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Brenda McCabe, Holocaust program, 'Celebrate Spring!' weekend in Elkhart, Route 66 weekend June 7-9, YPN wine-tasting, May 18 plant sale, District 27 'Distinguished Alumni,' New Holland Cruise-In, square dance lessons, Atlanta Rt. 66 Cruise-In, Moses Hernandez, Elkhart birding walk, Pleasant Valley meeting postponed, Laurel Jean program, gourd artist, Lincoln College Alumni Reunion, Bill Higdon Memorial Country Music Show, Walk MS, Elkhart art exhibition and classes, 'Punk' O'Donoghue benefit, landfill hours, HSLC garage sale donations

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[April 26, 2013]  Brenda McCabe named Office Professional of the Year

On Thursday, the Lincoln/Logan County Chamber of Commerce celebrated office professionals in the community with a luncheon at the Knights of Columbus. For the Office Professionals Luncheon this year, 170 individuals came together to celebrate excellence in the workplace.

The event provided a break in the day with a catered luncheon by Guzzardo's Italian Villa and words of wisdom from John Blackburn, retired CEO of Country Financial and 21st president of Lincoln College.

At the luncheon, the Office Professional of the Year nominees were recognized and the 2013 winner was announced.

Nminees and their employers were Candy Brown, Graue Inc.; Judy Busby, Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital; Kim Coers, Lincoln Christian University; Angie Ford, Integrity Data; Susan Gehlbach, city of Lincoln, clerk's office; Annetta Green, Frontier Mutual Insurance; Cheryl Hedrick, Logan County Emergency Management Agency; Becky Heyen, The Courier; Brenda McCabe, Lincoln Police Department; Angie Mahler, The Christian Village; and Alice Turner, Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital.

Brenda McCabe, who has worked for the city of Lincoln for 33 years, was chosen as the 2013 Office Professional of the Year. The award is given for outstanding work, dedication to the job, giving 110 percent and always going that extra mile.

Police Chief Ken Greenslate nominated McCabe. He said:

"Brenda McCabe has a positive spirit that has a contagious effect on the entire department. She has worked for the city of Lincoln for 33 years and for the last two years has held the role of administrative assistant at the Lincoln Police Department.

"She prepares all reports for the state's attorney and the city attorney; assists the administration, detective bureau and the patrol division with all of their records management; as well as entering and maintaining many other vital records. Brenda also digitally stored 30 years' worth of case files and evidence records in just two short years.

"Most recently, Brenda performed all of the payroll, budget projections and accounts payable for the city clerk office and for the police department during a two-month period when the city clerk office was shorthanded.

"Whenever she is asked to do something, she happily accepts the new challenge. Not only is she the definition of a hard worker, but she also treats everyone from the chief to the newest officer with the same level of respect and regard."

Greenslate added that "her contribution to the Lincoln Police Department has greatly improved our efficiency while at the same time, improved our work environment. Brenda is a true treasure as both an employee and as a person."

The chamber of commerce thanks the many sponsors who helped make the event possible and all who attended the luncheon, along with the bosses and supervisors who gave their staff the afternoon break to celebrate their special day. The chamber also thanks the Lincoln Knights of Columbus for the use of their facility and their preparations.

The Office Professionals Luncheon is an important part of the chamber's mission to advocate, support and unify local businesses for the prosperity of Logan County.


Michael Rothberg to discuss Holocaust on Monday

ATLANTA -- On Monday, the Atlanta Public Library's Worldviews book group, which has been studying the Holocaust this year, will present a special evening with Michael Rothberg, founder and director of the Holocaust, Genocide and Memory Studies Initiative at the University of Illinois.

The program is free and is planned for 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the North Greens Golf Course in Atlanta. The event was rescheduled when a snowstorm forced cancellation of the original program on March 25.

Rothberg will discuss the importance of preserving memories of the Holocaust and answer questions about the role genocide continues to play in the world today.

A professor at the University of Illinois, Michael Rothberg is a well-known teacher and writer, and this program is a rare opportunity for members of the public to meet informally with an expert whose insights into one of the world's most significant events promise to be informative and thought-provoking.


Elkhart continues to 'Celebrate Spring!'

ELKHART -- If you've been waiting to "Celebrate Spring!" there are more activities planned for Saturday, April 27, and Sunday, April 28, in the village of Elkhart.

The Artisan Craft Fair continues from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday in historic downtown Elkhart. Two buildings of crafts include children's items, jewelry, wood and gourd crafts, walking sticks and canes, hand-sewn items, dishware, photography, tarts and warmers, and more. Vendors include Avon, Tupperware and Jimmy B's Salsa.

Author Holly Labisky will present highlights from her research and book "Cemeterying with Hope" on Sunday afternoon from 1:30 to 2:30 in the St. John the Baptist Chapel in Elkhart Cemetery. The chapel will be open for self-guided tours from 1 to 1:30 p.m. and again from 2:30 to 3:30. Labisky's book is available at Birdsong Books & Vintage on Gov. Oglesby Street.

Elkhart Public Library is sponsoring a special display of gardening books, and the book sale in the library still has books available. In addition, staff members have a handout available about the history of the library and will give tours for visitors. Open on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the library is located at 121 Bohan St. For more information, see www.elkhartlibrary.lib.il.us.

Dragonfly Art Studio will have an open house and art exhibition. The studio is also offering a "Painting the Blue Flag Iris" class, painting on glass for a stained-glass look, on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon. The art studio is on the second-floor flat of the refurbished 1889 building at 102 Gov. Oglesby St. in downtown Elkhart. For class registration and information, contact 217-737-7933 or email dragonfly.art@live.com.

