Barbara J. Barrett, MPA, CAE, is an Educational Entertainment Speaker who makes automotive, architectural, manufacturing, music, and world history come alive in a fascinating and entertaining way. She has presented programs for C-SPAN, American History TV, the Studebaker National Museum, the Gilmore Car Museum, community colleges, church groups, private clubs, public libraries & senior living communities. She holds a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree from the University of Illinois and a Master in Public Administration (MPA) degree from Roosevelt University, Chicago, IL.
Long before there was Amazon, there was Sears, Roebuck and Company – where you could purchase any product or service available on the face of the earth at fabulously low prices. Just how did this retail icon influence architecture, commerce, merchandise, lifestyle, and popular culture? Come and explore the rich and fascinating history of the World’s Largest Store (WLS) from its humble beginning in 1886 to the present.
Anne Shimojima has been telling stories from her Asian heritage around the world for forty years. She has been featured at the National Storytelling Festival and has been Teller-in-Residence at the International Storytelling Center. Her CD, Sakura Tales: Stories from Japan won a Storytelling Resource Honor Award in 2019. In 2022 she received the Order of the Rising Sun, Silver Rays, conferred by His Majesty the Emperor of Japan for her work in introducing Japanese culture to the United States.
This workshop offers an opportunity to explore different techniques and forms of art, such as brush painting, pen and ink, watercolor, and drawing. All levels of experience and expertise are welcome. Participants will bring their own supplies and materials and will work independently. While class facilitators and participants can offer encouragement, ideas and suggestions to each other, this will NOT be an instructional class.
Coordinators: Christopher Melby, Alfredo Rodriguez and Basilio King
Compete with your fellow ICLRU friends in this class. I will present some familiar games like Quiddler, Rummikub and Sequence. There will be something for you. Please bring any game that you think might be fun in this class.
Dan Rather’s career spans more than 60 years; this documentary offers an unfiltered look at both his esteemed career and his present renaissance as one of the last beacons of quality reporting. In today’s turbulent times, with threats to journalism and our democracy more dangerous than ever, this story has never been more important for a generation thirsting for legitimacy and truth in the era of “fake news.”
“After Dinner Conversation” is a monthly eMagazine that publishes compelling “what if” scenarios of original philosophy and ethics short stories across genres. Accompanying discussion questions are provided to encourage intentional reflection and respectful debate. Copies of each week’s short stories will be sent to participants via e-mail. NOTE: eCopies may be available from your local library.
For more information about this eMagazine see https://www.afterdinnerconversation.com/magazine
THE MARCH 11th CLASS HAS BEEN CANCELLED. The oldest rocks in America are about 3.5 Billion years old and the youngest are less than an hour old. What happened during America's long geologic history to form the landscape we see today? Find out about the processes that have physically shaped our country including the movement of the earth's crust, volcanoes, earthquakes, ice sheets and changing sea level. Why are the Great Lakes so great? How did lessons learned at Mt. St. Helens save lives thousands of miles away? Why does Yosemite have such amazing scenery? Why is Yellowstone one of the dangerous places on Earth? Where is a new ocean forming? Where are the oldest rocks in America? All this and more! No prerequisite needed.
Celebrate Chicago! We have launched another Pulitzer playwright! In 2008, Tracy Letts, from Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre Company won the Pulitzer Prize for his gripping drama August: Osage County. Since then, he has been a Pulitzer finalist twice with Man from Nebraska and The Minutes. Additionally, he is an award-winning actor, garnering a Tony award for his portrayal of George in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? He has appeared in several feature films, most recently as Henry Ford in Ford v Ferrari. This course will examine Mr. Letts’s work as an actor, viewing his performance in Steven Spielberg’s The Post as well as analyzing his Tony award-winning play, Superior Donuts, a tender-hearted story of friendship and compassion set right here Chicago! ***Study group participants will read the script of the play which is provided.
This study group is for people who already know how to play bridge. Join us if you would like to meet other ICL members who play and want to have more opportunities to play the game. We welcome those who have recently learned the game as well as intermediate and advanced players. We will be playing for FUN, not cutthroat! Hopefully we can all learn from one another. NOTE: This is an ongoing study group, but new participants are always welcome.
