Wednesday evening a small crowd gathered in the Logan County Courthouse to hear the latest about the Looking for Lincoln tourism project, which began about a year and a half ago. Two historians representing the project, Bryon C. Andreasen and Dan Monroe, were on hand to answer questions from the public.
Thressia Usherwood, executive director of Abraham Lincoln Tourism Bureau of Logan County, presented Lincoln impersonator Charles Ott, who welcomed everyone. In turn, Andreasen and Monroe presented the basic concepts of the unified tourism project, which intends to help communities share knowledge of Abraham Lincoln. Andreason is a research historian with the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, and Monroe is a historical research specialist with the same agency.
The program originated "in the state’s interest in the new concept of ‘heritage tourism,’" said Andreasen. "Take history and package it to encourage visitors from out of state to visit. [Give] them a tourist destination based on history sites," he explained.
State legislators allocated state tourism grant funds to seven projects representing different regions of the state. The Looking for Lincoln project won the grant for the central part of the state.
The concept is to develop regional "learning about Lincoln" vacations for families to enjoy. In the past, visitors to Lincoln historical sites generally went to one place on one day. "Each Lincoln attraction has just been out there on their own," Andreasen said. "We will be trying to change people’s perceptions [so that] they are planning to spend four to five days in central Illinois." Plans are in place for mass marketing via tourism brochures, which will connect all the sites as a "Looking for Lincoln Corridor."
Any community with an authentic Lincoln connection is encouraged to consider joining the project. The researchers will be happy to help them "flesh out" historical information. The project will provide support for site development as well as assistance in securing grant funds. Some work has already begun for sites in Lincoln and Mount Pulaski. Other nearby communities expressing interest are Middletown, Elkhart and Atlanta.
Communities will need to demonstrate an ability to provide for the needs of vacationing families. They will also need to work together on fund raising. The efforts are expected to pay off in increased commerce, assistance with upkeep of desirable historical properties, and more importantly, pride in historic communities. Andreasen advised, "Think BIG initially. It’s easier to sell the parts of it."
People can learn more about the Looking for Lincoln project by contacting Thressia Usherwood at Abraham Lincoln Tourism Bureau. She currently serves as project coordinator.
Zonta Scholarship Applications Available
Students planning a career in the healthcare field may apply now for the scholarships offered by the Zonta Club of Lincoln. Any resident of Logan County who is currently enrolled or has been accepted in a healthcare professional curriculum at an accredited institution is eligible.
Past winners are also eligible, but not students with less than one academic year of study left. Students may be enrolled or accepted in fields such as medicine, nursing, pharmacy, sports medicine or medical technology. The scholarships are available to students enrolled in college or universities anywhere in the United States.
Scholarship forms are available at all high schools in Logan County, Lincoln College, Family Medical Center, Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital, Logan County Health Department, The Christian Village Nursing Home, St. Clara’s Manor, Maple Ridge Care Centre, and at Graue, Medicap or CVS pharmacies.
Forms may also be obtained from Zonta member Marilyn Weingarz, 1425 1307th St., Lincoln, telephone 735-1840. They must be returned to Weingarz by April 1. Completed applications must include, along with personal information, transcripts and three letters of reference.
There are usually several scholarship winners, Weingarz said, with awards ranging from $500 to $1,000. Judging will be done by a committee of community leaders in the health care profession and education as well as members of Zonta.
Zonta is an international service organization formed to advance the status of women worldwide and to provide service to the community. Weingarz stressed, however, that the scholarships are open to both men and women.
Local Business People Meet with Legislators
Robert Jeckel and Dave Christensen of Lincoln Logan Mutual Insurance have returned from the state capital in Springfield on a trip designed to facilitate communication between legislators and the insurance industry. The Legislative Day is sponsored by the Illinois Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (IAMIC).
IMAIC's Legislative Day program is an opportunity for mutual insurance companies throughout Illinois to better communicate with legislators the needs and concerns of their policyholders. It provides a more personal connection to legislators by taking issues important to the insurance industry inside the Capitol.
During their visit, Bob and Dave were able to discuss issues with Representative John Turner and Senator Robert Madigan, including how the issues will impact Lincoln and Logan County.
