REACH Speakers Bureau

Page through scripture to uncover the symbolic and practical significance of some of the plants mentioned in the Bible. From the Cedars of Lebanon to the mustard seed, experience plants that tell stories of faith and culture.

Tea is the worldss most popular beverage. Travel in time from the discovery of tea 5,000 years ago to the American innovation of iced tea, and see how the brew seeped into cultures around the world.

Chocolate does grow on trees! Discover Theobroma cacao and how its fruit is processed into the beloved confection. Follow the history of chocolate, from an exotic, spicy drink to the favorites that are magnets for kids (and adults) next to modern supermarket registers.

Nuts are a superfood carefully packaged by nature to be portable and durable. Sample nuts grown around the world, and trace their history from the hazelnuts that fed stone-age people to modern macadamia plantations in Hawaii.

The biology of the Americas and Afro-Eurasia evolved independently due to their geographic separation. European colonization of the Americas led to the transfer of plants and animals, as well as diseases, across the continents. Explore examples of the exchange and learn some startling consequences of the globalization of food.

Gain a deeper appreciation of the colorful strategies of plants in this tour of the botanical spectrum. Discover the pigments plants produce, and how these colorants create food, protect against stress, and aid plant reproduction. Learn to read the rainbow of vegetable nutrition. Unlock the secrets of the dramatic display of autumn color.

The dynamic world of animals is filled with color. Unravel the mechanisms animals use to produce color, and appreciate how hues are used in defense and mating. Enjoy the alluring spectrum offered by birds, butterflies, and fish as they thrive in their varied environments.

Color carries more than visual impact. Travel the world to discover how cultural context transforms simple pigments into powerful conveyors of heritage, status, spirituality, and emotion.

The daily rhythm of light and dark is such a familiar feature of our lives that we rarely stop to reflect upon it. Understand the astronomy of night, and how nocturnal plants and animals adapt to function in the dark. Follow human footsteps through darkness, from prehistoric religious practices to medieval curfews. End with a virtual visit to Lakeview Cemetery at midnight.

For millennia humans have attempted to push back the night. Observe the evolution of lighting, from campfires to oil lamps, and from the Edison bulb to LED smart lights. Consider issues that arise now that modern illumination has banished darkness.

Join me to learn about Kensington Palace, known for its long history and home to various British monarchs and members of the royal family. A complex featuring grand State Apartments and beautiful gardens. We then travel to Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century. The architecture reflects its nearly 1,000 years of history.

Scandal meets the spotlight- unpack Prince Andrew's downfall and the explosive departure of Harry and Meghan in this headline-making finale.

Let's talk about the royal mums and their distinctive parenting styles through the generations. We will discuss Queen Victoria, Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, Queen Elizabeth II, and the Princess of Wales: Diana and Catherine. What was and is expected at royal court spanning the Victoria era, the Edwardian Era, the Elizabethan era and the current Carolean era. A total of 26 children are born during this time.

Step into the complex and captivating world of King George III, one of Britain's most consequential monarchs. Please join me as we journey through the remarkable chapters of his long reign - witnessing the rise of the British Empire, and the seismic loss of the American colonies. Together, we'll explore the real figure behind the "Mad King" legend. Through this presentation, we'll uncover how the immense pressures of political upheaval, the weight of royal duty, and the evolution of medical understanding shaped not only his personal legacy but also the future of the British monarchy. Please join me for an engaging exploration of a monarch whose influence continues to spark fascination and debate.

Explore iconic real-life love stories from royalty and Hollywood - some enduring, others doomed. From Napoleon and Josephine to Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, and more. We'll also look at British royal romances, including William and Catherine, Princess Margaret, Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson, and Diana and Charles - where love, duty and scandal collide.

The tale of royalty begins in 1533 with the infamous marriage of Anne Boleyn and King Henry VIII. Their union, marked by intrigue and turmoil, has become one of history's most well-known love stories, setting the stage for centuries of fascination with royal relationships.

Turning to the powerful political and intellectual partnership of Abigail and John Adams, who married in 1764. Their union produced six children, including John Quincy Adams, who would later serve as President of the United States.

In 1945, Hollywood royalty Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall were married. Their iconic partnership was defined by their memorable film collaborations and their high-profile social life, which included close ties with the Rat Pack.

The 1960s brought memorable moments in romantic history. In 1968, Johnny Cash proposed to June Carter while on stage, an event that captured the hearts of fans everywhere. The following year, John Lennon controversially married Yoko Ono, marking another milestone in the world of legendary love stories.

This class introduces all the First Ladies with interesting facts about each. Each played a part in U.S. history. They are as different as each of the Presidents and often more interesting