Co-Organizer: Susan Foody

Discover the basics of electrical circuits-no experience required! In this fun hands-on workshop, you"ll learn how electricity flows by building your own light-up greeting card using copper tape, a coin cell battery, and a tiny LED light. Along the way, you'll explore how simple circuits work while designing a personalized card to take home or give as a gift. Perfect for curious adults who enjoy crafting, tinkering or trying something new!

Registraton Deadline 1/28/2026 Activity level: Easy Going

Fun with chocolate! Discover how to truly savor chocolate. Learn the history and health benefits of chocolate and test your knowledge with chocolate trivia. And, oh yes,...tasting!

This introductory class on transgender experiences and issues covers basic topics across three classes of an hour each, with plenty of time for discussion and interaction. The course is written and presented by trans folks, and covers gender experiences and how we talk about them these days, how being gay relates to being trans, gender nonconforming and non-binary experiences, they/them pronouns and neopronouns, and how to help trans people, both in one’s life and systemically. No prior knowledge necessary. Each class will build on prior discussion.

This same course will be repeated later in the semester.

Travel back to 1777 Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where the Marquis de Lafayette is recuperating from injuries he sustained at the Battle of Brandywine as a major general helping the Continental army fight the Revolutionary War. We will study the culture, history, and traditions of this time in our country as we discuss The Bookmark by Anne Supsic. Each member of the class will have the opportunity to share a book they've read by giving a ten-minute presentation to the class.

REQUIRED BOOK: The Bookmark by Anne Supsic

They say if you don’t like the weather in Illinois, wait 10 minutes and it will change. Similar to its volatile weather, Illinois has experienced vast geological change - albeit on a scale of millions of years! Geologic evolution continues today, but at a very slow pace. Naturalist Lisa O’Brien will explain the changes Illinois has undergone, much of which has created our bedrock and soils. She will highlight the state's current glacial topography and ecosystems and describe forest preserves where you can experience our geological phenomena up close.

Co-Facilitator: Karen Christensen

Discover the extraordinary life and legacy of Scottish scientist Mary Somerville (1780-1872). One of the most influential minds of her era, she was often referred to as "The Queen of Science." Somerville defied societal expectations to become a well-respected figure within the British scientific community. Course participants will gain insight as to how her groundbreaking achievements in math, astronomy, geography, science, and social justice inspired future generations and why her legacy and courage remain relevant today.

Dr. Roger G. Johnston, our guest presenter, has conducted extensive research and development in applied physics. In addition to work at both Los Alamos and Argonne National Laboratories, he holds multiple patents and has received numerous awards. He has lectured in ten countries, and teaches at WCC, North Central College, Aurora University, and Lewis University.

Discover the folk tales and mythologies from around the world that explore the themes of the Wild Woman archetype, the forces that stand in the way of female self-awareness, and the necessary growth cycles of life, death and rebirth. Author Clarissa Pinkola Estes, a Jungian psychoanalyst, theorized that the woman and the wolf share a primordial bond. She attempts to realign the psyche of her female patients with the creative, instinctual, passionate and fierce aspects of their own natures embodied in the female archetype. We will explore stories about Vasalisa and Baba Yaga, LaLoba, Bluebeard, St. Lucia, La Llorona, The Little Match Girl, Baubo, The Crescent Moon Bear, the Woman With Hair of Gold, The Ugly Duckling and more! Everyone welcome...join our discussion!

This class will cover Chapters One through Six in the book.

Guest Speaker: Laura Meredith, Waubonsee Instructor of Psychology

Required Book: Women Who Run With The Wolves By Clarissa Pinkola Estes

Co-Facilitator: Kim Carew

Participants will explore the fascinating world of seeds and their profound impact on our planet in this engaging course based on Nancy F. Castaldo's, The Story of Seeds. Through a combination of readings, discussions with the author, and hands-on-activities, together we will gain a deeper understanding of the role seeds play in biodiversity, food security, and environmental sustainability. Join us on a journey to uncover the secretes of seeds and their vital importance in our world.

REQUIRED BOOK: The Story of Seeds by Nancy F. Castaldo