OLLI Spring 2026_pageturn - Flipbook - Page 29
When Central Illinois Embraced the "Red Scare"
“Un-American.” “Enemy of the state.” “Enemies
within.” These phrases aren’t unique to today’s
political climate—they were commonly heard
during the Red Scare of the 1940s and 1950s, a
period that ruined lives and reputations across
the country. Central Illinois was no exception.
Peoria residents were swept up in the controversy,
and even Bradley University’s student body felt
its effects. As we examine how the Red Scare
unfolded in central Illinois, we’ll also explore
the record of Congressman Harold Velde, the
Pekin lawmaker who stood at the center of the
communist “witch hunt” during his two years
as chair of the House Un-American Activities
Committee.
$30 – Class Instructor is Chris Kaergard, historian
for the Dirksen Congressional Center and frequent
OLLI instructor.
Welcoming faces of OLLI: Diane Rock and Denise
Hocker greet new members.
during the time our nation was born has evolved
based on knowledge gained from continual
archaeological excavations and other sources that
come to light.
$30 – Class instructors are Jim and Rae Anne
Hamp, frequent OLLI instructors.
Uncommon Story of Common Materials
Everything we see and touch is made of materials.
Many everyday materials have fascinating stories
behind their discovery, commercial development,
and integration into daily life. John Amdall will
share his learning journey exploring materials
and reveal the uncommon stories behind familiar
substances—including concrete, steel, salt,
chocolate, vanilla, paper, and water—that we often
take for granted. Why does modern concrete
crumble while Roman concrete still endures? Did
you know that some of the world’s best coffee is
first “digested” by a cat-like creature? Why does
the Mona Lisa look so different today than when
it was first painted? We’ll explore the backstories
behind these questions—and many more.
$30 – Class instructor is John Amdall, current
OLLI Curriculum Committee Co-Chair, longtime
member and frequent instructor.
Zoning: Origins, Impacts, and the Future of Land
Use Regulation
Together we’ll examine landmark court
decisions, discover how zoning shapes the built
environment, and consider modern reform
movements that are redefining land-use policy.
A focused module on sign regulations and First
Amendment issues will shed light on one of the
most legally complex—and often overlooked—
areas of zoning law. Alongside the national
perspective, the course will place special emphasis
on how zoning has shaped Peoria and continues
to influence its development today.
$30 – Class instructor is Ross Black, urban planner,
community developer, former acting Planning
Director and Neighborhood Development
Manager for the City of Peoria, and frequent OLLI
instructor.
CLASSES
29
