The Heart of America Blood Services Region is asking all eligible whole blood and pheresis donors to give the gift of life at this time. Donations during the summer are typically low; however, the following factors have intensified a predictable summer slump in donations to the point where the blood inventory level is approaching a critical level:

• Unusually low attendance at blood drives.
• Thirty percent loss rate in August due to donors who do not keep appointments and donor deferrals.
• An increase in blood transfusions, i.e. recent trauma patients using high volumes of blood and/or blood products in their treatment.

• Upcoming Labor Day holiday means fewer donors available to donate. Few blood drive sponsors choose to schedule blood drives near holiday weekends. Fewer blood drives mean less blood collected.

Although the blood inventory level within the Heart of America Blood Services Region is approaching the critical level, no surgeries have been cancelled within the region. As of 7 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 27, the Heart of America Blood Region had less than a one-day supply of blood on its shelves. With several area blood drives unable to meet their expected collection goals, the blood region anticipates a shortage of 1,500 units for the weeks of Aug. 29 and Sept. 4.

In an effort to help increase blood collections, there will be a blood drive at Lincoln Sports Complex on Wednesday, Sept. 6, from noon until 6 p.m. To schedule an appointment, please call (800) 728-3543 Ext. 1441.

School closings and other summer activities typically cause the slump in summer time donations, but this drop is further intensified during the upcoming Labor Day weekend, when many people travel and families are on vacation. With blood donations already down, the Heart of America Blood Region is concerned about maintaining adequate blood supply levels, especially approaching the Labor Day holiday weekend.

"We can certainly understand the time pressures that make it difficult for donors to keep their scheduled appointments to donate, but donors must remember that their donation saves lives. If donors absolutely cannot keep their appointments, then we are asking them to give a 48-hour advance notice so that we can reschedule their appointment and also find another eligible donor," said Chris Hrouda, executive director of the Heart of America Blood Services Region.

"Blood donors tell us they feel great when they donate blood, and they should. The heroic act of donating blood saves lives. We are grateful to the heroes who take the time to give blood each year, and we are asking them to keep their commitments to help those in need of blood transfusions. For people who have never donated or who haven’t donated in a long time, this is the time for them to come in to help others," said Hrouda.

Daily, approximately 500 people must donate blood in order to maintain the blood region’s blood supply for patients being treated for accidents, routine surgeries and serious diseases such as cancer, heart disease and hemophilia.

To donate blood, one must be in good health, be at least 17 years of age and weigh at least 110 pounds. Donating blood is safe, easy and takes about one hour.

The Jessie C. Eury Library on the campus of Lincoln Christian College and Seminary is pleased to announce the debut of "Hymnals of the Stone-Campbell Movement: Enos E. Dowling Hymnal Collection" on their website at www.lccs.edu/library/hymnals. This online collection of more than 9,000 hymns from selected rare 19^th-century hymnals features works by Alexander Campbell, J. T. Johnson, Walter Scott, and Illinois residents such as Barton W. Stone, Silas W. Leonard and the Fillmore Brothers. The Office of the Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White funded this project with a $34,000 digitalization grant.

Online viewers may browse through the pages of 19 selected hymnals, view a scanned image of the actual page from the hymnal, and access more than 300 tune-related audio files. The title, first line, lyrics or composer of each hymn can be searched. Information such as the hymn's meter and tune is also available. The website also offers a background sketch of the Stone-Campbell Movement in Illinois, a timeline of the Stone-Campbell Movement hymnals and information about pivotal hymnals, writers, publishers and compilers.

Enos Dowling, former academic dean at LCS, gathered some 2,000 hymnals throughout his lifetime, including nearly 200 affiliated with the Restoration Movement that arose from the 19^th century Stone-Campbell religious heritage on the American frontier. His collection is one of the largest-known compilations of hymnals representing this religious movement and serves to illustrate changing religious musical styles. Nancy J. Olson, project director and library director for the Jessie C. Eury Library, considers this Web site a "technical tribute" to Dowling and his desire to preserve the heritage of religious music.

