10/22/2026
A Day in the Life of an OLLI Member: The Hike Was Just the Beginning!
The OLLI Advanced Trailblazers enjoyed a busy day, starting with a Springdale Cemetery hike led by Denise Hocker.
Denise guided 20 OLLI hikers to the gravesites of notable people connected to Peoria and Bradley University, including Lydia Moss Bradley.
The group also enjoyed treats from two thoughtful members! Denise Hocker brought churros from a local Mexican bakery she passed on her way to the meeting site, and Fran Stafford provided apple c***r.
After the hike, several members kept their OLLI day going:
- One hiker attended Freedom Paws, learning about therapy dogs helping veterans and first responders with PTSD.
- Jeanne Barclay attended the AI study group taught by Walter Urbaniak.
- Denise Hocker headed to “Reinventing Yourself,” presented by Lillian Glass.
- Ron Bjerke attended “How to Make Your Brain Your Best Friend,” facilitated by Steve and Jayne Richards.
As the member who shared this busy day put it: “OLLI members are busy! And there are so many amazing options for all of us.”
Their message to the OLLI team says it all: “Thank you for all you do to deliver a program of excellence to all of us!”