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This course will look at some of the most famous examples of successful nonviolent campaigns: Dr. Martin Luther King’s civil rights movement, Gandhi’s campaign in India, and the overthrow of the dictator Marcos in the Philippines. We will also discuss some other amazing but lesser known examples. Dr. Sider will build the case that if pacifists claim they have an alternative to war, then they must be willing to put themselves in danger’s way in the way soldiers do. If Just War Christians really believe their criteria that war must be a last resort, then they must invest large amounts of time and money in exploring how much can be done through nonviolent action. Neither pacifist nor Just War Christians have ever really done what their own ethical commitments demand. About the instructor: Dr. Ronald J. Sider Dr. Ronald J Sider has taught courses on faith and politics for several decades. He is the distinguished professor emeritus of theology, holistic ministry and public policy at Palmer Theological Seminary at Eastern University. He is the founder and president emeritus of Evangelicals for Social Action. Dr. Sider has published over 45 books including: Just Politics: A Guide for Christian Engagement, Fixing the Moral Deficit, and Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger. Ron and his wife, Arbutus, live at Dock Woods.

This course has been filled. Join us for a historical overview of the Hatfield Packing Company. A sixth generation, family owned company, it provides wholesome, sustainable food with a world-class team practicing ethics, integrity, and stewardship. Come to learn about the more than 125 years of history of this local company, which now raises hogs and produces pork products across several states, providing food for people across the globe. About the Instructor: Doug Clemens Doug Clemens serves as the chairman of the board for the Clemens Family Food Group, which is a vertically coordinated company overseeing the production chain from farm to retail and food-service customer. A great-grandson of the founder of Hatfield Packing, he has been a team member of the business since 1978. Clemens serves on the boards of the North American Meat Institute, the Foundation for Meat and Poultry Research and Education, and the Mary Campbell Center. He formerly served on the board of directors for Souderton Mennonite Homes. A member of Blooming Glen Mennonite Church, he and his wife, Becky, have three adult children.

This illustrated lecture will focus on local Native American artifacts. Come to hear about the different stones that Native Americans used for their tools along with where those stones were originally found. Several hundred spear points, arrow heads, and tools that were found on a three acre field just north of Vernfield along the East Branch of the Perkiomen Creek will be displayed. About the instructor: Tim Moyer Tim Moyer has been a pastor for the past 12 years and is currently serving at Bally Mennonite Church. Prior to attending Eastern Mennonite Seminary and becoming a pastor, he opened and managed an auto body and mechanical repair business for more than 20 years. He has a passion for nature and takes every opportunity that is available to be immersed in God’s creation. His hobbies include artifact collecting, birdwatching, hunting, gardening, tree identification, beekeeping, and crafting canes and walking sticks from unique pieces of wood that he finds on his many nature walks on his property. Tim and his wife, Sharon, live near Sassamansville, PA.

Did you ever wonder how Amazon manages to get packages to you so quickly? It’s all made possible by an amazing and intricate system involving sophisticated algorithms and computers that coordinate a bewildering array of robots, conveyor belts, delivery vehicles, and human workers to move goods and packages efficiently from manufacturing facilities to your home. In this course we’ll dig into the technology behind the logistical operations of Amazon and the surrounding ecosystem of manufacturers and delivery companies to see just how it is possible for Amazon to perform its magic on a daily basis. About the Instructor: Dr. Ted Ralphs Ted Ralphs is a professor of industrial and system engineering at Lehigh University. His field of expertise is mathematical optimization, which is the study of how to create mathematical models of complex systems for the purpose of understanding and improving their operations. For three decades, he has worked to develop the fundamental mathematical algorithms and software that power operations in a wide range of industries. He is also a cofounder of the COIN-OR Foundation, a non-profit foundation that supports the production of free, open-source software for mathematical modeling and optimization.

