OLLI News from Bradley University
 
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November 22, 2016
Notable OLLI Dates

November December January
Nov. 30, 9am: Spring 2017 Curriculum Committee Meetings in Michel Student Center Executive Suite
Dec. 1, 9am: Berkshires Road Scholar Trip Informational Meeting at Peoria NEXT Innovation Center, 801 N Main St
Jan. 10-13: OLLI Winter Classes in the Michel Student Center


Jan. 18, 9am: Spring 2017 Registration Open House in Michel Student Center Ballrooms
Wishing You a Happy Thanksgiving

From the Continuing Education staff at Bradley University, have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!  As a reminder, our office will close at 12:00 p.m. tomorrow, Wednesday, November 23, and reopen at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, November 28.

We are grateful for the opportunity to work with such an amazing group of members and volunteers!  

What are you grateful for this season?  Click on the image below to view a list of 30 inspiring quotes about gratitude, reminding us of the positive impact gratitude can have on our lives. 


SpoonRiver
Attend a Special Performance by OLLI Members!

A Special Performance of Edgar Lee Masters' Spoon River Anthology
Thursday, December 8
5:00 p.m.
United Presbyterian Church Sanctuary, 2400 W Northmoor Rd, Peoria

This fall, the first OLLI Reader's Theater  Group was offered as a study group.  Under the direction of Dr. Bettsey Barhorst , nine study group participants met over six weeks and rehearsed a stage adaptation of  Edgar Lee Masters' classic about the lives of residents in a fictional town  named after the real Spoon River area of Fulton County.

The Study Group Committee invites OLLI members to a special  performance of the play on Thursday, December 8 at 5:00 p.m. at the  United Presbyterian Church Sanctuary, 2400 W. Northmoor Road in  Peoria. The performance will include music by Bob Drake and Lynn Furness.

Following this 30-minute performance, the director and cast will be  available for discussion about the play and their learning  experience.

This event is free to OLLI members, but please RSVP regarding your attendance by calling the OLLI Office at 677-3900 by noon on Wednesday, December 7.



Italy
Reflecting on The Best of Italy

This fall, OLLI traveled to Italy on a privately chartered trip with Road Scholar.  After returning home, Deirdre Parker wrote a wonderful article about the trip and submitted it to Road Scholar, and they chose to include it in their LLI Resource Network newsletter.  

Below is an excerpt from the article, which can be viewed in full by clicking on the link at the bottom.  Thank you, Deirdre, for sharing your perspective on this memorable trip with us!

The Best of Italy 
By Deirdre Parker, OLLI, Bradley University, Peoria, Illinois

The last two weeks of September were an exciting time for me and 26 members of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois as we all enjoyed the Road Scholar program, The Best of Italy: Rome, Florence and Venice. The early fall weather was perfect for sightseeing in Italy. We enjoyed sunny, warm days and refreshingly cool evenings that were perfect for exploring three of Italy's greatest cities. Road Scholar scheduled an orientation walk and a short lecture to introduce us to each city, and after that, we were ready for the expert-led field trips.
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Trips
Visit a Local Nonprofit with OLLI This Winter

When the hustle and bustle of the holidays are at an end, join OLLI in learning more about local nonprofit organizations that keep the spirit of giving alive all year round.  

Greater Peoria Family YMCA (Activity Level 2)
Tuesday, January 17
11:15 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
On this trip, OLLI will visit the Greater Peoria Family YMCA, which provides programs that build healthy spirits, minds, and bodies for all.  A decade ago, the YMCA moved from downtown Peoria to the former Willow Knolls Country Club and expanded its programming.  We'll learn about that $1.5 million expansion project and how the agency changed its focus from housing to services for the community.  Dan Chonowski, President/CEO of the Peoria facility, will gives us an overview of the YMCA's community hub, home to volunteer opportunities, wellness programs, youth outreach programs, and a full service fitness facility.
$25 - includes lunch, gratuities, tour, and shuttle transportation

Neighborhood House (Activity Level 2)
Thursday, January 19
8:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
As Neighborhood House embarks on its 120th year, its President and CEO, Becky Rossman, will provide an opportunity to learn about this unique community asset.  With a mission to alleviate poverty at its roots, Neighborhood House offers programs that provide diverse groups with critical short-term relief while also facilitating long-term recovery.  During our tour, Becky will introduce us to the organization's many programs including meals-on-wheels, after-school and summer meals for children, tutoring, and child care.
$25 - includes lunch, gratuities, tour, and shuttle transportation

South Side Mission (Activity Level 1)
Monday, January 23
10:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
On this trip we'll get an insider's look at the South Side Mission, learn about its role from its business and spiritual leaders, and see the impact of volunteer and financial support toward its ongoing success.  We'll also explore the Culinary Arts Training School, a full-time ministry designed to help under/unemployed men and women train for careers in the hospitality industry.  In addition, we'll meet Chef Chris Franzoni and dine on lunch specially prepared by his students.
$25 - includes lunch, gratuities, tour, and shuttle transportation

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Hilltop
Hilltop Happenings
 
#GivingTuesday is November 29

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to follow in Lydia Moss Bradley's footsteps?  It's easy with #GivingTuesdayBradleyU!  Held on the worldwide day of giving, this year's #GivingTuesdayBradleyU will highlight Mrs. Bradley's legacy of giving and our semesterlong celebration of her 200th birthday.  Consider making a gift in her memory to support any area of the university you want to designate.  Share/retweet our social media posts throughout the day, and spread the word on social media using #GivingTuesdayBradleyU. For all the details, visit bradley.edu/GivingTuesday. 

What is Giving Tuesday?  Watch a brief video  by clicking on the image above.
What is Giving Tuesday? Watch a brief video by clicking on the image above.
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