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Nature walks and guest speakers at Elkhart, Lincoln Woman's Club sale, electronics recycling at Habitat, Elkhart's 'Celebrate Spring!' weekends, fundraisers by Bosom Buddies, Democrats meet, landfill hours, Office Professionals Luncheon, Integrity Data grant funding, bereavement support group, Mount Pulaski landscape waste pickup and water main flushing, HSLC garage sale donations

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[April 10, 2013]  Elkhart Wildflower Nature Walks

ELKHART -- Enjoy the spectacular wildflowers on Elkhart Hill as part of Elkhart's "Celebrate Spring!" April weekends. The Elkhart Historical Society's Wildflower Nature Walks are scheduled for 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. on April 13 and 20. Walkers will depart from the Birdsong Books & Vintage Shoppe, 111 Gov. Oglesby St. in historic downtown Elkhart.

Each outing will last approximately 90 minutes, and walks are limited to 15 people. The outing will be on foot, so walkers should dress for the weather (rain or shine), wear good walking shoes and bring insect repellent.

Master Gardeners in Macon, Sangamon-Menard, McLean, Peoria and Logan counties can obtain continuing education credit for the walk. Contact your Master Gardener coordinator directly for credit.

To complement the walks, the Elkhart Historical Society is offering a special "Walk with Lunch and Lecture" at noon on each date. Lunch includes soup and half-sandwich or quiche, with dessert and beverage, at Wild Hare Café, 102 Gov. Oglesby St. in historic downtown Elkhart.

Reservations are required. The cost for the Wildflower Nature Walk only is $10 for adults and $7.50 for children 12 and younger. For the walk, lunch and lecture, the cost is $20 for adults and $15 for children 12 and younger. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Make this a family event. For more information and the online, printable reservation form, go to www.elkharthistoricalsociety.org.

For information on more activities and events during Elkhart's April "Celebrate Spring!" weekends, visit www.explorelogancounty.com/ElkhartIL.


Guest speakers for Elkhart's 'Celebrate Spring!' weekends

Elkhart is sponsoring speakers every Sunday afternoon during the April "Celebrate Spring!" weekends. On April 14 and 28 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., author Holly Labisky, of Champaign, will speak in the St. John the Baptist Chapel in Elkhart Cemetery. Bob McCue, of Mount Pulaski, will entertain at Elkhart Cemetery on April 21 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Ms. Labisky visited over 520 cemeteries in 38 counties in Illinois to gather material for her book, "Cemeterying With Hope." Labisky will speak on a variety of topics regarding cemeteries and will share stories of her adventures in Elkhart and Logan County. She will read excerpts from her book and will be available for book signing, questions and conversation following the presentation. She also will provide the opportunity for activities and challenges for those who are interested in an interactive experience. "Cemeterying With Hope" will be available for purchase at the Birdsong Books & Vintage Shop in historic downtown Elkhart and is available on eBay by the title.

Bob McCue, dressed in period costume, will entertain on the topic of "The Life of Captain A.H. Bogardus." Bogardus (1834-1913) was a sharpshooter champion, inventor of the Bogardus trap and patented one of the most successful of the glass ball targets. He toured with Buffalo Bill Cody's "Wild West" show, with Annie Oakley in 1911 and had his own "Captain A.H. Bogardus' Wild West and Frontier Exhibition." Bogardus was a resident of Elkhart at the time he was crowned American Wing Shot Champion and when he won the world championship medal in London in 1875. McCue, a direct descendant of Bogardus, will speak near the gravesite of Bogardus in Elkhart Cemetery.

The one-hour talks are free of charge, but space is limited. For information on all activities and events during Elkhart's "Celebrate Spring!" weekends, visit www.explorelogancounty.com/ElkhartIL.


Lincoln Woman's Club annual sale Friday and Saturday

The Lincoln Woman's Club, 230 N. McLean, is hosting a garage sale Friday, April 12, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, April 13, from 8 a.m. to noon. Proceeds from the garage sale will be used to maintain and preserve the club building and for community service projects.

The Lincoln Woman's Club was organized in 1896 and has continually served the community since that time. Projects supported by the club include Sojourn, Salvation Army, Veterans’ Homes, Project Santa for the deployed military, glass recycling, Lincoln Public Library, summer concerts in the park, blood bank, and music and speech scholarships.

The building, which was constructed in 1910 and originally served as Temple Bethel, was purchased by the Lincoln Woman's Club in 1927. The club continues to meet monthly in the historic structure and is working to preserve it for future generations.


