Enjoyable adult-education experiences

 MACOMB, IL -- L.I.F.E. (Learning Is ForEver) is an organization at Western Illinois University dedicated to providing high-quality, low-cost and enjoyable adult-education experiences. The Macomb L.I.F.E. program is affiliated with the national organization, Road Scholar: Elderhostel Institute Network (EIN). It is independently administered by area residents who develop the courses, select the teachers, establish the fees and promote the curriculum.

Life courses for Spring 2021 include:

• The Armchair Traveler – 1:30-3:30 p.m., Thursdays, March 4, 11 and 18 over Zoom – Cost free: Max enrollment per session: 20

- March 4 – Tom Stites will present "Macomb on the Move," a presentation from his 15-year-old self of what downtown Macomb looked like in that era. Max enrollment: 20

- March 11- Ranessa Cooper, chair of WIU's Department of Biological Sciences, will present about her Spring 2020 course where she and eight WIU students visited the Galapagos. Max enrollment: 20

- March 18 – Class coordinator Steve Hopper will describe his 10-day cruise up the Danube River from Budapest, Hungary to Nuremberg, Germany. Side excursions included Vienna, Gottweig Abbey, Salzburg and Munich. Following the cruise, Hopper traveled to Hamburg, Germany to a Rotary Convention. Max enrollment: 20

• Attracting Birds in Spring and Summer – 10–11 a.m., Wednesdays, April 7 over Zoom – Cost - free

- April 7 – Ed Franks will discuss methods to attract colorful birds. Information includes foods and housing favored by local bird species. Max enrollment: 20

• Befriend Your Body – 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m., Tuesday, May 4 in Chandler Park – Cost $5

- May 4 – Certified Yoga Therapist Dawn Piper will host a beginner-friendly yoga class. Yoga mats will not be provided. Max enrollment: 15

• Book Club – 1-2:15 p.m., Tuesdays, Feb. 16, March 16, and April 20 over Zoom – Cost- free

- Feb. 16 – Book Club will discuss "The Vanishing Half," by Brit Bennett. Max Enrollment: 20

- March 16 – Book Club will discuss "The BeeKeeper of Aleppo" by Christy Lefteri. Max enrollment: 20

- April 20 – Book Club will discuss "The Love Story of Missy Carmichael," by Beth Morrey. Max enrollment: 20

• Clay Pinching Basics: Make Two Bowls – 6:30-7:30 p.m., Thursday, March 4 over Zoom – Cost $10

- March 4 – Natalie Shelly will host a beginner-friendly class focused on teaching the basics of making clay pinch bowls of your own. Materials for class available for pickup on Feb. 18, 25, and March 4 at 1406 N. Randolph St. Max enrollment: 20

• Healthy Lifestyle Topics for Seniors – 10-11 a.m., Wednesday, March 10 or 17 over Zoom – Cost – free
- Patricia Eathington will host this seminar on preventative care and safety topics related to elderly lifestyles, including immunizations, screenings, and resources available to participants. Both sessions contain the same content, register only for one. Max enrollment: 20 per session

• Marvelous Monikers and Beyond – 10-11 a.m., Thursdays, Feb. 4, 11 and 18 over Zoom – Cost - free
- Alice Davenport hosts a discussion on the origins of "things named for people." Each session contains different content. Max enrollment: 20 per session

• Online Fitness: A Guide for the "Aged To Perfection – 2-3 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 9 or 16, over Zoom – Cost $5
- Kristin Conrad hosts an online walkthrough on how to choose the right online fitness classes based on your own fitness level. Max enrollment: 20 per session

• Prairie Conservation at the Lakeview Nature Area – 10-10:45 a.m., Saturday March 13 or April 10, at Lakeview Nature Center – Cost - free
- Kassey Trahanas hosts an educational tour through the Lakeview Nature Area. Topics include information regarding prairie conservation practices. Both sessions contain the same content, register only for one. Max enrollment: 15 per session

• Spring Lake Pontoon Ride – 3 p.m., Wednesday, June 2, at Spring Lake – Cost $5
- Ryan Hansen hosts a one-hour pontoon tour and Q&A of Spring Lake. Parking provided on-site. Both sessions contain the same content, register only for one.
- Max enrollment: 6

• Tai Chi for Absolute Beginners – 1:30-2:45 p.m., Monday, May 3, at Chandler Park – Cost $5
- Bill Maakestad will host a beginner-friendly Tai Chi class suitable for all ages and ability levels. Max enrollment: 12

• ZOOM on Zoom – 9:30-11:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 16, over Zoom – Cost - free
- Brenda Allison hosts a course on how to properly use Zoom, the popular web conferencing application. This course provides the basics of the application as well as advanced features. Both sessions contain the same content, register only for one. Max Enrollment: 20

For more information about the courses, or to register, visit wiu.edu/sao/outreach/adult_learning_op/LIFEmacomb.php.