Personal Enrichment

A collage portraying the wide variety of classes offered, including art, health, finance, music, history, languages, photography, technology and travel.

At a Glance

Join 69�� Community Education for non-credit classes, workshops, events and travel!

These opportunities cover a wide variety of topics (see below). Community Education also has , and programs.

Community Education classes are open for enrollment. Students are strongly encouraged to register early (at least one week in advance of class start date) to secure their seat as many classes fill quickly. Classes may be cancelled due to insufficient enrollment so your early registration can make the difference. To report a class absence, please call 217-786-2432 or Community.Education@llcc.edu.

Call 217-786-2292 to register for Community Education classes.

More Registration Info

Active/health

Arts & textiles

Fall 2024

Basket Weaving: Candy Corn Basket

Learn stop/start weaving, shaping, and rimming in this beginner class. Students will leave with their basket unstained, but staining techniques will be discussed as well as given a class handout. Finished product dimensions: 10” L x 16” H x 2” W

Instructor: Bonnie Rideout
Date: Sat, Sep 28
Time: 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $69
Location: Trutter Center, Room 1116
Course Code: CEW 103-001

Drawing For Beginners

Get back to basics as you practice the grid method of drawing and how to shade and contour in graphite and charcoal. Please bring a Strathmore Drawing tablet (9×12” or larger), Kimberly graphite pencils (2H, HB, 2B, 4B & 6B), Generals charcoal pencils (2B, 4B & 6B), kneaded eraser, standard pink eraser, generals charcoal eraser, pencil sharpener, standard ruler, blending stumps and kneaded eraser. 4H and H and 6H, battery operated eraser, battery operated sharpener and chamois are recommended but not required.

Instructor: Michelle Smith
Date: Mon, Sep 30-Oct 28
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $99
Location: Kreher Agriculture Center, K1115
Course Code: CEW 103-002

Intro to Italic Calligraphy

Made simple and easy in this basic hands-on workshop, learn to use the tools of calligraphy and practice a basic italic style. Supply fee of $20 payable to instructor on the first day of class.

Instructor: Steve Ingerson
Date: Wed, Oct 2-Nov 13
Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $145
Location: Montgomery Hall, Room 1142
Course Code: CEW 103-003

Watercolor Bag of Tricks

Examine special watercolor techniques and use them to create a painting. After registering, please email the Carolyn Owen Sommer for a list of supplies to bring .

Instructor: Carolyn Owen Sommer
Date: Tue, Oct 8-29
Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $79
Location: Trutter Center, Room 1114
Course Code: CEW 103-004

Mixed Media with Watercolor

Using a watercolor base, create mixed media paintings with stencil, gesso, surface alterations and collage. Students should bring mixed media paper and brushes. Collage papers, acrylic medium and additional supplies will be provided.

Instructor: Carolyn Owen Sommer
Date: Tue, Nov 12-Dec 3
Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $79
Location: Trutter Center, Room 1116
Course Code: CEW 103-005

Basket Weaving: Silent Night Basket

Silent Night is a fun and fast basket to weave and makes a great gift for anyone. Silent Night starts by weaving a woven, filled base and techniques include start/stop weaving, twining, the use of overlays and working with Shaker Tape handles. Finished product dimensions: 5 ¼” H x 5 ½” W x 6 ¾” L

Instructor: Bonnie Rideout
Date: Wed, Dec 4
Time: 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $69
Location: Trutter Center, Room 1116
Course Code: CEW 103-006

Basket Weaving: Christmas Card Basket

What a pretty basket to put your Christmas Cards in or fill with ornaments or pinecones. The Christmas Card basket starts with a woven, filled base and techniques include twining, triple twining with an arrow, the use of overlays, decreased weaving and using triple twining as a rim. A pretty wood snowflake completes this basket. It is sure to become a holiday favorite! Finished product dimensions: 6 1/2” H x 6” W x 8 1/2” L

Instructor: Bonnie Rideout
Date: Sat, Dec 14
Time: 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $69
Location: Trutter Center, Room 1116
Course Code: CEW 103-007

Spring 2025

Beginning Watercolor

For inquisitive folks who want to try something new. We will cover all the basics of watercolor painting.

