After taking a hiatus due to the pandemic, Mt. Airy Learning Tree is coming back strong this Fall with a course catalog filled with over 275 classes. Most of the classes will take place in-person, and 100 will be held online, or as we like to say, “from the comfort of your home.” The classes begin on Sept. 18 and run through the middle of December.

MALT’s classes range from A (Art) to Z (Zumba) with classes running from one-day workshops to eight sessions, and there’s something for everyone. Classes are held throughout the community in local churches, schools, businesses, homes or outdoors in the Wissahickon and at local points of interest.

“I've had an amazing 12 years as a MALT teacher. I’ve been able to share my passion for horses with over 400 MALT students!” says Misty Godfrey, one of our Fall term teachers. “The uncertainty of 2020 has really helped me realize how very important the 'community-level' of our society really is! People helping people and people teaching people. When you have to rely on your neighbors, that’s when these things really count! MALT is built on this very idea!! We all have something to contribute to each other, and it makes for stronger communities, cities and ultimately a better world!”

Online registration is available now! The printed catalog began arriving in mailboxes around Aug. 30. Visit www.mtairylearningtree.org to view classes and register.

There will also be a Welcome Back Celebration on Sunday, Sept. 19, 4 to 6 p.m. We invite the community to join us as we celebrate and welcome back our teachers and students. Enjoy music, dancing, teacher demos, delicious treats including cupcakes from the Frosted Fox Cake Shop and a ribbon-cutting at 4:30 p.m. to mark this joyful occasion.

Meet our teachers, learn about all of our Fall term classes, and sign up. Special guests include State Rep. Chris Rabb. There will be hula hoops and Caribbean dance, plus pony rides with MALT horseback riding instructor Misty Godfrey. We’ll have some MALT musicians on site, so be sure to bring your instrument, too! The Welcome Back Celebration will take place on the front lawn of Grace Epiphany Church, 224 East Gowen Ave.

MALT celebrates the diversity of Northwest Philadelphia, bringing together neighbors to share a wide variety of ideas, information and skills in informal learning environments. MALT operates as a community-based non-profit corporation, with a small part-time staff and volunteer board. We are committed to the value of life-long learning, contributing to the welfare of our community and providing a good deal of fun along the way.

MALT is following the Philadelphia Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control Covid-19 recommendations to ensure a healthy and safe learning environment.

Please visit our website at www.mtairylearningtree.org to view our classes, register and learn more about Mt. Airy Learning Tree, or call 215-843-6333. Or follow us on social media: @mtairylearningtree

Sarah Claxton is the Marketing Director of MALT.