The project has received similar praise from across the country for its part in the preservation of historical music and the history of the Stone-Campbell Movement. Prior to their Internet availability, access to the rare hymnals was limited to patrons of the Jessie C. Eury Library, which owns the collection. Bonnie Travers, University of Arizona special collections librarian, says the site provides a way for Stone-Campbell Movement history to be accessible "worldwide through the Internet." "I was very impressed," she adds. Marsha Harper, Abilene Christian University library director, agrees: "I haven’t seen anything to equal it."

Theatre 7 will be having auditions for the first show of its 2000-2001 season, the romantic musical comedy, "She Loves Me." The cast will include seven principal male characters and two principal female characters, plus various other roles, for a total cast of 11 to 20.

Audition dates are Monday and Tuesday, Sept. 11 and 12, at 7 p.m. at the Decatur Civic Center Theatre. Everyone is invited to try out for Theatre 7's productions.

Be prepared for an audition:

• Arrive expecting to read a scene from the play with several other actors.
• Bring a list of dates (conflicts) when you will not be available to rehearse.
• Be prepared to learn a brief dance step.

• Bring the sheet music for a song or be ready to sing a song from the show.

"She Loves Me," sponsored by Behnke and Company Inc., is a romantic musical about bickering co-workers who carry on a passionate correspondence — unknowingly with one another.

Performance dates are Nov. 3-5 and 10-12 at the Decatur Civic Center Theatre.

For more information, contact Robert C. Olson at (217) 428-1784 or by e-mail to theatre7@decaturnet.org.

American Red Cross appeals for blood

Due to a blood shortage nationwide, the American Red Cross is asking for immediate blood donations to boost critical low supplies. There is urgent need for all blood types.

Logan County Red Cross is appealing to donors to come out to give blood at the next scheduled blood drive, Wednesday, Sept. 6, at the Lincoln Sports Complex. Hours will be from noon until 6 p.m. Appointments may be made for this drive by calling (800) 728-3543, Ext. 1441.

Another drive will be on Sept. 20 at the Lincoln Sports Complex, with hours from noon until 5 p.m. Appointments may be made for this drive also.

Summer activities typically cause a slump in donations, and the Heart of America Blood Region is concerned about maintaining adequate blood supplies

During August, the following people reached goals in their blood donations: William Tebrugge, 28 gallons; Mark Seggelke, 17; Walter L. McLaughlin and Dale E. Klockenga, 11 each; Alan Pegram, 9; Terri L. Hauter and Phillip Gillen, 6 each; Sheila McCleary, 5; Gerald Gresham and Walter D. Zorn, 4 each; Norma Turner, 2; and Paul R. Eckert, Charles Ruben and Stacie Treakle, 1 gallon each.

Martha Butler is an LPN and floor nurse and has been an employee at Bartmann’s for the past year. The team marketing committee selected her for employee of the month of August based on her professionalism, work ethic and attitude.

"Martha shows her professionalism and sincerity for the residents on a daily basis. She believes in teamwork and accepts responsibility well. She has a good sense of humor and can make anyone’s job pleasant as long as they do their job correctly. She is always willing to work when special needs arise. I believe she’s a great asset to Bartmann Health Care Center," says Rae Ann Maupin, who is a co-worker and care plan coordinator.

"Martha Butler is an excellent nurse with high standards, and Bartmann’s is proud Martha is our employee," says June George, RN and administrator.

Bartmann’s says, "Congratulations, Martha, on your well-deserved award and on a job well done!"

The Grand Soiree, an annual fund-raiser for the Lincoln College Museum, has announced nine items that will be featured at the live auction at the Sept. 9 event.

Three of the nine items are rare and significant Civil War collectors’ items. The first item might arouse local interest for those living in Logan County. It is a preserved authentic signature of John A. Logan, the son of John Logan, for whom the county was named. The next item is a pair of Union officer’s spurs. The historic spurs were found in a field where a Civil War battle was fought. They were purchased at a Civil War memorabilia auction in Louisville, Ky. The third item is a unique picture of Gen. George A. Custer, dated July 1865, when he was at Fort Riley. Another historic item is a sweetheart pin dated back to 1958 from the United States Air Force Academy.

