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Blood drive, Pack 111 and Pizza Hut, LC concert, donations through VFW, Harvest of Talents cookie walk, Zion live Nativity scene, HSLC cookie trays, Elks service, Angel Tree project by Jaycees, Main Street Lincoln downtown holiday plans, Elkhart events, Lincoln leaf pickup

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[November 29, 2012]  Community blood drive at Lincoln Masonic Center on Monday

To help ensure an adequate blood supply for the region, there will be a blood drive at the Lincoln Masonic Center, 2022 N. Kickapoo, on Monday from noon to 6 p.m.

For your convenience, call Alexis toll-free to sign up at 1-866-GIVE-BLD (1-866-448-3253), ext. 5158, or schedule an appointment online using sponsor code 60057 at www.bloodcenterimpact.org. Walk-ins are also welcome and truly appreciated.

Central Illinois Community Blood Center, a not-for-profit organization, is the provider of lifesaving blood for 14 hospitals in central Illinois, including Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital and Springfield's Memorial Medical Center and St. John's Hospital. CICBC is a division of the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center, which collects over 180,000 units of blood annually and serves 85 hospitals in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri and Wisconsin.


Pack 111 to participate in fundraiser with Pizza Hut

This Thursday, Nov. 29, Cub Scout Pack 111 will be part of a fundraiser effort in conjunction with the local Pizza Hut in Lincoln.

For the entire day, mention Pack 111 when you place your order, and 20 percent of the food costs will be donated to the pack. All sales are included, whether it be dine-in, carryout or delivery.

Funds raised will go directly to the local Scouts to help finance future activities and projects.


Holiday concert to feature Lincoln College Jazz Ensemble, Chamber Singers and Chorale

The annual holiday concert at Lincoln College will be presented in the Johnston Center for Performing Arts on the Lincoln campus on Friday, Dec. 7, and Saturday, Dec. 8. The concert will start at 7:30 both evenings.

Tickets will be available at the box office in the Johnston Center for $2.

The lineup this year will include a set by the 20-member Lincoln College Jazz Ensemble, led by Professor Scott Woger.

Next on the playbill will be performances by the Chamber Singers and the Lincoln College Chorale. Professor Cynthia Fox will direct the vocal groups.

Woger is very excited about this year's concert. The event will be the debut for members of a new Lincoln College degree program that will allow music students to earn a four-year bachelor's degree in jazz studies on the Lincoln campus. There are currently 24 aspiring jazz musicians enrolled.

"I have been working for the past seven months to set up this program," Woger said.

The four-year degree program allows Lincoln College to field a jazz big band for the first time, and the coming-out party for this group promises to raise the roof on the Johnston Center. The twin "Performance Tonight" flags in front of the Johnston Center will be snapping to a jazz beat.

As the jazz studies program unfolds, new events are being planned for 2013. A jazz concert featuring the LC Jazz Ensemble and area high school jazz bands, including one from Pekin High School, is scheduled for early 2013.

For more information on the holiday concert, contact the Lincoln College box office at 217-732-3155, ext. 280. Woger may be reached at 217-735-5050, ext. 281, and swoger@lincolncollege.edu.


Veterans of Foreign Wars accepting donations to help veterans in need

SPRINGFIELD -- As we enter the holiday season, many veterans throughout Illinois are facing financial difficulties -- unsure of how they will pay their rent, mortgage, utility bills or even purchase groceries.

As the Veterans of Foreign Wars tag line suggests -- "No One Does More for Veterans."

More than 113 years ago, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States was founded for two purposes -- to promote legislation directly affecting veterans and to assist veterans, our military and their families.

As war continues in Afghanistan, multiple deployments affect the lives of those serving in our armed forces. Many of our nation's newest combat veterans return home to face eviction notices from landlords, mortgage foreclosures and shut-off notices from utility companies.

In addition, many of our older veterans face the necessity of choosing between the need to purchase medicine or groceries.

When called upon, the VFW turns to donations from the public to help veterans facing a financial crisis. Through the generosity of local donations, organizations can assist our needy veterans with their rent, mortgages, utility bills and groceries.

That's where you -- John and Jane Q. Public -- can help.