This course has been filled. An overview of the history of the underground railroad in Montgomery County will be presented spanning the time period of its activity. We will touch on specific houses, properties, individuals, and much more. About the Instructor: Ryan J. Conroy Ryan has volunteered with multiple local non-profit organizations in providing historical research, and has authored articles for magazines, websites and blogs. He serves on the boards of the Phoenixville and Spring-Ford Historical Societies. He has a local history show online for Voxipop called Timeless Tales. Ryan enjoys sharing his love of history and knowledge of some of his favorite subjects such as local history, photography, immigration, and historic properties.

Join our local documentary creators as they show and facilitate a discussion on one of their most recent publications, Postcards from Babylon. This film features author and pastor, Brian Zahnd, as he investigates the question, “How does the church stay faithful to the beautiful way of Jesus while situated in one of the most divisive political climates in our nation’s history?” The film explores how Christians seeking proximity to power has led to a hyperpartisan nationalistic posture that is demonstrably hindering the witness of Christ. Please note: the themes in this documentary may be challenging and emotional for some attendees. About the Instructors: David and Kathi Peters David and Kathi Peters are a husband and wife documentary film making team who live in Souderton. David started making films while in high school and has used his gift to create films ever since. Kathi joined him in their business in 2012, and together they travel the world telling stories, typically about how God is working through the lives of people. They also create films for local businesses and social service organizations. They have been married 40 years, have three children and four grandchildren.

This course will provide an overview of the Souderton Area School District. It will include demographic information about the students and their families. We will look at the courses of study for students in kindergarten through grade 12, as well as the various clubs, activities, and athletic offerings of the district. Join us to learn about the Career Pathway Program and the STARR Program, as well as some of the business of the district and responsibilities of the Board of School Directors and Administration. About the instructor: Dr. Frank T. Gallagher Frank T. Gallagher, Ed. D, is a superintendent of schools in the Souderton Area School District, a district comprised of approximately 6,300 students in southeastern Pennsylvania. Frank received his bachelor’s degree in special education from Penn State University, his master’s degree in educational leadership from Gwynedd Mercy College and completed his doctorate in education from Arcadia University with a dissertation topic of social justice leadership. He began his career as an emotional support teacher. Frank joined the Souderton Area School District in 2001, and is currently serving in his eighth year as superintendent of schools. He resides in Bucks County with his wife, Wendy, and their dog, Millie.

This course has been filled. An illustrated, chronological talk on the westward migration of the Lenape population of the Delaware Valley, from the arrival of Swedish, Dutch, English, and German-speaking settlers beginning in 1620 until after the French and Indian War (1755-63). About the instructor: Dr. John L. Ruth With family roots in Bern and Zurich, Switzerland, John Landis Ruth was born in 1930 on a farm 29 miles northwest of Philadelphia, and was ordained a minister in the Mennonite Church at the age of 20. His Ph.D. thesis at Harvard University was titled “English Hymn-Writing in America, 1640-1800.” After teaching English and American literature at Eastern University and Universität Hamburg, he turned to film documentaries on the Amish and Hutterites, and narratives of eastern Pennsylvania Mennonite life, including “Maintaining the Right Fellowship” (1984) and “The Earth is the Lord’s” (2001). In 1971 he and his fraktur-artist wife, Roma Jeanette Jacobs, returned with their family to his birth community and homestead, from where he served as associate pastor of the Salford Mennonite Church from 1972 to 1994, and led historical tours in Europe for 45 years.

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Symphony Orchestra will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a return to our full symphony orchestra. Please join us as we present a program of chamber music by principal players of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Symphony Orchestra along with anecdotes and composer biographies related to our upcoming season. Each class member will receive a complimentary concert ticket, and discounted season tickets will be available for purchase. Come share in the excitement of our 50th anniversary and the return of live music! About the instructors: Jane Nechin, Hannah Richards, Emily Guglielmi Jane Nechin (principal flute) graduated from West Chester University and teaches music in the Abington School District. She is the 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/University of Hartford. Hannah has performed extensively with The Divine Hand Ensemble and the Lehigh University Orchestra. Hannah maintains an active private studio through ArcoNet and Clemmer Music. Emily Gulglielmi (violin) attended Philadelphia Musical Academy (now University of the Arts). Emily taught strings in both the Centennial and Upper Dublin school districts and is currently principal second violin for the SPSO. Emily teaches privately and also as a faculty member of the Ambler School of Music.

