Melanie Riggs, Alexander I. Custodio III, Jason Sheley and Alice Turner make Close Up

By Mike Fak

[January 16, 2009]  Lincoln City Clerk Melanie Riggs was elected as vice president of the Central Illinois Municipal Clerks Organization at its annual meeting Oct. 8 in Peoria. Other officers elected were Forsyth Village Clerk Kathy Mizer, president; Galesburg Deputy City Clerk Kelli Bennewitz, secretary; East Peoria City Clerk Veona "Berta" Dinkins, treasurer; and East Peoria Deputy City Clerk Paula Smart, immediate past president.

Riggs served as deputy city clerk for 14 years prior to being appointed city clerk in May 2003, then was elected in 2005. She has been very active in CIMCO for several years, including serving as treasurer for four terms, from 1997 to 2000, and as secretary in 2001 and 2008. Due to her distinguished service to the organization, she was the recipient of the Presidential Award in 1997, 1998 and 2001.

CIMCO, established in 1988, is a professional organization devoted to the municipal clerk's profession by promoting efficiency in the operation and administration of the office; cooperation between clerks in the exchange of experience and information; a better understanding of the official duties and obligations and administering the provisions of law; and providing service to the community.

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Alexander I. Custodio III, 14-year-old son of Jayne and Alexander Custodio Jr. of San Jose, is a freshman at Illini Central High School C.U.S.D. 189, Mason City. The young man will take part in a truly American celebration -- the inauguration of the 44th president of the United States.

During the five-day program, the Presidential Youth Inaugural Conference (PYIC) will provide scholars with a deeper understanding of the history behind the electoral process and the rich traditions surrounding the presidential inauguration.

Inaugural Scholars will have the opportunity to interact with a major presidential candidate, White House officials, congressional staff members, political experts and other VIPs, such as former Secretary of State Gen. Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.), and former Vice President Al Gore.

In addition to participating in inaugural events and festivities, scholars will have the opportunity to explore the numerous historic sites and monuments in our nation's capital, as well as participate in roundtable discussions, debates and other activities that will help to expand their knowledge of democratic principles and the presidential election process.

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Jason Sheley, Zion Lutheran School 8th grader, has been selected as the Zion Lutheran December Student of the Month. Jason's ZLS activities have included honor roll, baseball, basketball, track and field, and speech team.

Church and community activities include youth group, puppets, church plays, and summer baseball and basketball camps and leagues,   

He also enjoys spending time with friends, watching movies, playing video games, and participating in a variety of sports.

Jason's parents are Jay and Sheila Sheley of Lincoln.

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Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital is pleased to announce Alice Turner as January Employee of the Month. Alice has been an ALMH employee for 14 years. She works in Volunteer Services and co-manages In the Pink Gift Shoppe on the first floor of the hospital.

Her co-workers say she is friendly, accurate, professional, and efficient and goes out of her way to accommodate others.

"She makes you feel comfortable and helps you to complete your job easily," according to Sue Roberts (Dietary) and Lucille Miller, an ALMH volunteer. "Her abilities are far-reaching and sometimes not seen by all. She makes us feel good about ourselves."

Alice's job involves scheduling and working with volunteers, assisting in the day-to-day upkeep of the gift shop and managing the Lifeline program.

Before coming to work at ALMH, she was a volunteer. She also worked at State Farm for more than 18 years and ran her own floral business for 16 years. She is a graduate of Floral School in Chicago.

Alice enjoys her co-workers at ALMH and says it is truly a great place to work. "If I had it to do over I would do it again," she says. "If I ever quit, I'll probably volunteer."

ALMH employs more than 290 in a wide variety of job functions. A different employee is honored each month for their commitment to creating GREAT patient experiences, getting GREAT results, and making ALMH a GREAT place to work.

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Got a good piece of news, information or something that we can all brag about? If you do, e-mail Mike and let us tell everyone about it. Plus you can win cash. Every submission, whether we use it or not, will get your name in the "Close Up" grab bag. At the end of the month we will draw a name and someone will get $25.00 just for dropping us an e-mail. If you wish, we will be happy to donate your winnings to the organization of your choice.

You can contact Mike at [e-mail].

[By MIKE FAK]

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