VFW posts have funds established to which monetary donations can be earmarked to assist veterans in need. Those funds are collected through poppy drives, various fundraisers, and generous individuals and businesses making monetary donations. In addition, many posts conduct food drives throughout the holidays to help provide holiday meals for veterans in their communities needing assistance.

During this holiday season while you are enjoying time with your family, consider making a donation to your local VFW post to help those veterans less fortunate in your community.

For information on making donations, contact the VFW post in your community.


Harvest of Talents Christmas cookie walk Dec. 8

There will be a Christmas cookie walk on Saturday, Dec. 8, from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. in the family room of the Lincoln Christian Church Fellowship Center. Sponsored by the Harvest of Talents for World Hunger, the event will feature homemade traditional holiday and bar cookies. Cookies will be available for purchase by the pound or arranged on decorative plates.

Georgia Vinson, who chairs the cookie walk, recommends taking them home for weekend entertaining or popping them in your freezer to prepare yourself for Christmas parties and last-minute holiday guests.

Cookie shoppers are invited to enter the Fellowship Center through the north canopy parking lot door.

All proceeds will become a part of the 2013 Harvest of Talents for World Hunger and will be channeled through International Disaster Emergency Service to meet hunger needs worldwide.

Anyone having questions about the cookie walk may contact Georgia Vinson at 732-9069.


Zion Lutheran live Nativity scheduled for Dec. 14 & 15

The annual Zion Lutheran Church drive-thru live Nativity is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Dec. 14 and 15, from 6 to 8 p.m. The outdoor scene, portrayed by church members and live animals, is set to favorite Christmas hymns and presented on the grounds of Zion Lutheran School, 1600 Woodlawn Road in Lincoln, across from Wal-Mart.

No admission is charged, but nonperishable food items will be collected for the Lincoln/Logan Food Pantry.


HSLC extends order deadline for cookie trays

Order now to get your fancy Christmas cookies. The Humane Society of Logan County is having their annual Christmas cookie tray sale, with cookie pickup on Saturday, Dec. 8, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Graue Inc., 1905 N. Kickapoo.

Trays of three dozen, four dozen or five dozen may be ordered. Prices start at $15 for three dozen assorted holiday cookies.

Order in advance by calling 217-732-1979 to be sure they are available. Orders will be taken until Dec. 7.

At the same time, there will be a big bake sale: cakes, pies, breads, fudge, candy and more.

Help yourself by letting HSLC bake, and help the shelter that provides for dogs and cats in Logan County.


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Elks will hold memorial service Sunday

The Lincoln Elks Lodge will hold their annual memorial service on Sunday, Dec. 2, at 3 p.m. in the Elks Lodge Ballroom.

The service each year honors the memory and lives of members lost during that year. This year, seven members will be remembered: John Pelc Jr., Clyde Camp, David McEntire, Edward Blair, Edward Malerich, Burke Miller and Dean Leith.

Families and friends of the departed are invited to attend the service and to remain afterward for food and fellowship.


Lincoln Jaycees Angel Tree project under way now

The annual Lincoln Jaycees Angel Tree is under way. The Angel Tree is a project to help the less fortunate children of Logan County. Tags with these children's names are placed on "Angel Trees" around the county. Employees or customers then pick a child from the names on the tree and buy them gifts. The Lincoln Jaycees distribute these gifts to the families in time for Christmas.

The public can find the Angel Trees at the following locations: Cracker Barrel, ALMH cafeteria, CEFCU, Blades Hair Salon, Illini Bank, Daisy's Hair and Nail Salon, and State Bank of Lincoln. Trees are also located at Eaton, Family Medical Center, Verallia, Sysco and International Paper for their employees.

Gifts need returned to businesses by Dec. 10.

The Lincoln Jaycees purchase gifts to go with any names not picked from the trees. If you would like to make a monetary donation, send it to: Lincoln Jaycees, P.O. Box 254, Lincoln, IL 62656.

Gift pickup will be at the Lincoln Jaycees Center, 325 S. Chicago St., on Dec. 15, 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m.

