Does October 1st mean something to you? The date may - Happy Federal Fiscal New Year! October 1st happens every year, and yet the deadline seems like a surprise to the Federal Government. During this presentation, we will walk through the Federal Government’s annual budget process and provide you with “Just the Facts.” Amaze your friends and family based on your own knowledge and research beyond what you see on TV or read in the news. Get ready to crack out the champagne and celebrate like it is New Years Day with your new tools to dig deeper in the areas that interest you – homelessness, education, health care, etc.!  

Donations welcome to support the mission of Forever Learning Institute

Learn how to up the level of your painting. You will sharpen your skills in drawing, painting, and composition. You will understand the balance that is between moisture, pigment, and paper with the decisions of every brushstroke. Letting your techniques serve what you want to convey in your painting. Helping you gain clarity to move forward in your art. Materials needed: Watercolor paints, Palettes, Watercolor paper, Brushes, #2 pencil, Gum eraser, Water cup, Paper towel

Begin, or continue, a journey with Polish. We will build on your knowledge of language, memories and love for all things Polish. With addition of new phrases, simplified grammar, and conversation you will prepare to embark on the next trip to the Chicago Polish store, write a note in Polish to your loved one or simply reminisce about conversations you overheard growing up. Text and other materials will be announced during the first class and emailed to you.

Cardio drumming is a low-impact, full-body workout set to the great music of the '60s, '70s, and '80s. If you have never tried this form of exercise, you are in for a real treat. Using drumsticks, a 65-75cm stability ball, and a 16–24-gallon bucket (with rope handles), we work at our own pace using our arms, legs, and core! All fitness levels are encouraged, even if you must sit. Please purchase your bucket and ball at Meijer, Walmart, or Lowe's. Drumsticks are available from the instructor for $3.

Age or musical experience should not keep you from exploring your passion for music. We will work together to learn at least one song each week with sheet music and chords. This class is for the beginner student or anyone wanting to learn to play with chords. Please purchase Hal Leonard's "Three Chord Songs-Super Easy Songbook". The first three songs are Ain't No Sunshine, All About That Bass, and All Around The Watchtower (available on Amazon) and bring it to the first session. You will NOT need to bring a piano or keyboard to class but should have one for practicing.

This hands-on course will explore how to enhance your photographic skills using all forms of digital cameras, including point-and-shoot, cell phone, and more advanced digital SLR cameras. You do not need prior experience or instruction; come with an open mind and a desire to learn how to do more with the camera you have. Each week, there will be assigned topics for photographic exploration including composition, lighting, exposure and how to enhance the shots. During the class, we will offer a public critique of your photos and answer your questions.

This course will include definitions of spirituality and a discussion of the relationship between spirituality and how we conduct ourselves through a myriad of life issues. The class will explore secular spirituality along with religious and personal issues. Through thoughtful discussions we will develop a better understanding about the importance of spirituality. The course will be broken down to give us a personal yet more profound understanding of spirituality by taking a salient look into some social issues that will include mental health and addiction issues. Finally, the class will help us understand why it is vital to integrate spirituality into our lives.

Textbook topics this semester include dates, telling time, study of days, months, seasons and years, ending with definite time. In Begegnungen chapter one topics will conclude with gender of nouns, Genitive case, talking about one’s background and daily schedule, review of verb tenses and a self evaluation. The first topic in Chapter two will be about free time. From the reader the semester will concentrate on Hansel and Gretel. From Deutsche Welle the topic will be family including aging and household tasks. A copy fee of $2 will be collected in the first class.