore of Maryland, in Wilmington, North Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, and what is known as the "civil rights triangle" of Montgomery, Selma, and Birmingham, Alabama. They stopped in Nashville and Clinton, Tennessee, Hardy and Farmville, Virginia, and Harper's Ferry, West Virginia before ending the trip right here in Lansdale for the town's Juneteenth celebration. About the instructors: Jean and Steve Godsall-Myers Jean and Steve Godsall-Myers both recall being in high school during the 1960s and have given attention in recent years to studying events they had "heard about" during that time. Jean is a retired German professor and Steve is a retired Lutheran pastor. Together they served as co-directors of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Wittenberg Center. They are an active part of the Racial Justice Learning Group at Salford Mennonite Church.

Tour the MCC Material Resource Center and learn about the organization's work to support the Mennonite Central Committee. Attendees will see volunteers at work, making beautiful comforters for people in need, processing old t-shirts to sell as rags, and sorting and bailing items for recycling in the warehouse. You may also shop for unique gifts that have been handmade and re-purposed in the gift shop. Please note: This field trip takes place at 737 Hagey Drive, Unit C, in Souderton, and is limited to 30 students. Transportation for this field trip will not be provided, however carpooling is encouraged. Participants must be able to stand for 45 minutes to an hour. About the instructors: Sharon Swartzentruber and Edie Landis Sharon Swartzentruber has been coordinating the work at the MCC Material Resource Center in Elroy since 2010. She enjoys the variety of tasks that are involved her work, and the many inspiring volunteers who come and serve at MRC. Edie Landis has been a volunteer at MRC since 2015 and currently serves on the board of directors. She enjoys meeting and working with the many volunteers who are vital in helping MRC fulfill its mission.

Join us for a comprehensive program on the history of Hatfield Township and Hatfield Borough. This presentation will feature more than 200 old photographs and will examine the formation of the township and its villages, as well as the impact that the railroad had on the Hatfield and Lansdale Boroughs. It will also recount how the countryside changed from farmland to suburbia during the 20th century, and how business and education in the community has evolved over the years. This course includes historic glimpses of Hatfield's businesses, churches, and schools. About the instructor: Larry Stevens Larry Stevens has been a resident of the Hatfield Borough for 55 years, and serves as the president of the Hatfield Museum and Historical Society. Ever since he founded the organization in 1991, Larry has worked to preserve the history of both the borough and the township. In the midst of the pandemic, the Hatfield Historical Society opened a museum in August, 2020, to make the community's history and collection more easily accessible to the public. Larry has written a number of books on Hatfield's history including: History of Hatfield Borough, 1898-1998, Walking Tour of Historic Hatfield Borough, and The Hatfield Horror - The Story of the Great Hatfield Train Wreck of 1900.

"The moon spins in perfect resonance with its orbit around Earth; millions of neurons fire together to control our breathing; every night along the tidal rivers of Malaysia, thousands of fireflies flash in silent, hypnotic unison. All of these astonishing feats of synchrony occur spontaneously - as if the universe had an overwhelming desire for order" (from the dust jacket of Steven Strogatz's book Sync: The Emerging Science of Spontaneous Order). In this class we will discuss some of these examples of synchronized behaviors and try to understand how they arise spontaneously. About the instructor: Dr. John Tyson. Before retiring to Dock Woods with his wife, Linda, John Tyson was a university distinguished professor of biological sciences at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia. John earned a B.S. degree in chemistry from Wheaton College in 1969 and a Ph.D. in chemical physics from the University of Chicago in 1973. As a graduate student, John began his transition from chemical physics to theoretical biology because many open problems in molecular cell biology caught his attention. After postdoctoral studies in biophysical chemistry and cell biology in Germany and Austria, John and Linda moved back to Blacksburg in 1979, where they raised their four children. At Dock Woods, John continues to write scientific papers with his colleagues at Virginia Tech and other universities in the U.S. and Europe.

