GUSTO! organizes intellectually stimulating activities and events through which we can learn and share our experiences.
This year, we will enjoy five presentations on the second Monday of every other month beginning in September. Pack a lunch and join us in the Fellowship Hall at 11:30 am.
We will host hybrid meetings during the upcoming 2024-2025 season, in person at King of Glory Lutheran Church and through Zoom. Bring your lunch if you'd like and enjoy gathering together to eat and listen to incredible speakers! People of all ages are invited to attend and guests are always welcome. Please register prior to attending, regardless of the way you will be joining us. For more information, email .
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Upcoming Meetings
May 12, 2025
Empowering Seniors to Thrive at Home
Eric van Goethem, Owner of Amada Senior Care, Dallas
Join us for an informative session with Eric von Goethem, owner of Amada Senior Care - Dallas, as he shares his personal mission to support seniors in living safely and comfortably in their own homes. Drawing from his experience caring for his father and the emotional toll it took on his family, Eric will provide valuable guidance on navigating caregiving challenges. He will also share his personal journey, highlighting what led him to dedicate his career to senior care. With his expertise and compassion, this session promises to be both informative and inspiring. Don't miss it!
Mark your calendars and join us, on Monday, May 12th at 11:30am.
2024 - 2025 Schedule
September 9, 2024
Beyond the Headlines: A Deeper Dive into Today's News
Randy Mayeux, Co-founder, First Friday Book Synopsis, & Accomplished Speaker;
Randy Mayeux truly is the epitome of a lifelong learner. Beginning with his love of comic books, then the Hardy Boys, Nero Wolfe, and finally a much wider array, he keeps reading! In multiple areas—including theology, business, general nonfiction, social justice, and poverty—he has always been an avid reader.
In addition to his briefings and synopses on business books and books on social justice & poverty, Mayeux has presented extended presentations on ethics (especially business ethics), the threat of Al-Qaeda, the financial crash and ongoing economic crisis of the last few years, and the challenges facing the health care industry. He has delivered synopses of business books at the First Friday Book Synopsis in Dallas and presented synopses of books addressing poverty, homelessness, and racial issues for the Urban Engagement Book Club, meeting monthly since 2004. This book club was previously sponsored by CitySquare but is now an independent organization.
November 11, 2024
Red Hot Patriot: The Life and Times of Molly Ivins
Marty Van Kleeck, Actress & Producer
Marty Van Kleeck has had a fifty-year career in theater, working as an actress, costume designer, director, and producer, with credits in stage, film, and commercials. She spent thirty years at the Granbury Opera House, initially as an intern and later as the Artistic Managing Director.
Recently, Marty has been performing one-woman shows, often portraying her subjects in character. We look forward to her portrayal of Molly Ivins in "Red Hot Patriot: The Life and Times of Molly Ivins."
Mark your calendars and join us, on Monday, November 11th at 11:30am.
January 13, 2025
The Way of St. James: Reflections on Hiking the Camino de Santiago
Dan Reckmeyer
Dan just can't sit still.
Last spring, Dan Reckmeyer embarked on another adventure: hiking the Camino de Santiago. The 500+ mile trek across northern Spain is not just a shorter version of the Appalachian Trail; it's also a spiritual journey undertaken by many pilgrims who face nature's challenges for various reasons. Join us in January as Dan shares his physical, emotional, and spiritual experiences while hiking this almost 2,000-year-old Christian pilgrimage trail, attributed to Saint James the Apostle. If you want to get a feel for the trip, check out the 2010 movie "The Way," starring Martin Sheen. Dan hiked the same "Francis" route.
march 10, 2025
A Dog Called Hope, A Wounded Warrior and the Dog Who Saved Him
SSgt. Jason Morgan, USAF ret., Author
Join us as we welcome SSgt. Jason Morgan, USAF (ret.), best-selling author, and national spokesperson for a national organization that pairs service animals with wounded veterans. Morgan will share his inspiring story, as told in his book "A Dog Called Hope," about his journey with his service dog and the life-changing impact of their partnership. Don't miss this heartwarming and informative presentation!
May 12, 2025
Empowering Seniors to Thrive at Home
Eric van Goethem, Owner of Amada Senior Care, Dallas
Join us for an informative session with Eric von Goethem, owner of Amanda Senior Care - Dallas, as he shares his personal mission to support seniors in living safely and comfortably in their own homes. Drawing from his experience caring for his father and the emotional toll it took on his family, Eric will provide valuable guidance on navigating caregiving challenges. He will also share his personal journey, highlighting what led him to dedicate his career to senior care. With his expertise and compassion, this session promises to be both informative and inspiring. Don't miss it!