Learn the basics of the card game pinochle. Enjoy playing this old German card game played with 2 to 8 people. Working in teams you will calculate meld, order of playing the cards, taking tricks, and scoring. The will be time for practice each week.

Explore how 130 years of Catholic teaching on work, dignity, and technology—spanning from Pope Leo XIII to Pope Leo XIV—can guide us through the challenges posed by AI and automation. This course draws clear connections between social encyclicals and urgent digital questions: What defines just wages in a gig economy? How can we preserve human creativity when AI encroaches on creative labor? Can technology truly serve, rather than replace, people? Join a thoughtful exploration of faith’s enduring principles—human dignity, solidarity, and the common good—offering historical wisdom and practical hope for a just, digital future—it’s a conversation about the choices we’re making right now.

Did you ever wonder how those beautiful rocks on Lake Michigan’s beach were made? Why do some look like coral you’ve seen in Florida? Some look as black as lava. Some look to be layered with sands of a different color. Each of these rocks tell a story that we will explain in this course. We will tell the story of how the earth evolved and the unique process that formed the continents. Rocks can also tell the story of the evolution of life. Come learn these processes and you will never see beaches, mountains and plains in the same way. Finally, you will learn to appreciate the time involved in the development of the earth’s surface you see now.

Our class will enjoy watching a different movie from the 30’s, 40’s, 50’s and 60’s for each of our ten sessions. The films will cover a variety of cinematic genres from comedy to drama, musicals to noir, and everything in between. Our hosts (Judith, Jeff, and Randy) will frame the week’s movie with an introduction and summary analysis, as well as interesting tidbits and trivia. The emphasis is on fun as well as film critique and information sharing among class members and hosts. Class questions and comments are encouraged.

This welcoming, beginner-level course helps learners build confidence using provided computers, smartphones, and essential online tools. Over 10 weeks, students will learn how to use devices, set up accounts and manage passwords, send and receive email, navigate the internet safely, use social media, complete online forms, shop and bank online securely, and access helpful digital resources. Smartphone basics such as texting, calling, and using apps are also included. A skills checklist will guide learning and assess progress. Students who successfully complete the course may check out a computer from the FLI Lending Library for home use. This course is free due to a generous grant from the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County.

Red Ball Tennis is a fun social tennis experience designed for new players, returning players, or anyone else who wants to play! It’s played with a shorter tennis racquet and a lower compression tennis ball with a slower bounce. There are four players in a game and it’s played on a pickleball court. There are only a few rules, simple scoring, and lots of fun. If you’re looking for a new game to try, consider Red Ball Tennis. Join us for this inaugural class! Racquets and balls provided. Assisted by Mary Chapman

This semester, we’ll continue our colored pencil journey with a review of the basic steps for achieving realism—perfect for both returning students and newcomers. In the first half, we’ll focus on portraits of people and animals; in the second half, you’ll paint from your own reference images. Supplies: Strathmore Bristol Vellum paper, professional-grade Prismacolor pencils (minimum 12-count, not watercolor), pencil sharpener, Tombow mono sand and kneadable erasers. Available at Michaels and United Art & Education. $2 copy fee due first class.

Discover how to use the elements of art to create a variety of sketches. We will learn about both materials and techniques. Everyone is encouraged to find their own style. Each week will involve a different aspect of sketching. Materials are available at Hobby Lobby: 1) Faber-Castell Graphite Grip Pencils Artist Drawing Set (3 pencils 2B, B, HB, eraser, and metal sharpener), $6.49. 2) Master’s Touch Hardcover Spiral Sketch Pad (acid free paper)—your choice of size, regular cost $6.99 to $19.99-Master’s Touch goes on sale every other week. (Let HL head cashier know if pencils are sold out—they will be reordered within a week)