The Elkhart Historical Society's Bird Watcher Walks and the walk plus lunch and lecture will also be on Saturday. Information and reservation forms are available at www.elkharthistoricalsociety.org.

It's never too late to find a geocache in Elkhart. The village now has three. Geocaching is a great outdoor recreational activity that is similar to a scavenger hunt. Geocaching combines GPS technology with outdoor adventure and is a great way to explore Elkhart. Visitors from as far away as New Hampshire have signed the geocache logs. Info is available at www.geocaching.com under Elkhart, IL 62634. Look for "Elkhart Memorial," "A New Use" and "Up on the Hill."

The Elkhart Welcome Center, located downtown at the Village Hall on Gov. Oglesby Street, will continue to be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday to provide information to visitors. The center also has Elkhart memorabilia and coffee and home-baked cinnamon rolls for sale.

For information on all activities and events during Elkhart's April "Celebrate Spring!" weekends, see www.explorelogancounty.com/ElkhartIL.


Route 66 will anchor weekend of activities in Logan County

Route 66 will be the centerpiece for a diverse series of activities taking place in Logan County on the weekend of June 7-9, Friday-Sunday.

Events will range from garage sales, auto racing and an electric car show to art exhibits and the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame Banquet.

Festivities will begin with the annual Route 66 Garage Sale, which will take place from 7 a.m. until dusk Friday, Saturday and Sunday in Lincoln.

This year, vendors can rent indoor or outdoor space at the VFW, 915 Fifth St., or flea market space at The Mill, 738 S. Washington St. For reservations at the VFW, or general information about the garage sales, call Andrea Dykman at 217-735-0294. The Logan County Tourism Bureau at 217-732-8687 is taking reservations for spaces at The Mill.

For the first time, Logan County Outreach, a community betterment organization, and Lincoln Printers will host the Route 66 Garage Sale.

Private garage sales will also take place throughout the community. Those planners are urged to use traditional news and social media outlets to advertise their sales.

On Friday night, race fans can watch the POWRi competition at Lincoln Speedway on the Logan County Fairgrounds. Gates open at 3 p.m., with hot laps at 6:30 p.m. and racing at 7 p.m.

The Mill 2nd Saturday Flea Market on June 8 is the premiere event for a series of flea markets there on the second Saturday of each month through October. The flea market will run from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

The Lincoln Art Institute gallery at 112 S. McLean St. in downtown Lincoln will be open on Saturday from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Main Street Lincoln will sponsor a PLUS 5K run and health fair in downtown Lincoln on Saturday.

Also on Saturday, an Electric Vehicle Cruise-In will take place from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. along the original Mother Road in historic downtown Atlanta. The free public cruise-in is sponsored by the Atlanta Betterment Fund.

After it was commissioned in 1926, Route 66 was responsible for a huge increase in automobile traffic that led to the need for businesses to serve the traveling public. Among these new businesses were service stations.

Now, Route 66 is poised to help create the next big transportation infrastructure -- charging stations for electric vehicles. Atlanta is interested in helping other Route 66 communities discover how to better serve the traveling public that will be searching for an electric plug-in instead of a gas pump.

The June 8 Electric Vehicle Cruise-in, Illinois' first, will display some cool EV cars and offer a chance to learn more about how the Mother Road is working to give birth to a new travel infrastructure.

All electric and hybrid cars are invited to participate in the cruise-in. The event will also feature vintage music, great food, a 50-50 drawing and hourly drawings.

Atlanta offers two Level 2 Eaton charging stations, available by advance reservation at no fee. There are also 16 Level 1 charging stations available at no cost on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information about the cruise-in, or to make reservations to use the Level 2 charger, contact Bill Thomas of the Atlanta Betterment Fund at 217-648-5077 or wthomas@teleologic.net.

Atlanta will also exhibit the results of its first Rt. 66 Reinterpreted Art Project from May 1 through Aug. 13.

Modeled on Chicago's "Cows on Parade" exhibit, the Rt. 66 Reinterpreted Art Project presented artists the opportunity to create their own take on one of the 20th century's most iconic and recognizable symbols, the U.S. Route 66 highway shield.

Artists were provided a blank 2-by-2-foot wooden cutout of the Route 66 highway shield, painted white, which then became their personal canvas. Each shield was required to incorporate the text "U.S. 66," but otherwise the design was left to each artist's imagination.

The Atlanta Betterment Fund, sponsor of the project, selected 10 shields as finalists. Visitors can vote on their favorites, and those with the most votes will be named winners of the contest. At the conclusion of the project, the five winning shields, along with the names of the artists who created them, will be displayed on a permanent basis in the Atlanta Rt. 66 Park. For more information, contact Bill Thomas at the telephone number or email address above.

The annual Route 66 Association of Illinois Motor Tour will pass through Logan County on Saturday, June 8. Many of the participants will stay overnight Saturday before continuing the tour on Sunday.

The Route 66 Association Hall of Fame Banquet will take place Saturday evening at Lincoln College. Advance reservations are required for the banquet. For more information about either the banquet or the motor tour, visit the Route 66 Association of Illinois at il66assoc.org.


Chamber Young Professionals Network to host wine-tasting event

The Young Professionals Network of Logan County will host a wine-tasting on Monday at 6:30 p.m. at Integrity Data, 125 N. Kickapoo. The event is open to prospective YPN members and all chamber members regardless of age.