The Grand Soiree will also offer new items for this year’s auction. Sports lovers will get a chance to bid on great seats at the ballpark. The first are four tickets to see the Chicago Cubs versus Philadelphia on Sept. 25. These tickets are on the second row behind the Cubs’ dugout and were donated by Lincoln College alum John Iltis (class of ’62). The second are box seat tickets at a White Sox versus Red Sox game on Sept. 28.

Other unique items being auctioned include a dinner for eight at the Lincoln College president’s home; a European gourmet gift basket donated by George Eberle, chairman of the Board of Lincoln College Trustees, and his wife, Suzanne; and a day at the spa at Midwest College of Cosmetology in Normal.

The Grand Soiree will be Saturday, Sept. 9, at 6:30 p.m. in the Davidson-Sheffer Gymnasium on the campus of Lincoln College. For information on tickets call Jean Ann Miller at 732-3155, Ext. 251.

New vice president of academics inaugurated at LCC/S

This morning (Aug. 29) at the 57^th annual convocation of Lincoln Christian College and Seminary, President Keith Ray pronounced Dr. Thomas M. Tanner the new vice president of academics. Dr. Tanner began serving in this position July 1.

[Dr. Tom Tanner delivers a message, "I hope we dance."]

He graduated from Lincoln Christian College with a B.A. in 1973 and received the M.Div. degree in 1976 from Lincoln Christian Seminary. He holds an M.A. in Greek and Latin literature and an M.S. in library science, with both degrees from the University of Illinois. In 1972, Dr. Tanner received a Ph.D. in information science from the University of Illinois.

Dr. Tanner has served as a Greek instructor, university research assistant, minister, elder, and author ("A Manual of Style for Bible College and Seminary Students," "What Ministers Know: How Pastors Use Information," and "Strategic Choices: Annual Lincoln Factbook"). He has been published in the Journal of Library History, the Journal of Theological and Religious Information and the Christian Standard.

He is a member of the board of directors for Blessing Ranch, and has served as commissioner of accreditation of the Accrediting Association of Bible Colleges (chairman, 1997-98). He has also presented several workshops for AABC since 1994, and served as an evaluator/consultant. He has been a workshop presenter at the NACC and served on the NACC Continuation Committee (1995-98). He previously served Lincoln Christian College and Seminary as academic dean of the college (1994-), library director (1979-94), director of strategic planning (1990-96), and director of technology (1995-99). He has chaired five North Central accreditation self studies since 1984, served as chair of a Lilly-funded by Lilly Endowment, Inc.

Tanner and his wife, Debby, are the parents of one daughter, Melissa.

Area musicians who enjoy the sounds of jazz and big band music are asked to attend a meeting on Monday, Sept. 11, at 6 p.m. at Lincoln College. The purpose of this meeting is to see if there is any interest in forming a community jazz ensemble.

The meeting, hosted by Lincoln College Music Department, will be held in the Choir Room in Johnston Center for Performing Arts on the campus of Lincoln College. Rehearsal times are being tentatively set for Monday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. For more information, please call Greg Allen at Lincoln College at 732-3155, extension 280.

From Roy Logan, program coordinator 

Softball

Men’s and women’s softball regular season has come to an end, followed by tournament play. Our many thanks to the people who worked as umpires for all of our leagues. Your dedication and commitment only made a great season better.

It wouldn’t be Park District softball without Ace Hinman. A big round of applause for him. Ace Hinman did a tremendous job organizing all of our officials. Our own Brandy Mullenbach was the official ball retriever. Every time someone hit a ball into the weeds or bean fields, Brando had to go get it. Brando is really glad to see the season end! Thanks much Brandy.

Much of the success of any of our programs, especially the ones that involve the kids, depends on our sponsors and volunteers who act as coaches or officials. The support we receive from these businesses and individuals goes far beyond their financial contributions and the donation of their time and talent.

Lincoln Park District’s girls’ softball swim party was scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 10, from 5 to 9 p.m., with coaches presenting awards during the evening.

