Senior Learning Programs

SALT 101: Math in the Bible and the Significance of Bible Numbers

Warren Hagey, Bible Teacher and “Math Guy”
Monday, September 22
1 pm – 2 pm
$30 per person
Location: Huizenga Memorial Library, Fusion 59 Room
Register by September 15

You may not have enjoyed Math class in school, but do you know that Math is all around us, including in the Bible? Come and explore how God communicates important truths to us through mathematical concepts. And don’t worry, there won’t be a test!

SALT 103: Pond Dipping: Exploring Aquatic Worlds

Lake Katherine Nature Center, 7402 W Lake Katherine Drive, Palos Heights, IL 60463
Tuesday, October 7
10 am- 11:30 am
$30 per person
Level of Physical Activity: Low
Register by September 30

Discover the fascinating world that lies just beneath the water’s surface! In this hands-on class, we’ll explore water samples teeming with plant life and tiny creatures. Participants are welcome to dip nets into the water themselves—or simply relax at tables while we bring the pond to you. Using magnifying glasses and other tools, you’ll have the chance to examine living organisms up close and learn about the hidden ecosystems in ponds and streams. This class is perfect for anyone curious about nature—no wading required! Participants must provide their own transportation to the Lake Katherine Nature Center.

SALT 104: Lincoln in Gettysburg – A President’s Brief but Lasting Visit

Scott Dominiak, Educator and Civil War Re-enactor
Thursday, October 9
10 am – 11:30 am
$30 per person
Location: Vermeer Fireside Room
Register by October 2

Although President Abraham Lincoln spent just 25 hours in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania (November 18–19, 1863), his time there left a lasting impression. While the Gettysburg Address is often the focal point, this presentation shifts attention to Lincoln’s visit itself—how he prepared for the speech, his interactions with local residents, and how the town remembered his presence. Through stories and historical accounts, this session offers a unique perspective on Lincoln’s brief, but meaningful stay in this iconic town. Artifacts relevant to the topic will be on exhibit for attendees to view during the session.

SALT 105: The Road to Civil War – Key Events that Shaped a Nation

Scott Dominiak, Educator and Civil War Re-enactor
Thursday, October 23
10 am – 11:30 am
$30 per person
Location: Huizenga Memorial Library, Fusion 59 Room
Register by October 16

This session explores pivotal events that contributed to the outbreak of the American Civil War (1861–1865). Topics include Nat Turner’s rebellion (1831), Thomas Jefferson Randolph’s unsuccessful proposal for gradual emancipation in the Virginia General Assembly, the murder of abolitionist Elijah Lovejoy, the Supreme Court’s Dred Scott decision (1857), the violent conflicts of “Bleeding Kansas,” and John Brown’s raid on the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry (1859). The discussion continues with the election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860 and other significant moments that escalated national tensions. The session concludes with the Confederate bombardment of Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861- the spark that ignited the Civil War. Artifacts relevant to the topic will be on display for attendees to view during the session.

SALT 201: Holy Moses! Striking Rock – The Story of Mining

Carl Vavak, Former Miner and Mining Museum Docent
Wednesdays, October 15 and October 22
11 am – 12:30 pm
$35 per person
Location: CL203
Register by October 8

Dig into the world of underground mining in this engaging class that covers everything from staking a claim to full production. Learn about ore types, mining methods, equipment, and the economic impact on communities. Each session features slides, diagrams, and personal stories to bring the subject to life.

SALT 203: Backstage Pass 1 – The Legends of Rock Music

Gary Wenstrup, Adjunct Professor, College of DuPage
Thursday, October 30
9:30 am – noon
(Each topic lasts 1 hour 15 min, with a short break between topics.)
$35 per person
Location: Huizenga Memorial Library, Fusion 59 Room
Register by October 23

Session 1A. The History of Fleetwood Mac – This modest blues band launched in the mid-1960s, achieved monumental success in the mid-1970s and still makes headlines today. Using interview and performance video, we’ll trace the band’s career with a focus on their blockbuster album “Rumors” and the band’s classic line up of Stevie Nicks, Lindsay Buckingham, Christine McVie, John McVie and Mick Fleetwood. With the firing of Lindsay Buckingham and Christine McVie’s death, the band will never be whole again. It was a fascinating journey of failed romantic relationships that fueled music of intensity and warmth. Fleetwood Mac was a soap opera set to music!

Session 1B. The History of the Rolling Stones – The Rolling Stones are one of the most influential rock bands of all time. They pioneered a raw, blues-based sound with hits like “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,” “Paint It Black,” and “Gimme Shelter.” Their longevity, rebellious image and musical evolution cement their status as rock legends. Through performance and interview video clips, we’ll take an in-depth look at a band often seen as the embodiment of the rock ‘n roll lifestyle—fame, excess, and cultural impact—and explore the legacy they’ve left on music and society.