The evening will include wine, food and fun. There will be expert wine and food pairing advice, along with examples of each pairing.

The event is sponsored by Prairie Engineers and is the first fundraiser for the Young Professionals Network. The proceeds will help support their mission.

There will be a $10 entry fee for all individuals. Everyone planning to attend is asked to RSVP, but it is not required. If you plan to attend, please contact Meghan at the chamber office at 217-735-2385 or info@lincolnillinois.com.

The Young Professionals Network is designed for individuals in their 20s and 30s who work in Lincoln and Logan County. The purpose of this group is to connect young professionals with one another, to build strong relationships, to grow together and develop ties to the community.

The Lincoln/Logan County Chamber of Commerce sees this as a great opportunity to bring together the young professionals and business people of the area in order to shape the future of the community.


Master Gardeners postpone plant sale to May 18

Those who are familiar with and look forward to the plant sale each year by the Logan County Master Gardeners may be looking for the announcement that the sale will be held in the early part of May. However, this year the gardeners are initiating a change in date.

This year's annual plant sale at the Logan County Fairgrounds will be on May 18 from 9 a.m. to noon.

The gardeners have changed the date due to the cool and wet spring season thus far. Because of the weather, the growth of many perennials is behind schedule. Therefore, the young plants are not yet of a sufficient size to dig and divide.

The gardeners are hoping that by delaying the sale, they will be able to continue to provide the community with the outstanding quality they have become accustomed to over the years.


District 27 honors alumni at 2nd annual Alumni Honors Dinner

Lincoln Elementary School District 27 hosted its second annual Alumni Honors Dinner on Saturday to recognize the individual achievements of its graduates. Approximately 90 Lincoln Junior High School alumni and guests attended the celebration.

Forty-five alumni were selected for recognition by a committee consisting of members of the board of education, teachers and members of the community.

Individuals honored are graduates of Lincoln Elementary School District 27, or its predecessor schools, who have made notable contributions in one of the following areas:

  • Business, industry or as an entrepreneur

  • Entertainment, arts or sports

  • Service professions (education, religion, politics, law, medicine, research, military, etc.)

  • Community service

Three graduates were selected to receive special recognition as "Distinguished Alumni" because of their outstanding contributions to the arts, for academic excellence and for leadership in business and the community:

Honored Alumni for 2013 are:

  • Kristina Allen

  • Dr. Susan Anderson

  • Rev. Gene Appel

  • Roger Baldwin

  • William C. Bates Jr.

  • Carla Henderson Bender

  • Claudia Beth Bismark

  • Dr. Kent Budd

  • Jody Carroll

  • Tracy Allen Curry

  • Larry Decker

  • Laine Dreusicke

  • Linda Franz

  • Dr. Kevin Funk

  • Gerry Brannan Gaedtka

  • Paul E. Gleason

  • Mary Peters Harmsen

  • Cindy Johnson

  • William E. Johnson

  • Larry Lessen

  • Natalie Workman Loeffler

  • Maureen Harrison Looney

  • Kevin Lynn

  • Eric Martin

  • Case McGee

  • Thomas W. Montgomery

  • Dr. Pamela Moriearty

  • Dr. Samuel Pooley

  • Gail Petro

  • Dr. Keith Ray

  • Ronald L. Robbins

  • Thomas Rowland

  • Trudy Leonard Sampson

  • Michell Verban Simons

  • Don W. Smith

  • Brian Stoltzenburg

  • Kent W. Sunderland

  • Scott Taft

  • Noel Thompson

  • Bonnie J. Welch

  • Kaye Wessbecher

  • Cari Keysear Wilmert

  • Tina Henderson Workman

Information and pictures about Honored and Distinguished Alumni are incorporated into a media presentation that is part of the LJHS Wall of Honored Alumni. The wall, located in the LJHS commons, recognizes notable District 27 graduates. The media presentation is projected on a large video screen installed in the commons and was created for two purposes. The first purpose is to honor the many and varied accomplishments of alumni. The second is to provide positive role models for current and future students. The Distinguished Alumni are additionally recognized by placing a wall plaque that includes their picture.

Lincoln Elementary School District 27 welcomes and encourages nominations from the public of alumni to honor in future celebrations. Nominations can be made online from the district website, Lincoln27.com. Nomination forms are also available at the district administration building, 304 Eighth St. in Lincoln.


Bill Bates named to District 27 'Distinguished Alumni'

Attorney William B. Bates, better known as Bill, was born, raised and still lives in Lincoln.

After graduating from Lincoln Junior High School in 1968 and from Lincoln Community High School in 1972, he entered Westminster College in Fulton, Mo. He was a member of the Delta Tau Chapter of Sigma Chi fraternity and received a bachelor's degree in May 1976 with a double major, in economics and in business administration and accounting.

Wanting to pursue a career as a lawyer led him to the Drake University Law School in Des Moines, Iowa. His internship position during his final year of law school was serving as the law clerk for the late Judge John T. McCullough of the 4th District Appellate Court. Bates received his Juris Doctor and graduated with honors in December of 1978.

He returned to Lincoln as an associate in his father's law practice, later becoming a partner, managing partner and then the owner of Woods and Bates, Attorneys at Law.

Throughout his law career, he has presented many public seminars in the local area on various legal issues -- wills, estate planning and powers of attorney. He continues to be a member of the American Bar Association, Illinois Bar Association and Logan County Bar Association.

