Author: The Gathering Place for Community, Arts & Education

Aristotle’s Epistemology Material for April 12

Perception: —)Memory1  and Eudoxa2——) Statements—) Universals —-) Logic and Science3         Particulars—-) Practical Wisdom4

  1. Memory allows learning and sociality. No memory, no connections. Repeated memories lead to experience and eudoxa.
  2. Eudoxa: Good opinions based on collective human experience: the social basis of learning, a review of what is commonly thought to be correct, as the basis of improving the recognition of true (developed over time and experience) principles and testing of those principles. Also places principles in context. Note: learning is more than pattern recognition, it requires context. For Aristotle, the key to context is experience, organized as the four causes: formal, material, efficient and final (Meta. Bk. one, chapter three).
  3. Logic is the structure of science (episteme); it is the organization of what can be demonstrated. For Aristotle logic is primarily demonstration through syllogisms that organize universal statements:
    1. E.g., Barbara: the name of the structure of a universal affirmative syllogism:
      1. All animals have a metabolism.
      1. All humans are animals.
      1. Therefore, all humans have a metabolism.
  4.  Practical wisdom (phronesis): this is experientially based knowledge of activities and things that hold for the most part. Because of change, there can be no universal demonstration of phronesis, but its generalizations allow successful or unsuccessful efforts to accomplish plans or maintain relationships. This type of knowledge ranges from the practical implications of the scientific knowledge of human nature (e.g., the art of medicine) to emotional intelligence to the basis of friendship to politics.

For more: google Aristotle’s epistemology and I recommend The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy and the Encyclopedia Britannica. For Aristotle’s own writings (and no one says it better or more clearly), start with the Metaphysics Book One, chapters one and two, and the first few lines of chapter 3; and Book One of the Nicomachean Ethics.

Note:  From an Aristotelian perspective, there are (at least) two serious problems with artificial intelligence: the struggle to get AI to recognize the context for principles and generalizations, and the struggle to adjust to change. In short, pattern recognition generates static results on the basis of surface identification. By contrast Aristotelian knowledge in embedded in the experience humans have, which is only partly made up of pattern recognition, and at this point experience and its fruits remain more sensitive and subtle than pattern recognition no matter how expansive the AI data set is. AI is very perceptive of static detail, making it good at radiology but not so good at treating patients.

Unified & Special Needs Classes & Programs – Spring 2023

Sponsored by

The First Lieutenant Michael J. Cleary Memorial Fund of Luzerne Foundation

These classes, programs and events are intended to offer adults with varying abilities more opportunities to advance their interests and to be a part of the community.


Master Gardeners of NEPA will supervise enthusiastic gardeners of varying abilities. This year we will be installing two raised bed pollinator gardens in the Pocket Park on Depot Street. This project is open to the community. For more information contact Dori at 570-954-6650.

#125

Growing Together Garden Club


An acting class focused on self-expression and emotional, social intuition. For more information, text Katie Foley at 570.702.7172.

All Access Acting


Craft & Chat

A casual setting where artists with & without special needs come together to create & relate. Contact Dori at
570.954.6650.


Sibshops are for the family member who will have the longest-lasting relationship with a person who has a disability. Sibshops are lively, pedal-to-the-metal events where they will:

  • Meet other sibs (usually for the first time)
  • Talk about the good and not-so-good parts of having a sib with special needs with others who “get it”;
  • Play some great games;
  • Explore how other brother and sisters handle sticky situations sometimes faced by brothers and sisters;
  • Laugh
  • Learn about the services their brothers and sister receive; and
  • Have some more fun!

The first Sibshops is Sunday, July 30 at 11:30AM at The Gathering Place.

Sibshops is sponsored by


#124

Cooking with Friends: Ravioli

Marzia & Lee Caporale are back! Join them for this hands-on experience!Not only will participants learn how to make the most delicious ravioli ever, but like all of our cooking classes, they will get to enjoy the fruits of their labor.

Date: Sunday, March 19

Time: 4 PM

Cost: $20

Your Creative Self – Spring 2023

Sponsored by

Beth Kaplan

Please note that ALL supply costs are to be paid to the instructor on the night of the class.


Let Kristina Laurito teach you how to crochet with thicker materials to make a boho style hat perfect for spring. Topics you will cover are crocheting hat base in the round, crocheting a lace pattern for embellishment and methods of hat shaping and blocking.