Instructor: Carolyn Owen Sommer
Date: Tue., Feb. 4-25, 2025
Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Location: Trutter Center, Room 1114
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $79
Course code: CEW 103-001

Mixed Media With Watercolor

Instructor: Carolyn Owen Sommer
Date: Mon., March 3-31, 2025
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Location: Trutter Center, Room 1114
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $79
Course code: CEW 103-003

CPR training

Culinary

Family matters

Finance

Home & garden

Fall 2024

Introduction to Floral Design

Learn floral design techniques in a fun, creative, hands-on course. Make DIY home decorations and explore basic design principles and various design methods. Students will create a minimum of eight different pieces guided by an experienced floral designer. Students should bring one pair of scissors and one pair of clippers/pruners for the purpose of cutting stems, tape, wires. A supply fee of $150 is payable to the instructor on the first day of class which covers the costs of floral foam, floral frogs, wire, clay, wreath forms, containers/vases and fresh flowers for the eight designs.

Instructor: Tabitha Becker
Date: Wed, Oct 16-Dec 11 (no class on Wed, Nov 27)
Time: 5-7 p.m.
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $149
Location: Sangamon Hall, Room 2209
Course Code: CEW 103-008

Spring 2025

Advanced Floral Design

Learn advanced floral design techniques in a fun, creative, hands-on course. Make designs of varying function using elements and principles of design to build on methods covered in Introduction to Floral Design, and explore creative design concepts with emphasis on conceptualization and design execution. Students will create a minimum of eight different advanced designs guided by an experienced floral designer. Students should bring one pair of scissors and one pair of clippers/pruners for the purpose of cutting stems, tape and wires. A supply fee of $150 is payable to the instructor on the first day of class to cover the costs of floral foam, floral frogs, wire, clay, forms, containers/vases and fresh flowers for the eight designs. Prerequisite: Introduction to Floral Design or in-depth knowledge of floral design concepts, elements and principles of design.

Instructor: Tabitha Becker
Date: Wed., Feb. 5-Apr. 2, 2025 (no class Wed., March 12)
Time: 5-7 p.m.
Location: Sangamon Hall, Room 2209
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $149
Course code: CEW 103-002

Languages

Fall 2024

American Sign Language (ASL) Level 1

Learn basic sign hand shapes, vocabulary, grammar, cultural information and practice every-day interpersonal interaction. Classroom experiences are conducted to maximize visual language learning. Textbook is required and may be purchased from the 69�� Bookstore: “Learning American Sign Language” ISBN 0-205-27553-2.

Instructor: Doni Cosby-Stricklen
Date: Wed, Sep 4-Nov 20
Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $199
Location: Menard Hall, Room 1179
Course Code: CEW 401-001

Conversational Spanish Level 1

For people with no experience with Spanish, this course is designed to encourage you to start learning the second most spoken language in the U.S. (about 45 million speak it). Starting with the alphabet and numbers, you’ll be exploring what it is like speaking and understanding Spanish from the very beginning of the class. A textbook is required and may be purchased from the 69�� Bookstore: “Get Started in Spanish: Absolute Beginner Course” ISBN: 978-1444174922.

Instructor: Nelson Lara
Date: Mon, Sep 9-Oct 28
Time: 7-9 p.m.
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $149
Location: Menard Hall, Room 1177
Course Code: CEW 401-002

Beginning French

In this introductory class, you will learn the beautiful French language. Students will learn the alphabet, numbers, and basic grammar as well as conversational phrases and skills. Textbook is required and may be purchased from the 69�� Bookstore: “Easy French Step-by-Step” 978-0071453875.

Instructor: Audrey Koffi
Date: Mon, Oct 7-Oct 28
Time: 4-6 p.m.
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $95
Location: Millenium Center, Room 2237
Course Code: CEW 401-005

Spring 2025

American Sign Language (ASL) Level 2

Students will continue to focus on fingerspelling, numbers, facial grammar and sentence structure. Students will also further develop the conversational and cultural behaviors necessary to hold a beginning level conversation. Challenging examples of Deaf humor will be presented as well as additional cultural information to aid development of awareness and appreciation for the unique language and culture among the Deaf and hard of hearing ASL users. Students should first take ASL 101 as a pre-requisite before enrolling in this class. Textbook is required and may be purchased from the 69�� Bookstore: Learning American Sign Language 0-205-27553-2

