Of all the Mycenaean palaces mentioned by Homer in the Iliad, the only two that have not been located so far are the palaces of the two protagonists of the Homeric epic poems, the Iliad and the Odyssey: the palace of Achilles in Phthia and that of Odysseus in Ithaca. The Mycenaean Spercheios-Valley Archaeological project combines archaeogeophysical survey, excavation, and digital technology to evaluate an excellent candidate for a potential regional palatial center on the ancient citadel (Akrolamia) of Lamia, Greece. In the summer of 2019, a test trench was dug on the Akrolamia to begin verifying if this is indeed a palatial site, and possibly the long-lost palace of Achilles. Mr. Wagman was a member of the excavation team and will discuss the Mycenaean civilization in general, and the 2019 dig season results from Akrolamia.

By the time we have entered a retirement community, we are facing the end of life. Because of this, we spend a lot of time thinking (and discussing) death and dying. Practical issues like pain, dependency, loneliness, financial burden, and spiritual issues like life-after- death and fear of the unknown become increasingly important. This presentation focuses on the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of aging, and how we can best prepare for the next stage of our journey.

“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 Spangler farm has long been overlooked as one of General George Meade’s keys to victory and the most important farm in the Battle of Gettysburg. Also, there were two big hospitals on the Spangler farm during and after the battle. Hear the stories of sacrifice and heroism of the wounded and dying, surgeons and nurses, and Spangler family.

At the crossroads of Europe and Asia lies the Caucasus, ancient homeland of the Georgian and Armenian peoples. Part history, part travelogue, this course highlights the hidden treasures of these two little-known countries. We’ll explore their scenic beauty, their enduring Christian roots, their architectural gems, their distinctive musical traditions, and their dramatic political evolution. Long beset by foreign powers – Rome, Persia, Turkey, Russia – Armenia and Georgia have now emerged from their tragic past, with a renewed sense of cultural heritage and national pride.

This course will cover the origins of our government and how the framers of our constitution established a government that divided power between three separate branches, created a system by which no single branch had more power than was necessary to carry out its duties, and existed by the consent of those people who would be governed by it. It is the concept of a government made of three branches that fulfills the premise that there is a separation of powers within the government, and it includes a system of checks and balances. Explanations will be provided about how each branch: legislative, executive, and judicial was created and what their specific duties are with regard to a government designed to represent its people. The similarities and differences between the three branches will also be reviewed.

This course will cover the origins of our government and how the framers of our constitution established a government that divided power between three separate branches, created a system by which no single branch had more power than was necessary to carry out its duties, and existed by the consent of those people who would be governed by it. It is the concept of a government made of three branches that fulfills the premise that there is a separation of powers within the government, and it includes a system of checks and balances. Explanations will be provided about how each branch: legislative, executive, and judicial was created and what their specific duties are with regard to a government designed to represent its people. The similarities and differences between the three branches will also be reviewed.

The first session will focus on compositions based on hymns and chorales in musical settings by master composers. The program will include such hymns as: Adoro te Devote, A Mighty Fortress is Our God, Now Thank We All Our God, and Brother James Air. The second session will include representative pieces having religious titles and imagery with references to art and literature. Included in the program will be compositions by Franz Liszt, Richard Wagner, Ludwig Van Beethoven, Olivier Messiaen, Michael Glinka, and Johann Kuhnau.

For centuries, we’ve known that the health of the brain and the body are connected. But now, science is able to provide insights into how lifestyle choices may help you keep your brain and body healthy as you age. Join us to learn about research in the areas of diet and nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity and social engagement, and use hands-on tools to help you incorporate these recommendations into a plan for healthy aging.

This course will cover the origins of our government and how the framers of our constitution established a government that divided power between three separate branches, created a system by which no single branch had more power than was necessary to carry out its duties, and existed by the consent of those people who would be governed by it. It is the concept of a government made of three branches that fulfills the premise that there is a separation of powers within the government, and it includes a system of checks and balances. Explanations will be provided about how each branch: legislative, executive, and judicial was created and what their specific duties are with regard to a government designed to represent its people. The similarities and differences between the three branches will also be reviewed.

The ancient Greeks have given us many important aspects of our culture and civilization. This class will take a look at classical Greek mythology and the stories that are still relevant. We will look at the origins of the Greek gods and the various interactions they had with one another and with humans. We will also explore famous stories that have been passed down to us from the Greeks. The Romans incorporated their gods from the Greeks, and we will compare them and look at some - specifically Roman myths.

This course will cover the origins of our government and how the framers of our constitution established a government that divided power between three separate branches, created a system by which no single branch had more power than was necessary to carry out its duties, and existed by the consent of those people who would be governed by it. It is the concept of a government made of three branches that fulfills the premise that there is a separation of powers within the government, and it includes a system of checks and balances. Explanations will be provided about how each branch: legislative, executive, and judicial was created and what their specific duties are with regard to a government designed to represent its people. The similarities and differences between the three branches will also be reviewed.

