OLLI Fall 2026_pageturn - Flipbook - Page 21
OLLI Originals
Originals are exclusive talks with local leaders and
businesses from the community and beyond.
History of the Rock Island Trail
Tuesday, September 8
1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Dunlap Public Library
302 1st St., Dunlap
Join Jim David for a presentation on the history of
the Rock Island Trail, based on his book exploring
the trail’s story and significance. Hosted at the
Dunlap Public Library, located right along the trail,
this free OLLI Original will highlight the people,
places, and history connected to this well-known
local pathway. Weather permitting, participants
will take a walk on the trail following the program.
Free Member Perk!
Includes presentation and treats. Transportation
not included, meet us there!
Seats available: 30
Gander's Ripple Effect: The 9/11
Story Behind Come From Away
Thursday, September 10
5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Garrett Cultural Center
While 9/11 was a tragic day for the U.S., it also
affected the entire world. Gander, Newfoundland,
a town of 9,000, was turned upside down when
38 planes carrying 7,000 passengers were
forced to land there as U.S. air space closed. The
compassionate way the frightened, confused
"plane people" were treated created a ripple
effect extending outward in a myriad of ways.
One was the creation of an award winning
musical that weaves together stories of the many
extraordinary kindnesses shown. Come From
Away premiered on Broadway in 2017, toured the
U.S. and beyond, and is now being performed in
regional theaters including Peoria Players. Join
us for this informative presentation for a better
understanding and appreciation of the ripple
effect created by Gander and how it became a
unique theatrical experience.
$15 – includes presentation and snacks.
Transportation not included, meet us there!
Seats available: 100
Peoria Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle
Fridays, September 11 and October 2
10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Peoria Public Library: Lakeview Branch
1137 W. Lake Ave., Peoria
In collaboration with the Peoria Women's Club,
OLLI invites you to join the Peoria Chautauqua
Literary and Scientific Circle part of the oldest
continuous book club in the United States,
founded in 1878. Lynette Steger, professional
educator and board member for Peoria Women’s
Club will moderate each session. This fall marks
our fourth year in the national program, and we're
celebrating a milestone: our first class graduated
in August 2026! We'll read two books from the
Chautauqua Institution's annual selections: Eve:
How the Female Body Drove 200 Million Years of
Human Evolution, Cat Bohannon and Bog Queen:
A Novel, Anna North. Books may be obtained
independently or Location: Due to ongoing
historic restoration at the Peoria Women's Club,
meetings will be held at Lakeview Library.
$20 – includes both sessions and treats.
Transportation not provided, meet us there!
Seats available: 40
OLLI member Nena Peplow focuses on her
technique during a recent golf clinic with former
Bradley golf coach Halley Morell.
OLLI ORIGINALS
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