The Lincoln Jaycees are a not-for-profit organization serving Lincoln and the surrounding communities. The Lincoln Jaycees give young people between the ages of 18 and 40 the tools they need to build the bridges of success for themselves in the areas of business development, management skills, individual training, community service and international connections. Membership meetings are on the third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Lincoln Jaycees Center, 325 S. Chicago St., and are open to everyone.


Main Street Lincoln presents Christmas parade and holiday fun in historic downtown Lincoln

Main Street Lincoln invites the public to enjoy historic downtown Lincoln throughout the holiday season. With the height of the holiday season fast approaching, downtown businesses are readying for shoppers.

Nov. 24 is nationally recognized as Small Business Saturday. This event falls between Black Friday and Cyber Monday and is dedicated to supporting small business in our communities. Shoppers are encouraged to continue their power shopping of Black Friday in downtown Lincoln, finding specials and bargains throughout.

On Nov 29, Main Street Lincoln and the city of Lincoln co-sponsor the annual Christmas parade. This year's theme is "Sending Holiday Greetings to Your Loved Ones" to honor the 100th anniversary of the Lincoln post office. Entries are being accepted through Nov. 23. The parade will kick off at 5:30 p.m. and take the same route as previous years. Prizes in many categories will be given. Following the parade, the Oasis Senior Center will host a chili and soup supper, along with craft items available, and Mr. Claus will be on hand for the children.

Throughout December, historic downtown Lincoln will be alive with the hustle and bustle of shopping and holiday cheer. Santa will make appearances throughout downtown Dec. 8, 15 and 22, with exact locations to be announced soon. Shoppers can enjoy the convenience and pride of shopping locally.

Main Street Lincoln, a volunteer-driven organization, is pleased to participate in the holiday shopping season, promoting our eateries, antique stores, thrift stores, one-of-a-kind shops, night life and entertainment, along with plenty of services and businesses.

For more information on any of these events, the Main Street Lincoln organization can be reached at 217-732-2929 or manager@mainstreetlincoln.com. Also, information and business specials are available online at https://www.facebook.com/MainStreetLincoln.


Elkhart Historical Society announces December events

ELKHART -- Elkhart Historical Society's annual Candlelight Chapel Service at St. John the Baptist Chapel will be on Saturday, Dec. 1, at 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Dining options are available before or after the services:

  • Wild Hare Cafe, Elkhart

  • Elkhart Town Hall, buffet by Central Illinois Catering
    Serving 4:30-7:30 p.m.

Make your service reservations by calling 217-947-2238; then go to the Elkhart Historical Society website, www.elkharthistoricalsociety.org, and download a reservation form, or stop by Horsefeathers in Elkhart to pick up a form. Reservations are limited.

Dinner reservation forms are also available at www.elkharthistoricalsociety.org.

On Friday, Dec. 7, at 7 p.m., the Elkhart Historical Society will present a book signing for "Lincoln's Ladder to the Presidency: The Eighth Judicial Circuit" at Horsefeathers in Elkhart. Refreshments will be served.

Lincoln experts have called this new book superb, richly detailed and an effective lesson in the importance of political networking. This is the perfect time to obtain a signed copy of Guy Fraker's new book just in time for Christmas giving. Further information regarding the author and his book is available at www.lincolnsladder.com.


City of Lincoln leaf pickup dates announced

The city of Lincoln will provide leaf pickup services for residents again this year. Pickup days will be by ward and will run beginning next week through Dec. 3.

Only biodegradable bags of leaves will be picked up. Bags must be at the curb by 7 a.m. each day.

Leaf pickup dates:

  • Ward 1 -- Oct. 29, Nov. 9, Nov. 21

  • Ward 2 -- Oct. 31, Nov. 13, Nov. 26

  • Ward 3 -- Nov. 2, Nov. 14, Nov. 28

  • Ward 4 -- Nov. 5, Nov. 16, Nov. 30

  • Ward 5 -- Nov. 7, Nov. 19, Dec. 3

For those who wish to bring their leaves directly to the landscape waste facility, it is currently open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. until 3:50 p.m. for all landscape waste. This will continue until Nov. 21.

On Nov. 24 the facility will return to regular hours: Wednesday and Saturdays, 8 a.m.-3:50 p.m.


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