Since returning to Lincoln in 1978, Bates has been actively involved in the community. His time and dedication have made, and continue to make, positive contributions to Lincoln and Logan County.

The Bates family has a long association with District 27. Bill's father, William C. Bates Jr., served on the board of education in the 1960s. Bill was a board member for 16 years (1985-2001) and served as board president from 1993 to 2001. His son, Blinn Bates, was recently re-elected to his second term on the board and currently serves as vice president.

Since 1998, Bill has been the president and director of The Woods Foundation. The foundation was established by his former law partner, Robert Woods, and Woods' wife, Joan, and generously supports education and other services in Lincoln and Logan County.

Bates also serves as a member of the board of directors of Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital. He has served on various hospital committees and was recently co-chair of the capital campaign committee that raised approximately $4.2 million for the new hospital building.

Bates has also served as a member of the Lincoln College board of trustees and the boards of the Lincoln YMCA, Lincoln Elks Crippled Children's Trust, Lincoln/Logan Chamber of Commerce, Logan County Chapter of American Cancer Society, and the Logan County Park and Trails Foundation. He has served as president of the St. Clara's Manor board of directors and as president and founding director of the Logan County Chapter of Ducks Unlimited.


Roland Ginzel named to District 27 'Distinguished Alumni'

Roland Ginzel is widely recognized as a pioneer abstract artist. Throughout his career, he established himself as an important artist, teacher and organizer of art exhibitions and organizations in Chicago.

After graduating from eighth grade at Central School in 1935, and then from Lincoln High School and Lincoln College, Ginzel received a bachelor's degree in fine arts from the School of the Art Institute in Chicago. He later earned a master's degree in fine arts from the University of Iowa. He received a Fulbright Award and spent a year in Rome doing postgraduate work.

Ginzel has taught at the University of Chicago, Rockford College, the University of Illinois Chicago, the University of Wisconsin at Madison, Colorado College, in New York at the Parsons School of Design and at Columbia University. He has been honored as Professor Emeritus by the University of Illinois Chicago and was awarded an honorary doctorate at Lincoln College.

A lifetime professional artist, Ginzel has exhibited his work throughout the United States, Europe and Japan. He is known for his unique brand of abstract painting using colors, lines and patterns of shapes dispersed about the picture plane. His long-term dedication to abstraction makes him one of the most singular and individualistic figures in the spectrum of postwar Chicago art.


D. Leigh Henson named to District 27 'Distinguished Alumni'

D. Leigh Henson's name is well-known around Lincoln. He is the developer of the award-winning website findinglincolnillinois.com. The website is a community history of the first Lincoln namesake town and is titled Mr. Lincoln, Route 66, and Other Highlights of Lincoln, Illinois. Dr. Henson began this website in 2003 and was awarded the "Best Web Site of the Year" by the Illinois State Historical Society in 2004.

Henson was born in Lincoln in 1942. He attended kindergarten at Central School, grades one through six at Jefferson School, and grades seven and eight at Central School, from which he graduated in 1956. After graduating from Lincoln Community High School, he attended Lincoln College for his freshman year. He graduated from Illinois State University, majoring in English with a minor in history. He earned his master's degree in American literature and a Ph.D. in English studies from Illinois State University.

Before his retirement, Dr. Henson was professor of English at Missouri State University and now serves as Professor Emeritus of English.

He has published many articles. In 2012 he was given the Award of Superior Achievement by the Illinois State Historical Society for his book, "The Town Lincoln Warned: The Living Namesake Heritage of Lincoln, Illinois." Besides writing extensively about Abraham Lincoln and Lincoln, Ill., Henson has written several articles about another well-known Lincoln native, author William Maxwell.

Henson is currently working on a long-range plan to promote Lincoln, Ill., as a Lincoln-heritage community by increasing civic pride and adding tourist appeal to the city. His proposal is to erect four new Lincoln statues here, which would give the city a total of 11, second in number only to Springfield, Ill.


New Holland Cruise-In schedule announced

NEW HOLLAND -- For its ninth year, the New Holland Cruise-In will again be sponsored by the New Holland Firemen. Antiques, classics, hot rods, street rods, rat rods, race cars, trucks and motorcycles are welcome.

The free event will be in downtown New Holland from 5 to 8 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month from May to October. The evening dates are May 11, June 8, July 13, Aug. 10 and Sept. 14. The New Holland Firemen's Toys for Tots Cruise-In will be on Oct. 12 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Besides the vehicles on display, there will be music, 50-50 drawings, door prizes, food by the New Holland Fire Department, fun and friends.

For information about cancellations due to weather, check Facebook at New Holland Fire Department.


Park district to offer square dance lessons in May

Lincoln Park District will provide a unique opportunity to learn to square dance this spring. Classes will be on Tuesday evenings, 6:30-8:30, for four weeks, beginning May 7. This activity is for all ages, teenagers through senior citizens.

Instructors will be Ron and Jan Betzelberger of Lincoln. They have been square dancing since 1976. Ron started calling and teaching in 1980. When not teaching in Lincoln, they share their talents with the residents of Rio Grande Valley, where they winter.

If you enjoy meeting new people, moving to good music and having fun, you're invited to come and give this a try.

The class cost is $30 per couple in district.

Square dancing is generally offered on the first and third Saturday evenings in the ballroom at the park district.


