ALL hosting fall kickoff Sept. 17 and chilli supper Oct. 3

The LLCC Academy of Lifelong Learning (ALL) invites the public to two upcoming events: the fall kickoff and chilli supper.

The fall kickoff will be held Friday, Sept. 17, 1-3 p.m. in LLCC’s student union, located in the lower level of Menard Hall on the LLCC campus, 5250 Shepherd Road. With the theme “Where in the United States is ALL?” attendees will “travel” throughout the U.S. as they navigate exhibits. The event includes snacks and beverages, games and a commemorative tree planting celebrating the culmination of ALL’s Big Read project. Guests are welcome to attend, ask questions and join ALL. Guest registration for this free event is available by calling 217-786-2432. (Current ALL members should register online or call 217-786-2292.)

The annual ALL chilli supper will be held Sunday, Oct. 3 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Temple B’rith Sholom Social Hall, 1004 S. 4th St. Cost is $8 per person and free for youth ages 8 and under. The event will feature chilli made by Les Eastep, well-known Springfield chilli chef and cook-off judge. Also on the menu are hot dogs, chilli dogs, beverages and desserts, with carryout available.

The LLCC Academy of Lifelong Learning is a membership group of adults 50 and greater devoted to the lifelong pursuit of learning. With 10 to 12 opportunities available each month, the Academy provides enjoyable experiences in learning with a variety of opportunities to develop new friendships.

More information is available at www.llcc.edu/academy-lifelong-learning.

Recording of Hope Jahren’s NEA Big Read keynote address available

"Lab Girl" by Hope Jahren book coverThe Academy of Lifelong Learning (ALL) at LLCC hosted the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Big Read in Sangamon County during March and April 2021. This community reading program focused on “Lab Girl” by Hope Jahren. Fifty local organizations partnered with ALL to develop and offer free, fun and educational community-wide book discussions, speakers, interactive programs and arts presentations inspired by the book’s themes. One of the virtual keynote speakers was the author herself, Hope Jahren, who spoke on April 17 from Oslo, Norway. A recording of Hope Jahren’s NEA Big Read keynote address is now available.

Hope JahrenHope Jahren is an award-winning scientist who has been pursuing independent research in paleobiology since 1996, when she completed her Ph.D. at University of California Berkeley and began teaching and researching first at the Georgia Institute of Technology and then at Johns Hopkins University. She is the recipient of three Fulbright Awards and is one of four scientists, and the only woman, to have been awarded both of the Young Investigator Medals given within the Earth Sciences. She was a tenured professor at the University of Hawaii in Honolulu from 2008 to 2016 where she built the Isotope Geobiology Laboratories, with support from National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy and the National Institutes of Health. She currently holds the J. Tuzo Wilson professorship at the University of Oslo, Norway.

Big Read book distribution to students begins today

"Lab Girl" by Hope Jahren. March 1-April 30, 2021. One book, 75 events. National Endowment for the Arts Big Read. Managed by Arts Midwest. arts.gov/neabigread. NEA Big Read: Sangamon County presented by Academy of Lifelong Learning at Lincoln Land Community College, Lincoln Library Springfield's Public Library, LLCC Lincoln Land Community College. The NEA presents NEA Big Read in partnership with Arts Midwest.The Academy of Lifelong Learning at LLCC is distributing 1,000 free copies of the book “Lab Girl” by Hope Jahren as part of the National Endowment for the Arts Big Read in Sangamon County. As part of this, the LLCC Library and Outreach Centers will be distributing books to students beginning today.

LLCC students can pick up a free copy of the book and a seed-planting kit at library table displays on campus. Tables will be located at the entrances of A. Lincoln Commons, Logan Hall, Millennium Center and Workforce Careers Center through April 30 or while supplies last. Books and seed kits will also be distributed at LLCC Outreach Centers in Jacksonville, Beardstown, Taylorville and Litchfield.

Visit www.llcc.edu/nea-big-read-sangamon-county for a full calendar of events, book distribution points and a list of partner organizations.

ALL free book distribution begins this weekend

"Lab Girl" by Hope Jahren. March 1-April 30, 2021. One book, 75 events. National Endowment for the Arts Big Read. Managed by Arts Midwest. arts.gov/neabigread. NEA Big Read: Sangamon County presented by Academy of Lifelong Learning at Lincoln Land Community College, Lincoln Library Springfield's Public Library, LLCC Lincoln Land Community College. The NEA presents NEA Big Read in partnership with Arts Midwest.Beginning this weekend, the Academy of Lifelong Learning (ALL) at Lincoln Land Community College will distribute 1,000 free copies of the book “Lab Girl” by Hope Jahren as part of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Big Read in Sangamon County.

Drive-through book distributions are scheduled:

  • Saturday, Feb. 27, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 2941 S. Koke Mill Road
  • Monday, March 1, 4-6 p.m. at Union Baptist Church, 1405 E. Monroe St.

The LLCC Library and LLCC Outreach Centers will be distributing books to students beginning March 1 and continuing through April 30. The LLCC Library will have table displays with free books and seed planting kits at four building entrances: A. Lincoln Commons, Logan Hall, Millennium Center and Workforce Careers Center. The items will also be distributed at LLCC Outreach Centers in Jacksonville, Beardstown, Taylorville and Litchfield.

