Co-Facilitator: Karen Christensen

What is color? What are the various mechanisms for creating color in nature? How do we see and interpret color? Why does the same color look different in different lights and with different backgrounds? Course participants will explore the physics and psychology of color through mind-bending visual demonstrations and optical illusions. We will discover how our eyes and brains work together and how they can easily be tricked. Whether you are a science enthusiast, artist, nature lover, or someone who just loves color, this course will literally change the way in which you see the world.

Dr. Roger G. Johnston, our guest presenter, has conducted extensive research and development in applied physics. In addition to work at both Los Alamos and Argonne National Laboratories, he holds multiple patents and has received numerous awards. He has lectured in ten countries, and teaches at WCC, North Central College, Aurora University, and Lewis University.

Co-Facilitators: Karen Christensen and Donna Sue Blankenship

Poverty and homelessness are complex issues. In this course we will explore the root causes of poverty, how it has changed over the last several decades and current trends. We will also examine the effect that economic impact, housing shortages and food insecurity have on individuals, families and society. This course encourages compassionate understanding and critical thinking as we raise awareness of these hardships and discuss how individuals and communities can come together to make a real difference.

REQUIRED BOOK: $2.00 A Day: Living on Almost Nothing in America * ISBN 978-0-544-81195-9 by Kathryn J. Edin and H. Luke Shaefer 

Co-Facilitator: Jo Ann Gryder

Guest Presenter, Christine Hepinstall, will walk attendees through the basics of American Mah Jongg. One of the most interesting of board games, Mah Jongg can seem daunting. Join this class for beginners and learn from a seasoned player.

This same class series will be repeated in the afternoon.

A Beginners Guide to American Mah Jongg by Elaine Sandberg - available at libraries and online (not required but suggested)

Co-Faciliator: Jo Ann Gryder

Guest Presenter, Christine Hepinstall, will walk attendees through the basics of American Mah Jongg. One of the most interesting of board games, Mah Jongg can seem daunting. Join this class for beginners and learn from a seasoned player. This class series is a repeat of the morning classes.

A Beginners Guide to American Mah Jongg by Elaine Sandberg - available at libraries and online (not required but suggested)

Most people pay lip service to the idea that Shakespeare is the greatest writer of the English language. Does this theory hold up under scrutiny? In the first hour we will watch the first season of the highly acclaimed Canadian series “Slings and Arrows” which traces a fictional production of Hamlet by a repertory company. This series points out the tensions between presenting “sacred” classical theatre and building a commercially viable enterprise. It also highlights the difficulty in dealing with neurotic actors aging out of the starring roles of their youth. It deals with ghosts, madness and other human foibles. It offers perceptive insight into what makes Shakespeare relevant. In the second hour we will read, discuss, and analyze Hamlet and try to discover what the fuss is all about.

Bring your own copy of Hamlet. Any edition is acceptable

This introductory class on transgender experiences and issues covers basic topics across three classes of an hour each, with plenty of time for discussion and interaction. The course is written and presented by trans folks, and covers gender experiences and how we talk about them these days, how being gay relates to being trans, gender nonconforming and non-binary experiences, they/them pronouns and neopronouns, and how to help trans people, both in one’s life and systemically. No prior knowledge necessary. Each class will build on prior discussion.

This course is a repeat of a previous course this semester.

Co-Organizer: Susan Foody

Step into the world of crime scene investigation and discover the hidden science that helps solve real-life mysteries! In this hands-on workshop, you'll explore how forensic scientists use glowing materials like UV light, glow powders, and chemiluminescence to detect fingerprints, analyze evidence, and uncover clues invisible to the naked eye. Try your hand at dusting and lifting glowing fingerprints, experiment with glow sticks, and uncover secret features with blacklight tools. It's science, it's mystery, and it's just plain fun-no lab coat required!

Outing - Class will be held at SciTech, 336 McKee St., Batavia

Registration Deadline: 3/25/2026

Activity Level:easy going

Co-Facilitator: Ann Hastert

Tataki Zome, the art of pounding flowers, is an ancient Japanese art form that uses the flowers and leaves provided by nature to make beautifully inspired images on various mediums such as cloth or art papers. Using hammers, the natural dyes from the flowers and leaves transfer to the medium. The process is amazingly simple with lovely results. All supplies provided.

This class is a REPEAT of a previous class.