Featured Courses Mindful Movement with a Chair 03/11/23 - 04/08/23 Struggling to find balance in your life? Come join Robin Goettel in a mindful movement class! Learn postures and stretches to help you achieve a sense of calm, better concentration, and increased patience. With the help of a chair for seated support and balance, Robin will guide you through breathing techniques and relaxation poses to help you move into a state of inner peace. Music of the Civil War 03/31/23 - 03/31/23 This class examines and listens to the songs that were written and sung by civilians and soldiers. Learn about the popular genres, the songs origins and the cultural and patriotic influences. Come learn, listen and discuss how Civil War music was much more than just background noise. Birding - Locally and Beyond 04/04/23 - 04/04/23 Enjoy the growing hobby of birding. Topics include local birding spots, the role of the Kankakee Valley Audubon Society, and tips on choosing binoculars and field guides. There are also birding apps for smartphones that help identify birds by sign and by their call. Current Event Online Discussion Group 04/05/23 - 05/12/23 Are you looking for a welcoming and safe place to discuss current events with other individuals? We've got the perfect group for you! Join us every Wednesday on Zoom to learn about what's happening in the world from diverse perspectives. Don't worry about political discussion - that's strictly forbidden here. We always welcome newcomers with open arms, so what are you waiting for? Become a Dementia Friend 04/06/23 - 04/06/23 A global movement developed by he Alzheimer's Society in the United Kingdom and is now underway in the United States.The goal is to help everyone in a community understand five key messages about dementia, how it affects people, and how we can make a difference in the lives of people living with the disease. Learn how you can support and engage your neighbor, family member and members in your church congregation living with dementia.People with dementia need to be understood and supported in their communities. You can help by becoming a Dementia Friend. Floral Design and Impressionism 04/07/23 - 04/07/23 Art and fresh flowers...what's not to love? Participants in this course will learn a bit about art and floral design in this unique session. We will view images of impressionist paintings that feature floral subject matter and learn about the impressionist style. Then, participants will learn some of the basics of floral design and use fresh flowers to create an arrangements, drawing inspiration from the artworks they studied. Students will keep their flower arranging masterpiece. Cryptozoology: The Truth About "Real" Monsters 04/08/23 - 04/08/23 Cryptozoology is the search for and study of animals whose existence is disputed or unsubstantiated, such as Big Foot or the Loch Ness monster. During this class students will learn about the myths and "truth" behind many legendary creatures including the Yeti, the Chupacabra, Lake Champlain's "Champ," and the Jersey Devil. Lincoln's Funeral Train 04/14/23 - 04/14/23 Learn about Lincoln's final journey, on the funeral train which retraced the same route the President-Elect took to Washington only four years earlier. Don't miss Christina Smith's most popular lecture! Chicago and the Atomic Age 04/15/23 - 04/15/23 The Atomic Age began at 3:25 p.m. on Dec. 2, 1942 - on a squash court under the west stands of Stagg Field at the University of Chicago, as an extraordinary team of scientists led by Enrico Fermi oversaw the first man-made, self-controlled nuclear chain reaction. Learn about how this discovery would provide for the development of the atomic bomb and, ultimately, to the Arms Race and the Cold War. Giant Mammals of the Ice Age in Illinois 04/19/23 - 04/19/23 Massive glaciers covered most of Illinois during the Ice Ages. Buried in glacial age sediments are the remains of over 200 species of mammals, many of which are now extinct. Most impressive are the giant forms that roamed the landscape. We will investigate many of these long disappeared animals and see how paleontologists have reconstructed what they looked like and how they lived. We will also explore the evidence that suggests what might have caused their extinction. Book is included with the course Ice Age Giant Mammals of the Midwest. Ten Warning Signs of Dementia and Local Resources 04/20/23 - 04/20/23 This program will help participants recognize common signs of the disease in yourself and others and the next steps to take, including how to talk to your doctor. Home Heating and Air Conditioning Maintenance 04/21/23 - 04/21/23 Join KCC's HVAC instructor, Charlie Cooke, as he provides tips and tricks to maintain the life of your furnace and air conditioning unit. The Radium Girls of Ottawa 04/22/23 - 04/22/23 The Radium Girls were female factory workers who contracted radiation poisoning from painting watch dials with self-luminous paint. The Radium Dial Company was established in Ottawa, Illinois, in 1922. Learn about the "Radium Girls" sued for damages, and in the wake of their case, industrial safety standards were improved for many decades.(photo: Rutgers University Library/Wikimedia Commons) Geology at Illinois State Parks 04/26/23 - 04/26/23 We will explore geological significant state parks in Illinois. The origin and geological history of the rocks and materials making up the parks, the processes that shaped the landscape and the fascinating appearance of example parks will all be illustrated. Participants in this session will receive a copy of Max Reams' book, Geology of Illinois State Parks. Mount Rushmore 04/28/23 - 04/28/23 This class examines how the idea of carving four presidents in a mountain in the unknown area of the Black Hills came to fruition. Learn about the controversial sculptor and his unique techniques in carving colossal sculptures. Share a Book, Share an Author 05/02/23 - 05/02/23 We all have books and authors that have changed us for the better. What about you? Join the discussion today led by retired BBCHS librarian, Kathy Gerhardstein and Linda Klette. Explore the reading lists of others while sharing your own and growing your interests. What's your favorite book and why? Join this fun-filled discussion to see which authors and books might resonate with you. Kankakee's Baseball Heritage 05/03/23 - 05/03/23 Come join Phil Angelo and he leads us in a discussion on the five major league stars whose lives touched Kankakee. Included in the discussion include Hall of Famer Sam Rice; Manager Casey Stengel, the Old Professor; Rube Foster, commissioner of the Negro National League; Arch Ward, founder of the All Star Game; and Ben Zobrist, World Series winner. Know Your Blood Pressure & Hands Only CPR/AED 05/08/23 - 05/08/23 06/05/23 - 06/05/23 It is important to know your blood pressure numbers for your health. High blood pressure or hypertension is often the first domino in a chain of events or "domino effect" which may lead to devastating consequences like stroke or heart attack. This course combines learning about blood pressure numbers with information on hands only CPR and AED review. This information will arm you with life saving information. Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body: Tips from the Latest Research 05/09/23 - 05/09/23 06/14/23 - 06/14/23 Join us for a free education program entitled: Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body: Tips from the Latest Research. For centuries, we've known that the health of the brain and body are connected. But now, science is able to provide insights into how to optimize our physical and cognitive health as we age. Floral Design and Modern Art 05/12/23 - 05/12/23 Participants in this course will learn about art and floral design in this unique session. Students will view images from modern masters that feature floral subject matter and learn about different artistic styles. Then, participants will learn some of the basics of floral design and use fresh flowers to create an arrangement, drawing inspiration from the artworks they student. Students will take their flower arrangement home. Current Events Discussion Group In Person 05/17/23 - 08/09/23 Join us for a discussion of current events in a relaxed setting at Kankakee Community College's North Campus at 450 Kinzie Ave in Bradley. We welcome individuals of all ages from the surrounding communities including students attending KCC, to discuss current news that is affecting us locally, state-wide, and on the national level. Discussion of the issues and also sharing your thoughts will aid in understanding each other's thoughts to unite us as a community. Understanding Alzheimer's and Dementia 05/18/23 - 05/18/23 Participants in this session will learn basic information on the difference between Alzheimer's and dementia, stages, risk factors, research and FDA approved treatments. Understanding Advance Directives 05/24/23 - 05/24/23 Participants in this course will learn the importance of having a legal medical decision maker. The State of Illinois Department of Public Health Power of Attorney for Health Care and the IDPH Uniform Practitioner Order for Life Sustaining Treatment form are reviewed and discussed. This is a great opportunity to learn about advance directives and get your questions answered. African Americans' Music at the Movies 05/25/23 - 05/25/23 In this 80-minute presentation, narrator John LeGear examines some of the many ways African American writers, musicians, performers and many others have enriched "The American Experience." Please join us for this lyrical and sometimes eye-opening multi-media presentation, one that will bring a smile to your face and joy in your heart. A brief questions and answer period will open the discussion and follow the presentation. Mixed Media Art 06/06/23 - 06/07/23 This course is a fun way to combine different art media in order to create unique art in an open-ended, process-based manner. We'll use paper, images, paint, drawing and more to create our art. Participants will also explore the work of mixed media artists from modern and contemporary times. This is a great class for tapping into your creativity. All ability levels are welcome and encouraged to participate. A Fulfilling Retirement 06/06/23 - 06/06/23 Living a fulfilling retirement is about more than money. There are four essential pillars that, collectively impact your qualify of life in retirement - one of which is purpose. Purpose is about bringing meaning to your life, joy to your days and satisfaction in your choices. Please join us to explore the value of purpose, how to better define it and get a more complete picture of what maters most to you and how that can impact the financial strategy that helps you reach your goals. Retirement: Making Your Money Last 06/13/23 - 06/13/23 In this session we'll discuss ways to help you work toward achieving your retirement goals - what matters most to you. A key focus will be how to provide for your income needs, including your retirement income or the future. We'll also explore how to address important concerns such as inflation, health care expenses, market volatility and unexpected events. Standing Guard: Protect What You've Worked For 06/27/23 - 06/27/23 You've worked hard to provide for your family. Whether you're approaching retirement or recently retired, your focus may begin to shift from building your financial foundation to protecting the financial resources you've created for your family. This course shares ways you can address key risks you may encounter and strategies to help prepare for the unexpected. Watercolor Painting: The Basics and Beyond 05/24/23 - 06/08/23 What do salt, alcohol and paintbrushes have in common? They are all used with watercolor paint. If you are new to using watercolor paint, or if you would like a refresher on this art medium, then this is the class for you. Explore and practice a variety of watercolor painting techniques and applications. Participants will receive some guided instruction, as well as developing their own painting subjects. Hands-On Care: Caring for Your Loved One Safely This course contains no sessions Do you need caregiver confidence? Caring for a loved one can be overwhelming. Learn tools, resources and training to be more confident when caring for a loved one. This workshop will show you how to perform various transfer techniques and basic home safety modifications as well as tips for your loved one's nutrition, preventing bed sores, managing incontinence, communication techniques and caring for a bed bound patient. You will leave this workshop with more confidence and an understanding of the importance to care for yourself.

