Marita Metzke is an authentic lifelong learner.  She grew up in a Iarge family that valued education in the broadest sense.  She explains, "I pursue learning in multiple ways because this helps to integrate knowledge and experiences, building awareness and understanding."   One of the best perks of working as the Coordinator of the Academy is making friends with so many curious, interesting and fun people.  Marita says she learns something new at every Academy course and is still surprised by how much inspiration is offered through these events.

If you would like to be highlighted, or if you would like to nominate another member for this honor, please contact the Academy!

This month we recommend "Second Wind: Navigating the Passage to a Slower, Deeper, and More Connected Life" by Dr. Bill Thomas.

Jane Pauley, author of "Your Life Calling," writes, "... Bill Thomas goes deep inside our culture. Like the best kind of doctor, he evaluates the toll our hurried, quantified, and driven lives have taken on us before he suggests a new way forward. He’ll challenge the way you think about your future. And you’ll want to make the journey with him.” 

Tuesday, October 28
10:30 a.m. - Noon
Charleston City Hall, lower level

Learn about the types of financial scams used in our society. Various forms of identity theft, safeguarding investments, preparing for financial emergencies, and scams targeting veterans and homeowners will be discussed. Learn ways to become more financially secure in this technological age. Informational packets will be provided.

Wednesday, October 29
3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
SBLHC Education Center, Madison Room

Families and individuals face many challenges throughout life. Resiliency is the ability to "bounce back" or recover from those challenges.

Participants will learn:

• factors that influence resiliency
• key characteristics of resilient adults
• generational differences in resiliency
• your own resiliency rating
• how to build resiliency reserves

This workshop is offered in conjunction with the University of Illinois Extension Office.

Academy member: $8
Non-member: $16

Tuesdays, November 4, 11, & 18
Noon - 1:00 p.m.
EIU Physical Science Building, Room 2120 Auditorium

In collaboration with the Eastern Illinois University Hunger Action Team's month-long EIU Hunger Challenge, this three session public lecture series will explore the level and nature of poverty and food insecurity in Coles County and the surrounding East Central Illinois region. Topics include a general discussion of poverty, hunger and food insecurity (Nov. 4), poverty and food insecurity specific to the county and region in comparison with state-wide and national statistics (Nov. 11), and local responses to, and needs for, poverty alleviation (Nov. 18).

This educational series is free and open to the public!  Attendees will be able to give donations that will go directly to local food banks.

"Like" our Facebook page to get the latest updates from the Academy in your Facebook newsfeed!

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.