“Learning is the ecstasy of life which keeps our hearts young and our minds sharp.” - Debasish Mridha
The leaders and members of Lincoln Land Community College’s Academy of Lifelong Learning agree with this statement. This group, known as ALL, is part of LLCC’s Community Education department and is an organization of seniors (50 years and over) who share an interest in continuing the learning process long after most have completed any formal education. Although we cannot stop the physical aging process, we can continue to keep our hearts and minds young and our bodies strong and healthy!
We are enthusiastic about many topics and activities. The focus of much of our programming is to offer members the opportunity to keep current in our fast-changing world. We can stay informed and involved in our own community by attending the monthly Breakfast Round Table. Some of the recent speakers include Sangamon County Coroner Jim Allman, and Kevin Seals who talked about the Springfield Rail Improvements Project.
We can visit hidden gems right in our community through the Around Town program. Two groups of 30 members recently had the opportunity to tour the Hindu Temple of Greater Springfield, learn a little bit more about Hinduism and tour the beautiful new structure.
Another program, Chautauqua, offered a program in April on NASA's latest science mission: the James Webb Space Telescope. The presenter was retired UIS professor of astronomy, Dr. Charles Schweighauser.
Members have many opportunities to stay young through play and exercise. A weekly golf group plays on Wednesday mornings, members walk together on Monday mornings and if you like to ride a bike, we have a program called Pedal Pushers. Bikers meet at different trails twice monthly to ride together and enjoy refreshments at nearby restaurants. We are currently exploring the possibility of establishing a group to play the popular game Pickleball.
If you are interested in more sedentary play, we offer the opportunity to gather weekly to play Mah Jong and monthly to play Pinochle. In both cases, members have a chance to learn the game first and then gather regularly to play.
For outdoor enthusiasts, we enjoy exploring the natural world with pop-up outings such as a tour of a native plant garden, a maple syrup demonstration at Lincoln Memorial Garden or observing the local bird banding group capture, band and release birds. We hope to learn more about the aviary at LLCC soon.
Our membership year begins July 1. All residents in the area are both welcome and encouraged to find a current member and attend any of our programs during the month of May to see what it is all about. During “Guest Blitz,” join in May and get an extra month of membership! Annual membership dues are only $60 per year.
This is your great opportunity to help maintain a youthful, energetic and enthusiastic outlook on life!
“Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at 20 or 80. Anyone who keeps learning stays young.” – Henry Ford