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Atlanta Rt. 66 Cruise-In May 11

ATLANTA -- Mark your calendar now and plan to attend the Atlanta Rt. 66 Cruise-In on Saturday, May 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy classic cars, vintage music, great food, a 50-50 drawing, hourly drawings and more -- all along an original alignment of the Mother Road itself in downtown Atlanta.

All area car club members and anyone with a great old car they want to display are invited to attend. Stop by the registration table to be included in the hourly drawings. The first 50 registrants will receive a free Atlanta Rt. 66 Cruise-In dash plaque.

While in town, visitors can step into the Palms Grill Café for a piece of blue-ribbon homemade pie, tour the J.H. Hawes Grain Elevator Museum, get their pictures taken with the Bunyon Giant, pick up souvenirs at the Gunnar Mast Trading Post or handcrafted items at the Arch Street Artisans shop, have a cheeseburger at Chubby's, visit the Atlanta Museum, enjoy a cold one at Phanny's or the Korner, then stroll around and enjoy the assembled cruise-in cars.

The Atlanta Rt. 66 Cruise-In is sponsored by the Atlanta Betterment Fund.

For more information, phone 217-648-5077 or email wthomas@teleologic.net.

The next cruise-in will take place on Saturday, June 8, and will be Illinois' first Electric Vehicle Cruise-In. Visitors will definitely want to come to downtown Atlanta that day to see the variety of electric and electric hybrid cars that will be on hand.


Hernandez named April Employee of the Month at ALMH

Moses Hernandez of Lincoln has been named the April Employee of the Month at Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital in Lincoln. Hernandez works as an environmental services technician at the hospital.

Hernandez earned an associate degree from Lincoln College and has worked as a librarian and in housekeeping. For the past five years, he has been employed at ALMH in his current position. He enjoys his work and attributes that to the people he works with.

"It makes the day go faster when you like your co-workers. Getting along with a lot of people just makes it nice to work here," Hernandez said.

"Moses is willing to do anything that needs to be done when it needs to be done! Moses always goes above and beyond the call of duty helping others; whether it is co-workers, patients, volunteers or visitors. He has a kind, gentle, giving heart and does whatever has to be done to make ALMH the best and cleanest hospital," said his nominator.

Hernandez enjoys reading, painting, drawing and taking care of his pets. He is one of 10 children, with five older sisters, two older brothers and two younger brothers.

ALMH, 200 Stahlhut Drive in Lincoln, is a 25-bed critical-access hospital affiliated with Memorial Health System. ALMH employs more than 315 in a variety of roles. For more information, visit www.almh.org.


Birding walks in Elkhart April 27

(Call now, 217-960-0540 or 217-899-2238, and reserve your spot on the Elkhart birding walks Saturday.)

ELKHART -- The Elkhart Historical Society will host Bird Watcher Walks on Saturday, April 27, as part of Elkhart's "Celebrate Spring!" weekend events. The walks on Elkhart Hill will be offered at 6 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 5 p.m., leaving from Birdsong Books & Vintage Shoppe, 111 Gov. Oglesby St. in the historic downtown.

Walkers will look for the migratory birds that pass through Elkhart every spring. The Bird Watcher Walks are a perfect opportunity for a spring family event. The outing will be on foot, so walkers should dress for the weather (rain or shine), wear good walking shoes and bring insect repellent. And don't forget the binoculars. The walks last approximately 90 minutes.

The cost is $10 for adults and $7.50 for children 12 and younger. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is limited to 15 people per walk. To register, mail the online, printable form available at www.elkharthistoricalsociety.org.

To complement the walks, the Elkhart Historical Society is offering a special "Walk with Lunch and Lecture." The cost for the walk, lunch and lecture is $20 for adults and $15 for children 12 and younger. Lunch includes soup and half-sandwich or quiche, along with dessert and beverage, at Wild Hare Café, 102 Gov. Oglesby St. in downtown Elkhart. For information and the online, printable reservation form, see www.elkharthistoricalsociety.org.

For information on all the activities and events during Elkhart's "Celebrate Spring!" weekends in April, visit www.explorelogancounty.com/ElkhartIL


Meeting postponed

Pleasant Valley Cemetery Association annual meeting

MIDDLETOWN -- The annual meeting of the Pleasant Valley Cemetery Association will be on Monday, May 6, at 7 p.m. at the Knapp-Chesnut-Becker Library in Middletown. All lot owners are welcome to attend.

April 23 special note: This meeting has been postponed to a later date. A new notice of date and time will be posted when it is announced by the cemetery association board.


United Methodist Women host annual May breakfast

SAN JOSE -- The United Methodist Women of the San Jose Methodist Church, 600 S. First St., are having their annual May breakfast on Wednesday, May 1. A breakfast of french toast, fresh fruit, and coffee or tea will be served in the Fellowship Hall of the church at 9 a.m.

An offering will be taken for the Cunningham Children's Home, a ministry supported by United Methodist Women.

A musical program will be presented by Laurel Jean. Blind since birth, this Christian recording artist, pianist, vocalist and inspirational speaker travels extensively delivering a message through her music for God's children of all ages.

She began her career in music and ministry at the age of 14, producing her first album while still a teenager. Her music takes on several different styles, such as gospel, comedy, blues, jazz and country, and includes many of her own original compositions. She has 12 CDs to her credit and has been featured internationally on the Total Christian Television Network. To learn more about Laurel Jean, her music and ministry, visit www.laureljean.com.

To help in planning, make reservations by April 27 with the church office, 309-247-3232, or Lucy Albers, 309-247-3450.

