Renaissance - Fall 2023

A publication of Willow Valley Communities

Willow Valley Communities Veterans Golf Week pgs. 17–18

SPIRIT MIND BODY

Inspiring Mind, Body & Spirit

Entertainer’s Series

Enjoy five performances for just $97 when you subscribe to the Fall Entertainer’s Series, or purchase tickets at individual prices as listed below. To make your reservation, complete the Reservation Request Form.

Ireland’s Greatest Showman Starring David Shannon

Often referred to as Ireland’s Greatest Showman, David Shannon has been singing professionally for more than 25 years and is renowned for his engaging performance style and charming personality.

Wednesday, October 11 at 7:00 p.m.

Ticket price: $19

Take3

Take3 mixes their refined classical background with rock star charisma. Fans of all genres will enjoy their unexpected take on pop, jazz, and classical tunes.

Monday, October 23 at 7:00 p.m.

Ticket price: $18

Jâca

A duo comprised of clarinet and guitar, Jâca combines classical and world music in an adventurous, passionate, completely original musical style.

Wednesday, November 1 at 7:00 p.m.

Ticket price: $16

Sounds of Silence Tribute

Steven Delopoulos and Johnny Phillips pay tribute to great artists of the ’70s, including Simon and Garfunkel, Bob Dylan, John Denver, and others.

Tuesday, November 21 at 7:00 p.m.

Ticket price: $20

The Sugarplums

With vintage flair and beautiful harmonies, The Sugarplums remind us of holiday memories from years gone by.

Thursday, December 14 at 7:00 p.m.

Ticket price: $20

Ireland’s Greatest Showman Starring David Shannon

Cultural Center Theater Reservation Request Form

Fall 2023

NAME:

COMMUNITY (check one): MANOR LAKES NORTH SPRING RUN SMARTLIFE

RESIDENCE (apt.): PHONE NUMBER:

SEATING PREFERENCE:

All seating requests are subject to availability. Please refer to the seating chart on the reverse side of this page.

If you would like to sit with someone from a residence different from your own, please use this portion for their reservation. Each party will be billed separately.

NAME:

COMMUNITY (check one): MANOR LAKES NORTH SPRING RUN SMARTLIFE

RESIDENCE (apt.): PHONE NUMBER:

SUBSCRIPTION

ENTERTAINER’S SERIES

INDIVIDUAL TICKETS

Ireland’s Greatest Showman Starring David Shannon

Wednesday, October 11 at 7:00 p.m.

Take3

Monday, October 23 at 7:00 p.m.

Jâca

Wednesday, November 1 at 7:00 p.m.

Sounds of Silence Tribute

Tuesday, November 21 at 7:00 p.m.

The Sugarplums

Thursday, December 14 at 7:00 p.m.

Series Price Number of Series

$97

Ticket Price

Number of Tickets

$ 19

$ 18

$ 16

$ 20

$ 20

Mail your completed RESERVATION REQUEST FORM to the Cultural Center Theater Box Office by September 8, 2023. Please do not cut, fold, staple, tape, or enclose this form in an envelope; just send it as is using in-house mail.

Cultural Center Theater Guidelines

• To make a reservation, please fill out the Reservation Request Form on the reverse side of this page. It is not necessary to cut, fold, staple, tape, or put it into an envelope; simply put it into the in-house mail as is.

• If you would like to sit with someone, please include their reservation information on your form in the appropriate location. Each party will be billed separately unless instructed otherwise.

• Transportation will be provided for all shows. For evening shows, the shuttle will make continuous runs on each campus beginning at 5:40 p.m. (Manor Campus) and 5:45 p.m. (Lakes Campus). At the end of the program, buses will run until all Residents have returned to their drop-off location. For daytime shows, on-demand transportation will be available until after the show is over.

• If you would like to attend a show but do not have a ticket, call the box office at 717.464.6433 to check availability. Typically, tickets are returned the day of the show, and you may come to the ticket window to purchase a ticket.

• Arrive early enough to be seated before the lights dim. Walking into the darkened theater, down the aisle, and into your seat is not safe. It disturbs not only the audience, but the performer as well. Late seating will not be permitted.

• Seat locations printed on your tickets are not guaranteed after the start of the performance.

• Kindly keep colognes and perfumes to a minimum. Some people are highly allergic to aromas.

• Turn off all cell phones and other electronic devices.

• No flash photography.

Ireland’s Greatest Showman Starring David Shannon

David Shannon grew up in Ireland and has been singing professionally for more than 25 years. Renowned for his engaging performance style, charming personality, and ability to blend musical genres, he recently toured Europe with his Best of Ireland show and released his second solo album, Abhaile.

Shannon has played some of Broadway’s most famous roles—including The Phantom (Phantom of the Opera), Jean Valjean (Les Misérables), Sweeney Todd (Sweeney Todd), Judas (Jesus Christ Superstar), Chris (Miss Saigon), and most recently Kevin T in the original London company of Come From Away—and was nominated for Best Actor at the Olivier Awards (the British version of the Tony Awards) for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Beautiful Game. He also keeps a busy schedule working with the world’s leading orchestras and promoting his web series, The Crooning Craftsman.

Wednesday, October 11 at 7:00 p.m.

Cultural Center Theater

Ticket price: $19

Register: Reservation Request Form

Take3

The genre-defying trio Take3 trained at the world’s top conservatories, but their repertoire ranges from Bach and Beethoven to Bieber and The Beach Boys. Known for their infectious and down-to-earth onstage personalities, this threesome captivates crowds around the country, performing their arrangements of top pop hits, Americana, and their signature classical mash-ups.

With a flair for the wild and unexpected, Take3 combines music with an interactive lighting show and comedic stories of their journey from scales in conservatory practice rooms to pop music in packed stadiums—for an unforgettable experience. The group has also earned accolades for their outreach programs for children of all ages, delivering a message of hope, inspiration, and the importance of following dreams with vigorous tenacity.

Monday, October 23 at 7:00 p.m.

Cultural Center Theater

Ticket price: $18

Register: Reservation Request Form

Jâca

From flamenco to fado, Appalachia to Argentina, and guitar slides to clarinet smears, Jâca’s music is truly a unique fusion that fits into no single genre. The duo, comprised of clarinetist Wesley Ferreira and guitarist Jaxon Williams, breathes new life into the traditional concert experience, ignoring convention and consistently leaving their audiences buzzing. At a Jâca concert, you’re not just a bystander—you’re part of it.

Based in Fort Collins, Colorado, Ferreira is an acclaimed soloist and orchestral musician. He always brings his infectious positivity, big smile, and way too many reeds to every rehearsal. His Portuguese heritage has inspired arrangements and even commissions of new music for Jâca. In addition to being an award-winning classical guitarist, Los Angeles–based Williams is an active performer of Spanish flamenco guitar.

Wednesday, November 1 at 7:00 p.m.

Cultural Center Theater

Ticket price: $16

Register: Reservation Request Form

Sounds of Silence Tribute

The Sounds of Silence Tribute journeys back in time to the 1970s Greenwich Village folk scene, to a timeless era of music when lyrics and melody meant something more. Award-winning musicians Steven Delopoulos and Johnny Phillips are known for their unique sound, energetic live shows, and introspective lyrics underscored by their remarkable musicianship. This tribute concert features the music of Simon and Garfunkel, Bob Dylan, John Denver, Cat Stevens, Don McLean, and other greats.

Tuesday, November 21 at 7:00 p.m.

Cultural Center Theater

Ticket price: $20

Register: Reservation Request Form

The Sugarplums

With charming choreography and engaging interaction with their audiences, The Sugarplums perform all of your holiday music favorites! Songs include Jingle Bells as performed by The Puppini Sisters and Michael Bublé, Sleigh Ride as performed by The Ronettes, Mele Kalikimaka as performed by The Andrews Sisters, White Christmas as performed by The Drifters, and Jingle Bell Rock as performed by Brenda Lee, happily sung by a trio of girls so sweet they’ll give you a toothache! With vintage flair and beautiful, intricate harmonies, The Sugarplums will bring back wonderful holiday memories from years gone by.

Thursday, December 14 at 7:00 p.m.

Cultural Center Theater

Ticket price: $20

Register: Reservation Request Form

General Admission

Cultural Center Chorale

Celebrate the holidays with the Cultural Center Chorale this December. They will sing songs celebrating the season (Sleigh Ride), Christmas (The First Noel), and Hanukkah (Bidi Bom), in addition to several other selections. It’s never too early to put these dates on your calendar!

Wednesday, December 6 at 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, December 7 at 2:00 p.m.

Cultural Center Theater

Cost: No charge

Register: Event Registration

Willow Valley Webcast

Webcast and On-Demand programming treats music and art lovers to one-of-a-kind experiences around the world, broadcast directly to the Cultural Center Theater. Tickets are just $5. Register using Event Registration.

Exhibition On Screen: Vermeer— The Greatest Exhibition

In the spring of 2023, the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam opened its doors to the largest Vermeer exhibition in history. With loans from across the world, this major retrospective brings together his most famous masterpieces, including Girl with a Pearl Earring, The Geographer, The Milkmaid, The Little Street, Lady Writing a Letter with Her Maid, and Woman Holding a Balance in all, 28 of his surviving 35 works. This film invites audiences to a privileged view of the exhibition, accompanied by the director of the Rijksmuseum and the curators of the show. It’s a truly once-ina-lifetime opportunity to discover the genius of Vermeer and his fascinating and mysterious life.

Friday, September 22 at 10:00 a.m.

Length: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Oksana Lyniv Conducts Hubarenko, Stankovych, Beethoven & Tchaikovsky— With Valeriy Sokolov

Meet up with the outstanding Oksana Lyniv for a spectacular program from the 2018 Young Euro Classic Festival! The powerhouse Ukrainian maestra, who in 2021 became the first woman to conduct Wagner at the Bayreuth Festival, takes the helm of the Youth Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine, an ensemble she founded.

These talented musicians interpret well-known classics like Beethoven’s sweeping Symphony no. 7 alongside three works by Ukrainian composers Vitaliy Hubarenko and Yevhen Stankovych. Violin great Valeriy Sokolov gives an incredible performance of Hubarenko’s Chamber Symphony no. 1, just one of many highlights in this captivating concert honoring Ukraine’s excellent musical tradition—one that is too often overlooked.

Tuesday, October 10 at 1:30 p.m.

Length: 1 hour, 31 minutes

Charles Dutoit Conducts Brahms & Berlioz —With Kyung Wha Chung

After a long absence from the Verbier Festival, violinist Kyung Wha Chung returned in 2016 to present a concert with one of her most trusted colleagues, Charles Dutoit.

The concert opens with Violin Concerto in D Major by Brahms, a major work commissioned by the composer’s friend, violin virtuoso Joseph Joachim. Finding the solo part too difficult, Joachim rewrote it himself so that it better complemented his instrument. The musicians then move on to another masterpiece of the classical repertoire, Berlioz’s majestic Symphonie Fantastique. This landmark orchestral work, born of Berlioz’s frenzied love for the Irish actress Harriet Smithson, signaled a turning point in early musical Romanticism.

Thursday, October 26 at 1:30 p.m.

Length: 1 hour, 38 minutes

Gábor Takács-Nagy Conducts Mozart, Saint-Saëns & Beethoven—With Gautier Capuçon

Join cellist Gautier Capuçon and the Verbier Festival Chamber Orchestra under the baton of their music director, Gábor Takács-Nagy! The concert opens with a performance of Mozart’s Symphony no. 25, a work woven into modern pop culture by its use in ads and in Milos Forman’s film Amadeus. They finish with Beethoven’s equally famous Symphony no. 5 before being joined by Capuçon for one of the most celebrated concertos ever written for his instrument: Camille Saint-Saëns’s turbulent and lyrical Cello Concerto. As an encore, Capuçon performs a transcription of Tchaikovsky’s Andante Cantabile arranged for cello and orchestra—a truly special moment!

Thursday, November 16 at 1:30 p.m.

Length: 1 hour, 25 minutes

Exhibition On Screen: Klimt & The Kiss

The Kiss by Gustav Klimt is one of the most recognized and reproduced paintings in the world. Painted in Vienna around 1908, the evocative image of an unknown embracing couple has captivated viewers with its mystery, sensuality, and dazzling materials ever since it was created. But just what lies behind the appeal of the painting—and just who was the artist who created it? Delving into the details of real gold, decorative designs, symbolism, and simmering erotica, a close study of the painting takes us to remarkable turn-of-the-century Vienna, when a new world was battling with the old. You don't want to miss this powerful, gripping, and passionate film.

Tuesday, November 28 at 10:00 a.m.

Length: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Marin Alsop Conducts Bacewicz, Rautavaara & Dvořák

Join Marin Alsop as she conducts the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra in an exquisite, imaginative concert from the Katowice Culture Nature Festival!

Composed in 1943 during the German occupation, Grażyna Bacewicz’s Overture for Symphony Orchestra opens the program. A short piece for a large orchestra, it sets the stage with its remarkably vibrant colors and surprising rhythmic and thematic richness. Rautavaara’s autobiographical Symphony no. 8 follows, one of the composer’s most original works, oscillating between cold calm and fiery agitation with hints of sonic surrealism. The concert ends with one of the most famous symphonies, Dvořák’s Symphony no. 9, an undeniable masterpiece brimming with memorable melodies, heartbreaking expressivity, and an irrepressible rhythmic drive.

