Lancaster Region

Get a jump on the holiday spirit, as we explore the origins of many of the popular toys and games that brightened our childhood years (and those of our grandkids, too). From Barbie dolls and Teddy Bears to Legos and Lionel trains, they serve as wonderful emblems of creative inspiration and marketing genius. Bring your own favorites along, and share your own stories of why they meant so much back then and why they continue to evoke fond memories today!

This course will cover the history of vision aids from antiquity to the 20th century. Because of time constraints, it will be more of a survey than an in-depth analysis. The instructor will include examples of eyeglasses in art and the symbolic use of eyeglasses. Actual examples from the 18th to 20th centuries will be displayed.

This two-session course will explore the procedures of electing the American president in 2020, including the party nomination process, the general election in November, and the vote of the Electoral College. The course will give special consideration to the Electoral College because of the possibility that the College can, as happened in 2016, select an individual for the presidency who did not receive the most votes in the general election.

Airing statewide on PCN, PA Books is a weekly television program featuring authors of books about Pennsylvania. Topics on the program range from the earliest Native Americans to the American Revolution, Gettysburg, the Industrial Revolution, organized crime, the Amish, scrapple, biographies of prominent Pennsylvanians, and more. This presentation covers many facets of Pennsylvania history, including some little-known stories the presenter has learned while hosting this program.

A talk explaining the mysterious lights in the night sky, what the ancients thought about the glow in the sky, and how various battles were affected by the sudden appearance of these lights in the sky. Also, the instructor will suggest computer and mobile phone programs that alert you to the likelihood of seeing an Aurora.

This course will examine Iranian sources of policy and influence in the Middle East and assess related U.S. foreign and security policies

Each week the instructor will choose four wonderful songs from the Great American Songbook to discuss. We will listen to each song by one singer, learn about the songwriter and the background behind the song, learn about the singer, and then listen to another incredible interpretation of the same song by another great singer, and then learn about that singer. 24 celebrations of amazing music.

Join us in watching (or re-watching) a series of classic Hollywood films. The instructor will select one film a week being shown on Turner Classic Movies (TCM). You will be given a schedule listing when the films will be shown (mostly at 6:00 pm or 8:00 pm). During the class session, Roger Godin will do a 45-minute presentation about the film, discussing the filmmakers, the stars, and the significance of the film in American film history. He will also analyze the film utilizing stills from the movies and clips of certain key scenes. A question and answer session will follow during which class participants can offer observations about the movie or ask questions.

This extensive course will encourage you to engage in critical thinking as we consider the inventions, events, and people that have shaped and influenced American journalism from colonial times to the internet. The impact of technical, economic, political, and cultural developments will be considered as we examine what “freedom of the press” and “the truth” have meant in American society from the Age of Jefferson to the Age of President Trump.

This Mere Existence is a celebration of our true human nature and a call to embrace that human nature for the sake of those with whom we share the planet. This Mere Existence attempts to: remind us that we are highly evolved beings capable of empathy and reciprocal altruism, and naturally endowed by our creator with inalienable human rights; motivate people to join worldwide efforts to restore those rights to all of our sisters and brothers, and provide nonviolent strategies for restoring human rights to their central place in human existence. People of all spiritualties are welcome to join the conversation.

One hundred years ago, the U.S. embarked on one of the wildest decades in its history: the “Roaring Twenties.” Buoyed by a booming economy, American society pushed the boundaries of freedom, morality, and artistic expression. This program highlights the most famous fads and foibles of this colorful era, from crossword puzzles to bathtub gin. We’ll also look at some of the defining personalities of the 1920s – among them, Al Capone and Charles Lindbergh; Babe Ruth and Mickey Mouse; and finally, the hapless Herbert Hoover, presiding over the stock market crash that ended the party in 1929.

“It is difficult/to get the news from poems/yet die miserably every day/for lack/ of what is found there.” William Carlos Williams, Asphodel, That Greeny Flower After participants share past experiences with poetry, we will engage poems that delight and evoke a sense of well-being, even laughter. Then we will read aloud and respond to poems on the pandemic, climate change, and systemic racism. We will tune in to voices of resistance and cries for justice and empowerment in poems written by poets of color, immigrants, refugees, and other marginalized persons. We will savor poems that nourish our souls, offer hope, evoke joy, and inspire loving action.

