Filter by Subcategory
By Topic
LECTURE: What's Wrong with My Plants?
with Lisa Blum
You buy plants labeled “easy to grow” and beautiful, but sometimes problems arise, from minor blemishes to major branch dieback. This course explores common plant symptoms, their causes, and practical treatment options, with slides and samples of pests, diseases, and environmental stress. Bring your struggling plants—or clear photos of the issues you’re seeing—to this summer plant clinic and let's get growing again!
Presenter: Lisa Blum has over 35 years of experience teaching horticulture at both Saul High School and at Temple University. She assists with children’s programming at the Ambler Arboretum and is part of the PHS Tree Tenders educational team to train in the care of city/suburban trees. Rutgers University, M.S. in Plant Pathology; Duke University, B.S. in Botany.
LECTURE: Before It's Too Late: Family Conversations About Stuff
with Farnaz Dar
Every home holds a lifetime of belongings. This practical workshop helps seniors and their adult children declutter and organize while decisions can still be made together. Learn compassionate communication strategies, how to decide what to keep or pass on, and simple steps to create a manageable plan, and turn a daunting task into meaningful collaboration.
Presenter: Farnaz Dar, M.Ed.. is the Founder and CEO of The Clutter Free Family, a professional organizing company. She developed the Clutter-Free Family Method and focuses on the connection between home organization and mental well-being, offering practical strategies for families at every stage of life.
LECTURE: The Mysteries of Our States' Boundaries
with Michael Martorelli
Unpack the stories behind how state boundaries were drawn, exploring the mix of politics, geography, compromise, and chance that shaped today’s map. Learn why some borders follow natural features while others don’t, and uncover surprising decisions and historical moments that influenced where lines were finally drawn.
Presenter: Michael Martorelli spent more than 50 years in the investment industry and holds an M.A. in History. Over the past decade, he has researched, written, and spoken on a range of historical topics.
LECTURE: The Underground Railroad in Montgomery County
with Jeff Thomas
Montgomery County, PA, played a significant role in the Underground Railroad, with numerous sites and individuals aiding enslaved people on their path to freedom. This lecture highlights key local sites and explores the free residents who helped them achieve and maintain their freedom.
Presenter: Jeff Thomas has lived in the Philadelphia area for nearly 70 years and has a deep appreciation for its rich history. He enjoys exploring historic sites throughout the region and often incorporates insights of these fascinating places into the courses he teaches, helping others connect with local history.
LECTURE: Building Brain-Healthy Habits
with Jane Cero
Protecting your brain health starts with everyday habits. In this program, the Alzheimer's Association shares research-backed strategies to support memory, thinking, and overall cognitive well-being at every age. Learn simple actions you can take today to help reduce the risk of cognitive decline over time.
Presenter: Jane Cero is a Volunteer Community Educator with the Alzheimer's Association, Greater Philadelphia Chapter and a Registered Nurse. She is passionate about healthy habits for heart and brain health.
LECTURE: Functional Loss from Dementia
with Randy Rosenberg
Learn about the major types of dementia and the distinct ways each condition alters brain structure and function. Explore how these differences lead to unique patterns of memory loss, changes in thinking and judgment, language difficulties, and behavioral or personality changes. This overview builds a clearer understanding of why dementia symptoms vary from person to person and how the underlying brain changes drive those differences.
Presenter: Randy Rosenberg is a retired Associate Emeritus Professor of Neurology at Temple University. He has 42 years of experience in patient care and 50 years of music performance and lectures on the neurobiology of music.
LECTURE: Electric Cars
with Robert Becker
This session provides a clear and practical introduction to electric vehicles (EVs). We’ll explore how EV batteries work, including basics of charging, driving range, and what affects performance.
Presenter: Robert Becker holds a Ph.D. in Psychology and has served on the academic faculty of several medical schools. He has been a Tesla owner since 2019 and is an active member of the Tesla Owners Club of the Delaware Valley, reflecting a personal interest in the innovation of electric vehicles.