“Isola” is historical fiction based on the true survival story of Marguerite de la Rocque, a 16th century French noblewoman who, orphaned at the age of three, is subject to the management of a guardian. A distant cousin, Roberval, is granted guardianship of Marguerite, her lands and her fortune. Roberval is a “speculator” who gradually squanders her estate on his various naval adventures. Commissioned in 1542 by the King of France to establish colonies in New France (Canada), Roberval brings Marguerite along. When they fall out over her infatuation with his young male secretary, he cruelly abandons Marguerite, her lover, and her nurse on a barren island in the Gulf of St Lawrence.

Required Reading.  Isola:  A Novel by Allegra Goodman

Co-facilitator:  Ann Hastert

Aurora, Illinois in 1929, the “Roaring Twenties” were hastily coming to a close and Prohibition was in full swing. An illegal liquor raid, an innocent young mother killed in her own home, victim of a shotgun blast delivered by an overzealous Kane County Sheriff’s Deputy. Her husband Joe lay on the floor, unconscious from a blow to the head by the same deputy. Their twelve-year-old son Gerald picked up a gun and defended his family and their home. Thirty-eight-years-old, Lillian DeKing was just one of the many victims in a Noble Experiment gone awry. Lillian was the first woman to die as the result of a Prohibition liquor raid. Join us as Katharine DeKing Johnson, Gerald DeKing’s daughter, tells Lillian’s story including personal anecdotes, facts learned through extensive research, highlighting questionable activity in the legal processes and investigation into Lillian’s death.

What comes first? Legal change, cultural change or hum-able songs? American musicals are ripe with messages of social justice. “America” from "West Side Story, " “Ole Man River” from "Show Boat," “You’ve got to be taught,” from “South Pacific” are only a few examples. In this closer examination of Musical Theater, we will look at some of our favorite Musicals and see how they have intersected with social issues that continue today: Racial discrimination, poverty, environmental injustice, inequitable health care and education, gender inequity and discrimination. The list is exhausting. Is it a coincidence that most of the composers and lyricists of these musicals are Jewish? Once more, we are faced with more questions than answers, and once more we will have the joy of that discovery together. Karaoke will be encouraged!

Co-facilitator:  Donna Monti

Emily Dickinson says, “Hope” is the thing with feathers …That perches in the soul … And sings the tune without the words.” This two-week class will engage in group discussions focused on what hope means to each of us - including exploring hopeful activities and the benefits of hope. A variety of short readings and self-directed activities will allow us to have meaningful conversations and articulate our concept of hope.

Co-facilitaator:  Evelyn Porter

Never took a physics class - or understood very little if you did? We can fix that! In a fast-paced class full of cool demos, we'll cover everything currently known about physics - and touch on some astronomy as well. Topics will include how science works, the physics of motion and fluids, electricity and magnetism, light, relativity, time travel, quantum mechanics, nuclear physics, black holes, the beginning and end of the universe - and how to throw a baseball!

No previous knowledge of science or poetry is required, nor are math skills. Come learn what a truly amazing, beautiful, and incredibly bizarre universe we live in.

Speaker:  Dr. Roger G. Johnston

Chemsitry is happening all around us- especially during the holiday season. Participants will explore exciting chemical reactions, mixtures, and changes in matter through engaging discussions and hands-on experiments. From fizzy reactions to winter-themed chemistry activities, this session highlights the science behind everyday transformation. Easy Going 

The Registration DEADLINE is 11/25/2026. (No Exceptions)