Monday, December 18 at 1:30 p.m.

Length: 1 hour, 24 minutes

Special Events

Fall Fest

For many people, fall is a season of senses: the cool air on your face, the warmth of a cozy sweater, the crisp crinkle of leaves beneath your feet, and the timeless smells of tart apple cider, freshly baked pumpkin pies, and salty-sweet kettle corn. Bring your senses alive with our Willow Valley Communities Fall Fest. Residents will have the opportunity to design scarecrows, learn about making apple cider, take a hayride, and much more.

Friday, September 22

11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Cultural Center Upper Level Outdoor Area

Cost: No charge

Register: Registration is not necessary for this event.

Veterans Day Event

Armistice Day originated on November 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I, as a way to reflect upon the heroism of those who died in our country’s service. Congress passed a resolution in 1926 for an annual observance, and it became a national holiday in 1938.

However, in 1954, the name of the holiday was changed to Veterans Day to honor veterans of all wars. Unlike Memorial Day, Veterans Day pays tribute to all American veterans—living or deceased—but especially gives thanks to living veterans who served our country honorably during war or peacetime. The military men and women who serve and protect the United States come from all walks of life. They are parents, children, grandparents, friends, neighbors, and coworkers, and an important part of their communities.

David Christian will be our speaker at this Veterans Day event. Recently inducted into the National Military Officers Hall of Fame, Christian was one of the most decorated soldiers of the Vietnam War. He held a significant role on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Committee and presented the speech at the dedication of the memorial in Washington, DC. After he was medically retired from the Army as a Captain, he went on to college at Villanova and then to law school at Rutgers. Come and hear his amazing story.

Join us as we honor our veterans at Willow Valley Communities and throughout the world.

Monday, November 6

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Cultural Center Theater

Cost: No charge

Register: Event Registration. Tickets will not be issued for this event, but registration is required.

New Year's Eve Party

Ten, Nine, Eight, Seven, Six, Five, Four, Three, Two, One! Join family, friends, and neighbors for an evening of celebration to say goodbye to 2023 and hello to 2024! Vinyl Groov will keep the party moving, with a wide array of hits from Motown, Classic Rock, Top 40, and even some Smooth Jazz, refreshments will keep all satisfied, and photo opportunities will seal the night with lasting memories. Be sure to dress your best for there is no such thing as too much sparkle on New Year’s Eve! Cheers at midnight to another year to shine.

Sunday, December 31

9:00 p.m. – Midnight Cultural Center Ballroom

Cost: $10

Register: Event Registration

Vinyl Groov

Willow Valley Communities Veterans Golf Week

The Professional Golfers’ Association of America (PGA) has recognized the importance of golf in the lives of our nation’s veterans. Willow Valley Communities is embracing this connection through an exclusive series of golf events November 13–17. Residents of all levels of golf experience are invited to engage in the week’s activities. You do not have to be a veteran to participate.

In addition to individual golf lessons, clinics, a fitness class, and a simulator challenge, there will a be presentation on PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere), the flagship military program of the charitable foundation PGA REACH. PGA HOPE introduces golf to veterans and active-duty military to enhance their physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being.

Many of the week’s events will be hosted by Sally Collins, an active PGA instructor and the current golf pro at Bellerive Country Club in St. Louis, Missouri. A member of the PGA and the Ladies Professional Golf Association Teaching and Club Professional Membership, she was raised in Lancaster, is a graduate of Manheim Township High School and Penn State University, and her mother, Audrey Slater, is a Willow Valley Communities Resident.

Stop by and meet Sally as we kick off this week of special events!

Monday, November 13 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. (drop-in)

The Clubhouse Golf Simulator

Presenter: Sally Collins, Golf Pro

Cost: No charge

Register: Registration is not necessary for this event.

Private Golf Lessons

Whether you’re looking to be introduced to the game of golf or need some serious tips on how to lower your handicap, Sally can help. Sign up for a private 20-minute lesson with her. Bring a club or two that you would like to work with, or use one at the simulator.

Choose one session.

Session 1: Tuesday, November 14

Session 2: Thursday, November 16

Session 3: Friday, November 17

9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

The Clubhouse Golf Simulator

Instructor: Sally Collins, Golf Pro

Cost: No charge

Register: Call The Clubhouse Concierge at 717.464.7805.

What Is PGA HOPE?

Courtney Curcio, Director of PGA REACH Philadelphia, will offer a presentation on PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere), a program that introduces golf to veterans and active-duty military as a means to enhance their overall well-being. She will discuss PGA HOPE’s impact on veterans nationwide, more than 7,000 of whom were helped in 2022 alone.

Tuesday, November 14

2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

North Auditorium

Presenter: Courtney Curcio, Director of PGA REACH Philadelphia

Cost: No charge

Short Game Clinics

Sally will show you how the proper chipping and putting techniques can lower your golf score. Bring a wedge, 9 iron, and putter to this clinic. Classes are limited to just 20 spots, so reserve yours today!

Wednesday, November 15

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Beginner Golfers

2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. More Experienced Golfers

Willow Valley Golf Course Putting Green

(In case of inclement weather, lessons will be held at the Golf Simulator at The Clubhouse.)

Cost: No charge

Fitness For Golf Class

Balance and flexibility are two major keys to executing a golf swing properly. The Fitness Team at Willow Valley Communities will lead you through exercises to get your body in top golf condition. Space is limited, so reserve your spot today!

Wednesday, November 15

9:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.

The Clubhouse Fitness Center

Instructor: WVC Fitness Team

Cost: No charge

Let’s Play Golf!

Can you conquer Pebble Beach or TPC Sawgrass? Get your foursome together and find out! Each group will have one hour to enjoy a round of golf. If you don’t have a foursome, our team will be happy to pair you with others.

Thursday, November 16

1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

The Clubhouse Golf Simulator

Cost: No charge

Register: Call The Clubhouse Concierge at 717.464.7805.

19th Hole Celebration

Let’s wrap up Willow Valley Communities Veterans Golf Week in true 19th hole style! Celebrate your fellow golfers at The Clubhouse with some light refreshments and contests on the Golf Simulator, and get some lastminute tips from Sally!

Friday, November 17

2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

The Clubhouse Golf Simulator

Cost: No charge

Cassandre Maxwell, Mixed Media

From the time she could hold a pencil, Cassandre Maxwell loved art—drawing, painting, and creating things. She majored in art education at Moore College of Art and Design, then taught in three elementary schools, seeing 700 kids a week! While securing a master’s degree at the Tyler School of Art, Cassandre took a class in illustration, which quickly became her first love as an artist. She went on to work for Hallmark Cards as the Creative Research Manager before becoming a freelance illustrator and a professor at Cabrini College for 28 years.

During that time, Cassandre also worked for a variety of publishing companies as both a writer and an illustrator. She established cut paper and pastel as her signature style and illustrated books for children and adults, including two by poet Helen Steiner Rice. Because she enjoyed researching interesting topics and people, she learned of Abraham Dee Bartlett, the superintendent of the London Zoo at a time when previously unknown animals were being discovered and shipped there. This led her to write Fur, Fins, and Feathers: Abraham Dee Bartlett and the Invention of the Modern Zoo, which won several major awards for children’s literature and was recently translated into Japanese. (Copies will be available for purchase.)

Cassandre’s display at the Cultural Center will show her progression as an illustrator and demonstrate the steps involved when illustrating a book. In addition, the show will highlight her portraits and other works using pastel and cut paper. Cassandre resides at the Manor.

Cassandre is presenting a Life Reflections about her career. See page 39 for details.

September 18 – November 2

Cultural Center Art Gallery

Reception: Wednesday, September 20 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Cultural Center Art Gallery

Russell Slocum, Oils

Russell Slocum is best known for his landscape paintings of Pennsylvania and the coast of Maine. He works primarily in oils, occasionally in pastels. Many of his landscapes are done en plein air, and the rest are painted from his own studies and photos.

Russ has been building a reputation as an artist since 2014, when he left a 40-year career in advertising as an agency owner, creative director, and copywriter, and turned his lifelong hobby of painting landscapes into his full-time profession. Since 2017 his paintings have earned awards from River Towns Plein Air, Plein Air West Reading, Scenes of the Schuylkill, and Berks Art Alliance exhibitions.

He is co-director of Art Plus Gallery, West Reading, where his work can always be seen, and is the co-founder of Plein Air West Reading, now in its eighth year. He is also represented by Landing Gallery in Rockland, Maine and Visual Expansion Gallery, West Chester. Russ and his wife, Ann, live in Wyomissing.

November 3 – January 4

Cultural Center Art Gallery

Art Classes

All classes are held in the Cultural Center Art Studio. Register using Event Registration.

Open Studio Hours

The Cultural Center Art Studio is available during non-class hours for anyone wishing to work on individual projects, or to arrange small groups. For more information, call 717.464.6438.

Class Cancellation Policy

Please cancel prior to the start of the class. Those registered who do not attend the session and do not cancel will be charged. An exception will be made for illness, but students must call the Events Coordinator to cancel: 717.464.6438.

Mixed-Media Open Studio

Work at your own pace, in your own medium, with guidance from the instructor. Beginner or advanced levels are welcome. Instructor has experience working with acrylic, oil, pastel, watercolor, and drawing. Work from photos you bring or a still-life provided by the instructor.

Session 1: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, September 5, 6, 12, 13

Session 2: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, October 10, 11, 17, 18

Session 3: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, October 31; November 1, 2, 3

Session 4: Wednesday, Thursday, Tuesday, Wednesday, December 13, 14, 19, 20

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Instructor: Tammy Teets, Professional Artist Cost: $50/session

Painting Salon

At the turn of the century, musicians, artists, and writers would present their newest creations to their peers and patrons in a cultural event known as a Salon. One of their main functions was to serve as a place for the exchange of ideas.

During the Salon sessions at Willow Valley, you are invited to bring one or two of your most recent paintings to share with the instructor and other students. You are also encouraged to bring your friends along.

Session 1: Wednesday, September 6

Session 2: Thursday, October 12

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Instructor: Linda Luke, Professional Artist

Cost: No charge

Pumpkin Tower

Pumpkin season is here! No other pumpkin display stacks up to this charming tower. Create your own tower, or three individual pumpkins if you prefer. Decorate each pumpkin in your own way, choosing from a variety of fabrics and garnishes.

Wednesday, September 20

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Instructor: Tammy Teets, Professional Artist

Cost: $20 (supplies included)

Two-Day Plein Air Watercolor Painting

Let’s take it on the road again! We will paint a lovely scene right here on the Willow Valley campus. Bring your watercolor painting supplies and a little table or something to lean on while sitting at a chair that will be provided to you. Linda will demonstrate how to begin and help you each step of the way. It will be a fun new experience for many of you! The class will meet in the Art Studio before moving to an outdoor location.

Thursday, Friday, September 7, 8

9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Instructor: Linda Luke, Professional Artist

Cost: $70 (supplies included)

Origami Sunflower Magnet Workshop

This is an introduction to modular origami, the art of folding and connecting paper modules. You will learn how to fold and connect individual pieces to form a sunflower magnet. A kit will be provided including enough pieces to make a finished project. The magnet is approximately 6" across.

Thursday, September 21

9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Instructor: Amanda Church, Whimsical Folds

Cost: $60 (supplies included)

Leather Crafting Bookmark Workshop

Make a leather bookmark with vintage leather stamps! A fun and easy activity to do with friends or by yourself. You will practice on scrap leather pieces before creating your final designs. Make multiple bookmarks to give away—they make great stocking stuffers.

Thursday, September 28

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Instructor: Harry Brenneman, Manor Campus Maintenance

Cost: $20 (supplies included)

Velvet

Pumpkin Workshop

Velvet pumpkins are all the rage! If you can thread a needle and do a simple running stitch (in and out of fabric), you can make this seasonal decoration. All supplies will be provided, and you will leave the workshop with a completed pumpkin.

Wednesday, September 27 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Instructor: Cassandre Maxwell, Professional Artist, Manor Resident

Cost: $20 (supplies included)

Button Tree Workshop

Create your own button tree to decorate any holiday table or give as a gift. Each tree will be different but very festive. Select from a variety of holiday colors, and if you have any special buttons you would like to use, bring them along to make your tree even more special. What a great gift to give or to decorate your own home!

Wednesday, October 4

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Instructor: Tammy Teets, Professional Artist

Cost: $30 (supplies included)

Glass-on-Glass Mosaics

This workshop will launch you into the wide world of mosaics, focusing on the glass-on-glass form. This process involves gluing small pieces of colored glass to a clear glass background in a pattern or design of your choice. After the glue has dried, you will grout the piece to fill in the spaces between the colored glass. Select from one of 14 patterns provided by the instructor, including a shamrock, dragonfly, maple leaf, hummingbird, rooster (pictured), daisy, iris, and more. Or, create a design of your own!

Thursdays, October 5, 12, 26

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Instructor: Dan Hayward, Master Artisan

Cost: $135 (supplies included)

Make Your Own Mug Workshop

Hand-build your own ceramic mug in this class! Learn how to roll out clay, imprint with texture, and build a mug. You will then pick a finish glaze from provided samples. Mugs will dry slowly, be kiln-fired and glazed by the instructor, then brought back to Willow Valley after the firing is complete. If you wish to texturize your mug with something specific, bring that to class with you. Otherwise, texturizing tools will be provided.