You will receive information on all the health benefits of these mighty vegetables. These are two vegetables that should be eaten at least 5 times per week. The instructor will share a number of recipes using broccoli and/or cauliflower.

Each week the instructor will choose four wonderful songs from the Great American Songbook to discuss. We will listen to each song by one singer, learn about the songwriter and the background behind the song, learn about the singer, and then listen to another incredible interpretation of the same song by another great singer, and then learn about that singer. 24 celebrations of amazing music.

In the year 1200, Europe was on the move - hundreds of thousands were involved in religious pilgrimages or the military equivalent - the Crusades. How, when, and where did this culture of journeying begin? How did pilgrimage affect every aspect of life in Europe, especially architecture, art, and our own religious practices? From the fourth-century nun Egeria traveling to the Holy Land on her own to the thousands of medieval pilgrims walking the roads to Rome and Compostela, there are many wonderful travel tales and a rich visual legacy.

Join us in watching (or re-watching) a series of classic Hollywood films. The instructor will select one film a week being shown on Turner Classic Movies (TCM). You will be given a schedule listing when the films will be shown (mostly at 6:00 pm or 8:00 pm). During the class session, Roger Godin will do a 45-minute presentation about the film, discussing the filmmakers, the stars, and the significance of the film in American film history. He will also analyze the film utilizing stills from the movies and clips of certain key scenes. A question and answer session will follow during which class participants can offer observations about the movie or ask questions.

This extensive course will encourage you to engage in critical thinking as we consider the inventions, events, and people that have shaped and influenced American journalism from colonial times to the internet. The impact of technical, economic, political, and cultural developments will be considered as we examine what “freedom of the press” and “the truth” have meant in American society from the Age of Jefferson to the Age of President Trump.

This Mere Existence is a celebration of our true human nature and a call to embrace that human nature for the sake of those with whom we share the planet. This Mere Existence attempts to: remind us that we are highly evolved beings capable of empathy and reciprocal altruism, and naturally endowed by our creator with inalienable human rights; motivate people to join worldwide efforts to restore those rights to all of our sisters and brothers, and provide nonviolent strategies for restoring human rights to their central place in human existence. People of all spiritualties are welcome to join the conversation.

This will be an entertaining and compelling collection of stories by four established masters and two living writers: Leo Tolstoy’s “After the Ball”; Anton Chekhov’s “A Trifle From Real Life”; William Faulkner’s “Pantaloon in Black”; Ernest Hemingway’s “The Killers”; Ron Rash’s “Back of Beyond”; and Lionel Shriver’s “Exchange Rates.”

Having “the talk” with an aging loved one can often be a touchy subject, and can be mentally and emotionally draining. Whether it’s giving up driving, making funeral plans, or discussing a move to a retirement community, these topics can be hard to broach and ultimately resolve. Learn the importance of being proactive, gain insight, and learn techniques to make this interaction more productive and less stressful. We’ll discuss how and when to approach an aging loved one in need of a change or pre-planning. We’ll also explore different types of legal documents, resources to help educate loved ones on different options and costs, and planning tips and checklists.

This course will review the history of the Israeli- Palestinian Conflict and the history of U.S. engagement in attempting to advance the associated peace process.

In the year 1200, Europe was on the move - hundreds of thousands were involved in religious pilgrimages or the military equivalent - the Crusades. How, when, and where did this culture of journeying begin? How did pilgrimage affect every aspect of life in Europe, especially architecture, art, and our own religious practices? From the fourth-century nun Egeria traveling to the Holy Land on her own to the thousands of medieval pilgrims walking the roads to Rome and Compostela, there are many wonderful travel tales and a rich visual legacy.

As we listen to wonderful songs that have been enjoyed for many years, we will learn about the music, composers, and lyricists behind the melodies. Fred will play some songs on the grand piano and show others on videos. We will also talk about the music you enjoy listening to and why you enjoy it.

This extensive course will encourage you to engage in critical thinking as we consider the inventions, events, and people that have shaped and influenced American journalism from colonial times to the internet. The impact of technical, economic, political, and cultural developments will be considered as we examine what “freedom of the press” and “the truth” have meant in American society from the Age of Jefferson to the Age of President Trump.

