Whether you use a cell phone, a simple camera, or advanced photography equipment, there is abundant joy to be found in experiencing nature through the lens of a camera! Nature photography is a fun and interesting hobby that boosts well-being in multiple ways just by exploring the beauty of the world around us. In addition to learning basic information about photography equipment and useful tips for photographing birds, butterflies, dragonflies and other creatures, you’ll discover a wide variety of local preserves, nature centers, and sanctuaries that are perfect for nature photography. We’ll also get inspired by a colorful and informative presentation featuring local birds, butterflies, dragonflies, mammals, amphibians, and plants that will be sure to ignite your curiosity and compel you to get outside and capture stunning photos of your own!

This course invites participants to reflect on how family, education, faith, formation, resilience, and community have shaped them, using Harvestings: Finding the Forces That Shaped My Life as a guide. Sessions will blend short readings from the book, interactive discussions, and practical activities that help uncover meaning in participants’ personal experiences. Together, we will explore how memories form identity, how challenges build strength, and how our stories become meaningful legacies. Participants will leave with deeper insight into their own journeys and tools for sharing them with others. Out-of-class purchase of Harvestings is encouraged, but not required. Harvestings can be purchased through Amazon as a paperback ($12.50) or ebook ($9.50).

In the early 20th century, downtowns were central to community life, creating opportunities for connection and experiences through city-sponsored events and innovations. These lively centers offered spaces for shopping, socializing, entertainment, and enjoying local food. By the 1970s, however, cultural shifts, increased car ownership, and the rise of suburban shopping malls led people away from downtowns. As a result, these changes often hurt a region’s image and triggered declining economic activity, prompting cities to focus on revitalization efforts. In the early 2000s the “Cool Cities” movement emerged, emphasizing the creation of vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable communities by enhancing public spaces, supporting arts, promoting walkable neighborhoods, and establishing green spaces. Many Michigan cities—including Detroit, Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, and Traverse City—have embraced the “Cool Cities” movement, with city planners turning their focus toward neighborhood revitalization, attracting entrepreneurs, and building intentional spaces that energize both the economy and community. The first session will take place indoors, while the second and third sessions will be outside walking tours in the downtown areas of Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids. Be ready for moderate to high physical walking. Please dress for the weather and for outside activity (sturdy shoes, hat, water, umbrella). Parking permits will be issued for the classroom session. Parking for both downtown walking tours is free, but you must park in a specific location; details will be provided to participants.

For approximately 3.8 Billion years, life has been evolving on Earth. During this time big and small changes have occurred. We now have an explanation for the behavior of this process. It is called Self-Organized Criticality, and it is different from what we have assumed. This process also happens in human culture and institutions. We will discuss this process and discover lessons that we can use to make the future better for all.

The past comes alive through music in this unique course that features an old-time string band who will perform songs from the 19th century while explaining the hidden history embedded in these familiar melodies. You’ll hear the stories behind several of the tunes associated with the American Civil War, as well as learn how the cultural currents reflected by this music connected to the rise of racist tropes in the Minstrel Era and Reconstruction Period that followed.

This Course journeys through a holistic alternative approach to perspectives on the Self. Merging everyday life with the magical world of spirituality. This course is broken up into two sections, the first section is focused on the Physical Self, where students will explore themselves as far as the physical world that is within them, including connecting to their physical bodies through movement and breathing. The second section is about exploring the Ethereal Body, where students will discover how, their energy, chakras, consciousness, emotions and past experiences are connected to their Self. A invigorating blend of interactive learning, unconventional teaching and self awareness philosophies, in a non judgmental approach creates a safe space for students to explore parts of themselves that they may not otherwise enjoy while creating a more meaningful and fulfilling life for themselves.

Students are encouraged to bring 2 notebooks, 1 to use as an in class participation/ note taking journal and one to use as a journal to write and reflect.

This session is for those who identify as or wish to know more about solo-agers. A solo-ager is an older adult who is aging without a partner, adult children, close friends/neighbors, etc. for significant support for critical decisions like healthcare, finances, transportation, estate planning, end-of-life decisions, pet care, etc. In this course, we will share strategic planning options and community resources available for solo-agers as well as support each other through the solo-aging journey.

 The mission of Friendship Force is to promote global understanding, friendship, and peace by breaking down the barriers that separate people. In today’s world, with so much turmoil, this mission is more important than ever.

During this presentation, we will share some of the history of FF, which has been around for nearly 50 years. We will also introduce our local club and explain what we do. Most importantly, we will describe how we achieve our goals through international homestays and by hosting visitors in our own homes. Finally, we will highlight a few examples of recent journeys. I hope you will come and find out more.