CLOSE UP    Zooming in on
the people, places and things that make this community interesting.

sponsored by CHRIS COYNE, agent - State Farm Insurance

Liberty Tax appreciation days, SWCD tree sale, blood drives, Hartem FFA and Oasis auctions, ham & beans at First Methodist, HSLC spay-neuter, NHM supports HSLC, Woman's Club breakfast meeting, free tax help at Oasis and Vonderlieth, San Jose fish fry, park district cooking class, scholarships, Masons host 'Mindreading Show,' and Angela Kelley in Close Up

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[
March 14, 2012]  Health care worker appreciation days -- To honor the often unsung heroes in nursing and hospital employment, Liberty Tax Service is offering free tax preparation for all nurses, medical technicians and hospital employees who are first-time customers during the week of March 12-18. The company will offer this service at its Lincoln, Decatur and Springfield offices.

"Medical professionals work selflessly each and every day, saving lives and making friends and family comfortable through times of stress and pain. It's our pleasure to be able to give back just a little to these individuals who perform life-saving miracles every day," said Chris Fehr, owner of Liberty Tax Service.

Call Liberty Tax Service at 217-651-6382 if you're eligible for this promotion and you'd like more details.


Tree sale going on now at Logan County Soil & Water

The Logan County Soil and Water Conservation District is sponsoring a spring tree sale. Ordering information for the sale is on the conservation district website at http://loganswcd.org/default.aspx. Tree orders should be placed by March 14, and delivery will be in April. (Tree order form)

The district is also preparing for a spring fish sale for the stocking of ponds. Details can be found on the district website. (Fish order form)


Blood drives in Logan County need your help

To help ensure an adequate blood supply for our region, the Central Illinois Community Blood Center is offering several opportunities to donate blood in Logan County.

March 15:

  • Elkhart -- Elkhart Christian Church, 113 S. Gillett; 3-6 p.m.

  • Atlanta -- St. Mary's Catholic Church, 805 Pearl St.; noon-6 p.m.

March 16:

  • Mount Pulaski -- Mount Pulaski High School, 206 S. Spring St.; 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

For your convenience, call toll-free 1-866-GIVE-BLD (1-866-448-3253), ext. 158., to sign up, or schedule an appointment online at www.cicbc.org. Walk-ins are also welcome and truly appreciated.

Central Illinois Community Blood Center, a not-for-profit organization, is the provider of life-saving blood for 12 hospitals throughout central Illinois, including Memorial Medical Center and St. John's Hospital in Springfield. CICBC is a division of Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center. CICBC and MVRBC collect over 180,000 units of blood annually and serve 80 hospitals in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri and Wisconsin.


Hartem FFA consignment auction

The second annual Hartsburg-Emden FFA consignment auction will be on Saturday, March 17, at the Orvil Township machine shed in Hartsburg.

Proceeds from the auction go toward sending FFA members to the Washington Leadership Conference.


Ham & bean dinner

First United Methodist Church, 302 Broadway in Lincoln, is hosting a ham and bean dinner on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. On the menu are ham and beans, corn bread, dessert, and beverage. It’s an all-you-can-eat meal.

Ticket information is available by calling the church at 732-2204.

All proceeds go to the Volunteers in Mission program.


HSLC offers spay-neuter transport

The Humane Society of Logan County's next transport to the Animal Protective League of Springfield for spaying and neutering will be on Monday, March 19. Call 217-737-4042 now to make arrangements for your dog or cat to be spayed or neutered in March.

For all dogs except pit bulls and pit bull mixes, the fee per dog is $55. Pits are $25. Male cats are $35 to neuter, female cats are $45 to spay, and feral cats are $25. All animals must have proof of a rabies shot, or one must be given at the time of spaying or neutering. Other services are available at a reduced cost.


New Holland-Middletown supports Humane Society

A service learning project continuing through March at New Holland-Middletown School supports the Humane Society of Logan County.

Students are collecting pet food, treats and supplies. Also, a container for collecting change and cash donations is available in the school office. Donations from the public are welcome and can be placed in the school library in Middletown.

