Rocky Glen Hike -- October 17, 2011

Rocky Glen, comprised of 97 acres along Kickapoo Creek Road in West Peoria, is a hidden gem of geologic importance.

We learned about the site during a two-hour private hike with Ed Stermer, geology expert and earth science professor at Illinois Central College, and David Pittman, President of the Friends of Rocky Glen.

For more information about Rocky Glen, visit www.friendsofrockyglen.org

Irish Ethnic Dinner -- October 13, 2011

October brought about another OLLI tradition – the ethnic dinner! The after-hours event at Kickapoo Creek Winery was a celebration of Irish culture and cuisine, themed “Eirinn Go Brach,” Gaelic for “Ireland Forever.”

The Bogside Zukes, a local favorite, began the evening by playing some favorite tunes and providing insight about the history of traditional Irish music. After dinner, which included Irish favorites such as Guinness stew, cabbage, and soda bread, Leo Jordan, OLLI member and a founding member of Friends of Clonmel, delighted us with a presentation about Irish culture and Peoria’s sister city relationship with Clonmel, Ireland.

Culinary Arts in Mount Carroll -- October 11, 2011

OLLI spent the day in Mount Carroll with stained glass and wood carving artisans, sustainable farmers, and innovative culinary chefs.

Upon our arrival in small northwest Illinois town, we met our step-on guide and enjoyed private tours and presentations. At the Kraft Building, 320 N. Main, we split up for some small workshops: a wood sculpting demonstration with sculptor Jack Kromer of Kromer Art, and three doors down, a glass workshop with stained glass artisan Mary Kiernan from New Morning Glass.

Our culinary presentation was led by Pat Lehnhardt of Learn Great Foods, a company that specializes in educating consumers about sustainable food. Our three-course lunch featured Greek salad with Israeli couscous, fresh green salad with herb vinaigrette, locally raised beef and mushrooms over polenta, and apple crepes from Fairhaven fruits.

Our last stop of the day was a visit with Tom Nedbal at his apple orchard, Fairhaven Fruit Farm, corner of Fairhaven and Creamery Roads, Thomson, Illinois.

Utica -- October 6, 2011

The autumn colors provided a beautiful backdrop for a hike at Starved Rock State Park, a trolley tour of Utica, and a boat ride along the I&M Canal.

Our morning hike included a walk to the bottom of a canyon and to the top of Starved Rock, where we were fortunate to see bald eagles soaring above the river.

Later in the afternoon, The Volunteer took us on a historic journey to 1848, where costumed narrators aboard the boat explained the construction of the canal while we are pulled along the waterway by mules (Larry and Moe).

Midwest Technical Institute -- October 4, 2011

In early October, OLLI visited Midwest Technical Institute is a year-round vocational school providing course offerings in a variety of vocational fields.

Our tour of the East Peoria campus included insight into the eight programs it provides for future welders, heating/air conditioning/appliance repair technicians, medical and dental assistants, medical coders, massage therapists, basic nursing assistants, and pharmacy technicians.

For more information about the institute, visit www.midwesttech.edu