Faith Lutheran Church, 2320 N. Kickapoo in Lincoln, will host an American Red Cross blood drive Thursday, June 1, from 12 to 6 p.m.

Two blood drives in June will be at the Lincoln Sports Complex. The drive Wednesday, June 7, will be from 12 to 6 p.m. Another will be Wednesday, June 21, from 12 to 5 p.m.

St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Emden will host a blood drive Friday, June 16, from 2 to 6 p.m.

Donors have the opportunity every 56 days to touch someone’s life by giving blood – the gift of life. If you wish to make an appointment for any of these drives, you may call 800-728-3543, extension 1441.

During May, the following persons reached goals in their blood donations: Richard W. Reiners and Georgia Zeisneiss, five gallons each; L. Anders and Diane Campbell, two gallons each; and Curtis Sutterfield, Julie Albers and Patty Huffer, one gallon each.

The fourth annual golf outing for United Way of Logan County will be Friday, June 2, at Lincoln Elk’s Country Club. Tee-off time for the four-person best ball scramble is 12:30 p.m. Only soft spikes are allowed. Fees are $75 per golfer, $300 per team and $50 to sponsor a tee. The entry fee includes beverages, dinner and prizes. For an entry form or further information, people can contact the United Way office at 735-4499 or Ron Hall at 735-4072. The deadline to enter is May 31.

Anyone interested in joining a diabetes or congestive heart failure support group is invited to attend an organizational meeting for the two groups on Monday, June 5, in Conference Room A at Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital. Family members are encouraged to attend.

Both support groups will establish regular meeting schedules during the initial meeting. The support groups will discuss various topics including medicine information, lifestyle changes and other topics decided on by group members. For more information about either support group, please call Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital at 217-732-2161, extension 199.

Lincoln Rotary Club honored for its community service
    At its annual District Conference in Champaign this past weekend, Rotary International gave awards to area clubs. One of the winners was the Lincoln Rotary Club, recognized for its service to the community.

As one of its projects, the Lincoln club took a chartered bus-load of 20 economically disadvantaged District 27 students to a Cubs game in Chicago. Local club member Gene Frioli was one of the adults who accompanied the children on last summer’s bus trip. "For a lot of these kids it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," said Frioli. "And what better way to spend a summer day than to watch a ball game at historic Wrigley Field around some adults."

This year’s Rotary bus trip is scheduled for Friday, July 21. The day’s activities will also include a trip to Sears Tower.

A second major project this year focuses on literacy and aims to help kindergarteners and their families. The Lincoln Rotary Club will be providing the book "Kindergarten Kids" to all incoming kindergarten students in District 27, West Lincoln-Broadwell, Chester-East Lincoln, Zion Lutheran and Carroll Catholic schools. Youngsters and their parents can read the book together in the weeks before school begins to better prepare the children for kindergarten activities. A companion book, "When You Go to Kindergarten," will be provided for all the kindergarten teachers in the participating schools.

Other community service projects for the Lincoln Rotary Club include cleaning up the stretch of Lincoln Parkway from Union to Fifth Street, and providing several scholarships to students from the community.

Students participate in Job Fair 2000

Graduating high school seniors and other students participated in Job Fair 2000 at Lincoln College on May 23. The steering committee partnered with a variety of businesses, agencies and institutions for the event, initiated through Lincoln/Logan Promise. The program was "Marketable Skills Through Effective Education."

The students attended sessions on planning, applying for, getting and keeping jobs. The sessions included job resources, application blank completion, resume and cover letter writing, job acceptance, budgetary considerations and interpersonal skills for staying on the job. A formal luncheon featured appropriate etiquette for dining with an employer. During the luncheon, a style show of appropriate attire for the interview and for work included cost-effective wardrobes obtained at local businesses. After a presentation on what to do and what not to do when being interviewed, a variety of business people conducted mock interviews to give students experience.

Forty individuals from 25 organizations participated in the event, and 20 students were involved in the activities. The steering committee and a group of high school students called S.O.A.R. (Setting Our Actions Responsibly) initiated the event. The goal was a project that resulted from a national organization, America’s Promise, the Alliance for Youth, which incorporates students and the community in activities that inspire success for students. Financial supporters included Health Families Task Force, Heartland Education-to-Careers Regional Partnership, Heartland Tech Prep and Lincoln Kiwanis.

Central Illinois Bank opens Lincoln facility

Officials for Central Illinois Bank announce the opening of their newest facility located at 428 Keokuk, in Lincoln, Illinois.

Bank staff includes Wally Reese, senior vice president business development; Kay Bauer, retail banking officer; Cindy Anderson, teller supervisor; and teller staff. Reese, well known in the Lincoln community, was president of Magna Bank prior to joining Central Illinois Bank.

The new facility is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the lobby, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the drive-up lanes Monday through Friday. The phone number is (217) 735-5494.