The Humane Society of Logan County is a not-for-profit organization committed to the prevention of cruelty, abuse and neglect of animals. The organization has a new shelter at 1801 E. Lincoln Parkway, Lincoln.

For more information about this project, call 217-445-2656. Faculty sponsor for the project is Diane Bicknell.


Prayer breakfast planned for March 21 at Lincoln Woman's Club

A prayer breakfast is being planned for 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 21, by members of the Lincoln Woman's Club. A meeting is to follow the breakfast.

Stephanie Hall of Lincoln will speak on her experiences teaching English as a second language in Spain, where she was a language and culture assistant in the public school system.

Ms. Hall, daughter of Cheryl and Gary Hall, is a graduate of Lincoln High School, received her bachelor's degree from Wheaton College and a master's degree from Abilene Christian University. She also attended Spanish language school in Costa Rica and taught in schools in both Murcia and Barcelona, Spain.

Entertainment at the meeting will be provided by a choir from Lincoln College.

Devotions will be given by Ruth Hoppin, and board members will serve as social co-chairwomen and greeters.'


Lincoln High School to host blood drive

To help ensure an adequate blood supply for the region, Lincoln Community High School is hosting a blood drive on Thursday, March 22, from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the high school, 1000 Primm Road.

For your convenience, call Alexis to sign up toll-free at 1-866-GIVE-BLD (1-866-448-3253), ext. 158, or sign up online at www.bloodcenterimpact.org, using sponsor code 60073 to earn points for rewards. T-shirt compliments of CICBC are available for donors.

Walk-ins are also welcome and truly appreciated.

Central Illinois Community Blood Center, a not-for-profit organization, is the provider of life-saving blood for 12 hospitals throughout central Illinois, including Memorial Medical Center and St. John’s Hospital in Springfield. CICBC is a division of the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center, which collects over 180,000 units of blood annually and serves a total of 80 hospitals in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri and Wisconsin.


Oasis offers free tax assistance program

The Oasis Senior Center offers free tax assistance to seniors during the 2012 filing season, through April 13. The center will offer electronic filing, which improves accuracy and ensures each return is accepted by the IRS in a timely manner. Tax volunteers are trained in the "Tax Wise" software but are not trained tax professionals. If your form is complicated or outside the established guidelines, please seek the assistance of a tax professional.

The senior center is obligated to stay within the guidelines for a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Center. The guidelines prohibit the center from completing tax forms that involve the sale of property, business earnings, depreciation, stock sales, farm income, and other income or deductions that are not typical in nature.

For an appointment, call 732-6132.

Hours are:

  • Mondays, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

  • Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

  • Thursdays, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

  • Fridays, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Reminder:  The Oasis Senior Center will sponsor one more day of tax preparation help for Mount Pulaski area citizens. On March 22, area residents have the opportunity to get free tax help at Vonderlieth Living Center. Schedule an appointment by calling the Oasis at 732-6132.

(Folks with more complicated income, including farm estates, should consult an accountant or tax specialist.)

In addition, if you are interested in signing up for Illinois Cares Rx, there will be someone available to help you sign up online. Call the Oasis soon for an appointment.


San Jose Methodist fish fry March 23

San Jose United Methodist Church, 600 S. First St., is having their annual fish fry on Friday, March 23, from 4 to 7 p.m. Dine in the church Fellowship Hall, and carryouts will be available.

Menu includes fresh, whole deep-fried catfish, potato casserole, baked beans, coleslaw, rye bread, homemade desserts and beverages. A limited supply of "chicken strips" will be available as an alternative to fish.

Tickets will be available at the door or may be purchased from church members.

Proceeds will benefit the children and youth programs, such as Bible School, camp scholarships and Bible Zone, an after-school ministry including a meal. An advanced children's chime choir meets after Bible Zone. Also, Sunday school is year-round.

The weekly Bible Zone program meets on Wednesdays in October through March and includes a Bible story, music (including a beginning chime choir), games and exercises, arts and crafts, and a complete meal.

Check with the church office, 309-247-3232, if you have questions about any of these programs.


