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-faciliators: Karen Christensen and Donna Sue Blankenship

An understanding of the world's wisdom traditions can be an invaluable tool as we navigate through life. This course presents a thoughtful and engaging exploration of world religions: their histories, beliefs, practices, and unique aspects. Various spiritual and philosophical perspectives will be discussed. Participants will gain a greater appreciation of how global cultures and religious traditions play an important role in our contemporary lives.

Required book: The Great Faiths Explored and Explained by John Bowker; ISBN 978-0-7440-3475-2 

The epic journey of Tiger Woods has been recreated throughout the centuries. From King David in Scripture to Martha Stewart, we can witness the seeds of self-destruction in the unfolding of the success of these once "heroes." Great icons were celebrated, even revered by many…and then, and then. Fallen from grace they were reviled, judged and shamed. Machiavelli forewarned us 200 years ago; "Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely." But wait! There’s more. By some mysterious grace, fortune or mistake, the journey becomes a celebration. As life-long learners, together we will explore history and remember others who have been on similar epic journeys. What lessons can we learn from the past? Is it possible to forecast the future?

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-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.