Capital Region

"Christian" art and architecture didn't appear until the middle of the 3rd century, long after the development of Christian worship and theology. What took so long? Or was it there and we just don't recognize it? There are fascinating mysteries in the visual emergence of a new religion in an ancient world, where gods, emperors, magicians, chameleons, and donkeys could be transformed, and tombs, courtrooms, and laundries could be converted by Christian creativity. Visit catacombs and villas to follow the flights of imagination of a new faith and its visual expression.

This course will teach you the basics of the game. Explanations of the paddles and balls will be discussed. You will learn how the game is played and scored. Actual games, using a doubles format will be played. You will be coached while playing on the court. A tennis type shoe is required. Balls and paddles will be provided. Pickleball requires less running mobility than tennis. Please consult your physician before registering for this program.

We will explore the arts and worship, how they can be worked together as we walk through the chapel and discover the banners created by a group of artists at Grantham Church several years ago. We will talk about planning worship and how the church can embrace both the arts and the artist as an integral way to communicate spiritual truths that transcend words with a visual language.

In 1998, the American Film Institute (AFI) polled over 1,500 artists and film industry leaders to gather their votes for the top 100 American films of all time. These “arbiters of excellence” chose from a list of 400 nominated films. The criteria included critical recognition, major awards won, popularity over time, historical significance, and cultural impact. Controversy ensued as often happens with any list of excellence. The AFI produced a revised list in 2007, and films were dropped, others added, some moved up, and others dropped down. This 2007 list will serve as the basis for the course. In Part 1 we will count down from #100 to #51. For each film, we will examine the historical and cultural context, the impact of each film on the art of feature narrative films, and discuss why this film found its way onto this exalted list. Clips will be shown for each film. Part 2 will be offered in Spring 2022.

A confusing array of streaming TV options exist beyond Netflix, Prime Video, and Hulu. In this session, we will look at the many, many options for TV programming available. We will look at what each option provides in terms of content and viewing choices. We will discuss several important issues: how to receive these channels, costs and options, how to learn about available programs on these channels, and how to find reviews of programming to help with making viewing decisions. In short, participants will learn how to consider all these options and make choices that will enhance their viewing pleasure, ensuring that they don’t miss out on the wonderful variety of programming that is available.

Who was Fidel Castro and why has he been so frustrating to the U.S.? A dictator to some, hero to others and an inspiration for many of the world's poor! He drove an independent revolutionary course for half a century. What's next for Cuba after Castro's death? A look at Cuba's geography and past history will set the stage for Fidel and Cuba's Future. The good and the bad will be looked at. Questions will be encouraged as will discussion of related topics.

This course will teach you the basics of the game. Explanations of the paddles and balls will be discussed. You will learn how the game is played and scored. Actual games, using a doubles format will be played. You will be coached while playing on the court. A tennis type shoe is required. Balls and paddles will be provided. Pickleball requires less running mobility than tennis. Please consult your physician before registering for this program.

This course is a follow up to An Introduction to the Orthodox Church taught during the Spring 2021 Term. This two-session course will provide an overview of the history, purpose, and importance of icons in the Orthodox Christian experience.

"Christian" art and architecture didn't appear until the middle of the 3rd century, long after the development of Christian worship and theology. What took so long? Or was it there and we just don't recognize it? There are fascinating mysteries in the visual emergence of a new religion in an ancient world, where gods, emperors, magicians, chameleons, and donkeys could be transformed, and tombs, courtrooms, and laundries could be converted by Christian creativity. Visit catacombs and villas to follow the flights of imagination of a new faith and its visual expression.

Born in the backwoods of Texas in 1868 - in the aftermath of the Civil War - Scott Joplin, African American, decided not to labor in the fields but instead to head north where he would promote his self-taught talents at the piano. Advanced study in harmony and composition at the George Smith College for Negroes led to a profusion of original works: Rags, waltzes, marches, dances, one serenade, and two operas. But for his acclaimed Maple Leaf Rag, most of them met with dismissal or distortion from a still prejudicial northern society. Ultimately over time, the novelty, structure, brilliance, and energy represented in Joplin's music speak to his genius in creating an iconic musical genre, unique in American art history. In this course, we will discuss Joplin's life and play selected examples of his music on the piano.