In this dynamic presentation, you will hear from an adoptee who returned to Korea for the first time. We will learn about Korean culture and about the instructor's reunification with her birth parents. About the instructor: Jenna Antoniewicz. Jenna Antoniewicz was born in Seoul, South Korea. She was adopted when she was 11 months old, and was welcomed into the U.S. at JFK International Airport by her parents and older brother in 1984. She grew up in rural Bucks County and is now the mayor of Royersford borough in Montgomery County. Jenna earned her B.A. in creative writing with a minor in diversity studies at Susquehanna University. She later earned an M.S. in education with an emphasis in college student personnel administration from Bucknell University. She is a fierce advocate for social justice issues and formerly served in higher education administration in the areas of student life and advancement.

This lecture will deal with how the Biblical text and its meaning is all too often misunderstood because it is either wittingly or unwittingly misinterpreted by ignoring such matters as historical situation, cultural context, and the meaning of words in the original Hebrew or Greek text. The focus will be on how such "malpractice" in Biblical interpretation often has significant consequences in humans' lives and relationships. About the instructor: Dr. Manfred Brauch. In 2004 Dr. Manfred Brauch retired from Palmer Theological Seminary of Eastern University in St. Davids, PA. Over the course of 26 years, he served in several positions as academic dean, professor of Biblical theology, and president. Dr. Brauch is the author of numerous essays in both popular and academic Christian journals, as well as several  books including Set Free to Be: A Study in Romans, Hard Sayings of Paul, and Abusing Scripture: The Consequences of Misreading the Bible. Throughout his retirement, Manfred and his late wife, Marjean, engaged in both long and short-term volunteer work in medical mission and theological/Biblical education in Thailand, Chile, Russia, New Zealand, Honduras, and Cameroon.

Please join principal players of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Symphony Orchestra as we introduce music from the upcoming 2022-2023 season. Enjoy the reverence of Bach's sacred compositions, Bizet's intoxicating "Carmen," Berlioz's tribute to unrequited love, and much more! Live chamber music performances along with anecdotes and stories about the composers and their music will keep you entertained and informed. Each class member will receive a complimentary concert ticket, and discounted season tickets will also be available for purchase. About the instructors: Nancy Franchetti, Emily Gulglielmi, Jane Nechin, and Hannah Richards. Nancy Franchetti (cello) attended Temple University's College of Music. Nancy taught strings in the Philadelphia Archdiocese for 41 years and has been teaching privately for over 30 years. She has played in numerous ensembles, including serving as principal cellist in a local orchestra. She also performs as a freelance cellist in the greater Philadelphia area. Emily Gulglielmi (principal second violin) attended Philadelphia Music Academy (now The University of Arts). She taught strings in both the Centennial and Upper Dublin school districts, and currently teaches privately and as a faculty member of the Ambler School of Music. Jane Nechin (principal flute) graduated from West Chester University and teaches music in the Abington School District, where she has received commendations from the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association for excellence in music education. She is also a principal flute with Orchestra Society of Philadelphia and directs the Chancel choir and Herald Ringers at Sanctuary Church in North Wales. Hannah Richards (viola) graduated with degrees in viola performance and music business from the Hartt School of Music at The University of Hartford. Hannah has performed extensively with The Divine Hand Ensemble, Lehigh University Orchestra, and is a founding member of Table for 26th. Hannah maintains an active private studio through ArcoNet in North Wales and Clemmer in Souderton.

Can you recall a time on a clear, moonless night when you looked up to the heavens and witnessed a blanket of stars? In this course we are going to consider this awesome universe: the planets, stars, and galaxies. The launch of the Hubble and James Webb telescopes have given us views of the heavens that until now were impossible to see. Through photographs sent from these telescopes, we can view the beauty and majesty of the heavens. We will also consider the smallest unit that can live on its own. This unit makes up all living organisms and the tissues of the body: the cell. Our human body is composed of trillions of cells. These cells take in nutrients from food, convert these nutrients into energy, and carry out specialized functions. We will look at the basic science of cells and the beautiful expanse of the heavens. About the instructor: John Rowe. John Rowe grew up in Mount Carmel, PA, and graduated from Mansfield University with a degree in mathematics education. He then went on to earn a master's degree from West Chester University. He taught math in the Indian Valley and Indian Crest middle schools of the Souderton Area School District for 40 years. He currently volunteers for the Souderton Area track team, on the Living U curriculum council, and in a variety of other ways at Souderton Mennonite Homes, where he and his wife, Betsy, have lived since 2016.