Wednesday, October 11

1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Instructor: Susan Burlingame, PA Guild of Craftsmen

Cost: $85 (supplies included)

Fused Glass: Plates & Pendants

Participants will receive a safety overview followed by a summary of the glass fusing process, including the tools and equipment used to make functional fused glass and how everyday physics and chemistry play a role in glass art. The instructor will show examples of finished products of the nature that class members will complete, as well as of larger and more complex fused projects. During the class, you will learn basic glass cutting techniques and then complete either small items suitable as pendants or earrings using dichroic glass, or suncatchers or small plates from interesting “scrap” glass and pre-cut shapes (diamonds, triangles, squares, and strips), frit, stringers, and noodles, which the instructor will bring. No experience necessary.

Thursday, October 12

1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Instructor: Dan Hayward, Master Artisan

Cost: $38 (supplies included)

Fall Scene with Watercolor Pencils

Create this lovely fall scene for yourself or to share with someone! All materials are provided for you to use when you are in the studio painting. We will be using watercolor pencils, colored pencils, toned textured papers, and shimmer watercolors. What a great way to try something new, increase your art skills, and have fun!

Friday, October 13

9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Instructor: Linda Luke, Professional Artist

Cost: $40 (supplies included)

Zentangle an Organic Garden

Learn to Zentangle your own garden on 6" x 9" tan paper!

Tuesday, October 24

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Instructor: Barb Mavraganis, Certified Zentangle Teacher

Cost: $22 (supplies included)

Zentangle a Heart Card

Easily made and decorated in Zentangle, this heart explosion card opens for your personal sentiment. Also, this is easy to mail to your loved ones!

Tuesday, October 17

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Instructor: Barb Mavraganis, Certified Zentangle Teacher

Cost: $22 (supplies included)

Needle Felted Pumpkins

Join local fiber artist and instructor Lisa Haldeman to make a cute little needle felted pumpkin that you can display year after year. No experience is necessary, and all supplies will be provided.

Thursday, October 19

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Instructor: Lisa Haldeman, PA Guild of Craftsmen

Cost: $45 (supplies included)

The Eyes Have It Workshop

The focus of this workshop will be drawing and painting eyes, human or animal. You will learn the basics of painting eyes that appear to look at you or somewhere else. The choice of media is yours, and you will need to bring your supplies to class—paper, pencils, pastels, or other media. Pastels or pastel pencils, to learn application of color, are preferred over wet media due to drying time. However, it is student's choice. The instructor will demonstrate using pastel.

Wednesday, October 25

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Instructor: Cassandre Maxwell, Professional Artist, Manor Resident

Cost: No charge (bring your own supplies)

Painting a Holiday Card

Paint a winter landscape on a card in this one-day workshop. Send your original painting as a holiday card, or frame it if you wish. You can also have your card painting reproduced to send to several people. After your painting is completed, you will receive an order form in class that will indicate the pricing for the number of cards that you would like printed if you wish to print multiple cards.

Monday, November 6

1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Instructor: Linda Luke, Professional Artist

Cost: $25 (supplies included)

Needle Felted Cardinals

Join local fiber artist and instructor Lisa Haldeman to make a cute little needle felted cardinal that you can display year after year. No experience is necessary, and all supplies will be provided.

Thursday, November 16

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Instructor: Lisa Haldeman, PA Guild of Craftsmen

Cost: $45 (supplies included)

Snowman Head Door Design

Dress up your front door this winter with this fabulous snowman head made from tulle and other fabrics. Treat yourself to this amazing winter design, and your snowman will help take the chill out of the air and put a smile on your face.

Tuesday, December 5

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Instructor: Tammy Teets, Professional Artist

Cost: $32 (supplies included)

Three-Day Watercolor Workshop: Red Covered Bridge in the Snow

Who doesn’t love red covered bridges? Let’s paint this one together. Once you register, you will be sent a reference photo and sketch to put onto your watercolor paper before class. Bring your own painting supplies. Additional supplies will be available to use during class.

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, December 6, 7, 8

9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Instructor: Linda Luke, Professional Artist

Cost: $85 (supplies included)

Lunch & Learn

Each session begins at 10:30 a.m. in the Cultural Center Theater, with a lecture followed by a question-and-answer session, then lunch in the Ballroom. Each session is $12, billed to your monthly statement. Register using Event Registration.

Fire, Flood & Fury: America’s Worst Natural Disasters

With depressing regularity, Mother Nature rises up to wreak havoc on America. This program examines four of our country’s worst natural disasters—all of them abetted by human apathy, incompetence, or greed.

The Great Peshtigo Fire devastated northern Wisconsin in 1871; the Johnstown Flood of 1889 killed 2,200 Pennsylvanians; in 1906, the San Francisco Earthquake (and subsequent fire) destroyed 80% of the city; and Hurricane Katrina, in 2005, exposed the frailty of flood control and emergency response plans in New Orleans.

Thursday, September 21 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Cultural Center Theater

Presenter: John Maietta, US Army Retired

Music of States, Part II

Back by popular demand… Part II! Take a cross-country trip over the mountains and through the plains of the United States. You will learn about and hear more famous songs from a variety of different states in a special playlist. *Songs from February’s Music of States, Part 1 program will not be repeated.

Friday, October 6

10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Cultural Center Theater

Presenter: Jill Graybill, Adjunct Music & Foundational Studies, HACC

The Myths & Realities of Sherwood Forest: Robin Hood

The numerous legends of Robin Hood and his Merry Men reach back into the 14th century through ballads and poems. The stories of his opposition to the Sheriff of Nottingham during the absence of King Richard the Lionhearted, and his mission of robbing from the rich to give to the poor, have stretched over the generations, and motion picture versions of Robin Hood have been revisited by numerous actors in Hollywood, from Errol Flynn to Russell Crowe. How many of the Robin Hood legends are factual? How many are fiction? Come and follow treasured memories of Robin Hood and determine why this hero maintains his status throughout the ages.

Wednesday, November 1

10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Cultural Center Theater

Presenter: Dr. Don Koones, PhD

A Century of Christmas

In every generation, the celebration of Christmas creates new memories and savors old traditions. From 1900 through 2000, the holiday evolved from simple decorations and foods to a time of science and technology. Fresh-cut trees decorated with lighted candles, along with handmade gifts and cards, developed into artificial trees surrounded by electric trains and dolls able to speak. You are invited to take a step back and witness the transformation that has resulted in Christmas becoming our most celebrated holiday. Be prepared to relive memories and stories that only become more precious over the years.

Tuesday, December 19

10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Cultural Center Theater

Presenter: Dr. Don Koones, PhD

Movies That Inspire

This lecture/film series explores some of Hollywood’s top movies of all time. Begin with an overview of the movie, cast, and trivia, then enjoy the film with lunch afterward. All sessions begin at 9:30 a.m. in the Theater and conclude with lunch in the Ballroom. The cost of $12 is billed to your monthly statement. Register using Event Registration.

Say Good Night, Gracie—A Salute to George Burns

Movie: Oh, God!

The life of George Burns spanned a grand total of 100 years, from 1896 to 1996. As any life, it was filled with happiness and sadness as well as success and failure. The ninth in a family of 12 children born to Jewish immigrants in New York City, Burns was only seven when his father died. He helped support his family by shining shoes, running errands, selling newspapers, and helping to make syrup in a local candy shop. His performing career began when he and his brothers were discovered singing harmony in their basement, and from that point, he would go on to vaudeville, radio, film, and television.

The highlight of his life occurred in 1926, when he wed Gracie Allen. The couple became a staple in American culture, and he would later say, “All of a sudden, the audience realized I had a talent. They were right. I did have a talent—and I was married to her for 38 years.”

Come hear about the amazing life of George Burns and see his 1977 comedy Oh, God! Directed by Carl Reiner, and co-starring John Denver, the film remains a glowing tribute to Mr. Burns in his later years.

Wednesday, October 18 at 9:30 a.m.

Presenter: Dr. Don Koones, PhD

Much More Than a Chauffeur—Morgan Freeman Movie: Driving Miss Daisy

The achievements and honors bestowed upon Morgan Freeman far extend his role of driving a 1946 Chrysler Windsor for “Miss Daisy.” His additional roles—such as Ellis “Red” Redding in The Shawshank Redemption, Ned Logan in Unforgiven, and Sergeant Major John Rawlins in Glory—as well as his successes as a director and narrator, all established him as a superstar. Hear about the life and accomplishments of Morgan Freeman before viewing the thought-provoking, enjoyable film starring the actor alongside Jessica Tandy and Dan Aykroyd. Released in 1989, Driving Miss Daisy was nominated for four Academy Awards and won two: Best Picture and Best Actress.

Friday, November 17 at 9:30 a.m.

Presenter: Dr. Don Koones, PhD

Life of the Mind

“Wonder is the beginning of wisdom.”

— Socrates

Socrates Café

Socrates Café encourages spirited discussion about issues and topics that challenge our beliefs about contemporary society and who we are as human beings. Our quest is not to arrive at answers or consensus but rather to develop more and better questions. We seek clarification of our own thinking, and careful and respectful consideration of the views of others, as we sift through, sort out, and attempt to arrive at new insights into the topics under discussion.

So if you enjoy thinking about and questioning commonly accepted assumptions, even your own, and if you are willing to challenge the taken-for-granted authority of any position or representation of fact or truth, join us at Socrates Café.

Socrates Cafe meets on the second Monday of each month, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., in the Cultural Center Education Room. Registration is not necessary.

Life Lived Forward

“The future is not something we enter. The future is something we create.” — Leonard I. Sweet

What is the value of your future to you?

Monday, October 9

“Your mind is your predicament. It wants to be free of change. Free of pain, free of the obligations of life and death. But change is law, and no amount of pretending will alter that reality.”

— Socrates

Friendship

“Your friend is your needs answered. He is your field which you sow with love and reap with thanksgiving. And he is your board and your fireside. For you come to him with your hunger, and you seek him for peace.” — Kahlil Gibran

How do you define friendship?

Monday, November 13

Comparison

“Comparison with myself brings improvement, comparison with others brings discontent.”

— Betty Jamie Chung

Are we at the mercy of change?

Monday, December 11

Great Decisions

At Great Decisions we meet to discuss and debate current world issues. These discussions are supported by materials prepared by the Foreign Policy Association. A background book may be ordered from the Association’s website, and a DVD concerning the topic will also be shown at each meeting. The coordinators invite Residents of all Willow Valley Communities to attend and expand their understanding of important issues that impact our world.

From January through May and September through November, the Great Decisions Group meets in the Spring Run Auditorium on the second Tuesday of each month at 2:00 p.m.

Climate Migration

How is climate change impacting human migration?

As climate change accelerates and drought and rising sea levels become more common, millions of people in affected regions must uproot themselves and seek safety elsewhere. Who are these affected individuals? How might the United States aid them and be affected by the migration?

Tuesday, October 10

Politics in Latin America

What does the emergence of various left-wing governments mean for countries in Latin America?

Electoral results in Latin America over the past four years have led many observers of the regional/political scene to discern a left-wing surge in the hemisphere, reminiscent of the so-called Pink Tide that swept the area some 20 years ago. But how much do these politicians actually have in common? What implication does their ascendency have for the region?

Tuesday, November 14

One Day University

One Day University handpicks professors from the world’s top schools to present their best lectures on history, psychology, politics, art, foreign affairs, literature, music, philosophy, film, and more. These recorded streaming events are designed to inform and inspire “students for a day,” intellectually curious people who believe that learning is a fun, rewarding lifelong process.

All events take place in the Cultural Center Theater. The cost of $5 is billed to your monthly statement. Register using Event Registration.

One Season Too Many: Superstar Athletes Who Stayed Too Long

As Tom Brady experienced week after week of disappointment, he followed in the footsteps of many other superstar athletes who played a final season they wish had never happened. Joe Namath, Johnny Unitas, Willie Mays, Michael Jordan, Wayne Gretzky, Muhammad Ali, and many more finished with a whimper rather than a bang.

Wednesday, September 20 at 10:00 a.m. Length: 1 hour, 1 minute

Presented by:

Matthew Andrews | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Professor Andrews teaches American History at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His courses use the history of American sports to explore race relations, gender ideals, political protest, and American identity. The UNC student body asked him to give the honorific “Last Lecture” to the graduating class of 2015 and voted him Best Professor in 2016.

The History of Presidential Libraries: An Insider’s Look

America’s presidential libraries tell the story of the presidency and those who have occupied our nation’s highest office. From Washington to Bush, from McKinley to Clinton, these institutions preserve and present history that has helped define our nation and change the world. Having worked with presidential libraries for over twenty years, and serving as director of three of them, Alan Lowe is a uniquely qualified “tour guide” who will describe how presidential libraries were first imagined, how they are created and operated, and how they serve, in a variety of ways, to advance our understanding of the fascinating and vitally important story of the presidency.

Friday, September 29 at 10:00 a.m.

Length: 1 hour, 3 minutes

Presented by:

Alan C. Lowe | American Museum of Science & Energy

Lowe has served as Interim Director of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library, Founding Director of the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, and Executive Director of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Currently he is Executive Director of the American Museum of Science and Energy and Executive Director of the K-25 History Center in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Lowe is also the co-host and historian of the popular podcast American POTUS, all about the American presidency, and the new podcasts American SCOTUS and American FLOTUS (focusing on the US Supreme Court and America’s First Ladies, respectively).

