Listed below are the upcoming webinars from the Penn State Extension. All FREE Webinars are used with permission from the Penn State Extension Office and are offered for educational purposes. Some information may not be appropriate for children. Parental guidance is encouraged. Views and opinions expressed in the webinars are those of the speakers/educators and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Florence Community Library. During live sessions there may be opportunities to ask questions and/or chat.
Pennsylvania Invasive Species Series: Choose Native (1 hour) Friday, October 3rd at 1:00pm. Repeat Session on Saturday, October 11th at 2:00pm
The Choose Native project, a collaboration between the Great Lakes Commission, Pennsylvania Sea Grant, and Penn State Extension, aims to prevent the introduction of invasive species through the organisms in trade (OIT) pathway, with a focus on the landscaping and water gardening industry. This session will highlight findings from statewide industry surveys and introduce the new Pennsylvania Choose Native publication, a valuable resource for landscapers, water gardeners, and homeowners seeking sustainable, native plant alternatives.
Pennsylvania has identified over 300 invasive plants, insects, pathogens, and animals that significantly impact both the environment and agricultural production, resulting in annual economic losses amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars. The Pennsylvania Invasive Species webinar is committed to addressing this critical issue. Throughout the session, we will highlight some of the most problematic invasive species found in Pennsylvania, examine their methods of establishment, and discuss effective strategies to mitigate their spread. By delving into the complexities of invasive species challenges, our goal is to empower communities and spotlight the ongoing efforts led by state agencies. Join us as we showcase ongoing efforts and empower communities to combat this threat.
Who is this for? Landowners; Natural resource professionals; Vegetation management personnel; Conservation volunteers; Green industry professionals; Vegetable growers; Home gardeners; Anyone interested in invasive species
What will you learn? Understanding the Organisms in Trade (OIT) pathway; The Choose Native initiative;
Practical applications.
Smart Choice | Smart Use Health Insurance™: Understanding Health Care Costs (1 hour), Tuesday, October 9th at 12:00pm. Repeat Session on Saturday, October 25th at 2:00pm
This webinar provides participants with the knowledge and tools to manage healthcare expenses with greater confidence. Learn why understanding and estimating healthcare costs matters, what typical expenses to expect, which documents offer useful cost information, and how to estimate those costs accurately. Feel empowered to make informed healthcare decisions for yourself and your loved ones. The session includes interactive activities, resource guidance, and time for questions and discussion.
This program was developed and is used with permission from the University of Maryland, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and the University of Delaware Extension programs.More than six million Americans live with Alzheimer’s disease, with 11 million serving as unpaid caregivers. Globally, the disease affects an estimated 50 million people. In this free live webinar, learn the basics of Alzheimer’s and dementia and discover resources to ensure no one faces this disease alone.
Who is this for? Individuals who want to better understand how health insurance works; Anyone looking for strategies to estimate healthcare costs; Individuals who want to take a more proactive approach to managing their health insurance; Young adults navigating coverage for the first time; Farmers and their families seeking coverage that fits their unique needs.
What will you learn? The importance of understanding and estimating healthcare costs; Typical healthcare costs to expect; How to use available resources and documents to estimate costs; Strategies for estimating healthcare costs accurately.
Suicide Prevention Training (2 Hours), Monday, October 27th at 1:00pm
This class will have no Repeat Session. It is available monthly through the Penn State Extension, so the Library can also make it a monthly offering when there are no conflicts or closures. If you’re interested in an educational certificate talk to the library manager before or after the program.
The mission of the QPR Gatekeeper Suicide Prevention Training is to save lives and reduce suicidal behaviors by providing evidence-based suicide prevention training. Knowing how to address this sensitive issue can empower individuals to reach out and help someone in need. Just like CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver have saved thousands of lives each year, learning to recognize the warning signs of suicide and the steps of Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR) can save a friend’s life, coworker, family member, or neighbor’s.
Developed by the QPR Institute, this 2-hour training is designed for all people concerned about helping others with mental health and substance use challenges, regardless of their background. QPR is an emergency mental health intervention for persons considering suicide. Participants will learn skills to identify and interrupt a crisis and direct someone to proper care.
Who is this for? Family members, Concerned citizens, Social service agencies, First responders, Faith-based organizations
What will you learn? Recognize the warning signs of suicidal thoughts and behaviors; Ask direct or less direct questions to someone having suicidal thoughts; Practice active listening; Persuade someone to go for help; Refer someone to appropriate help