Co-facilitator: Sandy Funkey

From the viewpoints of a native and a vacation home owner, participants will explore the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The history, economy, culture and vacation adventures are woven together to show the many aspects of the U.P. Some have played a role in the history of the Midwest. After two sessions, you may want to take a trip of your own to visit this northern destination.

This year’s book choice will focus on Alan Hlad’s book: The Long Flight Home, based on little-known events during WWII. It is a story of love and sacrifice. We will study the culture, history, and traditions of this time in our country, as well as a shell-shocked England as we join ordinary people on the ground, and pigeons in the skies! Each member of the class will have the opportunity to share a book they’ve read during a ten-minute presentation to the class.

Required book: The Long Flight Home by Alan Hlad. ISBN: 978-1496721686

Change is difficult. Change often comes without permission. Sometimes quickly; sometime slowly. Change is necessary but frequently resisted. When facing needful changes, how can we learn to pivot gracefully? How can we face needful changes with aplomb? Participants will learn and practice new strategies to deal with change and revisit some old ones. In the comfort of shared experiences and shared struggles we will find the opportunity of finding a graceful landing as we pivot in the challenges that life demands.

For the first time in 175 years the Bureau of Indian Affairs has recognized a Native American reservation in the state of Illinois. As our new neighbors we will learn about the history of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation and why the Shabbona area in DeKalb County is where the new reservation is located. We will also learn about the 21st Century Potawatomi and their plans for the future here in our area.

Co-facilitator: Lynn Steele

Participants will follow a group of remarkable young Jewish teens, escapees from Nazi-controlled areas in the late 1930’s. They settled in the US to continue studies and work. When the USA entered WWII these young men promptly joined the US military. As it became evident that military intelligence was paramount in this war around 2,000 of these young men were interviewed, sent to Camp Ritchie, MD for intense training, naturalized as US citizens and shipped off for D-Day and beyond. More than 50% of the actionable information in the war came from these brave soldiers. Returning to civilian life at the war's end, they made great contributions to the USA.

Optional book: Sons and Soldiers by Bruce Henderson

Since reality has existed, people have thought of how to change it, argue with it, escape from it. Within the last decade this has become a reality. Today there are over 171 million people globally using Virtual Reality (VR) and/or Augmented Reality (AR) technology to augment or escape from reality. Over 2 sessions participants will discuss how VR/AR technology developed, the options available to us today, and where it could go in the future. We will discuss the impact this technology may have on individuals and on society.

Co-facilitator: Donna Sue Blankenship

Participants will read and discuss the memoir, "Rocket Boys" by Homer H. Hickham, Jr. The facilitator will share information about her experience growing up in a southern West Virginia coal camp. She will also bring stories of people who lived in her hometown, as well as relevant artifacts.

Required book: Rocket Boys by Homer Hickham, Jr. ISBN 9780385333214

Participants will expand their knowledge of music by learning about the birth of the Blues, how it developed in various regions of the United States, famous musicians and its influential impact on other music genres. To enhance their local music appreciation, participants will gain an understanding of the significance this style of music played in the Chicago area.