Featured Courses

Mindful Movement with a Chair 03/11/23 - 04/08/23 Struggling to find balance in your life? Come join Robin Goettel in a mindful movement class! Learn postures and stretches to help you achieve a sense of calm, better concentration, and increased patience. With the help of a chair for seated support and balance, Robin will guide you through breathing techniques and relaxation poses to help you move into a state of inner peace.

Music of the Civil War 03/31/23 - 03/31/23 This class examines and listens to the songs that were written and sung by civilians and soldiers. Learn about the popular genres, the songs origins and the cultural and patriotic influences. Come learn, listen and discuss how Civil War music was much more than just background noise.

Birding - Locally and Beyond 04/04/23 - 04/04/23 Enjoy the growing hobby of birding. Topics include local birding spots, the role of the Kankakee Valley Audubon Society, and tips on choosing binoculars and field guides. There are also birding apps for smartphones that help identify birds by sign and by their call.

Current Event Online Discussion Group 04/05/23 - 05/12/23 Are you looking for a welcoming and safe place to discuss current events with other individuals? We've got the perfect group for you! Join us every Wednesday on Zoom to learn about what's happening in the world from diverse perspectives. Don't worry about political discussion - that's strictly forbidden here. We always welcome newcomers with open arms, so what are you waiting for?

Become a Dementia Friend 04/06/23 - 04/06/23 A global movement developed by he Alzheimer's Society in the United Kingdom and is now underway in the United States.The goal is to help everyone in a community understand five key messages about dementia, how it affects people, and how we can make a difference in the lives of people living with the disease. Learn how you can support and engage your neighbor, family member and members in your church congregation living with dementia.People with dementia need to be understood and supported in their communities. You can help by becoming a Dementia Friend.

Floral Design and Impressionism 04/07/23 - 04/07/23 Art and fresh flowers...what's not to love? Participants in this course will learn a bit about art and floral design in this unique session. We will view images of impressionist paintings that feature floral subject matter and learn about the impressionist style. Then, participants will learn some of the basics of floral design and use fresh flowers to create an arrangements, drawing inspiration from the artworks they studied. Students will keep their flower arranging masterpiece.