Instructor: Doni Cosby-Stricklen
Date: Wed., Jan. 2-April 16, 2025 (no class March 12)
Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Location: Menard Hall, Room 1179
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $199
Course code: CEW 401-001

Conversational Spanish Level 1

For people with no experience with Spanish, this course is designed to encourage you to start learning the second most spoken language in the U.S. (about 45 million speak it). Starting with the alphabet and numbers, you’ll be exploring what it is like speaking and understanding Spanish from the very beginning of the class. A textbook is required and may be purchased from the 69�� Bookstore: "Get Started in Spanish: Absolute Beginner Course" ISBN: 978-1444174922

Instructor: Nelson Lara
Date: Mon., Jan. 27-March 24, 2025 (no class March 10)
Time: 7-9 p.m.
Location: Menard Hall, Room 1177
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $149
Course code: CEW 401-002

Conversational Spanish Level 2

Designed for those with some experience with the Spanish language, class begins with a review of the basics. Using games, role-playing, reading and drills, participants are encouraged to express themselves in Spanish, utilizing structures and vocabulary needed in everyday situations. A textbook is required and may be purchased from the 69�� Bookstore: “Complete Latin American Spanish…” ISBN: 978-1444192643

Instructor: Nelson Lara
Date: Tue., Jan. 21-March 18, 2025 (no class Wed., March 11)
Time: 7-9 p.m.
Location: Menard Hall, Room 1177
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $149
Course code: CEW 401-003

Conversational Spanish Level 3

This course was created for those Spanish learners who already attended Spanish Level 2, or for those who already have an advanced-beginner level of Spanish: knowing to conjugate the present tense of some Spanish regular and irregular verbs; being familiar with the difference between the use of “ser” and “estar.” We will continue using the same book used in Spanish Level 2 (Complete Latin American Spanish), starting with Chapter 3. On the first day of the course, we will do a review of ser and estar, which are the two verbs Chapters 1 and 2 cover. In addition to using the book in the class, we’ll be doing web exercises on reading passages and on grammar issues covered in the book. Although we’ll pay attention to Spanish grammar, the main focus of the course is conversation, as its title suggests. If in doubt as to whether this is the course for you, please contact us to speak with the instructor. A textbook is required and may be purchased from the 69�� Bookstore: “Complete Latin American Spanish…” ISBN: 978-1444192643

Instructor: Nelson Lara
Date: Wed., Jan. 29-April 23, 2025 (no class Thurs., March 12)
Time: 7-9 p.m.
Location: Menard Hall, Room 1177
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $149
Course code: CEW 401-004

Beginning Arabic

Arabic is a beautiful language. This class is for anyone wanting to learn how to read, write and understand Arabic. You can start here! A textbook is required: Mastering Arabic 1. ISBN-13: 9780781814225

Instructor: Suha Snober
Date: Thu., April 10-May 22, 2025 (no class March 11 and 25)
Time: 6-7:30 p.m.
Location: Millennium Center, Room 2203
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $109
Course code: CEW 401-005

Music & history

Personal interests

Fall 2024

Want to Save on Travel Expenses? How to Earn and Spend Rewards Points for Travel through Credit Cards

It may seem too good to be true, and you may be worried about upsetting Dave Ramsey, but credit card bonuses and points systems offer a way to travel the country and the world for next to nothing. While credit cards can be dangerous for some people, they can be incredibly beneficial to those who understand how they work. This class will walk through the background of rewards points, how they are earned, and how you can maximize their value when using them. As someone who has studied this hobby for the past six years and earned over 1 million points, the instructor will provide the tools for you to safely and confidently begin this addictive and rewarding venture!

Instructor: Kevin Klemm
Date: Sat, Oct 5
Time: 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $19
Location: Millennium Center, Room 2237
Course Code: CEW 105-005

Your Life in Your Words

Do you want to put your life story down on paper? In this class, you will learn the ways you can structure your memoir, autobiography, or personal writings whether you intend to publish or keep them for your family records. We’ll discuss the differences between each type of personal writing, the key aspects to writing about yourself, and how to format your stories into a narrative.

