Author: Nazli Rex

Unlock the Secrets of Fresh-Milled Flour & Authentic Sourdough, 10/14/26 @ 7 PM via Zoom

Posted on by Nazli Rex

Unlock the Secrets of Fresh-Milled Flour & Authentic Sourdough
Wednesday, October 14, 2026 @ 7 PM via Zoom
Registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/-IbWwDbQSbSYvf83BKi5mg

From Grain to Loaf: Sourcing, Milling, and Sourdough Mastery

Discover the journey from raw, organic grain to the perfect loaf. This program provides the essential knowledge for creating fresh flour from scratch, guiding you through:

  • Grains: Sourcing high-quality, organic grain berries.
  • Milling: Understanding different home mills and the process of milling fresh flour.
  • Sourdough: The complete sourdough journey, including developing your own “starter” and preparing and baking perfect loaves.

Learn the basics to become more self-sufficient!

About our presenter, Anthony Bracco of Bracco Farms: Transitioning from a 30-year graphic design career in 2009, Anthony “Tony” Bracco founded Bracco Farms in Pine Island, NY. His mission was simple: to cultivate the cleanest produce possible for his family. Using non-GMO seeds and natural, chemical-free methods, Bracco Farms quickly grew to supply local farm stands and chefs. A passionate educator, Tony shares his expertise on sustainability and self-sufficiency through community-based talks, inspiring others to experience the joy of growing and preparing their own food.

Philadelphia – A Walk Through History, 9/17/26 @ 7 PM via Zoom

Posted on by Nazli Rex

Philadelphia: A Walk Through History
Author Natalie Pompilio Has Stories to Tell
Thursday, September 17, 2026 @ 7 PM via Zoom
Registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/l8DoskMrQTaRAJtjWrNX-Q

Step into the heart of Philadelphia—the birthplace of the United States 250 years ago—and explore the people and places that shaped the nation.
Join author and journalist Natalie Pompilio as she shares stories from her book, Philadelphia: A Walk through History. Moving beyond the familiar names like Benjamin Franklin and George Washington, this presentation uncovers the stories of ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances—including women and enslaved Africans—who sacrificed for a more just way of life. Discover history made relatable through the compelling lives of those who lived, worked, and made history in America’s most dynamic city.

About the Presenter: Award-winning journalist Natalie Pompilio has lived and written in Philadelphia for more than 20 years. After staff positions at newspapers including The Philadelphia Inquirer and The Philadelphia Daily News, Natalie began freelancing in 2007 and has had newspaper and magazine articles published nationally and internationally. Her Philadelphia-centric publications include the children’s book Philadelphia A to Z; More Philadelphia Murals and the Stories They Tell; Walking Philadelphia: 30 Walking Tours Exploring Art, Architecture, History and Little-Known Gems; and This Used to Be Philadelphia.

Check out Natalie Pompilio’s favorite books that will make you sound like an insider as the U.S. marks its 250th birthday!

Art Talk—Raphael: Artist and Visionary, 8/18/26 @ 7 PM via Zoom

Posted on by Nazli Rex

Art Talk with Janet Mandel
Raphael: Artist and Visionary
Tuesday, August 18, 2026 @ 7 PM via Zoom

Registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ci0725wpTuSoYXRr36-ofQ

The Italian painter and architect Raphael became one of the defining figures of the High Renaissance — revered for his grace, harmony, and masterful balance of beauty and structure. His lyrical use of form, color, and composition not only defined an era but continues to shape our understanding of artistic perfection. The Metropolitan Museum of Art recently exhibited more than 200 of his drawings, paintings, tapestries, and decorative works in a blockbuster retrospective exhibition. If you could not get to the Met or you would like to know more, this presentation will provide a unique window into Raphael’s creative process and the depth of his artistic thinking.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Pennington Public Library and the Hopewell Valley Arts Council

About Our Presenter: Janet Mandel taught in New Jersey’s public schools for 32 years, the last eighteen of which were at Columbia High School in Maplewood, where she taught English, art history, and World Languages and Cultures. Now retired, Janet presents illustrated talks on a variety of art history topics at adult schools, libraries, museums, senior centers, community centers, and similar venues.

In Conversation with Author Phil Lane, LCSW – Recording Available!

Posted on by Nazli Rex

Originally on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at 7 PM via Zoom
In Conversation with Author Phil Lane: An Overview of Panic Attacks and Illness Anxiety

🧠May is Mental Health Awareness Month🎗️

Join us for a thoughtful and supportive presentation by local therapist and author Phil Lane. In this session, Phil will guide us through the concepts explored in his writing, offering a gentle overview of panic attacks and illness anxiety.

Whether you are looking to support a loved one or seeking a deeper understanding for yourself, this program provides a safe space to explore these often-misunderstood topics. In honor of National Mental Health Awareness Month, we invite you to help us normalize the conversation around psychological well-being and foster a community of care and compassion.

This program is designed for anyone who is seeking to deepen their understanding of panic and/or illness anxiety. (Important note: this program is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a replacement for psychological services.)

About Our Presenter: Phil Lane, LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, psychotherapist, adjunct professor and author. He has written the following books: Understanding and Coping with Illness Anxiety, Overcoming Panic and Panic Attacks, and The Narrative Therapy Workbook for Self-Esteem. Phil writes and practices from a humanistic, person-centered perspective. Phil’s private practice is located in Pennington where he lives with his family.

The Winter Garden – Recording Available!

Posted on by Nazli Rex

Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 7 PM via Zoom
The Winter Garden
Presenter: Rosalind Doremus of My Backyard at Nectars

Join Rosalind Doremus as she celebrates The Winter Garden through her own eyes. In this talk, she will cover many facets to the Winter garden: plants of interest, Winter garden maintenance, projects to keep us busy, and lastly, but most importantly, embracing the winter season. Winter can be tough for many of us, both physically and emotionally. Rosalind offers a chance to bring joy to the Winter season through a series of photos from her own yard and around the Sourland’s region. She also adds a sense of humor and reflection to help bring some life to an almost colorless time of year. Attendees are sure to learn something new, laugh, and find a sense of peace through Rosalind’s talk.

Sponsored by the Washington Crossing Park Association

About the presenter: My Backyard at Nectars is a female-owned garden center in Titusville, NJ, led by NJNLA Certified Professional and 2025 “Retailer of the Year,” Rosalind Doremus. Specializing in New Jersey natives and pollinator-friendly flora, the center has sold over 24,000 native plants since 2023. As a partner of the Sourland Conservancy, Rosalind emphasizes local sourcing and community education through events like Native Plant Swaps and Pollinator Day. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, My Backyard at Nectars offers the expert knowledge and sustainable stock needed to help local ecosystems thrive.