Habitat for Humanity monthly electronics recycling Saturday

Habitat for Humanity of Logan County will collect electronics Saturday morning, April 13, for recycling. The monthly collection is at the Habitat for Humanity warehouse, 915 Woodlawn Road, from 9 a.m. to noon. This is free of charge to the public.

In the first year of the program, 208,554 pounds of electronic material was collected for recycling, with over 50 percent of the total weight comprised of televisions and computer monitors.

The following items will be accepted:

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

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

  • 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.

Electronics are not to be left at the site and are not collected outside the hours of the collection.

Additional information on the electronics recycling is available through Habitat for Humanity of Logan County by contacting the office at 217-732-6412 or visiting the website at www.habitatlogan.org.


Elkhart's 'Celebrate Spring!' weekends -- special events scheduled for April

ELKHART -- Every weekend in April will be busy in Elkhart as the village celebrates spring weather and the beauty of Elkhart Hill.

For a complete listing of events, including dates, times and reservation information, see www.explorelogancounty.com/ElkhartIL, or visit the Welcome Center in the Village Hall on Gov. Oglesby Street in historic downtown Elkhart for information on events. The center is open each weekend in April from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The following is a list of some of the activities on Saturdays and Sundays in Elkhart during April:

  • Wildflower Nature Walks and lectures

  • Elkhart Vintage Market

  • Artisan Craft Fair

  • Book signing and lecture: "Cemeterying with Hope," with Holly Labisky

  • Dragonfly Art Studio open house and art classes

  • Self-guided tours at St. John the Baptist Chapel

  • Capt. Bogardus lectures, with Bob McCue

  • Bird Watcher Walks and lectures

  • Book displays and book sales at the Elkhart Public Library

  • Geocaching

  • Coffee, homemade rolls and baked goods sale at the Elkhart Welcome Center

  • Dining specials at local restaurants

  • Violin recitals by the students of Birdsong

The quaint village of Elkhart offers unique businesses and quality services in restored structures in the historic downtown. Elkhart is less than one mile from Interstate 55 and right off Old Route 66, providing convenient access. Rich in history and natural beauty, Elkhart is famous for its unusual landscape -- a tree-covered hill that rises 777 feet above sea level, surrounded by a horizon of flat Illinois prairie land. The site was settled in 1855, and the picturesque early 1900s-style downtown makes Elkhart one-of-a-kind.

If you plan to enjoy all the activities over the weekend, overnight accommodations are available at the Best Western Plus in Lincoln, just minutes north of Elkhart on Old Route 66. Call 217-732-9641 and ask for the Elkhart discount, or visit the website. The Best Western Lincoln Inn is home to the Railsplitter Covered Wagon, the largest covered wagon in the world:
http://www.abe66.com/coveredwagon/ 

Or stay at the Hampton Inn, where the special Elkhart "Celebrate Spring!" weekend rate is $74 plus tax per night. Call 217-732-6729 or visit the website.


Elkhart's 'Celebrate Spring!' weekends include unique shopping opportunities

ELKHART -- The Elkhart Vintage Market and the Elkhart Artisan Craft Fair return to celebrate the beginning of the new season during Elkhart's "Celebrate Spring!" weekends in April. The tremendous popularity and success of both venues during the 2012 spring events in Elkhart has prompted their return this year.

Expanding to four buildings and an outdoor area (weather permitting), the Elkhart Vintage Market returns to historic downtown Elkhart on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. With more than 20 vendors, items include retro, repurposed, antique, housewares, clothing, small furniture -- and more. Everything old is new again at the Elkhart Vintage Market.

Looking for something unusual? Sarah Wilson, an Elkhart resident, says: "You never know what interesting, quirky item you will find. Last year I picked up a book called 'Wicked Plants: The Weed That Killed Lincoln's Mother & Other Botanical Atrocities,' by Amy Stewart. It's a very interesting, unique book!"

The Artisan Craft Fair will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 20-21 and April 27-28 in historic downtown Elkhart. With over 20 booths, local crafters will provide shoppers with all types of handmade items to purchase, including children's items, jewelry, wood and gourd crafts, bags and totes, walking sticks and canes, hand-sewn items, purses, wine glasses, and tarts and warmers.

For a complete listing of events, including dates, times and reservation information, see www.explorelogancounty.com/ElkhartIL, or visit the Elkhart Welcome Center for information. The Welcome Center is open every Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Village Hall on Gov. Oglesby Street in historic downtown Elkhart.


Music recital scheduled for Elkhart's 'Celebrate Spring!' weekend

ELKHART -- Students of Birdsong are planning a special recital during Elkhart's "Celebrate Spring" weekend. The recital will be at Birdsong Books & Vintage Shoppe, 111 Gov. Oglesby St. in historic downtown Elkhart, on Saturday at 4:15 p.m.

The Aeolian String Duo will present the concert. Jean Tweet, violinist, played for years with the Illinois Symphony and now teaches violin lessons at her Birdsong Books & Vintage Shoppe in Elkhart.

The shop is a rebirth of Nellie's Café, built in 1914 and an Elkhart institution for years. Birdsong has retained the marble soda fountain counter from Nellie's Café and the mirrored wall piece behind it that features lighted stained-glass windows, as well as two café booths. Come view the old soda fountain and sit in the wooden booths while enjoying the music recitals.

There is no charge for the recital. For more information, call 217-691-7966.

For information on all activities and events during Elkhart's "Celebrate Spring!" weekend, see www.explorelogancounty.com/ElkhartIL.

 


Bosom Buddies announce 2 Relay For Life team fundraisers

The Relay For Life team Bosom Buddies will raise funds with a carryout mostaccioli lunch on Saturday, April 20, at Jefferson Street Christian Church from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The meal includes homemade mostaccioli (with the sauce donated by Guzzardo's), green beans and garlic bread.

To purchase a meal, contact Bob Hashman at 217-671-1993.

The team is also having a fundraiser in partnership with the Texas Roadhouse in Decatur on Thursday, April 11. To learn how to participate in that fundraiser as well, contact Hashman.


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Logan County Democrats meet Saturday

The next meeting of the Logan County Democrats will be on Saturday, April 13, at 10 a.m. in the Pegram Room at the Lincoln Public Library. All Logan County Democrats are welcome to attend.

Refreshments will be served.


New springtime hours at Lincoln city landfill

Now through May 5 the city landscape waste facility in Lincoln will be open every day except Monday from 8 a.m. to 3:50 p.m.

Beginning May 8 the facility will go back to normal hours of operation, which are Wednesday and Saturday only from 8 a.m. to 3.50 p.m.

The public is reminded that the city landfill accepts only landscape waste.


Chamber seeks nominations for outstanding office professionals

The Lincoln/Logan County Chamber of Commerce is planning its annual Office Professionals Luncheon for Thursday, April 25. Each year the chamber celebrates many outstanding individuals in their field along with one exceptional individual who will win the prestigious Office Professional of the Year award. This award will be given to an individual who does outstanding work, is dedicated to his or her job, gives 110 percent, and is always going that extra mile.

Nominations are being accepted for this award until Friday, April 12, and can be made online through the chamber's website, www.lincolnillinois.com.

The April 25 luncheon, catered by Guzzardo's Italian Villa, will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus in Lincoln.

Each year office professionals from Logan County come together at this event to celebrate excellence in the workforce. Many organizations and businesses show their appreciation to their office staff by sending them to the luncheon, recognizing that this is a great break in the day for those who are essentially the backbone of their organization or business.

In additional to having the opportunity to get out of the workplace for an afternoon, win prizes and eat delicious food, guests at this event will have the opportunity to hear from John Blackburn, president of Lincoln College. He is a dynamic, engaging speaker who will use stories of his personal successes to inspire and motive audience members.

The chamber of commerce values office professionals and appreciates the excellence they strive for every day. The chamber encourages businesses to reward their office staff by offering them a timeout in their busy day to come and enjoy the lunch and speaker.

Many local businesses will also be on hand to showcase their expertise, offer services to those attending and provide door prizes. Booths will be open before and after lunch. The chamber offers this opportunity for guests to visit with local businesses and learn more about what they have to offer and how those services can improve their personal and professional lives.

For more information on the Office Professionals Luncheon, including reservation forms, sponsorship information and booth space registration forms, contact Meghan Hough at info@lincolnillinois.com, call 217-735-2385 or visit http://www.lincolnillinois.com/
Events_OfficeProfessionalsLuncheon.aspx
.

The Office Professionals Luncheon is an important part of the chamber's mission to advocate, support and unify local businesses for the prosperity of Logan County.


Integrity Data announces 2013 Community Giving Program

Integrity Data is announcing its 2013 Community Giving Program, which will provide $7,500 in funding to local organizations involved in helping those in need, as well as community progress initiatives and projects focused on improving the use of technology within public service organizations.

