ZOOM class.

Course participants will look at some of the research behind the study of plant communication, intelligence, consciousness and the role those processes play in maintaining our green planet. We will also look at the biases against the concept of plant intelligence and the challenges that plants must face moving forward.

Book: The Light Eaters, How the Unseen World of Plant Intelligence Offers a New Understanding of Life on Earth by Zoe Schlanger REQUIRED 

Who to believe? The local newspaper, the national news channel or our own personal intuition? Famed psychologist Erik Erickson (1902-1994) argued the first stage of psychological development (infancy to age one) is “Trust vs Mistrust.” Local newspapers are notoriously biased as are the warring national TV news channels, Fox News vs MSNBC. What is the best way to have white teeth? Who to believe? Veneers vs dental crowns vs the glowing promises of your favorite toothpaste? Advertisements fall into categories of veracity, hypocrisy, duplicity and fantasy. There is virtue in hope. There is comfort in “black and white” thinking. There is assurance in the promises of a trusted brand, person or procedure. “It always worked in the past.” As lifelong learners who do we believe? Why? Hard questions generate new ways to look at the decisions we make and in whom or what we trust. Together we can learn and move forward.

ACSM Certified Personal Trainer, Joni Grant, will explain how to "Age Like a Warrior" by understanding the battles and battlefields you will fight as you age. The first presentation will focus on the battlefield of self-directed ageism and how to get past beliefs which stop us from exercising. The focus of the second presentation will be the physical battles we fight as we age.

Book:Train To Age: Live Fully by Joni Grant (not required)

Co-facilitator: Ann Hastert

What do tea bag wrappers, Trader Joe grocery bags, old receipts and cancelled stamps have in common? They are all junk; items that would eventually land in our recycle bins. In this DIY world, Junk Journals have reached a niche in the crafting world using ephemera and mixed media and becoming ever more popular each day. Lisa Spencer, a crafting enthusiast with her own Facebook page: Lisa's Crafting Closet, goes live twice a week showcasing various creative projects. Come join us as she leads us to create our very own Junk Journal! (all supplies will be provided-you can bring any meaningful ephemera if you'd like to incorporate it into your journal)

Co-organizer: Susan Foody

Big idea: A pendulum is a simple but powerful tool in physics for studying motion, gravity, and energy transfer. In this hands-on activity, participants will build their own pendulums, experiment with variables like string length, weight, and observe the rhythmic beauty of periodic motion.

Location: SciTech in Batavia

Facilitator: Carl Hays

In a world of fake news, conspiracy theories, and post-truth, psychologist Steven Pinker helps us make sense of making sense. Join our discussion of Pinker's new book about rationality and hear him explain how our brain is not a basket of delusions and why being rational is essential but scarce.

Rationality: What It Is, Why It Seems Scarce, Why It Matters by Steven Pinker NOT REQUIRED

This course will be an overview of personality styles. Participants will learn about their strengths and blind spots. It will help participants to understand themselves and others, improve communication, and build stronger relationships. The course will be filled with laughter as participants learn through interactive exercises. A ten-minute assessment will be taken as part of the course.

ZOOM course.

Co-facilitator: Ann Hastert

Guest presenters Eric Krupa of the St. Charles History Museum and Zachary Bishop from the Schingoethe Center of Aurora University will lead us back in time as we journey into the hidden corridors of American history and the vital role Northern Illinois played in the fight for freedom. Participants in this class will learn about secret safe houses, coded messages, and the actual stories of courageous people who boldly fought to challenge the institution of slavery. This course offers a powerful perspective on resistance, resilience and the enduring struggle for justice.

No class on Thanksgiving, Thursday, Nov. 27