This course will trace the humble beginnings of the internet. We will share the early lucrative years and how they affect how we use our electronics today. What are the most popular applications and how did they get so popular? And why is the smartphone one of the most loved and hated innovations of our lifetime? Bob Rosenshein - a guest lecturer from Israel - will join us. Bob is an internet entrepreneur who knows firsthand how the first companies used this new technology for the greater good. He was founder, Chairman, and CEO of Answers.com.

Home of the waltz and the coffeehouse, Sigmund Freud and Hedy Lamarr, Vienna has left an indelible mark on Western culture. Its grand palaces, renowned museums, and soaring churches delight visitors from around the world. At the same time, ordinary Viennese face life with a wonderful sense of irony. “The situation is hopeless, but not serious,” they say – an outlook that served them well during the traumatic years of Nazi and Soviet occupation. This course offers a fascinating look at the glorious past and enduring charms of Imperial Vienna.

This course will examine how we can live better together. In an interactive environment we will be the teachers and learners together as we learn principles of dignity and respect toward others who have different political, cultural and religious viewpoints. To guide our discussions, we will be using the book Dignity: Its Essential Role in Resolving Conflict by Donna Hicks. Course participants are encouraged to read the book prior to the class. 

Franklin Delano Roosevelt is often listed among presidential raters as one of the top ranked presidents of all time for his leadership during the Great Depression and World War II. There is no doubt that he provided inspired words and actions for Americans when things looked bleak. But the spiraling debt, food and gas rationing, crippling taxes, covert war activities, and political shenanigans were at work by Roosevelt, his advisors, and the president’s many friends. We will explore a number of serious decisions made by FDR and his leadership team that left many Americans in the dark, yet hopeful, during these very challenging times.

This workshop at Rainbow Vision’s teaching studio is intended to introduce you to the colorful art of stained glass and to show you how fun-filled this craft is. You will learn a little bit about glass cutting, how copper foil is involved in the process, and how to flow solder. At the end of the workshop, you will end up with a neat suncatcher ready for hanging. This 2-hour workshop includes standing for periods of time and sitting on a high stool without back support. Participants will be working with a soldering iron and will be cutting glass. Jan McKelvey and Lynn Haunstein have more than 21 years of experience in working with stained glass. They learned the art of stained glass at Rainbow Vision Stained Glass and have taught many classes together over the years. The group is expected to return to Messiah Lifeways by 3:30 pm.

Participants will be introduced to aquaponics, a method of food production that combines conventional aquaculture (raising fish) with hydroponics (soil-less growing of plants). The recirculating aquaculture system located within the greenhouse at Steelton-Highspire School District will serve as a living laboratory to learn the importance of balancing the needs of fish and plants. Rachel Fogle, Ph.D. and Joseph Tetreault, M.S. will lead the tour. Rachel is an Associate Professor of Biological Sciences and the Lead of Aquaponic Initiatives at Harrisburg University with a focus on providing students authentic experiential learning opportunities. Joe, with a degree in Agricultural Sciences, is the Aquaponics Technician that manages the daily aspects of greenhouse management to maintain overall system health. Student interns will also participate, as available, in various aspects of the tour experience. Facility is not ADA compliant. The tour will involve standing and walking for about one hour.

Food as Medicine is an old concept that is gaining new credibility. Nutrition research is finding more evidence that certain foods act to maintain health and treat disease in later life. What should our “food prescription” be? Although we have many nutritional needs in common with others in our age group, we also have individual reasons for eating or not eating certain foods based on the condition of our bodies and our lifestyle. In this class, we will look at ways that food works with body systems such as the digestive, immune, and cardiovascular systems and look at how to choose the eating behaviors you want to change.

