Outreach

Life Macomb

LIFE Macomb

L.I.F.E. (Learning Is ForEver) is an organization dedicated to providing high-quality, low-cost, and enjoyable adult-education experiences. The Macomb L.I.F.E. program is affiliated with the national organization, Road Scholar: Elderhostel Institute Network (EIN). It is independently administered by area residents who develop the courses, select the teachers, establish the fees, and promote the curriculum.

Spring 2024 Registration

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Spring 2024 Course Information


 

 


Addiction: The Function, the Fundamentals, and the Family (CANCELLED)

This course will help participants understand why addiction holds such a powerful grip over behavior. The class will address how families reorganize as a result of addiction and the roles and rules that accompany these changes. Participants will gain an understanding of the importance of planning in the prevention of substance use disorders and the process of change.

Instructor: Amy Buwick, LCPC, CADC
Class Session: Wednesday, February 21
Time: 6 - 7:30 p.m.
Place: Spoon River College Community Outreach Center, 2500 E. Jackson St.
Parking: At the site
Maximum Enrollment: 40
Cost: $5


Armchair Traveler (Enrollment: 31/40)

April 4: The Mississippi River Experience - Cruise Locally (and Affordably)
Nancy Leigh took two trips recently. She will share about the cruise she and her husband took on the Riverboat Twilight. You will learn about the daily happenings on the mighty river that defines our state borders as well as learn about the historic cities along the route. Then she will talk about her experiences on a “girl’s trip” on the Celebration Belle where they traveled from the Quad Cities to Dubuque, Iowa.

April 11: A Holy Land Trip Averted
Steve Hopper will share his experience on a cruise vacation that changed significantly due to the Hamas attack on Israel. Port calls in Israel and Egypt were canceled. The addition of Mykonos, Rhodes, Santorini, and Bodrum combined to provide a meaningful trip after all.

April 18: Board the Rocky Mountaineer
Join Paula and Dan Wise as they share their experiences on the Rocky Mountaineer. This luxurious and scenic two-day train ride went from Moab, Utah to Denver, Colorado with an overnight stop at a historic hotel in Glenwood Springs, Utah.

April 25: Dubai - A Fascinating Place to Visit
Mike Williams will share his experiences traveling in the Middle East. He will discuss the culture and customs of the people, interesting sights, food, everyday life, and medical care. He was a business consultant there and will also share how COVID was handled during the pandemic.

Coordinator: Steve Hopper
Class Sessions: Thursdays, April 4, 11, 18, and 25
Time: 1:30 - 3 p.m.
Place: Spoon River College Community Outreach Center, 2500 E. Jackson St.
Parking: At the site
Maximum Enrollment: 40
Cost: $20


Basic Home Maintenance (Enrollment: 19/20)

This class covers basic home maintenance and begins to delve into home improvement projects. We will talk about what tools you should always have on hand for basic triage in the event of a break or a leak, and we will discuss which tools are best to own and which tools are best to rent or borrow from a friend. We will also talk about which projects you should (or could) do yourself and which projects you should hire someone to complete for you.

Instructor: Ted Renner
Class Session: Wednesday, April 17
Time: 7 - 8 p.m.
Place: Spoon River College Community Outreach Center, 2500 E. Jackson St.
Parking: At the site
Maximum Enrollment: 20
Cost: $5


Bees and Butterflies - 3 Part Series (Enrollment: 20/20, FULL)

March 14: Catch the Buzz with Native Pollinators be Carey Boehm-Corrie
Bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, moths, and beetles all pollinate our crops. Learn to recognize these native pollinators and how we can help them to find homes and to feed their young so they can carry on buzzing around pollinating everything from flowers to food crops!

March 28: Beekeeping by Brad and Jen Wagoner
As beekeepers for four years, we will explain bee hierarchy and the roles of each bee in the hive, the types of honeybees you might encounter and the life cycle of different honeybees. We will also explain how bee swarms work and how bee hives survive in the winter.

April 11: How to Raise Monarch Butterflies by Judy Lee
Raising a monarch from an egg takes very little equipment, no energy, and the food is free. Let’s help these endangered species survive. I will talk about how easy it is to grow milkweed, the caterpillar’s only source of food.

