Free hunter safety course for youth offered July 28 and 29

A free youth hunter safety course will be at the Lincoln Sportsman's Club on Friday, July 28, from 6 to 10 p.m. and Saturday, July 29, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Participants must attend both sessions to receive credit for the program. To register call the Logan County Sheriff's Department at 732-4159 or the Lincoln Police Department at 732-2151.

Dan Thornburgh, governor of Rotary International District 6490, praised the Lincoln Rotary Club on Wednesday for its local efforts to promote family literacy. Governor Thornburgh has been on a speaking tour of all Rotary clubs in District 6490, which encompasses east central Illinois. Club officers reviewed annual goals and discussed upcoming Rotary programs with the governor during his visit.

Thornburgh is a professor emeritus of journalism from Eastern Illinois University in Charleston. He has been active in Rotary affairs since joining the Charleston Rotary Club in 1960

As part of a local literacy campaign, all kindergarteners entering District 27, West Lincoln-Broadwell, Chester-East Lincoln, Carroll Catholic and Zion Lutheran schools are receiving special books this year courtesy of the Lincoln Rotary Club. Reatha Owen, chairwoman of the club’s literacy project, says that the books, "Kindergarten Kids" and "When You Go to Kindergarten," are designed for the family to read together and serve to better prepare the young student for many new kindergarten activities.

In another community project, several Lincoln Rotarians will be taking local youth to a Chicago Cubs baseball game on Friday, July 21. This is the second year for the project, which gives disadvantaged youth a chance to experience big city cultural events. 

(Click here for pictures from the baseball game.)

The Lincoln Railer Basketball Booster Club will host a 3-on-3 basketball tournament at the Logan County Fair on Aug. 5. Boys and girls from third through 12th grade are eligible and must register by July 26. Teams are limited; sign up early. For more information about the one-day event, contact Dave Renfro at 735-4444 or 445-2778.

The Naomi-Ruth Circle of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Hartsburg has put together a collection of over 400 favorite recipes. This cookbook, "Homemade With Love," is ready for distribution at a cost of $10 per book plus $2 shipping and handling. The cookbook, which is hardback and spiral bound, was created in celebration of St. John’s 115^th anniversary. Proceeds from cookbook sales will be used to support the church as a whole, programs sponsored by the Naomi-Ruth Circle and youth of the church. Call Joyce Leesman at 217-642-5883 or Kay Proefrock at 642-5884 to reserve your copy.

Main Street Lincoln's annual Concerts in the Park series is set to begin the first Sunday in June and continue through the end of July. The free concerts begin at 7 p.m. in Latham Park, north of the courthouse square in downtown Lincoln. The city of Lincoln, Lincoln Area Music Society and Main Street Lincoln are underwriting the event.

The series has expanded to include nine concerts with a variety of music as well as old favorites. The schedule and sponsors are as follows:

June 4 – IB5 Brass Quintet, sponsored by Logan County Board members – This group with a big brass sound from Normal will delight the audience with a variety of new pop sounds and songs you'll want to sing along to. (Rescheduled to Aug. 6)

June 11 – Heartland Jazz Orchestra, sponsored by Parker-Grieme Insurance – Back by popular demand, this group is led by Doug Tidabeck, who is well-known in the Lincoln community.

June 18, June 25, July 2 and July 9 – Lincoln Area Music Society, sponsored by State Bank of Lincoln and LAMS – The backbone of the concert series is made up of Lincoln area musicians with a new repertoire each week.

July 16 – Paul and Win Grace, sponsored by Lincoln Public Library and Prairie Years – Based near Columbia, Mo., these versatile vocalists and multi-instrumentalists have performed all over the United States and Canada. Toes will tap to the folk and old-time music that has been a part of your life since you were a child. Fiddle, mandolin, guitar, harmonica, autoharp and accordian are all perfect sounds for a summer evening.

July 23 – Steely Pan, sponsored by Mayor Joan Ritter – You'll picture yourself on a tropical island as you enjoy the Caribbean rhythms of this popular and unique group. Bring your own hurrache sandals and shades.

July 30 – Second Baptist Church "Voices of Praise," sponsored by Bob Neal of Edward Jones Investments – This great hometown gospel group will keep you excited all night long. This is their second year to wrap up the concert series.

Aug. 6 – IB5 Brass Quintet, sponsored by Logan County Board members – This group with a big brass sound from Normal will delight the audience with a variety of new pop sounds and songs you'll want to sing along to. (This concert was rescheduled from June 4.)

For more information, contact Wendy Bell, program manager, Main Street Lincoln, at 217-732-2929.