Co-facilitator: Roger Breisch

(Repeat from spring) Explore the various types of experiences which provoke us emotionally, are mysterious, and difficult to put into words. Experiences that cause us to wonder, and remind us that life is expansive. They hold promise that the passing of years notwithstanding, there is always a "child within", and a possibility of being ever young. We will meet for five sessions. The first session will be dedicated to an overview of the discussion process, and to get acquainted. Each of the following four sessions will be dedicated to exploring two categories of the Wonders of Life. Participants will be encouraged to bring personal stories and examples to show and share the experiences that delight them, and provoke wonder.

Book: AWE The new Science of Everyday Wonder by Dacher Keltner NOT REQUIRED

Co-organizer: Susan Foody

Participants discover how sound travels differently in water than in air - a concept that's crucial in marine science. Crucial especially when studying animals like whales and dolphins or using underwater technology like sonar.

Location: SciTech in Batavia

Mary Hansen, a local healthcare and Medicare consultant, will present a lively discussion on how Medicare and Long-Term Care can work for you. Does one size fit all? What's covered, and what isn't? Do I have to enroll in Medicare when I turn 65? What if I am already on Medicare? It seems like there are a lot of rules. How do I know which ones are important? I'm not healthy, do I need to be worried? Long-term care has evolved over the years. How do I find a plan that works for me? Upcoming changes to Medicare and what steps to take during Annual Open Enrollment will also be covered.

Facilitator: Carl Hays

Participants will view and discuss Ken Burns' video of Leonardo da Vinci's soaring imagination. He created the most revered art works and real world inventions. Was da Vinci one of humankind's most curious and innovative minds?

Co-organizer: Betty Williams

Join us as we tour two of Rockford's premier attractions: The Anderson Japanese Gardens and Frank Lloyd Wright's Laurent house. The Anderson Gardens feature winding pathways, meandering streams, koi-filled ponds and plunging waterfalls. The Laurent House was the only home Frank Lloyd Wright built for a person with disabilities. He called it "my little gem" and it was one of his favorite projects.  Cost: $110. Lunch, admissions, motorcoach and driver gratuity is included. 

Enter at the north entrance of the Waubonsee Community College Sugar Grove campus and head towards the red door on the Field House where you can park and meet our bus. Activity Level-On Your Feet  (Registration Deadline 9-23-25)

Throughout Aurora’s history, certain fires have left an indelible mark on the community—blazes so massive and devastating that they became stories passed down through generations. Burned Into Memory explores the city’s most infamous infernos, from the destruction of the Stolp Woolen Mill to the Cottonmill Fire, the tragic Woolworth Fire, and many more. Through historical accounts, photographs, and firsthand recollections, this presentation delves into the impact these fires had on Aurora’s landscape, its people, and the lessons learned from each disaster. Presented by Tracy Duran, Board Vice President of the Aurora Regional Fire Museum.

Location: Aurora Regional Fire Museum, second floor.

Activity Level - On your feet

Co-organizer: Carolyn Hopkins

Participants will tour the exhibit "Eye to Eye" which will feature the work of over 30 different artists. Once a rare luxury, good portraits are now part of our everyday existence. What are the stories the artists tell when they capture one's likeness? A second exhibit, "Pokagon Potawatomi Black Ash Baskets: Our Storytellers" explores the artistry, tradition, and importance of basketmaking among the Pokagon band of the Potawatomi people. Activity Level - On your feet

Session 1 (Please register for just one session)

Co-organizer: Carolyn Hopkins

Participants will tour the exhibit "Eye to Eye" which will feature the work of over 30 different artists. Once a rare luxury, good portraits are now part of our everyday existence. What are the stories the artists tell when they capture one's likeness? A second exhibit, "Pokagon Potawatomi Black Ash Baskets: Our Storytellers" explores the artistry, tradition, and importance of basketmaking among the Pokagon band of the Potawatomi people. Activity Level - On your feet

Session 2 - (Please register for just one session)