Mind Expansion Slated for Ellicottville
by Lois Ann Zendarski (02/06/2009)

Want to expand your mind? Would you like to be involved in lively discussions on timely subjects and contemporary issues? Do you want to meet interesting people? Are you looking for activities close to home? Are you looking for activities that are inexpensive?? If you find yourself asking these questions then ‘Great Challenges’ may be just the thing you are searching for!

The brainchild of Ellicottville resident, Jack Bares, ‘Great Challenges’ is getting people together to talk, to socialize and to learn. With a vision for the future, Jack hopes to bring a Great Challenges group to other locales as well. Jack’s main activity is his Tool Circle program, which encourages U.S. hand tool manufacturers to donate their excess, obsolete or overstock tools to his foundation, which then distributes the tools to needy individuals and training schools all over the world. In 2008, the Tool Circle program received over 100 tons of tools. With a love of learning and sharing ideas, Jack wants to get people together to look at contemporary issues from varying standpoints through the ‘Great Challenges’ group.

The ‘Great Challenges’ Discussion Group will meet from 5:30 – 6:30 PM at the Ellicottville Library, Elizabeth Street in Ellicottville with yours truly, Lois Zendarski as moderator of the group.

With the economy in the news every day, ‘Great Challenges’ topics are of interest to all. We will be meeting monthly to watch a 30 minute DVD about today’s issues. The topics--Modern Economic Issues will be taught by Professor Robert Whaples from Wake Forest University. February 19th will focus on the topic: Zero-Sum Game of Conspicuous Consumption, March 12th will be: It Pays to be Married. A short discussion will follow. Refreshments will be provided.

Great Challenges is a non-profit group with the express purpose of getting people together to learn, to think and to socialize. There is no cost. For more information, contact Lori at: 699-6657