OLLI Winter 2026_pageturn - Flipbook - Page 20
● 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. _______________________________
The Arts: Alive and Well in Peoria
January 7 – Fine Arts Society of Peoria
Linda Rowe (President) and Kristan McKinsey (Past
President) will present a brief history and overview
of the Fine Arts Society of Peoria (FAS), an allvolunteer organization founded in 1962. They will
begin with the society’s original purpose—offering
a series of lectures by distinguished 昀椀gures in
the art world—and share highlights of past and
upcoming FAS programs as well as community
service projects.
January 14 – Peoria Art Guild
Since 1878, the Peoria Art Guild has been
dedicated to “bringing art to the community
and the community to art.” Learn how the
Guild continues to serve as a leader in the visual
arts, offering classes, workshops, and outreach
programs for artists of all ages and skill levels.
It also showcases diverse, multidisciplinary
contemporary art from local, national, and
international artists, with monthly exhibitions
that are always free to the public. The session will
highlight the Guild’s 145-year history, including
the Peoria Fine Art Fair, one of Central Illinois’
largest visual arts events. We’ll also view current
exhibitions with the class instructors and the
Guild’s art curators, John and Jeff Heitzman.
January 21 – Under the Tent:
The Story and Future of Corn Stock Theatre
Discover the rich history and bright future of Corn
Stock Theater. Learn how a small community
theater under the tent grew into one of Peoria’s
cultural landmarks. Join Kenny Delaney, Theater
Manager, Executive Director Corn Stock Theater
to explore the many ways you can be part of the
magic on stage, behind the scenes, or in the
audience. He’ll discuss details on upcoming
productions, how to audition, and opportunities
for volunteers of all skill levels. He’ll also share the
latest updates on their exciting new tent project
and how it will shape the future of the theater.
Connect, participate, and keep the tradition alive.
$15 – Various instructors listed above.
Vision 101: What Your Eyes Wish You Knew
January 7 – Introduction and Science behind
Glaucoma
Dr. Sachin Kalarn, MD, Ophthalmologist and
Glaucoma specialist, will provide a brief high
level view of the history and disease course of
20
CLASSES
Glaucoma. This includes discussion of diagnostic
testing, mechanisms and treatment options
including medical and surgical interventions.
Glaucoma has no cure, therefore an outline of
future vision restoring methods will be discussed.
January 14 – The Basics of Cataracts, Optics, and
Cataract Surgery
Join Dr. Jacob Abou-Hanna, MD, Cataract Surgeon
and Comprehensive Ophthalmologist, Illinois
Eye Center, for this class covering the basic
anatomy of the eye, high level optics as it relates
to vision, cataracts, cataract surgery, and current
technology available for patients.
January 21 – Ocular Manifestations of Diabetes
Dr. Stephen Eyler, Board-Certi昀椀ed
Ophthalmologist, Comprehensive Ophthalmology,
Illinois Eye Center, will discuss how diabetes
affects more than just blood sugar and can have a
signi昀椀cant impact on vision and overall eye health.
We will explore how diabetes in昀氀uences the eyes,
from common conditions like diabetic retinopathy
to subtle changes that may affect daily life. Learn
about early warning signs, the importance of
regular eye exams, and the latest approaches to
prevention and treatment.
$15 – Various instructors listed above.
● 3:00 – 4:00 p.m._______________________________
Math Exercises for the Brain
People of all ages enjoy the thrill of a good
puzzle. Whether it’s recognizing patterns, solving
tricky logic problems, or getting lost in a clever
optical illusion, puzzles make the brain "vibrate"
with excitement. This session offers a fun and
challenging variety of brain teasers, including
pattern recognition, grid puzzles, optical illusions,
logic problems, and classic pencil puzzles like
mazes and crosswords. It’s a great opportunity
to sharpen your thinking, spark creativity, and
connect with others who enjoy mental challenges.
No experience is needed—just curiosity and a
willingness to think outside the box. We also
welcome your ideas, so if you have a favorite
puzzle, bring it along and share it with the group.
Come ready to stretch your mind and have fun!
$15 – Class instructor is Mary Jane Sterling, a
retired math teacher and frequent OLLI instructor.
