Wednesday, March 3, 2010 -. "Halley's Comet 25 years out -- 50 to go. A Retrospective" (A historical perspective -- not an astronomy lecture). 7:30 p.m.

It has been 25 years since Joe Laufer was the center of much of the hype surrounding the 30 th recorded return of Halley’s Comet. He lectured about it, published a “Comet Watch” Newsletter, travelled the world to promote it and see it, and he appeared on Television to discuss it. In celebration of the 25 years since its last appearance, Joe will take us back to all the hype and the scientific breakthroughs of the last visit from this most famous of all comets, and introduce the next generation of comet viewers to Halley’s next return to earth, 50 years from now. He will share his personal story of how was able to position himself in the center of the Halley’s Comet hype from 1982 through 1986 and become known as one of the foremost authorities on Halley’s Comet. This illustrated lecture will include pictures of Halley’s Comet taken in 1986 by amateur comet viewers and photographers as well as of events, celebrations and souvenirs associated with “Halley’s Comet Fever.” This is not so much an astronomy talk as it is a historical overview. For more information on the 1985-86 return of Halley's Comet, Click here.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010 - "Passport to Burlington County: 20 places to visit in your own back yard." 7:30 p.m.

Several years ago, the Burlington County Office of Cultural Affairs and tourism introduced a project called “In Your Backyard!” and issued a “Passport to Burlington County” to encourage residents to visit the many historical sites located throughout the County. Joe has taken his camera along the passport route and created this illustrated lecture to profile each of these sites and to inspire others to visit as many of them as possible in the quest for a greater appreciation of the rich history of their neighborhoods. The list includes 10 museums, several historic buildings, villages, parks and communities. Everyone attending will receive their own passport to encourage them to go on their own historical quest. Click here for Passport

Wednesday, May 5, 2010- "Showcasing Burlington County's Unique Stained Glass Treasures" A preview of the 2010 “New Views Bus Tour” scheduled for May 15, 2010. 7:30 p.m.

Each year under the auspices of the Burlington County Office of Cultural Affairs and Tourism, we celebrate national preservation month with a themed Bus Tour. This year’s May 15 th tour will showcase some of the most representative and distinctive stained glass located throughout Burlington County at seven venues. This lecture is a “virtual” rendition of the tour of these sites: the Tiffany rose window of Christ Episcopal Church, Riverton; the windows of the Chapel of St. Mary at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Beverly, consisting of beautifully crafted images of flora and fauna in an array of the most vibrant colors; the windows of the Chatsworth United Methodist Churchin Woodland Township, crafted by Mr. Gedi Gudauskis in 1984 displaying images of the flora and fauna of the New Jersey Pinelands; the Roman Catholic Church of the Holy Eucharist, Tabernacle with its ultra modern stained glass windows integrated throughout the structure and centering on the theological themes of celebration, worship and the Sacraments of the Catholic Church; the Masonic Home Chapel, Burlington Township, with J. Kenneth Leap’s breathtaking 10 x 15-foot altar window and the side windows in the chapel; Church of the Assumption, Monmouth Road, Wrightstown, a modern structure, but its windows are classic 19 th century “Munich Style” fabricated by the famous Zettler Stained Glass studios, salvaged from St. Aloyisius Church in Gray’s Ferry, Philadelphia; and Dobbins Memorial United Methodist Church, Delanco. The two premier windows, “Announcement of the Birth of Christ” and “Resurrection Morn” were fabricated by the William Reith Stained Glass Company of Philadelphia, PA. Click here for Info on Stained Glass Tour