Also on March 1, Lincoln Library, 326 S. 7th St., will begin in-person and curbside distribution of the book by appointment (lincolnlibrary.info) during regular business hours.

Over 15 local libraries in Sangamon County have copies of “Lab Girl” to give away and for checkout. A copy of “Lab Girl” will also be available in 38 neighborhood Little Libraries.

Those receiving a copy of the book are encouraged to pass it along to a friend after reading or place it in a Little Library for someone to pick up and read.

ALL is one of 84 nonprofit organizations selected to receive an NEA Big Read grant to support a community reading program. Fifty local organizations have partnered with ALL to develop and offer free, fun and educational community-wide book discussions, speakers, interactive programs and arts presentations inspired by the book’s themes during March and April 2021.

Visit https://www.llcc.edu/nea-big-read-sangamon-county for a full calendar of events, book distribution points and a list of partner organizations.

In the news

Laurel Bretz, director, LLCC Community Education was a guest on Sports Radio 1450’s AM Springfield program Feb. 22, discussing the Big Read sponsored by the LLCC Academy of Lifelong Learning. Book distribution begins this weekend.

LLCC Academy of Lifelong Learning sponsors the NEA Big Read

"Lab Girl" by Hope Jahren. March 1-April 30, 2021. One book, 75 events. National Endowment for the Arts Big Read. Managed by Arts Midwest. arts.gov/neabigread. NEA Big Read: Sangamon County presented by Academy of Lifelong Learning at Lincoln Land Community College, Lincoln Library Springfield's Public Library, LLCC Lincoln Land Community College. The NEA presents NEA Big Read in partnership with Arts Midwest.The Academy of Lifelong Learning (ALL) at LLCC will host the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Big Read in Sangamon County during March and April 2021.

ALL is one of 84 nonprofit organizations selected to receive an NEA Big Read grant to support a community reading program.

The NEA Big Read: Sangamon County will focus on “Lab Girl” by Hope Jahren. Fifty local organizations have partnered with ALL to develop and offer free, fun and educational community-wide book discussions, speakers, interactive programs and arts presentations inspired by the book’s themes.

Over 1,000 copies of “Lab Girl” will be given out free of charge via drive-through events, in addition to copies available for checkout at 15 local libraries. Citizens are invited to read the same book and hold discussions about the issues and themes presented.

“We are honored to offer the National Endowment for the Arts Big Read program in Sangamon County this year,” said Katharine Dehen, president of the LLCC Academy of Lifelong Learning. “’Lab Girl‘ is a memoir by American geochemist, geobiologist and professor Hope Jahren and explores how she found sanctuary in science and triumphs and discoveries in scientific research. The NEA Big Read has been brought to our community through the efforts of many volunteers who have been working through the past year to make this possible as we inspire conversation and discovery in our communities.”

The NEA Big Read Sangamon County includes three virtual keynote speakers. Kathryn Harris, 2020 State Journal-Register First Citizen Award winner and retired librarian, will deliver a kickoff address on March 2 titled “Reading Science, Reading Together.” Emily Graslie, host of “Prehistoric Road Trip” on PBS and creator of YouTubes “The Brain Scoop” will discuss “The Power of Curiosity” on March 25. “Lab Girl” author Hope Jahren will deliver a keynote address on April 17 live from Oslo, Norway.

Visit www.llcc.edu/nea-big-read-sangamon-county for a full calendar of events, book distribution points and partner organizations.

Hope Jahren is an award-winning scientist who has been pursuing independent research in paleobiology since 1996, when she completed her Ph.D. at University of California Berkeley and began teaching and researching first at the Georgia Institute of Technology and then at Johns Hopkins University. She is the recipient of three Fulbright Awards and is one of four scientists, and the only woman, to have been awarded both of the Young Investigator Medals given within the Earth Sciences. She was a tenured professor at the University of Hawaii in Honolulu from 2008 to 2016 where she built the Isotope Geobiology Laboratories, with support from National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy and the National Institutes of Health. She currently holds the J. Tuzo Wilson professorship at the University of Oslo, Norway.

“During this time of social isolation throughout our country, we have become more aware of the important ways the arts help us connect with others, and how they bring meaning, joy and comfort to our lives,” said Mary Ann Carter, chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts. “By bringing the NEA Big Read to the Sangamon County area, the Academy of Lifelong Learning at Lincoln Land Community College will provide thoughtful and fun programming while also strengthening community bonds.”

ALL at LLCC offers opportunities for anyone 50 and over to stay mentally and physically active. Classes and activities are planned and led by members who enjoy meeting interesting friends, sharing ideas, exploring topics of interest, learning from one another and having fun.

Since 2006, the National Endowment for the Arts has funded more than 1,600 NEA Big Read programs, providing more than $22 million to organizations nationwide. Over the past 13 years, grantees have leveraged more than $50 million in local funding to support their NEA Big Read programs. More than 5.7 million Americans have attended an NEA Big Read event, approximately 91,000 volunteers have participated at the local level, and 39,000 community organizations have partnered to make NEA Big Read activities possible. For more information about the NEA Big Read, including book and author information, podcasts and videos, visit arts.gov/neabigread.