Central Illinois Bank is a full service bank offering a wide array of commercial and personal financial services. Julie Dreesen, president of Central Illinois Bank, said the company views Lincoln as an excellent market, one that fits well into Central Illinois Bank’s business banking approach. “Our growth in Central Illinois is largely attributed to our commitment to commercial business development. We believe that with Wally Reese’s leadership and quality staff, we can achieve the growth and success we have realized in similar communities”.

Central Illinois Bank has 18 locations throughout Central Illinois. The bank reported assets of $769 million as of March 31. Central Illinois Bank is a subsidiary of CIB Marine Bancshares, Inc. Total assets for the corporation as of March 31 were $2 billion.

An Open House Week is scheduled for May 22 – 26 during regular banking hours. Stop in and meet the staff, register for door prizes and refreshments.

For more information, contact Julie Dreesen at (309) 699-3405 or Wanita Thompson at (309) 862-0222.

A helping hand at Crisis Pregnancy Center

In a small office tucked inside the Arcade Building at 513 Pulaski St., frightened young women often find a shoulder to lean on and a helping hand.

Providing these women a place to turn to when faced with an unplanned pregnancy is a group of local volunteers who give their time and emotional support at the Crisis Pregnancy Center.

"There is nothing like one-on-one contact and hugging somebody that's terrified, calming them down and helping them out," said Jennifer Boeke, who has been volunteering since January. Boeke said she believes in the center because "I believe in the sanctity of life and have had a lot of friends who have had abortions and I've seen the damage it did to their lives."

This center, one of the 11 offices under the network of the Ministry of Living Alternatives, strives to help pregnant women understand and work through alternatives, enabling them to make informed decisions about pregnancy.  The Rev. Gregory A. Roe of the World Harvest Church in Springfield, directs the non-profit corporation.  He states that it "provides education and information to the general public about Christian alternatives to abortion."

 Most women who seek help at the center are single, around 20 years old and from the lower-income bracket. But "we also occasionally see married women with children, who can't afford another pregnancy," Boeke adds.

The center, a confidential, free resource for women, relies on volunteers, monetary contributions and donations to keep operating. Women of all ages and backgrounds are provided with counseling services, necessary supplies such as clothing, and medical referrals. Volunteers also provide guidance to women who find out they aren't pregnant.

"When we do get a negative pregnancy test, it's an opportunity to talk to the women. I like to direct them to their goals and how their choices in life will affect their goals. Having sex without the balance of marriage, you see more broken hearts. We always think of the damage of AIDS and such, but there is also damage to women's minds and bodies. The choices they make now will set what the rest of their life will be," she said. Boeke explains to young women about the 21 different sexually transmitted diseases, which affect more women than men. For example, although HIV, which causes AIDS, is often in the news, another virus called HPV, which nobody knows about, is a major cause of cervical cancer and is easily transmitted.

"You want to say to them -- 'You're playing with fire, with your future, with your heart and body. Empower yourself, don't just be reactionary. Think of how you want your life to be,'" she said.

If a client does find out she is pregnant, Boeke said she offers information about the necessary things like insurance.   Most importantly she offers friendship to the young woman. "One of the goals of the center is to help women. We evangelize because we're a Christian organization.  If they're pregnant we try to help them find the means and give them names of who to contact to help with prenatal care and other costs," she said

Boeke, just one of about 15 local volunteers, spends four hours a week at the center. An average shift for volunteers is two or three hours. Duties include not just providing educational information about pregnancy, sexual health and alternatives to abortion, but volunteers are also needed for tasks like answering phones. There are four trained counselors available.

Linda Nelson, executive director, said volunteers undergo training before they can assist clients and must be a well-grounded, secure, friendly and passionate person. Volunteers, who are preferably women, should not be judgmental and should be Christians, she said.

Volunteers are always needed.  Since many volunteers are students from Lincoln Christian College, volunteer numbers often sharply decrease during the summer. Even though the center tries to remain open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays, sometimes here are no volunteers to man the office.

The center relies on monetary contributions from churches and individuals.  They  also provide a clothing and furniture service to help pregnant women defray some of the costs of maternity and baby clothes. Anyone can donate items and cribs, and car seats are in great demand.

Betty Isham, a volunteer since 1995, also donates about three to four hours a week when possible to the center.  "I think it's really worthwhile. Sometimes listening is all you have to do. It makes you feel good when you know you've saved a life,"  she said. Isham, who is also a counselor, said most of the girls she sees just need someone to love and support them. "We try to reassure them that the Lord loves them," she said.

Major school events like dances and the prom create an increase in the number of women seeking advice. "Especially if they're younger women living at home, they are scared. Some will just be shaking because their whole life is going to change if they are pregnant. Most girls I talk to aren't in favor of abortion but are more scared of adoption because they see it as going through the whole nine-month process and then giving up the baby," Boeke said.

Boeke, who with her husband runs a wholesale art business, has two adult children of her own, but is happy to donate some of her time each week to young women who need a friendly face and someone to talk to.

"We just want to be there and let them know someone cares," she said.