Note: This class has been rescheduled since the printing of the course brochure. The new date is September 28. Learn about the phases of the moon, eclipses, and the varied features that can be seen on the moon with the naked eye, binoculars, and telescopes. Note the general areas of the Apollo landing sites. You will learn the differences between craters, basins, mare, valleys, domes, and rilles, and how best to view them and how they might have formed over the millennia. Some audience participation will reveal some of the mechanisms of crater formation. The talk will culminate with a virtual fly in and around Crater Tycho! About the instructor: Dr. Albert Lamperti A retired professor of anatomy and cell biology at Temple University School of Medicine, Dr. Lamperti taught histology and neuroanatomy to first year medical, dental, and podiatry students for 37 years. He also taught astronomy for non-science majors at Chestnut Hill College for five years. Astronomy is an avid hobby, a welcome distraction from work, and now a welcomed avocation in retirement.

One of the most enduring—yet complex and even contradictory—styles of art ever produced in this country, American Impressionism captured and held public attention for more than a century. The style was appreciated for its fairy tale views of an elegant American yesteryear, while at the same time carrying the imprimatur of Paris and reflecting the origins of modernism. Why should an artistic movement based, in large part, on the enterprise of capturing momentary visual events in paint linger so long on American palettes? This lecture explores the conditions that made the style so popular in the United States, revealing a nuanced history of art interchange in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, far more complicated than the straightforward imitation of a foreign style. About the instructor: Dr. Amanda C. Burdan Amanda C. Burdan is curator at the Brandywine River Museum of Art and has organized many exhibitions on the fine and decorative arts of the United States. She joined the curatorial staff of the Brandywine River Museum of Art in 2012, and previously worked in the curatorial departments at the Florence Griswold Museum, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the Rhode Island School of Design Museum of Art. She earned her master’s degree and Ph.D. at Brown University. Her next exhibition, “America’s Impressionism: Echoes of a Revolution” opens at the Brandywine on October 9, 2021.

Learn tips and ideas for healthy cooking for one to two people, review what healthy cooking looks like, suggestions for meals, and how to handle leftovers. If cooking seems like too much work, Marianne Kane will provide you with easy meal ideas that take very little time and effort that anyone can do! Eating right is important for our overall health and well-being. About the Instructor: Marianne Kane Marianne Kane has had a lifetime interest in healthy eating and overall wellness. She earned her B.S. in nutrition from Penn State in 1995. Marianne has worked in food service for her whole career (30+ years) from a grocery store to long-term care facilities. Marianne is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She has served as the nutrition care manager for Souderton Mennonite Homes for the past 24 years.

Have you ever wondered how to reduce the risk of cognitive decline? Are you interested in learning about the difference between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia? Do you know how to identify if a memory lapse is part of normal aging or might be dementia? Join us for an informative session during which a dementia care expert will answer these questions and much more. About the instructors: Jennifer Brush and Mandy Cheskis Jennifer Brush, MA, CCC/SLP serves as program director, Montessori Education for Dementia, St. Nicholas Montessori College in Dublin, Ireland. Passionate about enriching the lives of people with dementia, she is on a mission to put the focus of care on the person’s preferences, interests and abilities. Jennifer is the author of Montessori for Elder and Dementia Care and many other books and articles on dementia. She has been a pioneer contributor in the area of spaced retrieval memory intervention. Mandy Cheskis is dedicated to providing quality health care to people living with dementia. She has worked for more than 25 years as a speech language pathologist. She earned the AMI practitioner certificate in Montessori for Aging and Dementia and is recognized as a master clinician in cognitive communication deficits. She is committed to preserving the abilities of people living with dementia and maintaining pathways for meaningful connections.