The purpose of the course will be to discover the definition and description of the word “soul.” We’ll look at Scripture and practical ways to keep our souls healthy through the COVID-19 pandemic and the racial unrest. We’ll look at the book Soul Keeping by John Ortberg as well as other books pertaining to the topic of this class.

Marjorie was raised in Carlisle, PA. She studied music at Julliard. Later in life she donated her 1848 family home in Landisburg, PA to the Historical Society of Perry County in 1974. Her third husband, Eugene Goossens, a world-famous composer and conductor, was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II, and Marjorie became Lady Goossens. After reviewing hundreds of personal letters, newspaper clippings, documents, world travel memorabilia, etc. that were discovered left in the house Barbara Holliman felt Marjorie’s story should be shared. Her life and loves are a fascinating story of a most interesting and talented woman.

This will be an entertaining and compelling collection of stories by four established masters and two living writers: Leo Tolstoy’s “After the Ball”; Anton Chekhov’s “A Trifle From Real Life”; William Faulkner’s “Pantaloon in Black”; Ernest Hemingway’s “The Killers”; Ron Rash’s “Back of Beyond”; and Lionel Shriver’s “Exchange Rates.”

This three-part series will explore the life and architecture of a “young sensation” from England who “rocked” the city from 1890-1900, capturing citizens and media headlines for a decade – but he suddenly vanished! What happened to him and why? Attend to find out!

A tree (maybe) falls in the forest. If you’re not really standing nearby in the forest at the time, the existential question becomes ‘Did the fallen tree make a sound?’ We will discuss the anatomy and function of our complex auditory system, the pathways from ear to brain, and its ability to connect reality with consciousness.

A century ago global developments introduced rural Lancaster residents to a world beyond their typical agrarian enclaves. Those enlarged vistas created opportunities to give and receive in unprecedented ways in the last 100 years through MCC. Join a story time and mingle your stories with archival stories spanning a century.

Each week the instructor will choose four wonderful songs from the Great American Songbook to discuss. We will listen to each song by one singer, learn about the songwriter and the background behind the song, learn about the singer, and then listen to another incredible interpretation of the same song by another great singer, and then learn about that singer. 24 celebrations of amazing music.

In the year 1200, Europe was on the move - hundreds of thousands were involved in religious pilgrimages or the military equivalent - the Crusades. How, when, and where did this culture of journeying begin? How did pilgrimage affect every aspect of life in Europe, especially architecture, art, and our own religious practices? From the fourth-century nun Egeria traveling to the Holy Land on her own to the thousands of medieval pilgrims walking the roads to Rome and Compostela, there are many wonderful travel tales and a rich visual legacy.

Please join Attorney J. Dwight Yoder for a review of the legal and historical context of slavery and racial discrimination in the United States. Often referred to as America’s “original sin,” the kidnapping of Africans, who were then taken to the U.S. colonies where they were enslaved and treated as property, represents one of the most tragic and inhumane parts of our country’s history. Even after slavery was abolished following the Civil War, discrimination, organized violence and systemic oppression against African-Americans continued. Learning about the history of slavery and discrimination in the United States is critical for understanding and being able to address the challenges facing our country today.

This extensive course will encourage you to engage in critical thinking as we consider the inventions, events, and people that have shaped and influenced American journalism from colonial times to the internet. The impact of technical, economic, political, and cultural developments will be considered as we examine what “freedom of the press” and “the truth” have meant in American society from the Age of Jefferson to the Age of President Trump.

The Constitution is one of the great creations of civilized society, but there are many misconceptions and much ambiguity. We hear about the Constitution every day, but much of what we hear are partisan arguments based on court opinions rather than the actual words in the document. This session will focus on the words in the Constitution, with some attention to its structure and court interpretations. We won’t make any new discoveries, but we will find some things that are often overlooked, and we will gain a better understanding of how politicians and lawyers often say inconsistent things about our Constitution.

This will be an entertaining and compelling collection of stories by four established masters and two living writers: Leo Tolstoy’s “After the Ball”; Anton Chekhov’s “A Trifle From Real Life”; William Faulkner’s “Pantaloon in Black”; Ernest Hemingway’s “The Killers”; Ron Rash’s “Back of Beyond”; and Lionel Shriver’s “Exchange Rates.”