In recognition of National Nursing Home Week, Bartmann Health Care Center sponsored a complimentary luncheon seminar devoted to learning more about Medicare and PPS reimbursement. The two-hour seminar was Tuesday, May 16, at the Maple Club, with 35 in attendance.

According to Joyce Leesman, marketing/admission coordinator, the seminar was for physicians, hospital personnel and other health care professionals interested in better understanding the Medicare program. She explained, "This seminar helped answer questions such as: What is meant by ‘incident to’ services? What is the 30-day rule? Can a patient who spent the last four nights in the hospital be denied Medicare coverage because there was no three-day qualifying stay? What exactly are RUGS, and how do they impact Medicare coverage? These and other issues formed the core of the discussion."

Nationally recognized Medicare expert Bruce Kenton Stelzer presented the seminar. "Since its writing into law 35 years ago, Medicare has carried with it moral imperative," Stelzer said. "In recent years, meeting the health care needs of America’s rapidly aging population has brought increased focus on the financial aspects of the program, with unfortunate results. Many of those charged with implementation of Medicare benefits have come to view it strictly as a reimbursement mechanism. I believe we need to better understand the nature of our rule as health care advocates, and to that end, welcome the opportunity to discuss our ultimate goal of providing quality care to those who are often least able to represent themselves," Stelzer said.

Stelzer has held a health care administrator’s license in the state of California since 1991. Operating skilled nursing facilities ranging in size from 59 to nearly 200 beds, he has gained extensive experience in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. As a California administrator, he has seen the growth of managed care, negotiating contracts, implementing programs, and successfully balancing these diverse and often challenging medical plans. As a member of the board of directors of the Orange County chapter of California Association of Health Facilities (CAHF), Stelzer chaired the legislative committee for two years. In this position he coordinated efforts to advance legislation benefiting health care providers and those in their care. Stelzer’s area of expertise lies in Medicare coverage and documentation, managed care, and legislative issues and developments. His extensive knowledge and frank, humorous approach has placed him in demand as a speaker.

A $75 "Dinner for Two" gift basket was raffled at the close of the seminar, with Dr. Caffrey of Hopedale as the recipient.

[LDN ed.]

The commencement ceremony for Lincoln Community High School will be Saturday, May 27, at 7 p.m. in Roy S. Anderson Gymnasium. Jason Yarcho, class of 2001, and Anna Davision, class of 2001, will play the processional and recessional. Opening remarks will be by Lindsey Jones, followed by introduction of valedictorian and salutatorian by Ms. Joyce Hubbard, principal. Amy Rohrer will present the class gift to LCHS. Ms. Laura Horton will recognize the National Honor Society members. Superintendent Fred Plese will present the Magna Bank Senior of the Year. The LCHS choir will sing "Everybody Rejoice." This will be followed by the thank you from Autumn Feldman. The LCHS Board of Education will award the diplomas to the graduates, and closing remarks will be given by Amanda Frioli.

Everyone planning to attend the graduation will be required to have a ticket for admittance to the gym. Individuals without tickets will be able to view the graduation ceremony on the big-screen TV located in the auditorium. People entering the auditorium are asked to come in through the front entrance on Primm Road.

LCHS will have a professional photographer at the commencement ceremony to assist parents in getting a quality photo of their graduate.

Lincoln Community High School recently had elections for student body officers and class officers. Elected student body president was Ben Sloot. Other student government officers selected were Matt Aper, vice president; Misty Horath, secretary; Blinn Bates, treasurer; Brittany Charette, public relations; and Jared Brown, historian.

Elected president of the senior class was Allison Leonard. Other senior class officers included Brad Widmer, vice president; Kyle Pepperell, secretary; Hilary Schweitzer, treasurer; and representatives Ann Elliott, Tommy John Gallagher, Becca Hahn, James Phelan and Kristin Petty.

Junior class officers elected were Tera Buchholz, president; Rachael Slayton, vice president; Sarah Bates, secretary; Jamey Cabit, treasurer; and representatives Jennifer Buffington, Rachel Knight, Heather Otto, Danny Schick and Lesley Skelton.

Sophomore officers elected were Blake Brown, president; Josh Gallagher, vice president; John Peters, secretary; Christina Xamis, treasurer; and representatives Izzy Carmitchel, Cliff Carnahan, Zach Gahr, Adrienne Neal and Lindsey Struebing.

Planning is currently under way for Homecoming 2000 which will be the week of September 18 to 23.

Lincoln Writer's Club announces first meeting

The first meeting of the Lincoln Writer's Club will be Tuesday, June 6, at 6 p.m. at the Lincoln Public Library. All individuals interested in creative writing, please feel free to attend. For more information, contact Rebecca Johnson at 732-2723 or rnrjohnson@abelink.com.

Atlanta 4-H club invites youth from town to join

The members of the Atlanta Town and Country 4-H club invite eligible youth from town to join. Jeff Jones, the club reporter, says, "4-H isn’t just for people who live in the country. There are lots of things for a guy or a girl from town to do." Activities include cooking, growing flowers, woodworking, small engines, arts, crafts and herb gardening. For more information, people can call 217-648-2973.