American Symbols: From the Liberty Bell to Lady Liberty

Throughout US history, Americans have developed symbols to express their most cherished values, hopes, and institutions. These include the American flag, Statue of Liberty, the Liberty Bell, Uncle Sam, the White House, and the bald eagle. They also include symbols that challenge the establishment to promote social change, like the peace sign or the clenched fist of the Black Power movement. And what about now forgotten symbols that once carried so much significance, like the pineapple (hospitality), beehive (hard work), and ballot box (democracy)? In this presentation, Professor O’Donnell will explore the role of symbols in American history and discuss these key questions: Where do these symbols come from? How have they functioned in society? How and why does their meaning change over time?

Thursday, October 19 at 10:00 a.m.

Length: 58 minutes

Presented by:

Edward O’Donnell | College of the Holy Cross

O’Donnell is a Professor of History at College of the Holy Cross. He is the author of several books, including Henry George and the Crisis of Inequality: Progress and Poverty in the Gilded Age, and host of the history podcast In the Past Lane. He frequently contributes op-eds to publications like Newsweek and the Huffington Post and has been featured on PBS, the History Channel, the Discovery Channel, and C-SPAN.

William J. Clinton Library & Museum

The Origins of Walt Disney

Many remember Walt Disney as a creative genius who revolutionized the entertainment industry. However, it was never inevitable that he would become the entertainment mogul of the 20th century. When “motion pictures” emerged in the early 1900s, they captured the imagination of a young boy from Missouri, and over the next several years, Disney would begin to hone his art skills. He overcame many hurdles that influenced the man he would become, including numerous relocations, a close call with a global pandemic, a deployment to Europe after World War I, several bankruptcies, and even homelessness. Join author and historian Andrew Kiste to learn about the fascinating line of events and developments that led Disney to become one of our most famous artists, animators, filmmakers, and visionaries.

Presented by: Andrew Kiste | Author & Cultural Historian

Kiste is the author of A Historical Tour of Walt Disney World, which discusses the historical accuracy of Walt Disney World’s most popular attractions, and Walt Disney and the 1964–1965 New York World’s Fair: Great Moments, the story of the partnership between the Walt Disney Company and the state of Illinois. He also recently released the first in a new trilogy series, The Early Life of Walt Disney, detailing the years between Walt Disney’s birth and the “birth” of Mickey Mouse in 1928.

Tuesday, October 31 at 10:00 a.m.

Length: 1 hour, 1 minute

Ernest Hemingway: One True Sentence

Ernest Hemingway’s cartoonish “Papa” persona— the brawler, boozer, braggart, big game hunter, and chronic womanizer—often overshadows his greatness as a writer. In this presentation, we will ignore the temptation of biography and myth to concentrate instead on Hemingway’s most enduring contribution: his writing. Using his “one true sentence” credo as inspiration, we will examine sentences from texts such as The Sun Also Rises, A Farewell to Arms, and A Moveable Feast to discover techniques that gave his work lasting power. Join English Professor Mark Cirino as he guides us through Hemingway’s legendary career —one sentence at a time.

Presented by:

Mark Cirino | University of Evansville

Dr. Cirino is Professor of English at the University of Evansville, where he has taught American Literature for 15 years. He has authored or edited 10 books, including Ernest Hemingway: Thought in Action, Reading Hemingway’s Across the River and into the Trees, and most recently, One True Sentence: Writers and Readers on Hemingway’s Art, which he edited with Michael Von Cannon. He hosts One True Podcast, which explores Ernest Hemingway’s life, work, and world.

Friday, December 1 at 10:00 a.m.

Length: 1 hour, 2 minutes

Travel in America: From Wagon Trains to the Interstate Highways

From the Underground Railroad to the settlement of the West to the modern cross-country road trip, travel narratives have infused American history and popular culture. In stories like Mark Twain’s Life on the Mississippi, John Steinbeck’s Travels With Charlie, and Jack Kerouac’s On the Road, the protagonist is often positioned as an explorer in an exotic place, on a journey of self-discovery to encounter the “real” America. What is so compelling about travel stories? What can they teach us about American history, culture, and society? Beginning with the wagon trains of the 1840s, to the transcontinental railroad of the 1880s, through the iconic road trips on the newly built interstates of the 1960s, we will question why tales of travel and migration are so central to American history, exploring how the movement of people helped to shape the modern United States.

Presented by: Allen Pietrobon | Trinity Washington University

Dr. Pietrobon is an Assistant Professor and Program Chair of the Global Affairs Department at Trinity Washington University. An award-winning historian and public speaker, he specializes in 20th century American history and US foreign policy, focusing on nuclear weapons policies and Cold War diplomacy. Since 2011, he has also served as Assistant Director of Research at the Nuclear Studies Institute at American University.

Wednesday, December 20 at 10:00 a.m.

Length: 1 hour, 5 minutes

Life Reflections

Life Reflections is a monthly series in which presenters share stories about an unusual event, an exciting vacation, a place they lived or visited, a career, or a favorite hobby or pastime. There is no charge to attend, but you must register using Event Registration.

Illustrator of Children’s Books

From a young age, Cassandre loved coloring and drawing, and it became a talent that her mother encouraged her to explore further. She graduated from Moore College of Art and Design and later the Tyler School of Art, both in Philadelphia. Over a span of 40 years, she was an art teacher, worked for Hallmark, and has illustrated numerous children’s books and magazines.

Cassandre will have her artwork on display in the Cultural Center Art Gallery. See page 19 for details.

Tuesday September 19

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Cultural Center Theater

Presenter: Cassandre Maxwell, Manor Resident

Decisions for Dignity… Then a Few Smiles

Loving and caring for a pet is an experience that most people remember for the rest of their lives. In Gene’s case, he didn’t know what that felt like until he was an adult. When the time came for him to decide on continuing his education, he was torn between dentistry and veterinary school. Ultimately his love of talking to people and helping animals prevailed, and over the years, Gene has given advice to hundreds of pet owners and written two books and several scientific journals.

Tuesday, October 3

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Cultural Center Theater

Presenter: Gene Witiak, Spring Run Resident

The Other Egypt

Have you ever visited Egypt and gone only where the bus took you? Have you dreamt of visiting Egypt and wondered what’s beyond the pyramids? Is there more to contemporary Egypt than the antiquities that attract so many visitors annually? Consider this presentation by North Resident Brian Giersch to see beyond the antiquities and learn more about the Egyptian people and their culture.

Thursday, November 2

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Cultural Center Theater

Presenter: Brian Giersch, North Resident

Life of the Vine

When you’re drinking a glass of wine, have you ever wondered about the time and energy required to make that one bottle? Wineries are known for having hundreds or thousands of acres of grape vines, and the owners spend countless weeks, months, and years of their lives bottling wine for consumers to enjoy. Lakes Resident Trudy Quinn did just that—she dedicated years of her life to her Witness Tree Vineyard in Salem, Oregon. During her years there, they even won silver and gold medals for some of their wines.

Tuesday, December 12 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Cultural Center Theater

Presenter: Trudy Quinn, Lakes Resident

Education Classes

Register using Event Registration.

Sprechen Sie Deutsch I

Learning German is a fun way to stimulate brain function while enhancing your communicative skills. This class is designed for beginners and will cover how to study a foreign language, vocabulary, rudimentary expressions, and syntax.

Thursdays, September 7, 15 (Friday), 21, 28; October 5, 12

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Cultural Center Education Room

Instructor: Sally Goodhart, Former Educator, North Resident

Cost: $5/6 sessions

Sprechen Sie Deutsch II

This class is designed for students who have a basic German vocabulary and some grammar. Verb structures and sentence formation will be expanded with a vocabulary emphasizing practical necessities such as shopping and dining out.

Thursdays, September 7, 15 (Friday), 21, 28; October 5, 12

2:15 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.

Cultural Center Education Room

Instructor: Sally Goodhart, Former Educator, North Resident

Cost: $5/6 sessions

Western Visionaries: Remington, Russell & Catlin

When the American Civil War concluded, many citizens directed their attention to the unclaimed territory west of the Mississippi River. This is where the lands of opportunity and adventure amid mighty mountains, great plains, and rushing rivers could be found. Today, the visions of the Great American West are greatly altered due to a moving population and advanced technology, but the original conception of the early pioneer was captured thanks to great painters such as Frederic Remington, Charles Russell, and George Catlin. Come and revisit the Wild West through their artistic talents and imagination.

Friday, September 15

10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Cultural Center Theater

Presenter: Dr. Don Koones, PhD

Cost: $5

Race & the Jury

In too many communities, the fairness, reliability, and integrity of the legal system have been compromised by clear evidence of racial bias in jury selection. Unrepresentative juries not only exclude and marginalize communities of color, they also produce wrongful convictions and unfair sentences. Our failure to remedy this long-standing problem of racial bias imperils the legitimacy of the US legal system. How does this happen? What needs to be done?

Tuesday, September 12

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Cultural Center Theater

Presenter: Sue Linderman, Co-Founder, Westminster Peace & Justice Work Group

Cost: No charge

George Catlin, Buffalo Hunt, Chasing Back

Revisiting the American Revolution with an Extra Dimension

Learn about the American Revolution in this two-part series highlighting its events and conflicts, with its individual personalities (good and bad) adding the “icing on the cake.” We will focus on the establishment of the thirteen colonies, the events leading up to the revolution, and the conflict itself. Once the lectures have concluded, you will have an opportunity to extend your learning in a special way. The day after the second session, a Willow Valley bus trip is scheduled to Philadelphia, with a visit to Independence Hall and the Museum of the American Revolution. This will bring our classroom study alive with a lecture and artifacts.

Please note: Registration for the trip is separate from the lecture series. You do not need to attend the trip to attend the lectures, and you do not need to attend the lectures if you are interested in the trip. Check ERS > Trips for trip details.

Mondays, September 18, 25 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Cultural Center Theater

Presenter: Dr. Don Koones, PhD

Cost: $10/2 sessions (lecture only)

Six American Activists

During this six-week PowerPoint series, Dr. Robert Frick shares the life and times of six American activists: John Marshall, the third chief justice of the US Supreme Court, who established it as the definer of the Constitution; Dr. David Ramsay, a Lancaster County historian, politician, and physician instrumental in the Colonial effort to gain independence from England; the Suffragettes, 15 women significant in achieving the 19th Amendment’s passage; Curt Flood, the St. Louis Cardinals center fielder whose refusal to be traded as property led to the end of professional baseball’s reserve clause; J. Edgar Hoover, the controversial longtime director of the FBI; and Thomas Nast, the political cartoonist who brought down Tammany Hall and the machine that controlled politics in the city and state of New York during the 19th century. Participants should prepare for lively presentations filled with interesting facts and peppered with humor. Dr. Frick’s goal is education with a smile.

Tuesdays, September 19, 26; October 3, 10, 17, 24

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Cultural Center Theater

Presenter: Robert Frick, EdD, Providence Park Resident

Cost: No charge

Fun Songs from Broadway

Previous Great Songs by Great Lyricists of Broadway Musicals sessions focused on songs whose lyrics were so well written that they made the show much more enjoyable. The lyrics were so good, so poignant, and in many cases, sheer poetry. Some also had the ability to amuse the listener. Fun Songs from Broadway showcases songs that will invoke a smile, chuckle, giggle, or even a laugh. Included are comments about each song’s show, context, performers, lyricists and composers, and other factoids to enhance the experience.

Wednesdays, September 20, 27; October 4

1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Cultural Center Theater

Presenter: Gary Lippe, Vistas Resident

Cost: No charge

The #1 Made-for-TV Movie of All Time That Launched the Career of Steven Spielberg

Steven Spielberg directed several television episodes early in his career, including installments of Rod Serling’s Night Gallery and Columbo. Based on the quality of his work, he was offered the job to direct the 1971 made-for-TV movie Duel for the ABC Movie of the Week series. He would soon after direct his first feature film, Sugarland Express, and then the blockbuster Jaws, launching his incredible career.

In TV (The Book), critics Matt Zoller Seitz and Alan Sepinwall name Duel the greatest American television movie of all time, and the website Rotten Tomatoes states, “Duel makes brilliant use of its simple premise, serving up rock-solid genre thrills while heralding the arrival of a generational talent behind the lens.” Steven Spielberg is that generational talent—the only director with five films in the American Film Institute’s Top 100 American Films of All Time.

In these two sessions, we will watch Duel in its entirety, exploring the cinematic genius behind the camera, and the advanced film technique of one of the greatest film directors of all time.

Thursdays, September 21, 28

1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Cultural Center Theater

Presenter: Dr. Roger Godin, Former Franklin & Marshall College Dean & Professor

Cost: $5/2 sessions

Instagram 101

Welcome to Instagram 101, a beginner’s guide to understanding the social media app. If you’re interested in getting an Instagram account, or just created one but aren’t sure how to use it, you’re in luck. We’ll begin with the basics: creating an account and the layout of Instagram. More advanced topics will include messaging, posting, and account security. At the end of the presentation, we will break off into groups for individualized attention, so please bring your questions and your device.

