CLOSE UP    Zooming in on
the people, places and things that make this community interesting.

sponsored by CHRIS COYNE, agent - State Farm Insurance

American Legion Auxiliary, Immanuel hymn sing, blood drive, Jason Hoffman's art, Germanfest, Cool Ceramics, Logan Mason Public Transportation, Melrose Park event, Community Action meeting, Kelly Miller Circus, writing club, Woofstock, LCU Golf Scramble, Musical Offering for World Hunger, Together for Lincoln, Community Action LIHEAP applications, VFW essay competitions

Send a link to a friend

[September 26, 2012]  Logan County Council of the American Legion Auxiliary meeting Thursday

The Logan County Council of the American Legion Auxiliary will meet Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the Mount Pulaski Post Home.

Linda Vercler, 17th District president, will be the guest speaker. Members of the Mount Pulaski Unit will also share their work in creating safe and sustainable homes for homeless veterans.

All American Legion Auxiliary members in Logan County are encouraged to attend.


Immanuel Lutheran will host old-fashioned hymn sing

The congregation of Immanuel Lutheran Church invites one and all to an old-fashioned outdoor hymn sing on Saturday, beginning at 5 p.m. The event will be at the shelter building on the northwest corner of the church property, across from Lincoln Community High School.

In case of inclement weather, the hymn sing will be moved into the church.

Hymns chosen include well-known old favorites such as "Church in the Wildwood," "I'll Fly Away" and "Give Me That Old-Time Religion."

Pastor Andrew Nyren will give a brief history and description of each hymn. Glenda Downing, keyboard, and Shirley Klink, guitar and banjo, will provide accompaniment.

A light supper will follow the singing.


Lincoln Kiwanis Club to sponsor blood drive at Lincoln Masonic Center

To help ensure an adequate blood supply for the region, Lincoln Kiwanis Club is sponsoring a blood drive Monday at the Lincoln Masonic Center, 2022 N. Kickapoo. The hours of the blood drive are noon to 6 p.m.

For your convenience, call Alexis to sign up toll-free at 1-866-GIVE-BLD (1-866-448-3253), ext. 158, or schedule an appointment online using sponsor code 60057 at www.bloodcenterimpact.org. Walk-ins are also welcome and truly appreciated.

Central Illinois Community Blood Center, a not-for-profit organization, is the provider of lifesaving blood for 14 hospitals throughout central Illinois, including Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital, Memorial Medical Center and St. John's Hospital in Springfield. CICBC is a division of the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center, which collects more than 180,000 units of blood annually and serves 85 hospitals in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri and Wisconsin.


"Healing" -- Jason Hoffman art exhibit comes to Lincoln Art Institute

An exhibition of sculptures by Jason Hoffman opens at the Lincoln Art Institute, 112 S. McLean St., on Saturday and continues until Nov. 2. There will be a public reception for the artist on Saturday from 4 to 7 p.m.

Hoffman's work is related to acceptance and the power of healing. He takes objects that we see on a regular basis but never contemplate how they can be viewed out of their normal context.

"These objects are used to create open-ended sculptural narratives. The pieces seem direct, but underneath their skin, they hold infinite possibilities," Hoffman commented. "The reality and meaning of the art happens in the moment the viewer gives their own interpretation of the sculptures from their experiences. The objects and images alone do not have value. The value comes from the ability to help heal, which is made possible through the viewer."

Hoffman is a woods and drafting teacher at Lincoln Community High School. He earned his bachelor's degree in fine arts from Illinois State University in 2005. His art was recently on display in New York, N.Y.


Germanfest at St. John United Church of Christ Oct. 20

The 13th annual Germanfest will be celebrated at St. John United Church of Christ in Lincoln on Oct. 20. Authentic German food will be served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of the church. The Alley Kats band will furnish music during the serving time, including polka music for dancing or listening.

Brats, red cabbage, sauerkraut, German potato salad, apple strudel, German chocolate cake or angel food cake will be served with apple cider, tea or coffee. A hot dog meal with chips, dessert and drink will also be available.

The church youth group will offer the same menu at a drive-thru line at the alley alongside the former ALMH east parking lot.

Tickets are available from church members, by calling the office and at the Germanfest. Free delivery in town will be available with orders of six or more prepaid tickets. Tickets for the German meal are $7.50 and for the hot dog meal $3.50.

Parking for the church is at the corner of Maple and Eighth streets.