In 1998, the American Film Institute (AFI) polled over 1,500 artists and film industry leaders to gather their votes for the top 100 American films of all time. These “arbiters of excellence” chose from a list of 400 nominated films. The criteria included critical recognition, major awards won, popularity over time, historical significance, and cultural impact. Controversy ensued as often happens with any list of excellence. The AFI produced a revised list in 2007, and films were dropped, others added, some moved up, and others dropped down. This 2007 list will serve as the basis for the course. In Part 1 we will count down from #100 to #51. For each film, we will examine the historical and cultural context, the impact of each film on the art of feature narrative films, and discuss why this film found its way onto this exalted list. Clips will be shown for each film. Part 2 will be offered in Spring 2022.

First settled by migrant fishermen, Venice rose to become a powerhouse of Mediterranean commerce. Adding luster to its civic glory were the paintings of Titian, the music of Vivaldi, and the gilded domes of St. Mark’s Basilica. But behind the dazzling façade, scandal and violence flourished in the shadows. The nineteenth century brought doom and decay, then rebirth as one of the world’s top sightseeing destinations. This course allows you to explore – from the comfort of your home – the turbulent history, brilliant culture, and magical beauty of Venice.

Socrates was an Ancient Greek philosopher who had a profound effect on Western civilization. Using an approach similar to his Socratic method, this forum will offer an open round table discussion during each session in which all attendees will be welcome to contribute to the discussion. A topic will be selected during each monthly session, and participants will have the opportunity to share their opinions without interruption. The expected outcome of this unique learning experience is for everyone involved to learn and discuss interesting philosophical issues with others on many interesting topics in an open and respectful environment.

The Log Kingdom is a study of the era when log houses were paramount in “Mother Cumberland.” A cabin is very different from a log house; for one thing they don’t all have fireplaces! Building a temporary “cabin” could be done, with help, in a day. Building a log house required knowledge of geometry and precise carpentry. Many log houses exist today as the core of a larger house, or hidden under siding.

Come learn how to make a pair of delightful “snow people” from socks. After forming the body, we will have the added fun of dressing them in hats and sweaters to make each snowperson unique. No crafting experience is necessary. This handcrafted item makes an excellent gift for the person who has everything.

In 1998, the American Film Institute (AFI) polled over 1,500 artists and film industry leaders to gather their votes for the top 100 American films of all time. These “arbiters of excellence” chose from a list of 400 nominated films. The criteria included critical recognition, major awards won, popularity over time, historical significance, and cultural impact. Controversy ensued as often happens with any list of excellence. The AFI produced a revised list in 2007, and films were dropped, others added, some moved up, and others dropped down. This 2007 list will serve as the basis for the course. In Part 1 we will count down from #100 to #51. For each film, we will examine the historical and cultural context, the impact of each film on the art of feature narrative films, and discuss why this film found its way onto this exalted list. Clips will be shown for each film. Part 2 will be offered in Spring 2022.

This course will examine how we can live better together. In an interactive environment we will be the teachers and learners together as we learn principles of dignity and respect toward others who have different political, cultural and religious viewpoints. To guide our discussions, we will be using the book Dignity: Its Essential Role in Resolving Conflict by Donna Hicks. Course participants are encouraged to read the book prior to the class. 

This session will examine the sometimes smooth and often rocky relationship between science and government in the debate over public policy goals and their implementation. The use of nuclear weapons in war, the landing of humans on the moon, and the vanquishing of disease all exemplify the interplay of scientists and politicians in the pursuit of public policies. Debates over vaccination, biotechnologies, and climate change all illustrate the turbulent search for truth and appropriate policy action in a time of sharply polarized politics.

Two programs of piano music by great composers will feature a survey of significant pieces from the 16th to the 20th centuries. The first program will include well known pieces from the following composers: Bach, Purcell, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Liszt, Chopin, Rachmaninoff, Messiaen, Brahms, and Chopin. As we listen, St. Colombe said, “We may realize that music exists to say something that words cannot say. “The second program will include transcriptions from opera and sacred music in addition to descriptive pieces of nature and religious significance. You will hear music that evokes memories of birdsong, poetry, Bible stories, and the musical expression of the joys and sorrows we have all experienced during our lives.

