Holiday shopping often encourages us to search out and purchase the newest appliances that we can find in the stores. But what really is new, what works, what doesn't and what safety features should we consider before we buy?

"Appliances — What’s Hot and What’s Not" will be presented on Thursday, Nov. 16, from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Logan County Extension Unit office, 980 N. Postville Drive in Lincoln. Ellen Burton, extension educator in consumer and family economics with the University of Illinois Extension, will present the workshop.

Burton will discuss what is new from appliance manufacturers. She will also share safety features and give tips for safe toy selection.

So if you —

• need ideas for people on your gift list? Come to this workshop.

• have been wondering about small appliances? Come to this workshop.

• have been concerned about safety factors to consider when buying toys? Come to this workshop.

To reserve your space in this workshop contact the Logan County Extension office at 732-8289 by Nov. 10.

Mothers, now that the children are back in school, or maybe you are yourself back in school, and you are looking for a break in the routine, the Bloomington Chapter of Sweet Adelines is inviting you to visit their rehearsal, Nov. 7, 7 to 9 p.m., at First Christian Church, 401 W. Jefferson, Bloomington. For additional information, telephone (309) 473-2285 or (309) 452-8843.

[News release from Bloomington chapter of Sweet Adelines]

On the weekend of Nov. 17 and Nov. 18, the Mason City Historical Society will celebrate the first year anniversary of its museum's opening. This newest facility in the community is located at 120 N. Main St. in the downtown area.

A gala reception will open to the public at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 17, and run to 9 p.m.  Volunteers, donors and all others lending support to the Mason City Historical Society and their many endeavors will be especially honored.  The museum will have a "Glimpse of 2001" mini exhibit on display, with the intent to spotlight local writers, textile artists, ceramic artists and hunter art, plus oil, acrylic and pastel artists, during the coming year. Those attending the anniversary reception will be accommodated in the adjoining Civic Center for mingling and refreshments by candlelight. 

Saturday, Nov. 18, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., there will be an Antique & Collectible Road Show-Fair at Mason City's Civic Center to continue the celebration of the first anniversary of Mason City Historical Society's museum.  Located at 120 N. Main Street, the event will be patterned along the lines of popular shows seen on television.  Experts in various fields will be available to talk about the heirlooms and collectibles presented by the public.  Due to liability concerns, written appraisals, offers to buy, sell or trade will not be permitted.  

To date, five experts have accepted the invitation to share their knowledge about antiques and collectibles at this event. The five are Delbert Sielschott, guns and swords; Lester Cox, coins; and Patricia Doyle, jewelry, dolls, porcelain and more; Betty Knollenberg, glassware and more; and Sharolyn Apke, crystal and depression glass.  Pending at posting time are other specialists in toys, furniture and miscellaneous.

A small donation will be collected at the door for each person entering, with a limit of two like items per person per category.  People may wish to enlist the help of the entire family, each showing two items, or people can leave and re-enter the process for showing additional items.  Limited space does not allow accommodating spectators.

Nov. 17 and 18 should be a busy time for downtown Mason City.  Plan to enjoy both events with the Mason City Historical Society.  If you can't remember what you did with Grandpa's coins or Aunt Tilly's vase, search now and be ready to go and show!

  [Mason City Historical Society news release]

Chester 4-H Club reports on recent meeting

Members of Chester 4-H Club met Oct. 15 in the Logan County Extension Office. The following leaders were installed: Kim Steffens, president; Andrew Fulton, vice president; Elizabeth Brooks, secretary; John Brooks, treasurer; and Aaron Steffens, reporter.

David Fulton gave a demonstration of magic. Daniel Fulton displayed his insect collection. Andrew Fulton demonstrated the use of circuits and electricity. Upcoming events were announced.

Lesson on yeast baking offered Nov. 9

A program called "Yeast Breads Made Easy" will be presented by Marion Cassens of Lincoln from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9, at the Extension Building on the northwest corner of the fairgrounds.

Mrs. Cassens will give tips to make your baking easier, demonstrate a variety of ways to serve different products from the same dough, and let you taste the goodies in the process!

This lesson is for both man and women of all ages. We especially encourage those who have never tried yeast baking and those who would like to add to their skills. This is the perfect opportunity to try something new, with an end result your whole family will enjoy.

For more information, please call the Extension office at 732-8289.

[Logan County Extension announcement]

Your Park District has a busy fall lining up for you.

Halloween FunFest is Monday, Oct. 30.  We have teamed up with Maple Ridge Care Centre, 2202 N. Kickapoo St., for the frightfully fun event.  Everyone is invited to trick or treat from 4 to 6 p.m. only at Maple Ridge.  Then from 6:30 to 8:30 please join us at Lincoln Park District on the indoor tennis courts for games, fun, treats, and the costume parade and contest.  Keepsake photos will be offered again this year for $1.50.  The full night of fun is FREE, due in a large part to the generous support of many Lincoln businesses.

Co-rec volleyball has started.

Men's basketball is set to start Wednesday, Nov. 1.

We are once again offering basic dog obedience classes. The sessions will start on Monday, Nov. 6, at 6:30 p.m.  If necessary a second class will begin at 7:45.  We may ask our adults to move to this session in order to get school-aged children home earlier. Owners and handlers must be a minimum of 8 years of age.  Proof of inoculation is required at the time of registration. Owners and handlers must provide a 6-foot leather leash and a chain or choke collar.  Bob Spickard will be the instructor.  The classes will continue on Mondays for four weeks.  Call for cost.