Resilience is defined as the ability to navigate adversity and grow through challenges. This presentation and discussion will focus on resilience and positivity. We will look at how gratitude is therapeutic, and how being present, making adjustments, and having a sense of purpose are building blocks of resilience. We will focus on the importance of staying positive and how we can identify internal and external resources to help us. We will consider lessons that we have learned during the pandemic. About the instructor: Dr. Kathleen Fisher Dr. Kathleen Fisher is a nurse educator and researcher at Drexel University. As a nurse and a 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, with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and with people experiencing homelessness. Dr. Fisher has collaborated with Drexel and Living Branches in dementia care strategy programming since 2017. She cherishes working with the residents and staff at Living Branches and has enjoyed using a “transformative, participatory action research approach.” She plans to complete a study on resilience at Living Branches.

We will discuss your personal relationship with gravity and suggest several methods of shedding pounds (in some cases micro-ounces) by letting gravity work for you rather than against you. Among the subjects under discussion will be international travel, bad driving habits, subterranean exploration, lunar observations, barometric pressure, and ocean tides. With luck and concentration, you will leave with a deeper understanding of gravity, free fall, space dust, and a new realization of what is meant by “weight.” About the Instructor: Obie Ralphs After growing up a nomad moving between eleven towns in seven states coast to coast Obie has settled down, living with his wife, Bobbie, in this area for the past 55 years. He graduated from Penn State with a B.S. in physics in 1963 and spent the next ten years with Bell of PA before beginning his real career teaching math and physics at North Penn High School. During that time he and Bobbie owned and operated Our Family Toys, a craft business inventing, making, and selling wooden mechanical desk toys. Since retiring in 2004 they have enjoyed playing Celtic music with Quadas Dulcimer Club. In 2016 they moved from the woods of Salford Township to the Woods of Dock.

This course has been filled. This walking tour explores little known information on the emergence of the Doylestown Railroad Station that changed the history of the region, and a catastrophic fire that threatened to reverse the progress of a town. You will see examples of post-revolutionary expansion of commercial and residential buildings and learn about the global impact of a nationally known agricultural manufacturing company and how it became the Doylestown Agricultural Works that we recognize today. Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing that is appropriate for the weather. Participants will need to be able to stand and walk for 70 minutes on uneven terrain. This one hour walking tour will begin at 10:15 a.m. Take the shuttle or drive on your own to the Magill Schoolhouse, 56 S. Main Street, Doylestown, PA, where the tour will start. Bring a packed lunch to enjoy together after the tour. Tour limit: 19 people. The cost for the shuttle and the tour: $25.00, cost for the tour only: $10.00. About the tour guide: Pat Witek Pat Witek relocated from New Jersey in 1994 and has lived in Doylestown ever since. She worked at Doylestown Hospital as the director of quality initiatives for 23 years and was the patient safety officer for most of that time. Recognizing the rich historical heritage at the hospital and in the community, she is dedicated to amateur historical research since her retirement in 2019. She volunteers at the Doylestown Historical Society and focuses on the history of the Doylestown Borough. Pat has many interests that she shares with her husband, including travel, classic movies, and following the adventures of Sherlock Holmes.

This course will cover the history of chaplaincy, the general purpose of spiritual care, and the unique ministry of end-of life care. Discussion will occur surrounding hospice and the perceived attitudes towards comfort care. Questions to be discussed: What does it mean to be a chaplain/pastor? What is a ministry of listening? About the instructor: Phyllis Ward Phyllis Ward is the pastor of worship at Grace Mennonite Church and a full-time hospice chaplain at Doylestown Hospital Hospice. Phyllis was a former music teacher at Penn View Christian (now Dock Academy) and Meadowbrook School in Abington. Phyllis loves to sing, play guitar, travel, and grow vegetables and herbs. Phyllis has one fur baby, a golden doodle, Henry.

Three generations of Wyeth artists have lived and painted in the Brandywine Valley, starting with N. C. Wyeth, known for his dynamic illustrations for classics such as Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island, and continuing with his daughters, Henriette and Carolyn Wyeth, and son, Andrew Wyeth. The third generation of this creative family includes N. C. Wyeth’s grandson, Jamie Wyeth. Although each family member has a distinct style, these artists share a commitment to painting subjects they know well. This lecture will give an overview of the art and inspirations of this talented family. About the Instructor: Mary Cronin Mary Cronin is the dean of education and public programs at Brandywine River Museum of Art in Chadds Ford, Pa. At the museum, she develops and leads programs for visitors of all ages. Mary has a B.A. in art history from Swarthmore College and an M.A.T. in museum education from The George Washington University.