Instructors: Carey Boehm-Corrie, Brad & Jen Wagoner & Judy Lee
Class Sessions/Times: Thursdays, March 14 from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m., March 28 from 5:30 -6:30 p.m. (note that the time is different), and April 11 from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Place: Spoon River College Community Outreach Center, 2500 E. Jackson St.
Parking: At the site
Maximum Enrollment: 20
Cost: $10


Beginning Crochet (Enrollment: 6/6, FULL)

Grab a friend and join us for three fun evenings of beginning crochet. This class is not only for those wanting to learn for the first time, but also for those who need a refresher (we may have a few helpful tricks up our sleeve). Crochet offers you a portable, creative, and stress relieving activity to enjoy. For this project we will be making a dishcloth/washcloth out of cotton yarn in your choice of color. Please plan to purchase your yarn from The Bird’s Nest Knit & More so we are all on the same learning & teaching curve. We will be using a US size "I" (5.5mm) crochet hook. They are available for purchase or you are welcome to bring your own if you have one.

Instructor: Jackie Sullivan
Class Sessions: Thursdays, February 8, 15, and 22
Time: 5:15 - 6:30 p.m.
Place: The Bird’s Nest Knit & More, 115 S. Side Square
Parking: On the square
Maximum Enrollment: 6
Cost: $5 (plus cost of yarn & hook)


Beginning Euchre (Enrollment:12/12, FULL)

Come play an easy-to-learn Midwestern card game, Euchre. Actually, Euchre has been around since the 1800s and was very popular in Europe. Instructor Jim Unruh will teach beginners how to play the basic version and then you will play multiple rounds. Return for the second day to hone your new skills.

Instructor: Jim Unruh
Class Sessions: Monday, April 8 and Wednesday, April 10
Time: 1 - 2:30 p.m.
Place: Spoon River College Community Outreach Center, 2500 E. Jackson St.
Parking: At the site
Maximum Enrollment: 12
Cost: $10


Beginning Pickleball (Enrollment: 8/8, FULL)

See what the fun is all about with this introductory class on pickleball. You will learn the basic rules and strategies of the sport and participate in some drills and skill training. Participants will play doubles each session. All equipment to play will be provided by them YMCA. Wear athletic shoes and clothes. Bring water and sunscreen.

Instructor: Cindy Cavett
Class Sessions: Monday, May 13 and Wednesday, May 15. In case of rain, the class will be inside the gym.
Time: 5:15 - 6:15 p.m.
Place: Outdoor pickleball courts at the YMCA, 400 E. Calhoun St.
Parking: At the site
Maximum Enrollment: 8
Cost: $10


Bigfoot in Illinois (Enrollment: 24/25)

This course, with an emphasis on Illinois, will examine the issues and controversies around the creature known as Bigfoot. What is Bigfoot? Is it a hoax? Why haven’t any physical specimens been found? Where is this creature seen? Accounts of Bigfoot sightings in Illinois will be looked at including several recent ones at Argyle Lake State Park. Join Dr. Michael Lorenzen of the WIU Libraries as he shares local history stories relating to this creature.

Instructor: Dr. Michael Lorenzen
Class Session: Wednesday, April 17
Time: 1 - 2:30 p.m.
Place: Western Illinois Museum (NEW LOCATION) , Western Illinois Museum, 201 S. Lafayette
Parking: At the site
Maximum Enrollment: 25
Cost: $5


Bringing Balance to Your Optimal Wellness (Enrollment: 17/20)

Are you feeling out of balance in life? Spending too much time on the things that matter the least? Are you frustrated with your current condition and wish you could do more? Come learn what optimal wellness really means and how you can find greater balance and satisfaction and less frustration in life when you practice a few key principles for keeping life and body BALANCED! We will discuss wellness, common vestibular problems that may affect your physical balance, and how vertigo/balance problems are treated with physical therapy.

Instructor: Lawrence Michaelson, PT, DPT
Class Session: Thursday, March 7
Time: 1 - 2:30 p.m.
Place: Spoon River College Community Outreach Center, 2500 E. Jackson St.
Parking: At the site
Maximum Enrollment: 20
Cost: $5


Cooking Korean with Chef Zac (Enrollment: 13/20)

Join Chef Zac in another fun cooking class. This time he will go over a variety of Korean cooking techniques and flavors to share at your next dinner party. He will explain how to make the popular Korean beef dish, bulgogi, as well as demonstrate how to make some quick pickled items. The best thing is that there will be some eating involved in the class. The cost of the class includes the ingredients.

Instructor: Zac Green
Class Session: Tuesday, April 23
Time: 1 - 2:30 p.m.
Place: Spoon River College Community Outreach Center, 2500 E. Jackson St.
Parking: At the site
Maximum Enrollment: 20
Cost: $15


Cooking with Harold (Enrollment: 12/12, FULL)

A combination of observation and participation with gourmet cook Harold Schmalfeld. The topic for this class will be tomato-based Italian dishes. They will include eggplant parmesan or Romano and pasta. Recipes will be provided to participants. The cost of the class includes the ingredients.