11th annual Oasis Auction

The 11th annual Oasis Auction fundraiser will be on Sunday, March 25. Dan White of White Auction Service helps the Oasis make the event bigger and better each year. The auction is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. at the "White House" auction center, 501 S. Kickapoo St. Prior to the sale, all items will be available to preview on Friday, March 23, from 9:30 a.m. till 2 p.m.

The business community of Logan County is extremely generous in donating items for the auction. This year's event will feature some gift certificates, craft items and numerous other donations from the caring community of Logan County.

Each year, Logan County neighbors spend the months of February and early March cleaning basements, attics and garages to donate gently used items to this event. Once again the call goes out. If you have gently used items, please contact the senior center at 732-6132.

A luncheon consisting of pulled pork sandwiches and homemade pies will be served starting at 11 a.m. and continuing through the sale.


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Park district offers 'Eat What You Learn' cooking class

The Lincoln Park District is offering a four-week course that is an introduction to basic food preparation. Adults young and old, couples or singles wanting to improve their skills are encouraged to come and join in a fun learning experience.

The instructors will be two veteran cooks: Deb Rohrer, the Lincoln Daily News food editor, and Roy Logan, activities director at the park district. With these two in the kitchen, the classes are sure to be fun and informative.

To learn more about this, go to the "Park district notes" in the LDN Community section:
http://www.lincolndailynews.com/
Features/comm022212_park.shtml
.

For class information on the park district website, go to
http://www.lincolnparkdistrict.com/News.aspx.


Zonta scholarship

This year, the Zonta Club of Lincoln is able to offer scholarships for young women; among them is the Zonta Club of Lincoln's Women's Career Scholarship.

The scholarship being offered is open to any Logan County woman. The school to be attended need not be an Illinois institution; however, it must be accredited or recognized as an approved program in the field of study. Top candidates will be selected based on merit, activities, leadership, honors, awards and need. Awards are offered on a one-academic-year basis and applicants can reapply year after year. Students having less than one academic year remaining until graduation are not eligible for consideration.

Deadline for this scholarship application is March 19.

Scholarship applications are available at local high schools, colleges and university guidance offices.

More information is available in a Jan. 25 LDN article.

For further information or to obtain an application, contact Christel Huff, chairman, Zonta Club of Lincoln Scholarship Committee, 211 Latham St., Lincoln, IL 62656; phone 217-732-3305 (home) or 217-737-4470 (cell); or email christel_huff_211@comcast.net. Applications can be emailed to applicants.


Healthcare Careers Scholarship applications due March 30

March 30 is the deadline for the 2012 Abraham Lincoln Healthcare Foundation Healthcare Careers Scholarship.

Scholarships may be awarded to students pursuing careers identified by Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital as relating to its present and future needs. Award amounts range from $10,000 for an associate degree up to $30,000 for graduate degrees. For every $2,500 awarded, the recipient is contractually obligated to a one-year employment contract at ALMH.

Graduating high school seniors, as well as students further along in their health career studies, are eligible to apply. Preferred career fields this year are nursing (ADN or BSN), physical therapy, medical laboratory technology and nurse anesthesiology (CRNA).

Applicants must be residents of Logan County, currently attending or accepted into a fully accredited school for their chosen field of study, and demonstrate a cumulative grade-point average of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale while maintaining a B average in core classes.

Detailed scholarship guidelines and application forms are available for download at https://www.almh.org/Giving-Back/
Scholarships.aspx
.

Applicants are also required to simultaneously submit an ALMH job application specifically for the foundation scholarship. This application is available at:
https://www.choosememorial.org/
careers/affiliates/ALMH-Job-Listings.aspx
.

Both completed applications are due on March 30.

For more information about the ALHF Healthcare Careers Scholarship Program, contact Marty Ahrends, ALHF executive director, at 605-5006.


Crime Stoppers accepting scholarship applications

The Lincoln-Logan Crime Stoppers board is currently accepting applications for the organization's 2012 scholarship awards.

The scholarships are available to Logan County residents who are either high school seniors or current college students pursuing a degree in the law enforcement field.

Applications are available at Logan County high schools, Logan County Regional Office of Education, Lincoln College and Heartland College, or call 217-732-5704 to obtain an application.

The submission deadline for scholarship applications will be March 31.

