Caterpillar Global Research and Development- Tuesday, January 27, 2015

The OLLI returns to the Caterpillar Research and Development Center for one of our Winter 2015 Learning Trips.

Caterpillar's Tech. Center was the site for the most recent Fall Learning Trip. The CAT Tech Center employs over 2,000 people, and spends $8 million per day on research and development. The tech site houses Caterpillar's testing, simulation, and validation work that ensures its equipment delivers value. OLLI members first learned about the CAT safety procedures and practices before taking a guided-tour of the facility.

OLLI members were able to see Cat employees at work, and how they help keep Caterpillar up-to-date on regulations, product certifications, and industry standards. Tour guides were on hand to provide detailed information about the research and development work that takes place at the Mossville facility. Technology has surely caused the process of testing and equipment validation to evolve over the years, but one thing that hasn't changed is Caterpillar's dedication towards making quality equipment that delivers value over its entire life cycle.

OLLI would like to thank Caterpillar for once again inviting OLLI to one of their wonderful area facilities.

Salvation Army- Friday, January 23, 2015

The Salvation Army assists more than 14.6 million people with basic social services each year, and our community is fortunate to have the divisional headquarters right here in Peoria. Today, OLLI visited The Salvation Army to learn about the services they provide for the homeless in our community and families in need.

Rich Draeger, Assistant Director of Development, gave a behind-the-scenes tour of the various facilities that are on campus at the downtown headquarters. Many OLLI members were surprised to learn about the variety of services that are available, and the magnitude of community members that utilize the services of the non-for-profit organization.

The downtown campus in Peoria features the Sylvia Fites Family Service Center, a Veterans Outreach Center, a Child Care Center, Family Shelter, and Food Warehouse. Families in need are able to utilize the Salvation Army as an effort to get back on their feet. We also learned that The Salvation Army works in conjunction with other non-for-profit organizations such as The Dream Center, to ensure those in need have an opportunity for assistance.

There are a variety of volunteer opportunities a The Salvation Army, which include: office help for the Christmas Center, assistance with the toy shop, serving of holiday meals, and basket distribution. Community volunteers and donor generosity is truly what makes The Peoria Salvation Army succeed. To volunteer or donate to the Salvation Army, click here.

Prairie Center for the Arts- Thursday, January 22, 2015

Prairie Center of the Arts proves that “Art is Alive” in Peoria.

OLLI’s visit to the Prairie Center of the Arts in downtown Peoria is excellent proof that Peoria has a rapid growing arts scene. Dawn Gettler, Program Manager and Gallery Coordinator, welcomed OLLI for a hands-on arts experience. We were able to tour the studio and see work in progress of the various studio artists.

The Prairie Center of the Arts houses artists from around the world with resources and a creative atmosphere to think and create. Michele Richey, President of the Prairie Center of the Arts has been committed to “engaging our community in artistic pursuits, while being provided opportunities for their own research and development of new works.”

OLLI members had the opportunity not only to learn about their work, but to see what it would be like to be an artist at the Prairie Center. We were able to print letters of love by using the Vandercook Letter Press. For this project, OLLI members were seen using hand-set antique metal type to make their own image for a Valentine’s Day card. We also had the opportunity to work with the local artists to make original print making designs.

We would like to thank Michele Richey, Dawn Getler and all of the volunteers for working hard to make our visit a memorable one!

WEEK/WHOI- Wednesday, January 21, 2015

OLLI Members had a chance to take a behind-the-scenes tour of the WEEK and WHOI production studios. Tim Campbell, Creative Services Manager, guided the tour which included a view of the editing bays, the control room, and recording studio.

Tim started the day by giving a detailed history of the WEEK/WHOI stations. He walked us through the changes that have occurred in the broadcast industry during his time with News25. Additionally, Tim discussed the evolution of technology for WEEK and WHOI, including the transition from studio camera operators to computer driven camera work.

OLLI members were the most thrilled that they were able to witness a live-recording of the morning news. During the news recording, WEEK Anchors Gina Morris and Maddie Heidenreich spoke about the routine of an anchor during a live televised recording. It was impressive how calm both anchors were in the fast-paced news recording, while being graceful in answering our questions.

Thank you to our friends at WEEK and WHOI for this wonderful opportunity!