**This section is available to Lanier Village Estates residents only** Three IN-PERSON sessions March 18, 25, April 1 11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. This course looks at the worst and best moments of our 250-year history as a nation, at three major turning points, and at three of our most consequential leaders who brought us to this point. This will be something of an advanced celebration as we approach this remarkable July 4 birthday and is intended to give us reason for hope in a good future – even in this current dark winter of our discontent. Recommended reading: THE SOUL OF AMERICA: THE BATTLE FOR OUR BETTER ANGELS by Jon Meachum (2018). Bill Coates has taught BULLI classes for more than 25 years and has been working for Brenau University on the BULLI team for the past 7 years. He received his BA from Coker College in 1976 with a double Major in English and Religion and a minor in History; an M.Div. from Southeastern Theological Seminary in 1980; and a PhD from the University of South Carolina in 1996. A retired pastor and long-time educator, he has lived in Gainesville since 1998 and wouldn't want to live anywhere else–as long as he can travel as much as possible!