This eight-week study group, Tuesdays on Zoom and Thursdays in the classroom, begins March 11 and ends May 1. A diverse set of documentaries is in the offing; it includes entertainers, espionage, journalism, composers, fraudsters, and activists (and that’s only six of the films). You’re welcome to join us as long as you have an open mind and agree to buckle up for a wild ride, whether in the classroom or Zoom.
Dan Rather’s career spans more than 60 years; this documentary offers an unfiltered look at both his esteemed career and his present renaissance as one of the last beacons of quality reporting. In today’s turbulent times, with threats to journalism and our democracy more dangerous than ever, this story has never been more important for a generation thirsting for legitimacy and truth in the era of “fake news.”
Sessions will consist of 30-minutes of chair yoga beginning at 12:15. Attendees will have the chance to attend other morning and/or afternoon study group sessions. No need for a yoga mat, just wear comfortable clothing. Please note special time.
Coordinator: Nancy Engel Flynn, Alice Kurtyka and Sheila Schwartz
You likely have some interesting family stories from the 20th century. Why not write them down for the next generation or two. Whether your story is three paragraphs about life on a farm or three chapters on surviving the great depression or WWII, we will share some stories and offer advice on how to save stories for the future.
This is a presentation of Stoic Week 2024, the theme of which is ‘well-being’. Stoic week is an annual on-line program hosted by Modern Stoicism. The handbook for this class can be accessed by going to: learn.modernstoicism.com - enroll in the course (it’s free).
Over four weeks we will follow the seven-day program, discussing the issues raised in each day. Each day offers audio and video presentations as well as suggested reading, free ebooks and articles/essays by modern Stoics.
This workshop offers an opportunity to explore different techniques and forms of art, such as brush painting, pen and ink, watercolor, and drawing. All levels of experience and expertise are welcome. Participants will bring their own supplies and materials and will work independently. While class facilitators and participants can offer encouragement, ideas and suggestions to each other, this will NOT be an instructional class.
Coordinators: Christopher Melby, Alfredo Rodriguez and Basilio King
Compete with your fellow ICLRU friends in this class. I will present some familiar games like Quiddler, Rummikub and Sequence. There will be something for you. Please bring any game that you think might be fun in this class.
This eight-week study group, Tuesdays on Zoom and Thursdays in the classroom, begins March 11 and ends May 1. A diverse set of documentaries is in the offing; it includes entertainers, espionage, journalism, composers, fraudsters, and activists (and that’s only six of the films). You’re welcome to join us as long as you have an open mind and agree to buckle up for a wild ride, whether in the classroom or Zoom.
One hundred years ago in 1925, a dramatic trial called the Scopes Monkey Trial captivated our nation and exposed deep divisions in America at that time. Yet it has an uncanny relevance to our nation today. It exposes both then and now deep divisions about religion, freedom, education, censorship, democratic liberties, and the absolute right to think. The Scopes trial is the genesis of the acclaimed play "Inherit the Wind." This study group will examine the trial and its time period; read, discuss, and analyze the play; and view the famous Spencer Tracy film for comparison. Discussion will occur throughout.
Participants are responsible for having a copy of the play.
Note: Last day (April 8th) may run a bit longer than 12:00 due to movie length.
“After Dinner Conversation” is a monthly eMagazine that publishes compelling “what if” scenarios of original philosophy and ethics short stories across genres. Accompanying discussion questions are provided to encourage intentional reflection and respectful debate. Copies of each week’s short stories will be sent to participants via e-mail. NOTE: eCopies may be available from your local library.
For more information about this eMagazine see https://www.afterdinnerconversation.com/magazine
The oldest rocks in America are about 3.5 Billion years old and the youngest are less than an hour old. What happened during America's long geologic history to form the landscape we see today? Find out about the processes that have physically shaped our country including the movement of the earth's crust, volcanoes, earthquakes, ice sheets and changing sea level. Why are the Great Lakes so great? How did lessons learned at Mt. St. Helens save lives thousands of miles away? Why does Yosemite have such amazing scenery? Why is Yellowstone one of the dangerous places on Earth? Where is a new ocean forming? Where are the oldest rocks in America? All this and more! No prerequisite needed.