Monday, September 25

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Cultural Center Education Room

Presenter: Anna Middleton, WVC Social Media Specialist

Cost: No charge

More Tree Treasures in Lancaster County

In his second presentation on special trees in Lancaster County, Spring Run Resident Len Eiserer will discuss a state champion tree, a tree that owes its popularity to a Southern slave, Lancaster’s version of The Giving Tree, a tree as old as America’s Constitution, and an African tree that can assume a multitude of fantastic, fanciful shapes. Even if you missed his first presentation this spring, you will still learn a lot if you attend this session.

Tuesday, September 26

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Cultural Center Theater

Presenter: Len Eiserer, PhD, Spring Run Resident

Cost: No charge

Does a2 + b2 Always Equal c2?

The answer is “It depends.” Come learn why the Pythagorean Principle has intrigued us for over 2,500 years. We will engage in a hands-on exploration of this principle with its many nuances, exceptions, and extensions. Participants will leave with a handout suitable for sharing with grandchildren.

Wednesday, September 27

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Cultural Center Education Room

Presenter: Cynthia Davis, SmartLife Member

Cost: No charge

Robert Redford: A Hollywood Icon

Beginning with his first Academy Award nomination in 1973 for his role in The Sting, Robert Redford has received numerous award nominations and wins over the years. His legendary acting and directing achievements have truly made him a Hollywood star, but they are only a small part of his impressive career. His personal pursuits and accomplishments include a ski lodge and the Sundance Film Festival, Institute, Cinemas, Catalog, and Channel. In addition, he is co-owner of Wildwood Enterprises. Today, at the age of 87, Robert Redford’s unending energy continues, marking a very active lifestyle. Come and learn more about his personal life while enjoying memorable clips highlighting his career in the film industry.

Wednesday, October 4

10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Cultural Center Theater

Presenter: Dr. Don Koones, PhD

Cost: No charge

A Deeper Look at the Rich History of Lancaster’s African American Community in the 1700s–1800s

A history of Lancaster that does not refer to African Americans is incomplete. African Americans were involved in many facets of community life from the very beginning, including politics, labor, and entertainment. Enslavement was an integral part of the county’s Colonial economy. Indentured servants and free persons could be found in almost all congregations of the city’s ten main churches, where they received the sacraments of baptism, Holy Communion, marriage, and burial. Church records provide some of the most accurate evidence available of these people, whose lives and contributions are so important to a better understanding of our collective history and of contemporary society.

Thursday, September 28

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Cultural Center Theater

Presenter: Nelson Polite, African American Historical Society of South Central Pennsylvania

Cost: No charge

Book Review: The Old Lion by Jeff Shaara

To say that President Theodore Roosevelt was a one-ofa-kind individual would be an understatement. His life reflected a wide variety of pursuits, from politics, national parks, the Panama Canal, and a Nobel Prize to the Rough Riders and the teddy bear. He was also the first president to go up in an airplane and go down in a submarine. In Jeff Shaara’s new book, The Old Lion, he not only gives us a deeper understanding of Roosevelt’s life, but also a vision of an emerging country that would soon be a world power. Come and enter the exciting and wonderful world of Theodore Roosevelt.

Monday, October 9

10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Cultural Center Theater

Presenter: Dr. Don Koones, PhD

Cost: $5

Life on the Golden Stage: A Short History of Opera

Music, drama, song, and spectacle—opera has it all. And behind the curtain lie soaring egos, lurid scandals, and the lurking threat of fiscal and artistic disaster. You don’t have to be a die-hard opera fan to enjoy this colorful glimpse of the musical and social history behind the grandest entertainment medium of all time. Highlighting this two-part program will be short video excerpts from some of the world’s most popular operas, including the passionate Carmen, the comical Barber of Seville, and the tragic tale of La Traviata.

Thursdays, October 5, 12

10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Cultural Center Theater

Presenter: John Maietta, US Army Retired

Cost: $5/2 sessions

James Webb Space Telescope: Planetary Systems as Never Seen Before

From galaxies to planetary systems, the James Webb Space Telescope is revealing secrets of the universe. This talk will emphasize new insights that test fundamental questions of astrobiology in our planetary system and beyond. Dr. Michael Mumma, Senior Scientist Emeritus, and Founding Director Emeritus, of the Center for Astrobiology at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, will address these questions.

Wednesday, October 11

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Cultural Center Theater

Presenter: Michael Mumma, PhD, Senior Scientist Emeritus, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, North Resident

Cost: No charge

Facebook 101

Whether you’re new to Facebook or a frequent user, there’s always something new to discover. We’ll begin with the basics: the layout of Facebook and how to customize your profile. More advanced topics will include messaging, posting, and account security. At the end of the presentation, we will break off into groups for individualized attention, so please bring your questions and your device.

Wednesday, October 11

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Cultural Center Education Room

Presenter: Anna Middleton, WVC Social Media Specialist

Cost: No charge

Everyday Life in France’s 1800s: As Interpreted by Three of Its Noteworthy Artistic Geniuses

Between 1808 and 1903, three men—Honoré Daumier, Jean-François Millet, and Camille Pissarro—illuminated daily life in France with their sketches, paintings, and sculptures. They would know of each other, but did not create their works side by side. However, each man shared a common respect for the other two and the dignity of the middle/ lower-class families they readily painted. Their delightful efforts bring the history of France’s Empire years to the fore with humor, despair, and blatant honesty, but always in wonderful masterpieces. This three-part series looks at the lives of three amazing men and the subjects they paid homage to over their many years of painting.

Honoré Daumier, 1808–1879

Tuesdays, October 17, 24, 31 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Cultural Center Theater

Presenter: Elaine Wilson, Founder, Susquehanna Art Museum

Cost: $10/3 sessions

Honoré Daumier was a famous (and infamous) French caricature artist during the height of the French Revolution. For one of his most aggressively sarcastic illustrations of King Louis-Philippe, the authorities had him thrown in jail. Then, as additional punishment, the king ordered him removed from his jail cell and sent to an insane asylum for the duration of his incarceration. Daumier was a prolific painter, printmaker/ illustrator, and sculptor. His sculptures still bring chuckles to viewers, as you will see if you elect to not miss this lecture on the fascinating life of one of the world’s more famous illustrators. Shown is an illustration of the king and an oil painting of a popular pastime, collecting prints.

Tuesday, October 17

Camille Pissarro, 1830–1903

Born on St. Thomas, where his parents met and fell in love (as the result of a family death), Camille Pissarro grew to become an unbiased, delightful supporter to many artists of his time, and a famous French painter in his own right. His life-span covered the rise of the Impressionists and PostImpressionists. His interactions with the likes of Degas, Cassatt, Monet, Van Gogh, Cézanne, and so many others are worthy of note. Years younger than both Daumier and Millet, he admired their styles and choices of subjects. In his approach to painting, he was not a dabbler, choosing instead to begin and finish a painting in one sitting. However, it is doubtful he ever completed three works in a day like his friend Vincent van Gogh. Pissarro’s works dazzle with color, and his pictorial records and background on some of Paris’s oldest landmarks will be included in this lecture.

Tuesday, October 31

Jean-François Millet, 1814–1876

Jean-François Millet is perhaps best remembered for his paintings The Gleaners and The Angelus (shown left, top and bottom, respectively). It was his paintings of rural workers that Vincent van Gogh chose to interpret during his long stay at the SaintPaul Asylum in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. And, it was Millet’s high regard for the lives of rural folks that raised their status in the public’s eyes. He made his living painting portraits, but in his later years, he was happiest when painting the countryside he loved so much. This lecture touches on comparisons between his works and those of Van Gogh, as well as some interesting stories about the lives of those Millet chose to immortalize with his brushes.

Tuesday, October 24

Case Files of the Forensic Botanist

Forensic botany is the application of botanical evidence to legal matters, including criminal investigations. From the wooden ladder used in the 1932 Lindbergh Baby Kidnapping, to the leaves and algae linking a murder suspect to the crime scene in his own recent work, Millersville University Botany Professor Dr. Christopher Hardy opens his case files and shares with us some of the varied and surprising ways in which he and other botanists have assisted in solving crimes and other legal matters.

Thursday, October 19

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Cultural Center Theater

Presenter: Christopher R. Hardy, PhD, Professor of Plant Sciences & Curator of the James C. Parks Herbarium

Cost: No charge

Medicine & the Arts: The Power of Observation

Before amassing one of the world’s greatest collections of post-Impressionist and modern art, Albert C. Barnes was educated as a physician at the University of Pennsylvania. Although Barnes ultimately traded the examination room for the art gallery, he never completely left his medical training behind. The intersection of medicine and art remains a lasting legacy of the Barnes Foundation, which celebrated its centennial in 2022, and its mission and collection continue to inspire generations. Come hear more about its fascinating history and how it lives on today.

Wednesday, October 25

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Cultural Center Theater

Presenter: Bill Perthes, Bernard C. Watson Director of Adult Education, The Barnes Foundation

Cost: No charge

“How Did We Get…?” Around the House

Once again, we delve into the origins of things found around the house. In this session, we describe the beginnings of a veritable potpourri of items—some recent, others much older—spread across several rooms: Teflon, a serendipitous lab discovery; Velcro, a hike in the woods and cockleburs; and the thermos, a naming contest in Germany. Some of the other things on the agenda: food processors, the computer mouse, the ice cream maker, and Betty Crocker. In one way or another, the individuals behind these devices, products, and brand names all contribute to our daily lives.

Monday, October 23

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Cultural Center Theater

Presenter: Dr. Conrad Stanitski, Visiting Scholar, Franklin & Marshall College

Cost: No charge

“How Did We Get…?” Fun & Games

To date, 78 toys have been enshrined in the National Toy Hall of Fame at the Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York. Some of them will be described in these two presentations as we remember toys and games that kept us entertained as youngsters (and in some cases still do).

Many of you likely can recall fondly the hours spent building structures with Lincoln Logs and Tinker Toys or riding a Radio Flyer wagon. Perhaps you watched children or grandchildren ride Big Wheels and race Matchbox cars and Hot Wheels. Maybe you slowed things down a bit, but kept them interesting, by offering a challenge with a game of UNO.

You might have matched wits against others while playing Trivial Pursuit. With children or grandchildren, you creatively assembled Mr. Potato Head, attempted to draw a recognizable figure using an Etch A Sketch, tried to hit a Wiffle Ball, or were humbled when attempting to compete in a video game.

Each of these toys, games, and playthings has its own history, from the marketplace of ideas to a viable place on store shelves and in our homes. We will explore those origins.

Mondays, October 30; November 13

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Cultural Center Theater

Presenter: Dr. Conrad Stanitski, Visiting Scholar, Franklin & Marshall College

Cost: No charge

Abraham Lincoln & Unique Aspects of the Civil War

He saw nothing wrong with offering a politician a job for his vote. This man never went to college, was the first and only president granted a patent, and of his four children, only one lived to adulthood. Most of our presidents have been either a US senator or governor, but he was neither. He was so unimpressive that six of 10 voters voted against him in the presidential election of 1860. Yet, because of him, we are one country, indivisible. In the second half of the class, we will look at not battles or generals, but the top 10 similarities between Presidents Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis, as well as the top 10 differences between the Confederate and US Constitutions.

Tuesday, November 14

1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Wednesday, November 15 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Cultural Center Theater

Presenter: Dr. Greg Ferro, Former Educator

Cost: $5/2 sessions

Classic Story Problems

Learn about the origins of, and solutions to, several "classic" problems in the problem-solving literature. These story problems are drawn from psychology, anthropology, mathematics, and entertainment. No background in mathematics is needed.

Thursday, October 26

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Cultural Center Education Room

Presenter: Cynthia Davis, SmartLife Member

Cost: No charge

Thieves & Vagabonds: A History of Law & Justice in Lancaster County

LancasterHistory’s exhibition Thieves & Vagabonds chronicles key moments in law and justice in Lancaster County between the 18th and 20th centuries. From prisons to prohibition, Thieves & Vagabonds explores the making, breaking, and remaking of laws over 300 years of the county’s history. This talk will give an overview of the exhibition and a preview of a few of the featured personalities. You’ll hear stories of crime and punishment as well as reform and repair in the Lancaster community.

Thursday, October 26

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Cultural Center Theater

Presenter: Mabel Rosenheck, Director of Education & Exhibition Planning, LancasterHistory

Cost: No charge

County Courthouse

Lancaster

Economic Update

Kali Aloisi, an economic outreach associate from the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, will discuss recent economic developments of the nation and region. Topics will include, but not be limited to: What has improved in the past six months? What are current challenges? What new risks have emerged?

Wednesday, November 15

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Cultural Center Theater

Presenter: Kali Aloisi, Economic Outreach Associate, Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia

Cost: No charge

Eponymous Inventors

An inventor creates or modifies something—a device, gadget, tool, or product—to fill an unmet need or to create an entirely new market. An eponym refers to a person or thing something else is named after, such as “leotard,” named for the outfit worn by trapeze artist Jules Leotard. “Eponymous” describes the giver of the name, such as Achilles’ heel, Caesar salad, and Dewey Decimal System.

Some eponymous inventors are well-known historical figures, such as Henry Ford and his automobiles. Yet, the stories of many others are not well-known, even though their inventions are widely used. This presentation considers several, among them S. Duncan Black, John Landis Mason, John Charnley, and Henry Phillips. Who are they, and what did they invent?

