J.K. Williams Distilling - March 10, 2014

OLLI members took a learning trip to J.K. WIlliams Distilling in East Peoria on Monday, March 10, 2014. The tour was lead by Jon Williams, President of J.K. Williams. Williams discussed the history of his ancestors after whom the distillery is named. Williams also explained how he worked with the historical society to work on the photographic display.

OLLI members learned how J.K. Williams crafted quality bootleg whisky during his time. Four generations later, Williams and his family decided to revive the family recipe.

Williams took members through the barrel room where the whisky and bourbon are stored, and guided us through the distilling process as well.

OLLI would like to thank Jon Williams and J.K. Williams Distilling for such an amazing tour!

To learn more about J.K. Williams Distilling please check out their website.

Peoria Civic Center- March 7, 2014

OLLI took a learning trip to the Peoria Civic Center on March 7, 2014. Megan Pedigo, Assistant Director of Marketing for the Peoria Civic Center, and Eric Yarbrough, Technical Coordinator, lead the tour through the facility including the Great Hall, Ballroom, Lexus Club, Arena, Theater, and Exhibit Hall.

Pedigo and Yarbrough explained the types of events held at the facility, how logistics are managed and marketed, and how operations occur during and event.

While walking through the arena, we were able to watch the Peoria Rivermen practice on the ice rink. We also learned about productions held in the theatre and how each shoe has different set-up requirements.

OLLI would like to thank Megan Pedigo, Eric Yarbrough, and the Peoria Civic Center for an amazing tour.

To learn more about the Peoria Civic Center, click here.

Homeway Homes- March 4, 2014

OLLI took a learning trip to Homeway Homes on March 4, 2014. President Brian Schieler, was OLLI's private guide during the factory tour. Schieler discussed the company’s modern home design and construction processes. OLLI learned about Energy Strength, a ground-breaking insulation system that not only seals the home for energy conservation purposes, but also strengthens it from a structural standpoint.

Schieler also talked about the involvement of his siblings and the history of their family-owned company. OLLI also had the opportunity to tour the model home site and admire many different styles of floor plans.

OLLI would like to thank Brian Schieler and Homeway Homes for a fantastic tour.

To learn more about Homeway Homes, click here.

Parsec Enterprises- March 3, 2014

OLLI took a learning trip to Parsec Enterprises on March 3, 2014. OLLI had a private tour with owner Marc Young, who gave us a behind-the-scenes look at the largest independent watch repair facility in the United States. Young began the tour with a comprehensive overview of the company and a little history of watch repair in general. Parsec has been servicing the world's largest watch manufacturers and retailers since 1977. Young also described their unique, self-developed, in-house database system, which tracks your timepiece from the time it is carefully unpacked, until it is re-packed and shipped out. OLLI had a first hand look at the many miniature parts used to service and repair more than 2 million watches worldwide.

This company is helping to develop many of the test procedures that have become standard practice for today’s service industry.

OLLI would like to thank Parsec Enterprises for such an amazing tour.

To learn more about Parsec Enterprises, click here.