Meet the Mosses with Richard Mandelbaum
Sunday, November 2, 2025
Mosses are among our most ancient, resilient, and beautiful native plants. But we often overlook these little ones as we walk on by. In this class we’ll discuss the fascinating biology and ecology of mosses, while learning to identify some of the most common species in our area. Depending on weather we may spend the entire time outside, or if the weather is a challenge, we can gather samples outside to look at more closely indoors. A hand lens (loupe) is strongly recommended. (10x or 12x is recommended; sometimes 14x is also helpful for mosses.) If you don’t have one, Richard will bring some extra ones for people to share. Admission: $5 Please call to register: 845-644-5014
Some Classes with Amanda Crooke
Join me in the season of increasing darkness to learn herbal techniques to embrace this potent time — and survive it. In this three-class series, we’ll explore herbal care for common winter challenges. Each class will be hands-on and fun, involving lots of winter joy and camaraderie. Take the whole series or just one class — it’s up to you.
Classes are Tuesday nights, from 6:00-8:00pm
Location: Amara Kitchen & Tasting Room, 3175 Sugan Rd, New Hope, PA 18939
Herbs for Winter Mood Support
We’re diving right in with herbs to help you feel happy during this difficult seasonal transition. We’ll cover herbal techniques for dispersing heavy emotion (i.e depression and an overwhelming sense of doom), bringing the “light” in, and instilling joy. Is this possible? Yes! Herbs are truly helpful in all these regards. Activities will include smelling, sipping, and making an herbal glycerite to support you in the darkness.
(If you want to learn all about herbal glycerites, this is the class for you.)
Tuesday, November 11th, 6:00-8:00pm
Herbs for Winter Immune & Respiratory Support
As the parent of a toddler, I am now an expert in every possible way a person can try to not get sick. Can herbs prevent you from getting sick? No, not always. Especially not if you spend time around small humans. But they can help reduce the frequency and duration illness, and they can certainly help prevent you from getting all sorts of offshoot issues (formally known as “sequelli.”) In this class we’ll cover long-term strategies to support your immune system all winter, as well as acute care and symptom management for when you inevitably fall ill. Essentially, we will list “all the things” so that you can choose what works best for you. Activities will include sipping tea, doing a facial steam, and maybe even a gargle. You’ll make an herbal steam or tea blend to take home.
Tuesday, November 18th, 6:00-8:00pm
Herbs for Winter Skincare
Ah, winter, the season of dry skin and mucous membranes. In this class we’ll learn herbs and techniques for keeping you well-moisturized, including the best ways to submerge various body parts in herby water, and you’ll make an herb-infused whipped body butter to take home.
Tuesday, November 25th, 6:00-8:00pm