The c. 1886 Mount Tabor AME Zion Church and Cemetery is listed in the National Register of Historic places. Located in Mount Holly Springs Borough, Cumberland County, PA, the church was established by formerly enslaved and free individuals who migrated to the town after the Civil War. The church was the heart of the local African American community. The building is a locally significant example of vernacular log design. In Part I of the course Carmen James - a former member of the church - will share the history of the church and the work of Mt. Tabor Preservation Project (MTPP) and show artifacts. The Project started in 2016 by a group of descendants, former congregants, residents, and historians. This group of volunteers is dedicated to discovering, preserving, and presenting the history of the church and the cemetery. Part II is a field trip to visit the church and cemetery. It will include a tour of the Amelia S. Givin Free Library, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The tour will involve standing and some walking for about an hour and half. There are no restrooms on the church site. Restrooms are available in the library. The library is ADA compliant. *Additional fee includes transportation only. Donations to MTTP are welcome at the time of the tour.

Using a poetry anthology called Sweeping Beauty: Contemporary Women Poets Do Housework, edited by Pamela Gemin, the instructor will provide an experience in which participants will see/touch household things that may remind them of mothers, aunts, etc. and domestic life. Several poems will be emphasized with performance art using pots, serving dishes, sheets, etc. as she reads the poems. Time will be allocated for participants to share with classmates a brief recollection of a domestic experience. A variety of special resources will be available for participants to explore.

Do you receive lots of scam calls? How about robocalls? Are you afraid of having your identity stolen? Do you receive solicitations in the mail for charity contributions or information about lotteries or sweepstakes? Attend this session and learn about the latest scams and how to protect yourself. Become informed while entertained!

In 1998, the American Film Institute (AFI) polled over 1,500 artists and film industry leaders to gather their votes for the top 100 American films of all time. These “arbiters of excellence” chose from a list of 400 nominated films. The criteria included critical recognition, major awards won, popularity over time, historical significance, and cultural impact. Controversy ensued as often happens with any list of excellence. The AFI produced a revised list in 2007, and films were dropped, others added, some moved up, and others dropped down. This 2007 list will serve as the basis for the course. In Part 1 we will count down from #100 to #51. For each film, we will examine the historical and cultural context, the impact of each film on the art of feature narrative films, and discuss why this film found its way onto this exalted list. Clips will be shown for each film. Part 2 will be offered in Spring 2022.

Sacred calligraphy… oriental carpets… the glittering domes of the Taj Mahal… the lively details of Persian court painting – all show the beauty and diversity of Islamic art and architecture. Our own eyes are accustomed to Western artistic traditions: portraits, landscapes, historical drama, religious allegory. The anonymous craftsmen of the Islamic world offer a different perspective on the form and function of art. Come with an open mind, and you’ll gain a new appreciation for the achievements of this brilliant, thousand-year tradition.

The c. 1886 Mount Tabor AME Zion Church and Cemetery is listed in the National Register of Historic places. Located in Mount Holly Springs Borough, Cumberland County, PA, the church was established by formerly enslaved and free individuals who migrated to the town after the Civil War. The church was the heart of the local African American community. The building is a locally significant example of vernacular log design. In Part I of the course Carmen James - a former member of the church - will share the history of the church and the work of Mt. Tabor Preservation Project (MTPP) and show artifacts. The Project started in 2016 by a group of descendants, former congregants, residents, and historians. This group of volunteers is dedicated to discovering, preserving, and presenting the history of the church and the cemetery.  Part II is a field trip to visit the church and cemetery. It will include a tour of the Amelia S. Givin Free Library, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The tour will involve standing and some walking for about an hour and half. There are no restrooms on the church site. Restrooms are available in the library. The library is ADA compliant.