*STARTS 9/22, ENDS 10/20; 5 weeks only.*

Step back into the unforgettable 1960s—a decade of hope, conflict, innovation, and change. Together, we’ll explore why the 1960s continue to stand as one of the most influential periods in American history. 

Presenter: Joseph Eble is a career Naval officer followed by over 20 years teaching at the college level. He has master's degrees from Temple University and the Naval War College. 

Vaccination has transformed public health by protecting individuals and communities from preventable diseases, yet it has become an increasingly controversial topic. As more people choose to delay or skip recommended vaccines, larger segments of the population become vulnerable to disease outbreaks. This lecture explores the history of vaccination, how vaccines work, their safety, and the ongoing debate surrounding their use.

Presenter: Kenneth LaPensee, PhD, MPH is an epidemiologist and health economist with years of experience in infectious disease in the pharmaceutical industry. He has authored journal articles on treatments for infectious and chronic diseases and educational articles on vaccine development. He contributed to strategies to combat pneumonia and Covid-19.

*STARTS 9/28, ENDS 10/19, 4 weeks only.*

In this interactive class, participants will discuss and analyze viewpoints and positions expressed about current news reported on C-SPAN, weekend television news programs, and in print media. All perspectives are welcomed and encouraged. 

Presenter: Dan Shoulberg has been a moderator of currents events forums for over 20 years. He is the Founding Program Coordination Volunteer for the Adult Discovery & Learning series at UDPL.

Come and be enthralled by the world of birds in this talk. Learn how to start birding, identify our feathered friends, and where to find them. The class will also explore migratory behavior, along with local organizations involved in birding and conservation, and how you can get involved.

Presenter: Born in India and raised in Calcutta, Nilesh Shah earned a PhD in Chemical Engineering in the U.S. and spent 34 years with Rohm and Haas and Dow Chemical, retiring as a Global R&D Director. An avid birder since 1987 with over 1,200 bird species identified over his lifetime, Nilesh is fascinated by birds, their behavior, and their role in the ecosystem. 

The Philadelphia Eagles NFL team were born in 1933 out of the bankruptcy of the Frankford Yellow Jackets, a former Philadelphia NFL team. From those ashes, a syndicate led by Bert Bell and James R. “Lud” Wray bought the remaining assets for $2,500 and the Philadelphia Eagles took flight. This lecture dives into the evolving story of one of the NFL’s most iconic franchises. Go Birds!

Presenter: Jeff Thomas, a frequent lecturer on Philadelphia sports, has been an Eagles fan since the early 1960's. Jeff looks forward to sharing both the highlights and the low points of the Eagles' proud history. 

Local faith leaders lead a discussion on how communities can stay connected across differences, and how dialogue and shared values strengthen community life.

Panelists: Rev. Dr. Charles Quann (Bethlehem Baptist Church) & other faith leaders from the Wissahickon Faith Community Association

Philadelphia A to Z explores a fascinating collection of lost Philadelphia stories, one for each letter of the alphabet. From the soaring voice of contralto Marian Anderson and the grandeur of the long-gone Convention Halls to the heat of the Midvale Steel Plant and a memorable visit to the Philadelphia Zoo’s legendary great ape “Massa,” this series brings the city’s past vividly to life.

Presenter: Rick Spector founded Moviehouse Productions in 1983 and specializes in live performances and video presentations on local and national nostalgia and history. He previously hosted the “Milestones” radio program for the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging.