Featured Courses An Introduction To Voiceovers (Getting Started In Voice Acting) This course contains no sessions Click here to be notified about the next scheduled program. Wow, you have a great voice!" Have you heard that more times than you can count? Or maybe you listen to your favorite audiobooks, commercials, or cartoon characters and think, "I could do that!" This introductory class offers the feeling of working remotely from the start! You'll read a real script and receive coaching to improve your delivery. Your instructor is a professional voice actor. Sign up for a 90-minute, virtual introductory class. A personal class time will be set up for you. *Participants must be 18 years or older. Food Safety Manager Certification: ServSafe Course & Exam 02/11/25 - 02/11/25 03/08/25 - 03/08/25 04/14/25 - 04/14/25 05/07/25 - 05/07/25 Illinois regulations require food establishments to have at least one certified food protection manager (CFPM) on staff. This course uses the ServSafe program developed by the National Restaurant Association. CPR Health Care Provider 02/05/25 - 02/05/25 03/03/25 - 03/03/25 03/26/25 - 03/26/25 04/07/25 - 04/07/25 05/07/25 - 05/07/25 Learn to recognize several life-threatening emergencies, give high-quality chest compressions, deliver appropriate ventilations, and provide early use of an AED. This course provides the information, training, demonstration and practice necessary to pass the CPR Health Care Provider. AVSDA Service Dog Awareness and Training 02/10/25 - 02/26/25 03/10/25 - 03/26/25 04/07/25 - 04/23/25 05/05/25 - 05/21/25 This series of courses is offered in collaboration with the American Veterans Service Dog Academy (AVSDA). These courses provide valuable knowledge for those partnered with or seeking a service dog, as well as interested community members, business owners, and professionals, covering essential topics on public access rights, ADA compliance, and best practices for interacting with service dog teams. Join us to gain practical skills and insights that enhance inclusivity and understanding. Sweetheart Cake Platter Class 02/08/25 - 02/08/25 In this class, you'll decorate a charming 4-inch heart cake and learn to dip and decorate six strawberries to complete your sweetheart platter. Master techniques to stack, crumb coat, and pipe buttercream on your cake, then add flowers, sprinkles, and more for a beautiful, personalized finish. Perfect for solo participants or couples seeking a fun, creative experience! How to Start a New Business 02/18/25 - 02/18/25 There are many people who want to start a business and pursue their dreams of becoming business owners. However, the universal question that often stands in the way of their dream becoming a reality is, "Where do I begin?" This workshop aims to help you navigate through the processes of registering your business with the Secretary of State, the Illinois Revenue Service, and the IRS. You will learn how to obtain Business Licenses, State Registration, and an EIN (Employee Identification Number). It will also help you understand the different types of business classifications. This workshop is designed to assist entrepreneurs in reaching their goals. Early Childhood Classroom Calming Toolkit for Teachers and Children 02/20/25 - 02/20/25 This training will equip educators with effective strategies and resources to create a soothing environment that supports emotional regulation for both teachers and children. Participants will explore a variety of calming techniques, including mindfulness exercises, sensory tools, and structured routines designed to help manage stress and promote tranquility in the classroom. Through interactive activities and practical demonstrations, you'll learn how to implement these calming strategies to foster a more positive learning atmosphere. Gain the skills to enhancechildren's self-regulation, reduce anxiety, and improve overall classroom dynamics. Leave with a comprehensive toolkit that you can immediately apply in your classroom to support the well-being of both you and your students! Cupcake Creations 02/22/25 - 02/22/25 02/26/25 - 02/26/25 Join us for a fun and creative cupcake decorating class for all ages! Whether you're a beginner or looking to enhance your skills, this hands-on workshop is perfect for everyone! By the end of the session, you'll take home your deliciously decorated cupcakes along with the confidence to recreate them for any special occasion! No prior experience is necessary - Just bring your creativity and love for sweets! Cake Decorating: St. Patrick's Day Theme 03/06/25 - 03/06/25 Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a whimsical cake creation! Learn how to decorate your very own leprechaun hat using fondant and modeling chocolate. Angelicia Mackey will teach you all of the magical details needed to create this fun cake. Paint Your Pet in Acrylics 03/06/25 - 03/27/25 Join Esther Lundmark for a fun acrylic painting class where you'll create a beautiful masterpiece of your beloved pet! This class is perfect for everyone, whether you're just starting out or have been painting for years. Over the course of four sessions, each lasting one hour, you'll have plenty of time to learn and practice techniques that will help you craft a lasting tribute to your friend. Bring your creativity and a photo of your pet, and get ready to have some fun while you paint! Getting Started as a YouTube Content Creator 03/24/25 - 03/24/25 Do you love YouTube and have you thought about starting a channel with the potential to earn passive income? If so, then this class is for you. In this class, you will gain a basic understanding of YouTube content creation including how to record videos, how to identify and reach your audience, and so much more. Classroom Harmony: Key Strategies for Effective Classroom Management 03/20/25 - 03/20/25 This is an engaging training session focused on the essential role of routines and visual supports in early childhood education. Discover how well-structured routines can create a sense of security and predictability for young learners, enhancing their emotional and cognitive development. Learn practical strategies for incorporating visual aids-like schedules, charts, and illustrations-to support diverse learning styles and promote independence in children. Through interactive activities and real-life examples, you'll gain valuable insights into creating an inclusive classroom environment that fosters engagement and growth. Equip yourself with the tools to make daily routines more effective and enjoyable for both educators and students alike! Master Gardener and Master Naturalist Info. Session 04/02/25 - 04/02/25 Join us to learn about the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener and Master Naturalist programs. The Master Gardener and Master Naturalist programs explore the foundational principles of horticulture and natural resource conservation and covers essential topics such as plant care, organic gardening, and environmental conservation strategies. The program allows you to volunteer where you'd play a vital role in providing unbiased, research-based information while promoting community well-being. This course sets the stage for your journey in becoming an impactful volunteer, making a difference in both gardening and natural resource education. Active Supervision in Early Childhood Education 04/24/25 - 04/24/25 Elevate your classroom safety and engagement with a dynamic training on Active Supervision in Early Childhood Education! This hands-on session is designed to equip educators with essential strategies for maintaining a safe and nurturing environment while promoting children's independence and exploration. Learn the principles of active supervision, including effective observation techniques, strategic positioning, and proactive communication. Through interactive discussions and practical scenarios, you'll develop the skills to anticipate children's needs and behaviors, fostering a more responsive and supportive classroom atmosphere. DIY: Patriotic Wood Barn Star Sign 04/30/25 - 04/30/25 Join us for a creative DIY class where you'll craft a beautiful 18-inch round wood sign featuring a barn star design! This patriotic decor piece displays the words "Let Freedom Ring" across a charming red, white, and blue barn star pattern. You'll learn techniques for painting and distressing this layered wood piece to create a rustic, patriotic look perfect for displaying year-round or during special holidays. All materials, including pre-cut wood pieces, paint, and wire hanger will be provided. No experience needed - just bring your creativity and a love for crafting! Keep More of What You Earn with a Budget 05/03/25 - 05/03/25 Many people view budgeting as a strict diet, but it's not about depriving yourself of things you enjoy. It's about understanding the importance of managing your cash flow within a flexible and personalized budget. Creating a realistic budget doesn't have to be a painful experience! This class will teach you how to document your expenses, track your finances with or without personal budgeting software, and work together as a family to achieve common financial goals. You might even discover that you can start or increase your retirement savings! Take control of your money and prevent your money from controlling you! Movie Music Memories III - Luncheon 04/11/25 - 04/11/25 Join us for "Movie Music Memories 3," a carefully crafted collection of historic film clips spanning the past 80 years, featuring the best that entertainment has to offer since the inception of motion pictures with sound in 1927 ("talkies"). As he's been doing for the past seven years, film history aficionado John LeGear will set the scenes while guiding you through some of the best song and dance performances ever created. The stars shine in this briskly-paced parade of brilliance, among them Gene Kelly, Judy Garland, Ginger Rogers, Fred Astaire, Gordon MacRae, Shirley Jones, Whitney Houston, Anya Taylor-Joy, Lily James, Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor. Help us celebrate Life Long Learning's (LLI) 10th Anniversary. Festivities begin at 10 am with lunch around 11:30 am and the presentation at 12:30 pm. Preventing Scams 05/08/25 - 05/08/25 05/13/25 - 05/13/25 Every year, older adults lose billions of dollars due to financial fraud and abuse. Scams, fraud, theft, fake deals, and bad investments are just some of the ways people, especially seniors, can become victims. These crimes can occur through mobile devices, at the front door, or even within our own families. However, there is help available! Attend this course to learn about safer financial practices that will help protect your assets and identity. Understanding Identity Theft 06/03/25 - 06/03/25 06/17/25 - 06/17/25 Identity theft is a growing concern for all Americans. Join this course to learn how to: understand what identity theft is, minimize the risk of becoming a victim, recognize the signs that identity theft has occurred, respond effectively to a compromised identity, and discover how your financial institution can assist you. What the App! - Android Phone/Tablet 04/08/25 - 04/08/25 Bring your Android phone or tablet (or both) and learn how to manage your Apps. With the touch of a finger you can organize, move, add or delete the apps on your device. Pick up some some handy tips and tricks. We will explore popular Apps that you may find useful to have. And, you can share any of your go-to Apps with others. This class is specifically for Android devices. What the App! - iPhone/iPad 04/08/25 - 04/08/25 Bring your iPhone or iPad (or both) and learn how to manage your Apps. With the touch of a finger you can organize, move, add or delete the apps on your device. Pick up some some handy tips and tricks. We will explore popular Apps that you may find useful to have. And, you can share any of your go-to Apps with others. This class is specifically for Apple iPhones and iPads.

Featured Courses

An Introduction To Voiceovers (Getting Started In Voice Acting) This course contains no sessions Click here to be notified about the next scheduled program. Wow, you have a great voice!" Have you heard that more times than you can count? Or maybe you listen to your favorite audiobooks, commercials, or cartoon characters and think, "I could do that!" This introductory class offers the feeling of working remotely from the start! You'll read a real script and receive coaching to improve your delivery. Your instructor is a professional voice actor. Sign up for a 90-minute, virtual introductory class. A personal class time will be set up for you. *Participants must be 18 years or older.

Food Safety Manager Certification: ServSafe Course & Exam 02/11/25 - 02/11/25 03/08/25 - 03/08/25 04/14/25 - 04/14/25 05/07/25 - 05/07/25 Illinois regulations require food establishments to have at least one certified food protection manager (CFPM) on staff. This course uses the ServSafe program developed by the National Restaurant Association.

CPR Health Care Provider 02/05/25 - 02/05/25 03/03/25 - 03/03/25 03/26/25 - 03/26/25 04/07/25 - 04/07/25 05/07/25 - 05/07/25 Learn to recognize several life-threatening emergencies, give high-quality chest compressions, deliver appropriate ventilations, and provide early use of an AED. This course provides the information, training, demonstration and practice necessary to pass the CPR Health Care Provider.

AVSDA Service Dog Awareness and Training 02/10/25 - 02/26/25 03/10/25 - 03/26/25 04/07/25 - 04/23/25 05/05/25 - 05/21/25 This series of courses is offered in collaboration with the American Veterans Service Dog Academy (AVSDA). These courses provide valuable knowledge for those partnered with or seeking a service dog, as well as interested community members, business owners, and professionals, covering essential topics on public access rights, ADA compliance, and best practices for interacting with service dog teams. Join us to gain practical skills and insights that enhance inclusivity and understanding.