SALT 204: Backstage Pass 2 – The Legends of Rock Music

Gary Wenstrup, Adjunct Professor, College of DuPage
Thursday, November 6
9:30 am – noon
(Each topic lasts 1 hour 15 min, with a short break between topics.)
$35 per person
Location: Huizenga Memorial Library, Fusion 59 Room
Register by October 30

Session 2A. The History of Elvis Presley – Elvis revolutionized popular music when he exploded onto the scene in 1956 with his unique blend of rhythm & blues and country music. His “energetic” performances, distinctive voice, and charismatic persona made him a worldwide cultural icon. It was a wild ride with huge musical successes, underwhelming films, an astonishing comeback, and a sad downward spiral to his death at age 42. Elvis’ impact was seismic and he forever remains the “King of Rock and Roll”. This session reveals facts you may not know.

Session 2B. The History of James Taylor and Carly Simon – In the early 1970’s the singer-songwriter ruled the radio. Carole King, John Denver, Joni Mitchell, Cat Stevens…but the era’s ultimate power couple were husband and wife, James Taylor and Carly Simon. Using performance and interview clips we’ll trace the arc of their careers from “Fire and Rain” and “You’re So Vain” to “Shower the People” and “Anticipation.” The marriage didn’t last, but the hits sure have!

SALT 205: Book Review – Green Street in Black and White

Dave Larsen, Author and Speaker
Tuesdays, September 9 and 16 @ 10 am – 11 am
$35 per person
Location: Huizenga Memorial Library, Fusion 59 Room
Register by September 2

“White Flight” was a reality that drives the plot of Green Street in Black and White. The first of two sessions examines the pattern of ‘white flight’ as it took place in Englewood broadly, and more specifically among the Reformed Christian ethnic enclave and its institutions. In session II, the author of Green Street in Black and White will describe the writing and publishing process, read a chapter from the book, and engage the class in a discussion of the book’s themes, plot and characters. The book is available for purchase in the Trinity Christian College Bookstore.

SALT 302: Exploring the Mystery in History

Bob Rice, Professor Emeritus of History, Trinity Christian College
Thursdays, September 11, 18, and 25
11 am – 12:30 pm
$40 per person
Location: Huizenga Memorial Library, Fusion 59 Room
Register by September 4

History helps us understand how people and cultures have developed over time, yet it also invites us to grapple with unanswered questions and lingering mysteries. In this three-session class, we’ll explore pivotal moments in twentieth-century Europe by asking key questions that illuminate both clarity and complexity. We’ll begin by examining why Hitler rose to power in Germany. Next, we’ll explore the dramatic shift in policy that led England and France from appeasing dictators to declaring war in less than a year. Finally, we’ll look at how countries in Eastern Europe successfully threw off power from Soviet control to become independent in the late 1980s.

SALT 304: Flying Under the Radar – WWII Unsung Heroes

Cleo Lampos, Educator and Storyteller
Wednesdays, October 8, 15, and 22 @ 1 pm – 2:15 pm
$40 per person
Location: CL203
Register by October 1

This class highlights the contributions of individuals who toiled tirelessly to support the troops sent to combat in WWII. These unsung heroes seldom receive recognition for their work which proved vital to the men and women in the armed services – figures such as Marcel Morceau, Glenn Miller, The Land Girls, Norman Rockwell and many others, who will be discussed. In this three-part class, these “diamonds who did not sparkle” will get their opportunity to shine. Session I focuses on those individuals with artistic abilities who created deceptions that saved many lives. Session II discusses the achievements of women in government positions executing their orders unnoticed. Session III allows home front volunteers, such as nurses, volunteers, and civilians, to shine. Come and hear the accomplishments of the Ghost Army, the 6888th (6 Triple 8) Battalion, and the medical care by nurses as well as other stories.

SALT 401: Virgil’s Aeneid: A Literary Exploration of Faith, Empire, and Identity

Mike VanderWeele, Professor Emeritus of English, Trinity Christian College
Mondays, October 20, 27, November 3 and 10
1 pm – 2:30 pm
$45 per person
Location: CL203
Register by October 13

In this class, we will explore Virgil’s Aeneid, which recasts the fall of Troy as the founding myth of Rome, blending classical heroism with imperial and prophetic themes. Commissioned by Caesar Augustus, the Aeneid looks back to Homer’s Greek rendition of the Battle of Troy and taking the Trojans’ side, shows the sacrifices the remnants of Troy–the future Romans–made. Aeneas replaces Odysseus as epic hero. Dido figures importantly as the Carthaginian queen whose history gets tragically entangled with Aeneas’ history.

Virgil’s story of the exile from Troy becomes the political narrative of Rome as the New Troy. The parallel story of the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt becomes the founding narrative of Rome as the second seat of the church, the New Jerusalem. The two narratives were both important to a Christian Roman identity, especially since an earlier work by Virgil seemed to prophesy the birth of Christ. We’ll also talk about how political and religious narratives intertwine in our time. The Aeneid, is available in the Trinity Christian College Bookstore for purchase.