Barbara Bloom, founder of MALT, has also been a teacher and has been active on the Mt. Airy Schools Committee. And she has been a reporter for local papers, focusing mostly on education.

by Erin Mooney

When the Mt. Airy Learning Tree (MALT) was founded in 1981, the community education program offered just 17 courses and enrolled 125 students. Founded by Barbara Bloom, who lived in Mt. Airy at the time, MALT was designed to create affordable community education that would bring diverse residents together around common interests.

From tai chi to tax preparation, MALT has brought new skills to thousands of people in over three decades. Among the first class offerings were “Introduction to Personal Computing,” “Electronic Games,” “Railroads and Mt. Airy” and “Women as Super-Heroes in the Comics.”

Bloom, who now lives in Chestnut Hill, says the name of the organization came from the best-selling autobiographical novel, “The Learning Tree,” by famed photographer, composer and filmmaker, Gordon Parks.

“We had the idea that we all could learn from each other, and in doing that, our community would benefit,” Bloom said.  “The Mt. Airy Learning Tree has long surpassed that goal.”

(Ed. Note: Unlike some other programs that developed in Mt. Airy, the notion of an adult education network did not originate here. Bloom had heard of such programs while living for a time in Colorado in the late 1970s. She was inspired there by the Free University for Man, one of a number of adult education programs that were part of the Learning Resources Network. Upon returning to Mt. Airy, Barbara was determined to start a similar program here.)

Now, 35 years later, the current spring catalog is 75 pages long and offers 240 classes in over 60 locations. In 2016, MALT will provide 725 classes to 5,000 participants in 158 zip codes in and around northwest Philadelphia.

MALT has always been a place where people can explore a wide range of topics. From frivolous to serious, the classes at MALT are varied. This spring, MALT is offering several new classes including “Islam in the 21st Century,” “Balloon Sculpting,” “Party Sushi,” “Sexy Bachata, Bees and Beekeeping” and “Family Outdoor Adventure.”

“MALT is an organization that brings together all that is positive in life,” said executive director Judy Weinstein. “Teachers who are eager to share their skills and students who are excited about learning new things. As our world becomes more divided, MALT brings diverse people together around common interests. In 35 years, the Mt. Airy Learning Tree has helped 100,000 people expand their understanding of hundreds of topics. We’re proud to have been the conduit for learning for so many people throughout the community.”

MALT classes have indeed changed many lives over the years. Marianne Roche, 67, of Oreland, was approaching retirement age after working with people with disabilities. She began a quest to expand her interests. Through MALT, she began to explore holistic practices.

Thanks to her introduction through MALT, she has become certified in acupressure, reiki and reflexology and has been able to use her new skills with her current clients. “MALT has changed my life, and I am forever grateful,” Roche said.

Allyson Bennett, of Elkins Park, took MALT’s rowing class on the Schuylkill River many years ago and conquered her fear of being in the open water. Since then, she has completed 17 triathlons in rivers, bays and oceans. “Taking the rowing class at MALT led me to places I never would have imagined,” Bennett said.

MALT is planning a 35th anniversary celebration on Sunday, Sept. 25, at the Chestnut Hill Friends Meeting House from 3 to 5 p.m.

For more information about MALT classes, call 215-843-6333, visit www.mtairylearningtree.org or visit MALT on Facebook.