Starting January 1, 2014 new Academy members will receive a silk EIU scarf or tie by presenting their Academy membership card, in person, at the EIU bookstore in the M.L.K. Jr. University Union.  Get yours now!

Image used with permission of Microsoft.

January weather foiled plans to visit the White Violet Center at St. Mary-of-the-Woods College near Terre Haute.  The tour has been rescheduled for January 31.  There are 5 seats available - check your calendar to see if you can join us.  We leave the EIU campus at 8:45 a.m., and will return about 2 p.m.  Call for details.

Have you ever heard of the concept of "hard fun?" These two words together help express how people at any age find challenging activities enjoyable. It is important that as we age we learn to take it easy, while also continuing to feed and sharpen our brains.

Activities that can help us continue to learn and grow in our later lives include things like playing games that require some degree of critical thinking or strategizing, actively reading books, and signing up for credit or non-credit courses. Try incorporating challenging activities into your schedule to enjoy an enriching, meaningful life while keeping your brain sharp and energized.

Sapolin, D. (2013, January 24). 2 magic words that can change your life: Hard fun. Retrieved from http://www.nextavenue.org/blog/2-magic-words-can-change-your-life-hard-fun

Thursdays, January 30 & February 6
Noon-1 p.m.
EIU Blair Hall, Room 3108
FREE and open to the public!

Spend your lunch hour learning how to be a better photographer or just how to use that digital camera you got for Christmas. This  course helps you learn the basics of your camera, teaches you essential composition skills and helps you understand how to create a well-exposed photograph. Bring your digital cameras!

Image used with permission of Microsoft.

Wednesday, January 29
7-9 p.m.
EIU Booth Library, West Reading Room
FREE and open to the public!

Learn more about the people, places, history, faith, and cultures of Muslims in the United States and around the world. A five-part, scholar-led book discussion series will center on the theme 'Pathways of Faith.' Muslim Journeys programming will include film screenings and panel discussions. 

Tuesday, February 11
5:30-7 p.m.
First Baptist Church
2800 University Dr. Charleston

Academy member: FREE
Non-member: $7

Learn the basic techniques for decorating cakes. We will utilize sugar free (using a sugar substitute) decorating icing and will also have recipes for gluten free cakes. Please bring your own cooled cake or cupcakes to be iced. All other supplies are provided.

Image used with permission of Microsoft.

Upcoming activities at the Douglas-Hart Nature Center

Love Your Pets
Sat., Feb. 15, 10 a.m.-Noon

Did you know there is a national love your pet day? Let's make a special edible valentine for your beloved pet. The cost is $1 per Nature Center member, $3 per non-member. Call the Nature Center at 235-4644 to register.

Valentine for the Birds
Sat., Feb. 15 1-2 p.m.

We will make several Valentine themed bird feeders and treats. Take them home for your yard or decorate the Nature Center for the birds. The cost is $1 per member, $3 per non-member. Call the Nature Center at 235-4644 to register.

EIU Parking permits good through August 2014 are now available upon request. These permits allow Academy participants to park in any student or staff lot on the EIU campus while attending an Academy event. To get your parking permit, please call 581-5114 or e-mail academy@eiu.edu.