Instructor: Harold Schmalfeld
Class Session: Thursday, April 11
Time: 5 - 7 p.m.
Place: First Christian Church, 124 N. McArthur St.
Parking: On the west side of the church. Enter through the southwest door
(closer to W. Jackson St.) where there is an elevator.
Maximum Enrollment: 12
Cost: $15


Digital Photo Organization and Storage (Enrollment: 15/15, FULL)

Faster cameras and high capacity memory cards have made it easier than ever to shoot and store hundreds of photos on our computers, cell phones, and thumb drives. This course will help you store, find, and even edit your favorite photos to get your images in order.

Instructor: Brenda Allison
Class Session: Tuesday, April 9
Time: 9:30 - 11 a.m.
Place: Spoon River College Community Outreach Center, 2500 E. Jackson St.
Parking: At the site
Maximum Enrollment: 15
Cost: $5


Elvis! (Enrollment: 28/36)

Whether you loved him, hated him, or were indifferent to him, Elvis Presley remains one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century. Enjoy and reflect on films that powerfully depict the joyful, tragic, and soulful life and music of the King of Rock & Roll. As always, class participation, along with popcorn consumption, is wholeheartedly encouraged.

April 1 and 8: The Searcher (2018) Without question the finest documentary on Elvis. Director Thom Zinney shapes a narrative out of a vast amount of archival footage, chops away the jungle of gossip surrounding Presley, and focuses on why people talk about his music and what it expressed. While his addictions and other failings are not soft-pedaled, the spiritual and artistic forces which drove Presley from deep poverty to the heights of American success are compellingly explored.

April 15: A selection of clips from a wide variety of films, concerts and TV shows, including Elvis: The ‘68 Comeback Special, Elvis On Tour (1972), Rebirth of the King (2017), The King (2018), Elvis (2022), and others.

April 22: We will watch one of the following films, by critical consensus Elvis’s best studio films, to be determined by popular vote of those in the class: Jailhouse Rock (1957), King Creole (1958), or Viva Las Vegas (1964). Also, one lucky person will win a free DVD of one of Presley's most popular films, Blue Hawaii.

Instructor: Dr. Bill Maakestad
Class Sessions: Mondays, April 1, 8, 15, and 22
Time: 6 - 8 p.m.
Place: Spoon River College Community Outreach Center, 2500 E. Jackson St.
Parking: At the site
Maximum Enrollment: 36
Cost: $20


Exploring the Regulatory Cannabis Industry in Illinois (CANCELLED DUE TO LOW ENROLLMENT)

The course will provide an overview of the regulated cannabis industry in the United States with a particular focus on the state of Illinois. This will include regulated cannabis 101, FAQ, and the rationale and purpose of cannabis policy reform.

Instructor: Timothy O’Hern
Class Session: Tuesday, February 20
Time: 5 - 6 p.m.
Place: Spoon River College Community Outreach Center, 2500 E. Jackson St.
Parking: At the site
Maximum Enrollment: 20
Cost: $5


Goat Yoga (Enrollment: 21/25)

Wear grubby clothes and bring an old mat and your willingness to smile, laugh, and have fun with goats while practicing yoga outdoors. This is simple, easy-to-do yoga so no prior experience is needed. The goats, if you are fortunate and willing, may possibly walk on your back during the class! The class will be held in a field near the entrance of Hickory Grove Farms. Ann Knowles, the owner of the farm, has a store with wonderful eggs, pork, chicken, lamb, and beef that she raises. If interested, you can shop after class.

Instructor: Heather McIlvaine-Newsad
Class Session: Saturday, May 18; Rain date, Saturday, May 25 at the same time
Time: 9 - 10 a.m.
Place: Hickory Grove Farms, 7097 - 7199 N. 1235th Rd., Colchester
Parking: Big field after main gate
Maximum Enrollment: 25
Cost: $5


The History and Building Tour of the First Presbyterian Church (Enrollment: 15/15, FULL)

One of the first churches to be founded in Macomb, First Presbyterian Church has met in four different buildings over the past 192 years and has worshiped and served at its current location since 1893. We will discuss intriguing aspects of the church’s history, examine historical photos and artifacts, and take a tour of the three-story, 131-year-old edifice. Come in the door on Dudley Street; there is an elevator there if needed. We will meet in the parlor area up the stairs.

Instructor: Sheila Nollen
Class Session: Friday, April 5
Time: 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Place: First Presbyterian Church, 400 E. Carroll St.
Parking: At the site
Maximum Enrollment: 15
Cost: $5


How to Pay for Purchases Without Cash or Checks (Enrollment: 15/15, FULL)

In this class you will learn to use cash apps to transfer cash or pay for items on your phone. Apps discussed will be Venmo, PayPal, Apple Pay, and QR Code. Also, you will learn the dangers and pitfalls of using the different apps. You need to bring your cell phone to class.