Monday, November 20

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Cultural Center Theater

Presenter: Dr. Conrad Stanitski, Visiting Scholar, Franklin & Marshall College

Cost: No charge

Handel’s Messiah

With December just around the corner, it is quite likely that you are about to be inundated with performances of Handel’s Messiah. Whether in a church, an auditorium, an elevator, or the mall, his great music is ubiquitous. Everyone recognizes the Hallelujah Chorus, but that is just one part out of 53. This presentation will enhance your awareness of Handel’s Messiah and prepare you for whatever exposure you may have to this monumental musical score.

Wednesday, November 29

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Cultural Center Theater

Presenter: Davis Giersch, Gables Resident

Cost: No charge

What Pavlov’s Drooling Dogs Have Told Us About Human Health

The principles of learning that Ivan Pavlov delineated more than a century ago have helped us understand and treat physical and mental pathologies like bed-wetting, phobias, addiction, bad side effects of chemotherapy, and even the unintentional mistreatment of children by well-meaning moms.

Thursday, November 30

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Cultural Center Theater

Presenter: Len Eiserer, PhD, Spring Run Resident

Cost: No charge

Experiencing Comedy & Tragedy: Robin Williams

Most would have considered Robin Williams’s life highly successful. As an actor and comedian, he received an Academy Award, two Emmys, five GRAMMYs, and six Golden Globes. He also participated in numerous benefits raising money for the homeless, literacy, women’s rights, and veterans. But lurking in the shadows behind all the success was a life that also included drugs and depression, leading to suicide. Come and share the triumphs as well as the challenges of a renowned American.

Monday, December 11 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Cultural Center Theater

Presenter: Dr. Don Koones, PhD

Cost: $5

It’s A Wonderful Life: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at a Christmas Classic

In 1945, as World War II concluded, director Frank Capra read The Greatest Gift. He immediately saw its potential and wanted it for his first Hollywood film after making documentaries and training films during the war. The story was written by Philip Van Doren Stern in 1939. After it was rejected by several publishers, he had it printed as a pamphlet and mailed to family members and friends for Christmas in 1943. RKO Pictures bought the rights to the story, hoping to turn it into a vehicle for Cary Grant.

Although its film version, It’s a Wonderful Life, initially received mixed reviews and was unsuccessful at the box office, it became a Christmas classic after its copyright lapsed in 1974, allowing it to be broadcast without licensing or royalty fees. It is considered one of the greatest films of all time, nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and recognized by the American Film Institute as one of the 100 best American films ever made. Capra revealed that it was his favorite among the films he directed and that he screened it for his family every Christmas. It was also one of Jimmy Stewart’s favorite films.

We will celebrate the holiday season with a look back at the making of this inspiring and wonderful film that has enriched our lives.

Wednesday, December 13

1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Cultural Center Theater

Presenter: Dr. Roger Godin, Former F&M College Dean & Professor

Cost: $5

Holiday Carols

Enjoy the beautiful music of the season along with the stories behind some of its best-loved carols, including Joy to the World, Silent Night, Adeste Fidelis, and more. A wonderful way to prepare for the holiday season!

Friday, December 15

10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Cultural Center Theater

Presenter: Jill Graybill, Adjunct Music & Foundational Studies, HACC

Cost: $5

Computer & Technology Classes

Register using Event Registration.

Footprints in the Digital Sands: Considerations for Managing Your Digital Legacy

“Digital legacy” refers to a person’s digital assets and presence that they leave behind after they pass away. It encompasses various items, including social media and email accounts, digital photos and videos, online subscriptions, digital documents, and other forms of digital content. In the modern age, where many aspects of our lives are intertwined with the online world, digital legacy has become an important consideration. Just as individuals make plans for the distribution of their physical assets and belongings through wills and estate planning, it has become necessary to address digital assets and accounts as part of this process as well. A digital legacy checklist to help you navigate and organize your digital presence will be provided.

Tuesday, September 12

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Cultural Center Education Room

Presenter: Susan Culbertson, SouthPointe Resident

Cost: No charge

How to Use an Apple Watch: A Beginner’s Guide

Learn more about your new Apple Watch, the versatile wristworn companion that can help motivate you to be more active, track important health information, stay in touch with those who matter most to you, and so much more—with or without your iPhone. This hands-on workshop reviews the key parts of the Apple Watch and what they do, the basic “gestures” that it uses, the Apple Watch app on your iPhone, other apps, and more. (Health features are covered in a separate workshop.) Bring along your fully charged iPhone and Apple Watch. Class size is limited. Choose one session.

Session 1: Monday, September 25

Session 2: Monday, October 2

9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Cultural Center Conference Room

Presenter: Susan Culbertson, SouthPointe Resident

Cost: No charge

Artificial Intelligence: The Good & the Bad

The buzz about artificial intelligence (AI) has increased significantly this year. Many articles and newscasts have reviewed various aspects of AI, but what is it exactly? Is it a good thing or a bad thing? In what ways will it affect us going forward? These are some of the questions that will be addressed in this two-part series. AI history, definition of terms, safety features, programming, and how it is being used today will also be covered, and a live demonstration of a chatbot (a software application that aims to mimic human conversation through text or voice interactions) will be given. This talk is for people of all levels of technical ability.

Tuesday, September 26; Wednesday, October 4

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Cultural Center Education Room

Presenter: Steven Lynn, Manor Resident

Cost: No charge

My Favorite Windows 10 Productivity Features

Resident Sid Paskowitz will discuss and demonstrate some of his favorite Windows 10 productivity features. Come see how you might be able to save some time and frustration when using a computer. Time will be available to answer questions from attendees.

Wednesday, October 4

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Cultural Center Education Room

Presenter: Sid Paskowitz, Spring Run Resident

Cost: No charge

Computer Basics: Using Files & Folders

Always wanted to know how to organize your computer pictures, documents, and music, or how to copy (or move) data and files? Come to this hands-on class and find out. Both of these features are great skills to know and have many uses. Class size is limited to seven students.

Thursday, October 12 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

North Computer Room

(1st Floor, M-Building)

Instructor: Cathy Thorn, Gables Resident

Cost: No charge

Gmail 101

Many residents use Gmail on the web. We will explore web-based features that you may or may not know such as Undo, Delay, and Schedule Send; inserting pictures; and creating a website document, voice, video, etc. in an email. We’ll also include how to create a tagline and multiple signatures; how to subscribe, block, delete, and archive single or multiple emails; how to create, manage, and use labels; and examine the powerful search functions in Gmail. Finally, we’ll learn how to add a contact from an email to the address book, set up a vacation response, and create an alias for multiple contacts so you don’t have to type each address. As time permits, we’ll answer questions and address any other topics of interest. This is only for web-based Gmail and not for Gmail using email clients like Apple Mail, Thunderbird, or Outlook.

Monday, October 9

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Cultural Center Education Room

Instructor: Jay Shah, North Resident

Cost: No charge

Unlocking Everyone’s Potential: Overview of Apple’s Accessibility Features

Apple offers a wide range of features to make their products and platforms more accessible to individuals with disabilities. From vision and hearing impairments to motor and cognitive challenges, Apple’s innovative technologies are designed to create a more inclusive and accessible digital experience. In this presentation, we’ll look at a few examples of the many accessibility features that Apple offers. In later hands-on workshops, we’ll dig deeper into the features of various categories, including vision, hearing, mobility, and cognitive.

Wednesday, October 18

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Cultural Center Education Room

Presenter: Susan Culbertson, SouthPointe Resident

Cost: No charge

Apple Accessibility Workshop: Vision Features

Part 1: Learn more about (1) customizing your onscreen display to best support your vision preferences and/or challenges; (2) enlarging an area of your screen on the fly; (3) using the camera on your iPhone or iPad as a digital magnifying glass to increase the size of anything you point it at—from a prescription bottle to a candlelit menu; (4) using your iPhone to detect people, objects, and scenes around you with Detection Mode and Image Descriptions; (5) increasing text legibility and visibility; (6) dictation and Siri.

Part 2: Learn more about (1) dictations and Siri; (2) having your Apple devices read aloud selected text or the entire screen; (3) displaying a high-resolution zoomed version of text, menu items, buttons, or input fields in a separate window; (4) enabling screenreading technology that describes on-screen elements and enables navigation using gestures and spoken feedback; (5) and more, as time permits.

Tuesdays, October 24, 31

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Cultural Center Conference Room

Presenter: Susan Culbertson, SouthPointe Resident

Cost: No charge

Gmail 102

This is a continuation of the Gmail 101 class. It will explore Gmail settings and how Gmail integrates with other Google products and services to save time. It can take an email and convert it to an event in Google Calendar, or create a follow-up task, and you can migrate your AOL or Yahoo email and contacts to Gmail. As time permits, we’ll answer questions and address other topics of interest. This is only for webbased Gmail and not for Gmail using email clients like Apple Mail, Thunderbird, or Outlook.

Wednesday, October 25

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Cultural Center Education Room

Instructor: Jay Shah, North Resident

Cost: No charge

Introduction to the iPhone’s Health App

The Apple Health app on your iPhone, once configured, gathers your health and fitness data so you can view all your progress in one place and easily access what is important. This presentation is for iPhone owners who want to know the basics about using the Health app on their device. We will cover topics such as filling out the Health Details screen; creating a Medical ID; reviewing your Health Checklist; Health data; viewing Health trends, highlights, and details for specific categories; collecting data from other sources (devices and apps); and the privacy of your data. The health features of the Apple Watch will be covered in a separate presentation.

Thursday, October 26

10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Cultural Center Education Room

Presenter: Susan Culbertson, SouthPointe Resident

Cost: No charge

Apple Health App & Apple Watch

This hands-on workshop is for iPhone owners who also have an Apple Watch and wish to examine more closely how it and the Health app work together. Bring your fully charged iPhone and Apple Watch to the workshop and learn about its many health features. Class is size limited. Prerequisite: familiarity with the iPhone Health app and how your Apple Watch works. Choose one session.

Session 1: Monday, October 30

1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Session 2: Thursday, November 2

10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Cultural Center Conference Room

Presenter: Susan Culbertson, SouthPointe Resident

Cost: No charge

Personal Computer Routine Housekeeping

Is your PC running slow or doing things you don’t want?

Resident Sid Paskowitz will demonstrate the routine actions he takes to keep his PC operating the way he wants. Residents who sign up will receive an email asking for questions you would like answered in the class. Those questions and answers will be covered first. Please be sure your email address is current in the Willow Valley Resident Directory.

Monday, October 30

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Cultural Center Education Room

Presenter: Sid Paskowitz, Spring Run Resident

Cost: No charge

Understanding TiVo

TiVo is the digital recorder of choice. If you already have one, learn some of the advanced features, such as skipping through the guide or displaying only your favorite channels, options for repeat recordings, accessing premium services, and playing recorded programs 30% faster. If you’re just curious about how a TiVo could be helpful to you, this is the chance to learn more about it. The class will also demonstrate its basic features. You’ll see the great program guide and how easy it is to record programs, replay dialogue you may have missed, skip commercials, and always record a program when it is shown even if you’re not at home. The accompanying handout is very useful and includes basic use, several intermediate and advanced features, the basics of installation and setup, and some troubleshooting suggestions.

Friday, November 3

10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Cultural Center Theater

Presenter: Tony Poulos, Spring Run Resident Cost: No charge

Managing Your Modem & Router

Computers, tablets, smartphones, TVs, and electronics of all types are dependent on connecting to the internet. How does your home network work? This class will provide modem, router, and network basics. You’ll learn basic troubleshooting techniques you can use when your home network isn’t working correctly.

Monday, November 13

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Cultural Center Education Room

Presenter: Tony Poulos, Spring Run Resident Cost: No charge

Introduction to Podcasts

Many of us may remember being captivated by radio shows like The Lone Ranger or tuning in nightly to news broadcasts with our parents. Fortunately, the era of audio fascination doesn’t have to end there. If you enjoy combining entertainment with education, podcasts might be your cup of tea. This presentation will explore the technical side of finding and listening to podcasts, which is easy, and the best part is that most podcasts are free. We’ll also suggest some fantastic podcasts for your listening pleasure and delve into one produced by our very own Residents, entitled Life Under the Willow Tree.

Tuesday, November 14 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Cultural Center Education Room

Instructor: Dale Johnson, Spring Run Resident

Cost: No charge

Apple Accessibility Workshop: Hearing Features

In this class, learn more about (1) turning spoken dialogue (e.g. podcasts, FaceTime, live conversations) into text and displaying it in real time on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac screens; (2) having your iPhone or iPad continuously listen for certain sounds— such as a barking dog, doorbell, or siren—and notify you when it recognizes these sounds; (3) choosing visual or vibrating alerts for incoming phone and FaceTime calls, new text messages, new and sent mail, and calendar events; (4) customizing the subtitles and captions in supported video apps; (5) and more, as time permits.

Thursday, November 16

1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Cultural Center Conference Room

Presenter: Susan Culbertson, SouthPointe Resident

Cost: No charge

Apple Accessibility Workshop: Cognitive Features

In this class, learn more about (1) reducing visual clutter and stripping away ads, buttons, and navigation bars to focus only on the content you want; (2) turning assigned reading into easy listening; (3) minimizing everyday sounds that might be distracting, discomforting, or overwhelming; (4) activating different Focus areas like Do Not Disturb, Work, or Sleep to silence device notifications that may disturb or distract you in the moment; (5) communicating through handwriting or scribbling words to get your point across; (6) and more, as time permits.

