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.

Author, Maureen McKane will discuss her book, Walters Way: Coach, His Runners, and His Race. It is the intimate biography of Wilbert Walters, who followed the Great Migration North from New Orleans 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.

Tour the home of the Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry and Clothes Closet. The tour of the building and operations is 60 minutes with a 30 minute minute video presentation before the tour. These are amazing people who have brought a wonderful organization to people needing a bit of help. It's a story that's a long time coming to what it is today. Director Eileen Pasero will be our host. Activity Level: On Your Feet     LOCATION: 916 First Street, Batavia, Il. 27 parking spaces in the lot plus street parking.

Co-facilitator: Lynn Diviak

Participants will discuss the mental benefit derived from facilitating an LLI class. They will look at games for improving mental acuity and other ways of maintaining memory. Participants will take away skills they can use at home for improving their memory.

Breath is a vital part of our life, but we often overlook its importance. When we pay attention to the breath, it can be a significant tool aiding healthy overall wellbeing. In this class we will explore seated breath and gentle movement exercises from a variety of backgrounds. Dress comfortably. Optional - Bring a lumbar pillow for back support.

Do you look in the mirror every morning and say, "Wow! You look great?" We spend our lives and our money making serious efforts to look better. Walt Whitman (who cared little about his public appearance} had the right idea. It's not what's on the "outside;" it's what's on the inside. "The Body Electric" is an opportunity for us to practice discovering the "inside job" that deserves celebration. This program is for people who already look good on the inside. That's what a lifelong learner is: Learning energizes, encourages smiles and helps with all-around good feelings. Using the first two verses of this poem (found on-line or in the library) together, we will discover and uncover what Whitman has to teach us 125 years later.

Leaves of Grass, verses 1 & 2. By Walt Whitman (REQUIRED)