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December 15, 2015

Classes
OLLI Winter Classes are So Delightful!

So far, the weather outside is far from frightful, but you can still keep warm with OLLI this January at Winter Classes!

Winter Classes will be held on Tuesday - Friday, January 5 - 8, 2016.  You can take four different classes for $95, which also includes a Kickoff buffet lunch on Tuesday, warm drinks throughout the day every day, and snacks every morning and afternoon during class breaks.  

To view a complete list of classes with their descriptions, time periods, and other details, please click here.

To register for Winter classes, please call 309-677-3900 or sign up online by clicking here.

Registration
New Online Registration System Coming Soon!

Registration for Spring 2016 programs will begin on Wednesday, January 13th, and there will be changes to the OLLI registration process as a result of new software in the Continuing Education office.

If you plan on registering by mail, in-person at the open house on January 13, or over the phone after 9:00 a.m. on January 14, the process will remain the same.

If you plan on registering online, you will see a brand new online registration site!  We will provide more details as they become available, but there is one prepatory step you can take in advance:

To use the new online registration system, you will need to have your own individual email address because the system will require you to create a login account with your email as the username.

That means that if you currently use an email address that is shared with another OLLI member (such as a spouse), one of you will need to create a new email account to use as your own.  If you already use your own unique email for OLLI, then you are ready to go!

A new email address can be set up using any email service you prefer.  Our personal favorite is Gmail, and you can set up a new account easily by clicking here and following the instructions. 

During OLLI classes, we will be happy to help you set up your own email account if you wish!

Check upcoming newsletters for more information.

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Bird
I am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story

Cinema Conversations: I am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story
Wednesdays, February 3 - 17, 2016
2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Viewing: February 3, at Peoria Public North Branch
Discussions: February 10 and 17 at Peoria NEXT Innovation Center
Cost: $29

This heartwarming doc chronicles the life of Caroll Spinney, the man who has been Sesame Street's Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch since 1969.

For over 4 decades, Caroll's characters have been cherished by generations of children.  At 81 years old, the tenacious and enthusiastic performer has no intention of slowing down.  I am Big Bird features incredible footage of Spinney's earliest collaborations with Jim Henson as it traces Caroll's journey from bullied child to celebrated performer.  This loving portrait peels away the instances that inspired his creation of Big Bird and as the yellow feathers give way to grey hair, it is the man, not the puppet, who will steal your heart. 

The discussion leaders for this event will be Jan Deissler, retired educator and founder of the Child Development Program at Illinois Central College and the Child Care Connection, and Marjorie Getz, Associate Professor at Methodist College and frequent OLLI class instructor and study group facilitator.

To register online for this group, please click here.

Winter
Join a January Study Group 

With the holidays coming up fast, January will be here before you know it!  Sign up for one of these study groups today while there are still spaces left!  For full descriptions of these and other study groups, click here.

It's Gotta Be Rock'n Roll Music If You Wanna Dance with Me
Tuesdays, January 12 - February 16
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Michel Student Center
If you can't read that title without singing it, then this group is for you!  Join DJ and Peoria Journal Star writer Don Baker  to learn about rock 'n roll music from the 50s and early 60s.

What Makes a Cozy Mystery Cozy?
Thursdays, January 14 - February 18
9:30 - 11:45 a.m.
United Presbyterian Church
The style of authors such as Agatha Christie usually have a warmer, friendlier feel than other mystery stories.  Keep warm with facilitator Terry Meismer and enjoy reading some lighthearted mysteries.

TED Talks #4 for Lifelong Learners 
Tuesdays, January 12 - February 9
9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Peoria NEXT Innovation Center
Watch and listen to several TED Talks at your leisure, and then enjoy thoughtful discussions on the presented topics with this group, facilitated by Greg Peine.  You can even attend the discussions from home with an iPad and Internet connection!

All study groups cost $45 to enroll.  To register for winter study groups, either call 309-677-3900 or utilize our online registration system by clicking here.

strange
OLLI and Bradley in the Strangest of Places


Dr. Richard Macdonald, a frequent OLLI instructor, recently returned from a Vienna to Amsterdam cruise where he was doing research for his upcoming World War II class for our Winter 2016 session. 

One of the stops on the cruise was Melk, Austria, to visit the 1,000-year-old Melk Abbey, which also happened to be the location of a concentration camp during WWII.   Dr. Macdonald took a cab to the remains of the camp, which consists of the crematory building with autopsy room and cremation oven.

Upon returning to the boat, word spread quickly that Dr. Macdonald had visited an unknown concentration camp.  Due to his book and upcoming class at Bradley, Dr. Macdonald was approached by a group of 15 OLLI members from the University of Massachusetts, Boston, to give a talk on one of the bus trips.

"Many thanks to Dr. Macdonald for sharing his unique story with the UMA OLLI group.   It was a tremendous asset for us to have Dr. Macdonald present on our trip!   His input was very much appreciated by all of us! We love learning!!!" - Patricia Flynn, Chairperson, UMA Boston OLLI Board.

After giving a brief summary on the bus of Dr. Macdonald's upcoming lecture, he was approached by three Bradley graduates: Barbara & Richard Sterling, Class of 1958, and their nephew, Bruce Rolfe, Class of 1896. 

As Dr. Macdonald said, "One never knows the outreach of OLLI and Bradley when one is enjoying a leisure cruise on the Danube & Rhine."

Bradley is fortunate to have Dr. Macdonald as one of the accomplished instructors for our OLLI programs.

Dr. Macdonald with Bradley grads Barbara & Richard Sterling and their nephew Bruce Rolfe in Frankfort Germany hotel.
U of Mass OLLI group gathering in lounge of River Rhapsody river cruise boat on Rhine River in Germany.















Dr. Macdonald standing in front of Melk crematorium, part of the last remaining building on site.
Cremation oven inside the building, near tall chimney.

Alzheimer's Association Winter Programs

The Alzheimer's Association Peoria Chapter is hosting free programs this winter to help those with dementia and their caregivers better prepare for the holidays and face new challenges posed by dementia.

Coping with the Holidays
Tuesday, December 15
10:00 - 11:30 a.m. or 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Facing New Challenges
Monday, December 21
4:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Please click here to view a PDF flyer containing additional details on both programs.

To register or learn more, please call 309-681-1100 or email jwachtveitl@alz.org.
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