Featured Courses 1862: The American Civil War 09/02/22 - 12/02/22 This class will explore the critical events and battles of the American Civil War during 1862. Our discussion will begin with the January 1862 battle at Mill Springs, Kentucky and end with the Battle of Stones River on December 31, 1862. Legacy Letters 09/14/22 - 09/14/22 We all have a legacy to leave for future generations. One is our tangible assets which are described in our legal estate planning documents. The other is our intangible wealth which is the most important legacy. Legacy letters or ethical wills is where we communicate our values, wisdom, life lessons, etc. This course is designed to discuss the importance of Legacy Letters and the many different ways to communicate. This complements your legal estate documents such as your will and trusts. Waterfalls of Illinois 10/07/22 - 10/07/22 Waterfalls have attracted humans for as long as we have been on our planet. Their mesmerizing effect, sheer beauty and raw power draw us to them. Illinois has a large number of waterfalls, many of which are easily accessible on public land. Share a Book, Share an Author 09/15/22 - 09/15/22 Is there an author, book (or book series) that has made an impact on you? Join us as we share favorite books and authors that help us learn, make us laugh and see the world through different eyes. Enjoy this discussion, led by Linda Klette, and go home with a new list of authors and books to enjoy. How Wolves Change Rivers 09/28/22 - 09/28/22 One of the most exciting scientific findings of the past half century as been the discovery of trophic cascades. A trophic cascade is an ecological process which starts at the top of the food chain and "tumbles" all the way down to the bottom. Come learn about the most classic example of tropic cascade and what happened when wolves were reintroduced in Yellowstone National Park. Giant Ice Age Mammals of the Midwest 10/21/22 - 10/21/22 Large mammals were living in Illinois until the end of the last Ice Age. Participants in this course will discuss these extinct creatures and what may have happened to cause their extinction. This lecture and course is based on the book, "Giant Ice Age Mammals of the Midwest" written by Max Reams. Harry Houdini 10/28/22 - 10/28/22 This class explores Houdini's upbringing and rise to fame, his dangerous feats, his attempts to debunk spiritualism and his fight with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and finally his untimely death on Halloween. Real Ghosts of the Kankakee Valley 10/28/22 - 10/28/22 This course uncovers and explores the truth behind several area ghosts, including: the Watseka Wonder from the 1800s; the Blue House Spectre from the Civil War; the Papoose's Cradle from the Potawatomi Days; the Joliet man suspected of being Jack the Ripper; and our area's park that is really a graveyard. Holiday Movies and Music 11/29/22 - 11/29/22 Journey back with us over the past century of film history as host John LeGear showcases some of the happiest and most memorable holiday moments from classic and popular films. Join us for songs-including a show-ending sing-along - dances, and magical movie scenes from some of the most warmly embraced holiday films of all time, among them "Holiday Inn," "It's a Wonderful Life," "The Polar Express," "Going My Way," and of course, Bing Crosby's "White Christmas." "Holiday Movies & Music" is an uplifting experience that will remind you why we surround ourselves with loved ones to celebrate the season. Statue of Liberty 12/09/22 - 12/09/22 The Statue of Liberty is a symbol of American nationalism that originated because of the American Civil War. This class explores the men as they layout their massive design and construction plans for a colossal monument. Current Event Discussion Group 08/10/22 - 12/14/22 This group meets to discuss current events in an online setting between diverse individuals with the purpose of understanding current event topics. No political discussion. We welcome newcomers. The group meets every Wednesday virtually via Zoom. Before the first session begins, you will be emailed a link to join the online discussion.

Upcoming Courses An Introduction To Voiceovers (Getting Started In Voice Acting) August 9, 2022 to December 12, 2022 Current Event Discussion Group August 10, 2022 to December 14, 2022 Driver Improvement Program - On Campus Thursday, August 25, 2022 Domestic/Sexual Violence Intervention, Effective Investigation, Community Collaboration and Response Thursday, August 25, 2022 Food Safety Manager Certification: ServSafe Course & Exam Saturday, August 27, 2022 Driver Improvement Program - On Campus Saturday, August 27, 2022 Introduction to Personal Computers September 2-16, 2022

Featured Courses

1862: The American Civil War 09/02/22 - 12/02/22 This class will explore the critical events and battles of the American Civil War during 1862. Our discussion will begin with the January 1862 battle at Mill Springs, Kentucky and end with the Battle of Stones River on December 31, 1862.

Legacy Letters 09/14/22 - 09/14/22 We all have a legacy to leave for future generations. One is our tangible assets which are described in our legal estate planning documents. The other is our intangible wealth which is the most important legacy. Legacy letters or ethical wills is where we communicate our values, wisdom, life lessons, etc. This course is designed to discuss the importance of Legacy Letters and the many different ways to communicate. This complements your legal estate documents such as your will and trusts.

Waterfalls of Illinois 10/07/22 - 10/07/22 Waterfalls have attracted humans for as long as we have been on our planet. Their mesmerizing effect, sheer beauty and raw power draw us to them. Illinois has a large number of waterfalls, many of which are easily accessible on public land.

Share a Book, Share an Author 09/15/22 - 09/15/22 Is there an author, book (or book series) that has made an impact on you? Join us as we share favorite books and authors that help us learn, make us laugh and see the world through different eyes. Enjoy this discussion, led by Linda Klette, and go home with a new list of authors and books to enjoy.

How Wolves Change Rivers 09/28/22 - 09/28/22 One of the most exciting scientific findings of the past half century as been the discovery of trophic cascades. A trophic cascade is an ecological process which starts at the top of the food chain and "tumbles" all the way down to the bottom. Come learn about the most classic example of tropic cascade and what happened when wolves were reintroduced in Yellowstone National Park.

Giant Ice Age Mammals of the Midwest 10/21/22 - 10/21/22 Large mammals were living in Illinois until the end of the last Ice Age. Participants in this course will discuss these extinct creatures and what may have happened to cause their extinction. This lecture and course is based on the book, "Giant Ice Age Mammals of the Midwest" written by Max Reams.

Harry Houdini 10/28/22 - 10/28/22 This class explores Houdini's upbringing and rise to fame, his dangerous feats, his attempts to debunk spiritualism and his fight with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and finally his untimely death on Halloween.

Real Ghosts of the Kankakee Valley 10/28/22 - 10/28/22 This course uncovers and explores the truth behind several area ghosts, including: the Watseka Wonder from the 1800s; the Blue House Spectre from the Civil War; the Papoose's Cradle from the Potawatomi Days; the Joliet man suspected of being Jack the Ripper; and our area's park that is really a graveyard.

Holiday Movies and Music 11/29/22 - 11/29/22 Journey back with us over the past century of film history as host John LeGear showcases some of the happiest and most memorable holiday moments from classic and popular films. Join us for songs-including a show-ending sing-along - dances, and magical movie scenes from some of the most warmly embraced holiday films of all time, among them "Holiday Inn," "It's a Wonderful Life," "The Polar Express," "Going My Way," and of course, Bing Crosby's "White Christmas." "Holiday Movies & Music" is an uplifting experience that will remind you why we surround ourselves with loved ones to celebrate the season.

Statue of Liberty 12/09/22 - 12/09/22 The Statue of Liberty is a symbol of American nationalism that originated because of the American Civil War. This class explores the men as they layout their massive design and construction plans for a colossal monument.

Current Event Discussion Group 08/10/22 - 12/14/22 This group meets to discuss current events in an online setting between diverse individuals with the purpose of understanding current event topics. No political discussion. We welcome newcomers. The group meets every Wednesday virtually via Zoom. Before the first session begins, you will be emailed a link to join the online discussion.