Artificial intelligence, displaced Syrian immigrants, American foreign policy, the future of NATO, climate technology…
These are just a few of the topics that a group of 30-40 people talk about bi-weekly.
This isn’t the subject matter that you might guess an ordinary group of retirees would be discussing in-depth, but the residents of Oak Trace senior living community in Downers Grove aren’t ordinary. They’re exceptionally smart, educated, well-traveled, and inquisitive. And David Bebb Jones, the resident who leads the community’s current events forum, takes their lifelong learning interests and opportunities to the next level.
An ordained pastor who retired from the Presbyterian Church of Western Springs 24 years ago, David is continuing to share his passion for social justice, ethics, world peace, politics, and climate stewardship, among other important issues.
“I’m not an expert in many of the topics we discuss. I’ve had to read, study, and learn. It’s a good thing for my mental agility,” the 90-year-old said.
While David and his wife Ann participate in fitness programs, attend musical performances, and are involved on various committees and activities, intellectual pursuits like the current events group are part of Oak Trace’s mix of opportunities essential for everyone’s holistic well-being, David said.
Oak Trace’s Great Decisions Program
Part of the curriculum for Oak Trace’s current events group is provided by Great Decisions, a national discussion program about world affairs. Great Decision groups are scattered across the country through libraries, academic settings, faith-based organizations and more. Participants read about a pre-determined topic involving global issues, view a related video, and then have a discussion.
David’s current events committee includes residents Jerry Zielinski, Tom Rabus, and Dr. Terry Dolecek. They each lead discussions, preparing extensively and often calling upon their own expertise for the Great Decisions program. David will read the 12-page informational material, view the 20-30 minute video a couple of times, and then write a summary of the information. He will also read news articles on the topic before leading.
Oak Trace’s Current Events Forum
The Great Decisions program, which David introduced at Oak Trace 11 years ago, became so popular at the retirement community, that a second monthly discussion group evolved, the Oak Trace Current Events Forum. This monthly program covers topics determined by Jones and his committee members, often at the suggestion of residents. They invite guest speakers, including residents with fascinating backgrounds, local politicians, friends, and relatives of residents with interesting expertise, as well as people in David’s extensive network of local, national, and international leaders and humanitarians. Sessions have included a professor of political science from Northeastern University in Boston discussing the electoral system: a native Palestinian alongside a professor and member of Jewish Voices for Peace talking about the Middle East; and an attorney and member of Women’s Voice in Action discussing rebuilding Ukraine.
Participation Increasing
The number of current event participants is growing, especially since a large number of residents have moved into the senior living community’s new independent living apartments.
In addition to people who attend the program in person in Oak Trace’s Performing Arts Center or Great Room, residents are able to watch the current events meeting on the in-house television station from their apartments. “I hope people are participating because they’re intellectually curious about the world and the role we can play,” said David.
Although he’s long retired from his pastoral career, David said he continues to use his training, experience, and passion for justice, peace, and climate stewardship to address important issues and help others become aware of them.
His wife of 67 years, Ann Beran Jones, explained, “This is an outgrowth of his ministry. His preaching always included discussion that was relevant to what was going on in the world.”