San Jose is located on U.S. 136, two miles east of Route 29 and about eight miles west of Interstate 155.


Elkhart's Artisan Craft Fair features gourd artist

ELKHART -- The Elkhart Artisan Craft Fair will be open in historic downtown Elkhart from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, April 20 and 21, and again April 27 and 28. The fair is part of Elkhart's "Celebrate Spring!" weekends this April and will feature Liz Drake, gourd artist from Springfield.

Drake has won blue ribbons for her gourd art at the Illinois State Fair in 2008-2012, including the "Best in Hobbies" award in 2011 and 2012 and "Best in Show Floral" in 2010. She has exhibited and won blue ribbons at the Illinois Gourd Society Annual Show in 2008-2011 and the Kentucky Gourd Society Annual Show in 2009-2011.

She published and illustrated the book "Bedtime Stories for our Gourdchildren," which includes folk tales featuring gourds.

She is founder of the Lost Gourd Society, active in the Illinois Gourd Society, and a member and District Illinois co-director of the American Gourd Society.

In explaining her art, Drake says: "When I work with gourds, the world fades away and leaves me totally free to hear the whispers, the stories, the songs and the delights as well as the tears and struggles of growth that comes with the maturity of the fruit. There is a depth of layers to explore and enjoy. When I release the voice of the gourd, even the casual viewer experiences the beauty."

Sharing her talents, Drake has taught classes in gourd art at Morton Arboretum, Springfield Ceramics and Crafts Club, Lincoln Memorial Gardens Indian Summer Festival, the Lost Gourd Society, and Cross Evangelical Lutheran School in Yorkville. She has shared her experiences as a gourd artist with the Springfield Civic Garden Club, POE groups, the Master Gardeners and Chautauqua group.

Drake tells others: "Each gourd leads me to find the colors and embellishments that will allow it to sing."

With over 20 booths, local crafters at Elkhart's Artisan Craft Fair will showcase a variety of handmade items to purchase, including children's items, jewelry, wood crafts, bags and totes, walking sticks and canes, hand-sewn items, purses, wine glasses, and tarts and warmers for shoppers. Vendors invited this year are Scentsy, Avon, Grace Adele, Longaberger and Tupperware. Jimmy B's Salsa of Springfield will be available on April 27 and 28.

For a complete listing of Elkhart's "Celebrate Spring" events, including dates, times and reservation information, see www.explorelogancounty.com/ElkhartIL, or visit the Welcome Center in the Village Hall, open Saturdays and Sundays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Gov. Oglesby Street in the historic downtown.


Lincoln residents among those to be honored at Lincoln College's Alumni Reunion weekend

Lincoln College has announced the schedule of events for its annual Alumni Reunion weekend. This year's reunion will take place Friday and Saturday, April 26-27. All Lincoln College alumni and friends are encouraged to return for the reunion.

One of the highlights of the weekend is the Reunion Dinner and Awards Program on Saturday, April 27. The evening's activities begin with a cocktail reception at 5 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m. The awards program will follow, concluding around 9 p.m. Alumni will be recognized by class decades, with special recognition for the Classes of 1988, 1963, 1943 and 1938, which are celebrating their 25th, 50th, 70th and 75th anniversaries.

Five alumni awards will be presented. Alumni Achievement Awards will be presented to William "Bill" Gossett, Class of 1943, for his lifelong achievements in business and community service; to David Fischer, Class of 1963, for his achievements in higher education leadership; and to John "Jack" Sparacio, Class of 1963, for his achievements in business. The Young Alumni Achievement Award will be presented to Adrienne "Adie" Harmon, Class of 2001, for her achievements in the field of dentistry and her humanitarian work in Haiti. The LaVeta Zurkammer Alumni Award will be presented to LC Professor Emeritus Paul Beaver, Class of 1956, for his lifelong dedication, passion and involvement with Lincoln College.

All alumni and friends of award recipients are welcome to attend the dinner and awards program. Tickets for the dinner and program are $30. Registration for the event is due by Friday, April 19.

There will be a special recognition ceremony for former baseball coach and athletic director Chuck Lindstrom on Saturday afternoon, April 27. Lindstrom's former baseball players have contributed to name the baseball coach's office in the Lincoln Center in his honor. Lindstrom and his baseball players will also be acknowledged during the awards program. Coach Lindstrom was made an Honorary Alumnus of Lincoln College in 2009.

Other scheduled activities include:

  • Wine and cheese reception featuring Kickapoo Creek Winery of Edwards on Friday, April 26, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Lincoln Center. This event is open to alumni and friends of the college. Tickets are $10 and include cheese and hors d'oeuvres buffet and three complimentary wine tastings.

  • Coffee and juice with Lincoln College President John Blackburn at the president's residence on Saturday, April 27, from 9 to 10 a.m. This event is open to alumni.

  • "How We View Our History: The Changing Image of the 16th President," a multimedia program by Ron Keller examining how Abraham Lincoln's image has been used and changed over the past two centuries, will be presented on Saturday, April 27, from 2 to 3 p.m. in the Lincoln Center, Classroom 128A. Keller is assistant professor of history and political science at the college and director of the Lincoln Heritage Museum. This event is open to the public.

For registration information and a complete schedule of events, visit http://www.lincolncollege.edu/
alumni/events/alumni-reunion-2013/
.

For more details, contact the alumni relations office at 217-732-3155, ext. 217, or email mjwerth@lincolncollege.edu.


