Humane Society tree of lights, live Nativity at Zion Lutheran, 'It's a Wonder-full Life,' Christmas cookie walk, park district's outdoor decorating contest, Joseph Ahrends and Dylan List make Close Up

By Mike Fak

[December 07, 2011]  The lights of the Humane Society of Logan County's Tree of Hope, located at Ace Hardware, are once again being illuminated to represent tributes to loyal companions, loved ones and friends. The Tree of Hope project is designed so that everyone is able to help homeless animals, while honoring and remembering loved ones, friends and pets -- living and deceased. Tribute forms are in the mail and will be available at the HSLC Shelter and Ace Hardware.

The Tree of Hope celebration is especially important this year as the HSLC Shelter, 1801 E. Lincoln Parkway, is now open to its first guests. There are lively, adorable kittens, puppies and young adult cats and dogs ready for placement in forever homes. The shelter is open Wednesday 10-4, Thursday 10-4, Friday 10-5, Saturday 10-2 and Sunday 1-3 to anyone who wishes to visit the animals, look for a loyal companion or just enjoy the antics of the guests. You will not be disappointed.

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On Friday and Saturday evenings, Dec. 9 and 10, the annual live Nativity sponsored by Zion Lutheran School and Church, Lincoln, will be in the front yard at the school, across from Wal-Mart. The drive-thru live Nativity will include actors and animals. No need to leave your car. No admission. Canned food donations will be accepted for the food pantry. The time is 6-8 p.m.

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The Christmas musical "It's a Wonder-full Life," sponsored by Zion Lutheran Church & School, Mount Pulaski, will be presented on Friday, Dec. 9, starting at 7 p.m. The musical will include students from preschool to eighth grade. Admission is free, but please bring a nonperishable food item for the Logan County Food Bank. The presentation is at the Zion Lutheran Elkhart Center, 217 S. Gillett St. in Elkhart.

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On Saturday, Dec. 10, the annual Christmas cookie walk for the Harvest of Talents for World Hunger will take place at the Lincoln Christian Church Fellowship Center, 204 N. McLean. Homemade cookies will be sold by the pound. Here is a perfect opportunity to purchase homemade Christmas cookies for your holiday entertaining. All proceeds go to the Harvest of Talents for World Hunger.

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Happy holidays to each of you from the Lincoln Park District. The park district invites you to participate in its fifth annual Holiday Home Outdoor Decorating Contest. Enter online at www.lincolnparkdistrict.com or register by calling 732-8770. The judging will be on Dec. 13 and the park district will announce the winners on Dec. 15. Outdoor decorations will be judged on originality, complexity and overall theme. Previous first-place winners are ineligible. The decisions of the judges will be final. First place will receive a one-year full access family membership, second place a six-month family circuit membership, and third place will win a three-month family circuit membership. You must be registered by Tuesday, Dec. 13, in order to qualify.

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Joseph Ahrends, eighth-grader at Zion Lutheran School in Lincoln, was selected as the Zion Lutheran October Student of the Month. Joe has been on the ZLS high honor roll, and his school activities include speech team, band, Bible Bowl, Math Bowl, Scholastic Bowl, Geography Bee, track and field, choir, and chimes choir.

He is a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Lincoln. His church and community activities include serving as president of the Chester 4-H Club, youth group, Sunday school, Art Fair volunteer and Kajukenbo martial arts. He also enjoys reading, acting and filmmaking. Joe's parents are Les and Marty Ahrends.

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The 1st State Bank of Mason City and Illini Central High School have presented Dylan List with the November Student of the Month Award. For demonstrating outstanding character, he received a $50 savings bond from 1st State Bank and an iTunes card from the Illini Central High School faculty.

Dylan is the son of Jim and Dana List.

His classes this year include LTEC in Criminal Justice, Chemistry, Leadership, Social Thought and Physical Education.

In addition, Dylan plays basketball and baseball for Illini Central High School. 

Dylan plans to attend a junior college for two years before transferring to Western University, where he will major in criminal justice/law enforcement.

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