McHenry County College notes

Delve into a discussion group, explore a local stream, or challenge your mind with art, books, and trivia with Retired Adult Program classes this fall at McHenry County College. The RAP program offers stimulating and thought-provoking classes for lifelong learners in a socially-rewarding venue. RAP is a membership-based, noncredit program for adults ages 50 and older who are active, curious and serious about continually learning.

The cost for a one-year membership is $25, and you must be a member to register for classes. To register for any class or to become a RAP member, refer to course ID: NRA C01 001 and contact the MCC Registration Office at (815) 455-8588. For information, call Cindy Kearns at (815) 479-7605.

These classes and discussion groups will begin in September.

• "Current Issues: A Deeper Look:" The goal of this discussion group is to take a deeper look at some of the issues surrounding current events with an emphasis on listening to and understanding the views of others in the group. Participants are encouraged to research the topics and volunteer to be a discussion leader. Topics for the fall include the U.S. electoral process, free trade, health care, and U.S. energy policy and the carbon tax. This group meets from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of every month from September through December beginning Sept. 3. The cost is $10 for the entire semester. Use course ID: NRA S01 001 when registering.

• "Great Decisions 2008:" The September Great Decisions series will recap the topics discussed at the February/March sessions, including "Exiting Iraq," "Reexamining Russia," "Philanthropy, and U.S./China trade," plus other topics. Participants view videotapes produced by the Foreign Policy Association, then follow up with lively discussions that are facilitated by RAP members. It is not necessary to have attended in February and March to participate. This course meets from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. every Thursday in September beginning Sept. 4. The cost of the class is $12 for the entire month. Use course ID: NRA S19 002 when registering.

• Great Masters of Art: This series of afternoon lectures will focus on three great masters of art. Join instructor Diane Wlezien for an enlightening journey through the artist's biography, study of the artist's work and a discussion of how this artist changed the history of art during their lifetime. This popular series is always well-attended and meets from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at MCC. The class dates and featured artists are: Sept. 16, Hieronymus Bosch (course ID: NRA S33 001); Oct. 21, Salvador Dali (course ID: NRA S34 001); Nov. 18, Max Ernst (course ID: NRA S35 001). The cost of each class is $15.

• Book Nook: Book Nook meets monthly from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on the fourth Tuesday (except Dec. 16) and features a discussion of a different book each month. The book list for this fall includes: Sept. 23, "The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt," by Edmond Morris; October 28, "The Anatomy of Deception," by Lawrence Goldstone; Nov. 25, "Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace - One School at a Time," by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin; Dec. 16, "The Shadow Catcher: A Novel," by Marianne Wiggins. The cost of the class is $10 for the entire semester, and books are available for purchase in the MCC Bookstore. Use course ID: NRA S03 001 when registering.

• MCCD Dip and Drip: Join Mary Kozub of the McHenry County Conservation District to find out who and what lives in a local pond and stream. The life cycles of insects and aquatic creatures, as well as the water quality, will be examined. Come prepared to get slightly wet and dirty, but also to have fun. All equipment will be provided. This class meets from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Sept. 22 at the MCCD Fel-Pro site near Cary. Directions are available at mccdistrict.org or by calling (815) 455-8759. The cost of this class is $6. Use course ID: NRA S80 001 when registering.

• Trivia: Former teacher Gloria Stewart will challenge your mind and your memory with fun questions about history, presidents, geography, sports, art, old-time movies, radio and television. Even if you don't know the answers, you will learn a lot. Coffee, tea and cookies will be served. This class meets from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sept. 24. The cost of this class is $7. Use course ID: NRA S81 001 when registering.