2025 Friday Lectures

The complexities and variations of tea can all be attributed to the individual plant species, Camellia sinensis. With a focus on true tea, Karen Donnelly, Tea & Herbal Association of Canada Certified Tea Sommelier and owner of Greenhalgh Tea will walk you through how one plant produces six major tea types - white, green, yellow, oolong, black, & pu’erh. Karen will discuss production styles, explore history, and steeping methods. Learn about the latest studies on caffeine - myths and facts - health benefits, and the difference between tea and its cousin, tisanes (herbals).

Capturing the quiet pleasures of tea has been the theme in numerous paintings around the world. Throughout the ages, tea has played an important role with painters and artists, who have been captivated by the serene and peaceful ritual of drinking tea, drawing their inspiration from the aesthetics of the tea culture. Painters have seen tea as a part of the daily lives of people, enough to depict them in paintings; portraying tea scenes, and capturing the play of light and the shared moments over a cup of tea. From serene still life compositions to lively scenes of social gatherings, the depiction of tea in art reflects not only cultural practices but also the deeper themes of leisure, hospitality and contemplation. Join us for this “mini museum” tour, as we go from one gallery to the next, viewing the artistic representations of tea in various works of art across different periods and styles. Instructor Judi Slack  is a passionate tea devotee from Cleveland. With a lifetime of interest in tea, coupled with various certificates achieved at the World Tea Academy, and the enthusiasm to share her knowledge, this informative session promises to be an interesting journey through art.

The world of black, green, and white teas is easily complemented with a colorful array of herbal teas (tisanes). Discover the broad spectrum of teas and lesser known tisanes during this informative presentation showcasing the vivid range of teas and herbs from red, orange, yellow, green, blue and beyond. In addition, learn about alternative options to addressing caffeine level concerns. DonnaLee Yeatts, Certified Tea Specialist from the World Tea Academy will guide you to finding the rainbow in your cup of tea.

During this presentation, discover the cultural importance of the samovar. A symbol of hospitality, the stately samovar is traditionally associated with tea in Russia. Families and friends gathered around the samovar, visiting and drinking tea. Not only utilitarian, samovars were also status symbols and the centerpiece of family and social gatherings. Discover the history of these beautiful works of art, mostly made of brass, copper and silver, many with elaborate designs and unique engravings. This ornate tea apparatus is still made and sold today, as well as available via the antique market. We are pleased to welcome Teresa Weddelman, Certified Tea Sommelier from the World Tea Academy and Certified Tea Specialist from the UK Tea Academy for this discourse on the Russian samovar. 

Why Tea was a Catalyst for the Revolutionary War! Join us for an interactive and educational event where we dive into the history of tea in colonial America and its role in sparking the Revolutionary War. Discover how something as simple as a cup of tea could ignite such a significant historical event. Initiated in 1773, the tea protests in Boston led up to the Revolutionary War, and continued into 1774 when several NJ tea protests occurred. The war started in 1775, 250 years ago. Journey along with history and tea as we commemorate the beginning of our country's independence from the Crown. Certified Tea Specialist Mike Raab of Tea-for-All in Trenton, NJ will guide you on this discovery into our nation's past and the integral part tea played.