The Illinois Association of Mutual Insurance Companies is a trade association comprised of farm mutual insurance companies. Mutual insurance, like the farming industry, has been a part of the education opportunities, professional development, legislative support and industry recognition they need to move forward into the next century--and the new millennium.
Lincoln Woman's Club Board Reports
The Lincoln Woman’s Club board of directors approved rental of their building to Dan Dugan, martial arts instructor, for his weekly classes. The building is available for rental for receptions, reunions and anniversary parties. All accommodations are available. Dorothy Ball is to be contacted for reservations.
The Christian Church was given approval to use the building for its Harvest of Talents fund raiser this coming Oct. 27 and 28.
A donation of $100 was made to Logan County Senior Citizens, "The Oasis."
Two books, Life—"Our Century in Pictures" and Times and Newsweek—"People of the Century,'" were purchased with memorial donations for Inez Clapper and donated to Lincoln Public Library.
It was decided to combine the membership meeting and the opening luncheon in September this year.
Reservations for the March district convention can be made anytime. It will be held in Fairbury at the Baptist church.
The fund raising committee will host a pinochle card party for the benefit of the club on April 5. Start planning your foursome.
The February general meeting will be held jointly with the Abraham Lincoln Chapter NSDAR and the Lincoln Junior Woman’s Club on the 16th. The Lincoln Community High School Jazz Band will be featured. Parents and grandparents of the band members are invited to attend at 1 p.m.
An invitation was extended to all members who volunteered as bell ringers for the Salvation Army ’99 Kettle Campaign Celebration to be held at the Zion Lutheran Church Christian Education Building. Reservations should be called in to 732-7890.
Chamber of Commerce Announces Calendar
Saturday, Feb. 19: Chamber annual dinner, 6 p.m., The Maple Club
Tuesday, Feb. 22: Chamber Ag Committee meeting, 7:30 a.m., Cracker Barrel
Thursday, March 2: Chamber Board of Directors meeting, 11:45 a.m., Chamber office
Conservation District Sponsors Poster Contest
[Fifth graders at West Lincoln-Broadwell smile after
groundwater demonstration by Steve Bracey.
A groundwater model
demonstrates the characteristics and behavior of groundwater.]
The Logan County Soil & Water Conservation District is sponsoring their annual poster contest for fifth graders in the county. The theme for this year's contest is "Groundwater- H20 Below." The district will select the top three posters later this spring and award $20.00 for first, $10.00 for second and $5.00 for third. For more information contact Steve Bracey, resource conservationist for the Logan County Soil & Water Conservation District at 732-2010 ext.3.
The Logan County Salvation Army will host the ’99 Christmas Kettle Celebration Dinner for the many volunteers who helped make the ’99 Kettle Campaign a success. The original goal for the ’99 Christmas Kettle Campaign was $20,000.00. The final total is $30,010.81!
The celebration dinner will be at 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 19, at Zion Lutheran Church in their Christian Education Building, 205 Pulaski St. The Lincoln Express from Lincoln College will perform at 7 p.m. The highest totals raised by groups and individuals will be announced and door prizes will be awarded. This is an appreciation dinner for the volunteers and families of the volunteers who rang bells for the 1999 Christmas Kettle Campaign.
An R.S.V.P. phone call to the Salvation Army office by Feb. 15 is required to attend. To R.S.V.P. or for more information, call the Logan County Salvation Army at 217-732-7890.
The Heritage In Flight Museum at the Logan County Airport is open every weekend from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is open during the week by special arrangement by calling 732-3333. The museum contains historical aviation exhibits from as far back as World War I. Donations to the museum have come from Logan County residents who served in the flying branches of the United States military and from military and civilian sources throughout the U.S. Heritage In Flight holds its regular meetings on the first Saturday of the month at 1 p.m. in the commons room of the airport terminal building. We are always interested in new members who have an interest in helping to maintain the museum and the important and fascinating historical records that it contains. The Heritage In Flight Museum is a non-profit organization.
