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September Member of the Month

Sue Meyer is an enthusiastic learner. Sue earned her Master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling from EIU. She gave continuity to her learning after a long hiatus by joining a music class at Eastern in January, 2014. Lifelong learning, she says, helps to expand her views and connects her to like-minded people. Her interests are diverse: she loves gardening and enjoys photography as well. Her hobbies include riding a Segway, traveling and playing the flute. One favorite Academy memory was the Lincoln event presented by Mr. and Mrs. B.F.McClerren, as "it was a wonderful interpretation of historical events". She sees the Academy as a source for enrichment; it helps people become familiar with the resources available in the community.  Thank you, Sue!

Gaelic Storm

Friday, October 3, 7:30 p.m.
EIU Doudna Fine Arts Center

Gaelic Storm returns with the #1 Billboard World Album The Boathouse, a seafaring album of songs of the ocean, recorded in one whiskey-fueled week on Chesapeake Bay. With their signature acoustic production, Gaelic Storm blends indie-folk and world grooves with Celtic tradition to bring you tales of plight and plunder, whiskey-drenched pirates, flying cannon balls and the ladies of ill repute. Ready your sea legs; you'll need them for The Boathouse!

Academy member: $8
Non-member: $15

Minerals, Rocks & Fossils - Bring Your Grandchildren

Thursday, October 2, 5:00 -7:00 p.m.
EIU Doudna Fine Arts Center, Room 1920

We will start with a short PowerPoint presentation on how various minerals, rocks and fossils on the Earth are formed. Then we'll examine important mineral, rock and fossil specimens with your pint-sized guests, with the goal being to identify them.

Academy member: FREE with guest(s) under 12
Non-member: $10 with guest(s) under 12

Pickleball?

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
Beginning October 13, 8:00 -11:30 a.m.
Mattoon Area Family YMCA, 221 North 16th, Mattoon

Invented in the 1960's as a backyard pastime, pickleball has become a popular paddleball game for all ages. Pickleball combines aspects of racquetball and tennis and creates a game using a solid paddle, tennis net, whiffle ball and a smaller court. The court creates less need to run while still focusing on volleying the ball across the net. This fun game has many followers at the Y who welcome new players to join.  Participate any days listed through November 21 for one low fee.

Academy member and non-member : $24
 

Fearless Quilt Piecing

Image courtesy of Gee's Bend Quilters show 4/19/2014

Saturday, October 18                      9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
Mattoon Depot
1718 Broadway Ave.

By allowing yourself to put aside traditional rules, this workshop will teach you how to piece a quilt top without a pattern, matching no points and following your heart. Taught by artist Deborah Fell, basic design elements are emphasized and taught in a supportive environment. Students are encouraged to discover their personal design and inspiration. The session will be dynamic and include a presentation on using technology as an art tool. Students will walk away with a free form method of quilt piecing and the confidence to continue to a finished product. Supply list provided to registrants.  (Image courtesy of Gee's Bend Quilters show 4/19/2014)

Academy member: $45
Non-member: $55

Academy Scholarships

The Academy offers scholarships to individuals who wish to join but have financial need that makes buying a membership difficult. If you know of someone in this position, please have them call the Academy Coordinator, Marita Metzke at 581-5114. It's simple and non-intrusive.

If you would like to donate a membership or money for programming, make your check to "EIU Foundation" with a designation for the Academy. You may also donate online by selecting School of Continuing Education, Academy of Lifelong Learning in the dropdown box at this site.

Sincere thanks to our new donors!

“Fishy Reasoning and the Ethics of Eating”

The Philosophy Club is hosting Mylan Engel’s talk “Fishy Reasoning and the Ethics of Eating” Thursday, October 2nd, 4:00 p.m. in Doudna Fine Arts Lecture Hall.  Engel is a full professor in the Department of Philosophy at Northern Illinois University and has written on topics concerning religion, metaphysics, hunger and animal welfare.The Academy is invited to attend!!  There is no charge for this thought provoking presentation.

Recommended Reading

This month's recommended reading is "Aging with Grace."

One of the world’s experts on Alzheimer’s disease, Dr. David Snowden, led a long-term scientific study of 678 Catholic sisters.  It became this inspiring story of incredible women—ages 74 to 106—whose commitment to serving others may help all of us learn to live longer and healthier lives.  We hope you enjoy it!

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We are always looking for quality programming - if you have ideas, are an instructor, or simply saw a program that may be ideal for the Academy, please email us.

Parking passes are available at our office in 2201 Blair Hall or you may call to request one.