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.

Once each month, meet a naturalist at a County Park for an introduction to what’s going on with plants, animals and insects as nature reawakens from winter. Then head out for a naturalist-led hike to look and listen for nature in action. Dates and locations: March 6 at St. Patrick's County Park; April 3 at Spicer Lake Nature Preserve; May 1 at Bendix Woods County Park. All dates meet 9-11 am.

In today’s world, terms like genetics, mRNA vaccines, and CRISPR technology appear everywhere. This class provides a solid foundation in the basics of genetics and inheritance, exploring how they shape evolution, diversity, modern medicine, and cutting-edge biotechnology. It also serves as an excellent companion to my other course, Ethics in Genetics.

Join us for Forever Euchre Club, a fun and social class designed for those who enjoy this fast-paced card game of strategy and teamwork! Each week, participants will gather to play friendly games of euchre in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just learning the ropes, this club offers a great opportunity to sharpen your skills, share tips, and enjoy lively conversation. No formal instruction—just plenty of cards, laughter, and camaraderie. Bring your competitive spirit and get ready for lots of fun! All skill levels are welcome.

In an age of rapidly advancing technology, genetics is playing an increasingly significant role in science and medicine. With these breakthroughs come profound and thought-provoking questions. Who owns our genes? Are GMO foods safe to eat? Is it ethical to create entirely new proteins to combat disease and genetic disorders? What are the caveats and concerns surrounding CRISPR technology? Should we create “designer babies”? What happens if insurance companies gain access to our genetic profiles? Are we, in some ways, playing God? Join me as we explore these questions and many more. (No prior knowledge of genetics is required to take this class.)

The so-called Conflict Thesis, made popular by Andrew Dickson White and John WIlliam Draper in the 19th century, claims that science and religion are, at best, in conflict, and, at worst, at warfare with each other. This talk will look at the historical roots of this purported tension, beginning with the Galileo affair and ending with Intelligent Design. We will examine Stephen Jay Gould's Non Overlapping Magisteria (NOMA), Richard Dawkins' belief that many Christians are essentially idiots, and wrestle with the idea of beauty and the seemingly numinous qualities of nature. This session will meet Wednesday, April,m22.