Sweetheart Cake Platter Class 02/08/25 - 02/08/25 In this class, you'll decorate a charming 4-inch heart cake and learn to dip and decorate six strawberries to complete your sweetheart platter. Master techniques to stack, crumb coat, and pipe buttercream on your cake, then add flowers, sprinkles, and more for a beautiful, personalized finish. Perfect for solo participants or couples seeking a fun, creative experience!

How to Start a New Business 02/18/25 - 02/18/25 There are many people who want to start a business and pursue their dreams of becoming business owners. However, the universal question that often stands in the way of their dream becoming a reality is, "Where do I begin?" This workshop aims to help you navigate through the processes of registering your business with the Secretary of State, the Illinois Revenue Service, and the IRS. You will learn how to obtain Business Licenses, State Registration, and an EIN (Employee Identification Number). It will also help you understand the different types of business classifications. This workshop is designed to assist entrepreneurs in reaching their goals.

Early Childhood Classroom Calming Toolkit for Teachers and Children 02/20/25 - 02/20/25 This training will equip educators with effective strategies and resources to create a soothing environment that supports emotional regulation for both teachers and children. Participants will explore a variety of calming techniques, including mindfulness exercises, sensory tools, and structured routines designed to help manage stress and promote tranquility in the classroom. Through interactive activities and practical demonstrations, you'll learn how to implement these calming strategies to foster a more positive learning atmosphere. Gain the skills to enhancechildren's self-regulation, reduce anxiety, and improve overall classroom dynamics. Leave with a comprehensive toolkit that you can immediately apply in your classroom to support the well-being of both you and your students!

Cupcake Creations 02/22/25 - 02/22/25 02/26/25 - 02/26/25 Join us for a fun and creative cupcake decorating class for all ages! Whether you're a beginner or looking to enhance your skills, this hands-on workshop is perfect for everyone! By the end of the session, you'll take home your deliciously decorated cupcakes along with the confidence to recreate them for any special occasion! No prior experience is necessary - Just bring your creativity and love for sweets!

Cake Decorating: St. Patrick's Day Theme 03/06/25 - 03/06/25 Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a whimsical cake creation! Learn how to decorate your very own leprechaun hat using fondant and modeling chocolate. Angelicia Mackey will teach you all of the magical details needed to create this fun cake.

Paint Your Pet in Acrylics 03/06/25 - 03/27/25 Join Esther Lundmark for a fun acrylic painting class where you'll create a beautiful masterpiece of your beloved pet! This class is perfect for everyone, whether you're just starting out or have been painting for years. Over the course of four sessions, each lasting one hour, you'll have plenty of time to learn and practice techniques that will help you craft a lasting tribute to your friend. Bring your creativity and a photo of your pet, and get ready to have some fun while you paint!

Getting Started as a YouTube Content Creator 03/24/25 - 03/24/25 Do you love YouTube and have you thought about starting a channel with the potential to earn passive income? If so, then this class is for you. In this class, you will gain a basic understanding of YouTube content creation including how to record videos, how to identify and reach your audience, and so much more.

Classroom Harmony: Key Strategies for Effective Classroom Management 03/20/25 - 03/20/25 This is an engaging training session focused on the essential role of routines and visual supports in early childhood education. Discover how well-structured routines can create a sense of security and predictability for young learners, enhancing their emotional and cognitive development. Learn practical strategies for incorporating visual aids-like schedules, charts, and illustrations-to support diverse learning styles and promote independence in children. Through interactive activities and real-life examples, you'll gain valuable insights into creating an inclusive classroom environment that fosters engagement and growth. Equip yourself with the tools to make daily routines more effective and enjoyable for both educators and students alike!

Master Gardener and Master Naturalist Info. Session 04/02/25 - 04/02/25 Join us to learn about the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener and Master Naturalist programs. The Master Gardener and Master Naturalist programs explore the foundational principles of horticulture and natural resource conservation and covers essential topics such as plant care, organic gardening, and environmental conservation strategies. The program allows you to volunteer where you'd play a vital role in providing unbiased, research-based information while promoting community well-being. This course sets the stage for your journey in becoming an impactful volunteer, making a difference in both gardening and natural resource education.