This extensive course will encourage you to engage in critical thinking as we consider the inventions, events, and people that have shaped and influenced American journalism from colonial times to the internet. The impact of technical, economic, political, and cultural developments will be considered as we examine what “freedom of the press” and “the truth” have meant in American society from the Age of Jefferson to the Age of President Trump.

This course is based on Dr. Stefany’s doctoral dissertation in history at the University of Kansas. It is the first English language study of the December 1986 Alma-Ata (“Zheltoksan”) protests, which were in response to Mikhail Gorbachev’s replacement of long-serving First Secretary of the Communist Party of Kazakhstan Dinmukhamed Kunaev with the Russian Gennadi Kolbin – and which many view as a harbinger of the collapse of the Soviet Union. The instructor will discuss the history and Russian colonization of the Kazakhs, Soviet “nationalities problem” dating from Lenin on, Stalinism, and the Khrushchev and Brezhnev periods – during which Kunaev rose to power and began putting Kazahs in positions of authority in the Kazakh Societ Socialist Republic (KSSR).

Incorporating more movement into your day is one of the best things you can do for your health! This presentation highlights the benefits of physical activity as we age, reviews the four types of physical activity, provides tips on how to assess your abilities and limitations, and incorporates a 30-minute interactive demonstration of simple ways you can add more movement into your day. Come and learn ways to move more and sit less!

This will be an entertaining and compelling collection of stories by four established masters and two living writers: Leo Tolstoy’s “After the Ball”; Anton Chekhov’s “A Trifle From Real Life”; William Faulkner’s “Pantaloon in Black”; Ernest Hemingway’s “The Killers”; Ron Rash’s “Back of Beyond”; and Lionel Shriver’s “Exchange Rates.”

The recent pandemic has hit older adults more significantly. As we prepare for another wave of illness due to the Coronavirus, older adults can take proactive steps to improve their physical, mental, and spiritual health. By implementing a daily regimen involving physical activity, eating a nourishing diet and getting adequate amounts of hydration, sleep, and socialization each day, seniors can enjoy a healthy and active retirement. This high energy, interactive presentation will engage you in thinking differently about your own wellness and ways that you can age with grace, dignity, and independence.

This three-part series will explore the life and architecture of a “young sensation” from England who “rocked” the city from 1890-1900, capturing citizens and media headlines for a decade – but he suddenly vanished! What happened to him and why? Attend to find out!

“It is difficult/to get the news from poems/yet die miserably every day/for lack/ of what is found there.” William Carlos Williams, Asphodel, That Greeny Flower After participants share past experiences with poetry, we will engage poems that delight and evoke a sense of well-being, even laughter. Then we will read aloud and respond to poems on the pandemic, climate change, and systemic racism. We will tune in to voices of resistance and cries for justice and empowerment in poems written by poets of color, immigrants, refugees, and other marginalized persons. We will savor poems that nourish our souls, offer hope, evoke joy, and inspire loving action.

The instructor will share with you why he especially enjoys reading, thinking, and talking about three poets: Elizabeth Barrett Browning because of the poetry that she wrote and the love story that she lived; Alfred Lord Tennyson because his poetry so beautifully reflects our search for faith; and Robert Frost because his poetry so successfully captures thoughts and attitudes of his native New England.

Whatever your age, understanding how to keep your information safe and secure online is vitally important for everyone. This presentation covers key topics like using secure websites, creating strong passwords, being aware of what you put on social media, and even tips for shopping online safely.

This extensive course will encourage you to engage in critical thinking as we consider the inventions, events, and people that have shaped and influenced American journalism from colonial times to the internet. The impact of technical, economic, political, and cultural developments will be considered as we examine what “freedom of the press” and “the truth” have meant in American society from the Age of Jefferson to the Age of President Trump.

Become the person God is calling you to be while meeting the spiritual, emotional, physical, and economic challenges of the harvest season of your life. This season puts you at a crossroad of decisions that will impact you for the rest of your life. You will be given examples of how to meet and how not to meet each of these unavoidable transitions.