Family Preparedness Day, farmers market coupons, night golf outing, Together for Lincoln, Masonic Lodge 210, Community Action LIHEAP applications, Lincoln Jaycees Haunted House, VFW essay competitions, Class of 1957, Rock 4 Life, hunter safety course, Moving Forward 5K

[September 12, 2012]  Family Preparedness Day Saturday at Scully Park

September is National Preparedness Month. The Logan County Emergency Management Agency and Logan County Department of Public Health are committed to participate in the National Preparedness Month to increase preparedness throughout Logan County by partnering to coordinate Family Preparedness Day.

When: Saturday, Sept. 15, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Where: Scully Park, Lincoln -- McLean Street

Who: Logan County Department of Public Health, Logan County Emergency Management Agency, Lincoln Fire Department, Lincoln Rural Fire Protection District, Logan County Paramedic Association, Lincoln Police Department, American Red Cross, Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System.

One of the key messages of National Preparedness Month is to be prepared in the event an emergency causes you to be self-reliant for three days without the following: utilities and electricity, water service, access to a supermarket or local services, or maybe even without response from police, fire or rescue.

Preparing can start with four important steps:

1. Be informed about emergencies that could happen in your community, and identify sources of information in your community that will be helpful before, during and after and emergency.

2. Make a plan for what to do in an emergency.

3. Build an emergency supply kit.

4. Get involved.

Emergencies can happen anytime and anywhere without notice. This is why we encourage our community to be better prepared and invite community members to join us in the effort.

See publicity.

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Senior farmers market coupons available Thursday at Oasis

People 60 years of age and older who meet income guidelines are eligible for free coupons to be used to purchase a total of $21 worth of fresh fruits and vegetables at the farmers markets in Latham and Scully parks in Lincoln and in Elkhart. Coupon booklets may be obtained at the Oasis Senior Center, 501 Pulaski St. in Lincoln, from 9 a.m. until noon Thursday.

Coupons are available while supplies last and are limited to one booklet per person per season. Participants are required to complete an application to receive the coupons.

Maximum annual income is $20,665 for a single-person household and $27,991 for a household of two. For each additional household member, $7,326 is added.

This popular program is made available by the United States Department of Agriculture and the Illinois Department of Human Services and is handled by the Area Agency on Aging for Lincolnland.

For more information, call the Area Agency on Aging at 787-9234 or 1-800-252-2918.

The Area Agency on Aging for Lincolnland is a nonprofit planning and administrative agency designated by the Illinois Department on Aging to develop and coordinate programs and support services for people 60 years and older and family caregivers to help them live more independent, active and dignified lives.

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Development partnership hosts night golf outing to support mission

The Lincoln & Logan County Development Partnership is planning a fall fundraiser to help raise funds to support their work in Logan County. The partnership decided on something new that Logan County has not seen before. On Sept. 21 they will host their first-ever night golf outing at North Greens Golf Course in Atlanta. A rain date is set for Sept. 28.

This is a night golf scramble with shotgun start at 7 p.m. The course will be lit with glow sticks by tee boxes, fairway markers, flags and holes. Hazards, such as water, will also be marked.

Prizes will be awarded to first- and second-place teams for longest drive, longest putt and closest to the pin.

The registration fee is $50 per person or $200 for a four-person team. The fee includes the nine-hole green fee, golf cart, one glow ball, one glow stick, one glow necklace per participant, two wristbands per cart and happy hour snacks.

Extra glow items will be available for purchase at check-in, as well as mulligans and alcoholic beverages.

The partnership hopes to secure sponsorships to help support this fall fundraiser.

If you are interested in golfing or sponsoring at the event, contact the Lincoln & Logan County Development Partnership at 217-732-8739 or visit the website at www.lincolnlogan.com for more details and a registration form.

The Lincoln & Logan County Development Partnership is a nonprofit charitable organization with the goals to develop new business, retain current business and enhance the quality of life in Lincoln and Logan County.

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Together for Lincoln seeking volunteers

As Together for Lincoln nears its Sept. 29 community service project day, it has plenty of projects to complete. In order to complete the projects, organizers are in need of several hundred more volunteers. These volunteers are needed for a variety of tasks, which range from visiting people in the nursing home to constructing wheelchair ramps. Of the 107 projects already submitted, about a third involve installation of windows for weatherization projects.

"This is the first year we have taken on weatherization projects, and we have been amazed by the response," said Norm Newhouse, Together for Lincoln president. "We need volunteers for all projects, but especially for carpentry projects such as window installation."

Newhouse went on to say that TFL would help to equip anyone with basic carpentry skills in order to prepare them to install windows.

"We are in dire need of expert carpenters, but we also really need those with basic to intermediate carpentry skills as well," he said.