Join a knowledgeable Chanticleer tour guide for a 90-minute walking tour featuring garden history, seasonal highlights, and a tour of the first floor of the Chanticleer house. Chanticleer is a 35-acre pleasure garden, where gardeners lead the design and the garden is a study of texture, form, and color. It is recommended that you dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, and bring a water bottle and camera with you. Please note: This tour has a maximum enrollment of 30 persons - 20 of whom can ride the shuttle from any one of the Living Branches campuses to and from Chanticleer. The cost for the tour and shuttle is $32.00; the cost for the tour only is $22.00 per person. Chanticleer is located at 786 Church Road, Wayne, PA. Please bring along a packed lunch, which you can enjoy at one of the picnic tables or in the greenhouse on the Chanticleer grounds. We will have extra time until 2:00 p.m. to enjoy the grounds before departing home. This tour will happen rain or shine.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have been in existence for around 168 years providing higher education opportunities to African American students and others who had long been denied entry to Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs). In this session we will learn about the history of HBCUs and about the history of Lincoln University. We will compare and contrast the ideology, mission, and circumstances of southern and northern HBCUs and PWIs. We will look at successes and challenges facing the HBCUs of today. About the instructor: Dr. James DeBoy. James DeBoy (Ph.D., University of Delaware, M.S., Springfield College, B.S., Ursinus College) served 44 years at Lincoln University as a professor of health and physical education, therapeutic recreation, and health science. He was a department chair for 22 of those years. Dr. DeBoy has delivered professional papers at national and international conferences and has published academic journals on the topics of human cognition and metacognition, obesity prevention, assessments of student learning, and faculty governance in higher education. Since retiring in 2019, he splits his time between southwest Florida and the Jersey Shore, where he enjoys playing pickle ball, golfing, kayaking, bicycling, fishing, reading, traveling, and penning letters to the editor.

*ACTIVE AGING WEEK* Using a multisensorimotor approach, instructor Dr. Minjung Shim will invite participants to engage in mindful exploration of one's creativity and self-expression. The class will include music, visual art-making, and gentle dance/movement activities. About the instructor: Dr. Minjung Shim. Minjung Shim, Ph.D., BC-DMT, is a board-certified dance/movement therapist and assistant professor in the Department of Creative Arts Therapies at Drexel University. Minjung has professional training as a ballet dancer and in dance/movement therapy (DMT). As a DMT clinician, she has more than 20 years of experience working with individuals across the life span in both medical and behavioral health sectors. Minjung's education and training in research includes obtaining a Ph.D. in creative arts therapies at Drexel University and fulfilling a postdoctoral training in mind-body medicine at Stony Brook University. Her clinical and research interests center on the integration of body and mind with creative arts-based interventions into the mainstream health care system by means of rigorous, evidence-based research and clinical application of this work.

*ACTIVE AGING WEEK* This course introduces participants to the applications of biological and circadian rhythms in one's health and well-being. Topics will range from the benefits of maintaining a regular schedule to applications of music and rhythmic stimulation in the treatment of Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. The instructor will present practical advice for maintaining good temporal hygiene, as well as tips for discussing rhythms with health care providers. About the instructor: Dr. Donald McEachron. Donald McEachron serves as a teaching professor and as the coordinator for academic assessment and quality improvement at Drexel University's School of Biomedical Engineering, Science, and Health Systems. He earned a B.A. in behavioral genetics from the University of California at Berkeley and a Ph.D. in neuroscience from the University of California at San Diego. In 2006 he completed an M.S. in information science at Drexel. He has worked extensively in the areas of imaging, editing three monographs on imaging applications in biomedicine. His primary biomedical research has focused on chronobiology, biological rhythms, and human performance engineering. In association with architects and engineers, Dr. McEachron works in the field of indoor ecology, where he examines how built environments influence human physiology and behavior.