Monday, November 20

9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Cultural Center Conference Room

Presenter: Susan Culbertson, SouthPointe Resident

Cost: No charge

Apple Accessibility Workshop: Mobility Features

In this class, learn more about (1) navigating and interacting with your device using your voice to tap, swipe, type, and more; (2) adapting your touchscreen to fit your physical needs, especially if gestures like pinch or two-finger tap don’t work for you; (3) tapping the back of your iPhone to automatically perform a range of custom tasks, from opening your favorite app to taking a screenshot; (4) adjusting how the screen responds to your touch; (5) simplifying keystrokes and adjusting the sensitivity of a Mac keyboard; (6) and more, as time permits.

Tuesday, November 28

9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Cultural Center Conference Room

Presenter: Susan Culbertson, SouthPointe Resident

Cost: No charge

Learning Opportunities

The Apple Users Club at Willow Valley and the Willow Valley Computer Club offer Residents ongoing learning opportunities in the areas of computers and technology.

In addition to Renaissance offerings, each club has informative monthly presentations, newsletters, and websites for Willow Valley Residents. For more information, visit each club’s listing on the Resident Intranet > Clubs & Activity Groups.

Need Computer Help?

Visit the Resident Intranet > Clubs & Activity Groups > Computer Club. Then click the top link for Resident Help.

Teaching Opportunities

Would you like to teach a class as part of the Computer Club’s continuing training? If so, please contact:

Bill Skelly, whskelly@aol.com Susan Culbertson, susan.culbertson@me.com

Camera Club Classes

Register using Event Registration.

Take Better Pictures

Do you want to take better pictures with your current camera? This class will give you basic information about your camera and composition. Plus, you’ll learn some tips and tricks used by advanced photographers.

Monday, September 18

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Cultural Center Education Room

Instructor: Tony Poulos, Spring Run Resident

Cost: No charge

How Do I Organize My Photos? Part I

Wouldn’t it be nice if all of your photos were accessible with your cell phone and organized? If so, you could find a photo taken on a specific date or of a place or person. You could then show these photos to friends or family.

We all have many photos, and organizing them can be a challenge. Some of the questions we’ll address are “Where do I begin?” and “Do I organize by date, by topic, by person?” Join me on my personal journey as I worked toward the goal of organizing thousands of photos. We’ll explore the steps you need to take to digitize and organize your photos, primarily by using your computer. This is a stand-alone class. Part II will expand on what you learned in Part I.

Monday, October 30 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Cultural Center Education Room

Instructor: Ron Dillon, Spring Run Resident

Cost: No charge

Great Photographers, Part III: Picturing the Depression

Some of the most iconic American photographs were taken during the Depression years of the late 1930s. Dispatched throughout the United States by the Farm Security Administration, Arthur Rothstein (1915–1985), Dorothea Lange (1895–1965), and Walker Evans (1903–1975) were among the most noted photographers of their generation. Their mission was to document the rural poor, the deplorable state of much of our farmland, the plight of those who were living in migrant camps in California, and anything else they found and felt should be preserved in the public memory. In carrying out their mission, they created a standard for documentary photography that has seldom been equaled.

Wednesday, November 1

1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Cultural Center Education Room

Instructor: Carolyn Bausinger, Lakes Resident

Cost: No charge

How Do I Organize My Photos? Part II

Question: “Now that I’ve started to organize my photos, how can I utilize Google Photos to help in further organizing them?”

Answer: We’ll explore uploading photos into Google Photos, creating albums, identifying people in your photos, and working with the Google Photos information panel to adjust the photo’s date and identify its location. Additionally, using your cell phone, you’ll learn how to search for and display photos taken of a place, person, or subject or at a specific date.

Monday, November 6

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Cultural Center Education Room

Instructor: Ron Dillon, Spring Run Resident

Cost: No charge

Dorthea Lange, Migrant Mother

Schedule of Events

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Presentation : Rollettes Dance Team (Theater)

Conner Lundius & Danika Whitsett, Rollettes Dance Team

The Rollettes’ goal is to empower women with disabilities to live boundlessly and shift perspectives through dance and content creation globally. The Rollettes dance team was created in 2012 by Chelsie Hill because she wanted to meet other women like her and create a space to dance together. These women not only shared a love for dance but they had a strong desire to be part of a community. Today, the Rollettes provide an opportunity for women to be part of a community that stretches across 20 different countries through their girls nights, dance classes, mentorship program, and women’s empowerment weekend.

12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Presentation: Redefining Potential (Theater)

Craig Dietz

Despite being born without limbs, Craig Dietz lives life to the fullest and always seeks new opportunities to challenge himself. He is currently a licensed attorney, and in his spare time, he enjoys bowling, skiing, playing volleyball, hunting, fishing, jamming on his drums, or tooling around the country in his van. His biggest passion is swimming. Among others, the ESPN featured athlete has finished multiple marathon (10K) swims, as well as the 4.4-mile Great Chesapeake Bay Swim, the Midmar Mile swim in South Africa, and a 1.5-mile “escape from Alcatraz” swim. Come hear Craig’s story of perseverance and overcoming life’s many challenges, as told from his unique perspective.

1:45 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.

Celebration of Athletes (Theater)

2:20 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. WV Tappers: Old Folks Tonight, Boogie Shoes, Better When I’m Dancing, Save the Last Dance for Me (Theater)

Door prizes will be drawn at the conclusion of the event. You do not have to be present to win.

Merchandise will be available for purchase from some vendors with cash or credit card. Transportation will be available on each campus throughout the event.

Wellness Special Events

Register using Event Registration.

Fall Pumpkin Patch Scavenger Hunt

The Fitness Team invites and challenges Residents and Team Members to venture outside on a two-week quest to locate 12 hidden pumpkins around the Manor and Lakes Campuses. Each pumpkin will have a letter displayed on it. You will record the letter on your clue sheet.

On the Lakes Campus, the Fitness Team is partnering with the Resident environmental group (see page 76) who is administering the sustainability planning grant awarded to Willow Valley Communities. Look for a placard to learn about the landscape feature where each pumpkin is hiding.

Completed clue sheets must be submitted by Wednesday, the day after each hunt ends. Participants will be entered in a random drawing for a prize!

Pick-Up & Drop-Off Locations for Clue Sheets

Manor | North | Lakes | Spring Run Main Lobbies

The Clubhouse | Cultural Center Fitness Center

Week 1: Thursday, October 19 – Tuesday, October 24 Manor Campus

Week 2: Thursday, October 26 – Tuesday, October 31

Lakes Campus

Educational Walks & Hikes

The Lancaster County Department of Parks and Recreation promotes the conservation of natural resources by offering environmental and nature educational programs. This series takes us through many of the things that surround us during the fall months. Register using Event Registration.

Fall Foliage Forays

Come and explore the wonders of autumn during a series of exciting adventures. Explore the outside seasonal changes on the Willow Valley Communities Lakes Campus and at the Lancaster County Parks. Come to all or just one. The flowers will be going to seed, leaves will be changing colors, and the temperature will be cool and comfortable. Select time when registering.

Lakes Campus

Monday, October 16

Hike 1: 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Hike 2: 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Meet at the Cultural Center Lower Level

Presenter: Lisa Sanchez, Park Naturalist

Cost: No charge

Mill Creek Loop & Native Wildflower Meadow

Monday, October 30

Hike 1: 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Hike 2: 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Meet at 539 Golf Rd, Lancaster PA 17602

Presenter: Lisa Sanchez, Park Naturalist

Cost: No charge

Lancaster County Central Park

Monday, November 13

Hike 1: 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Hike 2: 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Meet at 733 Williamson Rd, Lancaster, PA 17602 (Pavilion 11)

Presenter: Lisa Sanchez, Park Naturalist

Cost: No charge

Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall

Take a hike a few days before the autumn equinox. We will walk through the fields, woods, and garden plot areas of Lancaster County Central Park. Fall wildflowers will be blooming, insects will be singing their final songs, and birds will be flocking to migrate or settling in for a new season.

Monday, September 18

Hike 1: 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Hike 2: 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Meet at 539 Golf Rd, Lancaster, PA 17602

Presenter: Lisa Sanchez, Park Naturalist

Cost: No charge

Campfire in the Park

Enjoy a fall evening around the campfire. We will enjoy our time together while watching the fire burn, sharing stories, learning about the natural world, and listening to the nighttime sounds of nature around us. Of course there will be time for s’mores. Bring along a chair, and park at the loop beyond the Lancaster County Central Park’s Environmental Center.

Friday, October 20

6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Meet at 1 Nature’s Way, Lancaster, PA 17602

Presenter: Lisa Sanchez, Park Naturalist

Cost: No charge

Winter Solstice Hike

The first day of winter! Come out for a hike in Buchmiller County Park. We will see the beauty of winter on our walk, which will include exploring the variety of pine trees, animal signs, and the changes in nature that happen at this time of the year.

Thursday, December 21

Hike 1: 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Hike 2: 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Meet at 51 N Ledwith Dr, Lancaster, PA 17602 (Pavilion 32)

Presenter: Lisa Sanchez, Park Naturalist

Cost: No charge

Wellness Education Classes

Register using Event Registration.

The Right Shoe

Willow Valley Communities is pleased to partner with Martin Foot & Ankle and The Right Shoe to ensure you have proper footwear to carry you through your fitness classes and everyday travels. With their extensive knowledge and line of shoes, The Right Shoe staff will help you choose the perfect fit and style for your feet, then return on the following scheduled date with your order. Please call the Cultural Center Fitness Center with questions: 717.464.6434.

Thursday, September 14

(at the Health & Fitness Expo)

9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Friday, December 1

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Cultural Center Art Studio

Gender—Why Is Everyone Talking About It?

Gender issues are in the news frequently, but many find the words and ideas confusing. Ob/Gyn physician and Resident Bonney McDowell will explain this topic and share examples of some of those affected by these concerns. What does gender-affirming care really involve? What does it mean when someone says they are non-binary? Bonney will help to answer those questions and more.

Thursday, October 12

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Cultural Center Theater

Presenter: Bonney McDowell, MD, Spring Run Resident

Cost: No charge

The Brain & Alzheimer’s Disease

Ever wonder how your brain learns and remembers the people and events of your life? Or how the scourge of Alzheimer’s disease robs our friends and loved ones of not just their memories but their dignity? This class will briefly examine the basic structure and function of the brain, the pathology of Alzheimer’s, and the current and potential new therapies.

Dr. McIntyre received his doctorate in neuroscience from the University of Colorado Boulder, was a Staff Fellow in neuropharmacology at the National Institutes of Health, and conducted research focused on psychiatric and neurological diseases, including Alzheimer’s. To facilitate interactions and the ability to ask follow-up questions, attendance for each session will be limited to 15.

Choose one session.

Session 1: Tuesday, September 26

1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Session 2: Wednesday, October 11

10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Session 3: Monday, November 6

1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Session 4: Wednesday, December 6

10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Cultural Center Conference Room

Presenter: Todd D. McIntyre, PhD

Cost: No charge

Fencing Preview

Interested in taking The Sport of Fencing: Learn by Doing class at The Clubhouse but aren’t sure about the physical requirements? This preview session will briefly cover some of the material in The Clubhouse sessions and will demonstrate the exercises you’ll be doing. There is no physical activity in this preview class.

Thursday, September 28

2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Cultural Center Ballroom

Instructor: Tony Poulos, Spring Run Resident

Cost: No charge

The Sport of Fencing: Learn by Doing

Interested in learning the Olympic sport of fencing? This four-session class is for you. We’ll begin with a discussion of the different target areas, rules, and characteristics of the foil, épée, and sabre. You’ll learn and practice the on-guard stance and how to advance, retreat, and lunge; how to hold the foil and make touches using the basic attacks—thrusts, disengages, ripostes, and beats; and the basic foil parries used to defend the four areas of the target. You’ll also see how fencing differs from theatrical sword fighting and experience why it’s often called physical chess. There will be individual drills, exercises with other students, and special one-on-one practice with the instructor.

Thursdays, October 5, 12, 19, 26

2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

The Clubhouse Sports Center

Instructors: Tony Poulos, Certified Fencing Instructor, Spring Run Resident; Bryan Huber, Lead Clubhouse Attendant

Cost: $20 (includes instruction and the use of a foil and protective equipment)

AHA Heartsaver CPR & AED

The Heartsaver CPR AED course trains participants to give CPR and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) in a safe, timely, and effective manner. It reflects science and education from the American Heart Association Guidelines Update for CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC) and is designed for anyone with limited or no medical training who would like to learn these life-saving skills.

Choose one session.

Thursday, October 12

Session 1: 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Session 2: 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Meadow Ridge Education Room

Instructor: Diane Ryan, Certified Instructor

Cost: $60/person

Creatures of the Night

Who is active all night and sleeps the day away out in the wild? At this program you will learn about the nocturnal behavior of our local wildlife. Enjoy the journey of their life cycle and different seasonal activities. Recognize the signs they leave behind so that you know who was there while you were not.