Tennis lessons will begin on Nov. 11 and conclude on Dec. 16.  Lessons will be on the indoor tennis courts at the Rec Center.  Instruction on the basics of serving, the swing techniques and rules will be covered.  Jason Hanson will be the instructor.  Hanson lettered in tennis three years in high school and later returned to coach the high school tennis team.  Under his tutelage they won their first-ever sectional first place.  Jason has more than five years experience officiating several sports and has worked extensively with youth.  Classes are being offered to youth in kindergarten through sixth grade.  Instruction for adults is also being offered.  Call Lincoln Park District at 732-8770 for the times each age division will play.  The six-week course has a fee.

One of the programs we are working on for the winter months is called Third Saturday Crafts.  On the third Saturday morning in the months of January, February and March, we will offer area youth the opportunity to make a craft project.  January and February projects are still in development, but in March we will make wooden birdhouses.  Each participant will make two birdhouses: one for themselves and the other to be placed in one of our local parks.

[Lincoln Park District news release]

Because of the general election, the Lincoln Writing Club has changed the date of their monthly meeting from Nov. 7 to Nov. 14. The meeting will be in the Keys Room of the Lincoln Public Library and will begin at 6 p.m. Anyone interested in writing is invited to attend. For further information, you may call Rebecca Johnson at 732-2723.

Oasis announces trip to Taylorville's Nashville North

Seniors are invited to head to Taylorville's Nashville North by mini-van to enjoy the 5 p.m. concert of Janie Fricke and Rex Allen Jr. on Saturday, Nov. 18. A group will leave from The Oasis at 501 Pulaski St. in Lincoln at 3:30 p.m.

It is suggested that those attending have a light dinner before the trip, and there will be a dessert stop on the way home.

The $29 fee due at registration pays for a concert ticket and transportation. People are encouraged to register soon, as space is limited.

For more information, call The Oasis, 732-6132.

The Oasis Senior Center is operated by the Senior Citizens of Logan County, Inc., a not-for-profit organization. The Oasis is funded in part by the United Way. Seniors of all ages are invited to participate in trips and other programs and services of the Senior Center.

Lincolnland Intellectual & Nurturing Courses (LINC), an affiliate of the Elderhostel Institute Network, announces the fall 2000 session, with programs on Tuesday and Thursday, Nov. 14 and 16.

What is LINC? It is a peer-driven organization that incorporates small educational groups who learn from each other for the sheer joy of learning. LINC provides college-level course work on a noncredit basis. The membership is involved in decision making. In addition to determining curriculum, members may be active in recruiting new members and developing social programming. If you are over 55, enjoy the challenge of learning and live within driving distance of Lincoln, you are a perfect potential member of LINC. Annual $5 dues for LINC membership entitle you to participate in spring and fall courses.

This is the fall schedule:

• "Exploring Harry Potter"
  Tuesday, Nov. 14, 9:30-10:30 a.m., The Oasis, 501 Pulaski, Lincoln

Calling 811 muggles! For both experienced and uninitiated Harry Potter fans, come and find out what the latest craze in children's literature is all about. Millions of readers of all ages are enjoying J.K. Rowling's delightful series of books about Harry Potter, the young wizard. Join LINC's own Marty Hargett to discover why the books are so popular and to discuss their social impact.

• "Discovering Celtic Music"
  Thursday, Nov. 16, 9:30-10:30 a.m., The Oasis, 501 Pulaski, Lincoln

Discover the beauty of Celtic music at this fascinating program. MeLane Coulter will trace the history of Celtic music while demonstrating Celtic pieces on a harp, dulcimer and bodhran (Irish war drum). What a great way to start your day!

For registration information, call or visit Oasis Senior Center, 501 Pulaski St. in Lincoln, 732-6132.

[LINC news release]

The Lincoln Optimist Club is sponsoring its fourth annual essay contest. This year’s contest is entitled "Are We Losing Our Freedom?" All high school students under 19 years of age as of Dec. 31, 2000, in grades 10, 11 and 12 are eligible to participate, according to Bob Wood, club contest chairman.

The Lincoln club will select a first, second and third-place winner in its contest, and the first-place entry will automatically be forwarded to the district contest, where it will be judged against the winning entries from clubs in the Springfield area district.

The first, second and third-place winners will receive scholarships in the amounts of $5,000, $3,000 and $2,000 respectively. In addition to the scholarship, the first-place winner receives an expense-paid four-day trip with his or her parents to the Freedoms Foundation in Valley Forge, Penn., in July for the Freedom and Leadership Conference.

All essays must be original and must be submitted by Dec. 31 to the Lincoln Optimist Club. For information, please contact Bob Wood, Contest Chairman, 166 Ninth St., Lincoln, IL 62656; phone (217) 735-4232.

Christina Dye of Lincoln was the 1999-2000 scholarship winner for the Lincoln Optimist Club and was also the second place winner for the Illinois District. Milton Wiggers, past governor of the Illinois District, presented Miss Dye with the Illinois District plaque.

Optimist International is one of the largest and most active service organizations, with over 150,000 members in 4200 Optimist clubs in the United States, Canada and other nations. Promoting "Friend of Youth," Optimist clubs conduct service projects which reach six million young people each year.

[Lincoln Optimist Club news release]

November blood drives announced

Lincoln Elementary School District No. 27 will sponsor the American Red Cross blood drives on Nov. 1 and 15 at the Lincoln Sports Complex. Hours for both drives will be from noon until 5 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 9, the United Methodist Church in Atlanta will have a drive with hours 1 to 7 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 10, St. Peter's Church in Emden will have a drive from 2 to 6 p.m.

Monday, Nov. 13, Lincoln College will have a drive from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Monday, Nov. 20, Lincoln Christian College will be the site for a drive from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Blood is a continuing need, and everyone is urged to come give blood at one of these drives so that when you, your family or friends need blood, it will be available.

During October the following donors reached goals in their donations: Edna D. Miller, eight gallons; Kirk E. Dobihal and Andy Schwenk, one gallon each.