Celebrate Chicago! We have launched another Pulitzer playwright! In 2008, Tracy Letts, from Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre Company won the Pulitzer Prize for his gripping drama August: Osage County. Since then, he has been a Pulitzer finalist twice with Man from Nebraska and The Minutes. Additionally, he is an award-winning actor, garnering a Tony award for his portrayal of George in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? He has appeared in several feature films, most recently as Henry Ford in Ford v Ferrari. This course will examine Mr. Letts’s work as an actor, viewing his performance in Steven Spielberg’s The Post as well as analyzing his Tony award-winning play, Superior Donuts, a tender-hearted story of friendship and compassion set right here Chicago! ***Study group participants will read the script of the play which is provided.
Coordinators, Ed and Becky Booth, begin this series with a presentation of the many ways podcasts have enriched their lives with cutting edge information on topics such as health and finance.
Following sessions will be informal discussions of favorite podcasters (and episodes) on various subjects, with attendees encouraged to participate.
This study group is for people who already know how to play bridge. Join us if you would like to meet other ICL members who play and want to have more opportunities to play the game. We welcome those who have recently learned the game as well as intermediate and advanced players. We will be playing for FUN, not cutthroat! Hopefully we can all learn from one another. NOTE: This is an ongoing study group, but new participants are always welcome.
This eight-week study group, Tuesdays on Zoom and Thursdays in the classroom, begins March 11 and ends May 1. A diverse set of documentaries is in the offing; it includes entertainers, espionage, journalism, composers, fraudsters, and activists (and that’s only six of the films). You’re welcome to join us as long as you have an open mind and agree to buckle up for a wild ride, whether in the classroom or Zoom.
Sessions will consist of 30-minutes of chair yoga beginning at 12:15. Attendees will have the chance to attend other morning and/or afternoon study group sessions. No need for a yoga mat, just wear comfortable clothing. Please note special time.
Coordinator: Nancy Engel Flynn, Alice Kurtyka and Sheila Schwartz
Steve Martin, actor, writer, producer and musician is the recipient of 5 Grammy Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, and an Honorary Academy Award. Ranked one of the greatest stand-up comedians of all time, he has also received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, the Kennedy Center Honors, and an AFI Life Achievement Award. We will view and discuss seven of Steve Martin’s classic comedy films.
You likely have some interesting family stories from the 20th century. Why not write them down for the next generation or two. Whether your story is three paragraphs about life on a farm or three chapters on surviving the great depression or WWII, we will share some stories and offer advice on how to save stories for the future.
This is a presentation of Stoic Week 2024, the theme of which is ‘well-being’. Stoic week is an annual on-line program hosted by Modern Stoicism. The handbook for this class can be accessed by going to: learn.modernstoicism.com - enroll in the course (it’s free).
Over four weeks we will follow the seven-day program, discussing the issues raised in each day. Each day offers audio and video presentations as well as suggested reading, free ebooks and articles/essays by modern Stoics.
This workshop offers an opportunity to explore different techniques and forms of art, such as brush painting, pen and ink, watercolor, and drawing. All levels of experience and expertise are welcome. Participants will bring their own supplies and materials and will work independently. While class facilitators and participants can offer encouragement, ideas and suggestions to each other, this will NOT be an instructional class.
Coordinators: Christopher Melby, Alfredo Rodriguez and Basilio King
Compete with your fellow ICLRU friends in this class. I will present some familiar games like Quiddler, Rummikub and Sequence. There will be something for you. Please bring any game that you think might be fun in this class.
This eight-week study group, Tuesdays on Zoom and Thursdays in the classroom, begins March 11 and ends May 1. A diverse set of documentaries is in the offing; it includes entertainers, espionage, journalism, composers, fraudsters, and activists (and that’s only six of the films). You’re welcome to join us as long as you have an open mind and agree to buckle up for a wild ride, whether in the classroom or Zoom.
One hundred years ago in 1925, a dramatic trial called the Scopes Monkey Trial captivated our nation and exposed deep divisions in America at that time. Yet it has an uncanny relevance to our nation today. It exposes both then and now deep divisions about religion, freedom, education, censorship, democratic liberties, and the absolute right to think. The Scopes trial is the genesis of the acclaimed play "Inherit the Wind." This study group will examine the trial and its time period; read, discuss, and analyze the play; and view the famous Spencer Tracy film for comparison. Discussion will occur throughout.
Participants are responsible for having a copy of the play.
Note: Last day (April 8th) may run a bit longer than 12:00 due to movie length.
