OLLI Fall 2026_pageturn - Flipbook - Page 9
OLLI at the Theatre: Come From Away
Thursday, September 17
5:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Experience the power of live
theatre at Peoria Players Theatre
as we attend the award-winning
musical Come From Away. Based
on the remarkable true story of 7,000 airline
passengers stranded in the small town of Gander,
Newfoundland, following the events of September
11, 2001, this uplifting production celebrates
kindness, resilience, and the extraordinary
connections that can emerge during challenging
times. Before the performance, enjoy dinner
with fellow OLLI members, and following the
show, participate in an exclusive discussion and
behind-the-scenes experience with members of
the production team to learn more about bringing
this inspiring story to the stage.
$65 – includes theatre ticket, dinner, gratuities,
behind-the-scenes discussion, and shuttle
transportation.
Seats available: 28
Operation Christmas Child
Wednesday, September 30
8:45 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Each year, Operation Christmas Child delivers
millions of shoebox gifts to children around
the world, sharing hope with families facing
challenging circumstances. During this
meaningful hands-on experience, we’ll go behind
the scenes to learn how volunteers make this
global effort possible. Jeanne Barclay, who has
served in Operation Christmas Child leadership
roles in Central Illinois for more than 15 years,
will share firsthand stories and videos from her
experiences participating in gift distributions in
Madagascar, India, and the Philippines. After the
presentation, we’ll move into the packing area
and fill as many shoeboxes as possible from a
large inventory prepared by Northwoods Church
volunteers. This inspiring experience offers an
opportunity to learn, serve, and see how a simple
gift can make a powerful difference.
$40 – includes guided presentation, hands-on
shoebox packing experience, lunch, gratuities, and
shuttle transportation.
Seats available: 28
J Draper Glass Blowing
Friday, October 2
9:45 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
We’ll marvel at the beauty and artistry of
hand-blown glass during a special visit with
renowned glass artist Jeremie Draper of J Draper
Glass. Housed within Studios on Sheridan,
a former bakery transformed into a vibrant
22,000-square-foot creative space, this unique
destination showcases the work of talented local
artists while providing studio space for artistic
creation. During our visit, Jeremie will present
a private glassblowing demonstration and
discuss the evolution of hot glass as a studio art
movement in America. Participants will gain a
deeper understanding of the skill, creativity, and
craftsmanship involved in shaping molten glass
into works of art.
$70 – includes private glassblowing
demonstration, guided presentation, lunch,
gratuities, and shuttle transportation.
Seats available: 28
Raber Packing Company
Monday, October 5
11:15 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Go behind the scenes at Raber Packing Company
and learn how this longtime local business rebuilt
and expanded after its original West Peoria
facility was destroyed by fire in 2018. During our
visit, owner Henry “Buddy” Courdt will share the
company’s history, family story, rebuilding process,
and insight into Raber Packing’s meat-processing
operations. We’ll explore the Farmington
Road location, which was designed to increase
production capacity while offering a significantly
larger retail space, a banquet hall, and a lunch
counter. Following the tour and presentation,
we’ll enjoy lunch on site featuring pulled pork
barbecue, buns, baked beans, potato salad, chips
and dip, cookies, lemonade, tea, and water.
$40 – includes guided tour, presentation,
lunch at Raber Packing, gratuities, and shuttle
transportation.
Seats available: 28
LEARNING TRIPS
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