Co-Organizer: Susan Foody

Ever wonder what's really happening when ice melts, bread bakes, or fizzing bubbles rise in a glass? In this hands-on science class, you'll explore the fascinating world of chemical and physical changes using everyday materials. Conduct safe, simple experiments, observe surprising reactions, and learn how to tell whether change is temporary—or something totally new. No science background needed—just curiosity! Come ready to mix, melt, fizz, and explore the science behind the challenges all around us.

Registration Deadline 2/25/26 Activity Level: easy going

“Tell me what you want, tell me who you want me to be, tell me what would make you happy.” These are the cries that drive people to Co-Dependents Anonymous. The characteristics of excessive caregiving, difficulty setting boundaries, low self-esteem, people pleasing, and fear of abandonment create relationships ripe for dysfunction. In this class, we will look at these characteristics more closely and plummet the gems of goodness that are hidden within. Like all of life, nothing is simple, nor can this class make it so. Instead, we can begin to see examples in movies, politics, and sports how some form of codependency can be used to enhance relationships and the world around us. As lifelong learners, we can begin to discover the art of distinguishing the good news hidden in the bad news.

This course will discuss extraterrestrial beings— aliens. We will discuss several of the most prominently asserted alien species, and the role of supposed aliens throughout human history. We will then apply science to several aspects of beliefs about aliens. We will conclude with an exercise of creating our own alien based on conditions on a known exoplanet and the principles of exobiology.

Co-Facilitator: Dana Wagner

This Fitness Center class provides LLI participants with access to the Fitness Center in a supportive and welcoming environment. The class is designed to promote strength, mobility, and overall wellness. Members will work at their own pace while receiving guidance, as needed, from certified personal trainers. Class participants may use the Fitness Center during scheduled class times and have access to on-site personal trainers Melissa and Lauren, who are available to assist with equipment use, exercise modifications, and general fitness support. This class is ideal for individuals looking to maintain or improve fitness while enjoying the motivation and community of an LLI group setting.

This session will meet three times a week, Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 9 - 11 for 8 weeks. This is a repeat of a previous session.

Registration Deadline: March 20

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)