It has been about a year since I discovered the Academy of Lifelong Learning, which is commonly abbreviated as ALL. At the risk of sounding overly dramatic, this discovery was a sanity-saver for me. In January of the past year, I relocated to the Springfield area from Florida (long story … ). I didn’t know a single person. With it being winter, there were no neighbors outside for me to meet, and being a social person, I felt isolated very quickly. I decided to look online to find out what senior activities there might be in Springfield. The Academy of Lifelong Learning popped up in the search results and immediately caught my attention.

I contacted ALL and learned that it is located in Lincoln Land Community College’s Community Education Department. I was given a current newsletter and was pleasantly surprised at the array of classes and activities offered. (Newsletters go out each month and can be picked up at the office, received by postal mail and/or via email.) I easily became a member at the affordable rate of $60 per year. Breaking that down, it is $5 per month, which is more than reasonable considering all that is offered.

Being a game person, I started attending Pinochle and Mah-Jongg. Also, having an interest in writing, I participated in the Scribes group. It meets once a month. The attendees are given prompts each month to write about. It’s always interesting to hear each person’s unique spin on the same topic. Sometimes I write, and other times I just go and listen to what the others have written. Another activity I have been faithfully attending is the monthly field trip. This particular group is called Around Town. My favorite field trip so far has been when we toured the downtown fire station. 

Some of the other groups are History Hunters, Flicks on Friday, a walking group, biking group and a pickleball group (who doesn’t love pickleball, right?!). There are also a couple of groups that eat out together. In addition, I am aware of a group called Wander on Wednesday. This group travels outside of Springfield for day trips. I have not personally gone on any of these trips, but I hear good things about them. There are also occasional workshops on topics such as art, science, etc. We recently held four sessions about artificial intelligence (AI). It’s enlightening for me as a senior trying to navigate through the acceleration of technology. Tech can be confusing for some of us seniors and unfortunately comes with the ever-present dread of scammers. I’m thankful this class is being offered. ALL offers a good balance of physical activities, educational opportunities and my personal favorite — fun and games. I’ve only mentioned a few of the class and activity choices, so be sure to check out the newsletter for a full list! 

One thing, however, that was missing from the activity line up when I joined was a card game called Hand and Foot. I played it in Florida four days a week for four hours each of those days. After moving to this area, I started having withdrawal from Hand and Foot since it was such a big part of my Florida life. I asked if it would be possible to start a Hand and Foot group, and it was decided that Hand and Foot could indeed be added to the activity list. We have been playing now for several months (twice a month), and so far, it has been well attended and a lot of fun. Not only do people play the game at ALL, it has also spawned smaller groups playing in homes and places in the community with friends and family. 

I have met so many friendly people at ALL. Even though I’m a social person, I’m also somewhat shy. When I joined, the other members were so welcoming that I immediately felt at ease. I haven’t had one bad experience. It’s all been positive and has helped me get integrated and adjusted to my new life as a senior in Springfield. Even though I miss the beach and the relentless sunshine of Florida, I’m thankful to have discovered ALL and the great people I have been blessed to meet and get to know. 

If you would like more information, you can contact LLCC Community Education at 217-786-2432 or go online at www.llcc.edu/all. If you do join me and the other ALL members, we look forward to meeting you!