Homeland Security Education Center & Fermilab - July 29, 2014

With our summer learning trips coming to an end, OLLI members have been busy hitting the road to discover new places. We have been on many exciting and interesting visits, and our trip to the Homeland Security Education Center (HEC) and the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory was certainly no exception!

It was an early morning for many of us, but well-worth the early wake-up call! Our trip began with a visit to the Homeland Security Training Center at the College of DuPage. To say we were all impressed would be an understatement. It was incredible learning about the comprehensive and collaborative training programs taking place. While the HEC offers programs in Criminal Justice, Fire Science/EMS, it also houses the Police Department and Suburban Law Enforcement Academy. Most interesting are the collaborative efforts taking place between the various programs, providing an all-encompassing comprehensive education for recruits and students.

The highlight for many was definitely taking a tour of the indoor street scene simulation center, used for force-on-force exercises. We even got to take a look at few students in training! A wonderfully-catered Italian meal completed our visit of the Homeland Security Education Center, and we were off to the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory.

A scientist's oasis, the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory was a feast for the mind! The Fermi lab is recognized as the United States' premier physics laboratory, which includes the wold's most advanced particle accelerators. Located on 6,800 acres in Batavia, IL you would never guess that this Chicago suburb housed such an incredible facility. On our tour of Wilson Hall, we had the opportunity to look at the experiments taking place, as well as learn about the collaborative efforts between the Fermi lab and labs across the globe working on the same project.

During our Q&A session, OLLI members also had the opportunity to learn about some mind-bending research on topics that include neutrinos, a component of the proton, and dark matter. If that's not confusing enough, there is also research being done on 'nothing,' sort of. Scientists are trying to discover what exactly makes up 'nothing,' or if 'nothing' actually exists--some pretty profound stuff!

For more information on the research happening at the Fermi lab or about the many exciting programs at the HEC check out their websites below!

What's a Neutrino?

Homeland Security Education Center at the College of DuPage

OLLI at Bradley

Wayne's Printing - July 24, 2014

If you've ever wanted to know how your OLLI brochure gets from the Continuing Education office to your mailbox, or what happens in between, then a visit to Wayne's Printing is in order!

The local printing press was founded by Wayne Owens in 1963, and originally began as a small home-based business. On this trip we got to visit the 37,000 square-foot Edwards facility the company moved into in 2001.

It was absolutely incredible getting to see the new state-of-the-art printing equipment, and the Heidelberg QMDI presses, meanwhile learning about the evolution of the printing industry. Upon entering Wayne's Printing, you would never guess that the facility housed such a massive distribution site. It was fascinating to learn about the many facets that go into printing, from plates to paper. Watching the printing equipment at work, it is hard to imagine that there was a time when this was all done by hand! Nevertheless, employees at Wayne's Printing exude craftsmanship in what they do.

The interesting visit was topped-off with wonderful gifts from Wayne's Printing. Each OLLI member received a personalized note-pad, complete with the OLLI logo!

Thank you to our wonderful friends at Wayne's Printing! We can't wait to come back!

OLLI at Bradley

Effingham, IL - July 23, 2014

Effingham, IL: arguably the hidden gem of Southern Illinois, was full of surprises during this OLLI regional learning trip.

Our first stop on this tour of Southern Illinois was to the renowned John Boos and Company. This company which began producing butcher blocks and cutting boards in 1887, has become famous for its high-quality products. So much so, that it has been endorsed in several Food Network Shows, and by culinary experts across the globe. It didn't take long for our visit to turn into a shopping trip--OLLI members purchased everything from cutting boards to stools.

After a great time at John Boos, it was time for lunch. If I had to choose one place to eat at for the rest of my life, that place would have to be Effingham's Firefly Grill. Head chef Niall Campbell and his wife Kristie established this culinary oasis in the heart of the Midwest. With a menu that changes daily, and local ingredients--often grown outside in their own garden, Firefly is certainly a gastronomical adventure. OLLI members enjoyed options that included: an American Burger, Chicken Burger, and Reuben, delicious garden salads, and the most indulgent chocolate lava cake! Without exaggeration, some OLLI members claimed it was the best meal they have ever had!

Our last stop of the day was to Mid-America Motorworks, which is accompanied by MY Garage Museum, a one-of-a-kind museum that houses vintage Corvettes and thousands of pieces of Corvette history and memorabilia. We were greeted by owner and Corvette enthusiast Mike Yager, who shared with us his humbling and commendable story. After a comprehensive tour of Mid-America Motorworks, OLLI members had some time to admire the collection of vintage cars that sat beside a restored 1910 gas station.

There is no doubt that we will certainly be returning to Effingham in the future!

OLLI at Bradley

Illinois Shakespeare Festival - July 17, 2014

A summer highlight for many OLLI members, this year's Illinois Shakespeare Festival certainly delivered. Joining us for our trip to Normal, IL was professor of Shakespearean literature Dr. Susan Hillabold. Susan gave OLLI members background information on the play, including several elements to be aware of while watching.

Once we arrived to the breath-taking Ewing Manor, OLLI members opened-up their lawn chairs around the central fountain, enjoying the beautiful summer evening.

OLLI members enjoyed a nice picnic dinner, and endlessly flowing wine as they prepared for the evening's theatrical performance. After a few glasses, it was time to enter the historically-accurate amphitheater.

Shakespeare uses humor in Much Ado About Nothing to mask deeper issues, including gender limits, love, and sexuality. On the road back to Peoria, Dr. Hillabold was able to further interpret the performance and discuss it in regards to the original play script.

Safe to say that we are already looking forward to next year's performance!

OLLI at Bradley