Co-facilitators: Andi Danis and Kent Hayward

Life is better lived for adults 50 and older with curiosity and companionship. Ongoing learning is a recognized indicator of healthy living; in addition, socialization is essential to all of us. LLI encourages both. Learn more about this consequential organization as we review the history of LLI at Waubonsee, the organizational structure, and the unique aspects of our local LLI found in our guiding documents.

Cofacilitator: Carl Hayes

Compassionate psychologist Michael Maniocci leads a class to explore changes in health, shifts in identity, loss of loved ones, and moments when hope feels distant. Ever-popular Dr. Maniocci will offer tools for understanding grief, building resilience, and reconnecting with meaning.

Waubonsee Community College librarian Nate Wagner will lead us in a discussion of the book There, There by Tommy Orange. Copies of this book can be found at local libraries and online at https://libbyapp.com with your library card.

There, There by Tommy Orange (REQUIRED)

The history of protests began before recorded time. There was always a fight: Conquer and Conquered. What's behind the scenario? Together, we will explore the notion of "Integrity versus Utility." Fights are won and lost over ideals and ideas. What is your current protest? What are the motives behind your reason or lack of it? Who and what are we fighting for or against? Our goal as life-long learners is to make intelligent decisions, based on intelligent investigation. Anchored in humor, mutual respect and curiosity, we can find new ways to learn and new ways to learn together. If memory is a "group sport", so is curiosity and humor. The course will not be a political arena to support or dispute the current administration. Our focus is on ideas and application.

Jenny Bergold will facilitate a class on sound healing. The focus will be on the mind and meditation, healing body through asana, and uplifting the spirit through inspiration. This will be a one hour session on vibrational sound healing. First a 10 minute explanation, 45 minutes playing instrumentals while participants relax in chairs or on the floor or mat. A short question session will complete the session. 

Co-facilitator: Carolyn Hopkins

This class is a repeat of a previous class on June 10.

Walters Way: Coach, His Runners, and His Race, is the intimate biography of Wilbert Walters, who followed the Great Migration North from New Orlean and founded Aurora Sundowners Track Club. His dream was to turn vulnerable black youth into proud women and men achieving their own potential. Coach Walters learned what it was like to be invisible in one world while his athletes were winning National Junior Olympic medals in another. His story holds up a mirror to 20th century Aurora history. Civil Rights on the national stage meant bombastic events and changes. Black Aurorans were working quietly to break down local systemic barriers while White Aurora prided itself on being free of racism. The book’s author will lead discussions on how we experience race relations. What has changed in Aurora and what has not?

Walters Way: A Coach, His Runners and His Race By Maureen McKane (REQUIRED) Book can be purchased at the Waubonsee Bookstore or your favorite bookstore. The book is also available at local libraries.

Co-organizer: Amy Stewart

Downtown Aurora was once the heart of entertainment, shopping, and everyday life. For many, this vivid memory still lives. A relaxed walking tour revisits former theaters, restaurants, hotels, and local businesses, along with pivotal moments such as historic fires, Aurora’s cultural ambitions and questionable cuisine. As we walk along Broadway, once dominated by streetcars and interurbans, we will take our time, pause at key locations, and invite participants to share their own stories and recollections. Along the way, we will highlight today’s downtown businesses and spaces, connecting the past to the present. Designed at a comfortable pace, this tour is as much about remembering together as it is about history. Please wear comfortable shoes and come prepared to reminisce. Tour will be led by local historian Tracy Duran. Meet at Aurora Historical Society, 20 E. Downer, Aurora.    Activity Level: LET'S GO.

This is a repeat of the June 17 tour.

Cofacilitator: Carl Hayes

How did humans go from roaming the land to building cities? Watch the video and join scientist Ella Al-Shamahi as she relates the story of civilization to life. She reveals how settling down sparked population growth, specialized work, governments, and written records that changed humanity.