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Together for Lincoln, Masonic Lodge 210, Habitat takes TVs again, Community Action LIHEAP applications, Lincoln Jaycees Haunted House, Lincoln Christian Church Ladies Day, MusicFest at Atlanta Public Library, glass recycling, VFW essay competitions, Class of 1957, writing club, Grandparent Breakfast, Rock 4 Life, hunter safety course, evening at Cro'Hurst, Moving Forward 5K

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[September 07, 2012]  Together for Lincoln seeking volunteers

As Together for Lincoln nears its Sept. 29 community service project day, it has plenty of projects to complete. In order to complete the projects, organizers are in need of several hundred more volunteers. These volunteers are needed for a variety of tasks, which range from visiting people in the nursing home to constructing wheelchair ramps. Of the 107 projects already submitted, about a third involve installation of windows for weatherization projects.

"This is the first year we have taken on weatherization projects, and we have been amazed by the response," said Norm Newhouse, Together for Lincoln president. "We need volunteers for all projects, but especially for carpentry projects such as window installation."

Newhouse went on to say that TFL would help to equip anyone with basic carpentry skills in order to prepare them to install windows.

"We are in dire need of expert carpenters, but we also really need those with basic to intermediate carpentry skills as well," he said.

While Together for Lincoln is no longer accepting applications for home improvement, volunteers are still being accepted. One of the volunteer coordinators, Caroline Higgins, requests that volunteers sign up as soon as possible, as the pairing of projects and workers will begin within the next week.

"Volunteer numbers are behind normal so far," says Higgins. "It will take several hundred more volunteers to complete all of the projects."

Those wishing to volunteer for any project area may do so by signing up at http://togetherforlincoln.com/
GetInvolved.aspx
, or they may pick up a paper application from the State Bank of Lincoln Wal-Mart location, Oasis Senior Center or through partner churches.

Together for Lincoln is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. In its four previous annual community service days, over 3,200 volunteers representing at least 15 area churches have worked together to complete more than 400 service projects.


Special meeting at the Masonic Lodge Sept. 18

On Sept. 18 there will be a special meeting at Lincoln Masonic Lodge 210 beginning at 6:30 p.m.

At that time there will be a plaque presentation in honor of Darrel Klink. All area Masons are invited to attend this special service.

The regular meeting of the lodge will commence immediately after the presentation.


Monthly electronics recycling notice ... Habitat can once again take TVs

Habitat for Humanity of Logan County will host its monthly electronics recycling collection on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon at the Habitat for Humanity warehouse, 915 Woodlawn Road. Habitat for Humanity of Logan County has entered into a new partnership with Advanced Recycling of Pontiac to provide electronics recycling to the area. Televisions will continue to be accepted for recycling under this new partnership.

The collection remains free of charge to the public.

The following items will be accepted:

  • Computer equipment, including laptop and desktop personal computers, hard drives, monitors, keyboards, printers, scanners, CD-ROM, DVD, Zip and tape drives, cords and cables.

  • Entertainment equipment, including TVs, radios, stereo and game systems, game controls, VCR and DVD players, and cameras.

  • Small business equipment, including phones, copiers, typewriters, fax machines and calculators.

  • Small household and countertop appliances will also be accepted, as well as aluminum, copper, brass and stainless steel items.

Electronic equipment is not to be left at the site and is not collected outside of the hours of the collection.

Information on the electronics recycling program is available through Habitat for Humanity of Logan County by contacting the office at 217-732-6412 or visiting the agency website at http://habitatlogan.org/.


Community Action utility assistance program begins

The Community Action Partnership of Central Illinois announced that Tuesday was the beginning of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, LIHEAP. Community Action administers the program, providing a one-time benefit toward utilities to eligible households in DeWitt, Logan, Mason, Menard and Piatt counties.

To qualify during the priority period of Sept. 4-28, individuals must have incomes of no more than 150 percent of the federal poverty level. Seniors or disabled residents can apply.

Beginning Oct. 1-31, accepted applications will be expanded to include households that have families with children under 5 and disconnected households.

All other households that meet the 150 percent federal poverty guidelines will be eligible for the program beginning Nov. 1 and will continue to May 31, 2013, or until all funds are depleted.

The amount of utility payment is determined by the household income, size, fuel type and geographic location in the state. Source of gas does not have to be natural gas or electricity in order to receive assistance. Payments are made directly to vendors on behalf of the households.

Interested participants can contact their local Community Action Agency Partnership of Central Illinois office to schedule an appointment:

  • Logan County: 217-732-2159, ext. 226

  • Menard County: 217-632-3878

  • Mason County: 309-543-6988

  • DeWitt County: 217-935-2455

  • Piatt County: 217-762-2421

Community Action Partnership of Central Illinois Agency serves low-income, disabled and elderly households in six central Illinois counties. For more information, visit www.capcil.org.


