Metro Peoria Government -- June 12, 2013

In June, OLLI visited the Peoria County Courthouse to learn more about the Metro Peoria Committee, a joint initiative by the Peoria City Council and Peoria County Board to enhance collaboration between the two units of government.

County Administrator Lori Luther gave an overview of committee, while City Councilman Timothy Riggenbach and County Board member Mary Ardapple interacted with OLLI and answered questions on local government matters such as service delivery, collaborative efficiencies, and transparency.

After the discussion, the group walked across the street to enjoy an early dinner at Richard's in downtown Peoria.

OLLI would like to thank the Peoria Metro Committee for taking the time to meet with us and update us on this joint initative.

Rocky Glen Hike -- June 11, 2013

On this trip, OLLI members visited Rocky Glen, a hidden gem of geologic importance spanning 97 acres along Kickapoo Creek Road.

Ed Stermer, geology expert and earth science professor at Illinois Central College, and David Pittman, President of Friends of Rocky Glen, led us on an amazing, two-hour private hike. OLLI members tested their hiking skills as they climbed and slid through the challenging terrain.

Our guides shared insight into the land’s history and gave us updates on how the Friends of Rocky Glen continue to work on preserving and restoring the property.

OLLI thanks Ed and Dave for the time and knowledge they shared with us on our hike!

Bradley University Grand Tour -- June 7, 2013

In early June, OLLI members invited their grandkids to take a first-ever “Grand” tour of Bradley University.

On our private, behind-the-scenes look, some of the grandkids got to play news anchor at Hench Studios and play actors and actresses when we went “on stage” at the Hartman Center for the Performing Arts.

Later, when we checked out the Markin Family Recreation Center, we were given a private dance lesson in the studio -- hip hop no less!

Going underground in the Renaissance Coliseum to see where the athletes hang out and get rehab was cool, especially when we tried out the big lounge chairs in the Men’s Basketball film room.

At the end of the tour, OLLI members and their grandchildren enjoyed a wonderful catered lunch in the Coliseum and felt like VIPs with a view of the performance court. The grandkids even scored some cool BU gear!

OLLI sends a big THANKS to the Bradley Admissions team for such a special tour of our favorite place, Bradley University!

A Day in Historic Logan County

On our visit to historic Logan County we spent the day visiting several sites. The trip started with a group photo opportunity at the Railsplitter Covered Wagon, which is recognized as the World’s Largest Covered Wagon!

Participants learned more about wind farms from one of the local farmers who leases his land for windmills. From there we traveled to the Logan County Courthouse, which features a courtroom with the original 1905 furniture, as well as many other artistic and historic details.

Next, the National Weather Service office gave us a tour of their facility and discussed how meteorologists develop the weather forecasts for central Illinois.

Our final stop of the day was the Lincoln Heritage Museum, where OLLI members delighted in exploring many artifacts from the Lincoln home, a Lincoln campaign banner from 1860, and an original Civil War Union drum used in battles.

OLLI would like to thank the Logan County members involved in the group effort that put together a memorable day for participants.