Active Supervision in Early Childhood Education 04/24/25 - 04/24/25 Elevate your classroom safety and engagement with a dynamic training on Active Supervision in Early Childhood Education! This hands-on session is designed to equip educators with essential strategies for maintaining a safe and nurturing environment while promoting children's independence and exploration. Learn the principles of active supervision, including effective observation techniques, strategic positioning, and proactive communication. Through interactive discussions and practical scenarios, you'll develop the skills to anticipate children's needs and behaviors, fostering a more responsive and supportive classroom atmosphere.

DIY: Patriotic Wood Barn Star Sign 04/30/25 - 04/30/25 Join us for a creative DIY class where you'll craft a beautiful 18-inch round wood sign featuring a barn star design! This patriotic decor piece displays the words "Let Freedom Ring" across a charming red, white, and blue barn star pattern. You'll learn techniques for painting and distressing this layered wood piece to create a rustic, patriotic look perfect for displaying year-round or during special holidays. All materials, including pre-cut wood pieces, paint, and wire hanger will be provided. No experience needed - just bring your creativity and a love for crafting!

Keep More of What You Earn with a Budget 05/03/25 - 05/03/25 Many people view budgeting as a strict diet, but it's not about depriving yourself of things you enjoy. It's about understanding the importance of managing your cash flow within a flexible and personalized budget. Creating a realistic budget doesn't have to be a painful experience! This class will teach you how to document your expenses, track your finances with or without personal budgeting software, and work together as a family to achieve common financial goals. You might even discover that you can start or increase your retirement savings! Take control of your money and prevent your money from controlling you!

Movie Music Memories III - Luncheon 04/11/25 - 04/11/25 Join us for "Movie Music Memories 3," a carefully crafted collection of historic film clips spanning the past 80 years, featuring the best that entertainment has to offer since the inception of motion pictures with sound in 1927 ("talkies"). As he's been doing for the past seven years, film history aficionado John LeGear will set the scenes while guiding you through some of the best song and dance performances ever created. The stars shine in this briskly-paced parade of brilliance, among them Gene Kelly, Judy Garland, Ginger Rogers, Fred Astaire, Gordon MacRae, Shirley Jones, Whitney Houston, Anya Taylor-Joy, Lily James, Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor. Help us celebrate Life Long Learning's (LLI) 10th Anniversary. Festivities begin at 10 am with lunch around 11:30 am and the presentation at 12:30 pm.

Preventing Scams 05/08/25 - 05/08/25 05/13/25 - 05/13/25 Every year, older adults lose billions of dollars due to financial fraud and abuse. Scams, fraud, theft, fake deals, and bad investments are just some of the ways people, especially seniors, can become victims. These crimes can occur through mobile devices, at the front door, or even within our own families. However, there is help available! Attend this course to learn about safer financial practices that will help protect your assets and identity.

Understanding Identity Theft 06/03/25 - 06/03/25 06/17/25 - 06/17/25 Identity theft is a growing concern for all Americans. Join this course to learn how to: understand what identity theft is, minimize the risk of becoming a victim, recognize the signs that identity theft has occurred, respond effectively to a compromised identity, and discover how your financial institution can assist you.

What the App! - Android Phone/Tablet 04/08/25 - 04/08/25 Bring your Android phone or tablet (or both) and learn how to manage your Apps. With the touch of a finger you can organize, move, add or delete the apps on your device. Pick up some some handy tips and tricks. We will explore popular Apps that you may find useful to have. And, you can share any of your go-to Apps with others. This class is specifically for Android devices.

What the App! - iPhone/iPad 04/08/25 - 04/08/25 Bring your iPhone or iPad (or both) and learn how to manage your Apps. With the touch of a finger you can organize, move, add or delete the apps on your device. Pick up some some handy tips and tricks. We will explore popular Apps that you may find useful to have. And, you can share any of your go-to Apps with others. This class is specifically for Apple iPhones and iPads.