Facilitator: Carl Hays

Peggy Noonan wrote Ronald Reagan's speeches. Her new book is a celebration of what America has been, is, and what it can be. For 25 years she has been thinking aloud about America in her column. You do not have to agree with her all the time to admire her writing.

Book: A Certain Idea of America: Selected Writings by Peggy Noonan - NOT REQUIRED

Co-facilitator: Jerre Henriksen

James Loewen wrote Lies My Teacher Told Me to examine how misinformation about history is used as a weapon against us. We will explore how and why this happens and consider the climate around teaching history in the past and today. Our author insists that simplified history prevents us from learning critical thinking skills and exploring complex human behavior. Like on Facebook, a picture of our history reflecting a great nation always and only getting better is to deny the rich tapestry of our American experience with all its complexity and humanity. We progress through honest evaluation, not by denying reality. Let’s do that. The U.S. Naval Academy just banned this book. 

Lies My Teacher Told Me by James Loewen REQUIRED

The three acceptable book editions are: Original adult level (362 dense pages), Young readers edition (I.E. High School) with some photos (245 pages), or Graphic novel adaptation comic book style (262 illustrated pages)

Co-organizer: Mary Hauge

As a follow up to the LLI class, "Our Potawatomi Neighbors", participants will enjoy a 30 minute pontoon boat ride on Shabbona Lake followed by lunch at the lakeside restaurant. Come and see the land of Chief Shabbona and our Potawatomi neighbors, who recently re-aquired the park. Before the boat ride, you will choose a lunch entree and drink from a selection of choices. After the boat ride, your order will be ready for pick up. Event will run rain or shine with plenty of parking close to the dock and restaurant. - 10:30 arrival to put in food orders for lunch. Cost: $47 which includes boat ride and lunch. Activity level: On Your Feet

Reservation Deadline: September 10, 2025

Five architects will be explored for the homes and other buildings they designed in early Aurora.  Several interior and exterior photographs will be shown from each architect.  Details on both the architects and the homes will be discussed.

Co-organizer: Mary Hauge

Repeat of Outing listing for Sept. 22

As a follow up to the LLI class, "Our Potawatomi Neighbors", participants will enjoy a 30 minute pontoon boat ride on Shabbona Lake followed by lunch at the lakeside restaurant. Come and see the land of Chief Shabbona and our Potawatomi neighbors, who recently re-aquired the park. Before the boat ride, you will choose a lunch entree and drink from a selection of choices. After the boat ride, your order will be ready for pick up. Event will run rain or shine with plenty of parking close to the dock and restaurant. - 10:30 arrival to put in food orders for lunch. Cost: $47 which includes boat ride and lunch. Activity level: On Your Feet

Reservation Deadline: September 10, 2025

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?

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)