The good news is we didn’t fall off. The even better news is that this remote mass of rock and ice was other-worldly in the most spectacular way! See cute-as-can-be penguins, breaching whales, lazy seals, colorful icebergs, and some of the largest birds to grace the sky. Come share the excitement of exploring this “white continent.”

Travel with us on a journey which begins in one of the most intriguing landscapes in the world: Cappadocia, Turkey. Get a glimpse of Istanbul--a cosmopolitan city where East meets West.  From there, board a train and visit beautiful little-known towns and cities across the heart of Eastern Europe.  Did Dracula exist?  We will explore the answer and see where he lived (in legend and in history).  Wind up in Budapest, a wondrous dual city.

Learn about the many free programs available in Windham County for seniors, caregivers, and their loved ones. As independent agencies, each works to improve the lives of Connecticut residents through advocacy, resource-sharing, and services. Jennifer will talk about accessing essential information to attain the optimal quality of life.

Anita has been to Finland over 40 times since spending five months living with families there in 1956 as a student with the International Farm/4-H Youth Exchange program. She has witnessed multiple changes, many of which are significant. Having just conducted her latest Finland tour, you’ll see examples of Finnish life over a 50-year span.

Master Daryl Laperle began his martial arts career in 1986, becoming the youngest martial artist to earn his 4th Dan black belt in the Cheezic Tang Soo Do system. A silver medalist from the World Martial Arts games held in Oslo Norway in 2025, he will talk about his experience. He will also demonstrate some self-defense techniques for senior citizens.

Join Master Wildlife Conservationist Ginny Apple as she talks about black bears, focusing on their natural history in CT as well as an overview of their habitat, diet, behavior, reproduction and current research efforts. She also provides practical recommendations for optimum co-existence with our black bear population.

Mary Dixon Kies has been considered by many to be the first US woman to be granted a patent in her own right. In 1809, she was given a patent for the process of weaving straw with silk. This program will examine Mary in the light of her times, the plight of women in the early 19th century, and the possible causes of the failure of the venture.

For nine consecutive years, the United Nations-sponsored World Happiness Report has named Finland the happiest country in the world. This session will explore the unique cultural attributes, societal strengths, and lifestyle habits that fuel this remarkable ranking. Discover the distinct character of this unassuming nation and its residents..

On August 19, 1955, a wall of water swept through Putnam, flooding homes and businesses and washing out streets, bridges and railroad tracks. On that day, Ron Coderre was a 14-year-old boy living on Sunnyside Ave. He will speak about witnessing firsthand the disastrous flood that took Putnam by surprise. These images have remained with him throughout his eastern CT lifetime.

From ancient walled cities and the legacy of the Knights of St. John to breathtaking coastal scenery, World War II history, and vibrant local culture, this presentation offers a glimpse into one of Mediterranean’s most unique destinations. Come explore the history, food, traditions, and unforgettable experiences that made Malta such a remarkable adventure.

The Revolutionary War period in the Quiet Corner of Connecticut had secrets, creating mysteries that are still to be solved. Was there intentional misinformation by the Revolutionaries or the Tories? Some mysteries are just little-known stories within families. Join us for a telling of some of the more interesting mysteries of this pre-war and wartime period. Help us solve these mysteries too!

Abington, Connecticut—a historic village in Pomfret—was a vital hub of Revolutionary War activity. It served as a key militia training ground, supplied dozens of volunteer soldiers, and hosted local networks that provided essential goods for the Continental Army. Learn about how this small village became Revolutionary during and after the war.

Four men never campaigned for the highest office—yet found themselves holding it. As one of the most overlooked and often misunderstood positions in government, the vice president is an important role … they could become president in certain instances; AND SOME DID. Learn about U S History’ s little-known saga.

Explore recent changes by the Federal Reserve, and some new IRS factors such as the increased Senior Standard Deduction and tax bracket adjustments. And now parents, guardians and other authorized individuals are permitted to establish a new type of tax-advantaged individual retirement account for their children. What else? The experienced financial professionals at Weiss, Hale & Zahansky will bring us up to date.  

In celebration of Veterans Day, LiR will host a locally-active military retiree, Mike Rocchetti. He is engaged in documenting regional military history.  His series honors military veterans from Northeastern CT: from the French & Indian War through the current conflicts in the Middle East. He has several segments completed. Be here to hear what he has discovered.

The romance of Route 66 continues to captivate us. From Chicago to Los Angeles, “over two thousand miles all the way” in the words of the popular R&B song, this legendary old road passes through the heart of the United States on a diagonal trip that takes in some of the country’s most memorable roadside scenes. So, as the song says, “You can get your kicks on Route 66.”

On October 30, 2003, Woodstock residents Doug, Kyle, Eliza, and Abby Hopkins departed from Groton, CT aboard their 32-foot boat to embark on a sailing circumnavigation. It took them almost 7 years to complete their voyage. While they experienced challenges, they remained a close-knit family and a floating school for their two young daughters. Their program will feature pictures, video clips, log entries and personal journals. Completing the loop is quite a story, and an appropriate way to finish the LiR fall semester!