Lincoln Jaycees Haunted House looking for volunteers

Construction is already under way and the Lincoln Jaycees are still looking for volunteers to help build and run this year's haunted house attraction. Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age and have a parent's permission if under 18. Anyone interested can call Shelley at 217-871-3009 or stop by the haunted house location at 325 S. Chicago St.

This year's haunted house will open Oct. 5 at the Lincoln Jaycees Center, 325 S. Chicago St. It will be open every Friday and Saturday in October from 7 to 11 p.m. as well as Oct. 29, 30 and 31 from 7 to 10 p.m. Kids' matinees are every Saturday from 6 to 7 p.m.

About the Lincoln Jaycees

The Lincoln Jaycees are a not-for-profit organization that serves Lincoln and the surrounding communities. The organization gives 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 at 7 p.m. the third Thursday of each month at the Lincoln Jaycees Center, 325 S. Chicago St., and are open to everyone.


Lincoln Christian Church to host Ladies Day Saturday

The Lincoln Christian Church will host its first-ever Ladies Day on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The theme will be "Back to Being Barefoot With God," and the event will be hosted by Velma Morris.

Morris' daughter Heather will serve as the worship leader for the day. She is based in Minneapolis, Minn., and travels around the world leading worship events.

The guest speaker for the day will be Lisa Womble of the St. Louis area.

Womble is currently involved in the most exciting adventure of her life -- church planting. She and her husband, Scott, started a church called The Merge in 2009 and plan for it to ultimately be a 24/7 coffeehouse church with a music venue.

Until recently, Womble was also serving full time on the faculty at Saint Louis Christian College as the coordinator for the Ministry Advancement Program, focusing on students' field education experiences and spiritual formation. She also taught courses such as Small Group Dynamics, Expository Speaking and the Ministry Practicum.

Womble's husband, Scott, also works at SLCC. Prior to their move to St. Louis in 2002, they served together in local church ministry in the Illinois communities of Witt and Chambersburg. Scott and Lisa have been married 26 years and have two children, Mandi and Michael.

Lisa earned her bachelor's degree in secondary education from the University of Missouri in St. Louis and a Master of Divinity from Lincoln Christian Seminary.

She has taught in private school, public school and in the church. She has also served as principal-administrator at a Christian elementary school.

Womble is a certified coach for the Grip-Birkman gift and personality assessment and uses this tool to help individuals and churches mobilize people according to their spiritual gifts and develop teams that effectively minister together.

She enjoys ministering to and serving the body of Christ and has done so in a variety of ways, always approaching these ministries in a manner that reflects her passion to equip others to serve.

  • She has directed and designed curriculum for VBS, led youth ministry and directed choirs and dramas.

  • She has served as Christian education chair.

  • Her monthly newsletter, The Encouragers Devotional Series, has been used by individuals and churches to develop ministries of encouragement.

  • She has been involved in worship leading for over 25 years and has served as song evangelist at revivals and other special events.

  • She has spoken and led workshops at many church events, conferences and at the Missouri Christian Convention.

Womble is passionate about the study and sharing of Scripture. Motivated by Hebrews 4:12 and 2 Timothy 3:16-17, her desire is that the living, powerful and inspired Word of God would help each of us to "be complete and thoroughly equipped for every good work" in Christ Jesus.

The Saturday event will begin at 10 a.m. with a bread buffet, followed by morning worship and words from Womble.

The group will break at midday for lunch, then resume their worship with more from Womble.

The day will wrap up around 3 with coffee, cookies and fellowship.

Registration is required, and the fee for the day is $10, which includes refreshments and lunch.

For more information, contact the church at 732-7618 or Velma Morris at 732-9585.

See flier and registration form.


Atlanta Public Library: Saturdays on the Lawn presents MusicFest 2012

ATLANTA -- The talented and creative indie band Something With Trees comes to the Atlanta Public Library on Saturday. The band will join the Central Illinois Jazz Collective, the Route 66 Barbershop Quartet, and Julie Kasa and Natalie Stephens in a morning of music on the library lawn.

Bring your own lawn chairs, sit back, relax and enjoy a variety of musical styles and genres. This is a great way to get ready for the parade at 2 p.m. and all the other Atlanta Fall Festival activities on Saturday.

MusicFest 2012 will begin with the Central Illinois Jazz Collective, led by trombonist Tim Pitchford, from 10 to 10:45 a.m. The Route 66 Barbershop Quartet and the Kasa-Stephens duo with Broadway favorites will follow from 10:50 to 11:40 a.m. Something With Trees will perform from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The unique sound of Something With Trees is driven by vocalist Brian Davis, whose musical storytelling captivates audiences of every age. Davis, who also plays guitar and harmonica, is joined by Collin Krause on violin, mandolin and vocals; Shaina Mattson on vocals; and Austin Thompson on drums. Rock? Bluegrass? Sixties folk? Come on out and be your own judge.