Date: 3 Tuesdays, April 18, 25, May 2

Time: 6:30 PM

Cost: $40 + $10 Supply Fee

#130

Crochet a Floppy Spring Hat

Register

Join 5 others!
Terms and conditions page
Tribe Loading Animation Image

Terms & Conditions


#131

Sea Glass Pendant

Create the perfect summer necklace! Using sea-glass from the beaches of Puerto Rico, Kristie McMahon will show you how to wrap sterling silver wire around uniquely shaped matt glass. Your one-of-a-kind pendant will be added to a silicone cord for easy wear.

Date: 2 Thursdays May 11, 18

Time:6:00 PM

Cost: $35 + 20

Register

Join 7 others!
Terms and conditions page
Tribe Loading Animation Image

Terms & Conditions


Join Linda Mesavage for a class using 2 heddles.  This class is for weavers with some experience. 

Date: Saturday, May 13

Time: 10:00 AM—3:00 PM

Cost: $60 + $10 Supply Cost

#132

Rigid Heddle Weaving with 2 Heddles

Register

Join 3 others!
Terms and conditions page
Tribe Loading Animation Image

Terms & Conditions


#133

Eco-Printing a Silk Scarf

Emily Rancier will show you how to use a variety of leaves, flowers, onion skins, root shavings, & some rusted nails or metal to create a unique dyed & printed silk scarf of your own design! Students bring plant materials, rusted items, a ball of cotton string. Max 3 students.

Dates: 2 Wednesdays, May 17, 24

Time: 1:00 PM

Cost: $30 + $10 Supply Cost

Registrations are closed for this event

Join 4 others!
Terms and conditions page
Tribe Loading Animation Image

Terms & Conditions


At this 4-hour DYI Workshop Val Langan from Woods and Company will teach you how to make minor repairs, clean, prep and paint your treasure.

Details: Bring an old piece of wooden furniture that you can carry in yourself and learn to rehab it and bring it back to life.

Examples: wood chair, end table, small chest, stool, etc.

Dress to work and have fun!

Date: Sunday, June 11

Time: 11:00-4:00 PM

Cost: $25 + $15 Supply Cost

#134 Turning Old into New Furniture Workshop

Register

Only one spot left!
Terms and conditions page
Tribe Loading Animation Image

Terms & Conditions


#127

Felt Hat on a Ball

Emily Rancier will show you how to cover a playball with 3 thin layers of carded wool & decorate with pre-felts, yarns & fabrics. Surround with pantyhose & bounce! (in soapy water). Further felting & fulling produces a warm woolen hat that is uniquely you!  Students bring their own towels, plastic bag, spray bottle, dishpan, pantyhose. Max 5 students.

Date: 2 Wednesdays, March 8, 15

Time: 1:30 PM

Cost: $30 + $10 Supply Cost


In this beginner to intermediate class Kristina Laurito will teach you how to knit textured stitches & traditional cables while creating a beanie style hat with a cabled panel. Skills covered include casting on/binding off, working knit purl, cable & seed stitches & wet finishing or steam blocking.

Date: 3 Tuesdays, March 21, 28, April 4  

Time:6:30 PM

Cost: Cost: $40 + $12 Supply Fee

#128

Knit a Cabled Hat


#129

Springtime Watercolor Workshop

Join Darlene Milas & discover the wonders of watercolor paints, which are a joy to use & can be mastered with ease. Through fun experimentation & guided application, you’ll explore the various properties of the medium to sharpen your skills & produce beautiful works of art, inspired by nature. See website for supply list (bring your own or purchase from instructor).

suggested supplies to bring**

-watercolor paints (pan or tube)

-plastic paint palette

-Watercolor brushes in various sizes

-Watercolor paper pad

-pencils, eraser 

**or above supplies provided for $25 fee

(for student to keep)

Dates: 4 Tuesdays, March 21 & 28, April 4 & 11

Times: 2:00 PM

Cost: $60 *(+25)

Practical Knowledge – Spring 2023

Sponsored by

Francine Gallagher

In Memory of her Parents

#138 Identity Theft

Identity theft can wreak havoc with your credit & good name. Learn how to protect your identity, monitor your accounts, & respond promptly to erroneous transactions to avoid scams & stay financially safe.

