Allegany Center of Lifelong Learning

Speaker: Carolyn George
Description: Explore how vaccines function, including an overview of their potential risks and benefits. This information will also address common misinformation surrounding vaccines, offering individuals insights to help inform their vaccination choices.

Speaker: Kim Folk  
Description: Kim will tell us all about the rebuilding of the village after the "down burst" that destroyed nearly half of the village.  She will discuss all the artisans in residence and what they bring to the area. 

Speaker: Liz McDowell
Description: There are many native alternatives to the exotic invasive plants commonly used for landscaping. Discover the amazing native plants of Mountain Maryland, how to ethically obtain these tough treasures, and help them thrive in your garden.

Speaker: Dr. Emily Hager Kasecamp
Description: An in-depth look at the Allegany Museum’s Crossroads of America exhibit and a preview of future plans for the Museum.

Speaker: Dave Williams
Description:  In the late summer of 1864, the Confederate cavalry embarked on the Valley Campaigns to create havoc and ransack in towns near the Potomac, burning Chambersburg PA on July 30th and then turning west toward the important rail hubs in Cumberland.  This talk will tell the story of how Cumberland was saved by Union troops and a local veteran of the Mexican War.

Speaker: Greg Latta  
Description: Award winning recording artist and radio personality Greg Latta will explore the world of Appalachian music and the instruments used to make it.  Greg will discuss and perform on instruments such as the Appalachian dulcimer, hammered dulcimer, banjo, autoharp, limberjack, strumstick, and guitar.

Speaker: Dr. Brian Plitnik
Description: The Romantic Era, approximately 1820-1900 CE, marks a period of emotionally intense music that has continuing impact on today's concert and operatic repertoire. Exploring a handful of the most significant composers from this era will emphasize the stylistic variety born of a new emphasis on self-expression.

Speaker: Ruth Davis-Rogers

Description: On July 4, 2026, our nation will commemorate and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.  At this session we’ll reflect on our nation’s past milestones. 

Speaker: Penny Knoble-Besa
Description: Penny Knobel-Besa will chat about her journey in the arts from actress, director, playwright, to photographer with photos of course. She prefers candid photos when life creates art and she’s there to capture it

Speaker: Carolyn Matthews  
Description: The Indoor Campfire will include the history of a few songs from the revolutionary war through more modern times that we used to sing around the campfire.  We will sing them around the indoor campfire.

Speaker: Ian Gray
Description: Learn about the clash of the larger-than-life figures of Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E Lee and how the gruesome campaign of 1864 spelled the beginning of the end for the rebellion.

Speaker: Kevin Dodge
Description: Kevin Dodge, Professor at Garrett Community College will discuss native birds along with their songs.