Co-Faciliator: Jo Ann Gryder

Guest Presenter, Christine Hepinstall, will walk attendees through the basics of American Mah Jongg. One of the most interesting of board games, Mah Jongg can seem daunting. Join this class for beginners and learn from a seasoned player. This class series is a repeat of the morning classes.

A Beginners Guide to American Mah Jongg by Elaine Sandberg - available at libraries and online (not required but suggested)

Most people pay lip service to the idea that Shakespeare is the greatest writer of the English language. Does this theory hold up under scrutiny? In the first hour we will watch the first season of the highly acclaimed Canadian series “Slings and Arrows” which traces a fictional production of Hamlet by a repertory company. This series points out the tensions between presenting “sacred” classical theatre and building a commercially viable enterprise. It also highlights the difficulty in dealing with neurotic actors aging out of the starring roles of their youth. It deals with ghosts, madness and other human foibles. It offers perceptive insight into what makes Shakespeare relevant. In the second hour we will read, discuss, and analyze Hamlet and try to discover what the fuss is all about.

Bring your own copy of Hamlet. Any edition is acceptable

Co-Facilitator: Ann Hastert

Tataki Zome, the art of pounding flowers, is an ancient Japanese art form that uses the flowers and leaves provided by nature to make beautifully inspired images on various mediums such as cloth or art papers. Using hammers, the natural dyes from the flowers and leaves transfer to the medium. The process is amazingly simple with lovely results. All supplies provided.

This class is a REPEAT of a previous class.

Facilitator: Carl Hays

Medea Banjamin protests often and is arrested often. When protesting an Obama speech, Barack stopped, saying: "The voice of this woman is worth listening to— obviously I do not agree with much of what she said—these are tough issues." She heckled Donald Trump's acceptance speech with a sign saying "Build Bridges Not Walls." In addition to Madea Benjamin, the course content will focus on Enis Kanter Freedom.  He came from Turkey to play in the NBA and is known for his stance on human rights.  He wore his cause on his basketball shoes painted with protest messages.

Co-Organizer: Susan Foody

This same class is a repeat of the class on 4/8/26.

Step into the world of crime scene investigation and discover the hidden science that helps solve real-life mysteries! In this hands-on workshop, you'll explore how forensic scientists use glowing materials like UV light, glow powders, and chemiluminescence to detect fingerprints, analyze evidence, and uncover clues invisible to the naked eye. Try your hand at dusting and lifting glowing fingerprints, experiment with glow sticks, and uncover secret features with blacklight tools. It's science, it's mystery, and it's just plain fun-no lab coat required!

Outing - Class will be held at SciTech, 336 McKee St., Batavia

Registration Deadline: 4/6/2026

Activity Level:easy going

This is a repeat of a previous tour.

Waubonsee Community college is proud to celebrate the grand opening of its state-of-the-art 100,000-square-foot Technical Education Center (TEC) at the Sugar Grove Campus. 

As the largest building on campus, the TEC is home to premier programs in Automotive Collision and Refinishing Technology, Automotive Service Technology, and Welding Technology. These programs are designed to meet the growing regional demand for skilled professionals in diesel technology, electric vehicles, welding fabrication, and robotic welding. 

We are pleased to invite Lifelong Learning Institute members to an exclusive guided tour of this impressive new facility. The tour will be led by Dr. Jeanine McMillen, Assistant Dean for Industry/Technlogy. Join us to explore the innovative spaces, advanced equipment, and hands-on learning environments that are preparing students for today's evolving workforce. 

Please meet in the TEC Lobby.

Co-Facilitator: Priscilla Gruber

In school, what did you learn about the Pilgrims? Was it true? Discerning what is true or not is essential to understanding history. James Leowen 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 says simplified history prevents us from learning critical thinking skills and exploring complex human behavior. For example, on Facebook, a picture of our history reflecting a great nation always and only getting better is to deny the rich tapestry or our American experience with all its complexity and humanity. We progress through honest evaluation not by denying reality. As a side note: The U.S. Naval Academy recently banned this book.

REQUIRED BOOK: Lies My Teacher Told Me by James Leowen 

This is a hands-on, creatively messy, and fun class. Participants will combine nature printing, direct painting, and drawing to create unique works of art that interpret the beauty of nature. Basic art materials will be supplied, but feel free to bring your own if you prefer.

This is a REPEAT of a previous class.