Instructor: Julie Anne Pickett
Class Session: Monday, March 4
Time: 1:30 - 3 p.m.
Place: Spoon River College Community Outreach Center, 2500 E. Jackson St.
Parking: At the site
Maximum Enrollment: 15
Cost: $5


Human Enhanced Climate Change (Enrollment: 25/25) CLOSED/FULL

Climatic change has occurred throughout geologic time. The earth has been much warmer (no polar ice caps) as well as much colder (glaciers over much of the earth’s land masses). The cause of these climatic variations has been the “natural phenomenon” (e.g., changes in our earth’s orbits, volcanic activity, and fluctuations in solar energy output). So climatic change, caused by “natural phenomenon,” has always occurred and will continue to occur –with some periodicity. So, what is the issue of concern — HUMAN ENHANCED climate change. Natural climatic change takes place slowly – over 10s, 100s, 1,000s or even millions of years. However, changes caused by human activity occur much more rapidly – at a rate of 100s of years. This rapid increase in temperature will  impact worldwide temperature and precipitation patterns which in turn will increase the intensity and distribution of severe weather. Ultimately this negatively impacts many facets of human activity. We will look at the causes and the consequences of human induced climatic change as well as how to slow down its impact.

Instructor: Dr. Dan Wise
Class Sessions: Tuesdays, April 9 and 16
Time: 1 - 2:15 p.m.
Place: Spoon River College Community Outreach Center, 2500 E. Jackson St.
Parking: At the site
Maximum Enrollment: 25
Cost: $10


Identifying and Controlling Common Invasive Shrubs and Trees (Enrollment: 14/15)

Exotic invasive species of shrubs and trees are overgrowing our natural areas and even popping up in our residential landscapes. In this course, Paul Blome, WIU Forestry Instructor, will teach participants to identify some common invasives and how to control them by cutting them and treating their stump(s) with herbicide. We may also identify wildflowers that will be able to survive and hopefully thrive when we remove/control these invasive species.

Instructor: Paul Blome
Class Session: Wednesday, February 28; Rain date, Friday, March 1 at the same time
Time: 3 - 4:30 p.m.
Place: Lodge at WIU Horn Field Campus, 985 China Rd.
Parking: On the left at the end of the road
Maximum Enrollment: 15
Cost: $5


The Impact of Tourism Development in Florida (CLASS CANCELLED)

This class will provide an overview of a WIU graduate student's fieldwork in the Human Dimensions of Natural Resources field. The study utilized applied anthropological methods, specifically participatory rural appraisal (PRA), to examine how business owners located in a historic district and beach community navigate tourism development and its impact on the local natural and cultural resources of west central, coastal Florida. The research area encompasses the Corey Avenue Historic Business District in St. Pete Beach, Florida. The purpose of this study is to provide an outside perspective to a tourism issue identified by key informants and the research community in order to provide a space for community members to generate practical, real-life solutions to issues impacting the socioecological landscapes in which they reside.

Instructor: Emma Fleming
Class Session: Wednesday, April 24
Time: 2 - 3 p.m.
Place: Lodge at WIU Horn Field Campus, 985 China Rd.
Parking: On the left at the end of the road
Maximum Enrollment: 15
Cost: $5


Innovations in Organic Farming and Gardening (Enrollment: 11/25)

This course will explore opportunities to farm and garden more successfully through applying the science of ecology. WIU's Organic Research Farm in southwest Warren County will serve as the primary example of eco-intensification but smaller-scale strategies that fit a home garden will also be discussed. Students will leave with new scientific understanding, practical strategies that fit their context, and with some seeds! There will be some sitting and some walking so wear comfortable shoes.

Instructor: Dr. Joel Gruver
Class Session: Friday, May 10; Rain date, Friday, May 17 at the same time
Time: 10 a.m. - noon
Place: Allison Farm. 12 miles N on 67, then four miles W on 20th Ave. At the intersection of 20th Ave. and 20th St. is the Allison Farm. (Follow the highway sign from 67.)
Parking: At the site
Maximum Enrollment: 25
Cost: $5


An Introduction to the Alexander Technique: A Method to Gain Awareness of and Improve Posture, Movement, and Balance (Enrollment: 20/20, FULL)

Pain and balance issues are sometimes a result of long-term postural habits. The Alexander Technique is an educational method that helps us improve overall posture, movement, and balance. Recent studies have shown that improving postural awareness has long-term benefits for people with chronic back and neck pain. In this session, Claire Happel Ashe will introduce students to the Alexander Technique through an informative presentation and hands-on demonstration.

