St. John youth and veterans, Special Olympics, Humane Society, Relay for Life, and local authors at Lincoln College in Close Up

By Mike Fak

[November 03, 2009]  St. John United Church of Christ youth will honor the veterans of their church family and present them a gift during the worship service at the church on Nov. 8. The veterans being recognized are Ted Albertin, Loren Birnbaum, Josh Bismark, Adam Bock, Bob Borowiak, Charles Brainard, Erik Brickman, Kenneth Brickman, John Cassens, Rod Christensen, Phillip Gehlbach, William Gehlbach, Dan Gosda, Gerald Gosda, David Hansen, Homer Harris Jr., Nelson (Gene) Johnson, Jack Leich, Robert T. Lenhardt, Eric Leslie, Don McCann, Scott Mara, Robert Meinershagen, Julian Menzel, Anthony Morey, Richard Morgan, Wilbur Paulus, Arthur Rohrer, Ray Turner, Donald Werkman, Lawrence Wilham Jr., James Wilmert and Wilbur Wilmert.

Individual invitations have been sent to every veteran the youth are aware for their Veteran Celebration and Recognition Dance on Sunday, Nov. 8, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the American Legion in Lincoln. The evening meal and dance is for veterans and their spouses who are living in or were deployed from Logan County. Jonathan and Tami Pagel are the adult sponsors for this group of young people. Questions can be directed to 732-9796, Tonita Reifsteck, or the church office at 732-6957.

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The Lincoln Special Olympics is holding their second annual basketball tournament this coming Saturday, Nov. 7. Last year, the tournament brought 25 teams and over 400 people to the Lincoln Park District for this one-day event. This year LSO has people coming from as far as Danville and Rushville to participate. Volunteers and spectators from the community are welcome to come to the park district's Rec Center on Saturday. The first game starts at 8 a.m. and the last game will begin at 4 p.m.

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The Humane Society of Logan County needs foster homes for dogs and cats. A shelter is planned for the future when adequate funds are available, but at the present time the only way HSLC has to "save" an animal is through the generosity of foster homes. The GOOD NEWS is that with the limited number of foster homes we have, HSLC has completed 41 adoptions in 2009. We have surpassed the total number of adoptions completed in 2008. The SAD NEWS is that this year so far we have had no room for 42 dogs and 66 cats.

HSLC takes care of food, supplies and medical issues. Foster homes provide love and training. They take an animal into their home until a "forever home" is found. In 2008, a total of 28 dogs and cats were adopted. So far in 2009 HSLC has found forever homes for 20 dogs and cats. HSLC will have trouble sustaining this outstanding pace without the addition of additional foster homes.

If you are a family who loves animals, think about becoming a foster family for HSLC. Call Wanda Stevens at 217-737-4042 for more information on fostering and on adoption. Also, check out the Web site at www.hslclincoln.org.

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Interested in joining the fight against cancer? Teams are now forming for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Logan County in Lincoln in June 2010. Relay for Life of Logan County is looking for individuals who want to make a positive difference in the fight against cancer. The kickoff for the 2010 Relay for Life will be on Jan. 25, but if you register your team prior to Jan. 1, the $25 registration fee will be waived. To register, go to www.relayforlifelogan.com or contact the American Cancer Society in Springfield at 217-523-4503.

Relay for Life is an overnight community event held to celebrate cancer survivors and caregivers, remember those who have lost their battle against the disease, and fight back against cancer by raising funds for research, educational outreach and programs that assist area cancer patients and their families. Teams of local businesses, schools, churches, community groups and families raise funds -- prior to and at the event -- to help fund support services for area patients and their families, cancer research, community educational programs, and advocacy initiatives.

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On Monday, Nov. 9, at 7 p.m., Lincoln College will host local authors who will discuss their writing experiences. This event will feature:

• F. Burleigh Willard Sr., author of "Friend of Angels," which tells the story of Joseph, the father of Jesus.  

• Margaret Peifer, author of "Glad to Meet Your Husband, Sister Martha." Mrs. Peifer is a former nun who left her convent and fell in love with the man who became her husband.

This event will be in the Alumni Room of the Student Center.    

Please call Mike Starasta at 217-732-3155, ext. 290, if you plan to attend.

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Got a good piece of news, information or something that we can all brag about? If you do, e-mail Mike and let us tell everyone about it. Plus you can win cash. Every submission, whether we use it or not, will get your name in the Close Up grab bag. At the end of the month we will draw a name and someone will get $25 just for dropping us an e-mail. If you wish, we will be happy to donate your winnings to the organization of your choice.

You can contact Mike at [e-mail].

[MIKE FAK]

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