Parsons Company -- August 25, 2011

The last summer learning trip of 2011 was a tour of Parsons Company in Roanoke, Illinois.

Parsons, which specializes in metal fabrication, precision machining, welding, assembly, and painting, has been a supplier to Fortune 100 manufacturers since 1971.

In 2004, the plant was destroyed by an F4 tornado, but all 150 employees survived, as they were protected by specially designed tornado shelters. Just eight months later, the company had rebuilt and was fully operational.

Our tour highlighted the processes of the company, as well as its story of determination in recovering from the tornado’s destruction.

For more information about Parsons, please visit www.parsonscompany.com

Pullman / Devil in the White City -- August 18

Forty-two OLLI members spent a beautiful day in Chicago touring several historic sites in the city.

The day included a visit to the Pullman State Historic Site, where we were escorted through the surviving portions of an industrial complex developed in the 1880s by George Pullman. The tycoon, whose company built luxury railroad passenger cars, designed the country's first planned industrial community to house workers employed by his factory. Pullman believed that superior living quarters in a setting far from urban problems would attract good employees and enhance productivity.

We also discovered the mystique of the Hyde Park neighborhood, home of sites associated with the Columbian Exposition of 1893 and described in Erik Larson's bestseller The Devil in the White City.

Canoeing at Emiquon -- June 29, 2011

The rainy spring led to high water levels on the Sangamon River, so we made a last-minute change to our canoeing itinerary and headed to Emiquon Preserve in Lewistown instead!

Scott Hewitt, expert canoeist and interpreter, accompanied our group and provided a canoeing lesson followed by several hours on the water.

OLLI thanks Scott for his wonderful presentations and assistance on this trip.

Illinois Shakespeare Festival -- June 23, 2011

OLLI's summer tradition of a patio picnic and performance at the Illinois Shakespeare Festival continued with a visit to Ewing Manor to see the opening night performance of The Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged).

We extend a heartfelt thanks to Dr. Susan Hillabold, frequent OLLI instructor, who accompanied our group to provide further insight about the play.

Manito -- June 16, 2011

Nancy Proehl, retired member of the Continuing Education staff, was our guide as we spent the day learning about the attractions and small businesses in Manito, Illinois.

Our visit included a tour of the Jake Wolf Fish Hatchery, stops at Dianna's Chocolates, the Old Manito SChool and Jail, and Corr's Bakery. Between tours, we dined at Hawk's Grove Family Inn and enjoyed a wine lesson and tasting at Willett's Winery.

OLLI thanks Nancy Proehl for her time and effort in arranging this wonderful day of learning.

Weaver Farm -- June 21, 2011

This working farm is home to three generations of Weavers and serves as the home office of Weaver Enterprises. Our tour was the last opportunity to see the private museum collection of vintage stage coaches and carriages that date back to the 1700s.

Our host, newly elected Peoria City Councilman Chuck Weaver, provided an excellent tour of the grounds and educated us on the Weaver Polo Program.

OLLI thanks Chuck for his wonderful hospitality! For more information about Weaver Farms, please visit www.weaverangusfarm.com.

Peoria Police Department -- June 9, 2011

On this trip, we visited the Peoria Police Department and viewed holding cells, line up rooms, interview rooms, and a museum that houses equipment, photographs, and evidence collected over the last 80 years.

Our tour also included the adjacent Emergency Communications Center, where we observed and learned how the trained staff handles emergency calls for all of Peoria County law enforcement, fire, and ambulance services while providing critical information in emergency situations to both officers and citizens.

OLLI thanks Officer Doug Burgess and the Peoria Police Department for their hospitality! For more information, please visit the department's website: www.ci.peoria.il.us.

OLLI Summer Picnic -- June 8, 2011

The annual tradition of OLLI summer picnics continued as we met at Wildlife Prairie State Park on June 8 to enjoy a buffet lunch on the park's Hespell Deck.

Jeff Rosecrans, Operations Director of the park, presented an informative look at the park's past, present, and future. Staffers from the park's education department also introduced the OLLI gang to an owl and oppossum!

OLLI thanks Jeff and the crew at Wildlife Prairie State Park for an enjoyable and educational afternoon. For more information, please visit the park's website.

Bocce Ball and Brewing -- June 1, 2011

Our first summer trip of 2011 was spent in St. Louis and focused on two intriguing aspects of the city: the Italian culture that is celebrated in The Hill neighborhood, and the impact that brewing has had on the area.

Our private docents, Joe and Charlie DeGregorio, met us at The Hill to guide us through the beloved Italian neighborhood. Our first stop was at Mama Toscano’s, one of the few markets in the country that makes ravioli by hand, to see the ancient and meticulous art of pasta making. We then visited a private bocce ball club for a hands-on sporting experience.

After lunch at Mama Campisi's, we experienced an Italian concert at St. Ambrose Church, enjoyed gelato from a family-owned store, then headed to the Anheuser-Busch Brewery for a private beer class followed by a guided tour and a stop in the hospitality room.