The 5 Sullivan Brothers & The Kissing Sailor (KCC Events)

Frame Loom Weaving and Group Guitar are among courses being held in May as part of the Kankakee Community College Lifelong Learning Institute.

The Lifelong Learning Institute offers affordable, high-quality, non-credit classes that take place in an environment that fosters participation. Some classes meet for one day on a specialized topic, others delve deeper over several sessions

In “Castles and Clans of Scotland” participants learn about some of the great castles of Scotland, their owners, history and folklore. It includes the “râison d’etra” for castle building and much more. Meets from 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, May 1 at KCC in Room D123 and May 8 at KCC in Room D151. Facilitator is Dr. Loarn Robertson. Course no.: LLLI 8740.A16; cost is $20.

In “Frame Loom Weaving,” learn fundamental weaving techniques, loom weaving vocabulary and make a small tapestry. Bring a ruler, large-eyed needle, scissors, pick or large toothed comb, and a small assortment of yarn—any color, size and texture. Meets Wednesday, May 1 from 9:30-11 a.m. and Wednesday, May 8 and 15 from 10-11 a.m. at KCC in Room D124. Facilitator is Diana Pappas. Course no.: LLLI 8640.A16; cost is $15.

In “The Real Cinco De Mayo,” participants hear the real story behind Cinco de Mayo. The Civil War in Mexico took place at the same time as our own. It is an important piece of history, full of heroism, patriotism and tragedy. Benito Juarez defeated France’s attempt to seize his country. The war also marked the real birth of the French Foreign Legion. Meets Friday, May 3 from 9-11 a.m. at KCC in Room D151. Facilitator is Phil Angelo. Course no.: LLLI 8770.A16; cost is $10.

“Group Guitar” is an introductory course to playing guitar in a group setting. It is intended for those with no previous guitar experience. The class includes music notation and tablature for guitar, fingering for basic open chords, interpreting basic chord symbols, right hand strumming techniques and styles, and more. The class also covers how to tune a guitar and basic instrument maintenance. Meets Mondays, May 6 to July 15 (No class on May 27) from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at KCC in Room D123. Facilitator is Tammy Cantrell. Course no.: LLLI 8880.Q11; cost is $150, includes text, chord charts, song sheet music and handouts.

The “Playing the Ukulele” class includes basic chords and strum patterns, taught at a pace designed for those who have never played an instrument before. Topics also include finger picking, music notation and songs. Meets Mondays, May 6 to July 15 (No class May 27) from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at KCC in Room D123. Facilitator is Tammy Cantrell. Course no.: LLLI 8960.Q11; cost is $150, includes test, chord charts, song sheet music and handouts. Participants should bring a ukulele, tuner & picks.

“Waterfalls of Illinois” will explore three areas with very different waterfalls: southern Illinois, western Illinois, and northern Illinois. Emphasis will be on safe practices when visiting these amazing features. Meets Tuesday, May 7 from 11:15 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. at KCC in Room D151. Facilitator is Dr. Max Reams. Course no.: LLLI 8720.A16; cost is $7.

The “Cooking for 1 or 2” workshop focuses on exciting makeovers to leftovers so they taste good the second time around. The class shares how to cut down recipes, too, and helps make cooking fun! Meets Thursday, May 9 from 9:30-11 a.m. at KCC in Room D151. Facilitator is Drusilla Banks. Course no.: LLLI 8730.A16; cost is $10.

In “Hats, Heroines and Cavaliers,” participants step back in time and learn about famous men and women from history. Pick a hat and learn facts about the history of who would have worn which hat. Learn historical trivia and have fun! Meets Thursday, May 9 from 9:30-11 a.m. at KCC in Room D123. Facilitator is Cheryl Rabe. Course no.: LLLI 8160.A16; cost is $7.

“Driving the Pacific Coast Highway” will describe one of the best trips ever in pictures and play-by-play commentary. Meets Wednesday, May 15 from 1-2:15 p.m. at KCC in Room D131. Facilitators are Mike and Carol Snyder. Course no.: LLLI 8780.A11; cost is $7.

“The 5 Sullivan Brothers & The Kissing Sailor” covers the depression-era childhood of the five Sullivan Brothers, and naval history of early World War II in the Pacific. The Sullivan brothers tragically died when the cruiser USS Juneau was sunk in the Battle of Guadalcanal. In 1943, President Roosevelt ordered a Fletcher Class Destroyer to be named USS The Sullivans DD-537.  Meets Wednesday, May 22 from 10-11:15 a.m. at KCC in Room D124. Facilitator is Hal Burke. Course no.: LLLI 8160.A26; cost is $25.

The classes are part of the KCC Lifelong Learning Institute, which offers non-credit, continuing education learning on different intellectual and cultural topics. Classes are open to people ages 50 and older. More information is at www.kcc.edu/LLI.

Kankakee Community College is an accredited two-year college which awards associate degrees and certificates of completion. KCC prepares students both to transfer to four-year colleges and to enter the workforce. The college also offers continuing education courses and certification training, literacy programs, English as a Second Language and GED preparation. The KCC mission is “Enhancing quality of life through learning.” The college has a Riverfront Campus in Kankakee, South Extension Center in Watseka, North Extension Center in Bradley and Manufacturing and Industrial Technology Center in Kankakee.