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.