Co-Organizer: Ann Hastert

Have you ever wondered about the uniquely built fascinating Coal House aka Pumpkin House aka Round House at 404 S Edgelawn Drive, Aurora? This is your chance for the long awaited fantasy inside tour thanks to the generosity of Sid Robinson, current owner. The Albert “Sam” and Ruth Van Sickle Ford home was beautifully designed using local and organic materials in 1949 by imaginative architect Bruce Goff. The house is always the focus of much local attention and wonder, and was recently designated as a National Historic Landmark. The tour by Mr Robinson will be about 1 1/2 hrs. LIMITED attendance allowed.

This same tour wil be repeated in the afternoon.

Registration deadline: April 14, 2026 Activity Level: On Your Feet

Co-Organizer: Ann Hastert

Have you ever wondered about the uniquely built fascinating Coal House aka Pumpkin House aka Round House at 404 S Edgelawn Drive, Aurora? This is your chance for the long awaited fantasy inside tour thanks to the generosity of Sid Robinson, current owner. The Albert “Sam” and Ruth Van Sickle Ford home was beautifully designed using local and organic materials in 1949 by imaginative architect Bruce Goff. The house is always the focus of much local attention and wonder, and was recently designated as a National Historic Landmark. The tour by Mr Robinson will be about 1 1/2 hrs. LIMITED attendance allowed.

This tour is a REPEAT of the morning tour.

Registration deadline: April 14, 2026 Activity Level: On Your Feet

This is a hands-on, creatively messy, and fun class. Participants will combine nature printing, direct painting, and drawing to create unique works of art that interpret the beauty of nature. Basic art materials will be supplied, but feel free to bring your own if you prefer.

This is a REPEAT of a previous class.

Facilitator: Carl Hays

Free speech is a human right. Free thought is the essence of being human. America was founded on free speech. The First Amendment of The Constitution is the greatest commitment to free speech in history, yet many oppose it.

BOOK NOT REQUIRED: The Indispensable Right: Free Speech In An Age of Rage by Jonathon Turley

Co-Facilitator: Jo Ann Gryder

Join us as we read the play Arsenic and Old Lace , a play written in 1939 by American playwright Joseph Kesselring. It has become best known through the 1944 film adaptation starring Cary Grant and directed by Frank Capra. The play is a farcical dark comedy revolving around the Brewster family, who were descended from Mayflower settlers. Arsenic and Old Lace has also had many revivals and television productions over the years.

Scripts by Joseph Kessiring shall be provided. 

Co-organizer: Carolyn Hopkins

Join us for a guided walking tour that covers the history and significance of the paintings, sculptures, and installations that sprinkle the Aurora University campus. We will begin at the Schingoethe Center Museum. Registration deadline 4/15/2026 Activity Level: Keep the Pace

Co-Orgainzer: Carolyn Hopkins

This exhibit at the Schingoethe Center Museum on the Aurora University Campus proposes a historical view of the iconic Pilsen neighborhood in Chicago through the account of print exhibitions and printmakers' activities along with the social and political conditions that brought in waves of migrants. It is a rare look back at a community over the last century, highlighting its mural achievements and the social and political struggles residents faced in building the neighborhood’s resilient social fabric.

Registration deadline 5/1/2026 Activity Level: easy going

Co-Organizer: Susan Foody

Ready to get your hands wet (and maybe a little windy)? In this fast-paced, hands-on workshop, learners explore two of the most powerful weather forces on earth: tornadoes and floods. Build your own tornado model using simple materials and see what makes twisters spin. Then, put your engineering skills to the test by creating barriers to protect a miniature town from rising floodwaters. You'll walk away with a better understanding of storm science and how to protect yourself when nature gets extreme.

Registration Deadline 4/29/26 Activity Level: easy going