Integrity Data is honored to be a part of the Lincoln business community. The ability to give back to the community to help it grow and prosper is important to their team and is considered a measurement of the company's overall success. Their Community Giving Program was established in 2008 with the goal of having a meaningful impact on the Lincoln community. A number of local organizations have received grant funding from the program since its inception. A list of 2010-2012 recipients is available on the company website at http://integrity-data.com/grants.aspx.

The 2013 Community Giving program will provide $7,500 in funding. This amount may be granted to a single organization or divided among multiple organizations. Applicants may apply for any amount up to $7,500. The intent of the program is to fund specific projects or to provide special-use funding. Applicants should not apply for grants to be used for general administrative funds.

Eligibility requirements and application instructions are available on the company's website at http://integrity-data.com/grants.aspx. Integrity Data will accept applications through 5 p.m. on April 30.

Questions about the program or its procedures should be emailed to grants@integrity-data.com or call Integrity Data at 217-732-3737.

Integrity Data is a software development company located in Lincoln. Since 1996, Integrity Data has built software solutions for customers across the globe, allowing them to extend the capabilities of their business software systems and increase their return on investment.

Integrity Data was founded with the following core values:

  • Integrity and honesty in all relationships

  • Passion for customers, partners and technology

  • Willingness to take on big challenges and see them through

  • Commitment to excellence, results and quality to customers, partners and employees


New bereavement support group to meet at ALMH

A bereavement support group will begin in April at Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital.

The first meeting will be on Thursday, April 11, at 5 p.m. in ALMH's Steinfort Meeting Room. Meetings will be the second Thursday of each month at the same time and place.

Sponsored by Memorial Home Services Hospice, the meetings are geared for adults.

"Our support group will provide an opportunity for people to be able to mutually share and support each other," said Bitsy Knepler, bereavement coordinator for Memorial Home Services Hospice. "Those who have suffered a loss can discuss their feelings, gain support from others in a similar situation and know that they are not alone."

Memorial Home Services Hospice offers similar support groups in Jacksonville, Taylorville and Springfield.

For more information, call 800-582-8667.


Mount Pulaski landscape waste pickup schedule

MOUNT PULASKI -- City pickup dates for landscape waste in Mount Pulaski this year are April 8, May 6, June 3, July 8, Aug. 5, Aug. 30, Oct. 7, Nov. 4, Dec. 2.

On the above dates, Mount Pulaski city crews will remove landscape waste that has been placed in the area between the sidewalk and the edge of the street. If the weather is bad on the scheduled dates, then the city will pick up the landscape waste on the next day with good weather.

The following rules must be followed:

  • Have your landscape waste ready for pickup by 7 a.m. on the scheduled dates.

  • All small debris, grass, leaves, etc. must be in bags. This is a new requirement.

  • Do not place any material in the street or on the sidewalks.

  • Place all material within 6 feet of the edge of the pavement.

  • Do not remove entire trees from your private property and place them for the city pickup.

  • If you hire a contractor to remove your trees, have your contractor haul the material to the sewage treatment plant and place the material in the proper location.

  • Excessive amounts of material will not be removed by the city.

A separate notice for leaf pickup service in the fall will be published later.

For more information, contact City Hall at 792-3222.

___

City notice


Mount Pulaski water main flushing dates

MOUNT PULASKI -- The water department in Mount Pulaski will flush the water mains on Tuesday, April 16, and Wednesday, April 17. The system will be flushed in the evening, from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.

The water main flushing will cause the water to become cloudy, but the water is safe to drink. The cloudiness will last approximately one day after each flushing. Laundry should be scheduled accordingly.

For more information, contact City Hall at 792-3222.

___

City notice


HSLC now seeking donations for 2nd annual garage sale

The Humane Society of Logan County is seeking donations of goods for the second annual "Big Spring Garage Sale." Clean, gently used items for donation can be dropped off every Wednesday and Saturday, beginning April 3, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Logan County Fairgrounds. Use the south entrance.

For more information or to arrange pickup, call 732-1979 or 732-7853. Electronics cannot be accepted.

This year's sale will be May 10 and 11, a Friday and Saturday, at the Logan County Fairgrounds.

Items for sale will include home decor, toys, sporting goods, furniture, clothes, shoes, accessories, holiday items, outdoor goods, books, CDs, DVDs and much more. There will also be food, music and fun stuff just for kids.

With the support of the community, the HSLC was able to open a shelter in 2011. Since then, they have placed more than 200 cats and dogs in forever homes, and facilitated in more than 400 low-cost spay and neuters per year.


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