Proceeds will benefit mission projects, which have been the recipients from the beginning. Missions served have been Austin Bahn Fundraiser, Back Bay Mission, Boy Scout Troup 106, Church World Service Disaster Relief Fund, Community Action Food Pantry, Habitat for Humanity of Logan County, Hope from the Rubble (UCC CWS/9-11-01), Ill. Conference Hurricane Relief Fund, CROP, Mom and Me Camp, Reinhold Niebuhr Memorial Plaque, Salvation Army, SHARE, St. John UCC of Chicago (sister church), St. John UCC Youth Veterans Dance and Teddy Bear Project of ALMH.


'Cool Ceramics' at the Atlanta Public Library

ATLANTA -- The Atlanta Public Library's Lively Arts program will kick off on Thursday with a ceramics workshop from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the library. Led by Heather Rogers, "Cool Ceramics" is designed for ages 14 and up.

Participants will choose from among three shapes, learn about painting color and technique, and create an original piece of their own. All finished pieces will be fired by Artful Designs in Bloomington and returned to creators for display in their own homes or offices. Ceramic art makes great gifts, too, so it's an opportunity to get an early start on holiday shopping.

A "way cool" workshop, this is also an opportunity to get together with friends and family, explore your own creativity, see what others design, and make something beautiful.

Space is limited, so sign up early to ensure your spot. There is a small charge for the workshop to cover the cost of materials, and registration is required. The deadline for registration is Monday. Contact the library at 217-648-2112 for more information and to sign up.


Logan Mason Public Transportation will host ribbon-cut

Logan Mason Public Transportation will have a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the program's early successes in offering affordable, safe and efficient transportation to area residents.

The ribbon-cutting will take place on Thursday at 11 a.m. at the corporate headquarters of the Community Action Partnership of Central Illinois, 1800 Fifth St. in Lincoln.

Cake, coffee and punch will be provided following the short ceremony.

Staff from LMPT will be on hand to discuss details of the program and answer questions.

LMPT is a "demand response" transportation program that requires passengers to call at least 24 hours in advance to schedule their rides. At the time of the call, the dispatcher will schedule the time, location and return trip if needed. The dispatcher also will confirm any applicable fare for the ride.

The LMPT fare schedule is available at www.capcil.org/transportation.htm, or click here. Seniors, age 60 and up, may use LMPT services for a suggested donation.

LMPT operates Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. To schedule a ride, residents need to call 1-866-930-8212 toll-free at least 24 hours before they need a ride and make arrangements with the dispatcher.

All six LMPT vans are equipped with wheelchair lifts.

The program looks forward to providing safe, cost-effective and efficient transportation to residents.

Community Action Partnership of Central Illinois is a not-for-profit agency serving the low-income and senior populations of six counties in central Illinois. For more information, visit www.capcil.org.


Community night Thursday at Melrose Park

The city of Lincoln and the From the Group Up group will host a community night Thursday, Sept. 27, at Melrose Park, at Adams and 13th streets in Lincoln.

The From the Ground Up group will plant flower beds in the park in the afternoon, beginning at 3:30. The tulips for these beds have been donated by Ward 1 Alderwomen Melody Anderson and Stacy Bacon.

At 5:30, Lincoln D.A.R.E. will start serving grilled hot dogs, chips and soda, all free of charge.

Everyone is invited to come out and visit with Mayor Keith Snyder and Anderson during the evening.

In addition the Lincoln Fire Department and Police Department will have a fire truck and squad car for kids and adults to inspect firsthand. There are also plans for the street department to bring out one of their big dump trucks.

Parents are invited to bring their cameras for a shot of their children as future firefighters, policemen or superintendent of Lincoln streets and alleys. Bring lawn chairs and blankets and prepare to stay awhile, relaxing and visiting with friends and neighbors.


Community Action board meeting notice

The next regularly scheduled corporate board meeting of the Community Action Partnership is scheduled for Sept. 27 at 7 p.m. The meeting will be at Community Action's corporate offices, 1800 Fifth St. in Lincoln.

For transportation to the meeting, contact the resource specialist at your county office:

  • DeWitt County:
    Anita Russell, 217-935-2455

  • Logan County:
    Cyndi Campbell, 217-732-2159

  • Mason-Fulton County:
    Anna Richardson, 309-543-6988

  • Piatt County:
    Wendy Dotson, 217-762-2421


Tickets on sale now for Kelly Miller Circus

The Kelly Miller Circus is coming to Lincoln. The circus will roll into town on Oct. 6 to set up on the front lawn of the Best Western Plus on Lincoln Parkway and historic Route 66.

Everyone is invited to come out and watch the animals being unloaded and fed, as well as the elephants raising the big top. Activities will begin at 7:30 a.m., and the tent will be raised at 9 a.m. Throughout the day as setup continues, guides will be furnished for school groups and anyone attending.