Instructor: Claire Happel Ashe
Class Session: Tuesday, February 6
Time: 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Place: Spoon River College Community Outreach Center, 2500 E. Jackson St.
Parking: At the site
Maximum Enrollment: 20
Cost: $5


An Introduction to the Giving Gardens (Enrollment: 5/25)

The Giving Gardens is a non-profit organization based in Macomb that focuses on creating public access gardens and empowering people to garden for themselves, their families and their community. The Giving Gardens is also working on creating the video infrastructure to help “franchise” the Giving Gardens and share it with a much broader audience. Our five-year goal is to help create 1,000 Giving Gardens. Come learn more about the gardens and their contribution to you and our community.

Instructor: John Curtis, Founder/Director/Gardener
Class Session: Thursday, March 28
Time: 9 - 10:30 a.m.
Place: First Presbyterian Church, 400 E. Carroll St. at the garden. Rain plan, meet upstairs
in the church parlor.
Parking: At the site
Maximum Enrollment: 25
Cost: $5


Lavender Farm Tour at Purple Prairie Lavender Farm, LLC (Enrollment: 20/20, FULL)

This course will take you through how our farm began and our successes and failures. You will learn how we prepare the soil, where we plant, and how we care for lavender the first year and beyond. You also will learn what types of lavender do well in our area, what products we make from lavender, and its uses. Our store will be open if you are interested in purchasing any items. Please be aware that there are no bathrooms on site.

Instructor: Steve Harlin
Class Session: Wednesday, May 22; Rain date, Wednesday, May 29 at the same time
Time: 10 a.m. - noon
Place: 13405 State Route 9, Good Hope
Parking: At the site
Maximum Enrollment: 20
Cost: $5


Maximizing Mobility While Maintaining Safety (Enrollment: 10/25)

This program will include considerations in selecting assistive mobility devices when weakness, balance, illness, and other conditions impair your safety in getting from point A to point B. We will review and discuss the many options of canes, walkers, scooters, wheelchairs, power chairs, etc. - to best supplement your physical abilities and maximize your quality of life.

Instructor: Phyllis McLouth, PT, DPT
Class Session: Thursday, March 21
Time: 1 - 2:30 p.m.
Place: Spoon River College Community Outreach Center, 2500 E. Jackson St.
Parking: At the site
Maximum Enrollment: 25
Cost: $5


Mothers of Invention (Out of Necessity) (Enrollment: 29/35)

What do windshield wipers, electric dishwashers, circular saws, coffee filters, and medical syringes all have in common? They are just a few of the many everyday items that have been invented by women! Participants will explore the stories behind these and other useful inventions and learn a bit about the ingenious women who invented them.

Instructor: Dr. Ginny Boynton
Class Sessions: Thursdays, February 22 and 29
Time: 2 - 3:30 p.m.
Place: Spoon River College Community Outreach Center, 2500 E. Jackson St.
Parking: At the site
Maximum Enrollment: 35
Cost: $10


COURSE CANCELLED
Nutrition to Build a Stronger, Healthier You (Enrollment: 16/25)

We will discuss nutrients of particular interest as we age, including protein, fat, fiber, calcium, vitamin D, and fluid intake. The focus will be on how to easily build healthy, balanced, enjoyable meals and snacks to give you the energy and building blocks to stay healthy and to feel good.

Instructor: Lynn Henderson, RD, LDN
Class Session: Tuesday, April 16
Time: 3 - 4:15 p.m.
Place: Spoon River College Community Outreach Center, 2500 E. Jackson St.
Parking: At the site
Maximum Enrollment: 25
Cost: $5


Planning to be Prepared (Enrollment: 25/25, FULL)

The idea behind planning ahead is simply that one day a great deal of vital information about you or a loved one will be needed by your family and anyone whose responsibility it is to assist them in making funeral arrangements or end of life decisions. We will discuss the financial decisions one needs to consider when thinking of the final stages of life and one’s estate. We will talk about the impact of preparing your affairs. There will be handouts and a time to ask questions.

Instructors: Eric Jameson and Cory Clem
Class Session: Wednesday, April 10
Time: 5:30 - 7 p.m.
Place: Dodsworth-Piper-Wallen Funeral Home, 201 W. Carroll St.
Parking: At the site
Maximum Enrollment: 25
Cost: $5


Public Transportation 101 (Enrollment: 8/20)

This course will provide an introduction to public transportation in the region and how it benefits community and economic development. This will be achieved through exploring the history of the agency, the services offered, and the partnerships that make transit possible. Attendees will also have the opportunity to tour the transit facility and learn how transit is structured based on the needs of our community.

