Facilitator: Carl Hays

Malcom Gladwell, a highly respected author, will be seen and heard on video tracing new and troubling forms of society. His new book ranges from captivating oral histories, bank robberies, and alternative histories of the biggest epidemics from COVID to opioids. Gladwell's mix of storytelling and social science makes sense of the modern world.

Optional book: Revenge of the Tipping Point: Overstories, Superspreaders, and the Rise of Social Engineering by Malcom Gladwell

Co-organizer: Jerre Henriksen

The outing will give participants time to explore the powerful Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku or Forest Bathing. We will focus on how a simple walk in the woods can uplift, reduce stress, and provide a sensory connection with nature. Participants will have time to combine your walk with thoughtful awareness exercises. Finally, there will be time to share your personal experience with the group. John Muir stated, "In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks."

Activity Level - On Your Feet

Meet at Bliss Woods Forest Preserve, Pavilion #1, 5S660 Bliss Road, Sugar Grove.

Organizer: Carl Hays

Fire Chief Mike Huneke of Elburn and Fire Chief Tony Cavallo of St. Charles will tell participants how ambulances play a critical role in the health system by impacting patient outcome. These services provide rapid response, onsite medical intervention and safe transport to healthcare facilities, often during life threatening situations. There willl be discussions about paramedic challenges of rising demand, aging population, the rise in chronic illnesses and limited resources. Coffee included.

Get there on your own.

Activity Level - Easy Going

Audiologist Paul Pessis, a past president of the American Academy of Audiology, will discuss numerous topics that impact people with hearing problems. Areas for discussion include a review of the appropriate collection of diagnostic assessments necessary for the proper management of symptoms and test findings. New examples in securing amplification such as "big box" purchases or over-the-counter options will be compared with the conventional delivery model. Participants will discuss ways to maximize hearing outcomes with consideration given to cost. How do third-party reimbursement versus private pay impact the affordability of desired technology? New technologies that will be available in the not-too-distant future will be described. Join a dynamic discussion of these interesting topics presented by a leader in the field of audiology.

Facilitator: Carl Hays

Participants will hear and question our ever-popular psychologist Dr. Michael Maniacci as he clarifies how to effectively cope with fear and anxiety in today's frustrating world. He will describe how these basic emotions, vital for our survival, can be managed and controlled.

Co-Facilitator: Ann Butcher

This is a multigenerational experience! Participants may bring up to three guests (1st grade through 49 years) to a multigenerational experience! Course members will share the history of LEGO, interactive group building, and individual builds. LEGO, a cultural phenomenon with a name in Danish that means: "play well" has become the toy that transcends age. Let's get the generations together with LEGO!