Volunteers sought for training to issue parking citations
The Lincoln Police Department is establishing a list of volunteers that will be granted the authority to issue citations, with Lincoln city limits, to vehicles parked illegally in parking spaces on public and private property that are reserved for persons with disabilities. The volunteers will be trained by the Lincoln Police Department and the Center for Independent Living. All volunteers must live within the city limits, be 21 years of age, pass a background check and complete required training. Applicants may pick up an application at the Lincoln Police Department between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. or at Lincoln City Hall from the hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. All applications must be returned by March 15 at 4 p.m. There will be a limit of ten volunteers at this time. If you have any questions, please contact officer Rich Montcalm at 735-4905.
Applications available for Citizens Police Academy
The Lincoln Police Department is accepting applications for the fifth Citizen Police Academy. The academy will meet every Monday from March 6 through May 8 at 6:30 p.m. in the blue room at the Logan County Safety Complex. The experience will be enjoyable, and you will gain knowledge of how a police department actually operates within itself and with the public. You can carry this experience and knowledge with you for a lifetime. The applications can be picked up at the police department. If you have any questions, please contact Community Police Officer Rich Montcalm at 732-2151 or 735-4509.
Bartmann Employee Receives Dietary Manager's License
Fourteen-year Bartmann Health Care Center employee Diana Hinch of Hartsburg recently received her dietary manager’s license. For two years Diana had been taking correspondence classes through the University of Florida. Bartmann’s recognizes that the skills and knowledge of its employees are critical to the success of the organization, and therefore provides tuition assistance to regular full-time employees. In Diana’s case, however, she paid her own tuition and Bartmann’s paid for a corporate dietary consultant to oversee her homework assignments. Congratulations, Diana. We are all proud of your accomplishments.
New Bartmann dining room ready to serve
The assisted eating dining room at Bartmann Health Care Center is ready to be used by staff and residents. The dining room was originally two rooms: a TV lounge area and a rehabilitation room. The wall dividing the two rooms was removed to make one large dining/multi-purpose room. The room is beautiful--complete with new ceiling tile, wallpaper, mahogany-colored chair rail, wainscoting and new sealed-waxed floor tile. This new dining area and multi-purpose room is closer to the kitchen and will be more convenient for both kitchen and nursing staff. Come by and check it out the next time you're in the area. "Life is Better in the Country."
Bartmann resident returns home
Lincoln resident Bonnie Adams came to the Bartmann Health Care Center with a fractured foot on Sept. 1, 1999. She made a goal to get better and return home. Bonnie worked diligently with the physical therapist on staff at Bartmann's. She learned how to transfer herself successfully. With the aid of a walker, Bonnie did a lot of walking up and down hallways. On Friday, Jan. 28, after months of help and encouragement from all the staff at Bartmann's, Bonnie returned home. Congratulations Bonnie and continued success to you!
Healthcare network group meets
Twenty-three health care professionals representing nine different facilities met on Friday, Jan. 28, in the Pegram Room of the Lincoln Public Library. The meeting consisted of a hot catered meal, and a guest speaker, followed by a roundtable discussion. Ruby Lingle, the extension coordinator in community leadership and volunteerism in Springfield, spoke on "Effective Group Dynamics."
The purpose of the healthcare network group is to facilitate communication between healthcare providers. Bartmann Heath Care Center served as host for the first meeting of the millennium. The group meets quarterly.
Bartmann Health Care Center, managed by the Tutera Group, has been proudly serving the community for over 50 years. They provide hospice, intermediate, shelter, Medicaid and Medicare (part B) care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Bartmann's is a not-for-profit residence for seniors.
The winter series of story times for children 3 to 5 years old will start Monday, Feb. 7, at Lincoln Public Library annex. The story times will be offered on Mondays at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. and 2:15 p.m.
Craft times for grades one through six will be offered on Thursdays beginning Feb. 10 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Call 732-5732 to register.
Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital
ALMH will host "Cardiac Disease Update"
Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital is hosting a “Cardiac Disease Update” on Thursday, Feb. 24, at 7 p.m. in Conference Room A at the hospital. The update is presented by John Gill, M.D., of Prairie Cardiovascular Consultants, S.C.
The public is invited to attend. There is no fee for the update, but seating is limited. For more information or to register for the update, please call 217/732-2161, ext. 433. The deadline to register is Thursday, Feb. 17.
