Taste the wine and food, feel the culture and experience Italy without leaving the comfort of Illinois! Now you can have the best of both worlds with a World Class Service course offered through the partnership of Lake Land College, the Greater Effingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Apicius International School of Hospitality in Florence, Italy.

Massimo Coppetti, international wine expert and culinary instructor, will give a cultural and culinary presentation on May 20 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn in Effingham.

"This is a unique opportunity and we want to encourage anyone who wants that special edge on world class hospitality to attend," said Karen Kull, director of the Kluthe Center for Higher Education and Technology in Effingham.

"Employees and staff at area hotels and restaurants are welcome to come, as is the general public," Kull said. "It will not only be educational, but fun."

Kull added this is a kick off to more World Class Hospitality training that Lake Land is offering in the Effingham area.

The cost for the course is $35, which includes the three hour presentation, Italian wine and a meal.

Register by May 15 at www.lakelandcollege.edu/noncredit or by calling (217) 234-5434.

Lake Land and Apicius University are also partnering to offer a study abroad Oct. 24 to Nov. 2 in Florence, Italy. Participants will study world class hospitality and Italian culinary skills, all while being immersed in the rich history, architecture and art found in Florence.

The public is invited to attend a course informational meeting on Tuesday, June 3 at 7 p.m. at the Lake Land College campus, Mattoon, in the Neal Hall North Conference Room.

For additional information contact Kramer at (217) 234-5220 or ckramer@lakeland.cc.il.us.