The Saturdays on the Lawn program is sponsored in part by the Illinois Prairie Community Foundation -- Jerome Mirza Arts and Culture Fund and the Jerome Mirza Foundation.


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Monthly glass recycling notice

The Logan County Joint Solid Waste Agency, in collaboration with the Lincoln Woman's Club and Verallia Saint-Gobain Containers, will have its monthly glass collection next Saturday, Sept. 8, at the Logan County Fairgrounds from 9 a.m. to noon. Participants should use the Main Gate entrance.

Glass is not to be left at the site prior to the hours of the collection.

The collection will be canceled in event of inclement weather. On Facebook, like Logan County Joint Solid Waste Agency to access current information, updates and cancellation notices.

Participants in the recycling are reminded that only container glass will be accepted during the collection. Container glass is any glass that originally held either a food or beverage product. All colors of glass will be accepted.

The glass recycling program does not accept broken glass due to safety issues.

Participants are asked to thoroughly rinse all containers and remove all plastic or metal lids, sleeves and rings. Labels, either foil or paper, may be left on the containers. Due to the large volume of glass being collected, the glass recycling program reserves the right to refuse any glass that does not meet the preparation guidelines.

The glass recycling program does not accept light bulbs or fluorescent lights, window glass, mirrors, ceramics, dishware or CorningWare items. Participants are asked to comply with the glass collection guidelines, as a single piece of ceramic material or a light bulb can contaminate an entire load of glass.

Information on the county's recycling programs is available through the Logan County Joint Solid Waste Agency by contacting the office at 217-732-9636 or visiting the agency website at www.co.logan.il.us -- select "Joint Solid Waste Agency."


Local student could win $5,000 in college money

Commanders of Veterans of Foreign Wars posts across Illinois have announced the kickoff of this year's VFW and Ladies Auxiliary "Patriot's Pen" essay competition. Middle school students in grades six to eight in this area have the opportunity to compete in the annual competition and win thousands of dollars.

Students are invited to write a 300- to 400-word essay on a patriotic theme. The theme for 2012-2013, which is the 18th year of the contest, is: "What I Would Tell America's Founding Fathers."

Students begin by competing at the local post level. Post winners advance to district, and district winners participate in the state competition. The state winners compete for $46,000 in awards, and first place wins $5,000.

Each year, around 126,000 students participate nationwide.

Deadline for student entries is Nov. 1. Interested students and teachers should contact their local VFW post for more information.

For details, visit http://www.vfw.org/Community/Patriot-s-Pen/.


Local high school student could win trip to Washington, DC, and $30,000 scholarship

Commanders of Veterans of Foreign Wars posts across Illinois have announced the kickoff of the 66th year of the VFW and Ladies Auxiliary Voice of Democracy Scholarship competition. Local high school students have the opportunity to compete for thousands of dollars in scholarships and a trip to Washington, D.C.

The Voice of Democracy Scholarship contest is an annual nationwide audio essay competition designed to give ninth- to 12th-grade high school students, ages 15-19, an opportunity to voice their opinion on their responsibility to our country. Home-schooled students are also invited to participate.

Students must write and record a three- to five-minute essay on this theme for 2012-2013: "Is Our Constitution Still Relevant?" The recording is to be on an audio cassette tape or audio CD. Students competing enter their recording, typed essay and entry form at their local VFW post. The deadline is Nov. 1.

Post winners advance to district judging, and then the first-place district winners advance to the state competition in Springfield. All state winners receive a four-day trip to Washington, D.C.

A total of $152,000 is awarded to national finalists. First place is a $30,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational-technical school.

Annually the VFW provides more than $2.3 million in scholarships. Around 50,000 students participate in the competition each year.

The Voice of Democracy contest was started by the National Association of Broadcasters in the late 1940s, and the VFW became involved in the late 1950s. The VFW took over primary sponsorship in 1961, when the broadcasters could no longer sponsor the program nationally. Then in 1964, the VFW Ladies Auxiliary joined in sponsorship of the program.

Because of the active program promotion and participation, the national scholarship funds have steadily increased from four national winners in 1962, with total scholarships of $3,750, to the current level of 63 national scholarships totaling $152,000.

For more information about the Voice of Democracy competition, contact the Veterans of Foreign Wars post in your area. If you are unsure of the post in your area, contact Illinois VFW headquarters in Springfield at 217-529-6688.

