This special screening of No Small Matter, the first feature-length documentary exploring the critical importance of high-quality early childhood education and its lasting impact on children, families, communities, and the economy.

The evening will begin with networking and opportunities to connect with local organizations and community resources, followed by the film screening. After the movie, a panel of early childhood experts, educators, and community leaders will discuss the film's key themes, answer questions, and explore how our region can work together to strengthen early childhood education and support families.

Whether you're an early childhood professional, student, parent, policymaker, employer, or community advocate, this event offers an opportunity to learn, connect, and be part of the conversation about investing in our youngest learners.

This class is complimentary and all ages are welcome. We will have heavy refreshments.

Note:  Meet and greet begins at 4:40 pm.

Co-facilitator:  Carl Hays

We approach the 2026 Midterms. Understanding the heightened polarization of Americans is crucial. Voters are entrenched in party loyalties, often politicizing ideological alignment over bipartisan dialogue. The hyper-partisan environment not only shapes political strategies but also influences voter turnout and engagement. This raises questions about the future of collaboration and governance in an increasingly divided political landscape.

Speaker:  Rich Kiefer, WCC Professor

The story of Jonah, a cowardly hero running from danger has a universal message. The myth of such a hero being swallowed by a great fish runs through the myths of all the worlds great religions. The universality of such a story uncovers themes of intolerance, stubborn independence and surrender. These themes are demonstrated in many levels of society from ancient times until the present. This myth is meant to be a moral lesson. This is a story small children learn, not just in a secular environment, but on TV and movies. In this class, members will be challenged to look at the history of their own heroes and perhaps find a bit of hero in their own story.

NOTE:  Classes will be held on 11/3 and 11/17, not on 11/10.

Randall Hines, Associate Professor of Computer Aided Design and Drafting at Waubonsee Community College, will help us explore the history of 3-D printing (also known as "additive manufacturing") and try out basic techniques for its use. We'll meet in his lab for two sessions. The first session will introduce us to Fusion 360 (from AutoDesk), the software program that is available at no charge to "makers." The second session will provide an opportunity to experiment with simple design and execution with some support from students who belong to the CAD (Computer Aided Design) Club at WCC. All LLI members who enroll will have access to the lab computers, including people who do not have an "X" number.

Speaker:  Randall Hines

Participants will construct a wreath made of wired ribbon. In addition, wired ribbon bows will be made. Course will emphasize manipulation of ribbon, chenille sticks and wire frames. Examples of compatible ribbon patterns will be explained.

Participants will construct a wreath made of wired ribbon. In addition, wired ribbon bows will be made. Course will emphasize manipulation of ribbon, chenille sticks and wire frames. Examples of compatible ribbon patterns will be explained.

NOTE:  Classes will be held on 11/5, 11/12, 11/19 12/3, 12/10.  NO class on 11/26 (Thanksgiving Day).

This 2,500 year old book of 81 verses has been translated into the English language more often than any other piece of world literature. A slim volume entitled The Way and its Power/Virtue - uses pictoral language to show "letting go" of the actions of others. The text can be read as a spiritual/mystical work or as a manual on statecraft. We will use a rendering by Ursula K. Le Guin based upon translations from Chinese.

Our first session will be dedicated to getting acquainted. The subsequent four sessions will be devoted to open discussion of the effect upon our minds and hearts of these remarkable verses. Each session will feature a few verses as we move through the text.

Course prerequisites: an open mind, and intention to have fun.

Book:  Tao Te Ching Lao Tsu by Ursula K. Le Guin (purchase at Amazon, Barnes & Noble) (REQUIRED)

Co-facilitator:  Donna Wawrzyniakowski

Have you ever wondered as you were drinking your hot cup of tea in the morning or your iced tea in the afternoon, where tea comes from? Did you ever wonder what a tea plant looks like, how is tea grown and harvested, how is it packaged, what is the best way to brew tea and drink tea? If you would like to learn more, then come spend an afternoon discovering the basic world of tea. Samples are included in this LLI encore presentation.