"Losing to Win" weight loss classes offered
Registrations are currently being taken for the next "Losing to Win" weight loss class at Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital. The 12-week class begins March 2.
Losing to Win focuses on making healthy lifestyle choices by balancing caloric intake, moderate exercise and behavior modification. There are no special foods or supplements to purchase. Weight loss goals are individualized based on the participant's goals and starting weight. Those who complete the 12-week course typically lose a pound or more per week. Each week an individual weigh-in time is followed by a group class led by Registered Dietitian Dianne Chapko, R.D., L.D.
Class size is limited, and registration is required. For more information on fees, times and location of classes, call 217-732-2161, ext. 199.
Registration for YMCA soccer will take place from Feb. 7 through Feb. 25. Participants may register at the YMCA program office, 1400 Primm Rd.; at Sports Plus, 511 Pulaski St.; or by mail. After Feb. 25, a late fee of $5 per child will be added to the registration fee. Late registrations cannot be guaranteed placement on a team; they will be placed on a waiting list and put onto a team if space is available.
Age groups:
*Preschool: 4 yrs. (must be 4 by December 1999) through pre-kindergarten
*Kindergarten through first graders
*Second and third graders
*Fourth and fifth graders
*Sixth, seventh and eighth graders; junior division
Games will be played at Lincoln Developmental Center on Saturdays from April 1 through May 6. Missed games will be made up to the extent possible according to coaches' schedules and the availability of fields. Refunds will not be given for games missed due to weather.
Senior Activities at The Oasis:
Thursday, Feb. 17: 1 p.m., "Bingo For Groceries" (sponsored by Extension Service); 1 p.m., quilting; 2 p.m., SHIP; 5 p.m., board meeting for Senior Citizens of Logan County, Inc.
Friday, Feb. 18: 10 a.m., blood pressure check; 10 a.m.-12 noon, crafts and rag rugs; 10-11 a.m., Beginning Computer* ($2); 11 a.m.-12 noon, Intermediate Computer/e-mail/Internet* ($2); 6 p.m., pinochle, 5 in 1
Sunday, Feb. 20: 11 a.m.-5 p.m., van trip to our favorite dinner theatre, Goodfield’s Barn II,* ($28.50) to enjoy the latest zany comedy, "Playing Doctor"; 6 p.m., pinochle, 5 in 1
Monday, Feb. 21: 12:30 p.m. bridge; 12:30 p.m., Billiards with Eldon Hawks; 1-1:15 p.m., free presentation about osteoporosis by St. John’s Bone and Joint Institute followed by bone density screenings (every three minutes) until 3 p.m. Call 732-6132 or stop by the Oasis front desk to make an appointment for the screening
Tuesday, Feb. 22: 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Veterans Administration; 9 a.m., DORS; noon, pinochle; 6:50 p.m., bingo at the Rec
Wednesday, Feb. 23: 9 a.m. Think Tank; 11:30-12:30, Birthdays and Music with Betty; 1 p.m., Fun-O-Leers practice
Thursday, Feb. 24: 9 a.m., free legal help with Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation; 1 p.m quilting bee; 1 p.m. bingo (sponsored by AARP – Bring a white elephant for a prize.); 2 p.m., SHIP
Friday, Feb. 25: 10 a.m., blood pressure check; 10-11 a.m., Beginning Computer* ($2); 11 a.m.-12 noon, Intermediate Computer/e-mail/Internet* ($2); 10 a.m.-12 noon, crafts and rag rugs; 6 p.m., pinochle, 5 in 1, plus birthday cake and ice cream
Sunday, Feb. 27: 6 p.m., pinochle, table games (No score is kept! Come join the fun!)
Monday, Feb. 28: 12:30 p.m., Billiards with Eldon Hawks
Tuesday, Feb. 29: 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Veterans Administration; 9 a.m., DORS; 12 noon, pinochle; 6:50 p.m., bingo at the Rec
Lunch is served in The Garden Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
* Please pay and pre-register at the main desk soon. Call 732-6132 for details.
board of directors, please call Angie Peters at 735-3915.