While Together for Lincoln is no longer accepting applications for home improvement, volunteers are still being accepted. One of the volunteer coordinators, Caroline Higgins, requests that volunteers sign up as soon as possible, as the pairing of projects and workers will begin within the next week.

"Volunteer numbers are behind normal so far," says Higgins. "It will take several hundred more volunteers to complete all of the projects."

Those wishing to volunteer for any project area may do so by signing up at http://togetherforlincoln.com/
GetInvolved.aspx, or they may pick up a paper application from the State Bank of Lincoln Wal-Mart location, Oasis Senior Center or through partner churches.

Together for Lincoln is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. In its four previous annual community service days, over 3,200 volunteers representing at least 15 area churches have worked together to complete more than 400 service projects.

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Special meeting at the Masonic Lodge Sept. 18

On Sept. 18 there will be a special meeting at Lincoln Masonic Lodge 210 beginning at 6:30 p.m.

At that time there will be a plaque presentation in honor of Darrel Klink. All area Masons are invited to attend this special service.

The regular meeting of the lodge will commence immediately after the presentation.

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Community Action utility assistance program begins

The Community Action Partnership of Central Illinois announced that Tuesday was the beginning of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, LIHEAP. Community Action administers the program, providing a one-time benefit toward utilities to eligible households in DeWitt, Logan, Mason, Menard and Piatt counties.

To qualify during the priority period of Sept. 4-28, individuals must have incomes of no more than 150 percent of the federal poverty level. Seniors or disabled residents can apply.

Beginning Oct. 1-31, accepted applications will be expanded to include households that have families with children under 5 and disconnected households.

All other households that meet the 150 percent federal poverty guidelines will be eligible for the program beginning Nov. 1 and will continue to May 31, 2013, or until all funds are depleted.

The amount of utility payment is determined by the household income, size, fuel type and geographic location in the state. Source of gas does not have to be natural gas or electricity in order to receive assistance. Payments are made directly to vendors on behalf of the households.

Interested participants can contact their local Community Action Agency Partnership of Central Illinois office to schedule an appointment:

• Logan County: 217-732-2159, ext. 226

• Menard County: 217-632-3878

• Mason County: 309-543-6988

• DeWitt County: 217-935-2455

• Piatt County: 217-762-2421

Community Action Partnership of Central Illinois Agency serves low-income, disabled and elderly households in six central Illinois counties. For more information, visit www.capcil.org.

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Lincoln Jaycees Haunted House looking for volunteers

Construction is already under way and the Lincoln Jaycees are still looking for volunteers to help build and run this year's haunted house attraction. Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age and have a parent's permission if under 18. Anyone interested can call Shelley at 217-871-3009 or stop by the haunted house location at 325 S. Chicago St.

The Lincoln Jaycees Haunted House has been an annual Lincoln tradition for several decades. It is used as a primary fundraiser for other Lincoln Jaycees projects such as the Senior Feast, Angel Tree and Easter egg hunt.

This year's haunted house will open Oct. 5 at the Lincoln Jaycees Center, 325 S. Chicago St. It will be open every Friday and Saturday in October from 7 to 11 p.m. as well as Oct. 29, 30 and 31 from 7 to 10 p.m. Kids' matinees are every Saturday from 6 to 7 p.m.

The Lincoln Jaycees are a not-for-profit organization that serves Lincoln and the surrounding communities. The organization gives young people between the ages of 18 and 40 the tools they need to build the bridges of success for themselves in the areas of business development, management skills, individual training, community service and international connections. Membership meetings are at 7 p.m. the third Thursday of each month at the Lincoln Jaycees Center, 325 S. Chicago St., and are open to everyone.

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Local student could win $5,000 in college money

Commanders of Veterans of Foreign Wars posts across Illinois have announced the kickoff of this year's VFW and Ladies Auxiliary "Patriot's Pen" essay competition. Middle school students in grades six to eight in this area have the opportunity to compete in the annual competition and win thousands of dollars.

Students are invited to write a 300- to 400-word essay on a patriotic theme. The theme for 2012-2013, which is the 18th year of the contest, is: "What I Would Tell America's Founding Fathers."

Students begin by competing at the local post level. Post winners advance to district, and district winners participate in the state competition. The state winners compete for $46,000 in awards, and first place wins $5,000.

Each year, around 126,000 students participate nationwide.

Deadline for student entries is Nov. 1. Interested students and teachers should contact their local VFW post for more information.

For details, visit http://www.vfw.org/Community/Patriot-s-Pen/.

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Local high school student could win trip to Washington, DC, and $30,000 scholarship

Commanders of Veterans of Foreign Wars posts across Illinois have announced the kickoff of the 66th year of the VFW and Ladies Auxiliary Voice of Democracy Scholarship competition. Local high school students have the opportunity to compete for thousands of dollars in scholarships and a trip to Washington, D.C.