*ACTIVE AGING WEEK* This course will explore how non-pharmacologic strategies including exercise, nutrition, and cognitive stimulation are important for healthy aging. We will look at how these strategies, focusing particularly on exercise, benefit physical and psychological well-being. Join us to hear about the outcomes of an exercise study conducted in 2020 and about the results of the resilience study and impact of Covid at Living Branches from 2021. We will compare what worked with what didn't, and share recommendations regarding resilience. About the instructor: Dr. Kathleen Fisher. Kathleen is a nurse education and researcher from Drexel University. As a nurse and nurse practitioner, she has enjoyed working with many different groups of people including Native Americans in Alaska and on the Hopi reservation; with migrant farmworkers from the Eastern shore of Maryland; and in many underserved communities, e.g. people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and those experiencing homelessness. Dr. Fisher has collaborated with Drexel University and Living Branches in dementia care strategy programming since 2017. She enjoys using a "transformative, participatory action research approach" meaning that she likes empowering residents and staff on concerns that they would like to work on.

Who doesn't love to see birds and butterflies visiting our gardens? Learn why it's important to include native plants in your garden, and how these plants help birds, bees, and other insects thrive. We will discuss the many native plant species and options for our gardens, along with their importance to our environment. About the instructor: Marie Meiklejohn. Marie Meiklejohn works at Floral and Hardy in Skippack. She assists customers with plant selections, garden coaching, and container designs. She also leads talks on various garden topics. Previously Marie owned Marie's Garden, a seasonal plant nursery, for 15 years. Marie studied horticulture at Temple University, Delaware Valley University, and Longwood Gardens. She has received a certificate of merit in ornamental horticulture from Longwood Gardens and a certificate in horticultural therapy from Delaware Valley University.

Pamela will present her brand new program "Philadelphia Red-Tailed Hawks on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, 2009 - 2019." She will share many interesting facts about this incredible bird of prey and present the dramatic saga of a female red-tailed hawk named Mom, her four mates, and 25 offspring over the course of a 10-year period. All of this took place in Philadelphia, and began in a nest on a window ledge of the Franklin Institute Museum of Science. This story is filled with love, excitement, laughter, adventure, and heartache. Pam will share photographs and videos featuring this famous urban red-tailed hawk family. About the instructor: Pamela Dimeler. Pamela Dimeler is the director and founder of the Parkside Academy of Music and Dance in the Delaware County borough of Parkside, where she has spent 35 years teaching music and dance to children of all ages. She is also a photographer and nature enthusiast, and has been observing and documenting a pair of great horned owls and other wildlife since 2012. Pam's other interests include instructing senior fitness classes at the Rocky Run YMCA and playing the Celtic harp in the Brandywine Harp Orchestra. Pam resides in Delaware County with her husband, Scott.

This program reflects upon the changing times of a Harleysville couple whose lives spanned the 20th century. Isaiah and Susan Landes established a plumbing company just as the Great Depression of the 1920s - 30s began. Their family business, IT Landes, Inc., has now grown into a multi-million dollar employee-owned corporation. While the presentation portrays a family business venture, this program primarily relates stories from their family history, as published in 2021. As a subtext the program will encourage class members to collect and share family stories of their own. About the instructor: Richard Lichty. Richard Lichty is a retired teacher and pastor who lives at Dock Woods with his wife, Mary. He is a graduate of Eastern Mennonite University, where he majored in history, and Eastern Baptist (now Palmer) Theological Seminary, where he earned an M.A. in religion. He taught social studies and religion at three different high schools, including 19 years at Christopher Dock Mennonite High School (now known as Dock Mennonite Academy). In his retirement he enjoys researching and writing about genealogy and family stories, volunteering at the Mennonite Heritage Center, and teaching Sunday school classes at Plains Mennonite Church.

