One class per month, on a Thursday.  Follow dates before each book title.

Read a book per month and join in lively discussion with your peers. (The second Thursday of each month).  All books are required.

Sept. 10 - Finding Dorothy by Elizabeth Letts

Oct. 8 - A Brilliant Night of Stars and Ice by Rebecca Connolly

Nov. 12 - Maria by Michelle Moran

Dec. 10 - The Heart of It's a Wonderful Life by Jimmy Hawkins

Has the degradation of the Earth been worth it? We will look at six different raw materials that have altered civilization throughout history from the stories of how they were first discovered to the environmental impact their production has had on the Earth.

Book:  Material World, The Six Raw Materials That Shape Modern Civilization by Ed Conway (Required)

Most of us know the American side of the Revolutionary War i.e. "taxation without representation", but what historical events shaped the English, the Colonies and the rest of Europe that led to the breach and war? How did the evolution of the English Monarchy affect the government of the colonies? How did the colonies reach a point where they thought they could take on the most powerful country in the world? Why did other European countries (most notably France and Spain) support the revolution? That support eventually would come back to haunt them. Why did the British suddenly start to tax the colonies and why did the colonist object to it so strongly?

Co-facilitator:  Susan Foody

Join award winning pastel artist Carol Zack in a pastel painting tutorial for beginners. The artist will give step by step instruction to complete a piece worthy of framing. We have collaborated with the highly regarded Fineline Creative Arts Center in St. Charles in order to offer this outing to LLI members.

You will leave with a finished piece of art and the knowledge to continue painting on your own. All materials are included in the fee. Activity Level: Easy Going

Is poetry, which has some reputation for being incomprehensible or even deliberately obscure, worth the trouble? If you have never read a poem that has deeply moved you or, as Emily Dickinson described it, "make you feel as if the top of your head is coming off," you may not really have experienced poetry. Poetry challenges us because it uses language differently than prose and strives to recreate experiences and emotions. Learn some tactics for decoding poetry and, hopefully walk away with at least one that literally sends chills up your spine. We will read a variety of poems from a variety of eras and traditions. Although this is a continuing class, no prior class is required.

Co-facilitator:  Carl Hays

NASA's renewed lunar missions reignite debate about humanity's next giant leap. Supporters argue that living on Mars could expand scientific discovery and ensure our long term survival. Critics warn of extreme risks, high costs and ethical concerns. As we return to the moon, the question grows sharper: should Mars become humanity's next home or remain a distant dream?

Co-facilitator:  Carolyn Hopkins

The US POINTER study led by the Alzheimer's Association showed that a structured healthy lifestyle program combining exercise, healthy diet, cognitive engagement and health monitoring can protect cognitive function. This presentation will explain how brain health is important now and across our lifetimes, help us recognize actions that can help protect our brain health, and assist us in making plans to build brain-healthy habits.

Speaker:  Hadi Finerty (Alzheimer's Association IL Chapter)

Co-facilitator:  Ann Hastert

This is a private tour of the Sam & Ruth Ford house at 404 S Edgelawn Drive. This amazing home, often called the Coal or Round house, was built in 1949. The tour will include a personal fascinating narrative from the current owner, Sid Robinson, on his 40 years living there including stories about the original owners, the architect Bruce Goff and the builder Don Tosi. The home is both old & modern. It is a work of art that once inside feels livable and cozy. This is an amazing chance to visit this unique home. 9:30AM - 11:30AM Activity Level: Easy Going