Date: Wednesday, April 12

Time: 7:00 PM

Cost: $10

Register

Join 6 others!
Terms and conditions page
Tribe Loading Animation Image

Terms & Conditions


Join Abigail Pisanchyn, Act 120 certified & trained in defense tactics, as she will instruct you in “aware techniques” to protect yourself.

Date: TBA

Time: TBA

Cost: $15

#139

Women’s Self-Defense


#140

Class Cancelled

Credit Cards & Debt Management

Art of Communication – Spring 2023

Sponsored by

Mortimer & Sue Fuller

#141 Continuing Italian

Learn to speak Italian with Marzia Caporale, Ph.D., Professor of Italian & French. This is a fun, interactive class exploring the basics of Italian language & culture. Supplies: Notebooks & pens.

Dates: 8 Tuesdays, March 21, 28, April 4, 11, 18, 25, May 2, 9

Time: 7:00 PM

Cost: $60

Registration limit has been reached. Join the waiting list to be automatically registered if a spot becomes available.

Join Waiting List

Terms and conditions page
Tribe Loading Animation Image

Terms & Conditions

Food & Beverage – Spring 2023

Sponsored by

Mortimer & Sue Fuller


#118

Smoothies & Bowls

Smo

We’re finally feeling like spring & what better way to start the warmer days than with a delicious, refreshing & power-packed smoothie or bowl. Jamie Heenan from Keep Well, Fuel Well will chat about the benefits & differences between juicing & smoothies/bowls while you choose from a selection of nutrient-dense ingredients to create & top your own delicious bowl.

Date: Monday, April 24

Time: 6:00 PM

Cost: $25

Registrations are closed for this event

Join 7 others!
Terms and conditions page
Tribe Loading Animation Image

Terms & Conditions


twopound cakes

#120

Class Cancelled

Dessert Crema

This treat is one of those desserts that says wow! It features Italian vanilla pudding flavored with cinnamon & Lemon Rind, served over a sweet Bourbon sauce soaked pound cake. Paula Lamberton demonstrates the technique so you will be ready for your next gathering.


This class is offered by Penn State Extension. When you register, you will be leaving The Gathering Place and going to a Penn State site to register or call 877.345.0691.

#114 Let’s Cook Mediterranean

Learn to eat the Mediterranean way with traditional foods, including
whole grains, vegetables, beans, fruits, nuts, seeds & healthy fats. Penn
State instructors will offer this hands-on class. See website for registration details.

Date: Tuesday, April 4

Time: 5:30 PM

Cost: $30


#114

Beet Bruschetta

Join Liz from Fullers Overlook Farm in Waverly to make a delicious beet bruschetta appetizer with farm fresh local ingredients. While you taste, Liz will answer all of your questions about how to best store & make the most of local, seasonal produce. *This class is vegetarian but does include a dairy ingredient. Give us a heads up & we can accommodate a gluten free option.

Date: Wednesday, March 15

Time: 6:30 PM

Cost: $25


Gluten free substitutes are almost endless, but not all created equal.Chef Donna Vannan will take some of the guesswork out of your gluten free baking and explore with you which GF flours are best suited for different baked goods. Donna will bring a few samples while she shows you the best options for cakes vs. pastries.

Date: Monday, April 17

Time: 6:00 PM

Cost: $35

#117

Gluten Free Baking

We have a new collaboration in order to offer you more opportunities.

This class is offered by Penn State Extension. When you register, you will be leaving The Gathering Place and going to a Penn State site to register or call 877.345.0691.

#115 – Let’s Cook Vegetarian

Explore different ways to eat a balanced plantbased vegetarian diet with tips to make traditional entrees the vegetarian way. Penn State instructors will also teach shopping & storage tips,
cooking techniques & more in this hands-on class. See website for registration details.

Date: Tuesday, March 28

Time: 5:30 PM

Cost: $30


Lakshimi Mizin will be here just in Time for Easter to show you how to make beautiful braided Babka for your holiday. YOu’ll learn the stages of proofing, braiding, and enjoy a treat while learning to make this sweet Eastern European bread.

Date: Sunday, April 2

Time: 1- 3 PM

Cost: $45

braided babka

#145

Easter Bread at TGP


Known as Angel’s wing pasta, is a delicate but easy to master, spoon cut pasta similar to Gnocchi, made with ricotta & has a very light texture. Paula Lamberton shares the secrets to this truly Italian treat & also demonstrates two sauces that pair perfectly: Artichoke with sautéed onion & Lemon zest & Caprese with Basil, fresh tomato & Cubed Mozzarella.