Instructors: Miranda Lambert and Peter Hannen
Class Session: Wednesday, March 13
Time: 9 a.m. - noon
Place: Macomb Transit Facility, 701 E. Pierce St.
Parking: Directions will be emailed prior to the class on where to park.
Maximum Enrollment: 20
Cost: $5


Researching My Family – Where do I Start? (Enrollment: 20/20, FULL)

This class is an introduction to genealogy which is designed to take participants step by step through the process of research. You will be introduced to the resources and techniques needed to track down the information about your family’s history and start your family tree. This class is also for people who have been doing genealogy for a while but need some help putting it all together and keeping it organized. We will discuss how to get started, the leading computer software available, how to read census records, various websites and records available through IRAD, MCGS, and courthouse holdings. To make your tree come alive, we will touch on photographs, newspapers, foreign records, and labeling. You will be introduced to DNA discoveries and cM (centimorgan) numbers and their relationship to you. This two hour class will be packed full of information. Participants will also receive a booklet of information on genealogy.

Instructors: Allen Nemec and Marla Vizdal
Class Sessions: Mondays, April 15 and 22
Time: 2 - 3 p.m.
Place: Western Illinois Museum, 201 S. Lafayette St.
Parking: At the site
Maximum Enrollment: 20
Cost: $10


Ride the Cyclone - WIU Musical (Enrollment:18/Unlimited)

In this class you will get to hear the director, Lysa Fox, and the cast, talk about the musical Ride the Cyclone. In this hilarious and outlandish story, the lives of six teenagers from a Canadian chamber choir are cut short in a freak accident aboard a roller coaster. When they awake in limbo, a mechanical fortune teller invites you to tell a story in hopes of winning a prize, and the chance to return to life.. This popular musical is a funny, moving look at what makes a life well-lived! There will be a break before the show begins and then you will see the performance. You need to pre-purchase your ticket and not wait to buy it at the door. They are expecting the show to sell out on the weekend dates.

Ticket Sales

Instructor: Dr. Lysa Fox, WIU Associate Professor of Theatre
Class Session: Friday, March 1
Time: Presentation-6:30 pm in Room 78 (Horrabin Hall), Showtime-7:30 pm
Place: Horrabin Hall Theater/Auditorium (Room 114), WIU Campus, Corner of Western Ave. and University Dr.
Parking: Lot behind Currens Hall or lot south of Horrabin Hall
Maximum Enrollment: Unlimited
Cost: $5 (Plus cost of pre-purchased ticket)


Some Approaches to Meaningful Life Experiences for Senior Citizens (Enrollment: 6/30)

As many Americans realize, older individuals now face a variety of cultural and personal forces that foster a sense of disconnection and unrewarding experiences. But there are ways to combat that through awareness of local history, social interaction with others, the development of lasting friendships, association with community causes, and even the writing of personal memoirs – which can all foster a meaningful sense of identity and belonging. This class, taught by Illinois writer, speaker, and social activist John Hallwas, will provide some short readings on this broad concern and also will urge participants to reflect upon their own experience and to share insights that can be helpful. The opening session will focus on the experience of senior citizens in our time and various short readings will be distributed that will prompt discussion in the following two sessions.

Instructor: Dr. John Hallwas
Class Sessions: Thursdays, April 4, 11, and 18
Time: 10 - 11 a.m.
Place: Wesley Village Retirement Center, Lounge, 1200 E. Grant St.
Parking: At the site
Maximum enrollment: 30
Cost: $10


Spring Fashions at the Princess Shoppe (Enrollment: 12/12, FULL)

Owner Kathy Moon and her assistant will show you the color trends for the spring and what to accessorize with these clothes. She will also show you what kinds of tops to wear with wide leg pants and which to wear with straight leg pants. They will also do a walk through the store and show you different displays.

Instructor: Kathy Moon
Class Session: Wednesday, April 17
Time: 5 - 6 p.m.
Place: Princess Shoppe, 1520 E. Jackson St.
Parking: At the site
Maximum Enrollment: 12
Cost: $5


Spring Lake Pontoon Ride (Enrollment: 12/12, FULL)

Enjoy a relaxing pontoon ride around beautiful Spring Lake. As you look for natural wildlife, you can ask questions about fish, birds, and plants, as well as learn about the services that the Spring Lake Park offers.