Instructor: Courtney Smith
Date: Sat, Oct 5
Time: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $39
Location: Millennium Center, Room 2203
Course Code: CEW 115-002

Ghost Hunting 101

Whether you are a true believer or a skeptic with an open mind, gain a deeper insight into the world of the paranormal. Learn best practices for ghost hunting, investigating and reviewing evidence as respected investigators guide you through the essential characteristics and scientific methodology of paranormal investigation.

Instructor: Loren Hamilton
Date: Tue, Oct 22 & 29
Time: 6-9 p.m.
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $59
Location: Kreher Agriculture Center, Room K1115
Course Code: CEW 112-003

Refuse to be a Victim

Learn crime prevention tips on physical & home security, automobile & vacation security and cyber security.

Instructor: Loren Hamilton
Date: Tue, Nov 12 & 19
Time: 6-9 p.m.
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $59
Location: Millennium Center, Room, 2203
Course Code: CEW 112-004

Introduction to Voice Overs

This fun and empowering 90-minute, one-on-one introductory workshop covers the different types of voiceovers and what tools are needed to find success. You will be coached and recorded as you read a script so you can receive a professional voice evaluation later and the input necessary to help you decide if this is something you’d like you pursue.

Instructor: 69�� Staff
Date and Time: Call 217-786-2432 to schedule your one-on-one session.
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $49
Location: Online
Course Code: CEW 116-001

Spring 2025

Side Hustle Success

Discover how to turn your passion into a profitable side hustle! Learn to identify viable business ideas, create a solid plan and effectively market your venture using proven strategies. Ideal for anyone who wants to create a secondary income stream, this course offers practical guidance and actionable steps to launch and grow your side hustle successfully.

Instructor: Amy Figueroa
Date: Tue., April 8, 2025
Time: 6-7 p.m.
Location: Trutter Center, Room 1114
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $29
Course code: CEW 105-005

Introduction to Voice Overs

“Wow, you have a great voice!” How many times have you heard that? Or maybe you listen to your favorite audiobooks, commercials or cartoon characters and think, “I could do that!” Want to earn income using your talents from the comfort of your home? Explore the growing remote voiceover industry with your instructor, a professional, working voice actor from Voices For All. Discover the current trends in the industry and how easy and affordable it can be to learn, set up and work from home. You’ll learn about different types of voiceovers and the tools you’ll need to find success. Your instructor will take notes as you read a real script in this one-on-one video chat setting and offer some coaching to improve your delivery. You’ll receive a professional voiceover evaluation later in a follow-up call. This is a one-time, 90- minute, introductory class for ages 18 and over. Learn more at . You owe it to yourself to finally explore the possibilities of this fun and rewarding field! Upon registration you will be contacted by VFA to schedule your class for a day and time of your convenience.

Instructor: 69�� Staff
Date and Time: Call 217-786-2432 to schedule your one-on-one session.
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $49
Location: Online

Ghost Hunting 101

Join us for our “Dead of Winter” Ghost Hunting 101 class. Whether you are a true believer or a skeptic with an open mind, gain a deeper insight into the world of the paranormal. Learn best practices for ghost hunting, investigating and reviewing evidence as respected investigators guide you through the essential characteristics and scientific methodology of paranormal investigation.

Instructor: Loren Hamilton
Date: Tue., Jan. 21-28, 2025
Time: 6-9 p.m.
Location: Trutter Center, Room 1105
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $59
Course code: CEW 112-001

Introduction to Black Classical Composers & Musicians

"What do a champion fencer, an autistic savant, a nun and a Navy sailor have in common? They are all classical music composers and musicians who also happen to be of African descent. Currently, there are over 300 classical composers and musicians of African descent both deceased and alive! This class will discuss the contributions of African American composers/musicians who have made significant contributions and achievements in classical music from the late 18th century to the 20th century. We will explore the extramusical influences affecting these musicians such as racism, chattel slavery and segregation, and examine whether these influences played a role in the music of these composers/musicians. By the end of the class, the student will be inspired by the strength, courage, giftedness and outstanding contributions and achievements of these amazing human beings.