Bill Higdon Memorial Country Music Show at Lincoln College on April 28

The Bill Higdon Memorial Country Music Show, a new event, is scheduled for Sunday, April 28, at 2 p.m. at Lincoln College. The show will be at the Johnston Center for Performing Arts, 300 Keokuk St.

The Last Band Standing, formerly the New Salem Country Opry band from Petersburg, will present the music for the day. Members of the band are Ken Decker, stage manager and steel guitar; Pete Dalton, lead guitar and vocals; Roger Frantz, fiddle and vocals; Larry Reavis, drums, sound and vocals; Bob Weaver, bass and vocals; Bob Watkins, keyboard and vocals; Paul Lewis, lead male vocals; and Les Wood, drums.

Tickets are now on sale and may be reserved by contacting Doris Higdon at 309-244-8894 or dorisah@mtco.com.


Walk MS event at Kickapoo Creek Park on May 5

Plans are nearing completion for the 14th annual Walk MS event at Kickapoo Creek Park in Lincoln on Sunday, May 5. According to Nancy Ireland, coordinator for the event, "all we need now is a beautiful day and lots of walkers."

Check-in begins at noon, team pictures will be taken at 1 p.m., and the walk starts at 1:30. The walk route is 100 percent accessible, and participants have the option of walking 1.5 or three miles. There will be assistance for anyone who is unable to complete the route.

All activities begin at the north shelter in the park. The day's events include music provided by Greg & Joe Hackett Music 4U DJ Service, as well as face painting and a silent auction.

A "bags" tournament will take place at 11:30 a.m. Team check-in is at 11. Cost is $10 per team, and there's prize money for the top two teams. Bring boards and bags. Participants must register by May 1 by calling 732-2339.

It's not easy to pinpoint the cause of multiple sclerosis, and so far, the cure rests on continuing research. Every hour, another person is diagnosed with MS. For 20,000 people in Illinois and some 400,000 nationwide, that hour has already arrived. Money raised by Walk MS helps to support research along with much-needed programs and services that enhance the quality of life for people living with multiple sclerosis.

People may register for the walk by calling 732-2339 or online at www.lincolnms.com. Donations may be sent to Lincoln MS Walk, 23 Tulip Drive, Lincoln, IL 62656.


Spring is in the air -- and so is art

ELKHART -- Dragonfly Art Studio & Gallery is planning special events during Elkhart's "Celebrate Spring!" weekends. The art studio is on the upper floor of the refurbished 1889 building at 102 Gov. Oglesby St. in downtown Elkhart.

The studio is having an art exhibition and open house every Saturday in April from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Artist and owner Renee Sisk's beautiful original paintings, and those of her students, adorn the walls of the studio. The second-story windows provide a great view of Elkhart's historic downtown.

There is no charge for viewing the exhibition.

Sisk is also offering classes with a flower theme at the studio every weekend in April to complement Elkhart's spring events. This Saturday, April 13, "Painting the Jack-in-the-Pulpit" with acrylic on canvas is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. "Painting the Purple Coneflower" watercolor class will be offered Saturday, April 20, from 1 to 4 p.m., and "Painting the Blue Flag Iris" on glass for a stained-glass look will be on Saturday, April 27, from 10 a.m. to noon. Sisk will lead your family, group or weekend guests in an inspired and enjoyable experience creating paintings that you didn't think you'd ever be able to draw.

For class information and registration, contact 217-737-7933 or dragonfly.art@live.com. For information on all activities and events during Elkhart's "Celebrate Spring!" weekends, visit www.explorelogancounty.com/ElkhartIL.


Benefit for 'Punk' O'Donoghue April 27

Family and friends are sponsoring a benefit later this month for Phillip "Punk" O'Donoghue of Burton View. Punk worked at Eaton Corp. for 35 years and at O'Donoghue Radiator Shop in Lincoln. He has been diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease and Stage 2 lung cancer. In March he underwent surgery at Mayo Clinic to remove a tumor from his lung, and chemo will begin soon. Future trips to Mayo are necessary.

Punk and his wife, Lynn, have three children and six grandchildren. This family genuinely needs your support.

The benefit will be at the American Legion in Lincoln on Saturday, April 27, beginning at 1 p.m. Highlights of the event will include a pulled pork meal, silent auction from 1 to 5 p.m., 50-50 raffle, live auction beginning at 6 p.m. and live entertainment throughout the event.

If Punk were to be described in one word, it would be fun. The public is encouraged to take this day to celebrate all the fun and laughter he has brought us over the years.

Monetary donations will be gratefully accepted at the door, and an account has been established at CEFCU, where donations may be made payable to the "Phillip O'Donoghue Benefit."

Material donations for the auction -- such as baskets, crafts, services and big-ticket items -- are welcome and needed. If you are interested in donating an item or volunteering in any way, please contact Tricia Benninger, 217-871-8274; Corinne O'Donoghue, 217-871-7053; or Mary O'Donoghue, 217-732-7150.


Guest speakers for Elkhart's 'Celebrate Spring!' weekends

Elkhart is sponsoring speakers every Sunday afternoon during the April "Celebrate Spring!" weekends. On April 14 and 28 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., author Holly Labisky, of Champaign, will speak in the St. John the Baptist Chapel in Elkhart Cemetery. Bob McCue, of Mount Pulaski, will entertain at Elkhart Cemetery on April 21 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Ms. Labisky visited over 520 cemeteries in 38 counties in Illinois to gather material for her book, "Cemeterying With Hope." Labisky will speak on a variety of topics regarding cemeteries and will share stories of her adventures in Elkhart and Logan County. She will read excerpts from her book and will be available for book signing, questions and conversation following the presentation. She also will provide the opportunity for activities and challenges for those who are interested in an interactive experience. "Cemeterying With Hope" will be available for purchase at the Birdsong Books & Vintage Shop in historic downtown Elkhart and is available on eBay by the title.

