• Presenter: Michael T. Brown, MD, MBA, FACS, Medical Director, McGlinn Cancer Institute
• Time: 10:30am - 12 p.m. 

After reviewing the past and present understanding of cancer as a disease, we will focus on the future perspectives for cancer care, including prevention, screening, treatment, and return to wellness.

• Presenters:  Dr. Julie Axelrod, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Assistant Professor, Alvernia University, and Dr. Marcia Thompson, PT, DPT, DSc, Associate Professor of Physical Therapy, Alvernia University
• Time: 10:30am - 12 p.m. 

Aging does not have to mean becoming weaker. This lecture challenges common myths about muscle loss and aging by presenting the science behind sarcopenia and what can be done to prevent it. Participants will explore practical, research-backed strategies to maintain strength and function, along with new technologies that are helping detect and address muscle loss earlier than ever before.

• Presenter: Teresa Messineo, MFA-CW, Adjunct Professor of Creative Writing, Drexel University
• Time: 10:30am - 12 p.m. 

Upon returning from World War II, many American nurses signed Oaths of Secrecy, agreeing never to reveal their wartime service. As a result, several generations have now grown up with an inaccurate knowledge of the tremendous impact these brave women made for their country. Recently declassified information about these unsung heroines is granting us a new perspective into this multifaceted World War.
 

• Presenter: Steve Scheuring
• Time: 10:30am - 12 p.m. 

Award-winning local artist will share his journey as an artist, his methods, and inspiration. Mr. Scheuring will also demonstrate his creative process

• Presenter: Dr. Tom Bierowski, Associate Professor of Literature, Alvernia University
• Time: 10:30am - 12 p.m. 

Only 10 of Emily Dickinson’s nearly 1800 poems were published during her lifetime [1830 – 1886]. The remaining poems, found by her sister, were published after Emily's death. Join us for a closer look at the work of the fascinating Elusive Emily. Or.. As Dr. Tom puts it…. “a two-class sit-down with a big honking slice of the poetry of Emily Dickinson. All crust and no filler. Time to untangle your mind. (Or melt your brain.) “

• Presenter: Dominic Murgido
• Time: 10:30am - 12 p.m. 

Join us on a journey to learn about the freshly brewed coffee in front of you! Included in this presentation will be the history of coffee, a close examination of the raw beans, the roasting process, and fun facts about coffee. Someone in the audience will take home a FREE pound of coffee.

• Presenter: Nicholas P. Nicoletti, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Political Science and Director of the Ph.D. in Leadership, Alvernia University
• Time: 10:30  -2:30 p.m.

How do the “elite clues” used by politicians, parties, media figures, and others significantly influence American political behavior? Many citizens rely on these shortcuts to form opinions on complex issues, effectively outsourcing judgment to “trusted elites”. We will look at how shifts in technology have intensified this dynamic. by personalizing messages, amplifying moralized frames, and reducing the availability of cross-cutting information. The presentation will show how large segments of the public can be “captured” and influenced by this “elite” messaging and explore the implications of cue-driven politics.

This session includes a box lunch and further discussion with Dr. Nicoletti.

• Presenter: John Kissinger at the Highlands
• Time: 10:30am - 12 p.m. 

The rise of the Beatles in the 1960s coincided with the emergence of feminism in Western culture. We will examine how Beatle music and feminism overlapped, influencing each other. We will also place Beatlemania in a feminist context.

• A.M. Presenter: Santo D. Marabella, MBA, DSW
• Time: 10:30am - 12 p.m. 

"My Place at the Table," a first-person documentary film, examines our universal need to belong as seen through the heart of the filmmaker. Santo was born in a Catholic orphanage in Aosta, Italy, and flown to the United States, just one week shy of his first birthday, to be adopted by Italian American parents. A discussion with the film’s principal and the director of the film will follow the screening.

A catered lunch will be provided between the morning and afternoon sessions.
 

• P.M. Presenter: Tracy Schott, MSW, MS – Filmmaker
• Time: 1 - 2:30 p.m.

"From the River" takes us on a 35-minute sprint through 350 years of Berks County, highlighting the stories of people who made history. The film features the talents of local artists Andrew Pochan and Chris Heslop. After the screening, Tracy will share insights into the film's creation process.

• Presenter: Rebeka Birch, Arboretum & Education Programs Manager (Make-Up Session from Fall)
• Time: 10:30am - 12 p.m. 

Spend an enlightening session with Rebeka Birch, The Reading Public Museums, Arboretum and Education Programs Manager, as she leads participants through the highlights of the arboretum’s exceptional collections. Explore the stories behind the arboretum’s most notable trees and plantings, from rare specimens and historic giants to the ever-changing colors and fragrances of the gardens. Discover how outdoor sculpture integrates with nature, creating spaces where art and horticulture inspire reflection, learning, and creativity. This engaging talk celebrates the diversity, beauty, and significance of botanical and sculptural treasures, revealing how the arboretum connects visitors to both the living landscape and contemporary art in fresh, memorable ways.