Gregory Peck - Hollywood Dynamo

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Gregory Peck was an all-time box office star. His range was truly remarkable. President, doctor, general, Biblical hero, cowboy, sea captain, farmer, professor, diplomat, Nazi fighter, evil scientist. His ability to embody all these characters was astounding. And he won the Best Actor Oscar for what AFI calls "the single greatest performance" in Hollywood history. This class also serves as the introduction to our film series.

As we grow older, we confront many controllable and uncontrollable variables. We will examine many of these variables to identify ways to confront them or keep them at bay. Although physicians and other healthcare providers give us assistance, we are ultimately responsible for carrying out the plan. We will discuss how pieces of information about our health are related to the whole and how to effectively communicate symptoms to our healthcare providers. In these days of seeing specialists for various ailments, it places much more responsibility upon the individual to tie things together.

 This class is intended as group discussions based on information, thoughts, and questions on twelve habits that, when practiced, have been determined to promote long-term happiness. Two habits will be discussed every other week as follows: #1: Express gratitude & Savor Life’s Joys; #2: Cultivate optimism & Avoid over-thinking and social comparison; #3: Practice acts of kindness & Nurture social relationships; #4: Develop strategies for coping & Learn to forgive; #5: Increase flow experiences & Practice religion/spirituality; #6: Commit to your goals & Take care of your body (meditation, physical activities, act happy). The effect of happiness might even extend to their associates. Salient points from research will be brought up and the participants can delve into the various aspects of these happiness habits. Reading about the topics in advance is optional.

Wake up and enjoy the morning and nature with some wild teas. Nature has a lot to offer, including edible plants. Some of these plants were used by our ancestors and many are still enjoyed today in herbal tea. Not only will you get to taste test the teas to find your favorite, but you will also learn how to make them, about the plants they came from, and collection practices/precautions. You may bring your own snack, maybe a crumpet or two, to enjoy with your tea. Please bring your own mug for sampling.

As part of my job I travelled to Japan for 3 weeks in December 2018. During that time I was able to experience the culture and visit some famous locations. As a railfan I took advantage of the opportunity to ride Japan's Shinkansen Bullet train. Join me as I share some of the experiences and technical aspects of High Speed Rail and provide some comparisons to other High Speed Rail around the world.

Note: the Zoom presentation will not be available for distribution as a recording!. 

Join Dr. Robert Snyder as he shares stories from his sabbatical with the National Park Service’s Teacher in Residence program. Living out of a travel van, he served as a seasonal interpretive ranger at Lassen Volcanic National Park, exploring its unique geology, rich history, and diverse wildlife.

Take charge of your financial legacy today. A certified financial planner will discuss how YOU can support those people and causes that you care about through strategic gifting such as direct giving, donating appreciated assets, donor advised funds and others. It is never too soon to plan and implement your giving legacy!

When you explore the dramatic geological wonders at Slippery Rock Creek Gorge, tour the historic grist mill, cross the red covered bridge, or just sit and listen to the rushing waters at McConnells Mill State Park, here is a suggestion. You might want to contemplate a lost voice in those sounds — maybe even hear some laughter — and imagine the man who would sit on a stone next to the mill collecting a quarter for watching your horse or, in later years, your parked car. Because there's forgotten history that needs to be told! That's the story of Moses “Mose” Wharton, a freed slave, and his friendship with the mill's owner, Thomas McConnell, who fought in the Civil War on behalf of Mose and his people. Don't miss storyteller Bill May's heartwarming and fascinating talk about this beloved and beautiful state park.

Mental Illness affects millions of individuals and their families in America and many more around the world. Increasing public awareness and decreasing stigma are two primary goals of, NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. NAMI also works to educate the community and advance public discourse on issues important to those living with mental health challenges. This talk lends my family’s personal journey to this dialogue, sharing how NAMI has supported our journey on this path that no one chooses.

In this class, I am looking at the work of Joseph Campbell - Hero with a Thousand Faces, The Power of Myth, Masks of God and The Mythic Image and how it applies to us. I will attempt to show Campbell's works' relationships to C.J. Jung's and Teilhard de Chardin's work on archetypes and universal symbols.

Newfoundland, far to the north and east of the United States, remains a mystery to many of us. In World War II pilots flying planes to Europe were very aware of its strategic location. Dr. Janice Brown will discuss the history and culture of the people of Newfoundland. She will highlight the book, When the World Came to Town, to illustrate the character of the people of Gander and the surrounding communities on 9/11/01. 

Presentation will include a review of the "The Art of Gluten-Free Bread", a discussion of gluten-free baking techniques and sampling GF breads and baked goods. The benefits of no/low gluten diet include improved digestion, increased energy levels, improved mood, and improved nutrient absorption.

 With our Advance Open Water Diver qualifications my wife and I traveled to Australia. Among multiple places we were able to visit on this trip, two goals were snorkeling and scuba diving. We experienced world class snorkeling and diving on the Great Barrier Reef spending five days on Australia’s most awarded Live-Aboard vessel, Spoilsport. Among several different expeditions offered we chose a combination of Mineke whale and reef diving. We also spent several days “Glamping” on the Ningaloo reef where we had the opportunity to swim with whale sharks. Join us as we share this incredible experience. 

On that April night in 1775 . . . What if militiamen had not met the British at dawn in Lexington and a few hours later at Concord? What if the British had successfully surprised the Americans during the dark of night and seized the hidden stores of gunpowder and ammunition? What if Samuel Adams and John Hancock (hiding in Lexington) had been captured? We have an image of Paul Revere riding alone on his horse alerting the countryside -- an event that kicked off the American Revolution. Except he was not alone. And it was not his horse. And he was captured and interrogated by the British. And it was not the only time he rode.

Jennifer will share fruit and seeds of the native Pawpaw tree, as well as stories of its role in the beautiful Zebra Swallowtail's habitat restoration. She will discuss indigenous host plants, the specialty feeders that rely on them, and the value of local eco-types for our pollinators. Participants will learn simple propagation methods and techniques to increase genetic diversity. Jennifer aims to inspire a deeper connection with nature and highlight connections to our local communities - plants, animals and people all thriving together in a healthy environment.

Learn about Peace Corps humanitarian work in Zaire/Democratic Republic of the Congo. Discover the culture, history, foods and learn about Aquaculture. This presenter lived and worked there for 2 years. Benefits of Peace Corps for the U.S. will be discussed as well as a brief discussion on Ameri Corps.

"The baby bat screamed out in fright, 'Turn on the dark. I'm afraid of the light." Shel Silverstein has it right, there is nothing to fear from our four spring sessions that focus on poetry. We will share our favorite poets, read some classics, and individually create a few original works. We may have enough for a group anthology. The workshop promises to be informative and fun. Rhyming is strictly voluntary. 

Join Jared McGary, Park Naturalist from Pymatuning State Park to learn about the unique history of our largest inland lake in PA.