Instructor: Chenoa Murphy
Date: Tue., Feb. 24-25, 2025
Time: 6-7:30 p.m.
Location: Menard Hall, Room 1175
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $59
Course code: CEW 112-002

Beginning Bee Keeping

Examine honeybee biology, basic colony management techniques and common problems. Emphasis is on the beekeeper's first year, covering topics of equipment, colony cycles and honey crop production. Please bring a notebook. Textbook: “Honey Bees and Beekeeping; A Year in the Life of an Apiary” by Keith Delaplane is available for $25 from the instructors at the first class.

Instructor: Fred Gerberding & Dale Brooks
Date: Wed., Feb. 26-April 23, 2025 (no class Thurs., March 12)
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Location: Kreher Center, Room 1115/1117
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $55
Course code: CEW 106-001

Introduction to Ghost & the Paranormal - Level 1

An introduction to ghosts, ghost hunting and the paranormal investigation. Whether you are a true believer or a skeptic with an open mind, gain a deeper insight into the world of the paranormal. Learn best practices for ghost hunting, investigating and reviewing evidence as respected investigators guide you through the essential characteristics and scientific methodology of paranormal investigation.

Instructor: Carl Jones
Date: Wed., April 2-23, 2025
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Location: Millennium Center, Room 2203
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $49
Course code: CEW 112-003

Photography

Fall 2024

Photography for Beginners

Learn the history of where photography came from to where it is now, as well as the basic functions of your camera and what each symbol means. Learn the difference between JPEG, RAW and TIFF files in addition to the best ways to capture the images you are wanting. Upon completion of this course, you will leave with the knowledge and understanding of how your own personal camera functions to capture those moments. Please bring your camera with your specific manual.

Instructor: Tabitha Bock-Matlock
Date: Tue, Sep 17-Oct 15
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $149
Location: Millennium Center, Room 2237
Course Code: CEW 104-001

General Portraiture

Go beyond “Hey get together for a photo!” and get those photos you always wanted. Say goodbye to awkward family photos and hello to framers! In this course, Tabitha will offer tips and tricks to taking photos you will actually want to print. Couple, family and senior portraiture will be covered. Within these units, lighting and technique will also be demonstrated. Please bring your camera.

Instructor: Tabitha Bock-Matlock
Date: Wed, Oct 2-Oct 23
Time: 6-7 p.m.
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $ 65
Location: Millennium Center, Room 2237
Course Code: CEW 104-002

Becoming a Professional Photographer

Start making money on your passion! Join Tabitha Bock-Matlock as she takes you through the ins and outs of conducting a business and getting taken seriously. As a professional wedding and studio photographer herself, she will give you the tips, tricks and secrets to marketing yourself as a professional. Please bring a camera or phone.

Instructor: Tabitha Bock-Matlock
Date: Tue, Oct 29
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $45
Location: Millennium Center, Room 2203
Course Code: CEW 104-003

Photoshop

Review Photoshop’s powerful tools and learn techniques such as basic editing, cropping, adjusting colors, converting images to black and white, layering, adding text, specialty tool usage and more! Bring your own laptop with Photoshop installed, or use a computer in our Mac lab.

Instructor: Tabitha Bock-Matlock
Date: Mon, Oct. 28-Nov. 18
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $149
Location: Menard Hall, Room 2274
Course Code: CEW 104-004

Spring 2025

Photoshop

Instructor: Tabith Bock-Matlock
Date: Wed., Feb. 12-March 5, 2025
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Location: Menard Hall, Room 2274
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $149
Course code: CEW 104-001

Photography for Beginners

Instructor: Tabith Bock-Matlock
Date: Tue., April 1-29, 2025
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Location: Millennium Center, Room 2237
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $149
Course code: CEW 104-002

Becoming a Professional Photographer

Instructor: Tabith Bock-Matlock
Date: Tue., May 6, 2025
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Location: Millennium Center, Room 2237
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $45
Course code: CEW 104-003

General Portraiture

Instructor: Tabith Bock-Matlock
Date: Wed., May 7-28, 2025
Time: 6-7 p.m.
Location: Millennium Center, Room 2203
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $65
Course code: CEW 104-004

Technology

More options

Outreach Centers

Community Education classes are also available in Beardstown, Hillsboro, Jacksonville, Litchfield and Taylorville!