Instructor: Ryan Hansen
Class Session: Wednesday, April 10; Rain date, Wednesday, April 24 at the same time
Time: 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Place: Spring Lake Park, 602 Spring Lake Park Rd.
Parking: At the bottom of the hill by the bait shop
Maximum Enrollment: 12
Cost: $5


Toppling Goliath – Activism Works! - The C02 Pipeline Opposition (Enrollment: 16/20)

Learn why the C02 pipeline that was proposed to cut through McDonough County is so strongly opposed by a wide range of citizens. Hear first-hand the strategies, partnerships, and on-the-ground teamwork brought to bear on this groundswell opposition. Get updates about alternatives to pipelines as new technologiesm emerge to capture and sequester C02. Let your voice be heard.

Instructors: Steve Hess, Marilyn Shelley, and Terri Frisbie
Class Session: Thursday, March 7
Time: 3 - 4:30 p.m.
Place: Spoon River College Community Outreach Center, 2500 E. Jackson St.
Parking: At the site
Maximum Enrollment: 20
Cost: $5


Trad Jazz: A Historical Perspective of the New Orleans and Chicago Era (Enrollment: 26/30)

This course will exist in two parts over two weeks. The first session will be a lecture and explanation of the history of Traditional Jazz from the New Orleans and Chicago era, roughly 1900 to 1928. In the second session, the group will attend a live performance where they will witness elements and musical styles put to practice by the Lamoine River Ramblers.

Instructor: Dr. John Cooper, WIU Director of Jazz Studies
Class Sessions/Times: Tuesday, March 12 from 2 - 3:30 p.m. and Tuesday, March 19 from 7 - 9 p.m.
Places: March 12 at Spoon River Community College Outreach Center, 2500 E. Jackson St. and March 19 at the American Legion, 221 E. Washington St.
Parking: At the sites
Maximum Enrollment: 30
Cost: $5


A Trio of School of Music Concerts Including Pre-Concert Talks (Enrollment: 12/Unlimited)

Not only will you be hearing wonderful music, but the performers will speak to you prior to each performance, providing insights into what you are about to hear.

February 29: WIU Symphony Orchestra Concert featuring winners of the 2023–2024 WIU Concerto/Aria Competition
April 3: Faculty Chamber Series featuring the La Moine Brass Quintet and the Hopper Jazztet
May 4: Wind Ensemble President's Concert featuring repertoire focused on the theme "Overcoming"

Coordinators: Dr. Jeffrey Brown, WIU Director of School of Music and Paula Wise
Class Sessions/Times: Thursday, February 29 and Wednesday, April 3, pre-concert talk at 6:45 p.m. and concerts at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 4, pre-concert talk at 2:15 p.m. and concert at 3 p.m.
Place: COFAC Recital Hall WIU Campus, 1020 Simpkins Cir.
Parking: Anywhere on campus
Maximum Enrollment: Unlimited
Cost: $5


Turkish Lentil Soup and Baklava (Enrollment: 12/12, FULL)

This vegetarian soup is made with orange lentils, but a bone broth can be used. Not only is it wonderfully delicious but it is a very good source of fiber and protein. You will learn how to make not only this soup, but also baklava, the pastry layered decadent dessert with walnuts, butter, and a sugary syrup. We will consume the healthy soup and then eat the dessert together. The cost of the class includes the cost of the ingredients. Bring a small container to take home some baklava.

Instructors: Murevett Tasden and Emily Roberts
Class Session: Monday, March 4
Time: 5 - 7 p.m.
Place: First Christian Church, 124 N. McArthur St.
Parking: On the west side of the church. Enter through the southwest door (closer to W. Jackson St.) where there is an elevator.
Maximum Enrollment: 12
Cost: $15


Vietnam 1963: A Sixty Year Retrospective (Enrollment: 23/25)

In 1963, Vietnam became a major issue for the Kennedy administration and the United States. In this 90-minute course, we will look at the events that turned Vietnam from a back burner issue into a crisis. The class, like the year, will culminate in the pair of November assassinations that led down a road no one foresaw with consequences for all sides.

Instructor: Dr. Rich Filipink, WIU History professor
Class Session: Tuesday, February 27
Time: 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Place: Spoon River College Community Outreach Center, 2500 E. Jackson St.
Parking: At the site
Maximum Enrollment: 25
Cost: $5


We Need to Talk Book Club (Enrollment: 22/25)

The We Need to Talk Book Club will give us a chance to join in conversation and connect with others. The book selections will center on two works of fiction that remind us of current issues. Our discussion will perhaps allow us to see these contemporary issues in a different light, give us a new perspective, or awaken us to another reality. They may also spark an opportunity for us.

March 5: We'll change things up a bit and read a classic book first published in 1899. The book was censored, considered immoral, and banned. The Awakening by Kate Chopin is one I'm sure many of you have read, maybe years ago. It will be interesting to review the novel in our 2024 context.

