This article originally appeared in the State Journal Register

By Chris Dettro

A concert spotlighting the folksongs of Illinois and a panel discussion on the effects of a cashless society are upcoming programs of a Lincoln Land Community College group.

The LLCC Academy of Lifelong Learning (ALL) is hosting its Winter Celebration on Friday with a presentation by Bucky Halker, described as a “folksinger, writer, scholar, rocker, labor songster and alt-country twanger.” Halker’s concert and discussion, “Folksongs of Illinois,” is sponsored by the Illinois Humanities Council.

The event, which is free, starts at 10:30 a.m. in the Trutter Center at the LLCC campus in Springfield.

Following the presentation, members of ALL will bring a food item to share with participants at a potluck luncheon. From 1 to 3 p.m., there will be a sampling of activities for members and guests including trivia and Scrabble games, a book exchange and displays of upcoming 2014 ALL activities.

ALL, which offers educational opportunities to anyone 50 or older, also is hosting a free panel discussion, “What is the Price of a Cashless Society?” at 10 a.m. Feb. 10, also in the Trutter Center.

A panel of LLCC educators including Aaron Berkowitz, history professor; Tony DiMaggio, political science instructor, and Paul Hudson, business professor, will discuss the issues involved in a totally cashless society.

ALL classes and activities are planned and presented by members who enjoy meeting new friends, sharing ideas, exploring topics of interest, learning from one another and having fun. No prior educational background or professional experience is required or expected.

An annual membership fee of $55 allows unlimited attendance at activities that include lecture and discussion programs and special interest groups. Nominal fees are charged for other popular programs including breakfast roundtables that feature guest speakers and Wander on Wednesday, a monthly travel and learning program.

More information about the events is available by calling 786-2477. To register for one or both events, call 786-2292. More information about the LLCC Academy of Lifelong Learning is available at www.llcc.edu/commed by clicking on Academy of Lifelong Learning.