Date: Thursday, March 23

Time: 6:00 PM

Cost: $45

#119

Alla Degli Angeli

A Closer Look – Spring 2023

Sponsored by

Attorney Maura Armezzani Tunis

Saporito, Falcone & Watt Attorneys at Law


Join historical researcher Julie Manwarren for an introduction to DNA testing/results & the difference it is making in the world of genetic genealogy. Learn more about the process & potential of DNA testing & how results can help you build your family tree, find distant cousins & identify ethnicity. Hear an overview of major DNA testing sites & learn some pros & cons of each.

Dates: Thursday, April 13

Times: 6:30 PM

Cost: $25

#136

DNA Discoveries: Introduction to Genetic Genealogy

Register

Join 5 others!
Terms and conditions page
Tribe Loading Animation Image


Terms & Conditions


#137 –

DNA Discoveries: Ancestry DNA & Intro to the Leeds Method

Julie Manwarren will teach how to read Ancestry DNA results, utilize the tools & resources that Ancestry provides, & give an overview of the Leeds method for genetic genealogical family tree building! Gain confidence in navigating Ancestry’s DNA tools & website. Attendees with their DNA test results from Ancestry should bring laptops or tablets to this class.

Dates: Thursday, April 20

Time: 6:30 PM

Cost: $25

Register

Join 6 others!
Terms and conditions page
Tribe Loading Animation Image


Terms & Conditions

colonial style house between trees

#135 – Photos in the Attic

Julie Manwarren will help you to identify old family photos & give you important information on what to do (& not to do) before you sort through photos. We will cover dating photographs & how to use “clues” in the picture & known family information to identify subjects.

Date: Thursday, March 16

Time: 6:30 PM

Cost: $15

Gathering Place Kids – Spring 2023

Sponsored by

Francine Gallagher

In Memory of her Parents


Cadee Gillette will lead children through a step-by-step process to create four separate paintings that form one unique masterpiece. Parents or guardians are encouraged to work alongside their child. Colors & color mixing, shapes, brush techniques included. For Ages 3-6.

Date: 4 Wednesdays, March 22, 29, April 5, 12

Time: 3:30 PM

Cost: $60

#121 – Paint with Me


#122 – Plant with Me

In this interactive class Judy Reinzi, author of Nicole’s Micro-Garden, will teach both children and their planting partner the joy of growing Microgreens. Did you know that you can enjoy the health benefits of microgreens all year long? You even get to take a pot of Microgreens home!

Date: Saturday, March 25

Time: 10:00 – 12:00PM

Cost: $10


Cheryl & Arianna O’Hora will guide students in making beautiful Easter cupcakes. Fun for ages 8 and up.

Date: Saturday, April 1

Time: 10:00—12:00PM

Cost: $20

#123 – Cupcake Decoration

Afternoon Lecture & Learning – Spring 2023

Sponsored by

Attorney Maura Armezzani Tunis

Saporito, Falcone & Watt Attorneys at Law

Please Register ahead of time so we are prepared and the class is not cancelled. Pay at the door.


The Death of Socrates

#101 – Missing Socrates

Casual conversations about ideas central to American self-understanding. Join the discussion led by Dr. Hal Baillie, Ph.D.

For the next class, we will discuss Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics chapters two, three, & five. We will also discuss how much of the book we want to cover.

Dates: 6/7

Time: Noon

Cost: $5 Walk in and Pay at the door.


#105 Let’s Read Brave New World

Brave New World is a 1932 novel by English author Aldous Huxley.   Paula Baillie will lead you in a discussion as you examine the dystopian world that Huxley created.

Date Wednesday, April 26

Time: Noon

Cost: $5


With Paul MacKarey, PT, DHSc, OCS, as your guide, learn about Blue Zones, these special places which are pockets of centenarians who live full active healthy & Meaningful lives well after 100! He will discuss what makes them special & how we can create our own Blue Zones.

Date: Tuesday, May 2

Time: Noon

Cost: $5

#106 – “Blue Zones –

Fostering Health & Wellness


#107- Is there an Afterlife?

Over the course of history humanity has come up with a number of answers to that question. In this talk Kevin Creegan, Ph.D will explore some of the more widely held beliefs. Related topics such as nature of reality, consciousness & individual self, & near-death experiences will be considered.

