2024 - 2025 Hazleton Library Speaker Series

Fall 2024 - Spring 2025

Fall 2024

The Power of Movement, Meditation, and Music on Physical, Mental, and Spiritual Health

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Head shot of Bonnie Berk playing a harp.

Presenter: Bonnie Berk, RN, MS, CCM
Dec. 10, noon - 1:00 p.m.
Recorded Presentation

Bonnie will present an overview of the latest scientific information regarding the health benefits of movement, meditation, and music. She will then offer participants a chance to experience for themselves Qigong and Harp Meditation.

As a Holistic Nurse with a Master’s Degree in Health Sciences, Bonnie has a passion to help others. After becoming certified in Yoga, Reiki, and Qigong, she discovered the healing power of music. Bonnie is a Certified Clinical Musician through the Harps for Healing program and worked for Central Pennsylvania Hospice prior to COVID. She currently volunteers in her community offering Holistic Health Presentations and Harp Meditation sessions to both individuals and groups.

 

Hot Spots for Great Affordable Wines From Around the World

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Barb Brazon

Presenter: Barb Brazon
Nov. 12, noon - 1:00 p.m.
Recorded Presentation

This presentation will look at regions around the world that produce renown wines which can be purchased for affordable prices. We will review regions and subregions, general characteristics of the wine produced, and discuss where to find the best buys. In some instances, we will examine regional labels to recognize key terms that identify characteristics of wines that affect the price and indicate quality.

Barb Brazon is the retired Hazleton Campus Program Coordinator, Information Sciences and Technology, and wine professional. She began her formal education in wine studies at The Wine School of Philadelphia (2001) - Wine School’s beginners, Wine Levels 1 thru 3. Then in 2010 she earned a professional wine certification from the Wine Spirit and English Trust (WSET), an internationally respected program. From WSET, she received placement of “Distinction” in levels 1 and Level 2 and holds Level III certifications. In the blind-tasting portion of the examination for WSET she earned a rank of Distinction and in the four-hour essay examination, a rank of Merit.

 

A House Divided: Origins and Misconceptions of the American Civil War

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Professor Justin Nordstrom, Penn State Hazleton, teaching class in a small classroom


Presenter: Justin Nordstrom
Oct. 1, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Recorded Presentation
 

In 1861, Senator James Chestnut famously predicted “A Lady’s Thimble will hold all the blood that will be shed” in the American Civil War. Four years later, more than 620,000 Americans lost their lives in the most devastating conflict in US history, with casualties during a single day (the 1862 Battle of Antietam) surpassing all US military losses in two centuries of warfare. This presentation mirrors the “Life and Limb” exhibit in discussing the mistakes and miscalculations that lead to this devastating conflict and the legacy the war left behind for both individuals and the nation as a whole.

Dr. Justin Nordstrom is a Professor of History, Arts and Humanities at Penn State Hazleton. He is passionate about World War I studies and food history.