OLLI Fall 2026_pageturn - Flipbook - Page 22
WTVP Now: Building the Future of Public Media
in Central Illinois
Wednesday, September 16
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
101 State St., Peoria
WTVP invites OLLI to experience the magic of
central Illinois' only locally owned broadcasting
station. You'll hear directly from the station CEO,
Jenn Gordon, on the future of public media and how WTVP is leading the way for small PBS
stations across the country, to create community
within our communities through the power of
public media. This session will also include a panel
conversation with WTVP executive leadership and
a time for open Q&A. Come ready to be inspired
and to learn about the future of this beloved
community resource.
$10 – includes presentation with WTVP staff.
Transportation not included, meet us there!
Seats available: 30
Wildlife Prairie Park: Birding 101
Thursday, October 1
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Wildlife Prairie Park
3826 N. Taylor Rd., Hanna City
Whether you are brand new to birding or simply
want to feel more confident identifying birds in
your own backyard, this program will introduce
the basics of birdwatching. We will learn what to
look and listen for, how to use simple tools and
observation skills, and how to better recognize
common birds in our area. This program is
curated and hosted by Patrick Menke, Wildlife
Prairie Park’s Education Lead.
$40 – Includes presentation, tour, and treats.
Transportation not included, meet us there!
Seats available: 40
Freedom Paws Service Dogs Foundation
Thursday, October 8
1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Garrett Cultural Center
Join Brenda Olson, Vice President of Freedom
Paws Service Dogs Foundation, for a look at how
service dogs can change the lives of veterans and
first responders. Based in Chillicothe, Freedom
Paws provides trained service dogs to those who
benefit from additional support, independence,
and companionship. Brenda will share how the
organization began, how dogs are selected and
trained, and what goes into building a successful
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OLLI ORIGINALS
service dog partnership. Participants will learn
about the time, care, and community support
required to prepare each dog for this important
work. This program will also highlight the
impact these partnerships can have on daily life,
confidence, and connection. Come learn more
about a local organization making a meaningful
difference for those who have served our
communities.
$15 – includes presentation and treats.
Transportation not included, meet us there!
Seats available: 100
Inside FOLEPI:
The Making of East Peoria’s Festival of Lights
Wednesday, November 4
4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Festival of Lights Warehouse
2200 E. Washington St., East Peoria
Go behind the scenes of one of East Peoria’s most
beloved traditions with a tour of the Festival of
Lights workshop. Led by the Festival of Lights
Chairman, Kory Brown, this OLLI Original will give
participants an up-close look at multiple Festival
of Lights Floats and displays and the work that
goes into bringing FOLEPI to life each year. Along
the way, participants will learn more about the
history of the festival and the lasting impact it
has had on East Peoria and the surrounding area
along with what they plan to implement in years to
come. Come take a look and learn more about East
Peoria’s historic Festival of Lights tradition.
$10 – includes presentation and tour.
Transportation not included, meet us there!
Seats available: 40
Autonomous Cars: The Road Ahead
Wednesday, November 11
1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Garrett Cultural Center
Autonomous cars are no longer just a futuristic
idea. They are already reshaping conversations
about transportation, safety, technology, and
public policy. In this OLLI Original, frequent OLLI
presenter Shawn Weck will explore how self-driving
vehicles work, where the technology stands today,
and what challenges remain before autonomous
cars become part of everyday life. Participants
will gain a clearer understanding of the promise,
limitations, and real-world questions surrounding
this rapidly developing field.
$15 – Includes presentation and treats.
Transportation not included, meet us there!
Seats available: 100
