WEEK-TV -- March 12, 2012

On this trip to the WEEK-TV 25 studios, we learned how news is gathered, viewed editing bays and the control room, and had an opportunity to see reporters and anchors at work.

In addition, our tour included a behind-the-scenes viewing of the midday news broadcast and a question-and-answer session with the anchors, Garry Moore and Sandy Gallant.

For more information about WEEK-TV, visit http://www.centralillinoisnewscenter.com

Peoria International Airport -- March 9, 2012

On March 9, OLLI traveled to the General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport for a private tour with Airport Director Gene Olson.

We enjoyed an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at ticket counters, inbound baggage facilities, passenger screening rooms, waiting areas, and jet bridges. We also learned how the new 125,000 square-foot terminal places ticket counters, baggage claim and rental car desks on one floor in the main concourse, serving around 1 million travelers through 12 gates annually.

For more information about the airport, please visit www.flypia.com

Maui Jim -- March 6, 2012

On our first trip of Spring 2012, we visited the Peoria headquarters of Maui Jim, the fastest growing premium sunglass maker in the world.

During our tour, we saw first-hand how the company engineers its PolarizedPlus lenses, which combat the sun's intense glare and harmful ultraviolet rays. Chief Financial Officer Tim Krueger spent nearly two hours with our group, discussing the company's "Aloha Spirit" philosophy, its move from Hawaii to Peoria, and how its "ohana" (family) has steadily built a cult following for its products.

OLLI thanks Tim Krueger and the staff at Maui Jim for welcoming us during the tour. For more information about Maui Jim, please visit www.mauijim.com.

"Come Blow Your Horn" -- February 23, 2012

On the last trip of Winter 2012, OLLI traveled to Conklin's Barn II Dinner Theatre in Goodfield, Illinois.

Our evening began with a presentation by Jim Ludwig, Professor Emeritus of Theatre at Bradley University, about Neil Simon's writing legacy. After dinner, we watched the performance of "Come Blow Your Horn," a romp about a man who moves in with his brother in New York City.

The performance, which featured well-known local actors Bob Lane, Jr. and Mary Simon, was followed by an exclusive question-and-answer session with the cast.

For more information about Conklin's, please visit www.barn2.com.