History will be viewed through the eyes of three photographers: Social Reformer Jacob Riis (1849-1914); WWII Correspondant, Ernie Pyle (1909-1945); and Presidential Diarist Pete Souza (1954-present). Their photographs bring history alive. How are they revelant today? What old lessons will forever remain new? We will explore these questions together and make our own "iconic photographs" through the magic of memory and imagination.

Herbs are a healthy way to introduce new flavors into your diet, new fragrances into your home and add texture to your garden. This course will discuss growing, collecting and preserving techniques for all kinds of herbs and offer suggestions for using herbs in cooking. This is a University of Illinois class presented by a Kane County Master Gardener.

The Scarlet Letter (published in 1850) features these vivid lines: “They were, doubtless, good men, just and sage. But out of the whole human family, it would not have been easy to select the same number of wise and virtuous persons, who should be less capable of sitting in judgement of an erring woman’s heart, and disentangling its mesh of good and evil, than the sages, of ridged aspect, towards whom Hester Pyrnne her face.” How could a book almost 175 years old speak so presciently about modern events? Participants will read and discuss The Scarlet Letter in the context of its own time and discover what insights it might offer about the relationship of modern society and its own “scarlet women.”

Required Book: The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne

Co-organizer: Betty Williams

Join us as we journey on motor coach to the Halim Time and Stained Glass Museum in Evanston which boasts over 1000 time pieces and over 70 stained glass pieces. One Egyptian immigrant man and his family brought their personally curated collection under this one roof. Next we will travel to the Baha'i House of Worship for North America, also known as the Baha'i Temple in Wilmette. We will enjoy a talk about the architecture, the religion, and view the nine gardens. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant.

Registration deadline March 10, 2025

Meet at the north end of the parking lot of Aurora Home Depot, 1250 N. Orchard Road, Aurora, IL 

In the first 2 sessions on Zoom, the participants will be presented with the basics of how nuclear power works. They will be given a basic history of nuclear power plants and the various adaptations of nuclear power plants that have occurred over time. In the 3rd session in person, the participants will debate the advisablity of nuclear energy as a power source.

Note: Session one and two will be on Zoom. Session three will be at the Batavia Library.

Co-facilitator: Ceil Carey

Join us as we read aloud the classic play, Our Hearts Were Young and Gay, adapted by Jean Kerr in 1964 from Cornelia Otis Skinner & Emily Kimbrough's book (1942). Get in character as we read the play about the escapades of the young ladies determined to prove how "cosmopolitan" they can be on an uproarious trip to Europe. It will provide insight into a very different time. Scripts shall be provided. As a tribute to Tryna Zeedyk who led several play readings for LLI, we ask that participants wear a hat to the sessions as she did for all LLI events.

The Northern Illinois Food Bank provides 250,000 meals a day though a network of pantries and feeding programs across 13 counties in Illinois. Join LLI as we tour the West Suburban Center in Geneva to learn how the Northern Illinois Food Bank was started in 1983 and what all it is doing today to bring people together to solve the problem of hunger. A tour of the facility will be provided along with an opportuntiy for the group to do a service project.

Participants will meet at the Northern Illinois Food  Bank, West Suburban Center, 273 Dearborn  Court, Geneva, IL 60134

Repeat of a previous class. Limited to 8 attendees.

A class of hands-on creative and messy fun! 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. 

Course Objective: To enhance a sense of wonder by experimenting with art depicting nature.