Bob McCue, dressed in period costume, will entertain on the topic of "The Life of Captain A.H. Bogardus." Bogardus (1834-1913) was a sharpshooter champion, inventor of the Bogardus trap and patented one of the most successful of the glass ball targets. He toured with Buffalo Bill Cody's "Wild West" show, with Annie Oakley in 1911 and had his own "Captain A.H. Bogardus' Wild West and Frontier Exhibition." Bogardus was a resident of Elkhart at the time he was crowned American Wing Shot Champion and when he won the world championship medal in London in 1875. McCue, a direct descendant of Bogardus, will speak near the gravesite of Bogardus in Elkhart Cemetery.y.

The one-hour talks are free of charge, but space is limited. For information on all activities and events during Elkhart's "Celebrate Spring!" weekends, visit www.explorelogancounty.com/ElkhartIL.


Elkhart's 'Celebrate Spring!' weekends -- special events scheduled for April

ELKHART -- Every weekend in April will be busy in Elkhart as the village celebrates spring weather and the beauty of Elkhart Hill.

For a complete listing of events, including dates, times and reservation information, see www.explorelogancounty.com/ElkhartIL, or visit the Welcome Center in the Village Hall on Gov. Oglesby Street in historic downtown Elkhart for information on events. The center is open each weekend in April from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The following is a list of some of the activities on Saturdays and Sundays in Elkhart during April:

  • Wildflower Nature Walks and lectures

  • Elkhart Vintage Market

  • Artisan Craft Fair

  • Book signing and lecture: "Cemeterying with Hope," with Holly Labisky

  • Dragonfly Art Studio open house and art classes

  • Self-guided tours at St. John the Baptist Chapel

  • Capt. Bogardus lectures, with Bob McCue

  • Bird Watcher Walks and lectures

  • Book displays and book sales at the Elkhart Public Library

  • Geocaching

  • Coffee, homemade rolls and baked goods sale at the Elkhart Welcome Center

  • Dining specials at local restaurants

  • Violin recitals by the students of Birdsong

The quaint village of Elkhart offers unique businesses and quality services in restored structures in the historic downtown. Elkhart is less than one mile from Interstate 55 and right off Old Route 66, providing convenient access. Rich in history and natural beauty, Elkhart is famous for its unusual landscape -- a tree-covered hill that rises 777 feet above sea level, surrounded by a horizon of flat Illinois prairie land. The site was settled in 1855, and the picturesque early 1900s-style downtown makes Elkhart one-of-a-kind.

If you plan to enjoy all the activities over the weekend, overnight accommodations are available at the Best Western Plus in Lincoln, just minutes north of Elkhart on Old Route 66. Call 217-732-9641 and ask for the Elkhart discount, or visit the website. The Best Western Lincoln Inn is home to the Railsplitter Covered Wagon, the largest covered wagon in the world:
http://www.abe66.com/coveredwagon/ 

Or stay at the Hampton Inn, where the special Elkhart "Celebrate Spring!" weekend rate is $74 plus tax per night. Call 217-732-6729 or visit the website.


Elkhart's 'Celebrate Spring!' weekends include unique shopping opportunities

ELKHART -- The Elkhart Artisan Craft Fair returns to celebrate the beginning of the new season during Elkhart's "Celebrate Spring!" weekends in April.

The Artisan Craft Fair will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 20-21 and April 27-28 in historic downtown Elkhart. With over 20 booths, local crafters will provide shoppers with all types of handmade items to purchase, including children's items, jewelry, wood and gourd crafts, bags and totes, walking sticks and canes, hand-sewn items, purses, wine glasses, and tarts and warmers.

For a complete listing of events, including dates, times and reservation information, see www.explorelogancounty.com/ElkhartIL, or visit the Elkhart Welcome Center for information. The Welcome Center is open every Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Village Hall on Gov. Oglesby Street in historic downtown Elkhart.


New springtime hours at Lincoln city landfill

Now through May 5 the city landscape waste facility in Lincoln will be open every day except Monday from 8 a.m. to 3:50 p.m.

Beginning May 8 the facility will go back to normal hours of operation, which are Wednesday and Saturday only from 8 a.m. to 3.50 p.m.

The public is reminded that the city landfill accepts only landscape waste.


HSLC now seeking donations for 2nd annual garage sale

The Humane Society of Logan County is seeking donations of goods for the second annual "Big Spring Garage Sale." Clean, gently used items for donation can be dropped off every Wednesday and Saturday, beginning April 3, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Logan County Fairgrounds. Use the south entrance.

For more information or to arrange pickup, call 732-1979 or 732-7853. Electronics cannot be accepted.

This year's sale will be May 10 and 11, a Friday and Saturday, at the Logan County Fairgrounds.

Items for sale will include home decor, toys, sporting goods, furniture, clothes, shoes, accessories, holiday items, outdoor goods, books, CDs, DVDs and much more. There will also be food, music and fun stuff just for kids.

With the support of the community, the HSLC was able to open a shelter in 2011. Since then, they have placed more than 200 cats and dogs in forever homes, and facilitated in more than 400 low-cost spay and neuters per year.


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