Facilitator: Carl Hays

Peggy Noonan wrote Ronald Reagan's speeches. Her new book is a celebration of what America has been, is, and what it can be. For 25 years she has been thinking aloud about America in her column. You do not have to agree with her all the time to admire her writing.

Book: A Certain Idea of America: Selected Writings by Peggy Noonan - NOT REQUIRED

Co-facilitator: Jerre Henriksen

James Loewen wrote Lies My Teacher Told Me to examine how misinformation about history is used as a weapon against us. We will explore how and why this happens and consider the climate around teaching history in the past and today. Our author insists that simplified history prevents us from learning critical thinking skills and exploring complex human behavior. Like on Facebook, a picture of our history reflecting a great nation always and only getting better is to deny the rich tapestry of our American experience with all its complexity and humanity. We progress through honest evaluation, not by denying reality. Let’s do that. The U.S. Naval Academy just banned this book. 

Lies My Teacher Told Me by James Loewen REQUIRED

The three acceptable book editions are: Original adult level (362 dense pages), Young readers edition (I.E. High School) with some photos (245 pages), or Graphic novel adaptation comic book style (262 illustrated pages)

Co-faciliators: Karen Christensen and Donna Sue Blankenship

An understanding of the world's wisdom traditions can be an invaluable tool as we navigate through life. This course presents a thoughtful and engaging exploration of world religions: their histories, beliefs, practices, and unique aspects. Various spiritual and philosophical perspectives will be discussed. Participants will gain a greater appreciation of how global cultures and religious traditions play an important role in our contemporary lives.

Required book: The Great Faiths Explored and Explained by John Bowker; ISBN 978-0-7440-3475-2 

Co-organizer: Mary Hauge

As a follow up to the LLI class, "Our Potawatomi Neighbors", participants will enjoy a 30 minute pontoon boat ride on Shabbona Lake followed by lunch at the lakeside restaurant. Come and see the land of Chief Shabbona and our Potawatomi neighbors, who recently re-aquired the park. Before the boat ride, you will choose a lunch entree and drink from a selection of choices. After the boat ride, your order will be ready for pick up. Event will run rain or shine with plenty of parking close to the dock and restaurant. - 10:30 arrival to put in food orders for lunch. Cost: $47 which includes boat ride and lunch. Activity level: On Your Feet

Reservation Deadline: September 10, 2025

The epic journey of Tiger Woods has been recreated throughout the centuries. From King David in Scripture to Martha Stewart, we can witness the seeds of self-destruction in the unfolding of the success of these once "heroes." Great icons were celebrated, even revered by many…and then, and then. Fallen from grace they were reviled, judged and shamed. Machiavelli forewarned us 200 years ago; "Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely." But wait! There’s more. By some mysterious grace, fortune or mistake, the journey becomes a celebration. As life-long learners, together we will explore history and remember others who have been on similar epic journeys. What lessons can we learn from the past? Is it possible to forecast the future?

Five architects will be explored for the homes and other buildings they designed in early Aurora.  Several interior and exterior photographs will be shown from each architect.  Details on both the architects and the homes will be discussed.

Co-organizer: Mary Hauge

Repeat of Outing listing for Sept. 22

As a follow up to the LLI class, "Our Potawatomi Neighbors", participants will enjoy a 30 minute pontoon boat ride on Shabbona Lake followed by lunch at the lakeside restaurant. Come and see the land of Chief Shabbona and our Potawatomi neighbors, who recently re-aquired the park. Before the boat ride, you will choose a lunch entree and drink from a selection of choices. After the boat ride, your order will be ready for pick up. Event will run rain or shine with plenty of parking close to the dock and restaurant. - 10:30 arrival to put in food orders for lunch. Cost: $47 which includes boat ride and lunch. Activity level: On Your Feet

Reservation Deadline: September 10, 2025

Co-organizer: Evelyn Porter

Registration Deadline: August 22, 2025

Join your fellow LLI members for an afternoon of theatre and learn more about the events of 9/11 outside ground zero. This musical at the Paramount Theatre in Aurora portrays the lives of passengers rerouted from the United States airspace to Newfoundland while the attacks occurred. During that historic time, 38 airplanes carrying 6,579 people from 100 countries spent days in the small town of Gander. This is a moving show that will remind us of the kindness of strangers. 

Please meet outside the Paramount at 1:00 on the day of the performance, Oct. 1, 2025, to pick up your ticket(s) from Carolyn Hopkins (630) 212-8211. 

Parking available on the street, in the Stolp Island Parking Garage ($3-$4), or Valet parking ($17-$22)

Doors open 1:00, Show starts 1:30. Activity level-Easy Going