Join award-winning Sonido Reyes for a thought-provoking presentation exploring the importance of the freedom to read, the power of diverse stories, and why inclusive literature matters. Through personal stories, lived experiences, and reflections on writing queer and Latinx characters, Reyes will examine how books foster empathy, build understanding, and create opportunities for meaningful dialogue across communities. This presentation will also explore the growing conversation surrounding book challenges and censorship, highlighting why access to diverse voices is essential in education, libraries, and our communities. Attendees will leave with a deeper appreciation for literature as a tool for connection, representation, and civic engagement.

Whether you are an educator, librarian, student, parent, or community member who values lifelong learning, this session offers an opportunity to engage in an important conversation about intellectual freedom, belonging, and the stories that shape our world.This complimentary presentation is open to the public and is presented as part of Waubonsee Community College's celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, LGBTQ+ History Month, and our commitment to supporting the freedom to read. October 2, 2026 | Waubonsee Community College – Sugar Grove Campus, Bodie 150

Speaker:  Sonido Reyes

Co-facilitator:  Ruth Harmon

On Zoom we will briefly review selected recently decided SCOTUS cases having major effects upon our fellow citizens individually, and our society as a whole. This is not a class on Constitutional law, but an opportunity to look at a few consequential recent cases and how they may affect us and the functioning of our democratic/republican government.

Co-facilitator:  Roger Breisch

What types of experiences provoke us emotionally, are mysterious, and difficult to put into words? Such experiences cause us to wonder, remind us that life is expansive, hold promise that the passing of years notwithstanding, there is always a "child within", 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 getting 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/share the experiences that delight them, provoking wonder.

Book:  AWE: The New Science of Everyday Wonder by Dacher Ketner (not required)

Participate in a lively discussion led by local Medicare specialist Mary Hansen. Mary returns to LLI this year in order to inform us as to how Medicare is changing for 2027 with the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period from October 15-December 7. It is not one size fits all-whether you're turning 65 or if you have been enrolled for a while. If you are turning 65 soon, what steps do you need to take? Seems like there are a lot of rules-how do you know which ones are important? What if you are not healthy-what concerns should you have?

Determining the best method to fund Long-Term care is the challenge. We will talk about the different options available and how to evaluate them.

Co-facilitator:  Carolyn Hopkins

In this course you will learn about how to be a part in creating the concept by Martin Luther King Jr. termed the ‘beloved community’– “a society built on boundless love and respect for the interconnectedness of all of life, by first loving ourselves.” You will develop your own legacy by working through the Workbook for 'What is My Legacy – the Guide for Connection, Love and Fulfillment' by Martin Luther King III, Arndrea Waters King, and Marc and Craig Kielburger

What is My Legacy – the Guide for Connection, Love and Fulfillment by Martin Luther King III, Arndrea Waters King, and Marc and Craig Kielburger (NOT REQUIRED)

This LLI Fitness Center Usage class provides participants with structured access to the Fitness Center in a supportive and welcoming environment. Designed to promote strength, mobility, and overall wellness, the class allows members to work at their own pace, explore the equipment available, and enhance their personal wellness -- while receiving guidance as needed from Waubonsee's Fitness Center staff. Class participants may use the Fitness Center on Mondays and have free access to on-site staff 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.

Required:  All students will have a waiver and health history form on file.

To read and discuss a sampling of Poe's work, particularly the tales of psychological terror and his creation of the modern detective in literature.

This LLI Fitness Center Usage class provides participants with structured access to the Fitness Center in a supportive and welcoming environment. Designed to promote strength, mobility, and overall wellness, the class allows members to work at their own pace, explore the equipment available, and enhance their personal wellness -- while receiving guidance as needed from Waubonsee's Fitness Center staff. Class participants may use the Fitness Center on Wednesdays and have free access to on-site staff 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.

Required:  All students will have a waiver and health history form on file.

NOTE:  There will be no class on 11/25, the day before Thanksgiving.