Date: Wednesday, May 3 & 10

Time: Noon

Cost: $10


Mention “The Plague” and the usual thought is of the Pestilence of 1346-53. Learn from Ann Vitale what factors set the stage for one of the greatest pandemics in history, what caused it, how it spread, how the church & kingdoms were affected, why lawyers thrived, & why it went away. Did it?

Date: Tuesday, May 9

Time: Noon to 1:30 PM

Cost: $5

#108 – The Black Death


#109 – Molly Maguires

Historian Sarah Piccini from the Lackawanna Historical Society will detail the two differing approaches to problem-solving & unionization in the PA anthracite coal mining industry during the time when Coal was King.

Date: Thursday, May 18

Time: Noon

Cost: $5


#111

Herb Container Gardening

Penn State Master Gardener Michele Davis will present this informal hands-on workshop on successful herb container gardening techniques, including information about floor & vegetable container gardening. Participants will plant their own herb containers to take home.

Date: Tuesday, May 23

Time: Noon

Cost: $5 + $10 Supply Cost


Join Dennis Martin for a look at an 8 page full-sized newspaper that was published in the Abingtons with all the news of the day – including the first year women had the vote, the planning & building of a new high school, activities of the fire company, clubs & churches, & local municipalities like Pershing (later Chinchilla). 

Date: Wednesday, May 31

Time: Noon

Cost: $5

#112 – Clarks Summit

1920-1922

The Abington Eagle Clarion


Midnight Ride of Paul Revere

Paul Revere

Fact & Fiction

#103 –

In many ways, the “bigger than life” tales of Paul Revere are often accurate. The poem about his famous Midnight Ride has stretched the truth somewhat, but Paul Revere was never one to sit still. From his inventions to his wartime activities to his life at home, he was a force to be reckoned with in all he did. Find out more about one of our first patriots who was quite a memorable character. Led by Anne Armezzani.

Date: Thursday, April 13

Time: Noon

Cost: $5


Traditional lawn care can present issues of time, expense & frustration. There is also the potential for harm to other plants & wildlife as well as the environment in general. Reducing and replacing that traditional lawn with native & pollinator friendly plants provides support for the natural habitat, reduces labor and cost while creating a visually attractive lawn. Options range from beds & borders to meadows & replacement. Bob Davis, Penn State Master Gardener, will present the program.

Date: Thursday, April 6

Time: Noon

Cost: $5

#113 – Native & Pollinator Friendly Lawn Alternatives


Ann Vitale’s deep research provides a fast-paced lecture covering the impact of transportation, commercialization, wars, package foods. Which came first: supply or demand? What happened to seasonal eating?Find the answers here!

Date: Thursday, April 20

Time: Noon to 1:30 PM

Cost: $5

#104 – History of What We Eat: 1875 – Present

#110

Pollinator Friendly

Gardening

Butterflies, hummingbirds & bees are just some of the pollinators we rely on. Three quarters of the food we eardependent on pollinators. Michele Davis, Penn State Master Gardener, will provide you with the essentials of a pollinator friendly garden, how to attract pollinators & how to support them.

Date: Tuesday, April 25

Time: Noon

Cost: $5

Friday Night Café Music Series

Classical guitarist Jay Steveskey will perform on Friday, October 21 from 7 to 9 PM at The Gathering Place. 

Jay is a soloist, chamber musician and teacher. He has been featured on WVIA-FM radio, Scranton Today TV, in the Scranton Times-TribuneElectric City, the Dietrich Theater and runs the Fiddle Lake Guitar School in Susquehanna County. He has had extensive private studies with Argentine guitarist Pablo Cohen, Professor of Classical Guitar, Ithaca College and was selected to perform for a Master Class conducted by Sharon Isbin, Head of the Classical Guitar Department, Juilliard School. 

Jay looks forward to entertaining in this venue, saying, “The Gathering Place will be a perfect setting for one of my classical guitar concerts as I like to talk to the audience a bit about the music – brief descriptions/anecdotes of the pieces/composers. And, I usually like to include some nice popular arrangements for the guitar as well – whether it be movie/Broadway themes, wonderful Beatles arrangements as well as the beloved Spanish and Latin American classical guitar repertoire.”

The concert is free and made possible by a grant from the

Overlook Estate Foundation.