Have you ever wondered how your water softener works; what's behind the plastic abbreviations of those recycle triangles; how soaps and detergents clean; and what happens as you bake bread? This course looks at the basic chemistry behind all of these household products and related chemistry processes at a level that students will understand! There's no need to have prior knowledge of chemistry to profit from the course. We can see the creative mind of God in chemistry. God has created a marvelous universe that works according to easily understood chemical principles. This program is an eclectic look into some of the many chemical principles that we encounter daily. If you think you hate chemistry, maybe this course will change your mind! About the instructor: Tom Sanders. Tom Sanders is a resident of Dock Woods and has been a fan of science and mathematics since elementary school. He loves reading about math, physics, chemistry, and science in general. Particularly he enjoys how math and science show the glory of God and His creative power! Tom taught high school chemistry for five years at Germantown Academy. After a 33-year career as a research chemist, Tom retired from Rohm and Haas/Dow in 2011. He and his wife, Shirley, raised two sons.

Are you curious about what living in Egypt would be like for an American? Or what life was like in Kuwait directly after the liberation of that country after the Gulf War? Presenter Judy Lambert lived in the Middle East for 17 years. She will discuss history, share stories of daily life, and present artifacts and pictures. About the instructor: Judy Lambert. Judy is currently retired from 50 years in education, having first served as a history teacher and then as the admissions director of American International School in Cairo, Egypt. She has lived in the five countries and all three of her children graduated from high school overseas. She currently works part time at Souderton Mennonite Homes as a receptionist. Judy loves to share her travel adventures.

This presentation was initially a colloquium delivered as part of the 2014 renaming ceremony of NASA's Neil A. Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. Mark Tuttle will share his off-screen insights and outtakes from the First Flights television production. The making of the TV documentary series First Flights with an internationally renowned icon presented many challenges and gave Tuttle unique insight into the world of celebrities. The presentation features still and video footage, and will provide a behind-the-scenes glimpse of traveling for three years with Neil Armstrong in the U.S. and then later during the First World Air games held in Turkey in 1997. About the instructor: Mark Tuttle. Mark H. Tuttle has had a long and varied career in media creation and distribution. Working closely with his wife, Donna, they dubbed and sold to television Japanese anime of classical children's stories; created and sold a worldwide network TV series with Neil Armstrong; and created shows for PBS and large-screen video art installations. Over the years they also published books and magazines for the Baptist World Alliance and many other non-profit organizations.

Explore the cultural history of immigrants in southeastern Pennsylvania and how they impacted the growth of the region and influenced everyday life. See photos and artifacts from instructor Ryan Conroy's personal collection and archive for an exciting visual experience. About the instructor: Ryan Conroy. Ryan has volunteered with multiple local non-profit organizations and businesses in providing historical research, and has authored articles for magazines, websites, and blogs. He serves as acting president of the Spring-Ford Area Historical Society, serves on the council for Royersford borough, and served as a past president of the Historical Society of the Phoenixville area. Ryan has a history show on a local news outlet, Voxipop, called Timeless Tales. He enjoys sharing his love for history and knowledge of his favorite subjects, including local history, photography, immigration, and military history.

In this class Erik Kratz will share about God's amazing hand in his baseball career and the interactions that he was able to have because of Him. This class will offer ample time for questions from the audience, as Erik will share about his career and life as a professional baseball player. About the instructor: Erik Kratz. Erik Kratz grew up in Telford and graduated from Christopher Dock Mennonite High School (now Dock Mennonite Academy). He is a graduate of Eastern Mennonite University, where earned a B.A. in business administration. Erik played 19 professional baseball seasons as a catcher. He and his wife have been married for more than 20 years and have three children. Erik's family is a part of Souderton Mennonite Church.