United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania, 7 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia

United Way of America will kick-off its Live United campaign with a National Day of Action. In our region, United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania will launch "Stuff the Bus!", an annual effort to pack buses with school supplies for children in homeless shelters and distribute them to more than 1,500 kids throughout the Delaware Valley. As a first step, volunteers will meet at the United Way building then distribute information throughout the city on how to donate to "Stuff the Bus" during the summer. If you are interested in participating, call Emily RosenBerg at (215) 665-2509.

Arch Street Meeting House, 4th and Arch Streets, Philadelphia, PA

In celebration of World Refugee Day 2008, the Nationalities Service Center will join with the Iraqi Refugee Advisory Committee to welcome Iraqi families living in Southeastern Pennsylvania and celebrate their culture. One in five Iraqis has been displaced from their homes, making it the largest refugee crisis in the Middle East since 1948. Learn more about their lives and the war first-hand, and the organizations that are helping them resettle. FREE.

Holy Redeemer Church, 915 Vine Street, Philadelphia

Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation (PCDC) will host its annual Quality of Life Fair, and you are invited. This community-based activity will feature adult and youth financial seminars. Representatives from more 15 businesses and community organizations will be present to answer questions and offer insight on ways to improve your everyday life! Refreshments. FREE. Contact: Wendy Lee, (215) 922-2156.

Shambala Center, 2030 Sansom Street, Philadelphia

Those who meditate find the practice relaxing and mind-clearing. It's a practice that can energize you, provide a fresh approach on life, and as the Shambhala Center espouses, help you "discover your inherent sanity, gentleness, and humor." The Center is offering a beginners session, from 9:15 am - 4:00 pm to develop understanding of the practice of meditation and how to integrate it into one’s life. Lunch is included. Cost is $35; $15 for seniors. Call (215) 568-6070 to register.

National Constitution Center 525 Arch Street, Independence Mall

Join journalist and historian Richard Brookhiser for a conversation about America’s first president. As the country now is in the throes of scutinizing the major party candidates to determine who should lead the nation, author Brookhiser argues in his book, George Washington on Leadership, that our first leader was this country's strongest -- and discusses how one man's struggles and successes over 200 years ago can be a model for leaders today. FREE. Reservations required. For more information, call (215) 409-6600.

Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia

Plan to hear Dr. Kathleen Hall Jamieson, University of Pennsylvania Professor and Director of its Annenberg Public Policy Center, offer a compelling analysis of the conservative media establishment, from talk radio to Fox News to the editorial page of the Wall Street Journal. In her new book, Echo Chamber: Rush Limbaugh and the Conservative Media Establishment, Jamieson tells the story of the growth of conservative media and how it has fundamentally changed American politics. FREE. No reservations. Contact: (215) 567-4341.

White Dog Cafe, 3420 Sansom Street, Philadelphia

Water trumps gasoline as our most precious fluid. Learn some simple steps you can take to conserve water resources and improve stormwater management in your home and community, and creatively reuse waste water. An expert discussion will be followed by a Q and A session where you can share your experiences about homewater conservation and reuse, and bring your questions to a roomful of answers. $40 includes presentation followed by 2-course dinner (including water!), tax and tip. Call White Dog Cafe at (215) 386-9224 to reserve space.

WHYY Technology Center, 150 N. 6th Street, Philadelphia

Meet author Gail Rentsch (pictured here) and Christine Millen, President of The Transition Network, the women behind the book Smart Women Don't Retire— They Break Free. Boomer women have been trailblazers throughout their professional lives. Now they are ready to do for retirement what they did for the working world — redefine it! Hear inspiring stories rich in practical advice on how to navigate through this complex stage of life and create exciting new opportunities. More info? Click here. Ready to register? Click here.

Indenhofen Barn, Evansburg Rd. and Skippack Pike, Skippack, PA

City folk will learn that barns don't have to be red! Discover the distinguishing characteristics of barns from the early 18th century through the early 20th century in southeastern Pennsylvania and the variety of methods being used to preserve these rural gems. Jeffrey Marshall will use his highly illustrated book, Barns of Bucks County, to explain the building techniques that created these castles in the fields. FREE. Call (610) 584-1166.

Morris Arboretum, 100 Northwestern Avenue, Philadelphia

Take a virtual trip around the world at the the Morris Arboretum in Chestnut Hill! The ever-popular Garden Railway features Architectural Wonders of the World with miniature replicas of the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal, Machu Picchu, the Eiffel Tower, and many more. With 92 acres of lush, colorful gardens, and a world class Rose Garden, the Arboretum, we think is close to being a Wonder of ther World itself. Visitors will find it hard to believe they haven’t left the city... and may think they've actually reached Nirvana! FREE. Admission: $10, Seniors, $8. Contact: (215) 247-5777.