Capital Region

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.

It’s your funeral, so have it the way you want it! This course explores death and dying in a non-threatening, light-hearted way. It will help attendees become comfortable talking about death; ease the burden on the loved ones; ensure that health care wishes are known; and limit unwanted financial expenses. The loved ones we leave behind deserve better than a mess to clean up after us, so let's have some fun doing what needs to be done. Participants are encouraged to attend all four sessions, do assignments between sessions, and share their thoughts, concerns, and plans with other course members.

We will trace the history of automobile styling from its horseless carriage beginnings through the decades of cultural and technological influences to its current state.

We use various sayings and phrases in our common language every day, but what do they mean and where did they come from? We will also explore some nautical sayings and look back into where the word “Okay” came from.

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. 

Pennsylvania was founded by William Penn as a place of religious freedom and toleration. Many different religious sects came to Pennsylvania to practice their religion, beliefs, and customs peacefully. One such small group from Europe settled in Lancaster County. They lived as a small communal society at Ephrata. They prospered over time, emigrated to other counties, but eventually declined.

This lecture will provide information about the most significant terrorist groups worldwide, including their organizational goals, current leadership, funding, locations, threat level, and recent actions.

This lecture will provide information about the various types of cyber and electromagnetic warfare, who conducts these attacks, threat level, and issues for the U.S.

Do you enjoy playing bingo? How about bingo with a twist? Come and play bingo with a message. It is fun and informative, as well, so join me for this entertaining session. All are welcome, and prizes will be provided.