“After Dinner Conversation” is a monthly eMagazine that publishes compelling “what if” scenarios of original philosophy and ethics short stories across genres. Accompanying discussion questions are provided to encourage intentional reflection and respectful debate. Copies of each week’s short stories will be sent to participants via e-mail. NOTE: eCopies may be available from your local library.
For more information about this eMagazine see https://www.afterdinnerconversation.com/magazine
The oldest rocks in America are about 3.5 Billion years old and the youngest are less than an hour old. What happened during America's long geologic history to form the landscape we see today? Find out about the processes that have physically shaped our country including the movement of the earth's crust, volcanoes, earthquakes, ice sheets and changing sea level. Why are the Great Lakes so great? How did lessons learned at Mt. St. Helens save lives thousands of miles away? Why does Yosemite have such amazing scenery? Why is Yellowstone one of the dangerous places on Earth? Where is a new ocean forming? Where are the oldest rocks in America? All this and more! No prerequisite needed.
Celebrate Chicago! We have launched another Pulitzer playwright! In 2008, Tracy Letts, from Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre Company won the Pulitzer Prize for his gripping drama August: Osage County. Since then, he has been a Pulitzer finalist twice with Man from Nebraska and The Minutes. Additionally, he is an award-winning actor, garnering a Tony award for his portrayal of George in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? He has appeared in several feature films, most recently as Henry Ford in Ford v Ferrari. This course will examine Mr. Letts’s work as an actor, viewing his performance in Steven Spielberg’s The Post as well as analyzing his Tony award-winning play, Superior Donuts, a tender-hearted story of friendship and compassion set right here Chicago! ***Study group participants will read the script of the play which is provided.
Coordinators, Ed and Becky Booth, begin this series with a presentation of the many ways podcasts have enriched their lives with cutting edge information on topics such as health and finance.
Following sessions will be informal discussions of favorite podcasters (and episodes) on various subjects, with attendees encouraged to participate.
This acrylic paint class focuses on refining brush control, blending multiple colors seamlessly in a single stroke, and creating more intricate designs with depth and dimension. This course offers hands- on experience and personalized guidance. There is a $5 Fee for materials.
This study group is for people who already know how to play bridge. Join us if you would like to meet other ICL members who play and want to have more opportunities to play the game. We welcome those who have recently learned the game as well as intermediate and advanced players. We will be playing for FUN, not cutthroat! Hopefully we can all learn from one another. NOTE: This is an ongoing study group, but new participants are always welcome.
This eight-week study group, Tuesdays on Zoom and Thursdays in the classroom, begins March 11 and ends May 1. A diverse set of documentaries is in the offing; it includes entertainers, espionage, journalism, composers, fraudsters, and activists (and that’s only six of the films). You’re welcome to join us as long as you have an open mind and agree to buckle up for a wild ride, whether in the classroom or Zoom.
Sessions will consist of 30-minutes of chair yoga beginning at 12:15. Attendees will have the chance to attend other morning and/or afternoon study group sessions. No need for a yoga mat, just wear comfortable clothing. Please note special time.
Coordinator: Nancy Engel Flynn, Alice Kurtyka and Sheila Schwartz
Steve Martin, actor, writer, producer and musician is the recipient of 5 Grammy Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, and an Honorary Academy Award. Ranked one of the greatest stand-up comedians of all time, he has also received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, the Kennedy Center Honors, and an AFI Life Achievement Award. We will view and discuss seven of Steve Martin’s classic comedy films.
This is a presentation of Stoic Week 2024, the theme of which is ‘well-being’. Stoic week is an annual on-line program hosted by Modern Stoicism. The handbook for this class can be accessed by going to: learn.modernstoicism.com - enroll in the course (it’s free).
Over four weeks we will follow the seven-day program, discussing the issues raised in each day. Each day offers audio and video presentations as well as suggested reading, free ebooks and articles/essays by modern Stoics.
This workshop offers an opportunity to explore different techniques and forms of art, such as brush painting, pen and ink, watercolor, and drawing. All levels of experience and expertise are welcome. Participants will bring their own supplies and materials and will work independently. While class facilitators and participants can offer encouragement, ideas and suggestions to each other, this will NOT be an instructional class.
Coordinators: Christopher Melby, Alfredo Rodriguez and Basilio King
Compete with your fellow ICLRU friends in this class. I will present some familiar games like Quiddler, Rummikub and Sequence. There will be something for you. Please bring any game that you think might be fun in this class.