Dan West had no inkling that an idea implanted in his mind in 1938 would lead to the “trip of a lifetime” for some 7000 men ages 16 to 72 after World War II. This illustrated talk will tell the story of the Heifer Project which Dan West founded after his relief work during the Spanish Civil War. It will include the story of the “seagoing cowboys” who tended livestock shipped by the Heifer Project and the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration to devastated countries after World War II. We’ll look together at the legacy of these cowboys and the Heifer Project. About the instructor: Peggy Reiff Miller Peggy Reiff Miller is the author of the children’s picture book, The Seagoing Cowboy. She has been researching, writing, and speaking about the seagoing cowboys since 2002. She writes a twice-monthly blog about this history on her website at www.seagoingcowboys.com. She is currently working on a book about the first decade of the Heifer Project, today’s Heifer International, an organization for which she serves as a historical consultant. She lives with her husband, Rex, in Englewood, Ohio.

This presentation will provide an overview of therapy dogs, their disposition, training, certification, and where they serve. We will consider the difference between a therapy dog and a service dog, and learn about the benefits of therapy dogs. About the instructor: Dr. Alice L. Hoersch Dr. Alice L. Hoersch taught geology and environmental science at La Salle University for 42 years and served as an executive assistant for five university presidents for 23 years. She earned a B.A. in geology from Bryn Mawr College and M.A. and Ph.D. degrees from Johns Hopkins University. She served as a faculty member and consultant for Project Kaleidoscope, a national organization devoted to improving undergraduate science education. She has a three-year-old therapy dog, Dyson, who visits residents at Living Branches.

“The ubiquity of clocks and watches, and the time obsessed culture of which they are both cause and effect, has led us to regard our way of timekeeping as coming with the territory, like the air we breathe. Nothing could be further than the truth.” (Times Pendulum xvii) We are all obsessed with TIME. This lecture will trace the history of timekeeping devices from the beginning of civilization. Included will be pictures and background information about the use of sunlight, water, fire, mechanical devices, wrist watches, and atomic energy to power our clocks. Some of the interesting questions covered include: How did we get from a stick in the ground to atomic clocks? Why do we have time zones? Where does your cell phone time signal come from? Why do clocks move in a clockwise direction? How did the Swiss become famous for wrist watches? Who established the first tower clock? What does the future hold for timekeeping? Come join us for a fun and educational exploration into the fascinating world of horology! About the instructor: Frank G. Hartwell After retiring from a 36 year career as a high school teacher and guidance counselor, Frank Hartwell reinvented himself as a horologist. Upon completing classes at the School of Horology in Columbia, PA, he started a clock restoration business, using more of the other side of his brain and lots of eye-hand coordination. In 2020 he restored almost 100 clocks. Mr. Hartwell’s fascination with horology began when he found his first clock in his grandparents’ attic. In addition to restoring clocks, he enjoys restoring antiques and making and marketing country wood crafts.

This course will explain how a weather forecast is constructed, sharing the philosophy that AccuWeather applies to weather forecasting. Come to hear stories of some of the unique experiences that Dale Mohler has had as a weather forecaster, and some of the changes that have taken place in his field of work. We will consider together what we can expect in the future of weather forecasting. About the instructor: Dale Mohler Growing up in the 1960s and 70s in rural southeastern Pennsylvania, Dale Mohler witnessed several major weather events that prompted his interest in the weather. The 1966 blizzard and Hurricane Agnes were two significant weather events. He did a five minute weather discussion each day during the morning announcements in his senior year of high school. Dale graduated from Penn State University with a B.S. in meteorology. He began working for AccuWeather in 1981, and helped start the AccuWeather international forecasting department. He branched out into agriculture commodity weather forecasting in the mid-1990s. He has been the weather commodity forecaster for the Louis Dreyfus Corporation for the past 15 years.

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.