The Voice of Democracy Scholarship contest is an annual nationwide audio essay competition designed to give ninth- to 12th-grade high school students, ages 15-19, an opportunity to voice their opinion on their responsibility to our country. Home-schooled students are also invited to participate.

Students must write and record a three- to five-minute essay on this theme for 2012-2013: "Is Our Constitution Still Relevant?" The recording is to be on an audio cassette tape or audio CD. Students competing enter their recording, typed essay and entry form at their local VFW post. The deadline is Nov. 1.

Post winners advance to district judging, and then the first-place district winners advance to the state competition in Springfield. All state winners receive a four-day trip to Washington, D.C.

A total of $152,000 is awarded to national finalists. First place is a $30,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational-technical school.

Annually the VFW provides more than $2.3 million in scholarships. Around 50,000 students participate in the competition each year.

The Voice of Democracy contest was started by the National Association of Broadcasters in the late 1940s, and the VFW became involved in the late 1950s. The VFW took over primary sponsorship in 1961, when the broadcasters could no longer sponsor the program nationally. Then in 1964, the VFW Ladies Auxiliary joined in sponsorship of the program.

Because of the active program promotion and participation, the national scholarship funds have steadily increased from four national winners in 1962, with total scholarships of $3,750, to the current level of 63 national scholarships totaling $152,000.

For more information about the Voice of Democracy competition, contact the Veterans of Foreign Wars post in your area. If you are unsure of the post in your area, contact Illinois VFW headquarters in Springfield at 217-529-6688.

For more information, visit http://www.vfw.org/
Community/Voice-of-Democracy/.

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Class of 1957 news

The Lincoln Community High School Class of 1957 invites the Classes of 1956 and 1958 to a reunion mixer on Friday, Sept. 14, at 6:30 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus.

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Lincoln Pregnancy Resource Center's Rock 4 Life event

A five-hour charity "rock-a-thon" is planned for Sept. 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Lincoln Christian University Restoration Hall, The Dowling Auditorium. The Rock 4 Life event will benefit the Lincoln Pregnancy Resource Center.

Entertainment and refreshments will be provided throughout the day, and there will be a prize for the top rocker.

Planners are looking for captains to organize teams, with each team made up of five rockers -- family, friends, co-workers, neighbors -- one for each hour in the Rock 4 Life. Every rocker in the team collects donations for the hour they rock.

Are you ready to rock? Call Linda Nelson or Amanda Stidham at 217-735-4838 or email them at [e-mail].

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Hunter safety course to be offered at Mount Pulaski

MOUNT PULASKI -- The Mount Pulaski American Legion will be the location for a two-day hunter safety training course. The classes will be on Sept. 14 from 6 to 10 p.m. and on Sept. 15 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

A noontime meal will be served on Sept. 15.

For anyone under the age of 16 wishing to attend, they must be accompanied by a second party who is at least 16 or older.

Reservations for the class can be made by calling 217-792-5658.

There is no charge for this class.

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Register now for 2nd annual Moving Forward 5K

Registration is open for the second annual Moving Forward 5K Run/Walk, scheduled for Oct. 13 at Edward R. Madigan State Park. At 9 a.m., rain or shine, walkers and runners of all fitness levels will take off on a route that meanders through grassland and woodland. All are encouraged to join friends and family and enjoy the fall scenery while being active.

The event is brought to the community by the Abraham Lincoln Healthcare Foundation and Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital's Sportscare.

Runners and walkers can register online at: https://almh.proeventreg.com/
movingforward#register.

For those who register before Sept. 15, there is a discounted registration of $20, which includes a men's or women's dry-fit race shirt. After Sept. 15, the registration fee will increase to $25. Shirts are not guaranteed for late registrants.

"Our mission is to improve the health of the people and communities we serve, and what better way than through exercise," said Todd Mourning, physical therapist and manager of rehab services at ALMH. "I hope that this event encourages people of all fitness levels to get moving forward towards good health."

The event's lead sponsor is Gehlbach Law, PC. Other sponsors are Blue Dog Inn, Clinical Radiologists, Eaton Corp., Nikles Chevrolet, Nobbe Eye Care, Linda Barrick at Brady Realtors and Tracy Olson Insurance Agency.

The Abraham Lincoln Healthcare Foundation will use proceeds from the Moving Forward 5K Run/Walk to support community wellness programs.

Sportscare at ALMH is a full-service athletic training program for young athletes and active adults. Services include performance enhancement, injury prevention, concussion management, training zone programs, high-tech knee and shoulder treatment, and more.

For more information about the Moving Forward 5K event, call the rehabilitation department at ALMH at 217-605-5500.

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