Capital Region

Your adventure will begin at the visitor center where you will learn about natural history, raptor identification, migration information and Sanctuary guidelines. Participants will then spend time getting an up-close and personal look at one of the education raptors. Following the presentation, the group will take part in a guided walk to South Lookout. During the walk you will hear about flight interpretation and local landmarks. A trained naturalist will be on hand to announce and identify approaching birds. There will be time for exploring the Sanctuary on your own followed by a boxed lunch outside, under the roof in the amphitheater.

What is friction and what causes a friction force? What are anti-lock brakes and how and why do they work? How is friction important for artificial joints? How do nails and screws hold your house together? Why do ice skates glide on ice? New research shows that the traditional explanation is wrong. How can you reduce friction? This course will answer these questions and other applications of friction, like toothpaste, for example.

This course is a history of Cunard's iconic ship, Queen Mary. As one of the most famous and luxurious ocean liners, she took the rich and famous back and forth across the Atlantic. Participants will learn about the role the ship played during and after WWII.

Today, the person next door does not always look like us, talk like us, or believe the same things we do. Various cultures, religions, and worldviews are part of our everyday lives, and many come to our shores as refugees fleeing violence and persecution around the world. Christ calls his followers to serve them with love and compassion. Learn more about who refugees are, why they come to seek safety in the United States, and what we can do to make them feel welcome and part of our community.

Our adventure will begin with seeing highlights of the garden from a seat on the tram. Learn about the history of Winterthur, and see what’s in bloom on this 20-minute narrated tour. Enjoy a self-guided tour into the entertaining rooms and the premier collection of American decorative arts. Winterthur galleries highlight America’s history, cultural heritage, and design through objects from the museum and library collections. After the tour of the rooms, participants will be able to purchase lunch at the Pavilion Cafe, located in the Visitor Center. Following lunch, there will be time to explore the gardens and grounds on your own before departure. The bus will depart from Winterthur at 2:00 pm. The group is expected to return to Messiah Lifeways by 4:00 pm.

Tucked away in the rolling hills of south central Pennsylvania, Wildwood Park conveniently sits on the edge of suburbia and urban culture. Unique in its location on the outskirts of Harrisburg, the public park is a haven for countless species of flora and fauna natural to our area, some endangered. Take this opportunity to work outside and help Wildwood’s continued park and habitat enhancement projects. Tools and work gloves provided. The event will be cancelled in case of rain.

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.

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 presentation will look at the current and projected impacts of climate change globally, in the U.S., and here in Pennsylvania. We’ll also look at ways that we can adapt to those impacts, what we need to do to prevent the most catastrophic consequences of climate change, the relationship between climate change and global pandemics, and what you can do to help stop climate change.

A Pennsylvania woman of the early 1900’s, Fianna was shaped by the Anabaptist faith that strengthened her through tuberculosis and early death at age 29. She left behind a grieving husband, two small children, and a large packet of letters. The story within the letters became the foundation for Fianna’s Story. While participants will follow Fianna’s daily life of church, home, and farm, we will focus on her experiences in a sanatorium, the strange treatments she received, and her determination to live her faith. We will follow her and her family after she returned home to die. Participants are encouraged to read Fianna’s Story before the class to help discuss lessons that her life offers for us. The book is available at Masthof Press and Amazon.