OLLI Spring 2026_pageturn - Flipbook - Page 32
Archaeology: From Treasure Hunting to a
Multidimensional Science
Learn what archaeology is and how archaeologists
work. Archaeology has developed from its early
stage of “treasure hunting” into a sophisticated
discipline that uses the latest scientific methods.
Archaeologists search for the remains of ancient
peoples to discover how they lived. In this class,
we will look at the tools in an archaeologist’s
“toolkit,” how archaeologists choose where
to excavate, and the techniques they use to
determine the dates of their discoveries. This basic
introduction to archaeology will help you better
understand archaeologists and their work. Many
of the examples in this class will come from the
instructor’s own excavation experiences in Israel
$30 – Class instructor is Frank Wheeler, retired
professor of Biblical and religious studies.
Will It Play in Peoria? The People, Characters,
and Events That Made the City
“Will it play in Peoria?”
Your Choice
Absolutely—it already has. This
IN PERSON
class will take you through
OR ONLINE
the times, events, and people
that shaped Peoria’s story. From the “Whiskey
Capital of the World” to a “wide-open city” of
gambling, prostitution, and gangsters, and
eventually to an “All-American City,” Peoria has
seen it all. Meet the cast of characters—from
politicians and entertainers to athletes and
business leaders—who helped define the city’s
unique identity.
$30 – Class instructor is Mike Plunkett, former
Peoria Public Schools teacher, coach, athletic
director, and principal.
Bring on the Male Singers (Part One)
In past classes, we’ve learned about those strong
women singers and how they roared. Now let’s
check out those vibrant male singers who wrote
the songs and sang the songs and made them
so unforgettable you want to sing along with
them. We will explore singers such as Kenny
Rogers, Elton John, James Brown, Lionel Richie,
Prince, James Taylor, Stevie Wonder, Bob Seeger,
Neil Diamond, Barry Manilow, Bruce Springsteen,
John Mellencamp, and more. We’ll have the
opportunity to listen to their music and learn
about their lives. Get ready for some of that "Old
Time Rock and Roll" and Soul.
$30 – Class instructor is Don Baker, former high
school teacher, Journal Star sports writer, disc
jockey and frequent OLLI instructor.
Look What I Wrote
Curious about the ups and downs of writing a
book and getting it published? Come to this
engaging session and hear five local authors
share their journeys from first idea to finished
book. They’ll share their challenges, surprises, and
successes, and introduce you to their published
works.
April 1: Sarah Whitney – My Wicked Winter War
April 8: Chrissy Curry – Those Wicked Lines with
her daughter Sadie Alaine whose first novel,
Shadows of the Broken, has just been accepted for
publication.
April 15: Claire Craig Evans – High Tea and the Low
Down
April 22: Joe Chianakas – Darkness Calls
$30 – Class instructors as listed above along with
their most recent publication.
OLLI members share
a day of discovery at
the Hindu temple.
32
CLASSES