This eight-week study group, Tuesdays on Zoom and Thursdays in the classroom, begins March 11 and ends May 1. A diverse set of documentaries is in the offing; it includes entertainers, espionage, journalism, composers, fraudsters, and activists (and that’s only six of the films). You’re welcome to join us as long as you have an open mind and agree to buckle up for a wild ride, whether in the classroom or Zoom.
One hundred years ago in 1925, a dramatic trial called the Scopes Monkey Trial captivated our nation and exposed deep divisions in America at that time. Yet it has an uncanny relevance to our nation today. It exposes both then and now deep divisions about religion, freedom, education, censorship, democratic liberties, and the absolute right to think. The Scopes trial is the genesis of the acclaimed play "Inherit the Wind." This study group will examine the trial and its time period; read, discuss, and analyze the play; and view the famous Spencer Tracy film for comparison. Discussion will occur throughout.
Participants are responsible for having a copy of the play.
Note: Last day (April 8th) may run a bit longer than 12:00 due to movie length.
The oldest rocks in America are about 3.5 Billion years old and the youngest are less than an hour old. What happened during America's long geologic history to form the landscape we see today? Find out about the processes that have physically shaped our country including the movement of the earth's crust, volcanoes, earthquakes, ice sheets and changing sea level. Why are the Great Lakes so great? How did lessons learned at Mt. St. Helens save lives thousands of miles away? Why does Yosemite have such amazing scenery? Why is Yellowstone one of the dangerous places on Earth? Where is a new ocean forming? Where are the oldest rocks in America? All this and more! No prerequisite needed.
In the 1950’s – 1980’s, hundreds of songs were written that told stories. They ranged from pop to rock to folk, were musically pleasant, but, often, we could not understand the lyrics. In this two-session class we will learn the story of how many songs were written, the story the songs tell and hear the songs themselves.
Celebrate Chicago! We have launched another Pulitzer playwright! In 2008, Tracy Letts, from Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre Company won the Pulitzer Prize for his gripping drama August: Osage County. Since then, he has been a Pulitzer finalist twice with Man from Nebraska and The Minutes. Additionally, he is an award-winning actor, garnering a Tony award for his portrayal of George in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? He has appeared in several feature films, most recently as Henry Ford in Ford v Ferrari. This course will examine Mr. Letts’s work as an actor, viewing his performance in Steven Spielberg’s The Post as well as analyzing his Tony award-winning play, Superior Donuts, a tender-hearted story of friendship and compassion set right here Chicago! ***Study group participants will read the script of the play which is provided.
Coordinators, Ed and Becky Booth, begin this series with a presentation of the many ways podcasts have enriched their lives with cutting edge information on topics such as health and finance.
Following sessions will be informal discussions of favorite podcasters (and episodes) on various subjects, with attendees encouraged to participate.
This study group is for people who already know how to play bridge. Join us if you would like to meet other ICL members who play and want to have more opportunities to play the game. We welcome those who have recently learned the game as well as intermediate and advanced players. We will be playing for FUN, not cutthroat! Hopefully we can all learn from one another. NOTE: This is an ongoing study group, but new participants are always welcome.
This eight-week study group, Tuesdays on Zoom and Thursdays in the classroom, begins March 11 and ends May 1. A diverse set of documentaries is in the offing; it includes entertainers, espionage, journalism, composers, fraudsters, and activists (and that’s only six of the films). You’re welcome to join us as long as you have an open mind and agree to buckle up for a wild ride, whether in the classroom or Zoom.
Steve Martin, actor, writer, producer and musician is the recipient of 5 Grammy Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, and an Honorary Academy Award. Ranked one of the greatest stand-up comedians of all time, he has also received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, the Kennedy Center Honors, and an AFI Life Achievement Award. We will view and discuss seven of Steve Martin’s classic comedy films.
This is a presentation of Stoic Week 2024, the theme of which is ‘well-being’. Stoic week is an annual on-line program hosted by Modern Stoicism. The handbook for this class can be accessed by going to: learn.modernstoicism.com - enroll in the course (it’s free).
Over four weeks we will follow the seven-day program, discussing the issues raised in each day. Each day offers audio and video presentations as well as suggested reading, free ebooks and articles/essays by modern Stoics.
