The Spoon River College Office of Community Outreach hosted the 33rd Lifelong Learning Conference on October 10 on the Canton Campus, welcoming attendees, speakers, and resource fair vendors.
“It’s always wonderful to welcome this group of enthusiastic learners!” said Andrea Barbknecht director of the SRC Canton Outreach Center. “It’s nice seeing old and new friends!”
MNB President Rick Klinedinst started off the day with the keynote address that featured the story of Mary Todd Lincoln, sharing fascinating details about her life both before and after she became Mrs. Lincoln.
Other educational sessions included Fulton County in Civil War by Col. Steve Rice; Historic Farms of Fulton County by Cheryl Bielema and Janice Dare Bruster; Climbing Your Family Tree by Kevin Meade; Eleanor Roosevelt by Stan Ransom; Read Beat by Steve Tartar, Seven Wonders of the World by Mike Delligatti; and A Year of Sunflowers by Christine Wright.
“The talent in our own backyard never seems to run out, and we are thankful for the collaboration between our Community Leadership Academy graduates and the many local experts and enthusiasts who continue to give their time and be a part of this fun and informative event,” said Barbknecht.
Another perk of the event is that attendees bring non-perishable items for the SRC Student Needs Pantry. Besides a table full of donated items, over $800 was raised to help support the many needs of our SRC students.
The event was co-sponsored by MidAmerica National Bank. Other sponsors included SRC Adult Education, The Clayberg Nursing Center, Thrivent Financial, Graham Health System, Canton Community Concert Assoc., Spoon River Home Health, Willow Ridge Hospice, The Loft Rehabilitation and Nursing of Canton, Spoon River Partnership for Economic Opportunity, the Center for Youth and Family Solutions, Alzheimer’s Association of Illinois, and CASA of West Central Illinois.
Attendees enjoyed morning refreshments and a soup and sandwich buffet that was catered by the SRC River Roast Café, with members of the SRC volleyball team helping serve and in clean-up duty.
The next Lifelong Learning Conference is scheduled for Friday, April 17, 2026.