Bus trip

We are on the bus again! This time it’s to St. Louis as we watch the Cardinals take on the Cubs. We’re guaranteeing a fun time. Sunday, Sept. 17, at 9 a.m. we depart the Rec. Center. Our plans are to return at 8:30 p.m. Cost for the charter coach and game ticket is $40.

Annual 5K run

The Lincoln Park District, in conjunction with the Lincoln Art and Balloon Fest, had its 12th annual 5K run at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 26. T-shirts were given to all participants, and awards were given to the top three finishers in each age category. The run began and ended at the Park District. Refreshments were provided.

Flag football

One of our more successful programs for young boys and girls has been flag football. Randy Turley has organized this league for the past few years and has done a very good job with seeing this grow in the numbers of participants each year. However, due to expanding family commitments, Mr. Turley is no longer available to us. First of all, our heartfelt thanks to Randy for a job well done.

Now we have to approach the community and ask that one or more of them that have children involved come forward and chair the league. Our goal is to keep the league operative and to follow many of the same goals that Mr. Turley founded the program on. The continuation of a great program lies in the willingness of parents to become involved and dedicate a couple nights a week to teaching the fundamentals of football.

Cheerleading volunteer needed

We already have a volunteer to co-chair the cheerleading for the girls, but we need to have another co-chair to work with her.

We believe that if enough people get involved in coaching and teaching that this can be a manageable task. If you are interested in chairing or have questions, please call Roy at 732-8770. People who have worked in these capacities in the past will testify that it is very rewarding and creates bonds that last a lifetime.

Through mid-September, Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital (ALMH) is providing free colorectal cancer screening kits and lab testing to assist you in identifying indicators of possible cancer in the colon or rectum. Colorectal cancer is one of the most curable of all cancers when it is detected early and treated promptly.

Because colorectal cancer develops over a period of time, it is possible to detect it by testing stool samples long before physical symptoms appear. The majority of people who develop colorectal cancer are over age 50. Over 75 percent of all cases can be cured, and patients can resume normal lives. The American Cancer Society recommends yearly stool blood tests after the age of 50.

The simple at-home test kit provided by ALMH will help the laboratory check your stool samples for hidden blood, which can be a sign of cancer or other internal disorders. The kit lists dietary suggestions of what to eat and what to avoid two days prior to the test. Following these few suggestions can reduce the chances of a "false positive" test result and increase probability of a more accurate test. The kit also provides all materials and directions needed for collecting stool samples and preparing slides for testing, and includes a pre-addressed envelope to mail the sample and information back to the ALMH lab. The lab will notify you of your results within two weeks after receiving the test. It is important to remember that the screening does not provide a complete cancer detection examination. Regardless of test results, you should see your physician whenever you experience changes in your bowel habits.

To take advantage of this opportunity, all tests must be received at Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital no later than Sept. 15.

Test kits are available at local physician offices, pharmacies, senior living centers, the Logan County Health Department, and the Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital Laboratory. In rural locations it is also available on the Rural Health Partnership’s mobile health unit. You may pick up your free kit at the following locations:

Abe Lincoln Pharmacy

Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital Laboratory

The Christian Village

CVS Pharmacy

Family Medical Center

Friendship Manor

Graue Pharmacy

Lincoln Health Care Specialists (Drs. Carroll, Harmon, Sagins and Sielaff)

Logan County Health Department

Logan County Highrise

Maple Ridge Retirement Center

Medicap Pharmacy

Oasis Senior Center

Wal-Mart Pharmacy

Sherman’s Pharmacy

Mobile health unit of Rural Health Partnership

Family Medical Center

Mason City Pharmacy

Dr. Borgerson’s office

Dr. Schmidt’s office

The Mount Pulaski Pharmacy

Mobile health unit of Rural Health Partnership

In Beason, Broadwell, Chestnut, Cornland, Elkhart, Emden, Greenview, Hartsburg, Lake Fork, Latham, Middletown, New Holland and San Jose, kits are available on the Rural Health Partnership’s mobile health unit.

Contest deadline: In-hand by Sept. 15.