For more information, visit http://www.vfw.org/
Community/Voice-of-Democracy/
.


Class of 1957 news

The Lincoln Community High School Class of 1957 invites the Classes of 1956 and 1958 to a reunion mixer on Friday, Sept. 14, at 6:30 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus.


Lincoln Writer's Club next meeting Sept. 11

Lincoln Writer's Club will meet Tuesday, Sept. 11, at 6:30 in the Alumni Room of the Lincoln College dining hall.

Suggested topics: a story using your favorite food as the main character; a winter mishap; or a proud achievement.

All are welcome.

For information, call 732-2723.


Annual Grandparent Breakfast Sept. 9

The annual Grandparent Breakfast sponsored by the Oasis Senior Center will be at the American Legion in Lincoln on Sunday, Sept. 9. The hours for the breakfast are 8 to 11 a.m.

Everyone is invited to come out and enjoy a great meal and bid on a special pie at the silent auction.

Tickets will be available at the door.


Lincoln Pregnancy Resource Center's Rock 4 Life event

A five-hour charity "rock-a-thon" is planned for Sept. 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Lincoln Christian University Restoration Hall, The Dowling Auditorium. The Rock 4 Life event will benefit the Lincoln Pregnancy Resource Center.

Entertainment and refreshments will be provided throughout the day, and there will be a prize for the top rocker.

Planners are looking for captains to organize teams, with each team made up of five rockers -- family, friends, co-workers, neighbors -- one for each hour in the Rock 4 Life. Every rocker in the team collects donations for the hour they rock.

Are you ready to rock? Call Linda Nelson or Amanda Stidham at 217-735-4838 or email them at lincoln@hopeforafuture.com.


Hunter safety course to be offered at Mount Pulaski

MOUNT PULASKI -- The Mount Pulaski American Legion will be the location for a two-day hunter safety training course. The classes will be on Sept. 14 from 6 to 10 p.m. and on Sept. 15 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

A noontime meal will be served on Sept. 15.

For anyone under the age of 16 wishing to attend, they must be accompanied by a second party who is at least 16 or older.

Reservations for the class can be made by calling 217-792-5658.

There is no charge for this class.


Elkhart Historical Society presents 'An Enchanted Evening at the Cro'Hurst Mansion'

ELKHART -- The Elkhart Historical Society concludes its summer events program with an evening on Elkhart Hill. "An Enchanted Evening at the Cro'hurst Mansion" is planned for Sept. 9 from 5 to 8 p.m.

The event will include finger foods, drink and music as attendees immerse themselves in the late-summer beauty of Elkhart Hill.

Those who attended last year enjoyed a memorable evening as they visited with friends and neighbors. This is a perfect way to say goodbye to the long, hot summer.

The cost is $30 per person.

Call 217-947-2238 for reservations; then download a reservation form from the Elkhart Historical Society website, www.elkharthistoricalsociety.org, or pick one up at Horsefeathers in Elkhart.

For further information, contact Gillette Ransom at 217-947-2238 or email Gini Bertoni gini.bertoni@yahoo.com.


Register now for 2nd annual Moving Forward 5K

Registration is open for the second annual Moving Forward 5K Run/Walk, scheduled for Oct. 13 at Edward R. Madigan State Park. At 9 a.m., rain or shine, walkers and runners of all fitness levels will take off on a route that meanders through grassland and woodland. All are encouraged to join friends and family and enjoy the fall scenery while being active.

The event is brought to the community by the Abraham Lincoln Healthcare Foundation and Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital's Sportscare.

Runners and walkers can register online at: https://almh.proeventreg.com/
movingforward#register
.

For those who register before Sept. 15, there is a discounted registration of $20, which includes a men's or women's dry-fit race shirt. After Sept. 15, the registration fee will increase to $25. Shirts are not guaranteed for late registrants.

"Our mission is to improve the health of the people and communities we serve, and what better way than through exercise," said Todd Mourning, physical therapist and manager of rehab services at ALMH. "I hope that this event encourages people of all fitness levels to get moving forward towards good health."

The event's lead sponsor is Gehlbach Law, PC. Other sponsors are Blue Dog Inn, Clinical Radiologists, Eaton Corp., Nikles Chevrolet, Nobbe Eye Care, Linda Barrick at Brady Realtors and Tracy Olson Insurance Agency.

The Abraham Lincoln Healthcare Foundation will use proceeds from the Moving Forward 5K Run/Walk to support community wellness programs.

Sportscare at ALMH is a full-service athletic training program for young athletes and active adults. Services include performance enhancement, injury prevention, concussion management, training zone programs, high-tech knee and shoulder treatment, and more.

For more information about the Moving Forward 5K event, call the rehabilitation department at ALMH at 217-605-5500.


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