The day will be filled with activities, all to raise funds for the preservation project for The Mill on 66, spearheaded by the Route 66 Heritage Foundation of Logan County.

The Railsplitter Antique Auto Club will once again host their annual cruise-in to support The Mill. The car show will be at the corner of Fifth Street and Lincoln Parkway between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

The traditional, "old style" circus will present performances at 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Circus tickets are now on sale at several locations throughout Lincoln. Beck's Travel Plaza, all State Bank of Lincoln branches, Kroger, the Information Station and the Best Western Plus all are selling adult tickets at $10 each and children's tickets at $6 each for the big event.

The circus promises to be more exciting than ever with many new acts and entertainers to amaze and amuse you. Come out and enjoy a day of fun-filled excitement.


Lincoln Writer's Club will meet Oct. 9

Lincoln Writer's Club will meet Oct. 9 at 6:30 p.m. in the Alumni Room of the Lincoln College dining hall.

Suggested topics: story about autumn, harvest time or Halloween.

All are welcome.

For more info, call 732-2723.


[to top of second column]


'Woofstock' -- Humane Society fundraiser

Bring your furry friends and join Anytime Fitness and the Humane Society of Logan County at Kickapoo Creek Park on Oct. 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for "Woofstock." This is a furry friends and fitness fair fundraiser to benefit the Humane Society. Walk and shop with your pets and purchase items to help support the organization.

At the event there will be hound and human health vendors, face painting, games for kids, a balloon artist, hot dogs, chips and drinks.

There will also be contests and an auction. Auction items include a recliner from Jake's Furnishings, power tools from R.P. Lumber, a freezer from McEntire's Direct Maytag and many more. A raffle will also take place, and you do not have to be present to win.

For more information or to get involved, call Anytime Fitness at 217-732-1155.


LCU athletics to host golf scramble

The Lincoln Christian University Athletic Department will host its second annual Athletic Department Golf Scramble on Oct. 5 at the Lincoln Elks Golf Club. The shotgun start will be at 10 a.m.

Each participant's donation to the LCU Athletic Department will include 18 holes of golf with cart, meal, prizes and an update on the status of the athletic programs at LCU.

The cost is $75 per person and $300 per team.

The deadline for registration is Sept. 28. Participants can register and pay online or mail the registration form and check to:

Lincoln Christian University
Attn: Mac Ingmire
100 Campus View Drive
Lincoln, IL 62656

For more information, contact Mac Ingmire at 217-732- 3168, ext. 2224, or at mingmire@lincolnchristian.edu.


Lincoln Christian Church presents 20th Musical Offering for World Hunger

This year's Musical Offering for World Hunger will be on Oct. 14 at 2:30 p.m. in the Lincoln Christian Church sanctuary.

2012 marks the 20th year for the Musical Offering for World Hunger. Linda Storm and Tim Searby developed the idea for a "musical offering" in the early years of Harvest of Talents at Lincoln Christian Church for musicians to have a way to share their talents in helping to feed hungry people around the world.

Throughout the years the musical offering has included music from the masters to Broadway, and this year is no exception. The concert will include organ, piano, vocal solos and duets, choir, handbells and the H.O.T. vocal ensemble.

A freewill offering will be taken, and all proceeds will be given to Harvest of Talents to feed hungry and hurting people all over the world.

Participants this year are Linda Storm, Tim Searby, Gail King, Kay Dobson, Laurin Hill, Dinelle Frankland, Darrin Akin, Paula Landess, Deb Parker, LaVerne Tesh, Paula Knopp, Donnie Parker, Bev Kurka, Jennifer Ramsey, Barry King, Bob Kurka, Cheryl Baker, Rich Knopp, Mike Vernon, Lorna Searby, Randy Storm, Brenda Maddox, Julie King, Brandon Davis, Lincoln Christian Church Sanctuary Choir, John Stein, Zach Ramsey, Lincoln Christian Church Bell Choir and Jeremy Goeckner.

Immediately following the concert, the ministry team for Harvest of Talents for World Hunger will host a punch and homemade cookie reception in celebration of the 20th anniversary. Everyone attending the concert is invited to attend the reception, offering them an opportunity to express their appreciation to the musicians.

Harvest of Talents is celebrating 29 years of ministry, and the musicians involved in the musical offering are delighted to share their talents in support of this vital ministry.


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.


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.


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/.


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/
.


< Top Stories index

Back to top


 

News | Sports | Business | Rural Review | Teaching and Learning | Home and Family | Tourism | Obituaries

Community | Perspectives | Law and Courts | Leisure Time | Spiritual Life | Health and Fitness | Teen Scene
Calendar | Letters to the Editor