Thursday, October 19 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Cultural Center Education Room

Presenter: Lisa Sanchez, Park Naturalist

Cost: No charge

Pennsylvania’s Natural State Symbols

Pennsylvania’s state mammal is the white-tailed deer, who likes to eat our state wildflower, mountain laurel. Our state bird likes to hide in our state tree. Our newest symbol— the state amphibian, an eastern hellbender—is the largest salamander in North America. Learn about many more of our state symbols and why they are so important.

Thursday, November 30

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Cultural Center Education Room

Presenter: Lisa Sanchez, Park Naturalist

Cost: No charge

Evergreens & Other Trees in Winter

Winter is a great time of the year to learn about the many kinds of evergreen trees growing in our area. You will learn to recognize them by their shape, needles, cones, smells, and other characteristics. We will also explore how the trees that lost their leaves look through the winter and how to identify them without leaves.

Tuesday, December 5

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Cultural Center Education Room

Presenter: Lisa Sanchez, Park Naturalist

Cost: No charge

Working Sustainably With Nature

Willow Valley Communities was awarded a grant focusing on sustainability planning. A group of volunteer Residents was formed and tasked with organizing and providing educational seminars and activities for Willow Valley Communities during the coming months. These initiatives focus on learning about and better understanding the ecology of landscapes.

In addition to the educational seminars and activities, Willow Valley Communities has received a sitespecific green master plan, provided by LandStudies, a landscape architecture firm. This design will enable Willow Valley Communities to implement sustainable infrastructure changes over the coming years to improve wildlife habitat, increase native landscapes, and benefit water quality.

History & Mystery of Common Plants

Learn the language of plants in various contexts, including what they have meant over time (with some interesting surprises!). For instance, we’ll discuss legends of the willow tree and old beliefs about the powers of flowers, trees, and weeds in healing, witchcraft, and more. Definitely not a program to be used for finding medical advice nor recipes for mysterious spells, this class will be fun and frivolous, with ideas for plants you can grow next year in your own pots and plots!

Tuesday, September 12

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Cultural Center Education Room

Presenter: Holly List, Master Gardener Emeritus, SouthPointe Resident

Cost: No charge

Conservation Walk of Lakes Campus

Join Emily Broich for a guided Lakes Campus landscape walking tour, where she will point out vegetation and green infrastructure practices and describe how they reduce the negative impacts of stormwater while benefiting wildlife and water quality. Broich cares deeply about our natural world and is particularly interested in the ways that native plants can build resilient landscapes for both people and wildlife. She holds a BA in environmental studies, certification as a Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional, and a position on the board for the Lancaster County Bird Club.

Friday, September 22

Hike 1: 8:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.

Hike 2: 10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

Meet at Cultural Center Lower Level

Presenter: Emily Broich, Green Infrastructure Projects

Coordinator, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay

Cost: No charge

Lakes Campus Sustainability Scavenger Hunt

The Environmental Protection Agency describes sustainability as “Everything that we need for our survival and well-being depends, either directly or indirectly, on our natural environment. To pursue sustainability is to create and maintain the conditions under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony to support present and future generations.”

During the Fall Pumpkin Patch Scavenger Hunt (see page 67), the grant-implementing team will introduce concepts and terminology for you to discover, learn about, and appreciate regarding sustainability landscape features on the Lakes Campus. Near each of the 12 pumpkins on the hunt, there will be a large-text placard to answer the question “What am I?” and explain the sustainability feature being viewed.

More details will be announced in the Weekly Insider watch for the Fall Pumpkin Patch Scavenger Hunt.

Thursday, October 26 – Tuesday, October 31 Lakes Campus

Support Groups

Low Vision Support Group

Provides an opportunity for discussion with others who have vision impairment.

For more information, contact Hannah Kreider at 717.464.7608.

Memory Care Support Group

Provides support to care partners and family members whose loved ones have memory loss.

For more information, contact Mary Schreiber at 717.490.8129.

Caregiver Support Group

Provides support to caregivers who are facing the challenge of caring for a loved one.

For more information, contact Lindsey Rawlings at 717.490.8107.

Grief Discussion Group

A 4–6 week group that discusses a variety of topics a person may experience when they lose a loved one.

For more information, contact Chaplain Scott Johnston at 717.464.8411.

LGBTQ+ Family & Friends

A safe place to provide support and exchange ideas for the LGBTQ+ community and those who want to learn more. All Residents are welcome.

For more information, contact Devon Best at 717.517.3914.

Loss Support Group

Provides support for those who are coping with the loss of a spouse, companion, child, neighbor, friend, or other loved one.

For more information, contact Stephanie Savitch at 717.464.6788.

New Resident Support Group

Provides support to new Residents who are finding their transition into community living challenging.

For more information, contact Barry Sipe at 717.464.8482.

Parkinson’s Support Group

Provides support to those diagnosed with Parkinson’s, their caregivers, and loved ones.

For more information, contact Rhiannon Ippolito at 717.299.5673.

Fitness Classes

Register using Event Registration.

Beyond Balance Class

Beyond Balance Class is designed to challenge those who already have excellent balance skills. This is not the next step from the Balance Class. Participants are given a series of tests prior to the class to qualify for the course. Space is limited to 15 participants.

Tuesdays & Thursdays

August 15 – September 21

12:15 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.

Cultural Center Aerobics Studio

Cost: No charge Register: 717.464.6434

Balance Class

Looking for better balance? Your Fitness Team has the answer. Working on your balance is the key to better health, overall strength, coordination, and posture. Good balance also decreases the risk of falls and helps maintain your independence. Space is limited to 15 participants. New balance participants have first opportunity to enroll in the class.

Tuesdays & Thursdays

October 3 – November 9

12:15 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.

Cultural Center Aerobics Studio

Cost: No charge

Register: 717.464.6434

Tap Classes

All tap classes are progressive classes. It is important to attend the classes from the beginning to be able to learn the steps of the dances. Registration is required, and walk-ins are not encouraged. Questions? Contact the instructor, Manor Resident Carol Still, at 717.872.7811.

Sit And Tap Class

S.A.T.-istify your exercise needs. Chair tapping is a tap dance fitness program that will help with overall strength, coordination, and exercise for the mind and body. If you are not steady on your feet, this class is for you. You will learn the basic tap steps while seated in a chair, or you can stand at a chair if you wish. Those who use a walker or wheelchair may also participate. Tap shoes are recommended but not necessary. If you do not have tap shoes, a hard-soled shoe is recommended. All exercises are done to music.

Mondays, September 25 – October 30

10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

Cultural Center Aerobics Studio

Instructor: Carol Still, Professional Instructor

Cost: No charge

Advanced Performing Tap Class

Learn steps to combine in dance routines. This group prepares dances for various performances throughout the year. It’s great for the mind and body.

Tuesdays, September 26 – December 12

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Cultural Center Aerobics Studio

Instructor: Carol Still, Professional Instructor

Cost: No charge

Advanced Beginner Tap Class

Designed for those who have not danced in several years and would like to review and learn more difficult steps.

Wednesdays, September 27 – December 13

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Cultural Center Aerobics Studio

Instructor: Carol Still, Professional Instructor

Cost: No charge

Beginner Tap Class

Designed for those who have never tapped before or have not danced for several years. Learn the basics.

Wednesdays, September 27 – December 13

10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

Cultural Center Aerobics Studio

Instructor: Carol Still, Professional Instructor

Cost: No charge

Intermediate Tap Class

Designed for the beginner who has the basics down but wants to improve their skills. Learn more intricate tap steps.

Thursdays, September 28 – December 14

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Cultural Center Aerobics Studio

Instructor: Carol Still, Professional Instructor

Cost: No charge

These ongoing classes are free, and you do not need to register. Call the Cultural Center Fitness Center for details at 717.464.6434.

Yoga

This class uses movement in the form of static and dynamic poses to increase energy, improve flexibility, create balance, and strengthen the entire body. Regular yoga practice increases body awareness, relaxes the mind, and improves stamina. Poses are performed lying, kneeling, sitting, and standing. Previous yoga experience is not required.

Mondays & Wednesdays

12:30 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.

Cultural Center Aerobics Studio

Qigong for Wellness

Come experience an ancient movement therapy called Qigong. Therapeutic Qigong has been proven to help balance, flexibility, and strength. Classes include energy exercises, self-acupressure, and mindfulness.

Tuesdays & Thursdays

1:30 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.

Cultural Center Aerobics Studio

Basic Tai Chi

Basic Tai Chi skills will be covered, including philosophical concepts, specific strategies for improved balance, and mastering “relaxation.” The goal of this introductory class is to give you the confidence to continue your studies in our ongoing Tai Chi class.

Tuesdays

9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.

Cultural Center Aerobics Studio

Tai Chi

The smooth, graceful movements of Tai Chi are achieved through relaxation and mindfulness. This class includes gentle Qigong movements for warm-up, and you will learn a Tai Chi “form” consisting of choreographed movements. Benefits include better balance, an improved immune system, and a calmer state of mind.

Tuesdays & Thursdays

10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

Cultural Center Aerobics Studio

Muscle Moves

Use free weights, bands, core balls, and/or body bars to strengthen your muscles. Focusing on the upper body, lower body, and muscles of the core, this class will challenge your muscular strength and endurance.

Tuesdays

9:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.

The Clubhouse Sports Center

Core Power

This class focuses on improving the strength and flexibility of your core. Core muscles include the abdominals, lower back, glutes, and hips. Exercises will be performed lying, kneeling, and standing. This class is appropriate for healthy beginners and intermediate-level exercisers.

Mondays & Fridays

9:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.

The Clubhouse Sports Center

ExerStretch

Start your day with this low-impact class designed to improve flexibility, strength, balance, and aerobic fitness. Relaxation and breathing techniques may be incorporated. This 45-minute class includes both standing and seated exercises. We especially welcome beginners.

Mondays & Fridays

8:15 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Manor Auditorium

Fitness Specialty Classes

The Fitness Team provides special classes throughout the year, generally held in six-week sessions. These classes give Residents and Team Members the opportunity to try new and innovative activities that appeal to their abilities and desires.

More information may be found on the Resident Intranet, bulletin boards, and the Weekly Insider.

Chair Yoga: Gentle Movement with the Breath

This 45-minute class aims to calm the mind and increase strength and range of motion. Based on Vinyasa yoga, where breath is in service to movement, we will move into poses similar to what has been practiced for many generations to help maintain good health and well-being.

Mondays

August 28 – December 18

1:45 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Cultural Center Ballroom

Instructor: Leah Margerum, Certified Chair Yoga Instructor

Rise & Shine

A morning stretch class held under the pergola in the Manor Courtyard. Designed to increase your range of motion and flexibility, improve relaxation, and decrease stress, it’s a great way to start your day, weather permitting.

Mondays & Wednesdays

September 11 – October 18

7:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.

Manor Courtyard

Instructor: Karen Nye, Exercise Fitness Specialist

Aquatics Classes

Aquacize

Treat yourself to a workout for the whole body. Exercising in the water decreases stress on your joints. Improve your cardiovascular fitness and strength with this moderate- to highintensity workout.

Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays

8:45 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

Cultural Center Main Pool

Arthritis Aquatics

In this aquatic exercise class, participants are led through a series of exercises specifically designed to help improve joint mobility. This class is open to people with all forms of arthritis and all levels of fitness. Enjoy the warm water of the Therapy Pool.

Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays

10:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Tuesdays & Thursdays

1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.

Cultural Center Therapy Pool

Joints in Motion

This low-impact, low- to medium-intensity aquatic exercise class will provide aerobic fitness, overall body toning, and a stretching workout to keep your body strong and limber. This is a great class for healthy beginners.

Tuesdays & Thursdays

9:45 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Cultural Center Therapy Pool

Water Volleyball

This class is perfect for those looking for an energized, fun, competitive game of water volleyball.

Tuesdays & Fridays

8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

North Pool

Competitive Water Volleyball

Do you have a competitive spirit and strategic thinking skills? Are you looking for fun and excitement? Consider joining our group. We’re extremely competitive, and we play to win!

Wednesdays

8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

North Pool

Deep Water Volleyball

Enjoy a great game of beach ball water volleyball with the extra challenge of the deep water pool. Flotation belts are provided.

Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays

9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Cultural Center Main Pool

Deep Water Aerobics

Enjoy this moderate- to high-intensity deep water workout using a flotation belt. Improve cardiovascular and muscular endurance by using the resistance of the water to enhance the intensity of your workout.

Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays

8:45 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

Cultural Center Main Pool

FITNESS & AQUATICS CLASSES AT A GLANCE

Event Registration System

Please follow the steps below to register electronically.

To Log In from Your Home Computer

 Go to Resident.WillowValley.org

 Click on Event Registration (ERS).

 Type username and password. (Do not use spaces or punctuation.)

 Click on Login.

 Click on the Renaissance tab at the top of the page.

To Log In from a Kiosk

 If kiosk Home page (the screen with images) is not showing, double-click on the WVC Event Registration icon in the upper-left corner of the Willow Valley logo screen OR on the little house icon near the top of the browser screen.

 Click on Event Registration (ERS).

 Type username and password. (Do not use spaces or punctuation.)

 Click on Login.

 Click on the Renaissance tab at the top of the page.

Need Computer Help?

Refer to Information Central on the Resident Intranet.

Need Help with Event Registration? The Computer Club has included a link at the top of Information Central (the Computer Club icon on the Resident Computer Kiosk home page) for the names of contacts in each community for assistance.