May 7: Prophet Song by Paul Lynch, the winner of the Booker Prize 2023, will be our book discussion in May. It’s a frightening story. Here is what Amazon says about the book, “Ireland is falling apart, caught in the grip of a government turning towards tyranny. As the life she knows and the ones she loves disappear before her eyes, Eilish must contend with the dystopian logic of her new, unraveling country. How far will she go to save her family? And what—or who—is she willing to leave behind?” Prophet Song presents a terrifying and shocking vision of a country sliding into authoritarianism and a deeply human portrait of a mother's fight to hold her family together.

Instructor: Connie LaRue
Class Sessions: Tuesdays, March 5 and May 7
Time: 1 - 2:15 p.m.
Place: On Zoom (Link will be sent to participants.)
Parking: Not applicable
Maximum Enrollment: 25
Cost: $10


Western Illinois' Underground Railroad: Images, Myths, and People (Enrollment: 48/48, FULL)

This course will locate the local and regional history of the famous Underground Railroad (UGRR), the illegal network of people escaping slavery, their allies, and opponents, important in American history before the Civil War and in our national heritage since then. The class will first focus on the national UGRR. As Macomb, McDonough County, and western Illinois were a part of that national network, we will then focus on our region’s particular UGRR. The course will also consider popular images and myths of the UGGR and explore why certain myths and images, though perhaps or probably historically inaccurate, persist.

Instructor: Dr. Tim Roberts, WIU History professor
Class Session: Thursday, March 21
Time: 2:30 - 4 p.m.
Place: Spoon River College Community Outreach Center, 2500 E. Jackson St.
Parking: At the site
Maximum Enrollment: 48
Cost: $5


Why It’s a Mistake to Win an Argument (Enrollment: 25/25) FULL

An argument is an exchange of reasons. People do this to make joint decisions, test their thinking, or clarify their disagreement. People often try to win their arguments which is a bad idea and often makes things worse. The course will explore better ways to think about arguing. I hope people will share their stories.

Instructor: Dr. Dale Hample
Class Session: Wednesday, March 20
Time: 3 - 4:30 p.m.
Place: Spoon River College Community Outreach Center, 2500 E. Jackson St.
Parking: At the site
Maximum Enrollment: 25
Cost: $5


Due to a change in policy, PayPal will no longer be refunding the transaction fee when course registration fees are refunded due to cancellations. However, depending on who makes the cancellation, there will be instances in which the transaction fee will be refunded. When a course is cancelled by the LIFE Organization or Instructor, the PayPal Transaction Fee will be refunded. When a course is cancelled by the LIFE Registrant, even if the cancellation comes within the 30 Day current cancellation policy deadline, the PayPal Transaction Fee will not be refunded.

brochure
 
Spring 2024 PHOTOS! 

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PARTNERSHIPS

The LIFE organization is grateful to our sponsor, Western Illinois University's Study Abroad and Outreach Office, and the following community partners and individuals who are committed to providing lifelong learning opportunities for area residents:

COURSE SITES

Dodsworth-Piper -Wallen Funeral home

First Christian Church

First Presbyterian Church

Hickory Grove Farms

Macomb Transit Facility

Princess Shoppe

Purple Prairie Lavender Farm, LLC

Spoon River College Community Outreach Center

Spring Lake Park

The Bird’s Nest Knit & More

Wesley Village Retirement Center

Western Illinois Museum

Western Illinois University (Office of Study Abroad & Outreach, COFAC Recital Hall, Horrabin Hall Theatre, Horn Field Campus, Allison Farm and School of Music)

YMCA

INSTRUCTORS

Allen Nemec

Amy Buick

Bill Maakestad

Brad & Jen Waggoner

Brenda Allison

Carey Boehm-Carrie

Cindy Cavett

Claire Happel Ashe

Connie LaRue

Cory Klem

Dale Hample

Dan Wise

Emily Roberts

Emma Fleming

Eric Jameson

Ginny Boynton

Harold Schmalfeld

Heather McIlvaine-Newsad

Jackie Sullivan

Janae Patterson

Jeffrey Brown

Jim Unruh

Joel Gruver

John Cooper

John Curtis

John Hallwas

Judy Lee

Julie Anne Pickett

Kathy Moon

Lawrence Michaelson

Lynn Henderson

Lysa Fox

Marilyn Shelly

Marla VIzdal

Michael Lorenzen

Miranda Lambert

Murevett Tasden

Paul Blome

Peter Hannen

Phyllis McLouth

Rich Filipink

Ryan Hansen

Ryan Krisha

Sheila Nollen

Steve Harlin

Steve Hess

Steve Hopper

Ted Renner

Terri Friskie

Tim Roberts

Timothy O’Hern

Zac Green