Cryptozoology: The Truth About "Real" Monsters 04/08/23 - 04/08/23 Cryptozoology is the search for and study of animals whose existence is disputed or unsubstantiated, such as Big Foot or the Loch Ness monster. During this class students will learn about the myths and "truth" behind many legendary creatures including the Yeti, the Chupacabra, Lake Champlain's "Champ," and the Jersey Devil.

Lincoln's Funeral Train 04/14/23 - 04/14/23 Learn about Lincoln's final journey, on the funeral train which retraced the same route the President-Elect took to Washington only four years earlier. Don't miss Christina Smith's most popular lecture!

Chicago and the Atomic Age 04/15/23 - 04/15/23 The Atomic Age began at 3:25 p.m. on Dec. 2, 1942 - on a squash court under the west stands of Stagg Field at the University of Chicago, as an extraordinary team of scientists led by Enrico Fermi oversaw the first man-made, self-controlled nuclear chain reaction. Learn about how this discovery would provide for the development of the atomic bomb and, ultimately, to the Arms Race and the Cold War.

Giant Mammals of the Ice Age in Illinois 04/19/23 - 04/19/23 Massive glaciers covered most of Illinois during the Ice Ages. Buried in glacial age sediments are the remains of over 200 species of mammals, many of which are now extinct. Most impressive are the giant forms that roamed the landscape. We will investigate many of these long disappeared animals and see how paleontologists have reconstructed what they looked like and how they lived. We will also explore the evidence that suggests what might have caused their extinction. Book is included with the course Ice Age Giant Mammals of the Midwest.

Ten Warning Signs of Dementia and Local Resources 04/20/23 - 04/20/23 This program will help participants recognize common signs of the disease in yourself and others and the next steps to take, including how to talk to your doctor.

Home Heating and Air Conditioning Maintenance 04/21/23 - 04/21/23 Join KCC's HVAC instructor, Charlie Cooke, as he provides tips and tricks to maintain the life of your furnace and air conditioning unit.

The Radium Girls of Ottawa 04/22/23 - 04/22/23 The Radium Girls were female factory workers who contracted radiation poisoning from painting watch dials with self-luminous paint. The Radium Dial Company was established in Ottawa, Illinois, in 1922. Learn about the "Radium Girls" sued for damages, and in the wake of their case, industrial safety standards were improved for many decades.(photo: Rutgers University Library/Wikimedia Commons)

Geology at Illinois State Parks 04/26/23 - 04/26/23 We will explore geological significant state parks in Illinois. The origin and geological history of the rocks and materials making up the parks, the processes that shaped the landscape and the fascinating appearance of example parks will all be illustrated. Participants in this session will receive a copy of Max Reams' book, Geology of Illinois State Parks.

Mount Rushmore 04/28/23 - 04/28/23 This class examines how the idea of carving four presidents in a mountain in the unknown area of the Black Hills came to fruition. Learn about the controversial sculptor and his unique techniques in carving colossal sculptures.

Share a Book, Share an Author 05/02/23 - 05/02/23 We all have books and authors that have changed us for the better. What about you? Join the discussion today led by retired BBCHS librarian, Kathy Gerhardstein and Linda Klette. Explore the reading lists of others while sharing your own and growing your interests. What's your favorite book and why? Join this fun-filled discussion to see which authors and books might resonate with you.

Kankakee's Baseball Heritage 05/03/23 - 05/03/23 Come join Phil Angelo and he leads us in a discussion on the five major league stars whose lives touched Kankakee. Included in the discussion include Hall of Famer Sam Rice; Manager Casey Stengel, the Old Professor; Rube Foster, commissioner of the Negro National League; Arch Ward, founder of the All Star Game; and Ben Zobrist, World Series winner.

Know Your Blood Pressure & Hands Only CPR/AED 05/08/23 - 05/08/23 06/05/23 - 06/05/23 It is important to know your blood pressure numbers for your health. High blood pressure or hypertension is often the first domino in a chain of events or "domino effect" which may lead to devastating consequences like stroke or heart attack. This course combines learning about blood pressure numbers with information on hands only CPR and AED review. This information will arm you with life saving information.

Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body: Tips from the Latest Research 05/09/23 - 05/09/23 06/14/23 - 06/14/23 Join us for a free education program entitled: Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body: Tips from the Latest Research. For centuries, we've known that the health of the brain and body are connected. But now, science is able to provide insights into how to optimize our physical and cognitive health as we age.

Floral Design and Modern Art 05/12/23 - 05/12/23 Participants in this course will learn about art and floral design in this unique session. Students will view images from modern masters that feature floral subject matter and learn about different artistic styles. Then, participants will learn some of the basics of floral design and use fresh flowers to create an arrangement, drawing inspiration from the artworks they student. Students will take their flower arrangement home.

Current Events Discussion Group In Person 05/17/23 - 08/09/23 Join us for a discussion of current events in a relaxed setting at Kankakee Community College's North Campus at 450 Kinzie Ave in Bradley. We welcome individuals of all ages from the surrounding communities including students attending KCC, to discuss current news that is affecting us locally, state-wide, and on the national level. Discussion of the issues and also sharing your thoughts will aid in understanding each other's thoughts to unite us as a community.

Understanding Alzheimer's and Dementia 05/18/23 - 05/18/23 Participants in this session will learn basic information on the difference between Alzheimer's and dementia, stages, risk factors, research and FDA approved treatments.

Understanding Advance Directives 05/24/23 - 05/24/23 Participants in this course will learn the importance of having a legal medical decision maker. The State of Illinois Department of Public Health Power of Attorney for Health Care and the IDPH Uniform Practitioner Order for Life Sustaining Treatment form are reviewed and discussed. This is a great opportunity to learn about advance directives and get your questions answered.

African Americans' Music at the Movies 05/25/23 - 05/25/23 In this 80-minute presentation, narrator John LeGear examines some of the many ways African American writers, musicians, performers and many others have enriched "The American Experience." Please join us for this lyrical and sometimes eye-opening multi-media presentation, one that will bring a smile to your face and joy in your heart. A brief questions and answer period will open the discussion and follow the presentation.

Mixed Media Art 06/06/23 - 06/07/23 This course is a fun way to combine different art media in order to create unique art in an open-ended, process-based manner. We'll use paper, images, paint, drawing and more to create our art. Participants will also explore the work of mixed media artists from modern and contemporary times. This is a great class for tapping into your creativity. All ability levels are welcome and encouraged to participate.

A Fulfilling Retirement 06/06/23 - 06/06/23 Living a fulfilling retirement is about more than money. There are four essential pillars that, collectively impact your qualify of life in retirement - one of which is purpose. Purpose is about bringing meaning to your life, joy to your days and satisfaction in your choices. Please join us to explore the value of purpose, how to better define it and get a more complete picture of what maters most to you and how that can impact the financial strategy that helps you reach your goals.

Retirement: Making Your Money Last 06/13/23 - 06/13/23 In this session we'll discuss ways to help you work toward achieving your retirement goals - what matters most to you. A key focus will be how to provide for your income needs, including your retirement income or the future. We'll also explore how to address important concerns such as inflation, health care expenses, market volatility and unexpected events.

Standing Guard: Protect What You've Worked For 06/27/23 - 06/27/23 You've worked hard to provide for your family. Whether you're approaching retirement or recently retired, your focus may begin to shift from building your financial foundation to protecting the financial resources you've created for your family. This course shares ways you can address key risks you may encounter and strategies to help prepare for the unexpected.

Watercolor Painting: The Basics and Beyond 05/24/23 - 06/08/23 What do salt, alcohol and paintbrushes have in common? They are all used with watercolor paint. If you are new to using watercolor paint, or if you would like a refresher on this art medium, then this is the class for you. Explore and practice a variety of watercolor painting techniques and applications. Participants will receive some guided instruction, as well as developing their own painting subjects.

Hands-On Care: Caring for Your Loved One Safely This course contains no sessions Do you need caregiver confidence? Caring for a loved one can be overwhelming. Learn tools, resources and training to be more confident when caring for a loved one. This workshop will show you how to perform various transfer techniques and basic home safety modifications as well as tips for your loved one's nutrition, preventing bed sores, managing incontinence, communication techniques and caring for a bed bound patient. You will leave this workshop with more confidence and an understanding of the importance to care for yourself.