To the ancient Romans, Morocco marked the western limits of empire. To its Muslim conquerors, Morocco was “the land of the setting sun.” To Hollywood, it was a hotbed of wartime intrigue – memorably brought to life in the movie Casablanca. This program provides a colorful glimpse of the history and culture of Morocco. From the desert oases of the south to the ski slopes of the High Atlas Mountains … from the bustling Markets of Marrakech to the old Jewish Quarter of Fes… Morocco offers the armchair traveler a wealth of wondrous sights and fascinating facts!

One in ten U.S. adults has a food allergy, and about half of these cases do not show up until adulthood. The prevalence of food allergies and intolerances in American society has seen an uptick in recent years, and while we may not all have one; most of us know someone who has uncomfortable reactions to a specific food. This course will provide insight on the difference between allergies and intolerances, how food allergies are diagnosed, and resources for safe, allergen-free recipes, advice, and more!

When we wake up the first morning after retiring, we realize that we are no longer defined by the work we do. We ask ourselves, “Who are we now?” We need to find another identity and outlets that give us purpose. It is time to reflect on our skills and interests and search for how that can be expressed in new ways. We can find meaning in deeper friendships, volunteering, service projects, continued learning, hobbies, or even part-time work. Any of these can bring us a purposeful identity. If we missed this opportunity in pre-retirement, the time to start is now.

This course will cover the origins of our government and how the framers of our constitution established a government that divided power between three separate branches, created a system by which no single branch had more power than was necessary to carry out its duties, and existed by the consent of those people who would be governed by it. It is the concept of a government made of three branches that fulfills the premise that there is a separation of powers within the government, and it includes a system of checks and balances. Explanations will be provided about how each branch: legislative, executive, and judicial was created and what their specific duties are with regard to a government designed to represent its people. The similarities and differences between the three branches will also be reviewed.

We all know that we live in the Milky Way Galaxy. But what is the galaxy? What are the characteristics of a galaxy? This course will provide an understanding of the types and features of galaxies. We will explore the cause and effects of black holes; look at our understanding of the Universe, and the options for the fate of the Universe.

This course will cover the origins of our government and how the framers of our constitution established a government that divided power between three separate branches, created a system by which no single branch had more power than was necessary to carry out its duties, and existed by the consent of those people who would be governed by it. It is the concept of a government made of three branches that fulfills the premise that there is a separation of powers within the government, and it includes a system of checks and balances. Explanations will be provided about how each branch: legislative, executive, and judicial was created and what their specific duties are with regard to a government designed to represent its people. The similarities and differences between the three branches will also be reviewed.

A faith, a culture, and a political movement – Islam has represented all of these throughout history. Many Americans find the subject of Islam mysterious, even worrisome, as they reflect on the rise of terrorist movements across the globe. This two-part course seeks to promote a broad, objective understanding of the world’s second-largest religion. Among the topics to be covered is the life of its charismatic founder, the Prophet Muhammad; its core rituals and beliefs; its sectarian diversity; the rise and fall of Muslim power and influence, from the 7th through the 19th centuries; and the issues posed by a reinvigorated Islam today.

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.

The first session will focus on compositions based on hymns and chorales in musical settings by master composers. The program will include such hymns as: Adoro te Devote, A Mighty Fortress is Our God, Now Thank We All Our God, and Brother James Air. The second session will include representative pieces having religious titles and imagery with references to art and literature. Included in the program will be compositions by Franz Liszt, Richard Wagner, Ludwig Van Beethoven, Olivier Messiaen, Michael Glinka, and Johann Kuhnau.

Fueling your body with the proper nutrition and getting the right amount of daily exercise matters. The instructor will present how nutrition and the level of activity directly influence your mental health.

When we wake up the first morning after retiring, we realize that we are no longer defined by the work we do. We ask ourselves, “Who are we now?” We need to find another identity and outlets that give us purpose. It is time to reflect on our skills and interests and search for how that can be expressed in new ways. We can find meaning in deeper friendships, volunteering, service projects, continued learning, hobbies, or even part-time work. Any of these can bring us a purposeful identity. If we missed this opportunity in pre-retirement, the time to start is now.

The instructor will describe the Doomsday Clock and why it is so important. The dangers to civilization will be reviewed including what can be done about them.

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.

A faith, a culture, and a political movement – Islam has represented all of these throughout history. Many Americans find the subject of Islam mysterious, even worrisome, as they reflect on the rise of terrorist movements across the globe. This two-part course seeks to promote a broad, objective understanding of the world’s second-largest religion. Among the topics to be covered is the life of its charismatic founder, the Prophet Muhammad; its core rituals and beliefs; its sectarian diversity; the rise and fall of Muslim power and influence, from the 7th through the 19th centuries; and the issues posed by a reinvigorated Islam today.

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.

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.

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

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.