Completed applications should be submitted to:

Karen Petty
Lincoln-Logan Crime Stoppers
311 10th St.
Lincoln, IL 62656


Area chapter of engineering society offers $1,000 scholarship

The Central Illinois Chapter of the Illinois Society of Professional Engineers is sponsoring a $1,000 scholarship to a qualified central Illinois high school senior.

To be eligible, a candidate should be accepted into an engineering college or to a junior college with an equivalent academic schedule for the first two years. The candidate must reside within the counties of Macon, Moultrie, Piatt, Shelby or the southern parts of DeWitt and Logan. The southern parts of DeWitt and Logan counties are defined as including the cities of Clinton and Lincoln and those parts south of Route 10, east of Interstate 55 and south of County Highway 569 west of I-55.

There is no formal application form. Interested high school seniors should submit a brief resume including interests, organized activities, officer positions and awards; school transcript with national testing results; and a one-page composition describing their interest in engineering. Arrangements will be made for a personal interview with each applicant during the latter part of April.

Interested students should submit their applications prior to April 8 to:

Willard T. Sudduth, P.E.
2360 S. Taylor Road
Decatur, IL 62521


Mount Pulaski Rotary Club scholarship announcement

The Mount Pulaski Rotary Club is offering Mount Pulaski High School seniors the opportunity to apply for scholarships through a Rotary Club program again this year. Applications for the scholarships may be obtained from the high school guidance counselor's office.


Mind-reading fun for the public with the Lincoln Masons

The Lincoln Masons are looking forward to an excited room full of happy thoughts at Masonic Lodge 210 the afternoon of April 14, when they host a 1 p.m. lunch event for the public, featuring psychic entertainer Stefan Alexxis with a family-friendly "Comedy & Cool Stuff Mindreading Show."

According to a media release, "under Alexxis' guidance, the audience becomes the star of the show, as average people discoverer they can apparently make amazing, and often hilarious, intuitive connections with him and with each other."

The performance description continues:

"Starting with lighthearted, yet amazing experiments in communications between two minds, the impossibilities grow as Alexxis and his audience see if they can push past the limits of time itself and even mentally influence the physical world.

"Is this ESP? Is it psychology? All Alexxis will say is what his previous audiences already know: It's a whole lot of pure fun, with plenty of laughs along the way."

The performance benefits Masonic Lodge 210.

Stefan Alexxis' varied background seems tailor-made to create a psychic entertainer, or mentalist: high school science fair experiments in ESP-related topics; a degree in religious studies, specializing in world religions and ethics; years as a top-rated radio personality in Idaho and Georgia; work as an award-winning writer for organizations ranging from regional nonprofits to Fortune 500 companies -- all these come together in mentalism.

Alexxis makes no claim to be any more "psychic" than the next person, nor is he trying to prove anything paranormal, the media release says.

"I believe in the ability of the human mind to communicate in subtle and wonderful ways," Alexxis says. "My job as an entertainer is to make sure my audiences have fun with these natural, intuitive abilities. And maybe some people will walk away with more than the memory of (a) laughter-filled night. Maybe they'll have more confidence in what they can accomplish when they put their minds to it."

Online: http://alexxis.info/


Angela Kelley, Logan County Bank Student of the Month

The Lincoln Community High School Senior of the Month for January is Angela Kelley of Lincoln. Her parents are Bruce and Mary Kelley.

Angela's school activities have included student government, D.A.R.E. program, Pep Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Spanish Club, L.E.A.F. Club, basketball, volleyball, Lady Railer dance team and National Honor Society, among others.

Angela is active in community as well, including volunteer work with Special Olympics, Toys for Tots, Relay for Life, Humane Society, Main Street Lincoln, Lincoln Art & Balloon Festival, Zonta dinner, Lincoln/Logan Food Pantry and numerous other volunteer efforts.

She is planning on business management as a college major.

Logan County Bank, sponsor of the LCHS Senior of the Month/Year award and scholarship program, congratulates Angela on her selection as the January honoree.

Each monthly winner receives a $50 U.S. savings bond from Logan County Bank and is then eligible for a $1,500 scholarship awarded by the bank, to be used at the college of their choice.


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