One class per month, on a Thursday.  Follow dates before each book title.

Read a book per month and join in lively discussion with your peers. (The second Thursday of each month).  All books are required.

Sept. 10 - Finding Dorothy by Elizabeth Letts

Oct. 8 - A Brilliant Night of Stars and Ice by Rebecca Connolly

Nov. 12 - Maria by Michelle Moran

Dec. 10 - The Heart of It's a Wonderful Life by Jimmy Hawkins

Most of us know the American side of the Revolutionary War i.e. "taxation without representation", but what historical events shaped the English, the Colonies and the rest of Europe that led to the breach and war? How did the evolution of the English Monarchy affect the government of the colonies? How did the colonies reach a point where they thought they could take on the most powerful country in the world? Why did other European countries (most notably France and Spain) support the revolution? That support eventually would come back to haunt them. Why did the British suddenly start to tax the colonies and why did the colonist object to it so strongly?

Is poetry, which has some reputation for being incomprehensible or even deliberately obscure, worth the trouble? If you have never read a poem that has deeply moved you or, as Emily Dickinson described it, "make you feel as if the top of your head is coming off," you may not really have experienced poetry. Poetry challenges us because it uses language differently than prose and strives to recreate experiences and emotions. Learn some tactics for decoding poetry and, hopefully walk away with at least one that literally sends chills up your spine. We will read a variety of poems from a variety of eras and traditions. Although this is a continuing class, no prior class is required.

Co-facilitator:  Carl Hays

NASA's renewed lunar missions reignite debate about humanity's next giant leap. Supporters argue that living on Mars could expand scientific discovery and ensure our long term survival. Critics warn of extreme risks, high costs and ethical concerns. As we return to the moon, the question grows sharper: should Mars become humanity's next home or remain a distant dream?

Co-facilitator:  Carolyn Hopkins

The US POINTER study led by the Alzheimer's Association showed that a structured healthy lifestyle program combining exercise, healthy diet, cognitive engagement and health monitoring can protect cognitive function. This presentation will explain how brain health is important now and across our lifetimes, help us recognize actions that can help protect our brain health, and assist us in making plans to build brain-healthy habits.

Speaker:  Hadi Finerty (Alzheimer's Association IL Chapter)

Janet Peterson Smith has spent the last 42 years of her career traveling on the "reservation roads" learning from the artists who created the treasures she sells. Recognized nationwide as an expert in Native American Arts, she has judged in the famed Santa Fe Indian Market and sat on the original advisory board that established the Schingoethe Center for NA American studies in Aurora. Please join us for an amazing fact filled presentation on Native American jewelry and arts!

Speaker:  Janet Peterson-Smith

Create a beautiful book vase using materials that Bri from Forget Me Not by Bri will supply. Using a hot glue gun, participants will turn a book into a vase with lovely wooden flowers and greenery. Simple yet elegant! The class fee includes $50.00 for supplies

Presenter:  Sabrina Kettley

Co-facilitator:  Carolyn Hopkins

Multiple studies have shown that healthy lifestyle habits can improve brain health and significantly reduce your chance of developing dementia. Using information from the Alzheimer's Association and "The Alzheimer's Solution" book and related podcast, we will learn more about the brain and specific, simple actions we can take to invest in our brain health. We will also discuss ways to turn this knowledge into daily habits, as a structured lifestyle program has been shown to give the most benefit.

Book:  The Alzheimer's Solution by Dean & Ayesha Sherzai, MD (Not Requiired)